Hidden in a quaint village by the name of Hawarden in North Wales, six miles from the beautiful city of Chester, Gladstone’s Library is a lot of wonderful things: the only residential library in the UK, the UK’s only prime-ministerial library, and the best place, in our humble opinion, to spend a weekend on the whole bloody island.

We spent two nights at this hotel/library/paradise hybrid, exploring the grounds, reading Gladstone’s books, relaxing by the fire, and chatting with likeminded people about politics and history, enjoying perhaps the best weekend of our lives.

Gladstone’s Library: The Incredible History

William Gladstone was an amazing man. Son to a slave-trader, Gladstone dove straight into British politics out of university, serving in the Conservative Party. In a rare political shift, Gladstone became more liberal through the course of his life, eventually forming the Liberal Party, and then serving as Britain’s Prime Minister four times (to this day, he is the UK’s longest-serving PM). Gladstone moved dramatically away from everything he had come from, famously opposing the Opium War with China, fighting to rein-in unfair landlords, crusading for home rule in Ireland, and aiding Bulgaria in their fight against the Ottoman Empire.

Aside from all he did for liberal politics, Gladstone also owned and read 22,000 books in his lifetime (this averages at five books per week). He spoke several languages, including Latin, and annotated his books in detail. He was an avid reader of theology and history, specifically, and before his death he built a big shed library to house all of his books. After his death, in accordance to his wishes, this shed was dismantled to make room for the incredible Gladstone’s Library which still stands today.

Why Gladstone’s Library is Better than Disneyland

For lovers of literature, those who want nothing more than a quiet retreat for a weekend away, or those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of being around books, sitting with a glass of red by the fireside on a wing-backed chair, and talking politics, there is no better place than Gladstone’s.

The atmosphere in this place is staggering. The library is open to the public, and many local people and students some to find a quiet place to study. The rooms are quaint and homey, and purposefully lacking in TV, placing an emphasis on quiet reading and writing. Although you do get a lovely Roberts Radio to listen to.

The building itself has a stately home design, making one feel like they are living through a season of Downton Abbey. The staff are kind and helpful; they love their jobs, and I can see why. It’s a place of friendliness and chatter; the kind of place where you’ll strike up a conversation with a stranger in a way you never would out in the cold real world.

To give a personal example, we were due to start a tour of the library when a man named Gordon, who had until a few years back been Gladstone’s in-house chaplain, came to tell us a little of the building’s history. He met us again at dinner and told us everything we could ever hope to know about the man himself, William Gladstone. After retiring to the common room for coffee, Gordon introduced us to a visiting professor of British History from Tennessee who sat with us for hours, discussing American and British history, the class system, and the state of Brexit and Trump’s America. It was a wonderful experience that could only have happened at this wonderful place, the kind of place that invites these kinds of experiences.

Read More: 11 Stunning Places to Visit in Wales

Festivals and Events at Gladstone

Beyond your average weekend away, Gladstone’s also offers various events like writer’s retreats, festivals, and lessons from Writer’s in Residence. The upcoming Hearth Festival on 2^nd February invites four novelists to speak and give intimate advice to budding writers who wish to attend and learn from the best. These festival takes place in the common room, surrounded by books and bordered by a fireplace on opposite walls. The festivals and events at Gladstone’s are so much more intimate than your typical festival experience, putting comfort and friendliness at the forefront of the experience.

If you’d rather a busier literary event then look no further than Gladfest in September (6th – 8th), rooms will book fast for this one if you’re hoping to stay as there will be writers in residence.

Food and Drink

There’s a restaurant on-site ‘Food for Thought‘ which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open for snacks and coffee throughout the day.  They even offer a beautiful afternoon tea and Sunday lunch (which need to be pre-booked). There’s plenty to choose from and it is all homemade and very reasonably priced. Eating in the restaurant with the other guests feels very cozy and wholesome, far more than anything we’ve ever experienced in a hotel before; and many of the customers are regulars from the village who want to come and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you’d like to eat out, there are some lovely cafes, a pub, and restaurants in the village that are within walking distance and you get to walk back to this stunning grade-1 listed building all over again!

Come and Stay Here

The care and love given to books and those who love them is staggering at Gladstone’s Library. To walk amongst his private collection of 22,000 books gives you goosebumps. Staying for a night or two or three means having access to such a wealth of knowledge, and a place to forget your stresses, read some books in utter peace and calm, and maybe even find the inspiration to write a story of your own.

You can book a room at Gladstone’s Library here. We’ll definitely be going back.

For more bookish fun in Wales, visit Hay on Wye – the beloved book town!

The Best Places to Visit in Wales

Some of these are Welsh locations that often get forgotten about on your average Wales travel itinerary or by those looking for outdoor hidden gems in the UK. So, let’s fix that right now and talk about a handful of epic, unmissable, and picturesque places to visit in Wales.

1) Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales 

Those looking for the most dramatic views in Wales will certainly find them in Brecon Beacons National Park. Covering 520 square miles, this area of spectacular scenery and a wealth of wildlife is a walker’s paradise, You’ll need your camera at the ready; the views are phenomenal!

Pen y Fan, one of the singular most exciting places to visit in Wales, is a climb that’s well-suited to beginners but is also still satisfying for more experienced hikers, and the view from the top is more than worth the engaging hike up there.

Brecon town centre also has a lot to offer as well: it’s quaint and full of independent local businesses, places to grab hearty Welsh pub food, and cafes to relax in after a hike.

I lived here for over a year and never got used to the majestic drives along the mountain road and the sprawling views of Brecon’s lakes and reservoirs.

Read More: Haunted Castles, Houses, and Hotels of Wales

2) Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pembrokeshire 

Sandwiches, a glass of something bubbly, and the gushing sound of the waves hitting the rocks scream perfection!

World-famous for its beaches, cliffs, islands, and wildlife, Pembrokeshire offers endless opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

One of the best places to visit in Wales during the summer months.  Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was voted one of the top two coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. 

3) Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire 

Whether it’s a picnic on the beach or a quick dip in the sea that you fancy, Barafundle Bay offers an impressive setting for a get-together with family and friends.

Backed by an ocean of dunes and pine trees, this picturesque spot is only accessible by walking a half-mile along a scenic pathway, making it a truly beautiful spot detached from the busy outside world. 

You’ll find few travellers here since only the most dedicated – and those in the know – can get access to it. And, boy, is it worth the adventure.

Barafundle Bay has been awarded both the Green Coast Award 2019 and Seaside Award 2019, proving, fairly definitively, just how amazing this quaint little spot really is.

Read More: 19 Unique Places to Stay in the UK.

4) Portmeirion, Gwynedd 

A truly romantic, storybook-like area. This beautiful village is lined with Riviera-inspired houses that stand out amongst the trees and its own ornamental garden located in the centre of town.

There are many idyllic spots to take a break from walking and enjoy your alfresco lunch close to the village. 

Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, Portmeirion is a picture-perfect location filled with history and architecture. Take a stroll past the Gothic Pavilion, Bristol Colonnade, Hercules Hall and Belvedere to visualise the town’s history.  

5) Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey 

Romantic and remote, Llanddwyn Island boasts plenty of great picnic spots in spectacular surroundings. On a beautiful summer’s day, you can relax by the water with a picnic and a book, listening to the world go by.

And on a late summer evening, you can watch the sun go down on the hills, while the waves crash against the shore – the perfect setting for a romantic picnic for two.

For couples and families, or even the kind of solo traveller who loves to prioritise peace and tranquility, this is one of the best places to visit in Wales, full stop.

6) Devil’s Bridge Falls, Ceredigion 

Located in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, Devil’s Bridge Falls is a spectacular waterfall attraction surrounded by breathtaking views. If you’re looking for tranquillity, you’ll find it here.

Make sure you pack your walking boots as there are plenty of beautiful walks located around the waterfall for the whole family to enjoy.

Just a short drive away is the coastal university town of Aberystwyth (where the other half of Books & Bao got both his degree and his teaching qualifications).

Aberystwyth is one of the most idyllic and beautiful towns in Wales, with a long sandy beach bookended by green hills and cliffs to hike along. When you’re finished exploring Devil’s Bridge Falls, head to Aberystwyth for dinner and some drinks by the sea.

7) Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire 

A typical holiday spot for people living in Wales, it’s hard not to fall in love with the pastel-coloured houses, quaint beach, and boating harbour at Tenby.

This unique harbour is built into the corner on North beach and is the perfect spot for splashing about and taking walks.

Head down to the harbour early to catch a boat trip to Caldey Island — to see more picture —perfect views and pick up handmade souvenirs by the monks who live there, making this one of the most unique places to visit in Wales.

Read More: Stay in Gladstone’s Library in North Wales.

8) Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula 

Ringed by a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and salt marshes, Three Cliffs Bay is just one of the many sights worth seeing on the Gower Peninsula.

I was so lucky to grow up next to these stunning beaches and there’s truly no end to the gorgeous drives you can take along the coastline.

I’d also recommend taking a walk in Rhossili and seeing the legendary Worm’s Head (inspiration for many a local Welsh folk tale). There’s also a great pub where you can grab lunch and have a drink outside, overlooking the entire bay area.

9) Bodnant Gardens, Conway 

There are no words that can do justice to how beautiful Bodnant Garden truly is. I was really lucky to be living right next door to the gardens for a summer.

Make sure to book in advance if you really want to capture the spectacular surroundings of Bodnant Garden, and the natural beauty overlooking the Conway valley towards the Carneddau mountains.

Also make sure to take time to look at the quaint Pin Mill and Lower Rose Terrace. Bring the family along for a fun-filled day in the forest, or take a romantic stroll across the picturesque waterfall.

Don’t forget to bring your camera in order to permanently capture a few memories of one of the most picturesque places to visit in Wales.

Read More: Visit Hay-on-Wye Wales’s Beautiful Book town.

 10 ) Swiss Valley Trail, Llanelli 

Pack a picnic and your cycling gear. This local hot spot is perfect for a bike ride with the family. Starting at Sandy Water Park, this trail leads you past the peaceful Lliedi Reservoirs.

There are plenty of spectacular views to capture on your walk or cycle. But don’t forget to pack some lunch. This trail offers plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax with a sandwich or two. 

11) Snowdonia National Park

This legendary national park in the heart of Wales is one of the great natural escapes of the British Isles. Standing quite literally shoulder-to-shoulder with England’s Peak District and Scotland’s Cairngorms, Snowdonia National Park is a world all its own.

With one of the UK’s tallest peaks – Snowdon – at its centre, this is a colossal land of adventure for everyone to explore, from the bravest and most experienced hiker to families looking for a weekend getaway.

If you’ve never visited and wonder what Snowdonia is truly like, bear in mind that it was one of J.R.R. Tolkein‘s inspirations for the land of Mordor.

Read More: For beautiful luxury gifts from Wales, check out our friends at Hiraeth Giftboxes.

Thank you to the team at LuggageHero for helping us uncover the best – and most relaxing spots to add to your itinerary! 

Books and Bao is run by two people. One of us is Welsh, the other has lived, worked, and studied in Wales. And so, when we came across Hiraeth Gift Boxes, we were thrilled to try it and to learn more. Hiraeth Gift Boxes is a gift box filled with uniquely Welsh products for your home, all made by small independent businesses based in Wales.

The name Hiraeth wasn’t simply chosen because it’s a uniquely Welsh word, but also because it speaks to the themes and contents of this gift box. These are items to make you feel cozy, comfortable, and warm. Think of it as hygge from Wales, a place of kind people and rugged countryside.

Wales is one of the four nations that comprise the United Kingdom, and yet it is perhaps the most overlooked. It’s small, made up of both tight-knit communities, and bustling cities, and the English government often behaves like Wales isn’t even there.

And yet, the savvy and creative people whose products fill this gift box are proof of a beautiful place full of beautiful people, as well as a unique Celtic folk culture and an entirely unique language that remains alive to this day.

Read More: Visit the Haunted Houses and Castles of Wales

Hiraeth Gift Boxes is run by two people, one of whom hails from the mountainous region of Snowdonia and the other from Wales’ second city, Swansea (home of Catherine Zeta-Jones and one half of Books and Bao). All of their products are collected from small family-run businesses that craft beautiful items to use at home. You can learn more about individual products on their Instagram.

On their website, you can choose from a variety of different boxes, each with the name of a unique Welsh word (our favourite being ‘cwtch’, the Welsh word for cuddle).

The box we received was the standard Hiraeth Gift Box, and inside we found a bar of hand-made soap from the Welsh Luxury Soap Co, a pomegranate scented candle, a tin of hand and body cream from Lan y Mor, a box of Welsh milk chocolate, and the cherry on top: a Welsh love spoon.

Welsh love spoons are traditionally hand-carved wooden spoons shared between lovers. They are often engraved with hearts and filigree. The one found in Hiraeth Gift Boxes doubles as a keyring for you to proudly show your love of Welsh culture and to keep it close to you every day.

There are five different gift boxes to choose from, ranging from £30 to £45, and each is filled with a selection of items like soap, a mug for tea, and even Morgan’s Brew teabags.

If you’re looking for cozy items to help you relax and feel soothed at home, you also want to support local businesses, and you have a love for the warmth and comfort found in Welsh culture, Hiraeth Gift Boxes is exactly what you’re looking for.

Read More: Secondhand Bookshelf – Seasonal Book Box

Interview with Hiraeth Gift Boxes

We got in touch with Anna and Gwyn, the owners of Hiraeth Gift Boxes, to learn more about their unique and beautiful Welsh gift boxes.

Could you introduce yourselves and why you started Hiraeth Gift Boxes?

Hello, my name is Anna, I started up Hiraeth Gift Boxes with my partner Gwyn. We are a very new company having started in the midst of lockdown. However, the idea had been brewing for a few months before, but now appeared to be the perfect time to put our thoughts into action. 

The aim was to be able to provide a platform for people to send their loved ones a piece of “home”. The idea of home not necessarily being a location but whatever makes you feel at home. That is what made us think of the name “Hiraeth” which means homesickness in Welsh.

Since I currently work in England and Gwyn works in Wales, it has been a difficult time apart. We knew we weren’t the only ones who felt that way and we thought gift boxes were the perfect way of showing someone you care.  We are both from Wales originally, Gwyn is from the North (a gog) and I’m from the South. We both had quite similar upbringings and yet surprisingly to us we also had many differences.

With Hiraeth Gift Boxes we wanted to promote Wales as a country but also celebrate the unique differences across the country and try to bring them to life in a gift box.

How do you choose the local Welsh businesses that you work with?

We start by deciding on a product that would be suitable for the gift box in mind. Following that we look for quality products that we ourselves would be happy to receive. Our aim is to work with companies that promote Wales on their products along with working with companies who are ethically sourcing their materials with environmental sustainability in mind. 

We try to get a variety of different products from different parts of Wales so that we can bring them together in one box.

What’s been the hardest thing about getting started with your new businesses?

It’s been so enjoyable to be able to have an idea and see it come to life, to then share with other people – so much so that even the difficult parts have been overshadowed by this feeling. There are so many ideas that we have and ways to grow the company that sometimes it can become quite an obsession and knowing when to stop and take a break from it is just as important. 

What’s been the biggest surprise/thing you’ve enjoyed the most?

Working with such amazing companies is an absolute pleasure, we all have the same goal and that is to get quality products to our customers. The feedback that we have received has been great, we want to further develop and learn more about what our customers are looking for and be able to provide that to them in the near future.

What are your plans for the future?

We want to be able to grow our gift box collection, look more into gift boxes focussing on food and drink along with providing a bespoke gift box option so customers can choose what they want to include in their gift box.  To continue to create a platform where customers can send a piece of “home” to their loved one, wherever they may be.

Make sure to follow Hiraeth gift boxes on Instagram to keep up with their latest products.

The Most Unique Places to Stay in the UK

From glamping spots in Wales to 500-year-old Tudor cottages; from Harry Potter-inspired huts and hotels to actual historic lighthouses, these are some of the most unique and unusual places to stay in the UK.

*Many of these unique places to stay in the UK use Airbnb. Get £25 off your first stay here.

1. Live in Hagrid’s Hut, North Shire

Living in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just a dream for most but staying at the Ground Keeper’s Cottage in North Shire is the next best thing.

This replica Hagrid’s Hut is the only one of its kind and it’s totally awesome. Inspired by the Harry Potter books and films, this three-room cottage takes elements from Hagrid’s Hut, the Ministry of Magic, the Gryffindor Common Room and the Burrow to create this magical accommodation.

The attention to detail inside the cottage is phenomenal. In true Hagrid style, there’s a large set of keys hanging by the door and all sorts hanging from the ceiling — pots, pans, crates and more. There’s a fake fire flickering in the fireplace (magical!) and you can sign the guest book with a quill and ink.

North Shire is a glamping site so the kitchen in the cottage is well stocked with all the utensils you’d need. Whilst there isn’t a hob, there is a little oven and a mini-fridge, which was more than sufficient for a few days. The bathroom is stunning with dark green tiles and an enormous copper bathtub.

Located around 1.5 hours away from York, Hagrid’s Cottage is in a very remote location. You won’t be able to get there without a car but it’s worth making the effort for. The accommodation sleeps 6 (four adults and two children) so it’s the perfect getaway for a family of Potterheads.

They’ve even provided a variety of Harry Potter-related activities including checkers, Cluedo, Trivial Pursuit, the books & all eight Harry Potter films.  To top it all off, there’s even a light blue Ford Anglia outside!

– Laura, What’s Hot?

2. Discover History at Burton Stone Inn, York

The Burton Stone Inn, located in York, is a hidden gem that flies under the radar with its fascinating history.  Although at first glance it looks like any other average inn in England, there is something special on the property that separates it from the rest.

The Burton Stone Inn is actually named after the Burton Stone, which is a large rock that sits in front of the inn’s property. The stone dates back to the 17^th century when York was hit badly by the Black Plague.

During that time, the Burton Stone sat at the entrance to the city, and a hole carved into it was filled with vinegar. York residents purchasing goods from the outside would put their coins into the vinegar for cleansing to avoid spreading disease to the merchants.  

Today, the stone sits lonely on a street largely frequented by tourists and college kids.  The only thing marking it is a small plaque, which the average pedestrian likely wouldn’t notice. If you stay at the Burton Stone Inn, not only will you have a front seat to this incredible piece of history, but you will also have the joy of staying in a cozy inn with a pub and a hearty breakfast served in the morning.

To top it all off, the Burton Stone Inn is walking distance from almost all of York’s highlights, including York Minster and The Shambles. 

– Theresa, Fueled By Wanderlust

Book a stay at The Burnton Stone Inn

Read More: 6 Literary Places to Visit in Yorkshire

3. Relax in a Shepard’s Hut in Dorset

When my partner suggested Dorset as a winter trip in December I was very reluctant. I hate the cold! However, when he showed me the shepherd hut overlooking rolling fields I quickly changed my mind. This is still one of the most unique places in the UK I have stayed.

As you enter the farm, there are around 5 shepherd huts, all with lots of space around them. They are fully equipped with a stove, fridge, a table and chairs, and a huge bed.

I couldn’t imagine the huts would be big enough for such a huge bed. Another plus was that under the bed there was enough storage space for two large suitcases. My worries about being cold were quickly put to rest.

Each hut had a wood-burning stove and you are provided with enough wood for at least 2/3 days. It was so much warmer than I expected.

The best part was the outdoor toilet, which was actually inside a red telephone box! Not the most practical but such a fun idea! The main showers were a bit of a further walk away but it was such a peaceful place to stay.

There were always animals coming up to the fence from the main farm and it was one of the most romantic places to spend new years eve for us! It was around an hour to Durdle Door from here, so if you’re looking for somewhere closer then Roy’s Shepherd hut is the perfect option in Dorset! Same concept but without the red phone box! You can visit their website to book.

– Hanna, Solar Powered Blonde

4. Stay in a Wooden Pod in Wales

Wales is popular for its beautiful nature and rugged landscapes. The best way to explore this part of the UK is to stay in amongst nature and enjoy the Welsh countryside.

Staying in a wooden pod and glamping is the perfect way to relax and enjoy your stay in nature. There are various private modern wooden pods with a wooden pod with hot tub in Wales, which are available on the Airbnb website. 

Of course, there are some glamping sites where you can book a wooden pod, but the downside of this is that you won’t be alone.

Unlike camping, when it comes to glamping you don’t need the public facilities; you can have your own bathroom, a small kitchen, and a bed. That is why I would recommend you to book private ones, so you have more privacy. 

We stayed in a very modern wooden pod in Cenarth in north Wales on a weekend in the winter. You know how cold Wales can be in January, but we didn’t feel cold since the pod had floor heating.

We also used its hot tub when it was dark, unfortunately, it was cloudy and we couldn’t see any start. But since the pod was near the river, we could hear the sound of water running, but nothing else.

The pod comes with a microwave, a small fridge, some cutlery, some dishes, and an outdoor fireplace, where you can do barbeque. It is also 15 minutes far from the famous Cenarth waterfalls.

– Mansoureh, Travel with Mansoureh

Book a stay in a wooden pod

Read More: Haunted Castles Houses, and Hotels of Wales

5. Discover Longworth Hall Hotel near Hereford

Road tripping around the UK is one of my favourite things to do. It’s easy, it’s affordable, and the landscapes are stunning.

On one of my recent trips, I found myself coming back from Wales and exploring some more of central England. I have a thing for old castle-like hotels and when I came across Longworth Hall Hotel, I knew I wanted to stay there.

When I arrived it was during the late afternoon and I absolutely loved it. The hotel is surrounded by meadows where sheep are enjoying their life and curiously observing the visitors. The rooms of the hotel are gigantic and make you daydream at different times when only one family lived here with their staff.

Longworth Hall Hotel today is also a very popular wedding destination and if I hadn’t I picked out a venue already, I would have suggested this place to my partner. I would love to return someday to stay for a week and simply bury myself in books and writing and of course tea time.

Book a stay at Longworth Hall Hotel

-Viktoria, Chronic Wanderlust

Read More: Why you Should Visit Hereford: Sights, Food, Art, and History

6. Relax at The Mermaid Inn, Rye

The charming village of Rye in East Sussex is home to one of the oldest and most fascinating inns in England. The famous Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street has a history dating back to the 12th century and it’s also been named one of the UK’s most haunted inns! It’s even been featured on an episode of the TV show “Most Haunted”. 

Over the years, many guests of the Mermaid Inn have reported ghostly sightings including a rocking chair that rocks on its own, a man who walks through the wall and a lady who walks across one of the rooms and stops at the foot of the bed.

The rocking chair eventually had to be removed from the inn as it caused too many disturbances to the guests. 

Full of character and old-world charm, stepping into the Mermaid Inn is like taking an immediate journey into the past. Its beautiful interiors are decorated with medieval furnishings and feature low doorways, creaky floorboards, oak beamed ceilings, and large fireplaces.

Portraits of important historic figures line the corridors, including one of Queen Elizabeth I who visited Rye in the year 1573.

Staying at the Mermaid Inn makes a wonderful way to escape from the busy city life, as long as you don’t mind a ghost sighting or two! The inn’s restaurant serves delicious, award-winning food and the pub is full of character and worth a stop for lunch even if you choose not to spend the night. 

-Ann, The Road Is Life

Book a stay at The Mermaid Inn

7. Stay in the UK’s Only Authentic Hobbit Hole, Suffolk

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, you will fall head over heels for Pod Hollow at West Stow Pods. This little slice of Middle Earth is hidden away in an enchanting private Suffolk woodland that brings the magic of Tolkien’s world to life.

The hobbit hole certainly does not skimp on detail. In fact, the members of the Tolkien Society at the Anglo Saxon Village in West Stow have said that this is the only hobbit-hole in Europe that is factually accurate. And if it’s good enough for Bilbo, it’s good enough for us!

Fans of the books and films will appreciate all of the little details scattered throughout the house, as well as the collection of LoTR figurines, DVDs, books, and card and board games. And that’s not to mention getting the opportunity to dress up in the Gandalf costume or the hairy hobbit slippers.

Whilst it may look like a house fit for a hobbit, step inside and you will discover a luxurious holiday home that has every amenity you could wish for, whilst still retaining that old-world charm. From a fully-fitted kitchen and a spacious living area to two bedrooms and a modern bathroom, this glamping site hardly feels like glamping at all!

Perfect for a romantic getaway or a holiday that all the family will love, I couldn’t recommend a stay in Pod Hollow enough. But remember, there’s no admittance except on party business!

– Lucy, Faraway Lucy

Book a stay in Pod Hollow

8. Stay in the Haunted St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire

Unique places to stay don’t get much better than a haunted, royal castle. Such places usually have a hefty price tag attached, but not  St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire, England.

The Norman castle is run by English Heritage and operated as a YHA youth hostel, making it not just one of the most unusual places you’ll ever stay, but one of the best value. 

Legend has it that the 12th-century castle is one of Britain’s most haunted buildings. Over the years it has been a Royal bastion belonging to King John, an armaments store and a debtors’ prison. Graffiti carved in the stone walls by prisoners and an ‘oubliette’ style dungeon mean that this castle has amazing stories to tell.

Accommodation is basic, in dorm-style rooms or family rooms with bunk beds and bedding provided. There is a bar, self-catering kitchen and you have several communal areas where you can relax…if indeed you can relax in a haunted castle!

Medieval banquets are sometimes held on weekend evenings. For a very reasonable sum, you can put on a (provided) costume and be entertained by stories about the castle and medieval times, all whilst enjoying a historically themed and delicious meal.

This is followed by a murder mystery game which roams over several rooms.

We loved this, our host was highly entertaining and the food was excellent. Castle tours and archery are also available and well worth joining in. For a unique stay, at a bargain price, St Briavels Castle is surely one of Britain’s most unusual and fun places to stay. Just watch out for ghosts….

-Jo, Where Jo Goes

Book a stay at St Briavels Castle

9. Stay in a Bell Tent at the Chalky Downs Campsite, Brighton

Chalky Downs Campsite, Brighton. If you are looking for a campsite, just a stone’s throw from the beach and one of the UK’s most vibrant cities set in a national park, then look no further. 

Chalky Downs on the South Downs offer Bell Tents for hire, or you can pitch your own tent or small campervan. The site is car free but has complimentary parking very close by. Ultimately, this means the site is safer for children to run around and explore. 

You can also visit the farm and the animals. While we were there, we were amazed at how happy and free the chickens were. They were free to roam wherever they wanted, and they did! Each pitch has a fire pit for cooking, and in the morning a tractor would come around delivering eggs and sausages.

You can also purchase breakfast from them already cooked. Dinner can be arranged for larger groups. Facilities include hot showers and plenty of toilets. The site is two miles from Brighton city centre but feels much further because the area is so quiet and tranquil.

Have a peaceful nights sleep then head into Brighton for a stroll along the beach, a mooch around the Laines, or fish and chips on the pier. The perfect cheap and peaceful holiday by the sea. Find out more about Chalky Downs and book.

–Michelle Barett, Minimize and Travel

10. Learn About Welsh History at Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Last year we stayed in the gorgeous glamping lodges at the Slate Caverns in North Wales. Llechwedd Slate Caverns are situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park on the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The slate caverns are a fantastic attraction that transports you back in time to learn about the regions slate mining, and even better – you can now glamp here. 

There are six absolutely stunning safari lodges, positioned high up on the hillside overlooking the rugged landscape and historic quarries.

The glamping lodges are extremely family-friendly and absolutely beautifully furnished with bunk beds, sofas, kitchen, and bathroom. Towels are provided and bedding is provided. They are fully equipped with all the cutlery, crockery and utensils – everything you need for your stay.

Whilst staying here there are a number of great activities on-site including  LLechwedd Deep Mine Tour, The Quarry Explorer,  Walk in the Footsteps Tour, and the Zip world.

There is a play park on-site and places to eat including a cafe for a welsh breakfast. There is also a Quarryman’s Tavern open daily for drinks. Pizza cakes and snacks are also available from the Emporium cafe. 

Llechwedd slate caverns have earned a gold star award from Visit Wales, and it is not hard to see why. An outstanding and luxurious family friendly glamping at the Slate cavern.

The stunningly beautiful Glenwhan Gardens in the south-west of Scotland are a magical place to visit.  They are open to the public during the day but it is possible to have them all to yourself after hours if you book a stay in the quaint Shepherd’s Hut which sits on the grounds.

– Katy, Otis and Us

Book a stay at Llechwedd Slate caverns

Read More: Visit Wales’s Charming Booktown Hay-on-Wye

11. Stay in a Shepherd’s Hut in Glenwhan Gardens, Scotland

The unique hut is well equipped inside with a double bed, small kitchen, wood-burning stove and an en-suite shower room with a toilet. Outside there is a little private garden with a raised seating area and views towards the Mull of Galloway which is the most southerly part of Scotland. It is also dog-friendly and dogs are also welcome in the garden.

During the day you can make use of the on-site tearoom or drive to the nearby town of Stranraer if you don’t want to cater for yourself.

In the evening you can access the entire gardens and spend hours exploring the magical trails, discovering lily pad topped ponds and hidden sculptures among the exotic flowers. At night you can stargaze below the dark skies, away from light pollution.

If you manage to drag yourself away from this peaceful oasis, there are beautiful beaches, historic buildings, cute villages, and several more gardens to explore nearby. You can even climb the tower of Scotland’s most southerly lighthouse.

However, if you just want to get away from it all and switch off for a while, the Shepherd’s Hut at Glenwhan Gardens is the ideal place to stay.

– Susanne, Adventures Around Scotland

Book a stay at the shepherd’s hut

12. Settle into a Cottage in the Cotswolds

One of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed was a historic cottage in the Cotswolds. This cottage, located in the picturesque village of Bibury, is a Grade II listed historic home and dates all the way back to 1703. The cottage is the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds region.

Bibury is one of the most popular Cotswolds villages due to its famed Arlington Row, a small lane of weavers’ cottages dating back to the 14th century. Arlington Row is often cited as the most photographed spot in Great Britain.

Bibury itself is quite small, with one hotel, a church, and a couple of pubs. But it’s by far one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds, and the surrounding countryside is gorgeous as well. Bibury is centrally located to many other Cotswolds towns, making it a good home base for exploring the area.

I loved the cottage because it had all the comforts of home and was much more affordable than staying in a Cotswolds hotel. There are two bedrooms, one bathroom, a washer/dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen. Of course, the cottage had its “quirks” like low ceilings and rooms on the small side, but that’s to be expected from a historic home!

– Dale, Wander her Way

Book a stay in a Cotswolds cottage

Read More: A guide to Stroud, A charming town in the Cotswolds

13. Enjoy the Sunrise at Start Point Lighthouse, Devon

In the UK there are a number of lighthouses that you can stay in.  Most allow you to stay in the lighthouse keepers cottage rather than the tower itself as the towers are still working. One of the easier lighthouses to reach while still being in the middle of nowhere is Start Point Lighthouse in Devon.

This is a short distance from the seaside town of Salcombe and is on the South West Coast Path so it is really easy to have a car-free stay just exploring the coast and the hidden beaches.

The lighthouse sits on top of the cliffs and is very exposed.  You can drive all the way to the lighthouse compound along a narrow road and park right outside the keeper’s cottages which is welcomed when the weather is rough. 

The cottages are beautiful and cosy with stunning views across Start Bay. There is nothing better than coming back to these cottages after a day walking along the coast and swimming in the bay near to the lighthouse.

The sunrises and sunsets are magical and can be enjoyed from most of the rooms in the cottages and it is great that you can watch the sunset on the clifftop and be back in the cottage within minutes.  The only downside to staying in these cottages are the fog horns which sound when it is foggy (but earplugs are provided!!).

– Suzanne, Meandering Wild

Book a stay at Start Point Lighthouse

14. Stay in 500-year-old Aikwood Tower, near Selkirk, Scotland

If you’re looking for somewhere truly unusual to stay in the UK then we recommend the magnificent Aikwood Tower, a 500-year-old peel tower in the Scottish Borders near Selkirk, perfect for special occasions and family get-togethers.

The tower was originally built to protect the family and their livestock from the notorious Border Reivers, cattle thieves who roamed this lawless area until the 17th century.

There are a lot of original features like the old stone fireplace in the great hall, gun holes in some of the bedrooms and of course the spiral stone staircase leading all the way up to the top of the tower. The kitchen is in the undercroft where the cattle used to live which is cosy and fun to cook in.

Despite all this ancient history, the tower has been lovingly furnished with luxurious modern decor and is one of the most comfortable self-catering places we’ve ever stayed in.

There are five sumptuous ensuite bedrooms, most in the tower itself, each with incredible views out over the Ettrick Valley and fun nooks and crannies to explore.

The gardens are gorgeous in Spring when the flowers begin to come out, and there’s a summer house and lawn games for when the weather is good. It’s a great location for exploring the local area, with lots of castles, ruins, walks, and reservoirs to discover.

– Heather, Conversant Traveller

Book a stay at Aikwood Tower

15. Stay in a Fisherman’s Cottage in St Ives

St. Ives, a small fishing village at the very end of the Cornish map, is filled with chocolate box whitewashed houses set in narrow cobbled streets. But the absolute best thing about St Ives is that, despite its tiny size, it is surrounded by no less than 4 beaches.

My advice: arrive by train for mind-blowingly scenic views of the coastline and leave the car at home. (it will only get stuck trying to turn impossible corners).

Staying in ‘By the Beach’, a fisherman’s cottage for four just behind the fabulous Porthmeor beach was magical. Nautical nick nacks were strung from the slate frontage and there was literally sand on our doorstep.

Stepping through the old wooden door, we found our mini slice of heaven for the week -2 cosy bedrooms, a timbered fireplace, floral teacups, and even homemade Cornish scones. Perfect. (Going in a group, you can hire a whole selection of cottages and take it in turns to visit each other’s nook in the evening).

Stepping outside, and literally around the corner took us to golden sands, emerald waters and a headland walk replete with lighthouse and actual seal. The West Beach Bakery serves an amazing breakfast on the sand, looking out to sea.

Strolling a few minutes to the harbor, you can browse arty shops, go for fish and chips (watch out for the seagulls!) or sit outside the historic half-timbered Sloop Inn and watch the world and his boat go by.  

– Helen, Holidays from Hels

Book a stay at By the Beach

16. Stay by the Sea at Catchpenny Lodges, Fife

If you thought the weather in the U.K wouldn’t make glamping easy or fun, you’re mistaken! In Scotland, near Fife, you can spend an extended weekend or a city-break in the region, having the best time while staying in a well-furnished glamping lodge which has all the creature comforts you’ll need!

Be it a romantic-getaway or one with the whole family, Catchpenny lodges is located right by the sea and even on a cold night, the lodge has all the items you’ll need to keep you warm and toasty.

A well-equipped kitchen, an en-suite bathroom and washroom and a living room complete with board games to keep the family entertained are what awaits you here. The location is a 5-minute walk away from a farm equipped with the freshest produce. In the opposite direction during certain parts of the year, a food fest is held and you’ll find all the tastiest produce in the region here.

The best bit about staying here are the gorgeous sunsets, probably some of the best in the whole of the UK! If timed right, you can set up your barbeque outside the lodge (available in the lodge) with langoustines got from the food fest and have one of the best evenings of your holiday!

-Lavina, Continenthop

Book a stay at Catchpenny Lodges

17. Sleep Amongst the Books at Gladstone’s Library, Wales

For lovers of literature, those who want nothing more than a quiet retreat for a weekend away, or those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of being around books, sitting with a glass of red by the fireside on a wing-backed chair, and talking politics, there is no better place than Gladstone’s.

Hidden in a quaint village by the name of Hawarden in North Wales, six miles from the beautiful city of Chester, Gladstone’s Library is a lot of wonderful things: the only residential library in the UK, the UK’s only prime-ministerial library, and the best place, in our humble opinion, to spend a weekend on the whole bloody island.

Read our full review of our stay at Gladstone’s Library.

Book a stay at Gladstone’s Library

18: Have a Magic Stay at The Wizarding Chambers at Georgian House, London

Georgian House hides a secret: behind a bookcase in this fantasy hotel you’ll find hidden a series of themed hotel rooms known as the Wizarding Chambers. And it’s these Wizarding Chambers that make Georgian House one of the most quirky hotels in London.

The truly magical thing about this fantasy hotel in central London is that it exists on two planes of existence. There are the regular rooms, which come with a regular breakfast and usual access to the bar. Then, there are the Wizarding Chambers, which provide a magical stay, a Forbidden Feast of a breakfast, and witch’s brew potions in place of ordinary cocktails.

Staying at the Wizarding Chambers transforms your stay from a great one into a mystical, otherworldly one, and makes for one of the most truly unique London hotel breaks. Read our full review of The Wizarding Chambers.

Book a stay at The Georgian House

Read More: Discover literary London with this four-day itinerary

19. Relax at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

One of the most modern hotels in London is hidden behind the old facade of the Edwardian building. MO London knows how to wow its guests. Namely with the irrepressible charm of the old days, with a perfect location in Knightsbridge and a completely renewed interior.

After a devastating roof fire during the renovation work, the hotel now appears in a new luster. One that is far from heavy pomp, thick chandeliers, and dusty sofa sets. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a hotel that, despite its Asian origin, feels above all “very British”.

The rooms are classy but modern. Contemporary style meets timeless British elegance. You will find deep green velvet sofas and art deco elements such as cupboards and bedside tables. Even small libraries cured by the London bookseller Heywood Hill can be found in the suites.

Also convincing is the ingenious mixture of carpets and wooden floorboards and a choice of colors somewhere between brass, bottle green, and soft silver.

With Heston Blumenthals, the Mandarin Oriental London Hyde Park has a real star chef with a two Michelin-starred restaurant. The Boulud Bar, on the other hand, is the bistro in the basement named after the New York chef. A day (and night) at MO London is something truly special.

– Clemens, Travellers Archive

Book a stay at The Mandarin Oriental

You’re on your way to visit Hay on Wye, Britain’s book town. It’s nestled on the border between England and Wales, with rolling hills and valleys spreading out in every direction. The houses are medieval stones; the roads are a tiny labyrinth; there’s a market square on the hill in the centre, surrounded by pubs and cafes serving traditional English grub. And every street is lined with bookstores.

While there have been some changes over the year, the saddest being the closure of The Castle Bookshop, everything a true bookworm could ever need is right here. Hay on Wye is the home you, as a bibliophile, have been searching for your entire life.

You might think me hyperbolic for saying all of this, but it’s the experience and the feeling that thousands of book-lovers get every year when they visit Hay on Wye book town. I was lucky enough to grow up less than thirty miles away from Hay o Wye; it’s been a constant source of happiness for me for so many years.

Every single trip back home isn’t complete without a trip to Hay for us both and many of our happiest times have been sent in this lovely place. The town is a lesson in charm; full of warm, happy, smiling people all silently sharing in the warmth of the bookshops and the joy of being surrounded by so many like-minded people and so many more damn beautiful books.

So, how do you go about spending a perfect day in Wales’ book town? There are a good few Hay on Wye bookshops you must visit, a few pubs and cafes you should eat at, and some charming Hay on Wye accommodation you can stay at. Just be warned: once you spend a perfect day in Hay, you might never find true joy anywhere else. A visit to Hay, after all, is the key to happiness.

The Best Hay-on-Wye Bookshops

Richard Booth’s Bookshop

Richard Booth is the man credited with the transformation of Hay-on-Wye from sleepy idyllic Welsh town into the book town of Britain. After completing his education at Oxford, he returned home to Hay and invented a way of transforming his home into the world’s first book town.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop is the most beautiful bookshop in Hay, without question. A staggering two-storey wooden structure that looks totally out of place in a town of stone houses, and stands out even more as a result. The shop stocks mostly new books, and they really do get the newest stock in every week.

The space itself is open, all dark wood, and rows of neatly-kept bookcases. The presentation is gorgeous; upstairs and downstairs they have areas to sit and flick through your chosen books.

The booksellers are the friendliest around and they’ll happily have a proper good chat with you about whatever you pick up. The light pours into this place, making Richard Booth’s Bookshop the most beautiful building in Hay on Wye, and one of the unmissable Hay on Wye bookshops.

Read More: Discover Hiraeth Giftboxes – Welsh Luxury Products Delivered

Murder & Mayhem

One of the most unique Hay on Wye bookshops. In fact, one of the most unique bookshops in Wales, full stop. Murder & Mayhem, as its name suggests, primarily stocks and sells horror novels, crime fiction, thrillers, and gothic masterpieces. You’ll know them by the wonderful artwork painted below the window outside, depicting the stalking silhouette of a certain hound roaming the moors, a glowing moon on the horizon.

Inside the decoration is just as delightfully spooky, with a real log fire! The shop stocks books of all sorts, from all periods of time, just as long as they’re chilling enough. From Agatha Christie to Edgar Allan Poe, if you’re looking for scary, you’ll find it here. This is, it goes without saying, the perfect bookshop to visit in the Autumn months.

Hay Cinema Bookshop

One of the lesser-visited Hay on Wye bookshops, being just a little ways down the road from the centre of town. This massive building was, as I’m sure you can guess, once the cinema of Hay on Wye. It’s also the oldest bookshop in the whole book town! And, because of its size, it stocks the widest range of genres and styles. It’s nothing less than a library!

The old creaky floorboards have been trodden by thousands of people over the past fifty years, with every one of them coming away with something unique to treasure.

The stock at Hay Cinema Bookshop is fantastically cheap as well! While they don’t stock the newest books, they do stock new copies of older classics from every genre, for a crazy reduced price. You can really get carried away here, darting down row after row of massive shelf finding treasures upon treasures for a fraction of their regular price.

Addyman Books

Addyman is that quintessential quirky bookshop. I mean, every bookshop in Hay-on-Wye is that in its own way, but only Addyman ticks every single box. Stacks of books in every corner? Check. Cramped rooms with bookshelves looming high over you? Check.

Old walls, shelves, and pillars, decorated with paint and filigree? Check. They even have this beautiful little annexe at the back of one room that looks like something between a fireplace and a shrine, and it’s filled from bottom to top with old orange Penguin Classics of every kind.

Addyman Books has more atmosphere than any other bookshop you’ll visit in Hay. Everything is disjointed and random; there’s such a quaint, vintage delight to every corner of every room, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away.

The Poetry Bookshop

Britain’s only all-poetry bookshop is found in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, automatically making it one of the must-visit Hay-on-Wye bookshops. Rare poetry, antiquarian poetry, contemporary poetry, out-of-print poetry, new poetry, translated poetry. The Poetry Bookshop has one niche and it owns that niche with expertise and pride.

Beyond that, the aesthetics and atmosphere inside somehow successfully convey a more poetic than a prosaic tone. You’d get the sense, if you were brought into the shop blindfolded, that what you were surrounded by was poetry; not fiction or history. Poetry. How they’ve managed this, I cannot say. But they have. Go see it for yourself.

Hay-on-Wye Booksellers

This old Tudor building with its black-and-white sign is hard to miss. It’s a squat and charming little building that exists as a catch-all bookshop.

They stock every kind of used book, from rare and valuable antiquarian books to used copies of last year’s bestsellers. They’re the traditional booksellers, for sure. The Tudor wood outside gives way to an exposed stone interior that encourages so much comfort and warmth in every visitor.

It’s a calm, stress-free place to browse. Make sure to check every nook and cranny; you’re likely to find here just what you were looking for, even if, perhaps, you didn’t know you were looking for anything in particular at all.

The Honesty Bookshop

This wonderful little space is found on the grass at the foot of Hay Castle (one of the most stunning old structures in Wales without a doubt). The Honesty Bookshop is an open outdoor collection of bookshelves with nobody working there. You simply drop the money in a box and go.

Your honest payment goes to the restoration of Hay Castle. You’ll found a few other honesty boxes in various other shops in the town, they’re a lovely part of the culture there and I hope it never leaves.

Where to Eat: Hay-on-Wye Restaurants

The Blue Boar

The Blue Boar is, to put it simply, a proper traditional British pub. Wood tables, wood chairs – some of them church pews because that’s the pub way – and a proper fireplace with a mantle decorated with statuettes and a clock. Huge framed paintings of landscapes and boats.

Red carpets, worn down by years of diners and drinkers marching through to enjoy their meals of roast dinners, meat pies, burgers, and chunky yellow chips.

Everything from the decor to the food – The Blue Boar has the look and feel of a quintessential British pub down to a fine art. And the food is wholesome, fresh, and filling to boot. If you visit Hay-on-Wye and don’t eat at The Blue Boar, you’re doing it wrong.

Red Indigo

Continuing on with the colour theme, Red Indigo is an Indian restaurant with a huge menu. They do a great job of blending traditional Indian dishes with a more British style, making sure that there’s something for everyone. And considering the range of vegetarian and vegan options, we really do mean everyone.

If you’re heading to Hay for a taste of the local English village flavour, but then find yourself in the mood for something a little more exciting, Indian food will always hit that spot. And Red Indigo is a fine choice.

Shepherds Parlour

Making its name for its own original homemade ice cream, Shepherds Parlour is as much a part of the Hay-on-Wye recipe as the books are. Beyond their ice cream, they also have breakfast and lunch menus of a range of sandwiches, toast, soups coffees, and teas.

Everything that defines a traditional British cafe. If you’re heading to Hay-on-Wye just for the day, and you’re looking for a place to get yourself a good lunch, a coffee, and some ice cream on a blue-sky summer’s day, Shepherds Parlour is absolutely it.

The Granary

This might be the most charming little country cafe you’ll ever visit in the UK, with the highest quality food. Full English breakfasts, melt-in-your-mouth roast beef, fruit and cheese platters, home-made traditional welsh cakes. And the decor of the place itself is rustic, warm, friendly, and welcoming.

There’s some outside seating as well. The manager is also one of Hay’s sweetest, friendliest people. And given just how sweet and friendly almost everyone is in Hay-on-Wye, that’s certainly saying something.

Where to Stay: Hay-on-Wye Accommodation

The Old Black Lion

This charming 17th-century inn is the ideal Hay accommodation if you want to keep the tone and aesthetics of your Hay trip going. A browse of all the Hay-on-Wye bookshops, lunch at The Blue Boar, and then dinner and a room at The Old Black Lion: that’s a perfect Hay day right there. The Old Black Lion has rooms decorated with all the charm of an old English cottage, and it also has a downstairs pub where you can drink and enjoy some traditional British home-cooked meals.

The Smithy

If you visit Hay-on-Wye as a couple, this is an ideal place to stay. The Smithy is a sweet, tranquil, peaceful little bed & breakfast that makes for the perfect Hay accommodation, and not only because it serves full English breakfasts every morning. Some of the rooms have balconies with old iron railings, giving you a view of the gardens and the surrounding countryside to wake up to. The lighting is moody, the rooms are snug and charming; everything about The Smithy says idyllic country cottage.

The Swan at Hay

This Hay accommodation little more grandiose than the other inns and B&Bs in Hay-on-Wye, the Swan Hotel serves top-notch meals of the best British cuisine and hosts you in spacious rooms bathed in natural light. The building itself is a listed Georgian inn with views of the surrounding gardens and hills. Staying here, you also have a bar that serves fantastic ales and ciders, the traditional drinks of choice for this part of the UK.

Day-Trips from Hay-on-Wye

Visit Hereford

This massively overlooked little English city at the very edge of Wales is so hidden away that people who live just fifty miles away may not have heard of it. It’s also my hometown. Hereford is an easy day-trip if you visit Hay-on-Wye, being only thirty minutes’ drive away and hosting one of Britain’s most gorgeous cathedrals.

When you visit Hereford, the world-famous Chain Library (across from the cathedral on Broad Street) is where the Mappa Mundi is held: a 700-year-old medieval map of the entire world (as it was understood at that time). There’s also a cider museum that’s well worth a visit!

Read a complete guide to Hereford for cafes, shops, where to stay and more.

Explore the Brecon Beacons

Rolling hills upon rolling hills. The Brecon Beacons are a popular weekend getaway destination for people from all over England and Wales. They’re the ultimate in easy hiking, with views of the Black Mountains and the Welsh valleys. If you’re staying in Hay-on-Wye and you fancy a stroll in the countryside, there’s no stroll like one you’ll do in the Brecon Beacons.

Wander Tintern Abbey

This almost thousand-year-old skeleton of an Abbey was made famous by William Wordsworth, who composed the gorgeous poem “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” two hundred years ago, a poem which was also referenced in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It was also made legendary by the ominous romantic painting “Visitor to a Moonlit Churchyard”.

The site of this medieval abbey, now just an empty shell of magnificent stone walls, has so attracted romantic and gothic artists for centuries. It’s a chilling, beautiful place of British history that can be visited by car from Hay-on-Wye and should not be missed!

If you’re interested in more literary wonders in Wales, why not stay the night at Britain’s only hotel library and reader’s/writer’s retreat: Gladstone’s Library or visit some of our favourite literary cities in the UK.

The UK is overflowing with famous haunted locations, most notably across England and Scotland. But there is a wealth of exciting places to adventure to in Wales as well. Haunted castles in Wales make for some of the most rugged, untouched, medieval adventures.

And the haunted houses in Wales hold secret some of the most chilling and eerie ghost stories you could imagine. So, if you fancy joining a ghost hunt in Wales, or you just want to discover the very best haunted houses in Wales, you’ve come to the right place.

Haunted Castles in Wales

Here are the best places in Haunted Wales: the haunted castles, haunted hotels, and haunted houses.

Caerphilly Castle

If you visit this, not only one of the most famous castles in South Wales but also one of the most haunted castles in Wales, then you’d better… tread caerphilly (I am so sorry). Caerphilly Castle is said to be haunted by a ghost known as the Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle.

Said Green Lady is reported to be the ghost of Princess Alice, a French woman who married the castle’s owner, Gilbert de Clare. Their marriage was not a happy one, and when the Prince of Brithdir, Gruffudd the Fair came along, Alice fell madly in love with him.

She confided her love in a monk who betrayed her trust to Gilbert. Gilbert then banished Alice back to France and went on a hunt for Gruffudd the Fair. Gruffudd found and hanged the monk before himself being captured and hanged by Gilbert.

At the news of Gruffudd’s death, Alice reportedly dropped dead immediately back home in France, and her ghost is now said to haunt the halls of Caerphilly Castle (though it’s not clear how the ghost made it to Wales from France, but who are we to judge).

Powis Castle

This castle in Mid Wales is one of the largest castles in all of Wales and dates all the way back to the 13^th century. Powis Castle is in uncannily perfect condition, making it a great castle to explore. But how is it a haunted castle? Well, what makes Powis Castle’s ghosts so compelling is that nobody knows who they were; it’s been so many centuries.

Sightings of ghosts at Powis Castle date back hundreds of years, with one famous sighting coming from as far back as 1780 when an old guest at the castle was led through the place by the ghost of a man wearing gold. Other ghostly phenomena have included pianos that play themselves and knocks at the door when there was never anyone there.

Castell Coch

If you’re interested in ghost tours in Wales or ghost hunts in South Wales, then Castell Coch, one of the most awe-inspiring castles in South Wales, might be the place to visit!

Far removed from most of the haunted castles in Wales, Castell Coch (or Red Castle) is actually a 19^th century gothic revivalist castle rather than a medieval Welsh castle. And it is the perfect place for a ghost hunt in Wales. While Castell Coch does host school trips and even weddings, ghost hunts seem more appropriate.

Castell Coch is home to a fair few ghosts. One of whom is said to be Ifor Bach, a nobleman and owner of the original medieval castle which once stood where Castell Coch is now. Legend says that Ifor Bach practiced witchcraft and used it to transform two servants into stone eagles who would guard the castle’s treasures.

Another ghost is said to be that of Dam Griffiths, a real-life Woman in Black who lost her son when he drowned in the surrounding wetlands, and her ghost has since wandered the castle halls, hoping to be reunited with her drowned boy.

Read More: The Most Haunted Pub in England (Hereford, UK)

Boverton Castle

Boverton, once one of the great castles in South Wales, is now a creepy shell of what it once was, with only the stone walls remaining intact. But that emptiness certainly adds to this Welsh castle’s eeriness. Boverton Castle is said to be haunted by a woman scorned by love.

Hadwisa, daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, married Prince John who soon enough abandoned her for the love of another woman. Hadwisa boarded herself up inside Boverton Castle, cold and alone, until John one day returned seeking refuge after getting himself into a bit of trouble.

Hadwisa, after all, would still do anything for her husband. But when the trouble was done, John left her once again and there in Boverton she eventually died. Today, if you visit this castle in South Wales, you may feel the touch of a cold hand on your shoulder or hear the sound of crying and wailing: the sorrowful and lonely ghost of Hadwisa.

Kidwelly Castle

Fans of Harry Potter are really going to love this one. It’s famously stated that Kidwelly Castle, one of the most haunted castles in Wales, is home to the ghost of a headless woman – and that we may know who she was. The headless figure in grey robes is supposedly the ghost of Gwenllian, princess of Wales.

Gwenllian, a redheaded warrior princess, was born in 1100. She fought the Normans at a bloody battle to besiege this very castle, where she was then promptly captured and beheaded. Her son eventually became one of the most celebrated figures of Welsh history: The Lord Rhys.

Read More: Visit Hay-on-Wye, Book Town of Wales

Haunted Hotels in Wales

The Skirrid Mountain Inn

The Skirrid Mountain Inn is one of the most haunted hotels in Wales, dating back an incredible 900 years and nestled in heart of the Brecon Beacons. Already half a century old by the time of Shakespeare, the Skirrid Mountain Inn is said to have inspired The Bard’s writing.

But why is it one of the most haunted hotels in Wales? Well, that will be because of the executioners’ ground on the property. The land that this haunted hotel rests on was also once used to execute those deemed undesirable. And where else would such angry, hateful, frightening ghosts go but the inn itself? To this day, many centuries-old hanged ghosts are said to reside at the inn.

Fun side note: There’s also a local legend surrounding the Skirrid Mountain Inn: that the mountain nearby roared and split in two at the moment of Jesus’ execution at the behest of the Romans. Given that nobody in Britain would even hear about Jesus for hundreds of years, it’s a curious legend but a legend all the same!

Cross Keys Inn, Usk

Next on our chilling list of haunted hotels in Wales is one not haunted by hanged men but one singular young woman. According to local legend, a family who once lived at the Cross Keys Inn kept their daughter from seeing her lover by locking her away.

She responded by taking handfuls of poisoned berries which grew on the tree outside her bedroom window and eating them until she was dead. Now, her ghost haunted the rooms of the Cross Keys Inn. If you stay at this inn, you may just run into her.

You’ll know she’s there if you find the door to your room opening all on its own. So, sleep with one eye open and maybe bar the door.

The Blue Lion Inn

If you picture haunted hotels in Wales, you’re probably tempted to imagine a tall, if rural, hotel. But most are inns, and The Blue Lion Inn is a delightfully rural 17^th century haunted inn found in the Vale of Clwyd, framed by the mountains of Snowdonia.

But what makes it one of the great haunted hotels in Wales? Well, in 1646 a farm labourer and son of the owner, John Henry, was killed in a drunken brawl – possibly with his brother. His body was later found laid atop a coffin in another person’s grave.

To this day, Henry is said to haunt the inn, still dressed in the workers clothes he died in – even down to the string tied around his waist used as a belt. Back then, you see, The Blue Lion Inn was actually a farmhouse (not hard to believe when you visit the area).

Read More: 10 Short Ghost Stories to Read by the Fireside

Haunted Houses in Wales

Dryffryn House

Dryffryn is one of the oldest haunted houses in Wales, with a history that can be traced back to the 7^th century. In the 16^th century, one of the admirals to Queen Elizabeth I – a man named Thomas Button, who was also famous at the time for being an Arctic navigator – came into ownership of Dryffryn House.

Button’s haunting of the house doesn’t have a particularly terrifying backstory. He simply adored the house, and his ghost has remained there ever since. Specifically, the ghost can be found haunting the cellar and the gardens outside. Sightings of his ghost hovering over the beer butt in the cellar seem in keeping with something a Welsh ghost would do.

Nanteos Mansion

Oh, Aberystwyth, my old haunt (pun intended). Before starting this blog in Seoul and Tokyo, I studied theatre (never did anything with it) at this quiet Welsh seaside town. And never once did I visit this awesome Georgian mansion but how I wish I had!

Nanteos Mansion, one of the most haunted houses in Wales, is a magnificent stone structure nestled amongst thick trees that looks splendid as the seasons are changing and terrifying in the dead of night. According to local legend, these dense trees are home to the ghost of Gruffydd Evans. At night, especially around Christmas time, you may catch the sound of his harp being played out in the forest.

As for the mansion’s interior, it is haunted by its very own Grey Lady: Elizabeth Owen. On her deathbed, Owen, it is said, rose up and rid her most precious jewels before finally dying that night. Now, her ghost — like a pirate — roams the house searching for its precious jewels. We don’t recommend going in search of her jewels. She wouldn’t like that.

Llanvihangel Court

The ghosts that have been sighted at this most creative of haunted houses in Wales are an awful lot of fun. Two standard Victorian ghosts include a woman in white and a Victorian gentleman in coat and tails.

But more fantastic are the ghosts of two swordsmen locked in a duel at the top of the staircase – perhaps they’re cursed to forever duel with no one the victor? One other curious sighting is more alien than ethereal, with a young visitor to this haunted house having claimed to have seen a little green man with green eyes.

Sker House

If Sker house isn’t the most haunted, it’s certainly one of the most haunted houses in Wales. An 800-year-old creepy-as-hell mansion, Sker House was famous as part of a Catholic plot to assassinate King Charles II in 1678. Father Philip Evans was arrested at Sker House and was soon enough hung, drawn, and quartered in Cardiff.

The house also has a local legend surrounding it: that of Elizabeth Williams, a young woman whose father refused her to marry the man she loved, and even foiled a plot of her to run away with the young man. Her father then locked her away and eventually forced her into marriage with a man he approved of.

Elizabeth Williams’ ghost is said to haunt the house still, with sightings of her ghostly form and the Marley-esque sound of chains frequently being reported by visitors. Her story proved so captivating that it inspired a novel by Lorna Doone author R.D. Blackmore titled The Maid of Sker. It’s not every day you might be able to meet a ghost made famous by a novel.

More Haunted Spots in the UK

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