Romantic breaks in Wales on a budget

Every couple needs a holiday together once in a while, and it doesn’t need to break the bank. Wales is a wonderful place to enjoy unusual romantic breaks in the UK without overspending.

There are all sorts of ways to cut the costs of a holiday, from travelling outside of peak times, to opting for a short break or choosing less-visited destinations. Whether you’re planning in advance or looking for ideas for last-minute short breaks in Wales, we have some unique ideas for you.

The biggest expense of a trip away will usually be your accommodation. However, there’s no need to go forking out a fortune on a five-star hotel and spa (although Wales does have some very special romantic retreats if you’re in the market for something luxurious). Instead, think outside of the box and consider opting for a more unusual romantic break in the UK. Rest assured, when it comes to places to ‘Cwtch up’ (a Welsh term similar to cuddle or to get cosy), Wales will do you proud.

Everybody loves a spa experience. There’s nothing better than soaking away your troubles in a big bath of bubbles, preferably with a glass of something cool in hand.

Finding your bathtub bliss doesn’t necessarily mean booking into a classy spa hotel. There are loads of self-catering lodges and other types of romantic accommodation in Wales that come equipped with hot tubs. By opting for one of these private escapes you won’t have to share either, it will be just the two of you under the stars.

Outside rooms are de rigueur these days, especially when it comes to romantic escapes, and Wales’ many shepherd’s huts are just the ticket. By staying in one you’ll get to spend time with your one and only in the great outdoors, connecting with nature as well as with each other. Think cosy evenings wrapped up in front of the fire pit as the moon rises, then waking to the sounds of the morning chorus just beyond your bedroom door.

There is so much choice when it comes to private shepherd’s hut accommodation for a romantic weekend break in Wales. So get planning and whisk your cariad (a Welsh word for sweetheart) away for a little rustic romance in the wilds of Wales.

Another expense of a weekend away is eating out. When it comes to romance, being wined and dined is top of the list for many. But you don't need to eat out for every meal. In fact, taking the time to cook together is a great way of spending some quality time. So curate a playlist, pour a glass of wine and get things sizzling.

It is also fun to source your ingredients locally and get a taste of the produce of the region you are visiting. Tracking down a local farmers' market or farm shop is a great way of supporting the local economy and trying some delicious local produce. You’ll be able to have a wander and chat with the producers, very likely sampling a tasty morsel or two along the way.

From frugal to completely free! Foraging on your Wales escape is a really interesting way to supplement your supper. There is a wealth of edible plants available that will take your culinary creations to the next level.

Of course, caution is of the utmost importance when it comes to picking and eating wild plants. While we should all be able to identify a wild strawberry or a blackberry, fungi and other more obscure plants are another matter.

There are several foraging experiences available across Wales with a professional on hand to help you identify the delectable from the disastrous. To get you started, our expert guide to foraging in Wales is great if you fancy a forage on your romantic break in South Wales, or if you're basing yourself in West Wales, the wild man of the west is a great place to begin.

If you like the idea of getting out into the wilds of Wales, then how about a bushcraft course? The Wilderness Project offers a variety of short and adventurous courses in the great outdoors.

So much about spending time in Wales is enjoying its magnificent countryside and being out in nature. This makes planning budget holidays in Wales pretty simple. There's taking a walk in one of our national parks, enjoying a dip in a river or the sea (check tides and currents first), alongside many more free attractions and things to do in Wales.

Here are some of our favourite free or low-cost activities for your romantic break in Wales.

• Stargazing – what could be more romantic than getting cosy and watching the night sky together? There are lots of Dark Sky areas within Wales, but for romantic breaks in North Wales, you can’t beat the splendour of the Eryri (Snowdonia) International Dark Sky Reserve.
• Wild swimming – the exhilaration of a wild swim is addictive and Wales has a multitude of beautiful beaches and lakes where you can take the plunge.
• E-biking – hiring a pair of e-bikes for a day or two means you’ll be able to cover more ground without fretting about your pedal power.
• Walking – love should be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other and Wales has so many trails to practice on.
• Wildlife boat trips – getting out on the water for close encounters with Wales’ wildlife is an awe-inspiring experience.

And for something completely different, how about whitewater rafting on a Cardiff city break? Find out more in our article on activities for couples in Wales.

Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool, so it’s a good idea to swim at an organised venue where there will be a safety crew to provide guidance.

Our top tips for being safe when open water swimming are to:

• Wear a bright hat (bright green or bright orange are the best) and use a tow float so that you can be seen by other water users.
• Enter the water slowly and allow time for your body to get used to the cold.
• Check the tide times before swimming in the sea or in estuarine waters.
• If you are in difficulty in the water don’t panic, stay calm; attract attention by raising your hand and shouting for help.

Go to AdventureSmart.UK for all the information you need to help make your Welsh adventure both safe and fun!