{"id":70,"date":"2021-07-06T10:55:28","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T09:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wch.cottage-search.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/10\/nature-reserves\/"},"modified":"2024-10-24T16:45:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T15:45:35","slug":"nature-reserves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/nature-reserves","title":{"rendered":"The 9 Best Nature Reserves in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for the best nature reserves in Wales? We\u2019re sure you\u2019re already aware that Wales is brimming with beautiful locations. With 76 nature reserves across the country to choose from, you\u2019ll never run out of incredible destinations to discover and explore…<\/span><\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n

From the dramatic South Stack Cliffs on the Isle of Anglesey to the enchanting woodlands of Coed y Brenin in Dolgellau, there\u2019s something for everyone. Of course, we haven\u2019t forgotten about the gorgeous reserves in Pembrokeshire<\/a> and Ceredigion<\/a>, either. Whether you fancy a woodland walk or a good stroll along the coast, we\u2019ve included all our favourite locations.<\/p>\n

In need of some inspiration for your next break? Take a look at our shortlist of the 9 best nature reserves in Wales…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

The 9 best nature reserves in Wales<\/h2>\n

1. South Stack Cliffs – Holyhead, Anglesey<\/h3>\n

\"South<\/p>\n

Set on Holy Island, the South Stack Cliffs<\/a> are a popular tourist destination – and for very good reason. With dramatic views across the Irish Sea as well as incredible opportunities for bird watching, you\u2019ll be absolutely amazed by your surroundings. Choughs, puffins, and razorbills are just a few of the interesting birds you\u2019re likely to see swooping around the cliffs.<\/p>\n

2. Dinefwr Park – Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire<\/h3>\n

\"Dinefwr<\/p>\n

Dinefwr Park<\/a> is a gorgeous nature reserve, spanning over 800 acres near Llandeilo in\u00a0 Carmarthenshire<\/a>. Owned by the National Trust, visitors can stroll around its expansive grounds and explore the remains of Dinefwr Castle. There\u2019s also an 18th-century mansion here – Newton House is great for wandering around on drizzly days.<\/p>\n

3. Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre – New Quay, Ceredigion<\/h3>\n

\"Cardigan<\/p>\n

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre<\/a> in New Quay gives you the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals, and porpoises as they swim by the coast. The centre offers regular Dolphin Survey Boat Trips, so you can get out on the water and get up close with the resident sea life!<\/p>\n

4. Coed y Brenin – Dolgellau, Gwynedd<\/h3>\n

\"Coed-y-Brenin,<\/p>\n

A dense forest close to the town of Dolgellau, Coed y Brenin<\/a> is a haven for walkers and cyclists. Originally purpose-built as a mountain biking centre, it attracts plenty of visitors with its beautiful waterfall and miles of picturesque tracks. If you do love biking, you\u2019ll find several exhilarating trails ranging from beginner to expert difficulty.<\/p>\n

5. Dee Estuary – Flintshire, Denbighshire<\/h3>\n

\"Dee<\/p>\n

The Dee Estuary<\/a> in Flintshire is the ideal destination for relaxed afternoon strolls. A popular destination for bird watchers, you can expect to see sandpipers, egrets and terns among many others. It\u2019s a really peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by, even if you\u2019re not a keen twitcher!<\/p>\n

6. Coed y Cerrig – Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire<\/h3>\n

\"Coed<\/p>\n

Set within the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, Coed y Cerrig<\/a> is a lovely mixed woodland. Ideal for dog walkers, you\u2019ll find an array of scenic walking routes through the woods. It\u2019s absolutely delightful in the spring when the forest floor is blanketed in vibrant bluebells.<\/p>\n

7. Ramsey Island – St Davids, Pembrokeshire<\/h3>\n

\"ramsey<\/p>\n

Ramsey Island<\/a> is a small island just off St David\u2019s<\/a> Head, famed for its resident puffins. Visitors can reach the island via boat tours from the mainland, and there are even opportunities for fishing tours for keen anglers.<\/p>\n

8. Ynys-Hir Nature Reserve – Machynlleth, Powys<\/h3>\n

\"Ynys-Hir<\/p>\n

The Ynys-Hir Nature Reserve<\/a> is an RSPB-owned reserve in Powys<\/a>, boasting beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The area is absolutely full of wildlife no matter the season – from the ducks and geese in the winter months to the rare butterfly species during the summer, there\u2019s always something to see. For further things to do in Powys, check out our ultimate guide<\/a> to this stunning county.<\/p>\n

9. Gower Peninsula – Swansea, South Wales<\/h3>\n

\"Gower<\/p>\n

The Gower Peninsula<\/a> is a must-see if you\u2019ll be stopping in South Wales. The first place in Britain to receive the coveted Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty title, it\u2019s a much-loved destination for many. Whether you plan on bathing on its golden beaches or strolling along the sea cliffs, there\u2019s so much to see and do.<\/p>\n

\n

Planning a break in the beautiful Welsh countryside, or perhaps along its stunning coast? Our charming holiday cottages in West Wales<\/a> offer something for all. Whether you\u2019re searching for a remote coastal cottage<\/a> or perhaps a secluded holiday cottage<\/a> tucked away in the countryside, your dream break begins here!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking for the best nature reserves in Wales? We\u2019re sure you\u2019re already aware that Wales is brimming with beautiful locations. With 76 nature reserves across the country to choose from, you\u2019ll never run out of incredible destinations to discover and explore… From the dramatic South Stack Cliffs on the Isle of Anglesey to the enchanting […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":2112,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1544],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-70","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","location-wales"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/89"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3935,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70\/revisions\/3935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}