Enjoy a Welsh cottage holiday with your family

A week or two in a holiday cottage is a great way for families to spend time together and one destination where you will discover plenty of child-friendly accommodation is Wales. Whether you choose to stay somewhere close to sea or further inland, you can enjoy a break that everyone, no matter their age, will love.

Although we all want different things from our holidays, you can be sure of finding something in Wales to satisfy the interests of everyone in your party. Indeed, choosing to stay in Welsh cottages will be particularly well-suited to those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.

The country has 331 miles of traffic-free cycling routes and, as many of these are suitable for families, you and your loved ones will have plenty of scope to get some fresh air and exercise as you explore on two wheels. One of the many child-friendly routes is the Elan Valley Trail, a 9-mile path that takes you past the Elan Valley reservoirs. Consisting mostly of tarmac and gravel, the trail can be completed in about one hour so it shouldn't present too much of a challenge for teenagers or adults.

Cycling isn't the only family-friendly active in Wales and there's also plenty of opportunity to take your kids on wonderful strolls through the countryside. Head to the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk, which lies on the border with England, and you can follow a number of fascinating routes. Take the Caerleon Heritage Trail for the chance to see Roman baths and an amphitheatre that was once capable of containing up to 6,000 spectators.

If, on the other hand, you and your kids are hoping to spend some time by the sea you can easily do so. Wales contains some 750 miles of coastline, with many of its sandy stretches being awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and quality of facilities. Rhosneigr in Anglesey is a great place for water sports, including windsurfing and sailing, while Llangennith in the Gower Peninsular is well-suited for those wanting to learn how to surf.

Don't worry if the weather takes a turn for the worse, as Wales has a multitude of family-friendly attractions that are based indoors. Art lovers can head to the Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno to see works by a range of local and international artists, with the craft shop offering the chance to pick up handmade ceramics and jewellery. You can also visit the LC waterpark in Swansea, which contains a lazy river, slides and a wavepool.

However, it's not just the wide variety of landmarks and activities that make Wales a great place for a family holiday, but also the quality of its accommodation. Whether you want a cosy cottage or a home capable of housing large families, you'll discover a wide range of properties to choose from, with amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and digital television ensuring that everyone will be able to relax in comfort.

Another big benefit to taking a break in Wales, as opposed to going overseas, is that you don't have to spend ages queuing up at the airport or require any immunisations. It's also much easier to take your pets away with you on holiday and, in seeking out a dog-friendly cottage, every member of your household - whether they have two legs or four - can enjoy a getaway.

That way, you don't have to go through the hassle or expense of paying for your dog to be vaccinated or book a stay in a kennel and you will be able to take your pooch for long family walks along Wales's golden beaches or through its verdant forests.