Wales

With its rolling hills, picturesque valleys and unspoilt scenery, Wales is the perfect place for a romantic break. Situated on the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast is Nash Point Lighthouse where Rural Retreats offer self-catering accommodation in former lighthouse keepers cottages. The coastal path runs close to the lighthouse. The spectacular coastline is 28 miles long and covers an area from Penarth to Porthcawl and is ideal for both walking and cycling. There are wonderful safe beaches many of which have been awarded the coveted blue flag.

Set in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan countryside only 10 minutes west of the centre of Cardiff, are Dyffryn Gardens. The gardens span 55 acres and are an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design. Dyffryn is a Grade 1 registered garden featuring a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns, seasonal bedding, a statuary collection and much more. The gardens also boast an extensive Arboretum featuring trees from all over the world. The gardens have recently undergone an extensive restoration programme.

On the outskirts of Ewenny, near the town of Bridgend you will find Ewenny pottery, a small pottery workshop and shop that has been run by the Jenkins family for over eight generations. Records show the pottery industry has existed in the area since 1427. This is due to materials being readily available such as local red clay which formed the pots, glaze materials to finish the wares, stone to build the kilns and coal to fire the pots. There have been fifteen potteries in the Ewenny area at one time or another, all having been small family concerns and Ewenny pottery is believed to have been established since 1610.

Why not finish off your stay with a romantic meal in the Blue Anchor Inn, located in the village of East Aberthaw on the South Wales coast, just 10 miles west of Cardiff. The inn has a history that spans some 700 years, it first opened its doors for trade in 1380 and has traded almost continuously since then and is now world famous as a pub, renowned for it's range of real ales, and for it's high quality food.

Price Information:

Stena Line
www.stenaline.ie
Rosslare to Fishguard
Return fare from €308 (2 adults and car)

Rural Retreats
www.ruralretreats.co.uk
Nash Cottages
From £816 per week.

Dyffryn Gardens
www.dyffryngardens.org.uk
Admission Prices:
Adult: £6.00
Child: £2.00
Concession: £4.00 (over 60's and students)
Family: £15.00 (2 adults and up to four children)

Tourist Board
www.visitwales.com