With stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, there are countless places to enjoy a romantic date in Wales. Whether you want to get closer to nature or stroll around romantic ruins, there is something for everyone. Here are 23 date ideas where you will be surrounded by breathtaking Welsh scenery.
1. A Walk along the sea in Anglesey
The Isle of Anglesey has lovely towns with lots of spots to enjoy a romantic meal or a cosy drink on your date. The area is a beautiful destination with plenty of options to have a walk along spectacular coastlines. Built in the eighteenth century, Llynnon Mill is one example where you are surrounded by unbelievable coastal views. On the Menai Strait is the French-inspired Chateâu Rhianfa, an peaceful hideaway for romance.
2. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views in the Gower
The Gower Peninsula is home to beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by dramatic coastline. It is an idyllic place to enjoy a quiet walk between towering cliffs and boundless ocean views. Rhossili Bay and Pennard Castle are just two of the best spots to watch an unforgettable sunset to end your date.
3. Explore Cardiff Bay
Away from the hustle and bustle of the capital’s city centre, Cardiff Bay is a great place to go on a date if you are a foodie or want a cultural experience. You can also go on a romantic boat ride along pretty waterways before sampling some of the local and international specialties at nearby restaurants and cafes. The Wales Millennium Centre is also a great place to enjoy a show.
4. A romantic walk up Pen y Fan
Brecon Beacons National Park has plenty of scenic routes for a romantic date in one of the most remarkable natural settings in Wales. The gentle slopes of Pen y Fan is a tranquil setting for a walk close to nature. From the peak, you and your date will be treated with panoramic views of quintessentially Welsh countryside.
5. Explore the ancient remains of Carreg Cennen
Carreg Cennen’s castle walls have been a fixture on the rolling countryside of Carmarthenshire for centuries. The ancient fortress inspired JMW Turner to creat watercolours of the castle and the surrounding farmland. Climb the castle walls with your date and get swept away by the breathtaking views around you.
6. A legendary walk alongside Brecon Beacons’ waterfalls
Brecon Beacons National Park is known for its waterfalls, especially in the spectacular park’s southwestern corner. Some of the waterfalls are sources of romantic Celtic myths about princes and princesses finding love. Hear the rush of water cascade through this enchanted woodland, including at Sgwd yr Eira and Ystradfellte.
7. A romantic picnic for two at Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake in Brecon Beacons is the largest natural lake in South Wales. With wistful views, the lake is the source of legends and has an important place in Welsh history. A tenth century palace sits on the lake’s crannog, a small island close to the edge of the water. Llangorse’s grassy banks is the perfect setting for a romantic picnic.
8. Admire the Brecon Beacons with a romantic rail trip
If hiking or walking exposed to the elements is not your idea of romance, take your date abroad the Brecon Mountain Railway. The scenic journey on a traditional steam locomotive takes you through the Welsh countryside and offers panoramic views of the hills of Brecon Beacons.
9. Stargaze in the Brecon Beacons
With clear skies and little light pollution, Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best spots for staring up at the billions of twinkling stars. Make a wish with your date under the sparkling canopy of stars above you. Since 2013, the National Park has been a Dark Sky Reserve – one of only a handful in the world.
10. Get inspired by Dylan Thomas at Laugharne Castle
The great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas remarked that the stones of River Tâf were “brown as owls”. These stones now form the walls of the garden at the ruins Laugharne Castle. You and your date can also enjoy a walk to the nearby Boathouse where the poet once lived.
11. Walk through the ancient ruins of Llanthony Priory
Nestled amidst rolling hills, the remnants of Llanthony Priory were once home to a twelfth century Augustinian priory. During a tour of wales in 1794, JMW Turner visited the ruins to sketch – just one of many sites and landscapes in the country to inspire the famous English artist. Situated in the Black Mountains, the area is popular for walking and horse riding.
12. Walk in the footsteps of history at Neath Abbey
Founded in 1130, Neath Abbey was one of the largest monasteries in Wales before the reign of Henry VII doomed many of the great ecclesiastical buildings that now lay in ruin throughout the Welsh countryside. The sprawling abbey in the Vale of Neath is a beautiful spot to walk in the footsteps of Cistercian monks and history.
13. A romantic stroll at Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey has stirred the brushes and pens of countless painters, poets and writers, including JMW Turner and William Wordsworth. Set in the scenic Wye Valley, the ruins boast towering Gothic arches that make this one of the most iconic medieval sites in Wales. With plenty of paths surrounding the abbey, you can walk with your date along the river to admire the ruins from different perspectives.
14. Experience history and the outdoors in Carew
The imposing Carew Castle provides a lovely waterside destination for a relaxing walk or romantic picnic. Founded in the twelfth century, the limestone castle has been abandoned since the 1680s. Yet, this beautiful rural setting still evokes a sense of power. The village of Carew is also home to the only restored tidal mill in Wales.
15. A seaside walk in the vibrant town of Mumbles
Mumbles is a popular seaside destination for anyone wanting to escape the major cities of South Wales including nearby Swansea. Overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a Norman castle with brilliant views of the sea. If the sun is out during your date, bring along a picnic in the surrounding parkland.
16. Pay tribute to the patron saint of lovers
The final resting place of St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers and the country’s very own version of St Valentine, is Llanddwyn Island. The small island off the west coast of Anglesey is home of the ruined remains of St Dwynwen’s Church. Along with a Blue Flag beach, there are lovely coastal footpaths that form part of the Anglesey Coastal Path that offer views of Snowdonia.
17. A Southern European Experience in Portmeirion
Created by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, any visitor to Portmeirion might think they are in an Italian village overlooking Mediterranean. The beautiful and unique destination was built between 1925 and 1976. There is a mix of historic cottages and fashionable hotels as well as fine restaurants and a spa.
18. Enjoy a day on a sandy beach at Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay could be mistaken for a Caribbean destination. Considered one of the UK’s best beaches, pristine golden sand meets crystal clear waters in this remarkable destination. The bay also boasts sand dunes and pine trees, a picture-perfect setting for a romantic walk or day at the beach.
19. Experience the outdoors at the Bosherston Lakes
If your date loves lily ponds, Bosherston is the place to visit. Just five miles south of Pembroke, the little village is at the doorstep by lush woodland for a magical walk in the Bosherston Lakes and surrounding valleys. Nearby limestone cliffs are also popular with climbers, if you are looking for a more active outing.
20. Fall in love in the unspoilt Llyn Peninsula
The dramatic coastal scenery of Llyn Peninsula in North Wales makes falling in love easy. The sweeping landscape and tranquil countryside are tranquil settings for a walk. The area’s beaches are surrounding by inspiring views that makes it a popular sailing destination. If you are into wildlife, head to Bardsey Island.
21. Stroll in the flowery woodland of Rhandirmwyn
Each spring, the woods of Rhandirmwyn in Carmarthenshire offers a beautiful display of bluebells and other wild flowers. The sights and smells of this natural wonder is a great place for a romantic walk alongside your date. Options include the historical Aberglasney Gardens, Dinefwr Park and Castle near Llandeilo, and the Gwenffrwd-Dinas Nature Reserve near Llandovery.
22. Immerse yourself in history in Conwy
Conwy Castle and its eight towers is an incredible medieval fortress in North Wales. One of Wales’ iconic landmarks, the castle is the source of myths and legends. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stone castle sits on a coastal ridge overlooking the River Conwy. Conwy is filled with fine restaurants, traditional pubs and quaint cafes to relax after exploring the picturesque medieval town.
23. Visit on of the greatest castles in Europe
Harlech Castle near Snowdonia was the home of Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales. Built during the thirteenth century by Edward I as he invaded Wales, the imposing medieval fortress is one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. The stunning fortification sits atop rocks overlooking the Irish Sea, offering you are your date awesome vistas.
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Featured photo credit: Unknown via cwmshoncottageswales.co.uk
