Mountains, myths and a wild kind of romance
Rugged and poetic, Wales is where Celtic legend meets real-life love story. Think sunrises over Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), castles with cliff-edge views, vineyards surrounded by forested hills, and spas hidden away in grand old country estates, where the fires crackle and the views stretch for miles.
Start in the foothills at Pant Du Vineyard & Orchard, a family-run estate framed by the peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri) and the Irish Sea. Their solar-powered winery produces light whites and reds, alongside orchard ciders with a zero-waste ethos – best enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the National Park. Join a guided tour to learn all about the vineyard, led by Pant Du owner Richard Huws.
Castell Harlech offers a windswept slice of medieval Wales. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was captured by charismatic Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr in 1404, the 13th-century castle towers above Cardigan Bay. Climb the battlements for views as fierce as the castle’s history or walk down to the seafront for a romantic autumn stroll along the golden sands and dunes.
Romance rises – literally – with the Snowdon Sunrise Hiking Experience, a 6-8 hour guided ascent of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), starting at the Snowdon Mountain Railway station and timed to reach the 1,085 metre summit as dawn breaks. Enjoy the golden light and the unforgettable first glimpse of sunlight over the peaks.
For those ready to unwind, Wave Garden Spa in Conwy blends modern luxury with outdoor tranquility. Think twilight hammam sessions, hydrotherapy pools under the stars, and forested hills all around – ideal after a mountain trek. Wander the cobbled streets of Conwy town, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval walls and a mighty castle with unobstructed estuary views. Don’t miss Britain’s smallest house – a red-painted curiosity just 72 inches wide.
Food is part of the story, too. Bodnant Welsh Food, near Tal-y-Cafn, makes a strong case for culinary pilgrimage, serving up hyper-local produce – including Welsh Black Ribeye steak and Tandoori cured mackerel – in a 17th-century farmhouse. Couples can dine, shop, or chop vegetables side-by-side in a Welsh cookery class.
End the trip in five-star style at Palé Hall Hotel and Restaurant, a riverside Victorian mansion on a 50-acre estate near Bala. With locally sourced Michelin green star dining, carved oak staircases, period fireplaces, and a past guest list that includes Queen Victoria herself, the hotel matches historic charm with modern sustainability. It’s peaceful and could be the setting for a real-life love story in the making.
