White Water Rafting in Wales

The top five locations for white water rafting in Wales; 

1. The River Dee in Llangollen is the perfect place to go white water rafting. This river will take you to the charming Horseshoe Falls and is known as one of the best in the UK for white water rafting. This adventure will take you onto the rapids such as Serpents Tail, Tombstones and Town Falls and makes sure you’ll leave with wonderful memories.

Where to stay
Llangollen is 50 minutes drive from the historic city of Chester, famous for its rows of tiered shops. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel has a fine dining restaurant and luxury spa. The location couldn't be better in the very centre of the bustling town. 

Pale Hall Hotel is a 35-minute drive from the rafting centre and one of the country's most elegant hotels.

2. If you’d like to try white water rafting to see what the fuss is all about, then the Teifi River is the place for you. Here you will get the opportunity to go on the Teifi River with its mix of thrilling fast water and pleasant paddling. The region is known as the desert of Wales due to the low population; making this rafting trip a true escape from the modern world.

Where to Stay
Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant is located on the outskirts of Tenby, the pretty harbour town. The hotel has only 12 rooms, therefore we need to secure rooms as early as possible. It is a true delight, family-run and much loved. Please also consider our range of Unique Places to Stay and Luxury Guest Houses and B&Bs.  

3. Who knew that you'd be able to go white water rafting on the edge of Cardiff, the Welsh capital? Raft the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park on the River Usk. The Usk rises in the North-Western edge of the Brecons and flows south-easterly through south Wales majestic valleys. The River Rhondda features long stretches of tough rapids, falls and difficult to predict waves – it is one hell of a ride. The River Wye hugs the edge of the national park is more sedate and relaxing in parts. These Rivers are not dependant on water releases from dams.

Where to Stay
The River Usk cuts its way through the Brecon Beacons National Park and eventually ends up in the sea at Newport. Staying at Celtic Manor Resort is ideal after a day on the River Usk. Why not spend the following day playing a round of golf at the hotel? Please see our Golfing in Wales page. 

Alternatively, stay within the national park at Gliffaes Country House Hotel. A classic country house hotel with traditional rooms.

The former home of Laura Ashley, Llangoed Hall Hotel is a place to relax beside the fire and enjoy a cocktail, especially after a day battling with the rapids of the River Usk.

4. Raft the River Tryweryn through Snowdonia National Park with grade three sections. Boulders have been placed in strategic locations to make the river safer and create pools for play. Located near Bala, the National White Water Centre features approximately 5.5 miles of a natural river, making it one of the longest rafting bodies of water in the United Kingdom. This adventure will take you to the best sections of the Tryweryn River, where you can marvel at the beauty of Snowdonia National Park with its otters, raptors and sublime scenery. 

Where to Stay
The beautifully restored Pale Hall Hotel is our recommendation for this region. Enjoy cocktails in the bar, maybe a stroll through the grounds and a high-end dinner before flopping onto your four-poster bed. It is a 15-minute drive to the National White Water Centre. What a wonderful place to return to after your full-on day rafting.

5. How about Cardiff International White Water Rafting Centre? It is a world-class artificial white water centre catering for professional and leisure standards. The facility has many holes, curves and tons of waves to test your nerve. For those who consider themselves 'professional', lets book Friday night sessions when the centre turns up the volume and turns CIWW into a raging torrent of angry white water. There is also an opportunity to watch your friends and family fail or succeed from the sidelines.

Where to Stay
The rafting centre in Cardiff is 4 miles from the city centre or a 15-minute drive from Hotel Indigo Cardiff, a modern and chic property. Marco Pierre White steakhouse bar and grill is a cool place to hang out and drink or eat or both.