Ideas and inspiration for a girls' weekend getaway in Wales

Life can be pretty busy in today's fast-paced world and it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and commitments. Between work, family, and personal obligations, our schedules can quickly become overwhelming.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial to carve out time for our friends. Taking a moment to relax, and connect with friends not only rejuvenates our spirits, but also strengthens our relationships. So no matter how busy life gets, there's nothing quite like a weekend away with your best friends to recharge, reconnect, and create lasting memories. And there’s no place like Wales for a short break or weekend getaway!

So get that trip out of the group chat, and book yourself a weekend away with the girls – there’s no doubt that you’ll come back wondering why you don’t do it more often.

And to save you precious time and effort in searching for the best options on things to do and place to go, we’ve come up with four suggested itineraries: a wellbeing escape on Ynys Môn (Anglesey), immersive cultural experiences in Y Gelli Gandryll (Hay-on-Wye), flavours and highlights of Pembrokeshire, and outdoor adventures in the Bannau Brycheiniog — each offering a different way to explore and enjoy Wales.

AngleseyStay: Driftwood Lodge, a cosy boutique guest house on Ynys Môn's West Coast in the village of Rhosneigr.

Eat: Have brunch, lunch or just a coffee and cake at Café Notos, a local coffee shop championing Welsh produce. Notos is named after the Greek God of south prevailing winds, which celebrates Rhosneigr Beach’s prime position for water sports, as the wind always blows in a southerly direction.

Do: Take an exhilarating trip on the Menai Strait with RibRide, offering year-round trips including a thrilling ride beneath two of Wales’ most iconic bridges, wildlife excursions or an opportunity to see Llanddwyn or Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon Castle) from the sea.

Dine: An evening of Champagne, oysters and local fresh catch at The Oystercatcher, one of the island's most famous seafood spots situated in the sandy dunes of Rhosneigr.

Do: Saunter and a sauna, with a 12km circular loop of Rhosneigr and Tŷ Croes boasting views of Pen Llŷn (the Llŷn Peninsula), before a restorative beach sauna session at Sawna Bach, which you’ll find tucked away in the sand dunes of Porth Tyn Tywyn beach. Take a dip in the water to feel the full benefits of hot and cold therapy.

Eat: Head over to the pretty town of Biwmares (Beaumaris) for delicious tapas at The Midland.

Visit: The majestic Castell Biwmares (Beaumaris Castle), part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd UNESCO World Heritage Site, and known as ‘the greatest castle never built’ due to its near-perfect symmetry.

Dine: Indulge at Dylan’s Porthaethwy (Menai Bridge), an award-winning establishment with several restaurants across North Wales, priding themselves on serving locally sourced produce, seafood, and fresh pizzas.

Do: Enjoy a warm, morning soak at Halen Mon, the wild seaweed baths of Ynys Môn. In warm water, seaweed releases its mineral-dense oils, offering rich relaxation and soothing tired muscles, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated. After your dip make time to wander round the shop, full to the brim of Halen Mon Sea salt products, from skincare to gin and flavoured cooking salts.

Eat: Enjoy a bite to eat at the Halen Môn outdoor café, serving sea salt infused baked goods and artisan coffee, or experience one of the best Sunday roast in North Wales at Catch 22.

HayStay: The stylish and cosy Chancery Cottage, situated in the heart of Y Gelli Gandryll.

Do: Spend the afternoon exploring the famous market and town of books; Hay. Highlights include:

• Murder and Mayhem. A quirky bookshop specialising in detective fiction.
• Gay on Wye. A sanctuary where the LGBTQ+ community and its allies can find literature that resonates with their experiences, challenges and triumphs.
• Haystack Music. Packed with pre-loved machine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, books and more. Covering most interests, from general to collectable and rare.
• The Old Electric Shop. An eclectic range of retro homeware with a great café to refuel. In the evening, enjoy live music and cocktails.

Dine: The Old Black Lion, offering high end pub grub with a great wine list and cask ales.

Explore: Spend the morning exploring Hay Castle, once a great medieval stronghold is now a major centre for culture, arts and education.

Eat: The Granary, a popular café and bar in the town centre that champions local produce and a seasonal menu.

Do: Walk on the path of kings on the National Trail of Offa’s Dyke, a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail. It is named after, and often follows, the spectacular Dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.

Drink: Spend the afternoon tasting locally produced gin at Hay Distillery and hear about the story behind this micro distillery while sampling some award-winning spirits.

Dine: Tomatitos Tapas Bar, the food made from the best ingredients sourced locally from the wonderful profusion of growers and makers on the Welsh borders, from artisan bread to the best seasonal veg.

Entertainment: Head to The Globe at Hay and catch a show, from Open Mic nights to Jazz and rock concerts.

Do: Coast down the river Wye on canoe or paddleboard with one of Hay’s watersport providers, and take in the views of this National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) from a different perspective!

Eat: The Swan at Hay, offering a luxurious take on all the best pub classics and supporting local produce.

PembStay: The stunning Twr y Felin in the beautiful city of Tyddewi (St Davids), the smallest (and arguable prettiest) city in the UK!

Eat/Drink: Take a break at Pebbles Yard Gallery and Espresso Bar, a relaxed central spot for coffee, cakes and light lunches. There’s a small courtyard for sitting outside and watching the world go by, while inside you’ll find local photography, jewellery and changing pieces from contemporary artists — it's a handy place for your group to pause, refuel and browse.

Visit: The mother of Wales' patron Saint, Santes Non's chapel and well has long been seen as an opportunity for healing, self-reflection, wellness and connection with nature.

After spending time in this serene spot, head over to nearby St Davids Cathedral, a spectacular medieval cathedral renowned for its beautiful architecture and historical significance as the final resting place of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Whilst there try award winning Mamgu Welshcakes, based in the ruins of St Mary's College, a 14th century part of St Davids Cathedral.

Dine: Enjoy a hand-stretched pizza at Grain, with its fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere.

Do: Spend the day on a foraging expedition with The Really Wild Emporium. The experienced guides will take you on a journey to discover how to make the most of wild ingredients, leaving you feeling inspired by the different flavours of nature.

Eat/Drink: Enjoy a tipple at the local pub favourite The Bishops, before heading back to The Really Wild Emporium for a special foraged taster menu dinner.

Do: Head to Câr-y-Môr, a pioneering community-owned ocean farm, cultivating sustainable Welsh seaweed and shellfish, putting the environment and the local community at the forefront of their work.

Explore: Spend the afternoon walking along the Wales Coast Path, including stopping at the beautiful village of Solfach (Solva).

Dine: Grab a fresh lobster roll for late lunch from Lobster and Môr, an award-winning takeaway café based in Hafan Fach (Little Haven).

BBStay: Depending on whether you're looking for a town centre location or a quieter retreat, Canal Bridge Holiday Accommodation at the heart of Aberhonddu (Brecon), or Hilltops Brecon Holiday Cottages just outside the town in the Dark Skies area are both excellent options.

Do: The Horseshoe Ridge 16km hike around Pen y Fan, Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan y Big is definitely worth the effort! The strenuous hike needs a relatively good level of fitness, but your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views. Be Adventure Smart! Make sure you’re dressed appropriately and check the weather conditions before setting off.

Dine: To refuel after your hiking adventure, dine at the Brecon Tap. The popular restaurant and pub located in the heart of Aberhonddu is known for its excellent selection of traditional and craft beers, it also offers a variety of homemade dishes.

Do: Enjoy amazing views of the great outdoors by pony trekking through the Black Mountains with Tregoyd Mountain Riders. If you opt for the half day option spend the second half of the day walking Glyndŵr’s Way from Felindre towards Abaty Cwm Hir.

Dine: Get your teeth into an award-winning burger at Hills, a lively restaurant using locally-sourced produce.  

Evening: Wales has the highest percentage of land protected by Dark Skies status in the world, and stargazing in the Bannau Brycheiniog is a truly magical experience due to its status as an International Dark Sky Reserve. A stargazing experience in this special setting will truly elevate your trip to another level.

Do: Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves Centre of Wales are a spectacular cave system located in the Bannau Brycheiniog. Explore fascinating passageways, learn about the history and geology of the area at one of the most popular visitor attractions in Wales.

Eat: Stop at The Bear Hotel in the quaint town of Crughywel (Crickhowell), a historic coaching inn dating back to 1432 known for its welcoming atmosphere, old-world charm, and delicious food. Allow time to wander around the pretty town filled with independent shops before making your way back home feeling refreshed!