Welcome to Afan Forest Retreat by Happy Days Stays. Forest trails from the door, scenic cycle routes to Aberavon Beach, secure bike storage and a great pub nearby. Perfect for walkers, cyclists, dog owners and relaxing South Wales escapes.
Cymmer
Welcome to Afan Forest Retreat by Happy Days Stays. Forest trails from the door, scenic cycle routes to Aberavon Beach, secure bike storage and a great pub nearby. Perfect for walkers, cyclists, dog owners and relaxing South Wales escapes.
Located in Aberdare, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. Aberdare Golf Club and Penderyn Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Sobell Leisure Centre and Aberdare Swimming Pool. Travelling with kids? Consider Brecon Mountain Railway and Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and horse riding.
Brecon Beacons National Park - 15 min drive - 12.0 km
Principality Stadium - 54 min drive - 58.9 km
Getting around
Cwmbach Station - 16 min walk
Cardiff International Airport (CWL) - 75 min drive
Restaurants
‪Yr Ieuan Ap Iago (Wetherspoon) - ‬4 min drive
‪Peppers - ‬4 min drive
‪Domino's Pizza - ‬13 min walk
‪Delico Deli - ‬5 min drive
‪Costa Coffee - ‬12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World ?
As of 26 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World on 4 Jan 2027 start from £303, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World ?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is "266" 4 STAR! HOT-TUB, LOG-FIRE, BQ, PLAYGROUND, BIKE LOCKUP, Nr Zip World located?
This family-friendly Aberdare cottage is located in the mountains, within 1 mi (2 km) of Aberdare Swimming Pool and Sobell Leisure Centre. Dare Valley Country Park and Aberdare Park are also within 2 miles (3 km). Cwmbach Station is 16 minutes by foot and Aberdare Station is 25 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property was exactly as advertised and the inside was very colourful and inviting and offered three bedrooms and two full bathrooms so was perfect for the four of us sisters travelling together. We had excellent communication with Diane and her housekeeper throughout our stay. The hot tub was a big plus after a day of walking and the outdoor space was great. We would definitely recommend and if we were ever to be back in Wales, we would definitely be back. Thanks so much for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2026
Thank you so much for your great review ladies. We felt privileged that you had chosen to stay with us.
Please come back again and also send your friends. WALES has so much variety to offer for holiday makers ....you can never stay too long.
Best Wishes Diane, Bill and the Team.
Obviously the hot tub was a huge hit with the whole family but the property as a whole felt so cosy and homely with all the lights and comfortable seating. Nice location both near zip world and Cardiff. Very helpful host and welcoming party as well. Definitely recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept 2026
Anne and family were great guests. Left the property well. We really hope to host them again soon
A lovely cottage feel, hosts were lovely and communication excellent. Lots of help with things to do on the area! Kitchen well facilitated with ample utensils, glasses and crockery. The hot tub was a luxury with a lovely outside space. Games provided and DVDs, but we were so busy we didnt need to use them! Smooth check in and check out. Great place to stay for families of younger and older children. Thank you
Everything about this house is just perfect. Straight away you can see the love and thought that has gone into every part of it. Definitely the best holiday house we’ve ever stopped in. We are leaving today and it is with an heavy heart. Will definitely be booking it again when we get home. Thankyou Diane and Emma, you are both amazing
Everything was as we expected,lovely and clean and like another world when we stepped inside,would definitely go again. Great comunication with the host,we had a fab weekend all round.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2026
thank you for your great review. Hope to see you all again very soon
Best wishes, Diane and Bill
South Wales Homes
Really accommodating hosts. They did everything to make sure our stay was trouble-free. The garden is very private and the hot tub was great. Comfortable home in a good location, with supermarkets in walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Feb 2026
Thank you all for choising to holiday at 266 Heart of the Valleys Cottage.
We very much hope to have you return soon.
Best Wishes
Bill and Diane
We checking In on Wednesday, lots of amenities. really enjoyed the hot tub, local landscapes and great central location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2022
Thank you Charles for taking time to write a review. It was our privilage to host you all, and hope you enjoyed our amazing scenery and your mountain walks. We very much hope you'll all return very soon.
Best wishes,
Diane and Bill
The hot tub was an excellent addition to the stay. After trekking Brecon every day we got in every evening. Rooms were good size and we had enough space for all - 5 adults and 2 kids. The hot water was a bit temperamental (seems to be only working when the heating is on) and there is no dishwasher.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
Hi, thank you for yr review.. just to note. We dont advertise that we have a dishwasher., we ask guests to bring their husbands! Sorry but no room to put one.
If you'd text to let us know hubby would have came straight down and sorted the water issue.
Hope to welcome you all again.
Diane and Bill
Cottage with many modern upgrades both inside and out
Hosts and housekeeper were wonderful to work with
Stayed 13 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jun 2025
It was our pleasure to host Michael and his lovely family. How wonderful to return to yr native country to visit family. Well done all of you.
Best wishes from all the 266 Team
Great area for exploring south wales. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas. So lovely, cosy and clean . The hot tub and play park for the kids was an additional bonus. Beds were comfy and It had everything you need. The owners and House keeping lady were really helpful when we had any questions. Perfect get away and we would definatley return.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for coming to us at such a wonderful time of the year! We're so happy you all enjoyed our decorations and our Holiday Cottage. Please, please come back soon.
Best wishes, Diane and Bill Arif
had a lovely stay , the house keeper welcomed us in so nicely and made us feel so comfortable when we checked in ... the house was spacious and child friendly, enjoyed the swing slides hot tub and the outing around, we loved cardiff white water rafting, the many waterfalls, and seeing shooting stars one midnight adventure
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2025
Hi Rachel,
Thank you so much for taking time to write a review.
We are so pleased you had some great times while here.
Please come back again soon.
Best wishes
Bill and Diane
South Wales Homes
We had a very lovely time, the house is charming, plenty of activities for the kids. The hot tub was great. More importantly the host was super friendly and welcoming. The location was great to reach some lovely place in wales. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2025
Thank you Anne for choosing to stay with us.
Also for leaving everything clean.
We hope to have you all visit again soon
Best wishes
Diane and Bill Arif
First time away from home for Christmas and we had a great time. The cottage had everything we needed and some gorgeous scenery/walks nearby. Very relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
Thank you Gemma and family for choosing to stay with us. So glad you had a great holiday, we very much hope to host you all again very soon.
Best wishes,
Bill and Diane Arif
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Kirsty C.
22 Nov 2018
Amazing cottage
Cottage was amazing, very clean and homely. We loved the added extras such as biscuits, milk, tea and coffee provided by Diane who is a lovely lady gave us loads of info on local attractions and made us feel very welcome will definitely be staying here again.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
Hi Kirsty,
Thank you so much for taking time to write a lovely review for us. It was great to meet you and your family. And thank you for taking the extra effort to make it by taxi to us., we really appreciated you all coming.
Please don't leave it too long before returning. Anything we can do to make your stay easier, please don't hesitate to ask.
Best Wishes,
Diane and Bill and the 266 team
We stayed at the house for 4 days in January as a group of 7 with 3 children. From the minute we booked Diane couldn't have been more helpful. Diane, her husband and Emma the housekeeper all welcomed us on arrival and showed us around the house. We had the most amazing stay, the house has everything one needs and more. It was spotless , the kitchen was well equipped and the beds very comfortable. The locals were very welcoming and friendly and everything we needed was close by. None of us wanted to leave. We hope to stay again in the future, do not hesitate to book.
What a lovely gem. Owners were very welcoming on arrival. Cottage was lovely and clean. Hot tub was amazing. Close to amenities and a short drive to asda.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2024
Thank you for taking time to review Elizabeth. We're so glad you had a great birthday celebration.
Please come back again very soon.
Best wishes,
Diane and Bilgin
The 5 of us had a fantastic time at the cottage. It was a beautiful property where everything has been thought of and communication was incredible for the whole of our stay. We will definitely be coming back soon
Lovely cottage with close access to all the main sight seeing spots
Lovely cottage well equipped with all amenities you need for a home away from home . The guest was very proactive and comms were brilliant prior to our arrival and during our stay. The cottage is located close to the major sight seeing spots all within 30 min driving distance - four falls trek , Cardiff , caves etc . Nice hot tub to top off the lovely stay :)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jan 2023
Hi Varun and Family,
Thank you so much for taking time to review. I always like to think that 266 Cottage is in the centre of the ''universe'' as it were...... We're so near to everywhere, beaches in one direction, mountains and walks and zip wire, caves etc in the other. So glad you had a good time, please come back soon
best wishes,
Diane and Bill
Perfect with the children and babies. So much room! We loved visiting the parks and local area and so handy to be able to walk the buggy down to Asda!! Hot tub and play area used every single day. Thank you so much we loved our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Sept 2020
Thank you for taking time to review Catherine. We're so glad you took advantage of all our facilities. Children never want to leave once they see the playground, and adults never want to get out of the tub! haha, we all have different enjoyments, and its great all round when we're all enjoying ourselves. Come back soon.
Best wishes,
Diane and Bill