There are so many things to do in Wales for couples, it's hard to choose which to try out first. Whether it's bonding over a mountain bike challenge in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) or enjoying a culture-packed city break in Cardiff, we've rounded up activities to suit every couple on a holiday in Wales.
Is Cardiff good for couples?
Cardiff is a cosmopolitan yet pint-sized city with a full complement of things to do and just the right balance of urban cool and laidback charm. Built on a walkable scale, it is ideal for wandering hand-in-hand exploring historic shopping arcades, leafy parks and the contemporary waterfront development in Cardiff Bay.
There is a great range of fun activities in Cardiff for adults, so date planners can get creative here. How about shouting from the stands at a rugby match in the Principality Stadium, Scale The Stadium, or steering a daredevil course on a white-water rafting experience?
For something a little more serene you can always temper the action with a stylish spa break at the Park Plaza Hotel or a leisurely stroll around Cardiff's boutique shops and markets.
Where can we go on a date in Cardiff?
If you’re looking for a romantic city break with a difference then we have plenty more date ideas in Cardiff to tempt you. One of the classics has to be discovering the charms of Cardiff Castle and its pretty parkland grounds.
For those who like to get active, how about one of these adrenalin-fuelled urban adventures in Cardiff, including kayaking at Cardiff International White Water or taking a cool turn on the ice at Vindico Arena.
One of the most important elements of any romantic getaway is wining and dining your date. Cardiff’s culinary scene certainly won’t disappoint with its hip indie eateries, intimate neighbourhood bistros and stylish Michelin-recommended dining experiences.
When it comes to a night on the tiles, or where to head for an atmospheric nightcap, Cardiff has a fabulously eclectic nightlife. Take your pick from comedy nights, drag shows and cool live music venues. The whole city centre comes alive at night with a bustling pub scene you would expect from the proud capital of Wales. There’s also a thriving LGBT+ scene with a great network of bars and venues, such as The Golden Cross with its longstanding drag night and the Queer Emporium - a marketplace and cafe.
Even if you can only get away for a few days, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a short stay in Cardiff as a couple.
Where should we stay?
Where you choose to base yourself for your couple’s getaway will influence the activities available, so think about the kinds of things you’d like to get up to. Cardiff is fantastic for a city break, but if you’d like a more rural escape, then the unbounded beauty of Wales awaits. You might like to choose a small town or village, or opt for blissful solitude in a remote countryside retreat.
Search for accommodation in Cardiff or rural accommodation in South Wales
Days out in South Wales for couples
The choices for a day out in South Wales for couples are as varied as they come. Getting your heart racing at Teamsport Cardiff or Supakart Newport or indulge in some tasty morsels at one of the region’s food festivals. To work up an appetite hit the South Wales beauty spots for some fresh air and country walking.
While many of Wales’ top activities involve getting out and about in the great outdoors, we also have plenty of ideas for rainy days in South Wales. In fact, there's so much to do in any weather, why not plan a short break and stay for two days in South Wales so you can fit in even more?
Magical market towns
Some of Wales’ pretty market towns make delightful destinations in which to base your short break.
Hay-on-Wye is a particular favourite for a romantic escape, with its literary heritage and easy access to the beautiful countryside of the Wye Valley. Every year the town becomes a book-lover’s paradise during the annual literary festivals. Hay Festival takes place in late spring and the smaller scale Hay Festival Winter Weekend, at the end of November. Culturally speaking, it’s a great year-round destination with its fabulous range of independent boutiques, bookshops and antique centres.
Search for accommodation in Hay-on-Wye.
For something completely different look no further than Betws-y-Coed in North Wales. This interesting community used to be an artists' colony and is also known as ‘The Gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia)’. Opportunities for outdoor adventuring come thick and fast here.
Search for accommodation in Betws-y-Coed.
Visiting the town of Harlech in North Wales makes for a peaceful seaside getaway. The magnificent Castell Harlech (Harlech Castle) is a contender for the most dramatic in Wales, and in the land of castles, that’s saying something. Perched on a rocky crag and presiding over sweeping coastal views, its position is genuinely jaw-dropping.
Search for accommodation in Harlech.
Things to do in North Wales for couples
With an abundance of wild landscapes in Eryri (Snowdonia), dramatic sea views across the Llŷn Peninsula, and fanciful architecture in the Italian-style town of Portmeirion, North Wales has romance written all over it.
In this area of Wales, the two of you can really get away from it all. What could be more romantic than having a cwtch (a Welsh term similar to cuddle) for a spot of stargazing in one of the region’s Dark Sky Parks? There are lots of space-themed attractions in Wales, including some that are perfect for wet-weather days. For an adventure in the air, how about taking a sightseeing flight with the North Wales Air Academy?
The verdant slopes of North Wales’ lower hills are home to several vineyards, as well as a microbrewery or two. Taking a tasting tour is a fun way to while away an afternoon together.
If you’ve set your heart on a North Wales couples’ escape then it's time to get planning your next romantic break.
