Wales is an incredible place with beautiful beaches, ancient castles, gorgeous scenery and so much more.
There are many fairytale locations in Wales if you know where to look. From dreamy castles, intricate gardens, lagoons and tiny chapels. It’s frankly a travel photographer’s dream here.
Spend some time visiting Wales and you’ll find there are lots of storybook locations to discover.
Fairytale Locations in Wales
These locations in Wales will make you feel as though you just stepped out of a fantastical storybook.
Check out our guide to the best fairytale locations in Wales and start planning your dream trip today.
Castell Coch, Cardiff
Castell Coch, or the ‘Red Castle’, is a 19th-century Gothic Revival fairytale castle in Cardiff, that is set amongst the trees of Fforest Fawr.
It honestly looks like something out of a Disney movie and is one of the must-visit castles in Wales.
The castle was built in the 1870s by Architect and designer William Burges, at the request of the third Marquess of Bute.
The uber-wealthy aristocrat had a vision of creating a medieval fantasy castle and Burges was happy to oblige.
Today the castle is open to visitors to take a step back in time and marvel at the richly decorated rooms.
Devil’s Bridge Falls
We love a good legend here in Wales and Devil’s Bridge perfectly encapsulates our penchant for all things folklore.
This small community in Ceredigion is around 12 miles away from the coastal town of Aberystwyth.
The main attraction in the area is the beautiful Devils Bridge Falls. Here you can see the original Devil’s Bridge that is said to have been constructed by the Devil himself.
According to local folklore, Lucifer constructed the bridge for a little old lady in exchange for her soul, or the soul of the first person to cross.
She manages to trick him, with the help of a dog, and so he leaves the area, forked tail between his legs.
This iconic bridge and the falls are a world-famous tourist attraction that attracts thousands of visitors each year. If you want to explore the falls in peace, you should aim to visit in the off-season, when it’s quieter.
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
If you enjoy lighthouses and the coastal views of turbulent waves crashing on the rocks below, then South Stack Lighthouse is another fairytale destination in Wales that you shouldn’t miss.
This small island off the north-west coast of Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales is so picturesque, it like something out of children’s book.
It was built in 1809 to warn ships of the dangerous rocks below in the rough seas.
This lighthouse is fully operational and has been since it’s construction over 200 years ago.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
This whimsical and enchanting tourist village in Gwynedd is a little slice of Italy in North Wales.
Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was the filming location of British television series ‘The Prisoner’.
With pastel-coloured buildings, charming fountains and manicured gardens, it’s a total Instagrammer’s dream.
Spend a day wandering around this dreamy village and make use of the onsite shops, spa, cafes and restaurants.
Aberglasney Gardens
If you are looking for dreamy, fairytale gardens in Wales then Aberglasney Gardens near Llandeilo is the place for you.
You can spend several hours wandering around these manicured gardens and get some really creative snaps.
You can spend several hours wandering around these manicured gardens and get some really creative snaps.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales and has a real storybook vibe.
This roofless, gothic abbey is located in the pretty village of Tintern, which is on the Welsh bank of the River Wye.
It’s just £5 to enter the abbey and the best time to visit is September to October, if you are looking to take Autumn snaps without the crowds.
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
Looking for the perfect tranquil place to have a picnic, or maybe take a swim? Then the Blue Lagoon at Pembrokeshire is the perfect fairytale destination for you.
The colour of the water is stunning, especially against the backdrop of the slate cliffs surrounding the lagoon.
St Govan’s Chapel
Speaking of fairytale locations in Pembrokeshire, while you are there make sure that you also take a moment to explore St. Govan’s Chapel.
This unusual chapel is located St. Govan’s Head, Pembrokeshire in South West Wales.
It is remarkably built into the side of the limestone cliffs that surround it and it is truly breathtaking.
Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, Powys
While this may not be the only waterfall to see in Wales, it is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales. Waters cascades more than 230 ft in 3 stages.
The area surrounding the fall has many beautiful walking trails for those who like to hike and explore in the woods. The whole area is so pretty that it looks like a fairytale forest.
A public footpath will lead you to the top of the falls so that you can get beautiful shots of Wale’s tallest waterfall.
Plas Cadnant, Anglesey
Have you ever wanted to explore your own fairytale secret garden? Well, here is your chance! Plas Cadnant is a historic garden situated between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey.
The gardens have been fully restored to their former glory and are now open to the public, but the garden was a secret hidden gem for more than 70 years.
Fairy Falls, Trefriw
Fairy Falls is a charming waterfall in the village of Trefriw in North Wales. The falls are on the river Crafnant, which has its source at Llyn Crafnant.
If you want to visit these picturesque falls, here is a walking path that takes you from the small village straight to the falls.
It’s a peaceful walk and the perfect place for a quiet picnic. The falls got their name from the faeries that have been spotted there, so if you visit
keep your eyes peeled!
Ty Hwnt i’r Bont Llanrwst
If ever there was a mythical flower-covered cottage straight out of a fairytale, then the 15th-century cottage known as Ty Hwnt i’r Bont, or the House Beyond the Bridge, is it.
Tu Hwnt i’r Bont is a 15th-century grade II listed building in the Community of Trefriw, in the county of Conwy, North Wales.
This fairytale cottage in Wales is located on the west bank of the flowing River Conwy
The whole village of Llanrwst is gorgeous, but this area, in particular, has a special, story-book vibe to it.
Hay-on-Wye, Powys
If you are a book lover then this whole town is meant for you! Hay-on-Wye, also known as the town of books is a book lover’s dream.
From classics and hard to find rare books, to new release books this place has it all. Belle, of Disney fame, would have been right at home here!
Once in the settlement, which can be found on the Welsh-English border, you’ll find oodles of bookshops, shelves on the streets, and even an honesty bookstore, housed within the ruins of the old castle walls.
Llandovery has played a key role in Welsh history and has fairytale, Norman Castle ruin that overlooks the town.
Another nod to the town’s history is a huge steel statue of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, next to the castle ruin.
He was a Carmarthenshire landowner who was executed in Llandovery by Henry IV of England for his support of Owain Glyndŵr‘s Welsh rebellion.
It always helps to learn more about the heritage and the culture of the place you are visiting. It can really help put a destination into the proper context.
This is especially true for Wales, as it has a long and complex history to unpack.
Soar-y-Mynydd Chapel
For a peaceful fairytale destination in Wales, visit Soar-y-Mynydd Chapel, the most remote chapel in Wales.
It’s an understated, whitewashed church that was built in 1822 to serve a hugely scattered congregation of farmers.
Strolling around this spiritual area you might imagine that the chapel was long abandoned? In fact, guest preachers come from all over Wales to conduct services in Welsh in this scenic part of the Cambrian Mountains.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
If you are a flower lover then the National Botanic Garden of
Wales is not to be missed! The impressive structure is a hugely popular attraction in Wales.
Outdoor lovers and plant enthuists travel from all over the place to admire the botanical research and conservation that takes place here.
Visitors are welcome and the garden is home to the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, as well as a centre for botanical research and conservation.
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, and the second-largest castle in Britain, outsized only by Windsor castle.
Caerphilly Castle in South Wales was built as a defensive castle in the mid-13th century and to this day still features a fully flooded moat.
It really does feel like a medieval film set as you wander around and admire all the historic features.
The castle offers daily tours and is sure to provide plenty of adventure and
history for visitors of all ages.
Melin Mables
Get back to the simple life at Melin Mabes in Pembrokeshire. This fairytale caravan is located on a private site near the pretty town in Narbeth.
This storybook retreat is the perfect romantic accommodation for couples on a Wales holiday.
You can snuggle up in authentic fairytale Romani vardo for a romantic and secluded evening away for two.
Traditional caravan Wales
This super pretty caravan sleeps two adults in a double bed amongst luxury bedding. There is also a wood-burning stove inside to keep you warm throughout the night.
Just twinkling fairy lights and a reading lamp. It’s a unique glamping site in Wales and is really worth a visit.
Book a quirky Airbnb in Wales and have £34 towards your first booking!
There are far more gorgeous ‘straight out of a fairytale locations’ in Wales than we could ever list here.
Hopefully, this list will give you a good idea of where to start your fairytale location hunt. What are your favourite fairytale locations in Wales to visit? Let us know in the comments below.
Wales Travel Planning
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Really interesting! I didn’t know these places existed. Hopefully I can visit soon.
I hope so too, Wales is such a fab place to visit. x
Ahhh great post Pip, and loving the new site! I really, really need to explore more of Wales. It’s on the list for this year!
So glad you like the new site, I hope you find it useful. xx
Omg Wales is so stunning. That flower-covered cottage is the most beautiful thing. Saving it for when I can go here in the future.
There really are some lovely fairytale places in Wales
All these places look indeed amazing! I love the caravan, it looks gorgeous 🙂
I am soooo keen to go back there but they are booked up until October! x
These are all absolutely stunning locations and the photos are amazing! I’ve heard some wonderful things about Wales, judging by these pictures, everything is true! Hope I would get to explore the area myself soon after we bit this damn virus.
Really hope you make it to Wales x
I’ve lived in the UK all my life, not that far from Wales, and there’s so much I haven’t seen. It’s my goal to explore more of the UK this year once restrictions are fully lifted for Scotland and Wales. I can’t wait to explore this beautiful place.
Really hope you can make it over to Wales. 🙂
Wow Blue lagoon looks gorgeous! I think I’ll start planning my next trip to Wales
It’s my favourite fairytale destination in Wales. 🙂
I have been saying for a while I need to spend more time in Wales so this is perfect
Make sure to add Wales to your bucket list. x
Wales looks like the ultimate fairytale land! Everything looks so lush and beautiful. I cannot wait to visit one day!
So many great places to visit in Wales. 🙂
You nailed it! Wales is definitely a fairytale. I can’t believe how cool the camper is, what a great lodging find. I’m pinning & savinng this blog for my next trip to Europe, which will have to include Wales now.
Yey! Everyone needs to add wales to their travel bucket list! 🙂
What a great idea for a niche sight! I’m absolutely in love with these storybook spots and you’ve def convinced me to put Wales on my list!
Wales is such a beautiful place, so many fairytale locations to discover. x
Wow so many gorgeous pics! I would particularly like to visit the blue lagoon!
I’m planning to be in Wales this year, so I got a lot of ideas from this post! I’m most excited for Hay-on-Wye 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Wow! All of these spots look so stunning. I wish I went to Wales when I did my UK trip last fall, but this totally gives me a reason to go back. Your photos are so stunning. 🙂
Oh, sooooo want to go to Wales! Will definitely use your tips when I get a chance once things open up!
There’s so many pretty places to visit. I love St Govan’s Chapel. Just so unexpected in the side of the cliffs.