The Old Lifeboat on Anglesey10 Welsh cottages, holiday homes and pods have been whittle down to be named the best in the UK. Several Welsh properties have been shortlisted in the upcoming Sykes Gems 2025 Awards. The Welsh properties shortlisted range from a remote bolthole in Eryri National Park, a former sweet shop transformed into a stylish cottage in Conwy and a seafront Old Lifeboat House in Anglesey.
The UK and Ireland’s best holiday cottages have been shortlisted in a national awards programme that recognises property owners for exceptional service, unique properties, and positive guest experiences. It also has groups of award categories.
Some of these are ‘best farm stays’, ‘best for beaches’ and ‘best for couples and this Welsh property on the Menai Strait made the shortlist for ‘best view’. There are also regional categories, including ‘best in Mid and South Wales’, ‘Best in North Wales’ and ‘Best in South West England.’
The expert judging panel includes Sykes’ Managing Director, James Shaw, Luke Squires, Customer Experience Director and The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski.
Here are the 10 Welsh stays making the 2025 shortlist.
1. Balog Farm
Balog Farm is a beautifully presented abode that rests in an elevated position in Llaneilian, Isle of Anglesey.
Enjoying uninterrupted sea views in one of the most exceptional locations, this three-bedroom cottage is ideal for families or friends who want to explore north Wales.
Inside are striking, characterful features of wooden beams and high ceilings that have been tastefully restored to complement the contemporary interiors in greys and blues.
2. Creuddyn
Creuddyn overlooks the rolling Welsh fields in the parish of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, near Aberystwyth. This quirky holiday pod has glorious countryside views and benefits from an enclosed garden with a hot tub. It also has a beautifully appointed interior with a studio-style layout and a double bedroom.
3. Curtau, Powys
sykes cottages shortlist for best in Wales places to stayCurtau
Curtau is a detached holiday home with four bedrooms, an Open-plan living space with a kitchen, dining area, and sitting area, and a garden and a bubbly hot tub outside. It’s situated in the charming village of Llanfaredd near Builth Wells, Powys.
4. Dol Blodau, Powys
Dol Blodau is a delightful lodge in the heart of the Welsh countryside, just a short distance from Newbridge on Wye. Inside, there are two large bedrooms and an open-plan living space with a kitchen, dining area, and sitting area. You can also soak in a private hot tub, spacious enough for all four guests.
Glanduad Fawr is a spacious property located at Felindre Farchog, close to the charming village of Nevern and the town of Newport on the Pembrokeshire coast. With room for 12 guests, it’s the perfect destination for a big family get-together or a special occasion gathering.
Enjoying a beautiful Welsh setting with lawns, woodlands, a pond, and a river helps to create a true rural idyll and gives the property a real sense of tranquillity.
6. Llety Cariad, Powys
sykes cottages shortlist for best in Wales places to stayLlety Cariad
Llety Cariad is a stunning single-storey studio lodge situated near Llandrindod Wells in mid-Wales. Offering stunning countryside views, a hot tub, a toasty infrared sauna, and a studio-style layout, this pet-friendly retreat is perfect for a romantic getaway in Wales.
7. The Manor House, Conwy
The Manor House Skerry Vore – This charming pet-friendly retreat is a spacious escape in North Wales. Inside, you’ll find six bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, and an open-plan living/dining room, where you can gather around the Smart TV or enjoy a home-cooked meal at the dining table. Outside is a wraparound garden with a hot tub and a BBQ.
You might even be lucky enough to see a dolphin pod while relaxing on the balcony with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is a lovely, bright, and contemporary space.
The living area has cane sofas and chairs, a woodburning stove, and a dining table and chairs that comfortably seat 8.
9. The Old Sweet Shop, Conwy
sykes cottages shortlist for best in Wales places to staythe old Sweet shop
The Old Sweet Shop is a semi-detached cottage dating to approximately 1850, situated within walking distance of the ancient castle at Conwy, a world heritage site.
Having been fully restored to its original charm and offering dog-friendly accommodation, The Old Sweet Shop is ideal for a family or two couples looking to explore the coast and countryside of Conwy.
On the ground floor, discover the open-plan living space equipped with a stone-built fire surround, a woodburning gas stove, an audio entertainment system, and contemporary furniture.
10. Weirglodd, Denbighshire
sykes cottages shortlist for best in Wales places to stayWeirglodd
Weirglodd is a quirky holiday pod in the breathtakingly beautiful North Wales countryside, close to the Denbighshire village of Cyffylliog.
Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, fields, and forests, with a working farm next door, the setting is simply sublime and perfect if you love the great outdoors.
Step outside to the fantastic outdoor space, where you will find a fire pit, loads of seating, a covered area with a hot tub, a kitchen area, a woodburning stove, and even a TV.
Other Welsh finalists at Sykes Gems 2025 AwardsThe Granary, Vale of Glamorgan – Best Farm StayThe Hayloft, Powys – Best Farm StayThe Kite’s Nest, Ceredigion – Best For CouplesTy Kinnik, Denbighshire – Best For FamiliesMeadway House, Conwy – Best For FamiliesDragonfly shepherd’s Hut, Ceredigion – Best For GlampingCae Bach, Denbighshire – Best For GlampingTy Ni, Ceredigion – Best For Large GroupsArosfa, Flintshire – SustainabilityFronwig, Ceredigion – Best ViewsThe Nest, Denbighshire – Best For WalksBrynhafod, Powys – Best For HottubChapel House – Best For LuxuryCartref – Best National Park propertyThe Grove, Pems – Best NewcomerSwyn Llyr – Best NewcomerCircus Circus – Best QuirkyEvenjobb Farmhouse – Best RenoThe Old School – Best RenoThe Pottery – Best Reno
Winners of the Sykes Gems 2025 Awards will be announced in September. Sykes are just one of the many holiday accomodation booking platforms, other options include airbnb, holidaycottages.co.uk and booking.com.