With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a break from the city and head out into the countryside.
From endless stretches of rugged coastline to mile upon mile of green country parks, forests and undulating Welsh valleys, the countryside around Cardiff has plenty of towns and villages to explore during the mid-season.
Wales is home to some truly magical holiday cottages and we've found five of the best that still have availability for last-minute bookings in the next few weeks.
READ MORE: Best caravans and camping holidays in Wales for the King's Coronation weekend
With uncrowded beaches, pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall and of course, better deals to be found on accommodation, rental companies such as Rural Retreats, Sykes Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk have some enticing prices for visitors in May.
All prices quoted are for the rental of the entire property unless otherwise mentioned.
Rexton House, Llanwit Major
Just a short distance from several sandy beaches, this traditional country cottage is located in the historic town of Llanwit Major, 40 minutes away from Cardiff.
With a well-equipped kitchen and two spacious bedrooms, Rexton House sleeps up to five visitors who can relax in the enclosed courtyard garden, or head down to the beach that is popular with surfers and ramblers.
With a wood-burning stove and cosy living areas, one small, well-behaved dog is welcome to stay with you, and the cottage offers off-street parking for one vehicle.
Rexton House currently has availability in May for a three-night midweek break, with prices starting from £827.
The Granary, St Brides Major
This stylish, two-bedroom barn conversion is situated in a rural position in the Vale of Glamorgan, around a 45-minute drive from Cardiff.
With sleek interiors, open-plan living spaces and its very own hot tub, The Granary blends the very best of contemporary living with traditional farmland views, and the wood-burning stove adds warmth and character.
The cottage sleeps up to four visitors in its two super-king-size bedrooms and comes with two dedicated parking spaces.
For larger groups looking to holiday together, nearby cottages The Cwtch and The Byre can be rented at the same time to comfortably accommodate up to 10 visitors.
Prices for The Granary start from £699 for a week arriving on Saturday, May 6.
Nos Da, Bridgend
This pretty little holiday cottage is nestled next to a 16th-century former rectory on the edge of Rhondda Cynon Taff in a picturesque setting surrounded by ancient woodlands and leafy lanes.
Sleeping up to four visitors, Nos Da is set in four acres of delightful gardens, and the single-storey cottage has its own private terrace area.
One guest who has already had the pleasure of a stay at Nos Da left a glowing review, calling it "an excellent little cottage in the perfect setting."
Peaceful and quiet, yet just a 40-minute drive from the city of Cardiff, Nos Da has availability for mid-week, short breaks in May starting from £702.
Stella at Nash Point Lighthouse
If you fancy staying somewhere a little different, Stella sits on the grounds of an actual, real-life lighthouse and is located close to Ogmore-by-sea with its coveted blue flag beaches.
Sleeping up to five guests in two bedrooms, the cottage has a cosy and comfortable interior, and for larger groups, the neighbouring Ariel cottage can be booked at the same time (subject to availability).
Located 40 minutes away from Cardiff, the Stella is a short drive from Cowbridge with its boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants and pubs, and the Gower peninsula and the Mumbles are a little way further along the coast.
Stella is currently available for a four-night stay in May for £907.
The Farmhouse at West Farm, Southerndown
Get all the family together for a special occasion or long-awaited reunion with this stunning five-star converted farm with uninterrupted panoramic views out across the Bristol Channel can sleep up to 16 people.
Sandwiched between two well-known beautiful beaches along the South Wales coast, this luxury retreat is just one mile east is Dunraven Bay with its large sandy beaches and just a 45-minute drive from central Cardiff.
With eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, velvet sofas, grand open fireplaces and an enormous kitchen, The Farmhouse at West Farm has lawned areas and a patio for outdoor dining, and enough space to easily park six cars.
While not the cheapest property on our list by any means, this property is a one-of-a-kind find that has limited availability for seven nights on May, 8 for £2983 or £186 per person.
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