There is nothing quite like the charm of a cosy getaway, and where better than rural Wales, with its diverse countryside and coast. Embrace the colder season with bracing winter walks, snug log warmers, warming pub dinners, all accompanied by unspoilt natural scenery.
- Traditional food that speaks for itself at The Fox, pub of former Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson
Best for: humble village pub
Opened just before lockdown, The Fox in the village of St Brides Major has quickly made a name for itself as a top pub eatery in Wales. Run by former Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson and his wife Katie, The Fox is a traditional stone country pub best-known for its incredible freshly sourced, local food.
With both modern and classic cuisine, the Fox draws inspiration from the seasons for its fresh menu. Their kitchen is headed up by award-winning chef Jonathan Edwards, formerly of Heaneys in Cardiff, who brings over 25 years of experience.The food is a mix of modern British cuisine with a nod to Welsh traditions. Highlights include the Sunday roast, rack of lamb and the ‘dirty fox’ burger.
The Fox also offers stylish, comfortable rooms designed with modern amenities and thoughtful touches. Each room features elegant decor, high-quality linens, and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms offer views of the surrounding village or the peaceful Welsh countryside.
Head out on a scenic walk to nearby Ogmore-by-Sea. Vale Trail 1, features everything you could want and shows off the best of the Vale; stunning coastal views from the Wales Coast Path, opportunity to beach-comb on Ogmore beach, try the ancient stepping stones at Ogmore Castle and explore Dunraven Castle’s walled gardens.
- Glamorgan glamping in traditional Welsh cabans
Best for: woodland cabin hideaway
Nestled in Tresilian Wood is Hide at St. Donats, a settlement of carefully crafted accommodations adjacent to St Donat’s Castle and overlooking rolling countryside and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. These rustic self-catered accommodations are perfect for a winter break. Hide’s three cosy wooden cabans are individually handmade, inspired by Welsh miner huts and tucked within nature. Each has its own terrace, panoramic views, separate private bathroom and kitchenette. Also on offer are two beautifully crafted holiday cottages, Pavilion or Walden Lodge. A cosy log burner will keep you company on cold evenings after you have spent time on the balcony stargazing at the clear skies.
Close to Hide lies the Wales Coastal Path, a great way to explore the coastline for winter sea views. The coastline here is dotted with charming towns like Llantwit Major, with medieval buildings and cosy cafes. The Llantwit Major Lantern Parade will take place on 30th November. If timings allow, browse the 70 stalls at St Donats Christmas Fayre (30th November – 1st December), exploring the grounds of 12-century St Donat’s Castle, home to the prestigious UWC Atlantic College and not often open to the public.
Looking for a pub to enjoy at the end of a long, bracing winter walk? Try the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin. Visitors can enjoy what has been deemed Britain’s best value posh pub lunch. The menu is seasonal and local, made with whatever produce is available in their own kitchen garden and every item of the menu is made from scratch, from the cultured butter to the fresh pasta. Previously at St John, Chef Tom Watts-Jones is a Vale of Glamorgan local who played in the gardens of the Hare & Hounds as a child and drank in its bar as a teenager.
- A sophisticated stay in one of Wales’s most charming market towns
Best for: refined rooms and boutique shopping
Cowbridge, located in the rural Vale of Glamorgan, comes alive in winter with decorations and a festive atmosphere. This well-preserved medieval walled town is famous for its up-market clientele and its wide selection of independent shops, galleries and boutiques, making it perfect for a bit of pre-Christmas shopping.
The main highstreet transforms into home to the town’s annual Christmas Market on 23rd- 24th November. The market will include over 30 stalls selling hot food, drinks, gifts for Christmas and some unique festive crafts. Don’t miss the popular Christmas light parade on Sunday with a 10ft reindeer!
Another must-visit for local produce is Forage Farm Shop, named Welsh Farm Shop of the Year for the third year in a row. Located on Penllyn Estate, Forage sells the farms own produce and has a reputation for quality. Filled with local fresh and deli produce such as Snowdonia cheese, the Potting Shed chutney and Siwgr A Sbeis Christmas puddings, visitors won’t struggle to find something they like for themselves or a gift. Barry Island Gin, an award-winning independent Welsh craft gin made by Vale of Glamorgan locals and owners of Craft Republic bar makes the perfect gift for G&T lovers who want a taste of Wales. Forage’s Christmas experience runs on selected dates throughout December and features a magical interactive show, the chance to meet alpacas, get creative with festive crafts and roast marshmallows!
Stay directly in the heart of Cowbridge at The Bear Hotel. This 12th century historical gem is located on the main street and boasts chic, cosy, individually-decorated rooms, with options to choose dog-friendly ones if you desire.
- Discover bracing winter walks (with a cosy pub at the end!)
Best for: winter wildlife
Named as one of the best woodlands for winter walks, the Cwn George woodland is best explored on this refreshing ‘Salmon Leaps’ walk. It follows the Writstone Brook and includes a number of interesting milestones including a glacial valley, Iron Age hill fort and a viewpoint for seeing leaping salmon. It is a route filled with historical landmarks, starting in the ancient village of Dinas Powys, home to 18th century cottages.
The Cwn George area is made up of four woodlands, and is also home to an early medieval fort, Dinas Powys hillfort. Although the chance of seeing salmon leaping at the ‘Salmon Leaps’ cascade is slim, the weirs of Wrinstone Brook make a scenic attraction before the route loops back across itself to Michaelston-le-Pit, a charming village with a community-made telephone box library.
Everyone knows the best way to finish a winter walk is with some warming local food. In Dinas Powys, The Humble Onion serves a-la-carte lunches and Sunday dinners made with local ingredients. Stay nearby at the rooms at The Deck on Penarth Marina. Try one of ten boutique pods floating on one of Wales’ most exclusive marinas, for one of the most unique sleeping experiences in the country.
- Seaside serenity and stargazing on the cliff tops of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Best for: clifftop cabins
The cold, clear skies of winter are perfect for stargazing. Beneath Wales’ unblemished skies, characterised by clarity and lack of pollution, you can marvel at thousands of stars, comets, and galaxies. Monknash coast, along with the scenic viewpoint of Nash Point lighthouse, are ideal locations for stargazing. Park at the Nash Point carpark and explore the coastline to find the best angle to see the stars from. One of the most loved spots is the coastline between Nash Point and Dunraven Bay, where you can escape the light pollution and see true dark skies. Beware of the wind on Monknash Bay – but the views are also sure to blow you away!
See the open night sky in incredible expanse from the clifftop of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast at West Farm Southerndown Retreat. Situated just along the coast from the Monknash area near Dunraven Bay, luxury is shown in its most natural form at this enchanting accommodation, isolated alone on the southern Wales coast. It is made up of three luxury farmhouse apartments that exclude coastal charm, decorated with light, airy, nautical themes. Wooden walls and plush furnishings make these cottages cosy and relaxing, and big sky windows allow amazing views of the sea and sky.
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