Share a tip on your favourite under-the-radar places and things to do in Wales

The Guardian Travel section, in collaboration with esteemed travel experts, is launching an exciting competition designed to unearth these lesser-known treasures. We are inviting our readers to share their favourite under-the-radar discoveries across Wales, offering a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on places that might otherwise remain off the mainstream tourist radar. Whether it’s a perfectly secluded hiking trail winding through ancient woodlands, a thrilling mountain biking route offering panoramic vistas away from the crowds, an intriguing small museum preserving local history and forgotten crafts, or simply an unexpected diversion that unexpectedly transformed into the highlight of your trip – we want to hear about it. This initiative seeks to go beyond the postcard-perfect images and delve into the authentic, often overlooked, experiences that make travel truly memorable.

In an age where authentic experiences and sustainable tourism are increasingly valued, the search for "hidden gems" has become a significant trend among travellers. It reflects a desire to connect more deeply with a destination, support local communities, and escape the often-crowded popular sites. Wales, with its intricate tapestry of landscapes, rich industrial past, and deeply rooted Celtic culture, is fertile ground for such discoveries. Beyond the well-known castles like Caernarfon or Conwy, there are countless smaller fortifications, ancient ruins, and historical sites with equally compelling stories. Beyond the bustling tourist towns, quiet villages offer glimpses into traditional Welsh life, complete with local dialects, unique festivals, and artisanal crafts. This competition is not just about finding a new place; it’s about discovering a new facet of Wales, a new story to tell, and a new reason to explore.

The discerning eye of Tom Hall, an influential figure from Lonely Planet, will be crucial in identifying the most compelling submission. As a Senior Editor at Lonely Planet, one of the world’s leading travel guide publishers, Tom Hall brings a wealth of experience and an understanding of what makes a travel tip truly exceptional. His expertise lies in identifying destinations that offer unique value, authentic experiences, and practical appeal to a global audience. His involvement underscores the quality and credibility of this competition, ensuring that the winning tip genuinely represents an outstanding discovery.

The stakes are high, with the best tip of the week earning a fantastic prize: a £200 voucher to stay at a property listed on Coolstays. Coolstays is a highly reputable platform renowned for curating a collection of over 3,000 unique, stylish, and often quirky accommodations worldwide. From luxurious glamping pods nestled in the countryside to chic boutique hotels, converted lighthouses, and charming rustic cottages, Coolstays properties promise an experience far removed from the ordinary. A £200 voucher offers a significant contribution towards an unforgettable stay, allowing the winner to further explore Wales’ charm or indeed, any other destination that Coolstays features. This prize perfectly complements the spirit of discovery that the competition promotes, encouraging future adventures in distinctive settings.

Furthermore, the best tips, meticulously selected for their insight and appeal, will be featured prominently in the Guardian Travel section and on its popular website. Publication in The Guardian is a significant achievement for any aspiring travel writer or enthusiastic explorer. The Guardian Travel section is celebrated for its high-quality journalism, engaging narratives, and comprehensive coverage of global destinations. It reaches a vast and engaged audience of travel enthusiasts, offering the winners an unparalleled platform to share their discoveries and inspire countless others to venture off the beaten path in Wales. This exposure not only validates the winner’s keen eye for travel but also contributes to a richer, more diverse narrative of Welsh tourism.

To ensure fairness and consistency in judging, participants are asked to keep their tip to approximately 100 words. This word limit encourages conciseness, clarity, and the ability to convey the essence of an experience without unnecessary embellishment. A compelling 100-word tip should be descriptive yet precise, capturing the reader’s imagination while providing enough practical detail to inspire a visit. It should highlight what makes the discovery "under-the-radar" and why it stood out as a personal highlight. While we encourage you to send in a relevant photograph to accompany your submission – a picture, after all, can speak a thousand words and help visualise the beauty of your discovery – it is crucial to remember that it is your words that will be solely judged for the competition. The power of narrative, the vividness of your description, and the practicality of your advice will be the deciding factors.

For legal and logistical reasons, this competition is exclusively open to UK residents. This ensures compliance with various competition laws and simplifies the prize distribution process. We understand this may disappoint some international readers, but it allows us to focus on celebrating domestic travel within the UK and, specifically, the unique charm of Wales.

The window for submissions is finite, creating an exciting sense of urgency. The competition officially closes on Monday, 16 February 2026, at 10 am GMT. We urge all interested participants to mark this date in their calendars and submit their entries well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical difficulties. This deadline provides ample time for reflection, research, and crafting the perfect submission that truly captures the spirit of an under-the-radar Welsh gem.

For those seeking inspiration or curious about the calibre of previous entries, we encourage you to browse our past winners and other tips featured in our ongoing series. These archives offer a fascinating insight into the diverse range of discoveries our readers have shared from various destinations, providing valuable examples of what makes a winning tip. Additionally, all participants are strongly advised to read the comprehensive terms and conditions of the competition, available via the provided link. Understanding these terms ensures a smooth entry process and clarifies any queries regarding eligibility, judging criteria, and prize allocation.

The submission process has been streamlined for ease of use. A dedicated online form is available, designed to capture all the necessary details for your entry. This form typically includes fields for your travel tip (where you’ll input your 100-word description, ensuring you include details of the location, any relevant price information, and a website if applicable), an option to upload a photograph, your name (first name only if you prefer for privacy), your residential location (to confirm UK residency), and your email address. For those who encounter any technical difficulties with the main form, an alternative link is provided to ensure that every eager explorer has the opportunity to share their discovery. Rest assured, your responses are handled with the utmost security; the form is encrypted, and only The Guardian has access to your contributions. Your personal data will be used solely for the purpose of this feature and will be deleted once no longer required. We also recommend reviewing The Guardian’s general terms of service and privacy policy for a complete understanding of how your data is handled.

This competition is more than just a chance to win a prize; it’s an invitation to become an ambassador for the less-explored corners of Wales. It’s an opportunity to share a piece of your personal travel narrative, to inspire fellow adventurers, and to contribute to a collective celebration of Wales’s profound and often hidden beauty. In a world increasingly dominated by mass tourism, highlighting these quiet corners fosters a more respectful and enriching way to travel. It encourages a deeper appreciation for local culture, supports smaller, independent businesses, and helps to distribute the economic benefits of tourism more broadly across the country. So, delve into your travel memories, revisit those serendipitous moments, and articulate the magic of your favourite under-the-radar Welsh discovery. Your insight could lead countless others to their next unforgettable adventure and cement your place as a connoisseur of authentic Welsh experiences.