travel guides wales

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

Award winner, bryn celli ddu, caernarfon castle, st david's cathedral.

South West Wales

Conwy Castle & River Estuary

North Wales

South Stack Lighthouse

Isle of Anglesey, North Wales

Welcome to Wales Best Guides

Wales Official Tourist Guides Association are the only guides officially recognised by Visit Wales and Welsh Government to guide in Wales. We have undergone extensive training, passing both practical and academic guiding examinations.

Many of us have the prestigious ‘Blue Badge’ guide qualification, a mark of quality and expertise for over 50 years. This enables us to take you around the whole of Wales. Others hold ‘regional’ or ‘site specific’ qualifications for parts of Wales. Click on the "Find a Guide" tab above to search for the guide of your choice.  Putting your mouse (or finger if using a mobile or tablet) on the badge or flag of a guide will tell you their area qualification and the language or languages they speak.

Wherever you choose for your break, you're guaranteed a guide who knows Wales intimately and relishes the chance to share their knowledge with you, aiming to provide a fun and enlightening tour for you or your clients.

When visiting Wales with a Wales Official Tourist Guide, you or your clients could not be in safer hands.

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The phrase 'good things come in small packages' may be a cliché, but in the case of Wales it's undeniably true.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Wales. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

St David's Cathedral

St Davids (Tyddewi)

Hidden in a hollow and behind high walls, St David's Cathedral is intentionally unassuming. The valley site was chosen in the vain hope that the church…

Caerphilly Castle

Southeast Wales

You could be forgiven for thinking that Caerphilly Castle – with its profusion of towers and crenellations reflected in a duck-filled lake – was a film…

Caernarfon Castle

Anglesey & the North Coast

Majestic Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I between 1283 and 1330 as a military stronghold, seat of government and royal palace. Designed and mainly…

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site

Snowdonia & the Llŷn

The preeminent Georgian engineer Thomas Telford (1757–1834) built the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in 1805 to carry the canal over the River Dee. At 307m long, 3…

Portmeirion Village

Llŷn Peninsula

Set on its own tranquil peninsula reaching into the estuary, this fantastical collection of colourful buildings with a heavy Italian influence was…

Centre for Alternative Technology

A small but dedicated band of enthusiasts have spent 40 years practising sustainability at the thought-provoking CAT, set in the Dyfi Unesco Biosphere…

Conwy Castle

Caernarfon is more complete, Harlech more dramatically positioned and Beaumaris more technically perfect, yet out of the four castles that compose the…

Beaumaris Castle

Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn)

Beaumaris is the last and most technically perfect of the ring of great castles built by Edward I of England to consolidate his Welsh conquests. Started…

Top picks from our travel experts

Top 13 things to add to your wales trip itinerary.

Broad Haven South

South Pembrokeshire

A mile southeast of Bosherston village, this beautiful golden-sand beach is framed by grey limestone cliffs and pointed sea stacks. The beach was formed…

Poppit Sands

North Pembrokeshire

Right at the end of the road that follows the river north from St Dogmaels, this big, broad, sandy beach offers terrific views over the estuary to…

Principality Stadium

Also known as Millennium Stadium ('Principality' is the current naming-rights sponsor), this spectacular venue squats like a stranded spaceship on the…

Barafundle Bay

Regularly voted one of Britain's most beautiful beaches, Barafundle Bay is a scenic 10-minute walk south along the coast path from Stackpole Quay (turn…

Penderyn Distillery

Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog

Though Wales has a long history of spirit distillation, this boutique distillery released its first malt whisky only in 2004, marking the resurgence of…

Ffestiniog Railway

The world's oldest surviving narrow-gauge railway, the Ffestiniog wends its way from the slate-mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. Long past…

Whitesands Bay

This mile-long sandy beach is a popular surfing, swimming and strolling spot. At extremely low tide you can see the wreck of a paddle tugboat that ran…

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Fascinating Big Pit provides an opportunity to explore a real coal mine and get a taste of what life was like for the miners who worked here from 1880 to…

Ascending Pen-y-Fan (886m), the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons, is one of the most popular hikes in the park (around 350,000 people make the climb…

South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve

Two miles west of Holyhead, the sea vents its fury against the vertiginous South Stack Cliffs, an important Royal Society for the Protection of Birds …

Castell Coch

Cardiff Castle's fanciful little brother sits perched atop a thickly wooded crag on the northern fringes of Cardiff. It was the summer retreat of the…

Powis Castle

Surrounded by magnificent gardens, the redbrick Powis Castle was originally constructed in the 13th century by Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, prince of Powys,…

Harlech Castle

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

Edward I finished this intimidating yet aesthetically pleasing castle in 1289, the southernmost of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to keep the…

Caws Cenarth

Swansea, The Gower & Carmarthenshire

One of Wales' most acclaimed organic cheesemakers, Caws Cenarth produces all the well-known Welsh cheeses (Caerphilly, Perl Wen, Perl Las) as well as the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

From glamping and stargazing to puffin spotting and riding heritage steam trains, these are the top things to do in Wales.

Transportation

Whether you prefer to travel by rail, bike, bus, or car we can help you plan your trip to Wales with these top tips for getting around.

Best Road Trips

Treating drivers to views of sky-skimming mountains, deep green valleys and swaths of pristine coastline, these are the best road trips in Wales.

Spending Diaries

Cornwall hogs Britain’s coastal limelight, but Pembrokeshire is just as heart racingly beautiful

Plan with a local

Experience the real Wales

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Take inspiration from a legendary Welsh leader as you tackle this 135-mile trail through the heart of Wales.

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Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Wales with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Wales and beyond

Discover Wales, your way

Splash in sparkling bays. Unwind with stunning views. Feast with friends. All awaits in Wales.

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UK holidays, short breaks, and wonderful weekends in Wales

Wander wales’ wonderful woodlands in every season.

Discover places to enjoy woodland walks in Wales throughout the year.

• Wellness activities

© Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

Lose yourself in one of our gardens

Exotic plants, friendly animals, picnic spots and more - our guide to great gardens across Wales.

• National Trust
• Historic buildings
• Countryside

Grottoes and groves - explore our lush country parks

Get outside and explore some fabulous green spaces in our wonderful Welsh country parks.

Explore the exquisite gardens of North Wales

Here's a guide to some of the loveliest gardens you can explore in North Wales.

The best South Wales gardens

The gardens of South Wales offer a wealth of unforgettable sights and historic experiences.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales through the seasons

Discover the National Botanic Garden of Wales through the seasons. No matter what time of year you visit, there's plenty to see and do.

• Amazing places

Explore the stunning gardens of West Wales 

West Wales has an abundance of great gardens. Here are some stunning displays to visit.

Best places to see beautiful bluebells in Wales

From formal gardens to wild woods, here's our recommended top places to see bluebells in spring.

© Carl Stringer

Visit Wales Newsletter

This is Wales. A country with a warm heart, a rich history and an exciting future. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear our latest stories, holiday or short break ideas and more about interesting events taking place in Wales.

The green, green courses of the land of song

Over 200 golf courses and 23 links courses make Wales the ideal location for golf holidays

Accommodation

World-class coastal links courses you have to play

Wales is the perfect place to explore the coastline while enjoying a round of golf.

Championship golf trails in Wales

Discover golfing trails that show off the best of Wales, on and off the course.

Golf and spa hotels: the best of both worlds

Enjoy a great round of golf coupled with a sumptuous spa treatment in the heart of Wales. Bliss.

Picture perfect

10 of the most glorious coastal views.

Be inspired by wonderful coastal scenery, with solitary lighthouses, pretty harbours and dramatic cliffs.

• Wales Coast Path

Top mountain spots for an amazing view

Mountains define the Welsh landscape. Here are ten of the best places to stop and admire them.

Life through my lens

Discover photographer Adrian Jones' favourite place to take photos in Wales.

Capture and share the best bits of Cardiff

Where to find the best places to snap scroll-stopping photos in the capital city

Cai Morgan's favourite photo spots

Vlogger and photographer Cai Morgan, shares Instagrammable spots along The Coastal Way in Wales.

Search for places to stay, things to do, and things to see in Wales

Attractions

Live views from around Wales 

Chill Cymru brings you a selection of slow-TV-style live views and ASMR sounds from around Wales.

Fabulous Welsh food and drink

Coastal eateries worth going out of your way for.

Discover Welsh towns where you can enjoy innovative, fresh and local food by the seaside.

Sip and sparkle - vineyard tours in Wales

Grape expectations! Take a vineyard tour and try some fine Welsh wines.

Great places to enjoy afternoon tea

We’ve picked a few places in Wales where you can enjoy afternoon tea in style.

Insider's guide to Monmouthshire

Find out what to see, eat, drink and do in Monmouthshire, the food capital of Wales.

Destinations

Find out about the regions of Wales: dramatic North Wales; rolling Mid Wales; the coastal West; and the urban South.

North Wales

The epic landscapes of North Wales are alive with action, and a rich, distinctive culture. Find World Heritage, one of Europe’s oldest living languages, and the UK’s best adventure. Within the region of North Wales you'll find Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham and Ynys Môn (the Isle of Anglesey).

South Wales

Home to Cardiff, the young and creative capital city, South Wales is a hub of sporting events and Welsh culture. Discover coastal hikes, vibrant communities and the serenity of the Wye Valley. Within the region of South Wales you'll also find Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, RCT, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Mid Wales is the green heart of Wales. The clear seas, bright harbours and hidden coves of the Ceredigion coastline give way to red kite-filled skies, busy market towns and dramatic hill walks. Within the region of Mid Wales you'll find Ceredigion and Powys.

Cultural and coastal West Wales is home to our second city, Swansea. Ancient legends inspire contemporary creativity – and colourful seaside villages lead to some of the UK's best beaches. Within the region of West Wales you'll find Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea.

Action packed itineraries, Discover Wales by trails

Enjoy a three day family adventure.

Looking for inspiration? We've planned a family holiday itinerary of fun activities in Eryri (Snowdonia).

• Eryri National Park

Five days in South Wales

A family trip around South Wales unearths some of the major tourist attractions.

• Trains and railways
• Shopping centres and malls

A six day trip along the North Wales Way

Epic castles, eons of history, rugged scenery, fine food and drink - just waiting to be discovered.

A week from the mouth to the eye of the River Wye

Here are some of the many things to see, eat, drink and do along the shores of the River Wye.

Big skies and big adventures in rural Mid Wales

Immerse yourself in the outdoors around Llanidloes and Clywedog in the Cambrian Mountains.

History and heritage trails

Discover our seven national museums .

For Welsh history and culture, our seven, free entry National Museums take some beating.

Wonderfully quirky places to visit

Discover our eccentric heritage with some wonderfully unusual places to visit.

Wales’ most soulful abandoned abbeys and castles

Discover the Welsh abbeys and castles that inspired JMW Turner, William Wordsworth and Dylan Thomas.

Wales Slate: The quarry communities of Gwynedd

Discover the quarry communities of Wales' UNESCO World Heritage site and their vibrant cultural landscapes.

• UNESCO Heritage

Follow the trail of Gwynedd’s majestic castles

The county of Gwynedd, in North Wales, provides a trail of majestic castles to explore.

Walking trails

Walking our long distance trails.

Discover our waymarked long-distance routes that offer inspirational walking in Wales.

Wild walks that are a stroll for toddlers

Take your kids into the wild, but not the mud. Discover plenty of pushchair friendly walks in Wales.

Accessible adventures on the Wales Coast Path

Nine easy access sections of the path for wheelchairs, buggies and trikes.

Walking in Wales: region by region

Discover some of the best places to stretch your legs in Wales.

Pick your favourite walk on Glyndŵr's Way

It’s got history, heritage and scenery. Take in some of the most beautiful views in Wales on Glyndŵr's Way.

Delicious trails

Cooking up a storm - cardiff's indie food scene.

Fancy a bite? Here's the lowdown on the coolest cafés and most excellent eateries in Cardiff.

• City / Town

Wales' Michelin supper stars

Join Lowri Haf Cooke on a gastronomic grand tour of Wales' Michelin star restaurants.

Join the Welsh gin revolution!

Go on a gin distillery tour, sip and sample the spirits and even try making your own.

Interesting eats along the Welsh border

Kacie Morgan of The Rare Welsh Bit blog discovers an edible treasure hunt along the Welsh borders.

Cook yourself a traditional Welsh treat

Bara brith: our traditional welsh recipe.

Bara Brith is a rich fruit loaf made with tea. Here's our recipe for making this favourite Welsh tea-time treat.

How to make crempogau - Welsh pancakes

Traditional Welsh crempogau are thick pancakes and traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday.

How to make cawl 

How to make Cawl - a traditional Welsh stew that can be made with meat or fish.

How to make vegan Glamorgan sausages

Avant-garde vegan chef Gaz Oakley shares his recipe for tasty Welsh classic, Glamorgan sausages.

Enjoy making a Welsh rarebit 

Dating from the 18th century this Welsh dish is a kind of ‘posh cheese on toast’ with a Welsh twist.

• National symbols

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Best places to visit Wales UK: The Ultimate Wales Travel Guide

My dream to explore Wales was due to several factors. Wales was my mum’s favourite country which she first saw in the 1940s during WWII when she was sent out of London in Operation Pied Piper to Wales to be protected from the bombs dropping on the city.

Taking the opportunity to visit Wales and take a Wales road trip, learning about the Welsh people and their Celtic history I became fascinated with Welsh history and in particular medieval Wales. Travelling the rugged coastline of Wales and taking in the breathtaking views is a dream come true for a slow traveller. 

A friend introduced me to the Sharon Penman books , The Welsh Princes Trilogy—Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow, and The Reckoning —these are historical novels about a turbulent time in British history.  These books gave me my travel inspiration and allowed me to see historic Wales through a Welsh state of mind.

Wales is a stark green and black land full of ruined castles, historic buildings, stunning mountains, and steep valleys with white dots of sheep herds. Welsh music and singing resonate across the valleys and of course, the symbol of Wales the red dragon flies over historic towns of Wales, castles, cities and villages full of history.

There are four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Wales, the  Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales  is made up of six sites around the county of Gwynedd that are all relics of the slate industry, which, in the 19th century, dominated this region of the country.

• Wales Travel Guide

Wales, a country with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an unforgettable travel experience. Located in the southwest part of the United Kingdom, this small nation is often overlooked by tourists, overshadowed by its bigger and more famous neighbors, England and Scotland. However, those who venture to Wales are rewarded with breathtaking natural beauty, charming towns, and fascinating historical sites.

There are 3 National Parks in Wales: Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coastal. They all offer very different activities and are located about a couple of hours from each other. One of the highlights of a visit to Wales is its dramatic coastline. With over 1,200 kilometers of pristine shores, Wales boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a relaxing walk by the sea. For outdoor enthusiasts, Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination. Nestled in the heart of the country, the park offers majestic mountains, stunning lakes, and exhilarating hiking trails.

Wales is also renowned for its rich medieval heritage. Castles are a common sight in many Welsh towns and cities, each with its own unique stories to tell. Cardiff Castle, Conwy Castle, and Caernarfon Castle are among the most popular ones, showcasing the country’s fascinating history and architectural wonders. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

The quartet of castles built by Edward I during his long-lasting invasion of Wales are some of the finest, and best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in the UK. The four strongholds, namely Conwy Castle in the county of Conwy, Harlech Castle and Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd, and Beaumaris Castle on the island of  Anglesey .

Nicknamed the ‘stream in the sky’, the 307 metre-long  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct  carries narrowboats on a slender runnel of water some 38 metres (126ft) above the River Dee. With its 19 symmetrical metal arches and lockless design. And the South Wales hub for coal mining and iron production in the Blaenavon industrial landscape. Most of the infrastructure from this period has long disappeared, but the preserved buildings and industrial machinery in the former mining town of Blaenavon, stand as a monument to this important chapter in recent Welsh history.

• How to get to Wales: travel information

Cardiff Airport sits just on the outskirts of the city and boasts convenient bus and rail connections to not only the city center but also various parts of South Wales. A flight of approximately 80 minutes will transport you to key European hubs like Amsterdam and Paris, while domestic travelers can enjoy frequent services to destinations such as Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Belfast.

While Cardiff Airport stands as the largest airport in Wales, the nation remains easily accessible from nearby English airports. Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both strategically located, serve as excellent gateways for North Wales, with Liverpool merely around 40 miles or 60 kilometers away from Wrexham. For example to get to Llandudno or Conwy from Manchester airport is only an hour and a half drive.

There are three primary motorway connections linking Wales and England. The M4 serves as the vital highway connecting London to South Wales, extending all the way to Pont Abraham in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. As you venture into Wales, your journey will take you across one of the two magnificent Severn Bridges.

Air Travel for North Americans – you would have to fly into either London, Liverpool or Manchester Airports and then choose you method of travel from them to Wales.

The South Wales Main Line connects the trains from London to Newport, Cardiff, Swansea and other destinations in South and West Wales. On direct trains, the journey time between London Paddington and Cardiff is a little under two hours. From London Euston Station, trains run across Mid Wales to   Aberystwyth and up to the Llŷn Peninsula. There are also several trains that run to North Wales, stopping in the cities of Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor and Holyhead on the island of Anglesey. Check out the website Transport for Wales if you need more assistance.

Ferry services operate between the west coast of Wales and the Republic of Ireland across the Irish Sea (Fishguard or Pembroke to Rosslare, and Holyhead to Dublin). The frequency of the services means it’s easy to combine a stay in Wales with a quick jaunt over to Ireland, and the quickest ferries make the crossing in just two hours.

Wales has six ports that accept cruise ships , offering a range of services and facilities: Newport, Cardiff and Swansea in the Bristol Channel; Fishguard and Milford Haven in West Wales; and Holyhead on the island of Anglesey.

Castell Coch

Tintern abbey, hope and caergwrle, machynlleth, newcastle emlyn, caldey island, cosmeston medieval village, pontcysyllte aqueduct.

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23 Historic Towns in Wales You Should Visit

During the reign of  Edward I of England  (1272–1307), a series of castles were constructed in Wales with the purpose of subduing the population and establishing English colonies in Wales.

This UNESCO World Heritage site includes Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech. These castles of Edward I are considered the pinnacle of military architecture by historians.

Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey which is French for fair Marsh is part of the UNESCO heritage site that includes Beaumaris Castle . Anglesey lies on the North Welsh coast.

Built by Edward I this castle was to be his crowning glory but it was never finished. The castle featured the best of medieval defensive designs with its round towers, inner and outer circuit walls, massive towered gates and a fortified dock. Beaumaris Castle is considered one of the finest surviving examples of a concentric medieval castle.

In the 14th century St Mary and St Nicholas Church you will find the stone coffin of Princess Siwan or Joan as she was known in English. She was the illegitimate daughter of King John and the wife of Llywelyn The Great, Prince of Gwynedd. Sadly after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, her tomb was used as a horse trough but has now been restored.

In Beaumaris, you can also visit the Beaumaris Gaol a Victorian prison, walk along the beach and enjoy the beauty of the Strait. Take a moment to visit the gardens of  Plas Newydd and the ‘Hidden Gardens at Cadnant’ are simply stunning.

Castell Coch , or the ‘Red Castle’, is set in the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr and rises from the forest like a fairytale castle. Built by the Marquess of Bute this incredible castle is a masterpiece of the High Victorian era.

But it’s no exotic folly. Underneath the faux medieval trappings are the remains of a 13th-century castle, once used as a hunting lodge by the ruthless Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare.

The Wye Valley straddles the border of Wales and England and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Tintern Abbey sits on the Wye River just south of Monmouth and Chepstow Castle. The Cistercian Abbey of Tintern is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. it was founded by Walter de Clare Lord of Chepstow and it was the second Cistercian monastery in Britain and the first in Wales. Until its dissolution in 1536, it was an extremely prosperous Abbey and due to its location during the middle ages, it suffered very little in the Welsh uprisings and the battles to bring the Welsh into the control of the English.

Tintern’s crowning glory was its great church, which rivals the Abbey of Rievaulx in Yorkshire which was built between 1269 and 1301.

Cardigan is the gateway to the superb Pembrokeshire coast National Park. This historic Welsh town on the River Teifi was the capital of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. Its history began with the building of a Norman Castle and the town grew up around it.

The very first Welsh eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, and it was held by Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth who held a festival of music and poetry in his court which became a tradition throughout Wales even into the modern day.

Just across the river from the Castle stands the ruins of St Dogmael’s Abbey .  Entry to this beautiful Abbey is free and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. The Coach House  Museum  is also free to visit and houses many relics and artefacts from the Abbey grounds. The museum displays a chronological history of the Abbey’s fascinating and turbulent past.

According to the legends Merlin was born just outside Carmarthen on Bryn Myrddin a tree-covered hill where he was trapped by Vivien. The legends say that he was in love with her and taught her all his spells but after learning them she imprisoned him. The legends also said that an ancient oak stood at the corner of Oak Lane Priory Street and when it falls so will the town. Pieces of the oak can be seen in the town museum.

Carmarthen is believed to be the oldest town in Wales and the Castle is one of the most frequently invaded. Around 1094 the Normans built a castle here but it was destroyed in 1215 and rebuilt in 1223.

Rhys ap Gruffudd was one of the leading figures of 12th-century Wales. He owned Carmarthen until his surrender to King Henry II in 1158. But the collapse of the building, like many others in Britain, was associated with the outbreak of the English Civil War of the 1640s.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and the heart of the city was formed during the medieval period many traces from this time survive today, especially close to the castle. The castle dates from the 11th century when the Normans conquered Glamorgan. It was begun by William the Conqueror on his return from St David’s in Pembrokeshire, in 1081.

Cardiff Castle was originally built in wood. In the 12th century, Robert Consol, Duke of Gloucester, rebuilt it in stone. At this time, the Castle’s west and south walls were raised, building upon the ruined walls of the Roman fort .

In the 15th century, the town was destroyed by Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh army. The Castle lay in ruin until Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, restored the defences and castle buildings.

If you are visiting Carmarthenshire don’t forget to stop by the Dylan Thomas Castle House in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. This is a Georgian mansion. Described by Dylan Thomas as “the best of houses in the best of places”, it is one of many buildings of note in the medieval township.

Laugharne castle was built in 1116 and was the meeting place of Henry II of England and Rhys ap Gruffudd where they agreed on a treaty of peace. When Henry II of England died in 1189 the castle, was seized by Rhys ap Gruffudd in the same year. The castle may have been burnt down at that time. It was rebuilt by the Normans, and in 1215 was captured by Llywelyn the Great in his campaign across South Wales. By 1247 the castle was destroyed by Llywellyn.

Edward II was born here on April 25, 1284, There is a legend that Edward I had promised the Welsh nobility a prince “ that was bourne in Wales and could speake never a wrod of English “, then named his newborn son the Prince of Wales.

Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site.

Brecon lies on the River Usk where it is joined by the Rivers Honddu and Tarell, in the northern portion of Brecon Beacons National Park. You will find a few parts of the ancient city walls built around 1100.  Brecon was created by the Norman Lord Bernard de Neufmarché after he defeated the Welsh ruler Rhys Ap Tewdwer at the Battle of Brecon in 1093.

Brecon castle was built in a naturally defensive place at the crossing of the Usk and Honddu rivers, where it could guard the ferry and benefit from water mills. In the second half of the 12th century, the castle passed into the hands of the de Braose family, as a result of strategic marriages.

When they rebelled against the English King John, he conquered the castle in 1207. Brecon soon became the target of attacks by the Welsh of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, who raided the castle and town in 1217, 1231 and 1233. During the latter, the town was burnt, but the castle managed to defend itself.

In the second half of the 13th century, Brecon was repeatedly attacked by the Welsh of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, who for a short period managed to capture the castle in 1263 two years later, the castle was recaptured by Prince Edward, but in the same 1265, it was again conquered by the Welsh.

In 1322, the castle was taken over by King Edward in 1399 Henry of Lancaster took the English throne as Henry IV, and entrusted Brecon to Sir Thomas Berkeley who prepared Brecon for defence against the rebellious Welsh of Owain Glyndŵr.

In the 15th century, Brecon passed to the Dukes of Stafford of Buckingham. The last of them were executed during the reign of Henry VIII Tudor, and the castle complex began to fall into ruin it was later dismantled by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War. The first repair works began in the 19th century, thanks to which the castle was transformed into a hotel.

The walls of Brecon were also destroyed by the war and only small areas survive near Plough Chapel and Watton Mount.

Chepstow Castle was first built c. 1067 by William FitzOsbern and then significantly improved c. 1190 CE by Sir William Marshal one of England’s greatest knights who served four kings and acted as regent for Henry III of England.

Chepstow Castle then became the home of a succession of rich and powerful medieval and Tudor nobles. Probably because of its formidable appearance, the castle was never attacked and today remains as a great example of military castles and can boast the oldest castle doors in Europe.

In the Middle Ages Chepstow was a town of great importance in the export and import trade due to its home on the harbour. wine was also imported by the town and the port has been continuously developed since those times.

Keeping up its reputation as an entertainment town Chepstow is Famous as the home of the Welsh National , which takes place each December and it’s also a popular venue for live music and entertainment.

Criccieth castle may have given Criccieth its name: ‘Crug Caeth’ means the jail on the hill. In the centre of the town lies Y Maes, part of the original medieval town common where fairs have been held for more than 700 years.

The castle was built in 1230 by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) and in 1282 it became part of a ring of castles surrounded by Edward I’s conquered territories. In 1294, Madog ap Llewelyn led an uprising from native Welsh people angry against English rule. Criccieth was besieged for several months.

Much later, Edward, I took control of Criccieth Castle, which eventually led to the Welsh residents of the area revolting against this. Just over 100 years later in 1404, the castle was completely sacked and was never reoccupied. An exhibition on the Princes of Gwynedd can be found within the castle.

Since Victorian times the town has developed into a seaside destination where you can enjoy walks on the beach, rock pooling, water sports, fabulous fish and chips and icecream.

There’s even a traditional Welsh clog maker who still has his workshop in the town. The town sits on the Wales coast path , and there are plenty of quiet trails running out of the town for walking and cycling.  

Conwy is the most complete medieval walled town in Britain with a magnificent medieval fortress towering over the town for over 700 years. Climb to the top of one of  Conwy Castle’s  eight towers to get a stunning view over Conwy and the surrounding area. You can explore the inner and outer wards with their many rooms and the castle walls with their 21 towers that completely enclose Conwy town. 

Conwy Castle was built by Edward I to protect and maintain, along with several other castles, his newly acquired dominance in the region. Conwy Castle is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The ruins of Aberconwy Abbey can be found at St. Mary and All Saint’s Church . The abbey was also the burial place of Llywelyn ap Iorworth, (Llywelyn the Great) and was the burial place of many of the native Princes of Gwynedd, including Gruffydd ap Cynan, and Llewelyn ap Maelgwyn. Llywelyn’s son and successor Dafydd ap Llywelyn were also buried there in 1246. Llywelyn’s other son, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, died trying to escape from captivity in the Tower of London in 1244, his body was later repatriated and interred at the Abbey.

In Conwy you can also visit the oldest townhouse in Wales Aberconwy House dates to the early 14th century, making it the oldest recorded dwelling house in Wales. Two other houses to visit include Plas Mawr or the Great Hall,  which is quite simply the finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse anywhere in Britain.

The Smallest House in Britain can be found at the end of a terrace of houses on Conwy’s quayside. The house is just 72 inches wide by 122 inches high. It was occupied right up until May 1900.

Denbigh castle is situated on the south side of the town high on a hill originally a wooden motte and bailey it was rebuilt by the English in stone. It was granted to Dafydd ap Gruffydd by Edward I after Dafydd assisted the English king put down a Welsh rebellion in 1277.

Construction of the castle and the town’s outer wall was interrupted when the town was attacked by the Welsh in 1294 and possibly captured. The main feature of the castle is the gatehouse which consists of three towers. In medieval times the houses were contained within the town walls on the hill but due to its steepness these houses were abandoned and the town was relocated to the valley floor below.

Within Denbigh’s walls lays the ruins of Leicester’s Church built by Robert Dudley . It was Elizabeth I who gave the castle to him and he began building the Church for Protestant worship. However, the money ran out and the church was never finished.  

Flint lies on the estuary of the River Dee and is home to the first castle built by Edward I in 1277 which was to be his “ Iron Ring ” of fortresses across Wales. Both castle and town were attacked by the forces of Madog ap Llywelyn during the revolt of 1294-5; the defenders of the town burnt it in order to deny its use to the Welsh.

Flint was the setting of another turning point in history this is where King Richard II came face to face with his rival to the crown Henry Bolingbroke. Flint Castle , is famous for featuring in Shakespeare’s play Richard II. The castle is where Richard II is captured.

Hope and Caergwrle have had a turbulent past due to their location on the border of Wales and England. Successive waves of invaders from England sought to take Welsh lands and ownership of the settlements changed several times.   

Caergwrle Castle Hill and Caer Estyn provided excellent defensive positions. In the late 13th century, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, refused to pay homage to the new English ruler, King Edward I. In retaliation, Edward invaded Wales in 1276 and forced Llywelyn to retreat into Snowdonia. Llywelyn’s younger brother, Dafydd, joined forces with Edward as he felt Llywelyn had cheated him of his inheritance.

As a reward, Edward gave Dafydd the rich lands around Caergwrle and Hope and, in 1277, Dafydd began to build his castle at Caergwrle. However, Dafydd felt unfairly treated when English lords were given more power and, five years later, he changed sides and fought against the English invaders.

Llywelyn was killed in battle but Dafydd was captured. In retribution for his defection, he was convicted of high treason and was the first person in England to be hung, drawn and quartered for that crime.

Caergwrle Castle didn’t fare much better. Edward began to rebuild it but, a year later, a fire ripped through the wooden parts of the castle and the work was abandoned.   

In 1400 Owain Glyndŵr rebelled and proclaimed himself Prince of Wales, and by 1403 he had infiltrated Flintshire, urging revolt. The local Welsh flocked to join his forces and burned the English settlement of Hope. Gradually, King Henry IV’s armies regained control.  

None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular setting than Harlech Castle set on a sheer rocky cliff overlooking the sea. In Snowdonia National Park the peaks of Snowdonia rise in the back and the Castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.

In 1294 the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn (a distant cousin of Llywelyn the Great) took place against Edward 1 (Longshanks) the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed castle defenders access to food and water brought to the steps by ships.

During the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years, before Yorkist troops forced its surrender in 1468, a siege memorialised in the song “Men of Harlech”. Following the outbreak of the  English Civil War  in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to  Charles I .

UNESCO  considers Harlech, along with Beaumaris, Conwy, and Caernarfon, to be one of “the finest examples of late 13th-century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe”, and it is classed as a World Heritage Site.  In 2015 a new footbridge was installed which links a new visitor centre in the refurbished Castle Hotel, opposite the castle, replacing long flights of timber steps. It occupies the position of the castle’s original drawbridge. 

A 1000-year-old road in Harlech,  Ffordd Pen Llech was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2019 as the steepest residential street in the world with a gradient of 1:2.67 (37.45%).

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning, nicknamed the Maid of Harlech , crashed on a Harlech beach in September 1942 when its pilot, Second Lt Robert Elliott, 24, of North Carolina, got into difficulties during a training exercise. The aircraft is one of the only known aircraft of its type still surviving substantially intact and is of international significance.

While the exact location of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft remains confidential, to protect the plane, it remains there today.

Llanrwst is a pretty, hidden gem in Wales and it’s most well-known for the picturesque  Ty Hwnt i’r Bont tea room which you have probably seen on Instagram, and the nearby three-arched stone bridge said to be built by Inigo Jones.

In the middle of the town is the Parish Church of  St Grwst  which is home to a stone coffin that is said to be the tomb of Llywelyn The Great. Then check out the nearby almshouses before heading out of town to  Gwydir Castle  (open seasonally), a 16th Century Tudor courtyard house built for the powerful Wynn family. While there, ask for the key to the nearby  Gwydir Uchaf Chapel . This was the castle’s private chapel and inside you will find a beautifully painted interior.

Gwydir Castle is an ancient Welsh house regarded as one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales, the castle was formerly the ancestral home of the powerful Wynn family. By 1994 the house and its surrounding grounds had become derelict, it’s taken a monumental 20-year effort to restore the property by the current owners to get it to where it is today, with works still ongoing to fully restore it to its former glory.

Machynlleth is truly a gem – a rural market town with a quirky, eco-friendly vibe nestled within the beautiful  UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere . There are loads to do and see just wandering around. There are plenty of antique stores, alternative lifestyle shops and galleries featuring local artists and craftspeople. There’s a bustling market on Wednesdays and even an annual world-famous comedy festival.

On Heol Maengyn which is the high street, there is a splendid Victorian clock tower, and on Wednesdays, the market (which was launched by Royal Charter in 1291) continues to this day. It was also the site of national hero Owain Glyndŵr’s 1404 parliament – the original Senedd. The Owain Glyndŵr Centre is the local history museum that tells his story.

Other attractions include  Y Plas  (The Mansion); a house and gardens formerly owned by the family of the  Marquess of Londonderry, which was given to the people of Machynlleth in 1948.

Newcastle Emlyn in Carmarthenshire is a town on the River Teifi, known for its 13th-century ruined castle, set on high ground in a loop of the river. According to legend, the castle was the home of the last dragon in Wales. The historic town centre is a conservation area, with a wealth of interesting old buildings.

Founded around 1240 by the Welsh Prince, Maredudd ap Rhys, Newcastle Emlyn castle is unique in that very few Welsh-built stone castles can be found in West Wales. Following a series of attacks and refurbishments over the following centuries, the castle was finally blown up with gunpowder in 1645 during the English Civil war.

The dragon gates at the castle are inspired by the legend which tells that the last Dragon in Wales was killed there. During a town fair when the town was full of people, a Wyvern (a fierce winged creature) breathing fire and smoke landed on the castle walls and settled down to sleep. Its appearance in the castle at first brought terror to all but, after the fear had died down, a few brave townsfolk sought to destroy the fearsome monster.

A soldier approached the dragon from the river Teifi and floated a red cloak in the river. The dragon awoke, saw the cloak and went to attack it but was shot at by the soldier. The wyvern, in its death throes, floated down the river. The legend tells of the great joy of the townsfolk when they saw the monster dead. Today, the legend of the last dragon In Wales is kept alive in the sculptures and plaques that sit within the dramatic castle ruins.

Pembroke was founded by Henry II and is the home of Pembroke Castle , a superb medieval fortress and the birthplace of Henry Tudor, later to become King Henry VII.

In addition to the castle, Pembroke features three medieval churches and the remains of the medieval town walls. The street’s layout follows a layout which is nearly 1,000 years old and a track of some sort was probably laid out 1,000 years before that. Beneath the castle, is a vast cavern called The Wogan which has been used for the past 12,000 years, if not continuously.

During the Wars of the Roses, town & castle wavered in support of warring Lancastrian & Yorkist factions.  In 1447 Jasper Tudor (half-brother to Henry IV) was appointed Earl of Pembroke and into his care was sent the young Margaret Beaufort, wife of his brother Edmund. She gave birth to a son in Pembroke Castle, a son destined to become Henry VII and the founder of the Tudor dynasty. Edmund died two months before the birth of their son Henry.

One of three medieval churches in Pembroke, St Mary’s dates to the late 12th century. By the entrance is a Tudor bench commemorating the birth of Henry VII (Henry Tudor) at the nearby castle in 1457. The second of Pembroke’s medieval churches, St Michael’s was built in the Norman period, rebuilt in 1835, and rebuilt again in 1887. Unfortunately, the church was forced to close in 2013.

The best place to see the medieval town walls of Pembroke is on Common Road. Here you can also see the ruins of lime kilns, used to process lime for fertilizer and mortar. Built into the town walls is the Gun Tower (also known as the Defending Tower). This was one of six flanking towers that gave defenders a good view along the line of the wall.

Ruthin is a Welsh hidden gem in North Wales where you can find the oldest timber townhouse in the country Nantclwyd y Dre . The house was started in 1435 and has been added to, updated and upgraded throughout the centuries.

Nantclwyd y Dre seven rooms have been restored and here you can see the various periods of the history of the building. There is also a fully restored garden known as the Lord’s Garden.

Ruthin’s other architectural gems include the multi-dormered tiled roof of the former Myddelton Arms (known as the Eyes of Ruthin) which dates from the mid-16th century and is of Flemish design.  

When walking the town centre keep your eyes peeled for the Maen Huail , a limestone block in Ruthin’s town centre. Elis Gruffydd (1490-1552) recorded it as the very stone on which King Arthur beheaded the young warrior Huail, who made the fatal error of raiding his lands, stealing his mistress, and mocking him for a slight limp which Huail himself had inflicted.

Ruthin Castle is built on a red sandstone ridge 100 feet above the Vale of Clwyd, overlooking a strategic river crossing. Judging by the curving moat to the west of the upper bailey, the earliest castle here may have been a motte and bailey. However, the first documented castle was given to Prince Dafydd ap Gruffydd by King Edward in 1277.  

Near Ruthin Castle, you will find a sign for Lady Grey’s grave – the wife of the second in command at the castle when it was a fortress inhabited by the armies of Edward I.

Lady Grey was said to have been executed after killing her husband’s lover with an axe in a jealous rage. The local priests wouldn’t allow her to be buried on consecrated grounds so she had to be buried outside the castle walls. There are reports of the apparition of a crazed woman walking through the banquet hall and the battlements wielding an axe as she moves through the grounds and outside the castle walls.

In the early 1960s, Ruthin Castle was purchased at an auction & converted into a hotel. One of its most notable guests since was HM King Charles III who stayed on his way to his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Caldey Island has a history from the 6th century when St Pyro established a monastery here. The monastery was reestablished in the 12th century, and again in the early 20th century. A small island off the Pembrokeshire coast is not the place you would expect to find three historic churches, a ruined medieval priory, a Tudor dovecote, a Catholic monastery, and, perhaps most unusual of all, a chocolate factory. But Caldey Island is no ordinary place.

The island site proved easy prey for Viking raiders, and the monks left but returned in the 12th century when the Normans conquered Southern Wales. The Norman lord of Wales was Robert Fitzmartin, who gave Caldey to his mother Geva. Around the year 1131 Geva founded a new monastery of monks following the Tironian rule, as a daughter house of St Dogmael’s Abbey near Cardigan. The new Caldey Priory was a poor place, able to support only a few monks. Indeed, when Henry VIII’s commissioners came to dissolve the Priory they found only one monk in residence.

St Illtud’s Church , built in the 13th century is near the Priory ruins and its sanctuary floor is made of pebbles gathered from the beach, polished smooth by the passage of feet over centuries. Outside the sanctuary is a 6th-century Ogham stone, bearing inscriptions in both Latin and the ancient Ogham script.

The Caldey Ogham stone was discovered buried in the Priory grounds in the 19th century and was used for a time as a garden seat before being placed for safekeeping inside the church. The Ogham inscription commemorates a servant of Dubricius, which may refer to St Pyro, who was himself a follower of St Dubricius. The Latin text is later, carved in the 8th century and commemorates a man named Catuocunus.

The Watchtower is a cylindrical building beneath a conical roof. It was probably used as a coastal lookout station, as was a similar tower at Penally, on the mainland. It dates to at least the 15th century, with one historian suggesting a Norman date of construction based on the very thick walls. It was probably used as a lookout tower.

Cosmeston Medieval Village is one of the Vale of Glamorgan’s leading tourist attractions. The Village is set in the year 1350, a turbulent period in the history of the Welsh and English. The remains of the community were discovered and excavated during the 1980s by a team of archaeologists, and the local authority decided that this was a unique opportunity to bring to life part of the history of Wales.

A programme of reconstruction allows visitors to see excavated buildings and gardens recreated, while livestock of the middle ages is cared for by “villagers” in authentic costume. There is an opportunity to experience medieval life by taking a tour of the village with a costumed guide or you can take a self-guided tour using the portable audio system.

UNESCO has described this world heritage site as “a masterpiece of creative genius”. Built and planned in the 1700s the Aqueduct is incredibly impressive and spans 18 km. It may not be medieval but it is of great historical importance.

It was built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop and completed in 1805. Cast Iron was used for the trough, while the pillars are made of brick. The aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales.

The whole length of the site has also been designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You simply can’t leave Wales without experiencing the national Sport Rugby. Rugby is Wales’ national sport and it helped to create Welsh nationhood. Rugby union is the national sport of Wales and is a great influence on Welsh culture. Try and get tickets to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to experience Rugby international weekends and enjoy some real Welsh partying.

All these historic towns in Wales are fascinating places to visit and there are just so many captivating historical sites to see and discover. I love to know which ones you have been to and enjoyed the most.

You might also like to read.

27 Awe-inspiring things to do in Wales

25 Traditional Welsh food dishes

North Wales Coastal Path the famous Pilgrim’s Way Route

7 of the most beautiful beaches on the Pembrokeshire Coast Wales

Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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Guide to Wales

In this guide to Wales, I will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your travel in Wales, no matter how short that time maybe. This guide has all the recommendation places to visit, how to get to wales from london, best time to visit, and many more.

Vacationing in wales would be one of your best holiday destination decision. Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe , and yet so underrated! Often in the shadow of Scotland or Ireland, Wales has so much to offer to visitors.

My travel in wales is an unexpected travel love story. It’s the first foreign country I traveled to, back when I was at school. And if I’m being honest, it’s not a place I thought I’d end up spending much time.

But things happened differently when i was vacationing in wales. Somehow, there was always something to pull me back there. I’ve lived in Wales for months and still go there at least once a month. I just love it.

There is no place like when you travel in wales and I can’t wait to tell you more about it. That’s why i want to give you this wales travel guide.

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Top Things To Do in Wales

Snowdonia national park, brecon beacons national park, pembrokeshire coastal national park, portmeirion, aberystwyth, lake vyrnwy, elan valley, click for other uk place guides.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Wales Tours : Click here to check out the top Wales tours Best Wales Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Wales Best Wales Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Wales

If you are vacationing in wales, this is a place you should not miss. Largest National Park in the country, Snowdonia is home to the highest peak in Wales: Mount Snowdon. Perfect for hikers!

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, making it one of the must travel in Wales. This friendly city is perfect to discover Welsh history and culture!

The Brecon Beacons are home to some of the best hikes in the UK, perfect for family vacationing in Wales. If you love camping and hiking, that will be the perfect place for you!

This National park offers beautiful beaches and coastal walks, making it a fantastic destination for your travel in Wales.

Colorful and cute, Portmeirion is the perfect place to take photos during your travel in Wales! This extraordinary place makes you feel like you stepped into an Italian village. A little “Cinque Terre” Welsh version.

This typically Welsh coastal town is perfect for a short holiday by the beach, ideal for vacationing in Wales.

Located in the North West, Anglesey is an island easily accessible via a bridge.

This is a must-add in your wales travel guide. Llandudno is a coastal town located in the North of Wales. Its beautiful beaches are very popular in summer!

Located on the edge of Snowdonia National Park , Lake Vyrnwy is one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the UK! It’s the perfect destination for horse riding, kayaking, and cycling.

Best time to visit Wales would be in spring or autumn to visit Lake Vyrnwy in its peak beauty, you will get a breathtaking tranquility and natural wonders that Wales has to offer.

Elan Valley is one of the most underrated places in Wales. Home to a chain of reservoirs, it offers beautiful views over the lakes and the welsh country.

Top 10 Things to do In Wales

1. Go on a road trip between the National Parks

Start on an exciting journey of discovery and adventure as you prepare to travel in Wales on an unforgettable road trip

There are 3 National Parks in Wales : Snowdonia , Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coastal. They all offer very different activities and are located about a couple of hours from each other. If you love outdoor activities, a road trip in Wales including the 3 parks will be perfect! You will get to see beautiful views and drive epic routes such as the “Top Gear road”.

2. Hiking Pen-y-Fan

Pen-Y-Fan is the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons and one of the most exciting travel in Wales! There are several routes that will take you up to the top but I particularly recommend the horseshoe ridge walk. Although a bit challenging, it will give you a chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Beacons!

3. Hiking Mount Snowdon

Another adventurous destination that you should visit while vacationing in Wales is Mount Snowdon.

Mount Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and also the most popular hike! There are 7 routes that go up to the summit. They are all good options and will offer beautiful views of Snowdonia National Park.

4. Going on the fastest zip-line in the world!

Add a thrilling dimension to your vacationing in Wales by soaring like never before on the fastest zip-line in the world.

Snowdonia National Park is home to zip world, the fastest zip-line in the world and the longest in Europe . Based in Penrhyn Quarry, Zip World Velocity 2 offers beautiful panoramic views on the peaks and Welsh coast! A must-do for any thrill seeker!

5. Discover the smallest city in the UK: Saint Davids

A city is not determined by its population but by the fact that it has a cathedral. St Davids , although very small in size and population, does have a cathedral which makes it the smallest city in the United Kingdom!

It’s also a beautiful place to see! You can visit the cathedral, the bishop’s palace and some of the beautiful sandy beaches!

6. Go on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you love walking and enjoying cliff views, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a good location for you when you travel in Wales! This trail goes along the welsh coastline for over 186 miles, making it the longest coastal walk in the UK!

7. Discover Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is the typical and traditional welsh coastal town. Particularly well known for its university and being a popular summer destination, it has loads to offer to its visitors! Firstly, you can walk around the town and enjoy the beautiful and colorful houses. Then you can head to the castle, hit the promenade and walk up Constitution Hill to get some amazing views on the coast!

8. Go to the Devil’s Bridge

Another must travel in Wales you can’t miss, located in the Cambrian mountains, 12 miles away from Aberystwyth, the devil’s bridge has been the object of admiration and legends for centuries. When you get there, you will get to enjoy beautiful waterfalls but the singularity of the Devil’s bridge is the bridge itself! It’s not actually 1 bridge but 3! The 3 bridges were built at different times and still coexist to this day.

9. Visit Powys Castle

Powys Castle is a National Trust Property located in mid-wales. More than just a building, Powys Castle offers beautiful italian-style gardens and a deer park, making it one of the most popular things to do in Welshpool .

10. Cycle around Lake Vyrnwy

Sport activities in your wales travel guide is a must right?

Lake Vyrnwy , although man-made, is one of the most beautiful places in Wales! And the best way to enjoy it is to go cycling. You can hire a bike on-site or bring yours. You will find a car-park at the entrance, by the cafe. From there, you can either go for a walk to the waterfalls or start cycling around the lake. The full loop is 12 miles.

What To Eat In Wales

If there is one thing you must try during your travel in Wales, it’s a Welsh rarebit!

Nothing to do with a rabbit, it’s just the best cheese on toast you will ever get to try and a must visit food location in your Wales travel guide!! It’s so much more than just cheese. The way the welsh do it is unique and so good.

Vacationing in Wales means you have to know that Wales is also well known for lamb. If you don’t know what to eat in wales, I particularly recommend going to a restaurant or pub and order welsh lamb, you won’t be disappointed.

Do you know one of the most popular comfort food when you travel in Wales? It’s a Welsh Cake with a coffee. This is a delicious sweet flatbread with raisins that has been the national biscuit for centuries.

Money Saving Tips For Wales

Wales is part of the United-Kingdom , which is not known as being a cheap country and you need to know this before planning vacationing in Wales. That being said, there are a few ways to save money in Wales.

When you travel in wales and only planning on visiting Cardiff, you can take buses such as National Express or Megabus. They are very cheap compared to trains but don’t go everywhere.

If you want to go on an outdoor adventure when vacationing in Wales, I’d highly recommend renting a car . Renting a car will give you access to everything in Wales. This means you won’t have to book tours (unless you want a guide to Wales) which will save you a lot of money.

Also, campers would really love to travel in Wales since Wales is a paradise for campers ! If you have a car, you will be able to go camping and save a lot of money on accommodation .

Packing Advice For Wales

There are two things to remember when you start vacationing in Wales and a must add in your wales travel guide:

• Outdoor activities are must-dos in Wales
• It’s not known for its good weather.

With this in mind, make sure you are packing comfortable clothes and shoes but most of all, be prepared for rain and cold.

Even if you are going in summer, I’d recommend taking good jumpers and trousers .

The weather can be very nice in Wales but it gets chilly very quickly too. So, there’s no best time to visit wales because any time will be good, it depends on your vacation plan!

Quick Tip : View my full UK packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my UK packing guide here

Where to Stay in Wales

Wales is a fairly rural place which means that you won’t really find any of the big hotel chains there. However, if you love authentic and traditional accommodation, this will be your paradise.

Here are some of the most common accommodation types when you travel in Wales:

• B & Bs: Bed and breakfasts are everywhere during your travel in Wales. You can find them online or simply along the way. It’s a very good way to experience the cultural aspect of Wales as you will get traditional food and lovely hosts. You will also find a lot of amazing Airbnbs! If you want to stay in an old barn, for example, you can!
• Pubs: Vacationing in Wales means you will see so many Pubs! Most pubs in Wales offer accommodation. Generally, they have a few rooms upstairs. It usually costs about £90 per night, breakfast included. This is quite a good way to get both authenticity and food for a decent price.
• Camping: last but not least! Camping is one of the best ways to experience Wales. You can admire the beautiful sky and stars. There are many campsites, especially in the National Parks.

Choosing the right accommodation is a crucial part of planning your perfect Welsh getaway, and a comprehensive Wales travel guide will help you to have information you need to make the most of your stay!

Here are a few recommended places to help with your where to stay in Wales search 

Accommodation in cardiff .

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Quayside Apartments

Citrus Hotel Cardiff

Best Farm Houses to stay in Wales

Ty bech twt

Clyne Farm Centre

Best Guest Houses to stay in Wales

Penyvoel Hall

Best Camping in Wales

Cil y Coed Luxury Pod 

Ceridwen Glamping, double decker bus and Yurts

Brambles 66 -Static Holiday Caravan, Porthcawl

Getting Around in Wales

The best ways to travel in Wales are by train or car.

If you’re coming from London and wondering how to get to wales from London, there are plenty of transportation options! Among the easiest are car and train.

As unexpected as it might be, trains go absolutely everywhere in Wales, even Snowdonia!

It’s very easy to jump on a train and head where you want to go when you travel in Wales. Trains are easy to understand and you have plenty of them.

I’d recommend downloading the app “Trainline” when vacationing in Wales. It’s very easy to use. You can just say where you want to go and it will sort your journey out. You can also buy your ticket directly on the app.

Of course, you can always go to the station. The staff will be more than happy to help you.

If you can rent a car during your travel in Wales, that will be ideal. As much as public transport will get you to most places, it’s nowhere as practical as driving.

I always recommend taking public transport as much as you can, but I truly believe that if you want to make the best of your time in Wales, you will be better off with a car.

Travel in Wales by car will take you everywhere in any of the national parks but also to remote places. Going on a road trip to Wales is a beautiful thing to do. The landscapes are stunning and you can enjoy more of them with a car.

Safety Advice For Wales

Wales is a very safe country, you will feel safe during your travel in Wales. As a general thing, there is nothing specific to worry about.

Of course, no place is entirely safe and anything can happen anywhere, however, if there is one place I’ve always felt safe, it’s Wales.

Just take the normal precautions you would always take if you are going out at night, keep an eye open if you are on a train, etc…

Did You Get Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!

The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and  Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies. 

Wales Travel Guide planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Wales?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Wales which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Wales Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Wales?

I strongly recommend using Bookaway . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Wales?

I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack . 

The Best Time To Visit Wales

As previously mentioned, Wales is not known for its good weather. The best time to visit is between May and September.

It won’t be as hot as the rest of Europe at this time but you have the best chances of having nice weather.

Books and Movies About Wales

If you want to get a bit prepared, I’d highly recommend watching the Dark Materials BBC series. It was almost entirely filmed in Wales! Mainly in the Cardiff studios but also partially in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. It can be a great start to trigger your wanderlust for Wales.

In terms of books, Running for the Hills by Horatio Clare is a beautiful memoir about his life in rural Wales (Brecon Beacons).

Finally, let’s mention the most famous Welsh Author of all time: Roald Dahl! Yes, the author of the best-selling books Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , was from Cardiff. So if you want to get in the mood before your trip to Wales, these can be great reads.

My name is Pauline. I am from France and have been living in the UK since 2016.

My blog, BeeLoved City , focuses on culture and travel. It helps travellers to learn more about the cultural aspect of the place they are visiting.

You can also find me on Instagram, just here ! 

What to Read in The United Kingdom

Lonely Planet's Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist

Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist is a great companion on your trip to the UK. You can get it before your trip to help you plan out all of the best places to go. It’s a go to bucket list of the not to miss places to visit in the UK.

It’s full of beautiful photography and it goes much further than just the typical tourist traps and includes everything from coastal walks, music festivals, and hidden away pubs you must visit. 

Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown

If you are interested in learning more about the upper echelons of the British aristocracy then this book abut the life of Anne Glenconner is a great read.

She has long been at the center of the royal circle as a life long friend of the Queen and her sister. Her father was the Earl of Leicester and controlled one of the largest estates  in England. 

Sadly Anne turned out to be “the greatest disappointment” to her father and she was unable to inherit his great estate and instead make her own way in the world while surviving the vipers of court life! And interesting read to see how the ‘other half’ live.

Victorious Century: The United Kingdom, 1800-1906 (The Penguin History of Britain Book 8)

The UK that you will see today is a product of the post WWII industrial revolution.

Nineteenth-century Britain experienced an unprecedented series of changes in the wake of the war. Cities grew fast and revolutions in transports, communication, science, and the way people lived happened in quick succession. 

Added to these changes was a growing skepticism of religion, a questioning of power resulting in political and social unrest.

In spite if these turbulent times Britain remained strong on a global level which saw it quickly rise as a global leader… this was of course before Brexit!

Bridget Jones's Diary

If you are looking for a light read to accompany yo on your UK vacation then Bridget Jones’s Diary is the perfect literary companion. Even if you have watched the movie , the book is soooo much better.

Sorry!: The English and Their Manners

Us brits are legit obsessed with manners to a fault. Seriously we love nothing more that throwing as many please and thank you’s in to a sentence as we can make fit. And don’t even get me started with our obsession with apologizing for EVERYTHING! 

But our obsession doesn’t just stop there, there is so much more to British etiquette most of which will confuse the hell out of visitors from foreign lands. 

In this book you will get an illuminating insight in to all of the social rules we are governed by, from never putting your elbows on the table to holding open doors. But this book goes deeper and shines a light on where this crazy obsession with good manners comes from. Its a interesting and quirky must read.

White Teeth: A Novel

Looking for a novel to sink your teeth into on those long cross country train journeys in the UK. White Teeth is it.

Set against London’ s racial and cultural tapestry, venturing across the former empire and into the past as it barrels toward the future, White Teeth  revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations, and embracing the comedy of daily existence.

Check out My travel books

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Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

• Destinations

The North Coast of Wales and Anglesey

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On the north coast of Wales, the island Anglesey connects with the mainland at the university town of Bangor. a lively enough place that’s best used as base for visiting Penrhyn Castle or as a springboard for Snowdonia. Heading east you encounter the north coast proper, where the castle town of Conwy and elegant Llandudno are the essential stops.

Bangor and around

Conwy and around, the great orme, great orme tramway, the island anglesey, tailor-made travel itineraries for wales, created by local experts.

20 days  / from 2994 USD

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

BANGOR , across the bridge from Anglesey, is not big, but as the largest town in Gwynedd and home to Bangor University, it passes in these parts for cosmopolitan. Bangor is a hotbed of passionate Welsh nationalism, hardly surprising in such a staunchly Welsh-speaking area, and it’s a dramatic contrast from the largely English-speaking north coast resorts.

Conwy , wonderfully set on the Conwy Estuary, twenty miles east of Bangor, is backed by a forested fold of Snowdonia. The town has a fine castle and a complete, three-quarter-mile-long belt of 30ft-high town walls encircling a compact core of medieval and Victorian buildings. This makes it extremely easy to potter around, and though you’ll see everything you need to in a day, you may well find yourself wanting to stay longer.

Book things to do in Snowdonia National Park

Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is the toughest-looking link in Edward I’s Iron Ring of fortresses around North Wales. With 1500 men, James of St George took just five years to construct eight massive towers in a rectangle around the two wards on a strategic knoll near the mouth of the river. The inner ward was separated from the outer by a drawbridge and portcullis , and further protected by turrets atop the four eastern towers, now the preserve of crows.

In 1401, on Good Friday, when the fifteen-strong castle guard were at church, two cousins of Owain Glyndŵr took the castle and razed the town for Glyndŵr’s cause. It was re-fortified for the Civil War then subsequently stripped of all its iron, wood and lead, and was left substantially as it is today.

The outer ward’s 130ft-long Great Hall and the King’s Apartments are both well preserved, but the only part of the castle to have kept its roof is the Chapel Tower , named for the small room built into the wall whose semicircular apse still shows some heavily worn carving.

The twin limestone hummocks of the 680ft Great Orme and its southern cousin the Little Orme provide a dramatic frame for the gently curving Victorian frontage of LLANDUDNO , four miles north of Conwy. Despite the arrival of more rumbustious fun-seekers to its seaside resort, Llandudno retains an undeniably dignified air, bolstered by its ever-improving selection of chic hotels and quality restaurants.

Book tickets and tours in Llandudno

Llandudno’s early history revolves around the Great Orme , where St Tudno, who brought Christianity to the region in the sixth century, built the monastic cell that gives the town its name. In the mid-nineteenth century, local landowner Edward Mostyn exploited the growing craze for sea-bathing and built a town for the upper-middle classes which quickly became synonymous with the Victorian ideal of a respectable seaside resort..

The view from the top of the Great Orme (Pen y Gogarth) ranks with those from the far loftier summits in Snowdonia, combining the seascapes east towards Rhyl and west over the sands of the Conwy Estuary with the brooding, quarry-chewed northern limit of the Carneddau range where Snowdonia crashes into the sea. This huge lump of carboniferous limestone was subject to some of the same stresses that folded Snowdonia, producing fissures filled by molten mineral-bearing rock.

The base of the Great Orme is traditionally circumnavigated on Marine Drive , a five-mile anticlockwise circuit from just near Llandudno’s pier. The best way to get to the copper mines and the grasslands on top of the Orme is by the San Francisco-style Great Orme Tramway , which creaks up from the bottom of Old Road, much as it has done since 1902.

Great Orme Ancient Mines

A Bronze Age settlement developed around what are now the Great Orme Copper Mines , accessed via the tramway. Hard hats and miners’ lamps are provided for the self-guided tour through just a small portion of the tunnels, enough to give you a feel for the cramped working conditions and the dangers of falling rock.

The island of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is a world apart. Its low green fields and farms are a far cry from the mountains of Snowdonia, and compared to its neighbour – hardly a region of whirlwind modernity itself – the pace of life is even slower. This is a place to amble along backroads, lingering over the sea views and superb coastal scenery, and to perhaps explore the many restaurants that have seen the island emerge as a foodie hot spot.

The gastronomy theme is the latest take on Anglesey’s reputation as Mam Cymru, the “Mother of Wales”, attesting to its former status as the country’s breadbasket. In the twelfth century, Giraldus Cambrensis noted that “When crops have failed in other regions, this island, from its soil and its abundant produce, has been able to supply all Wales”.

Anglesey remains predominantly agricultural, with a landscape of small fields, stone walls and whitewashed houses. Linguistically and politically, it is solidly Welsh, with the language spoken as a matter of course. Most residents will at least understand the lines of one of Anglesey’s most famous poets, Goronwy Owen, whose eulogy on his homeland translates as “All hail to Anglesey/The delight of all regions/Bountiful as a second Eden/Or an ancient paradise”.

The main tourist town is Beaumaris, thanks to its beautiful setting and castle. Following the south coast clockwise you’ll find a string of minor sights and lovely beaches on the way to Holy Island (Ynys Gybi); it barely deserves the name, in truth, since it’s just a few yards off the northwest coast and connected by road and rail causeways. Come for the fine beaches at Rhoscolyn and Trearddur Bay – the sandy coves and rocky headlands here provide superb sea kayaking and there’s good kitesurfing – or for the impressive sea-bird cliffs around South Stack. And if you really want to experience life in the slow lane, you could stroll around the whole lot in a fortnight or so on the 125-mile Anglesey Coast Path.

Brief history of Anglesey

The earliest people on Anglesey were Mesolithic hunters who arrived between 8000 and 4000 BC. Around 2500 BC, a new culture developed among the small farming communities, giving rise to the many henges and stone circles on the island – it has Wales’ greatest concentration of pre-Christian sites. These communities held sway until the Celts swept across Europe in the seventh century BC, led by their priestly class, the druids. Anglesey – well positioned at the apex of Celtic sea traffic – became the most important druidic centre in Europe. The druids were so firmly established that Anglesey was the last place in Wales to fall to the Romans, in 61 AD.

The vacuum left by the Romans’ departure in the fifth century was soon filled by the greatest of all Welsh dynasties, the Princes of Gwynedd, who held court at Aberffraw. Under Rhodri Mawr, in the ninth century, their influence spread over most of Wales as he defeated the encroaching Vikings. Anglesey again fell to outsiders towards the end of the thirteenth century when Edward I defeated the Welsh princes, sealing the island’s fate by forging the final link in his Iron Ring of castles at Beaumaris.

How to get to and around Anglesey

• By train: The train line from Bangor crosses the Menai Strait, with slow trains stopping at the station with the longest name in Europe – usually abbreviated to Llanfairpwll – and at Rhosneigr, before continuing to meet the ferries at Holyhead.
• By bus: Buses fill in the gaps left by trains – all services are detailed on the local government website http://anglesey.gov.uk. One of the most useful is the #42, which links Bangor, Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwll before looping around the south coast to Aberffraw and then inland to Llangefni. The #62 bus from Bangor tracks the east coast from Red Wharf Bay to Cemaes Bay. Note that services are sketchy on Sun.
• By bike: Congratulations if you’ve come with a bike: Anglesey is crisscrossed by routes. Download maps from http://visitanglesey.co.uk.
• On foot: The island is ringed by the 125-mile Anglesey Coastal Path (http://walescoastpath.gov.uk). Most people set aside twelve days for the complete circuit.

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The Rough Guides to Wales and related travel guides

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• United Kingdom

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 06.06.2021

Ready to travel and discover Wales?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Politics
• 4.3 Culture
• 4.4 Climate
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.3.1 South Wales
• 6.3.2 North Wales
• 6.3.3 Mid Wales
• 6.4 By coach
• 6.5 By boat
• 7.1 General
• 7.2 By plane
• 7.4 By train
• 7.5 By bus and coach
• 7.6 By bike
• 9.3 Scuba diving
• 9.4 Birdwatching
• 9.5 Agritourism
• 9.7 Literary events
• 9.8 Sporting events
• 16.2 Driving
• 16.3 Natural hazards

Wales ( Welsh : Cymru ) is one of the United Kingdom 's four constituent countries. With a distinctive Celtic language and culture, there's plenty to see and do in this beautiful country.

Most tourists in Wales come from other parts of the UK, attracted to the scenic mountains, impressive coasts, magnificent national parks, imposing castles, and the fact that the country has much of Britain's industrial heritage .

Visit Wales is the tourist bureau.

Regions [ edit ]

Wales is here divided geographically and culturally into three regions:

Cities and towns [ edit ]

Wales has many picturesque cities and towns. Those below are amongst the most notable.

Cities [ edit ]

• 51.483333 -3.183333 1 Cardiff (Welsh: Caerdydd ) — the capital of Wales, the seat of the Welsh government, and a major tourist destination.
• 53.228 -4.128 2 Bangor — A small, picturesque university city with about 18,000 residents. Home to landmarks such as Bangor Cathedral and Garth Pier, the second-longest pier in Wales.
• 51.616667 -3.95 3 Swansea ( Abertawe ) — Wales' second largest city is famous for is beaches and coastal walks. It is the gateway to the stunning Gower Peninsular.
• 53.046 -2.993 4 Wrexham ( Wrecsam ) — The largest town in North Wales was made a city in 2022.

Towns [ edit ]

• 52.414 -4.081 5 Aberystwyth — A coastal town with large student population.
• 53.14 -4.27 6 Caernarfon — The site of Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales' largest and best preserved castles.
• 53.28 -3.83 7 Conwy — A medieval, fortified town with impressive castle and quaint shops.
• 52.075 -3.125 8 Hay-on-Wye ( Y Gelli Gandryll ) — The "book capital" of the UK, home to the annual literary festival.
• 51.6745 -4.7044 9 Tenby ( Dinbych-y-pysgod ) — A medieval walled town and elegant seaside resort.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 53.283333 -4.333333 1 Anglesey ( Ynys Môn ) – large island, home to the town with the UK's longest placename
• 51.883333 -3.433333 2 Brecon Beacons National Park ( Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog ) - a range of low mountains, with mining history, market towns, caves, and waterfalls
• 51.5915 -4.216294 3 Gower Peninsula ( Penrhyn Gŵyr ) - Wales's most beautiful beaches offer surfing and riding, while the peninsula's villages are picturesque
• 52.9092 -4.4614 4 Llŷn ( Penrhyn Llŷn ) - a bastion of the Welsh language thrusting into the Irish Sea
• 51.833333 -5.083333 5 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ( Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro ) - rugged cliffs and peaceful coves, home to internationally-important seabird colonies

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Wales was once an independent, though rarely unified nation, with a strong Celtic and Druidical tradition. The word "Wales" is an exonym going back to a Germanic term meaning "foreign" which can also be found in words like "Cornwall" or "walnut". When King Edward I defeated Llywelyn the Last in 1282, the nation fell under the jurisdiction of England . At first, it was ruled as a separate country, but rebellion by Prince Owain Glyndŵr (considered in modern times as the 'Father of Welsh nationalism') led to incremental incorporation into England, and Wales was annexed through the Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542. Since the Act of Union in 1801, Wales has been part of the United Kingdom which includes England, Northern Ireland , and Scotland too.

Prior to the industrial revolution, Wales was a sparsely populated country dependent on local agricultural and pastoral trade. However, due to the abundance of coal in the South Wales valleys, there was a phenomenal growth in population and a dynamic shift in the economy of South Wales during the 18th and 19th centuries (see Industrial Britain ). The area of central Glamorgan , in particular, became a national focus for coal mining and steel production, while the ports of Cardiff and Swansea established themselves as commercial centres, offering banking, shopping and insurance facilities. Moreover, places on the north coast, such as Rhyl and Llandudno , developed into fun-fair type resorts serving the expanding populations of the major industrial cities of Lancashire .

Coal mining has all but ceased and heavy industry declined. However, Wales' attractive scenery and rich history has lent itself to the development of tourism, while at the same time, Cardiff and Swansea have retained their rankings as centres of commerce and cutting-edge industry. Cardiff, which was designated as capital of Wales in 1955, has seen a huge amount of investment in institutions through 'devolution', also giving rise to a significant amount of political power being passed down from Westminster. Since 1999, Wales has had its own legislature separate from Westminster.

Politics [ edit ]

Wales is governed by a combination of local, Wales-, and UK-wide institutions. Many important matters are decided on a UK level, and Wales is represented by 40 MPs in the House of Commons. One of the greatest British statesmen of the 20th century was the Welshman David Lloyd George, who is the only Prime Minister whose first language was not English (it was Welsh).

Since 1999, Wales has had its own devolved government and bilingual legislature. The Senedd Cymru - Welsh Parliament sits in Cardiff Bay, in an eco-friendly building designed by Richard Rogers. The Senedd has a single chamber with 60 members, known as MSs , who are elected every five years. All residents of Wales aged 16 or over on election day are eligible to vote. Each elector casts two votes: one for the candidate they wish to be their local MS, and one for a party as a whole from a regional list. The resulting composition is 40 MSs who each represent a constituency directly, and 20 who are invested based on a form of proportional representation. The leader of the largest party in the Senedd typically becomes the First Minister ( Prif Weinidog ), who is head of the government. Since 2024, the First Minister has been Vaughan Gething (Labour), the first Black leader of a European nation.

The powers of the Welsh Government ( Llywodraeth Cymru ) have been expanded over time to cover matters such as agriculture, education, the environment, healthcare, housing, tourism, transport, and the Welsh language. This can lead to visible differences from the rest of the UK; for instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Welsh Government has imposed different restrictions at different times to those imposed by the UK Government in England.

Wales has long been generally more left-wing in its politics than the UK as a whole. The Labour Party has led each government since 1999, though it hasn't always been the sole party of government. Labour's strongholds are in the densely-populated south and north-east of the country. The pro-independence Plaid Cymru, which is ideologically social-democratic, is strongly supported in majority-Welsh-speaking areas in the north and west. The Conservative Party is most popular in rural areas near the border and in the south west, which tend to have fewer Welsh speakers.

There is wide support for increasing the powers of the devolved government still further, but support for full independence is limited and certainly lower than in Scotland. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, 53% of the electorate in Wales voted to leave the European Union but some areas were majority remain-voting; in January 2020, Wales left the EU along with the rest of the UK.

Culture [ edit ]

Wales is part of Britain and so part of the UK, but is not part of England. It is correct to call Welsh people British, but incorrect and even offensive to call them English. Over the centuries, there have been minor revolts aimed at gaining independence, but in general Wales has accepted its place in the UK, and has made notable contributions to its politics and culture. Nevertheless, Wales has remained a bastion of Celtic culture, and the Welsh language continues to be a topic of pride and is widely spoken, especially in rural areas. It is now taught in all Welsh schools. As of 2020, around 29% of the population are able to speak Welsh.

The Prince of Wales ( Tywysog Cymru ) has been, since the 13th century, the eldest son of the sitting monarch, and is therefore usually the next in line to the British throne. It is for this reason that Wales is often referred to as a principality , even though the prince has no constitutional status in Wales, and doesn't even reside in the country. On 9 September 2022, King Charles III named HRH Prince William as the new Prince of Wales.

The prince's heraldic badge of feathers is sometimes used to symbolise Wales, though the daffodil flower, the leek and, above all, the red dragon tend to be more popular symbols. The origins of the leek can be traced to the 16th century, while the daffodil became popular in the 19th century, encouraged by David Lloyd-George. Both the leek and daffodil are commonly worn on the lapels of people celebrating St David's Day , which is Wales's national day, celebrating the country's patron saint. Dragons have been associated with Wales since the early Middle Ages, and the red dragon ( y ddraig goch ) in particular has been used as a symbol of Wales throughout the centuries, and is now featured on the country's flag.

Rugby union is hugely popular in Wales and is considered the national sport. Attending a Wales international game in a packed-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff is a most electrifying experience, and a great opportunity to hear the country's national anthem , Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (The Land Of My Fathers), belted out by 50,000 or more Welsh fans.

Indeed, the country is celebrated for its singing , with the ballads Calon Lân , Cwm Rhondda ( Bread of Heaven ) and Men of Harlech fundamental parts of the repertoire of any respectable Welsh choir. The country's long tradition of folk music and literature is celebrated annually at the National Eisteddfod , while famous musicians in the contemporary era include Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Katherine Jenkins and Bonnie Tyler, plus the rock bands, Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers.

Other famous Welsh people include Henry VII (the first of the Tudors, the famous dynasty of 15th and 16th century monarchs); Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Christian Bale (Hollywood actors); Aneurin Bevan (politician, father of the National Health Service); Gareth Edwards and Alun Wyn Jones (respectively a former and the current captain of Wales' national rugby team); Ryan Giggs (former footballer and now coach), Gareth Bale (current footballer); Bertrand Russell (philosopher); Dylan Thomas (poet and author) and Richard Burton (poet and actor, linked to Thomas forever by Under Milk Wood ).

Climate [ edit ]

Wales has an oceanic climate just like the rest of the UK. If it is not raining at the moment, it is certainly about to rain. This does, however, produce an intensely green and beautiful landscape. Summer average temperature is around 20 °C (68 °F) while spring and autumn is about 14 °C (57 °F). The weather varies substantially depending on the location and landscape, the coastal area being much milder than in the mountains. Wales experiences more intense rainfall than its eastern neighbour England. Cardiff is the wettest city in Wales. Snow is common on mountains in the winter. It can be bitterly cold up in the mountains and the valleys so make sure you wrap up warm before going on your adventure.

Talk [ edit ]

The two official languages of Wales are English and Welsh ( Cymraeg ).

Welsh is a Celtic language most closely related to Cornish and Breton, and more distantly to Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx. Speakers live all over Wales, but it is most commonly spoken in the north and west; you are most likely to find native Welsh-speaking individuals in Carmarthenshire, Northern Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd, and the Isle of Anglesey. An increasing number of people around the country are learning Welsh as a second language, and it is believed that, as of 2020, 29% of the population knows the language. The Welsh government has plans to increase the number of speakers to one million by 2050.

Bilingual signs are the norm in Wales, including on the roads, in shops, and at tourist attractions. Locals who are not fluent in Welsh usually know how to pronounce Welsh words, especially place names. There is lots of Welsh-language media including the TV channel S4C and BBC Radio Cymru.

Learning Welsh is not necessary or expected from visitors, but Welsh people will react well if you show interest in their language. Using phrases like bore da (good morning), iechyd da (cheers), and diolch (thank you) will be greatly appreciated in most of the country; even non-Welsh-speakers are usually supportive and welcoming if you try a few words.

There are several regional accents of English spoken in Wales. That spoken in the South Wales Valleys and further west is perhaps closest to the 'stereotypical' Welsh accent, while in the North, where the greatest number of native Welsh speakers live, the accent is noticeably distinct and more nasal, blending in north-east Wales to something similar to Scouse (the accent and dialect of Liverpool ). Cardiff has a distinct accent all of its own - the name is sometimes jokingly spelt 'Kairdiff' as an indication of this. However, no Welsh accent should present much difficulty to anyone with a decent command of English. There are a few colloquialisms that may take you a moment to work out what is meant, but don't be worried to ask for someone to repeat something. 'Aye' is commonly used to indicate 'yes' and 'ta-ra' can be said instead of 'goodbye'. 'Tidy' is often used but has a wide meaning ranging from fine/splendid or large (quantity), as in 'a tidy amount'. 'Butty'/'butt' is sometimes used for friend/buddy.

Get in [ edit ]

Wales has the same immigration and visa requirements as the rest of the UK . All passengers travelling to the UK from outside Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man go through systematic passport/identity card and selective customs checks carried out by the UK Border Agency on arrival in the UK.

There is no internal border control between Wales and England. The road and train networks are fully integrated between England and Wales, meaning travel between the two nations should be stress-free.

By plane [ edit ]

Cardiff Airport ( CWL  IATA ) is the only international airport in Wales. It is 9 mi (14 km) west of the city, near Rhoose . Anglesey Airport ( VLY  IATA ) is the only other commercial airport in Wales, with weekday services to and from Cardiff.

• Eastern Airways operate flights to Aberdeen and Newcastle .
• KLM operates services to Amsterdam 4 to 5 times a day.

There are also many seasonal flights catering to packaged holidays with companies such as Cosmos Holidays [dead link] , Ryanair and TUI Airways flying to many destinations in Greece, Spain and North Africa.

There are regular bus services from Cardiff city centre to the airport. You can also get to the airport using a bus service from Barry Station, which is closer to the airport and on local rail lines. A nearby railway line has a station at Rhoose, where there are shuttle buses to the airport.

Bristol Airport is also gaining popularity, and there are dedicated coach services between Bristol Airport and central Cardiff.

Birmingham Airport is well served by long-haul destinations and is in easy driving distance to Wales. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is smaller, having flights mainly to continental Europe, but is in striking distance of North Wales.

It could be easier to fly to an airport in England such as one of the London airports when visiting South Wales, as a greater range of airlines and cities flown from are available from there to destinations around the world, with services from many airlines. However London is over 2 hours from Cardiff, and longer from many other places in Wales. If you do choose to fly into London, then Heathrow Airport is by far the closest to Wales in terms of travel time (around 2 hours to Cardiff, subject to traffic); Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports are around an hour further away. Other cities served by international airports in England which offer reasonable access to parts of Wales include Birmingham ( BHX  IATA ) for mid Wales, Liverpool ( LPL  IATA ) and Manchester ( MAN  IATA ) for north Wales.

Llandegley International Airport closed in 2022, to much regret: in its 20 years it never suffered a flight delay, aircraft incident, unruly passenger, lost bag, stuck car-park barrier, or any of the other vicissitudes of the average airport. Thing is, it never existed. Nothing, not even a grass strip. A local man put up a spoof signpost by the A44 / A483 junction near Llandrindod Wells, the joke caught on, and so he maintained it at considerable personal expense. It was about as central in Wales as you can get, but even Ryanair couldn't pass it off as "Cardiff North", and in 2022 he called time on it.

By car [ edit ]

South Wales enjoys good motorway connections with the rest of the UK:

• The M4 links southern England, including London and Bristol , to South Wales via the Severn Bridge. It serves Newport , Cardiff , Swansea , and Carmarthen .
• The M50 links the West Midlands with Monmouth, the Brecon Beacons and all of South and West Wales.

North Wales has no motorway connections. However there are still good road connections with the rest of the UK:

• The A5 runs from the end of the M54 near Shrewsbury and takes you into Wales through the spectacular Snowdonia National Park
• The A55, which is of motorway standard for most of its length, runs along the entire north coast from the English motorway network near Chester to the island of Anglesey . It is much quicker than the A5 although also less scenic.

Mid Wales only has single carriageway roads:

• The A456 Shrewsbury to Welshpool being the main route
• The A44 from Worcester can be a slow route, but scenic and with quite a few nice places to stop in both countries

There are no internal border controls within Great Britain and you may not notice the border if entering Wales from England via a minor road. You will usually see the Croeso i Gymru ("Welcome to Wales") sign crossing the border.

By train [ edit ]

The three railway companies serving Wales are Transport for Wales , Avanti West Coast , and Great Western Railway (GWR) .

South Wales [ edit ]

Main line rail services connect south Wales (especially Newport , Cardiff and Swansea ) with all parts of the UK, via Avanti West Coast (to Birmingham and the North East, including Scotland ), Transport for Wales (to the rest of Wales) and GWR (to London Paddington).

North Wales [ edit ]

• The North Wales Coast Line links Chester (and other parts of England) with the northern seaside resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn , the city of Bangor , the isle of Anglesey and the port of Holyhead . Through tickets to Dublin ( Rep. of Ireland ) are available, which include the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Port. Services are run by Transport for Wales (from Manchester and Cardiff) and Avanti West Coast (from London and Crewe).
• The Conwy Valley Line stretches from Llandudno Junction along the Conwy Valley via Betws y Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog , and connects with trains on both the North Wales Coast line and the Ffestiniog Railway. Services are run by Transport for Wales.
• The beautiful Cambrian Coast Line runs from Shrewsbury (in England), across Mid-Wales through Machynlleth , and through the coastal towns of Tywyn and Barmouth , through the south part of Snowdonia , Harlech and Porthmadog , and along the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula to Pwllheli . Services are run by Transport for Wales.
• The Shrewsbury-Chester Line runs from Shrewsbury to Chester , across the Wales-England border and the river Dee, passing Gobowen (in England, near Oswestry , also in England), Chirk (near the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct), Ruabon, Wrexham (General) and Chester . Services are run by Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast (from Wrexham General to Chester and beyond only).
• The Borderlands Line runs between Wrexham (Central) and Bidston , linking various Flintshire towns and villages with the Wirral , and Wrexham . Services are run by Transport for Wales. Merseyrail services are available to Bidston, from the rest of the Wirral and Liverpool .

Mid Wales [ edit ]

Mid Wales is very sparsely populated and does not have extensive rail services. Nevertheless a few routes exist that show the beauty of the country:

• Transport for Wales also run the famous Heart of Wales Line from Swansea to Shrewsbury . As the name suggests, this service runs through very scenic areas in the middle of the country. The train takes almost 4 hours to make the 120 mi (190 km) journey due to the many gradients and turns. It is popular with tourists but also provides an essential service to rural communities along the route.
• The Cambrian Line takes the same route as the Cambrian Coast Line as far as Machynlleth , where it goes southwards along the coast through Borth to the university town of Aberystwyth .

By coach [ edit ]

National Express operates coach services around the UK including to and from many parts of Wales. There are direct National Express coaches from London Heathrow Airport that go directly to Cardiff and Swansea.

By boat [ edit ]

It's possible to take several ferry routes from Ireland to Wales, the main routes are Holyhead (which is on Holy Island, linked to the island of Anglesey by a causeway, and Anglesey is linked by bridge to mainland Wales) and Fishguard on the south-west coast. These tend to be the cheapest and fastest, if you hunt around between the different ferry companies. Stenaline and Irish Ferries offer multiple daily services for passengers and vehicles. Bookings can be made through their websites. Stena operate the route to Fishguard, Irish Ferries operate the route to Pembroke Dock, and both operate to Holyhead.

• Fishguard - Rosslare in South Eastern Ireland
• Holyhead - Dublin
• Pembroke - Rosslare

Get around [ edit ]

General [ edit ]

Due to Wales' topography and historic development, most travelling in Wales is done east-west rather than north-south. Rail and road links between centres in South Wales and along the North Wales coast are usually quick and efficient, especially along the M4 and A55. An important exception to this is M4, J32 (the interchange with the A470), during peak morning rush hour, which gets congested with Cardiff commuter traffic. The roundabout at J32 is the largest in Europe. Most places in South Wales are within a 90-min drive of each other.

Travelling between Cardiff and the other main population centres, Swansea and Newport, is very straightforward.

Although only approximately 170 mi (270 km) from coast to coast, the topography makes north-south links more difficult in terms of time. By land, journey times are comparable to flight times across North America! However, the journey itself is something a visitor may wish to do to see the scenery.

• Traveline Cymru - bus, coach and rail journey planning and timetable information

Wales is a small country and flying is not a common mode of internal transport. There is in fact only one domestic route, Cardiff International Airport to Anglesey Airport . This is the quickest way by far to travel between North and South Wales.

This route is served by two services each way per day. The journey costs approximately £50 each way and takes about an hour. This option is most useful for those travelling between North West and South East Wales. The service is provided by the airline City Wing .

It is much easier to drive from east to west across Wales (via the M4 or A55, for instance) than from north to south , due to the lack of fast roads across the sparsely-populated interior. You should allow 5 or 6 hours to tackle this. But that is time well spent, as the journey takes in some spectacular scenery. The two main north-south roads are the A470 ( Cardiff to Llandudno ) and the A483 ( Swansea to Chester ). However, neither is a fast road: the A470, for instance, has only a 25-mile (40-km) dual-carriageway stretch, from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil; while much of the rest of the route has been improved, there are still many places where the road is narrow and winding, and where trucks or agricultural vehicles can slow traffic considerably. Those travelling from the north-east to the south-east may find it quicker to use the English motorway network (M6 and M5), or the A49 road through Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Roads are generally well-maintained and signposted, although flooding is a risk after heavy rain - particularly in the wetter west and north - and the higher mountain passes can become icy and treacherous in winter. In rural areas, minor roads are usually very narrow, just wide enough for a single tractor, while high hedges on either side can obstruct your view of oncoming traffic. A sensible speed and liberal beeps of your horn when tackling corners are essential. When — not if — you meet an oncoming vehicle, one of you will have to reverse to the nearest passing place, which should be no more than a couple of hundred metres away. Beware of livestock on the roads: sheep often graze on roadside verges, including alongside main roads in rural areas, and can stray on to the carriageway seemingly oblivious to passing traffic. It is also quite common for farmers to have to herd sheep or cattle along or across a road from one field to another. If you come across this, remember that the farmer is just doing his or her job, and be patient: sounding your horn or revving your engine will only alarm the livestock and annoy the farmer, causing even greater delays.

Road signage is bilingual , as much for instructions as for place names. There is no colour or font differentiation between English and Welsh, but since 2016 all new road signs have placed Welsh before English. Prior to then, the order was decided seemingly at random, so older signs may show English first.

Due to various closures in the 1960s there is no true "Welsh railway system". Basically there are three separate Welsh limbs which are part of the British system although there have been moves to improve intra-Wales railway services. The limbs are a North Wales line to Holyhead, a line to Aberystwyth in the centre, and a main line in South Wales, forming an extension of the London Paddington to West of England main line.

Transport for Wales provides most train services within Wales.

Two cross-border train companies may also be of use for internal train journeys within Wales. Great Western Railway provide the bulk of cross border services between England and South Wales. Their flagship High Speed Service generally goes as far west as Swansea, and there are even a limited number to destinations further West. Their "local" services to Bristol Temple Meads and the South West of England go no further west than Cardiff. Arriva Trains Cross Country provide services as far west as Cardiff to Birmingham and onwards to Nottingham.

Regular train services connect the South Wales' three main cities, Cardiff , Swansea and Newport . Services between Cardiff and Swansea are usually every 20 minutes, and even more frequent between Cardiff and Newport.

Cardiff is also the hub of the Valley Line network which serves a number of former coal mining towns. This railway system was built to carry coal; it is now mainly a commuter network and is useful to visitors to the Valleys, or indeed for local travel within Cardiff.

Swansea and Llanelli in the West are linked to Mid Wales via the Heart of Wales railway, whilst not a quick journey it is well worth considering for its scenery.

Rail connections between North and South Wales in fact cross into neighbouring England, although there are a number of direct services between Cardiff and North Wales along the Marches line via several places in England. There are two high speed services each day between Holyhead and Cardiff, which only stop at a limited number of stations in England.

• Transport for Wales ( Trafnidiaeth Cymru ) operates most local rail services in Wales
• Great Western Railway operates cross border services between South Wales and Bristol, Reading, Portsmouth, and London Paddington.
• Avanti West Coast operates services from North Wales to Crewe, Birmingham, and London Euston.
• Crosscountry operates an hourly service between Nottingham and Cardiff, going through Birmingham.

By bus and coach [ edit ]

The First Cymru Shuttle coach service is usually quicker than the train for journeys between Swansea and Cardiff, but at peak times, the train does not get stuck in traffic!

Government-funded Traws Cambria services connect North, Mid and South Wales.

• Arriva operates a large amount of bus services in North Wales
• First Cymru [dead link] operates services in South West Wales
• Stagecoach operates services in South Wales
• Cardiff Bus operates services in Cardiff
• Veolia Transport Cymru [dead link] operates services in Cardiff and South Wales

Traveline Cymru has a search facility for all Welsh public transport routes.

By bike [ edit ]

National Cycle Route 5 follows the Wales Coast Path, National Cycle Route 8 runs from Cardiff to Holyhead and National Cycle Route 47 is also known as the Celtic Trail.

See [ edit ]

Wales has many significant attractions, and listed below are a few of the most notable. For more details about these attractions plus information on other places of interest, check under regional sections.

Much of Wales' scenery is spectacular, and environmentally important. To protect the environment certain parts of Wales have been designated as "National Parks" or as "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty". An area with either of these designation will have a high degree of protection from inappropriate development. Whilst these rules exist for environmental reasons, rather than to promote tourism, because "National Parks" and "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" have this protection, a visitor to these areas can be confident that they will see some unspoiled scenery. These areas offer some of Wales' most attractive scenery, and a visitor would be well advised to visit at least one of these areas. That is not to say that there aren't other attractive places in Wales, but the "National Parks" and "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" are the "jewels in the outdoor crown".

Wales has three National Parks : Brecon Beacons National Park ( Mid Wales ), spectacular mountain scenery and castles, pretty highlands turned into a national park with weaving streams, waterfalls and canals; Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ( South Wales ) with dramatic coastal scenery; and Snowdonia National Park ( North Wales ) covering Wales' highest mountains, and considered by some to be the most beautiful and poetic in Britain.

National Park status offers the highest level of environmental and planning protection in Wales. National Parks tend to cover some very large areas. It should therefore come as no surprise, that some of Wales' most important scenery can be found within its National Parks. Each "National Park" is administered by a special-purpose local authority, called a "National Park Authority". These organisations primarily exist to ensure that laws protecting the environment and scenery are followed. Nevertheless a National Park Authority will organise and run various facilities in the area which are clearly "branded" as official facilities. These facilities will include public toilets, car parks, visitor centres, and even gift shops selling branded merchandise. However the National Park Authority does not own most of the land in these areas, and so there is private and charitable provision of facilities such as car parking, and retail outlets too. It is also usual that the boundaries of a national park are marked on the ground where roads enter them, so you will often know when you have entered a National Park, for example there may be a stone or a sign stating you are entering the area. The websites of the relevant National Park Authorities will often have a section designed particularly for visitors and may well be very useful to someone planning a trip to the area, even containing information such as accommodation information.

Other important areas which do not have National Park status, have the alternative status of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). These areas tend to cover smaller areas than "National Parks", they will nevertheless be of interest to visitors. AONBs are not run by government but are simply areas with a similar level of protection to National Parks, but remaining under the jurisdiction of the relevant local authority. Like the National Park Authorities, local authorities with "AONBs" in their area do generally take their duties seriously to enforce planning laws, but unlike them, may not organise any "AONB" branded facilities in these areas. So there don't tend to be official branded facilities such as visitor centres, car parks, and gift shops. These facilities may exist but by conventional private, charitable and municipal provision. The actual boundaries of AONBs - whilst they are often shown on the rear covers of "Ordnance Survey" maps, tend to be of importance to local government officials and landowners, rather than tourists. It is therefore not usual to see markers or signs at the boundaries of these areas on the ground. The official websites of "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" are usually part of a local authority's main website. They may still have useful information, but do not expect the same level of specialisation as on a National Park website.

The Isle of Anglesey AONB is predominantly coastal, covering most of the island's 125-mile coastline. Gower Peninsula ( Swansea ), UK's first designated area of outstanding natural beauty, covers most of the peninsula. Lleyn AONB, the peninsula sticking out westwards beyond Snowdonia , in the north-west of the country. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is a range of hills running southwards from the coast at Prestatyn , Denbighshire in the north-east of the country, close to the border with England , now extended to include the spectacular hills around the river Dee near Llangollen . The Wye Valley AONB straddles the southern end of the England/Wales border between Hereford and Chepstow

A number of UNESCO World Heritage sites can be visited, including the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape , the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - near Chirk and of course the North Wales Castles built in the decades after the invasion or conquest of Wales by England in the 13th century, representing the most advanced military technology of the time, being compared with the Crusader Castles of the Middle East. Castles of note being Caernarfon , Conwy and Harlech .

Key listed historic building worth visiting include Caerphilly castle , the second largest in the UK, Pembroke castle , Raglan castle , the ruins of Tintern abbey and the incredibly preserved and restored Elizabethan house Plas Mawr in Conwy .

There is a good selection of national museums and galleries to visit. These are: The National Museum (collection of paintings, archaeological finds and geological exhibits ), Cardiff ; St Fagans National History Museum (many historic buildings, relocated from their original site), near Cardiff ; The National Slate Museum , Llanberis ; Big Pit (The National Coal Museum), Blaenafon ; The National Woollen Museum , Dre-fach Felindre, near Llandysul ; The National Roman Legionary Museum , Caerleon, Newport ; The National Waterfront Museum (maritime and industrial past), Swansea . Entry to national museums are free, although expect a charge for car parking.

There are also many stately homes, gardens and estate parks to visit. One of the most visited being the National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen .

Do [ edit ]

Heritage railways are more generally thought of as pleasurable attractions rather than ways to get around, although the Ffestiniog Railway , initially depended on gravity and horse power, from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog can be used to link places on main rail lines, and the opening of the Welsh Highland Railway has created a useful link between Caernarfon , Beddgelert and Porthmadog . The Vale of Rheidol Railway provides a novel way from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge . They are all historic lines that have been either preserved or restored with steam a major feature on these lines. Others include Bala Lake Railway , Brecon Mountain Railway , Gwili Railway , Llanberis Lake Railway , Welshpool and Llanfair Railway , Talyllyn Railway the World's first heritage railway, and perhaps the best known of all the Snowdon Mountain Railway .

Wales' offers some spectacular coastal and mountainous scenery. Which offers the opportunity for various activity holidays.

Hiking [ edit ]

Good paths to walk on are the Wales Coast Path or Offa's Dyke Path near the border of Wales and England.

For the more experienced Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft) and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, is the highest mountain in South Wales at 886 m (2,907 ft). Cadair Idris , close to the Mid-Wales coast, overlooking Dolgellau to the north and Bro Dysynni to the south-west is another very popular mountain. It has good rail access on both North and South sides from the Cambrian Coast Line, but this is virtually at sea level. The actual summit is 893 m (2,930 ft) above sea level. This makes for a strenuous walk which takes most of the day.

Golf [ edit ]

Wales has a long golfing history, with many top-quality courses, however it offers golf courses which tend to be less crowded, and less expensive than the other Western European destinations. As a very rough rule North Wales tends to have the better links courses, and the South the better parkland courses, although it is well worth playing both sorts of courses in both parts of Wales just to find out! There is a relatively high density of courses in the Vale of Glamorgan, between Cardiff and Bridgend, due to the proliferation of courses in the last fifteen years serving the Cardiff Commuter Belt. There is also a high density of courses in the Conwy and Llandudno area. Further details can be obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government's official golf tourism website [dead link] , and on pages concerning the specific areas of Wales. Wales' most prestigious courses include: The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport , Monmouthshire, it has three courses, and is the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup; Conwy (Caernarvonshire), Conwy , Caernarvonshire - this Links hosted a final qualifying round for the 2006 Open Championship; Machynys Golf and Country Club , Llanelli , Carmarthenshire - Links, opened in 2005 Wales' first and so far only Nicklaus-designed course.

Scuba diving [ edit ]

Scuba diving , exploration beneath its surrounding seas, is an activity not many tourists think of when visiting Wales. Although weather conditions are not always perfect, water temperatures are quite chilly, scuba diving in Wales is one of the best experiences for divers around Europe. You can find whales, dolphins, plenty of seals but also superb coral formations including seahorses and several coral fish. The Isle of Anglesey has been encircled by shipping routes for centuries resulting in striking shipwrecks of all sizes. Pembrokeshire with its scenic islands Skomer Island, Skokholm Island and the isolated rocks called the Smalls are known for their colonies of seals and many shipwrecks .

Birdwatching [ edit ]

Wales is a great destination for birdwatching . The long coastline provides excellent habitats for seabirds, and the hinterland is home to many birds of prey. Notable destinations are Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre for red kites, Cors Dyfi Reserve for Osprey, while for seabird must-visits are the South Stack Cliffs RSPB reserve and the Conwy RSPB reserve .

Agritourism [ edit ]

Wales has a fantastic agricultural scene and travellers are encouraged to experience it. You can see the Royal Welsh agricultural show, you can go to a small town sheep auction, or a sheep dog trail .

Music [ edit ]

Wales is often referred to as "the land of song", and is notable for its harpists, male voice choirs, and plethora of solo artists, such as Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church. Cardiff has a big rock scene and has produced some of the biggest acts in the UK today. The Welsh Folk Song Society has published a number of collections of songs and tunes. Check the web sites of local male voice choirs for dates of concerts.

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod echoes the National Eisteddfod but provides an opportunity for the singers and musicians of the world to perform. Traditional music and dance in Wales is supported by a myriad of societies.

Notable musical events include the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition , the Brecon Jazz Festival (August) and the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts an annual (October) three-week bash of culture at various locations in Swansea, and the second largest such festival in the UK.

Others of note include the Faenol Festival organised by the internationally renowned opera singer Bryn Terfel , (August Bank Holiday weekend every year at Y Felinheli) and Sesiwn Fawr a World Music Festival which takes place every July in Dolgellau.

Literary events [ edit ]

The famous Hay Festival literary festival, which Bill Clinton aptly described as 'The Woodstock for the Mind.' takes place end of May beginning of June.

The Dylan Thomas Festival in Swansea is an annual event held between 27 October and 9 November (the dates of the poet's birth and death) to commemorate the works of Thomas. In addition, the festival hosts the awards' ceremony for the winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize - a biannual writing competition for most outstanding literary talent in English, aged under 30. Complementing the main events at the Dylan Thomas Festival the Dylan Thomas Fringe is held at various venues throughout the city.

Sporting events [ edit ]

Six Nations Rugby Tournament - Cardiff's Millennium Stadium (known for sponsorship reasons as Principality Stadium) hosts two or three matches per year as part of the premier Northern Hemisphere Rugby Tournament. Cardiff will host many visitors attending the game. Tickets and accommodation would generally need to be bought well in advance. If you are able to see a match then it is a valuable insight into Welsh culture, whether watching in a pub or in the Millennium Stadium.

Rugby is the national sport of Wales. The Welsh locals love supporting their national team and local clubs. Rugby union is very popular but the league code is rare, unlike in England. Cardiff is often rammed with both locals and tourists supporting Wales in the World Cups and the 6 Nations. At club level, the country's top four teams—Cardiff Rugby, Dragons (Newport), Ospreys (Swansea), and Scarlets (Llanelli)—play in the United Rugby Championship, which also features teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and South Africa. Wales also has a fully domestic league system, the top level of which is known as the Welsh Premier Division; teams in that league are basically developmental operations for the URC sides.

Football is also popular in Wales, though attendances in the local Welsh league (the top level of which is known as Cymru Premier) are low, and the two biggest Welsh clubs, Cardiff City and Swansea City , both play in the English league system. In addition, virtually all the top Welsh players play for English rather than Welsh clubs. That said, the Welsh national team enjoys strong support, having featured world-class players such as Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale, and play their home games in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. For instance, the 2017 UEFA Champions League Finals was held in Cardiff.

The Wales Rally GB is usually the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, it takes place at near the end of each year in many locations around Wales.

Buy [ edit ]

Like the rest of the United Kingdom , Wales uses the pound sterling (£). Unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are no separate banknotes in Wales, only those issued by the Bank of England. Indeed, Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes may not be easy to spend, although they can be exchanged at any bank. Most banks and travel agents will also change foreign currency, although it is worth shopping around for the best rates.

ATMs are widespread, even in small towns: they can be found in many post offices, convenience stores and petrol stations as well as in banks. However, many banks in small towns have closed, and ATMs in other locations often charge you (maybe £1-2) for withdrawing cash.

As in the rest of the UK, beware of ATM fraud, which is becoming increasingly common. The fraud works either by 'skimming' your card (reading the details on it with a device attached to the ATM) or trapping it in the machine, and using a hidden camera to record your PIN as you enter it. Never use an ATM with a card slot which appears to have been tampered with, and always cover the key pad with your hand, wallet or purse when entering your PIN. If you find an ATM which seems to have been tampered with, or if it retains your card, report this at once to the bank which owns it and to the police.

Costs [ edit ]

Costs are broadly comparable with the rest of the UK; hotels, bars and restaurants in Cardiff are relatively expensive, while the rest of the country is perhaps slightly cheaper. Petrol and diesel is often much more expensive in rural Wales than in the main towns and cities.

Eat [ edit ]

See also: Welsh cheese

Wales is associated with many particular dishes, and there are a number of unique foods that you might like to try. The quality of local ingredients is often very high, with a drive towards locally sourced, organic produce in many restaurants.

• Ice cream . Due to an influx of Italians into Wales, the country has some of the best cones and tubs in Britain. The following are UK national award winners: Frank's Ice Cream in Carmarthenshire , Joe's Ice-cream in Swansea and Fecci & Sons Ice Cream in Tenby . La Belle Rouge in Aberystwyth is also very highly recommended. One of the most well-known ice cream cafes in the north west is a chain called Cadwaladers , which has since expanded to Cardiff and England.  

Several of the above dishes are now rarely eaten and may not be found on restaurant menus. Many cuisines are now represented in Welsh towns and cities, with even small towns and villages usually having takeaways, with Chinese, Indian, pizza and kebab being most common as well as the traditional fish and chips. Cardiff and Swansea have a much wider range of restaurants and cuisines represented including a number of star-rated restaurants. The country and village pubs have their own distinctive style of cuisine.

Vegetarianism and veganism is popular in Wales like its neighbour England. It is easy to find vegetarian meals in the big cities and towns. Even small towns or villages usually have a few vegetarian options in pubs and cafes. For vegans, Swansea and Cardiff offer the most options. Veganism is rare or non existent in rural areas.

For more information, see the general article on eating in the UK .

As with the rest of the United Kingdom, smoking in enclosed public areas, which includes restaurants and cafes, is illegal in Wales, and there is an on-the-spot fine of £50 for those who violate the ban.

Drink [ edit ]

Although the temperance movement was strong in Wales; beer was and still is a popular drink. There are a large number of small independent breweries in Wales, of which one well-known brand is Double Dragon from Felinfoel Brewery near Llanelli (Wales' oldest) is a must to taste. Wrexham Lager , after an absence of over a decade, Wrexham has its famous lager back and also back to its former glory. The owners are focusing on and giving a boost to the local pubs. One of the largest breweries in Glamorgan, Brains brews a decent range of ales

After an absence of over 100 years, Wales rejoined the club of Celtic countries that produce whisky in 2004 with the launch of the Welsh Whisky Company. This distillery is based out of the village of Penderyn, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons near Aberdare in South Wales . Penderyn whisky has received a number of awards and makes an interesting addition to the world of whisky. The distillery visitor centre opened in June 2008.

The other major beverage produce is, not surprisingly, bottled water.

See the more general article on drinking in the UK , with information on pubs and real ale.

Be careful on Friday and Saturday nights especially in the big cities and towns. You could encounter drunks anywhere but mostly outside pubs and bars and very poor areas. If you're unsafe around drunk people, get to a safe area.

Sleep [ edit ]

Wales is very tourist-friendly, so finding hotel accommodation, a self-catering holiday cottage or a place to pitch a tent should not be a problem. However, you might need to make prior reservations during the summer season in tourist areas such as Anglesey , Llandudno , Llangollen , Lleyn , Rhyl , Swansea /Mumbles and Tenby , or around the time of major sporting or cultural events in Cardiff .

Learn [ edit ]

The Welsh education system is similar to the educational system in England, with a few differences here and there. The most notable feature of the Welsh educational system is compulsory Welsh-language lessons in all state schools until the age of 16. The Welsh language is an important cultural part of the Welsh nation.

The country is home to eight universities and one conservatoire , the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama . Perhaps the most prestigious institute of higher education in Wales is Cardiff University , which is often regarded as one of the top universities in the United Kingdom and the world.

If there's one thing that attracts many students to Wales, it's the low cost of living . Costs in Wales are much lower compared to other parts of the United Kingdom . Cardiff is remarkably cheaper to live in than say, London.

Wales is a great place to learn Welsh and Welsh people love it if you show interest in their language. If you want to learn the language, there are a few options to choose from, as shown below.

• Welsh for Adults , Cardiff University . Variety of programmes in Welsh as a second language, from 1 day to 12 months in length.  

Work [ edit ]

The major cities of Swansea and Cardiff have a growing number of white collar office jobs. The more rural areas, and especially the former mining communities in the Valleys are extremely impoverished and unlikely to offer many opportunities.

Stay safe [ edit ]

In any emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for Ambulance, Fire, Police or Coast Guard when connected. For non-urgent Police matters, dial 101 to be connected to the nearest police station anywhere in Wales.

Crime [ edit ]

Wales is one of the safest parts of the United Kingdom and crime rates continue to fall. Nonetheless, criminal activity including violent crime is not uncommon, especially alcohol-related violence in towns and cities. Indeed, it may be wise to avoid the centres of large towns and cities on weekend nights and after large sporting events. Despite this, it is unlikely that tourists would be targeted in such a situation. Pickpocketing and mugging is rare.

Driving [ edit ]

It is perfectly safe to drive on Welsh roads. However, care should be taken on rural and minor roads, some of which are extremely narrow and poorly marked. In addition, colliding with a sheep or (even worse) a cow can severely damage your car, not to mention the unfortunate animal. Many of these roads pass through some of the most beautiful parts of Wales, but just ensure that at least as much attention is paid to the road as to the scenery! Some areas of Wales are not suitable for learner drivers due to extreme terrain. If you're a learner, wait till you're more experienced for winter driving or going through the mountains. Like the rest of the UK, Wales drives on the left.

Natural hazards [ edit ]

While generally escaping extreme weather, it should not be forgotten that the British Isles enjoy a famously changeable climate and few places more so than Wales. As such, it is extremely important to be prepared when venturing into the countryside and especially onto the mountains. Here, what starts as a sunny day can rapidly turn into a blizzard, storm-force gale or a disorienting, chilling fog. Every year, many have to be rescued from Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons and some lives are lost due to falls and exposure. Ensure you have suitable clothing, a map and a fully-charged mobile phone before setting off.

Thunderstorms aren't common in Wales, but if there is a thunderstorm warning, get yourself to safety.

On the coast, tides can cut you off on rapidly disappearing sea-level land. On the cliff tops be aware that the land can overhang the cliff edge being very thin and unstable.

There is little danger from animals, with only a small chance of coming across the adder snake which is venomous. Bites are painful but rarely fatal; stay calm but get to a doctor if bitten. The most dangerous animals are cattle and the occasional aggressive sheep. It is very rare to come across a live dragon.

Respect [ edit ]

Welsh society is generally warm, informal, and welcoming, with a tradition of acceptance and tolerance (for instance, there is no history of support for racist political parties in Wales' larger cities).

Refer to people from Wales as "Welsh", and not "English". Using the latter term is a crass error and it could get people to think that you're trying to start an argument. Most Welsh people don't object to being called "British", but as always, follow the locals' lead.

The relationship between Wales and England is quite complex. The geopolitical ties between England and Wales are strong, though some light-hearted anti-English sentiment is common. Despite this, English people in Wales are unlikely to face any issues.

Attempts to speak Welsh will be welcomed and will most certainly endear you to the locals. Everyone in Wales has heard the tired old canards about the language having no vowels or room-fulls of people instantly switching from English to Welsh when a tourist walks in; if these are in your repertoire of "jokes", keep them to yourself.

The issue of Welsh independence is certainly much debated and has been seeing a rise in support in the 21st century. In some areas, there are high levels of support for independence. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world, it's best to steer clear of discussing this topic altogether.

Welsh culture is often liberal. Generally speaking, the most liberal laidback areas are big cities and tourist places. Outside these places, Welsh culture is more conservative particularly in rural areas with locals following traditional procedures.

Wales is much like the rest of the UK regarding attitudes towards homosexuality. Displays of homosexuality are not always commonplace, possibly due to the rural nature of some parts of the country, although outward displays of same-sex affection are unlikely to cause a problem. Larger towns and cities are also friendly and open minded, but issues are not unheard of. The most accepting places for LGBT are Cardiff and Swansea. Outside major towns and cities, some locals may be offended by your sexuality, but that's their problem. Homophobic attacks are extremely rare but possible, and all discrimination based on sexuality is illegal in Wales, as it is in the rest of the UK.

Connect [ edit ]

See Connect entry in our United Kingdom article for information on telephone, internet and postal services. Some rural areas do not have mobile phone reception. Few areas, including towns, have high-speed internet.

See Connect entries in individual city articles for local information.

Go next [ edit ]

• To the east the English border counties of Gloucestershire , Herefordshire and Shropshire are a quiet, almost undiscovered area, before you move in to the higher population areas of the West Midlands and Merseyside . Or if you are looking for the quintessential England try the Cotswolds .
• Ireland , if you have not had enough of beautiful wet green landscapes then this is the direction to go. Reachable by ferry from a number of places on the west coast.

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Wales Travel Guide

For many people, Wales evokes images of misty mountaintops, coal mines and choirs, yet the country has much more to offer than a spectacular countryside, industry and culture. In recent years, Wales has emerged as one of the United Kingdom’s most popular tourist destinations, with the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff drawing hordes of visitors as an urban balance to the wonderful west coast beaches.

The country’s rich past has left a mark on the landscape, with a wealth of historic monuments from the extravagant and formidable castles found in Cardiff and Chepstow to the impressive engineering feat of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wales is also revered as a top outdoor destination, with an abundance of natural attractions and sports, including hiking in the scenic Pembrokeshire National Park, biking through the Brecon Beacons, and walking along the picturesque beaches of the Gower Peninsula.

Accommodation options in Wales are similar to those found throughout the UK, ranging from cozy lodgings in the remote countryside to five-star hotels in the hip capital, Cardiff. Camping is also extremely popular due to the breathtaking scenery; however, is only recommended during the summer months. Expect to find the usual, wholesome British dishes on menus around the country, in addition to a plethora of international cuisine served up in the big cities. Wales is also famed for unusual sounding culinary delights, such as cawl (lamb stew), bara brith (fruitcake), and Welsh rarebit (cheese on toast cooked with spices, onions and ale).

A variety of day trips are available throughout the country to National Heritage sites, such as the Glamorgan coast, while trawler fishing tours can be arranged from most of the port towns scattering the northwest coast.

Wales has a reputation for being a very grey and dreary place, but along the coast the weather is actually pleasant for most of the year - in the summers the temperature hits highs of 80-degrees F. Although, in the winter the temperatures can dip to as low as 10-degrees F. Naturally the further north you travel, the colder and wetter it is going to get. The most mild regions of the country are the southeast and southwest. July and August are typically warm and dry, while the winters are cold and wet. The best time to visit is spring or fall, with the high seasons being in September and April.

Most travelers tend to visit Wales from neighboring England, in which case bus and train travel are easiest ways to get here. Cardiff Airport is the primary international gateway and welcomes seasonal connections from Orlando-Sanford, as well as year-round links to Paris and Amsterdam from where US flights are plentiful. A number of ferries also operate to and from Ireland.

• Trek along the flora-adorned cliffs of the Gower Peninsula, admiring the sweeping beaches below
• Hike through the charming and rugged terrain of the Brecon Beacons and visit the quaint country villages
• Experience the curious, mock Italian village of Portmeirion, made famous as the set of numerous TV shows
• Catch the train to the summit of Wales’ highest peak, Mount Snowdon, and meander through the awe-inspiring scenery
• Spend the day exploring the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital, Cardiff
• Go sea fishing off the stunning, northwestern Welsh coast
• Head underground at Big Pit, the region’s top mining museum, and discover what life as a miner was once like

Click here for Things to Do in Wales

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Wales travel guide

Croeso, welcome to wales.

Why Visit Wales | Best Places to Visit | Best Time to Visit Wales | How to Get to Wales | Best Road Trips | Blog | FAQ

Welcome to our Wales Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring one of the most beautiful and unique countries in the world.

As a born and raised Welshman and a former art director for Visit Wales, the national tourism body, I have over 30 years of experience and insider knowledge to share with you.

Wales is a small but magnificent country located in the west of Great Britain, which punches way above its weight with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Its natural beauty ranges from the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, where the first team to conquer Everest learned much of their craft, to the softer ridges and escarpments of the Brecon Beacons. Much of the rural heart of the country serves as sheep pasture, the vivid green grass the perfect food for them.

We strongly suggest trying to see some of the coastline of Wales, from the glorious wide beaches of Gower, the Llyn Peninsula and Anglsey to some of the smaller sandy coves you find in Pembrokeshire. Among these 870 miles of coast you’ll find some of the best beaches in Europe, with the added bonus of having them largely to yourself even in the summer months. Wales also has some of the most beautiful seaside towns in the UK, with tenby and New Quay deserving a special mention.

Wales is also rich in heritage, with the Welsh language one of the oldest in Europe. You’ll find plenty of evidence of its ancient past with tombs 5,000 years old, and in the Middle Ages it was fought over ferociously, leaving a legacy of some of the finest medieval castles in Europe.

This guide includes all of our related travel posts about Wales, detailed itineraries, scenic road trips, the best places to visit, what not to miss, and the best places to stay. We also provide lots of practical tips, resources, photography, and inspiration to help you plan your perfect Welsh adventure.

Best places to visit in Wales

Snowdon in the Snowdonia National Park is one of the most popular mountains in the UK to climb.  You can also get to the summit by the popular Snowdon Mountain Railway where you will be greeted with magnificent views. One of the best days out in Wales.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia is one of the best National Parks in the UK and is best explored on a road trip and on foot.  This extraordinary place has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, from Alpine peaks to green valleys, and moorlands to amazing beaches.

• Snowdonia Road Trip – 4 great itineraries
• Best views in Snowdonia
• Best things to do in Betws-y-Coed
• Best things to do in Barmouth
• Welsh Slate Landscape
• Best things to do in Harlech
• Best castles in North Wales
• Most beautiful lakes in North Wales
• Best beaches in North Wales
• Best things to do in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Exquisite little seaside town on the South Pembrokeshire coast. Pastel-coloured Georgian townhouses cluster around it’s gorgeousharbour. Don’t miss the four glourious sandy beaches. Also check out some of the great boat trips, either to Caldey Island or seal watching

• Tenby Beaches
• Best things to do in Tenby
• Pembrokeshire Road Trip

Welsh Islands

• Pembrokeshire castles
• Best castles in South Wales

Llanddwyn Island

Staggeringly beautiful corner of Wales.  It’s a remote small tidal island off the south-west corner of Anglesey, named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Walk out to the edge of the island for astonishing views of the mainland.

How to visit magical LLanddwyn Island

The largest island in Wales has some of the best beaches in the country, and some of the best walks on the Wales Coast Path. Check out the cliffs around South Stack lighthouse, and the rugged north coast of Anglesey, from which you can sometimes see the Isle of Man.

• Best Anglesey beaches and coastal spots
• Best walks on Anglesey
• Best things to do on Anglesey
• 7 Captivating Lighthouses on Anglesey
• 22 incredible landscapes in Wales

Rhossili Bay

Repeatedly voted as one of the best beaches in the world, I’ve loved this beach since I was 9 years old. Three miles of glorious sand, spectacular sunsets, clifftop pub and home to some of the most exhilarating coastal walks in the UK.

A guide to Rhossili Bay Beach

Caernarfon Castle

Recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, and one of the most famous landmarks in Wales. It has a magnificent setting on an estuary at the end of the Menai Strait which separates the mainland from Anglesey.  Along with Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The coastline of Wales’ westernmost county is the only coastal National Park in the UK. The National Geographic has named it one of the best coastal regions in the world. It has everything you could wish for, with superb sandy beaches, incredible coastal scenery and walking, and a touch of ancient Celtic mystique, especially in the less-explored northern half of the county.

St Fagans an amazing historic open-air museum located close to Cardiff tells the story of Wales and Welsh life through the ages. Located in glorious countryside.  It regularly tops the best places to visit in Wales list and it is free.

Take a road trip

The best way to discover Wales is by road trip and Wales has some of the best in Britain. Pembrokeshire, Llŷn Peninsula, Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons are all great places to explore by car.

Conwy and Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is perhaps the most impressive of all the 600+ Welsh Castles, its eight towers guarding this prime site near the estuary of the river Conwy. Its circuit of town walls is also hugely impressive. Conwy is possibly the best town in the country to visit, with the amazing Plas Mawr 16th century townhouse and the Smallest House in Great Britain to detain you further. Spend an hour or two on the Quay at the end of the day, enjoying a drink by the river with an unforgettable view of the Castle.

Gower Peninsula

One of the most beautiful regions of Wales, the Gower coast packed with majestic cliffs, heathland and saltmarsh with ancient burial chambers, medieval churches and castles to entice you.  One of the most popular Wales holiday destinations for decades. Most visitors are drawn there by the varied multitude of Gower beaches , including sublime Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay . Some wonderful Gower walks. Unmissable.

• 19 Amazing Gower beaches
• Best walks on the Gower Peninsula
• Best things to see and do on the Gower Peninsula
• A guide to Rhossili Beach
• A guide to Three Cliffs Bay

Pen y Fan and the Brecon Beacons

A wild and wonderful National Park in South Wales, with three distinct mountain ranges and an exceptional series of waterfalls . The Beacons are a series of sandstone ridges stretching from the Valleys to the south, culminating in the highest mountain in southern Britain, Pen y Fan, at 886 metres. You’ll also find some amazing castles, remote churches, a UNESCO Geopark and a Dark Sky Reserve there.

Llŷn Peninsula

The Llŷn is the finger of land pointing westwards into the Irish Sea from Snowdonia.  I’ve always thought this area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, a mixture of mountains, rocky coastline and some of the best beaches in North Wales , and further afield.  And perhaps one of the best located pubs in Britain on the beach at Porth Dinllaen.

Cambrian Mountains

Off the beaten path Wales, if you like a place to yourself this is a stunning area to explore. The Cambrian Mountains are the Green Desert of Wales, a vast sparsely-inhabited uplands where you could wander all day without seeing a soul. The Elan Valley lakes and dams are about as busy as it gets, and the Glyndwr’s Way is one of the most underrated National Trails in the UK.

Small, culture packed town in North East Wales, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales.  It is home to a romantic ruined medieval castle, a heritage steam train, the long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path, and the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is close by. It has hosted an International Musical Eisteddfod since the 1940’s.

Three Cliffs Bay

One of the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles, in a spectacular estuary setting surrounded by dunes, with salt marsh, a 12th century castle ruin and the famous three limestone cliffs, beloved of rock climbers. Limited access – it’s a mile-long walk to the beach – means this slice of Arcadia is never crowded.

Powis Castle

Powis Castle is a rarity in Wales, a medieval castle that is still intact. It is one of the finest stately homes in Wales, housed in the mighty red brick Castle dating back to the 12th century. Powis Castle Garden is stunning, and perhaps best-known for its enormous 300-year-old yew tree hedges.

Bardsey Island

Captivating scenery and wildlife off the coast of North Wales shrouded in myth and legend. Reputedly the burial place of 20,000 saints, it has been a popular pilgrimage destination for a thousand years. You can visit on a day trip by boat or stay overnight. 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Grade 1 , amazing industrial heritage, being eye wateringly high it has fantastic views, can cross by foot or boat. towering 125ft (38m) above the River Dee, this spectacular World Heritage Site is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and can be traversed on foot, by narrowboat or even kayak. 

Blaenau Ffestiniog

This dramatically situated slate quarrying town is surrounded by the Moelwyn mountains and vast heaps of slate spoil. It is said that North Wales roofed the world, and this town is now a major part of the fascinating Slate Landscape of North West Wales World Heritage Site. Over the last decade or so it has also become one of the adventure capitals of Wales and the UK, with thrilling zip wire rides, precipitous mountain bike descents and more.

Delightful small seaside town on the west coast of Wales.  Incredibly picturesque, with its terraces of brightly painted houses stretching along the hills above the beaches, and three gorgeous sandy beaches that command wonderful views up the Mid Wales coast. The coastline near New Quay is also the best place in Wales to spot dolphins.

20 Best things to do in New Quay Wales

Historic Miniature Steam Railways

Wales is home to some of the most famous little railways in the world.  Taking a nostalgic trip on one of these narrow gauge and miniature steam trains is a glorious way to experience the magnificent landscapes of Wales.  The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and Snowdon Mountain Railway are among the highlights of North Wales. And if you’re exploring Mid Wales, check out at least one of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, Talyllyn Railway and Fairbourne Miniature Railway.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and by far its largest and most cosmopolitan city. It grew from a small town in the 19th century to become the biggest coal port in the world, and signs of its wealth remain including its Victorian Gothic Castle and its elegant Edwardian shopping arcades in the city centre. Also check out the National Museum, which has one of the best collections of Impressionist paintings outside France.

• 33 Best day trips from Cardiff
• Famous landmarks in Cardiff

Best Road Trips in Wales

To truly experience the best of Wales, a road trip is a must. The country’s breathtaking scenery is best explored on four wheels. Here are my top picks for the best road trips to take in Wales.

Abergwesyn Pass

Bwlch y Groes

Llanberis Pass

Elan Valley and Cwmystwyth

Nebo Road above Betws y Coed

A5 Llangollen to Anglesey

How to get to Wales

The best way to reach Wales is by train or bus or road. Flights to Wales are few and far between. The main airport is Cardiff but there are only a limited number of flights from elsewhere in Europe. Most people flying to Wales from outside Europe will fly into one of the London airports for South Wales or Manchester for North Wales. If you are flying within Europe Bristol offers the largest number of flights. Liverpool and Manchester offer the most choice for North Wales.

Explore Wales

Discover all the best things to do in Wales with our latest travel guides

28 Best places to visit in the Cambrian Mountains

• Art & Culture

35 Interesting and fun facts about Wales

• Inspiration

Staycation Wales: 20 Top places to visit in Wales in 2024

• Towns & Villages

32 Best things to do in Tenby, Wales

• Beaches , islands , Landscapes

The 30 best things to do in Anglesey Wales

• World Heritage Sites

Welsh Slate Landscape Guide: Wales’ 4th UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Beaches , Landscapes

22 Amazing things to do on the Gower Peninsula Wales

• Churches , History

6 Amazing pilgrimages in Wales

8 Best Tenby beaches to visit in Wales

• Beaches , Towns & Villages

20 Best Things to Do in New Quay Wales

• Castles , History

9 Best Welsh Castles To Visit

• Autumn , Landscapes

Wales in Autumn: 6 best places to visit

32 Best beaches in North Wales to explore

11 Best things to do in Portmeirion Wales

20 best things to do in Caernarfon Wales

• Beaches , Churches , Landscapes

15 Best things to do in St David’s Wales

• Things to do , Towns & Villages

14 best things to do in Caerphilly Wales

23 best seaside towns in Wales to explore

12 Pembrokeshire castles to explore

Visiting Caerphilly Castle: Everything You Need to Know

15 Best Villages in North Wales to visit

21 Best things to do in Aberdovey: A Beautiful seaside town

Visiting Three Cliffs Bay

• Castles , History , World Heritage Sites

The 20 best castles in North Wales to explore

22 best views in Snowdonia National Park and how to find them

• famous landmarks

20 Famous landmarks in Cardiff for your bucket list

Cities in Wales: A guide to the 7 Welsh cities

Wales in winter: Best places to visit and things to do

• Castles , Towns & Villages , World Heritage Sites

11 Best things to do in Conwy Wales

The 22 best things to do in Harlech Wales

20 Most beautiful rivers in Wales

35 best castles in South Wales

22 Incredible landscapes in Wales to explore

14 Best things to do in Barmouth, a wonderful Welsh seaside town

• Beaches , islands

22 Amazing Welsh islands: From Holy islands to wildlife havens

20 Fascinating facts about Snowdonia

How to visit magical Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn)

• Beaches , Landscapes , Photography

A guide to Rhossili Bay: voted one of the best beaches in the world

• day trips , Inspiration

33 Best day trips from Cardiff you can take

30 Wonderful Cardigan Bay beaches to explore

Wales bucket list: 40 amazing things to see & do in Wales

• islands , walks

The 8 best Anglesey walks you can do in North Wales

• Things to do

16 Best things to do in Betws-y-Coed North Wales

58 Famous landmarks In Wales

15 Best castles near Cardiff to visit

18 Most beautiful lakes in Wales

• islands , Landscapes

7 Captivating lighthouses on Anglesey and fun facts

• Towns & Villages , World Heritage Sites

The 17 best things to do in Llangollen, Wales

28 best places to visit in North Wales

• where to stay

The 17 best hotels in Snowdonia

Wales Travel Guide

Welcome to our  Wales Travel Guide  where you will find links to all the travel-related posts about Wales on the website. This includes articles about itineraries, where to visit, what to see and do, best day trips, tours and tickets, books to read and lots of practical tips, resources and inspiration for your trip.

Are you planning a visit to Wales? This guide contains everything you need to plan the very best trip. Discover the best places to visit in Wales plus resources, tips, and guides to ensure you make the most of your time at your chosen Welsh destinations.

Wales (or Cymru in Welsh) is famous for its rugged coastline (over 2,700 kms of it), beautiful National Parks, castles and mountainous landscapes.

With 2 official languages (English and Welsh) and a strong Celtic tradition, Wales has a population of around 3 million. Approximately 20% of the population speak Welsh.

Cardiff is the capital and Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa) is its highest mountain.

If you love castles it is worth noting that Wales has more per square mile than any other country in the world.

Wales is also home to the town with the second-longest one-word place name in the world – LLanfairpwllg wyngyllgogery chwyrndrobwllllant ysiliogogogoch !!!

The leek and the daffodil are official emblems of Wales.

Click on the links below for travel inspiration and tips to make the most of your visit to Wales.

Start here – Top 10 places to visit in Wales

Travel guides for welsh cities, regions and attractions, 🎧 podcasts about visiting wales, when is the best time of year to visit wales, itineraries, best group tours and tickets, where to stay in wales – accommodation guide, travel books about wales, wales travel guide – popular destinations to visit in wales.

Follow-up your initial research with a more in-depth look at the places that interest you before then checking out the various itinerary and tour options for Wales.

CARDIFF TRAVEL GUIDE

WELSH CASTLE GUIDE

NORTH WALES TRAVEL GUIDE

LLANDUDNO TRAVEL GUIDE

PODCAST EPISODE #52 – AN INTRODUCTION TO NORTH WALES & ARTICLE

PORTMEIRION

FAQs – PLAN YOUR VISIT TO WALES

If you are wondering when is the best time of year to visit Wales the answer will depend on a number of factors.

The weather in Wales varies with the seasons and the number of hours of daylight also changes throughout the year. These factors should be considered when planning your visit as reduced daylight hours and cool. wet weather may impact your choice of activities.

Wales experiences its warmest and lightest days in the summer months of June, July and August and the colder, darker days during December, January and February.

For more information to help choose the best time of year to plan your visit to Wales read my in-depth article – ‘When is the best time of year to visit the UK?’ which examines each season as well as detailing popular events on a month by month basis.

Suggested itineraries for Wales coming soon

Read my month-by-month guide to visiting the UK which contains information about what to expect during the different seasons as well as shows/attractions and activities.

Tours and tickets for attractions can be purchased through Get Your Guide (one of my tour companies of choice) and include the following:

Fancy staying in a fairytale Welsh castle? Take a look at my curated list of 8 castles you can stay at in Wales.

My accommodation guide for Wales includes our pick of the best hotels, apartments, cottages for your stay.

• Best places to stay in North Wales (area and accommodation guide)

> CLICK HERE FOR MY STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR UK TRIP !

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Wales Travel Guide

While the image of lush valleys and a laid-back lifestyle are right at the heart of a holiday in Wales, don’t think stunning landscapes and a bit of relaxation are the only thing on offer in this beautiful country. Don’t believe us? Check out our Wales travel guide – it’s full of handy hints, travel ideas and great stuff for families and groups of friends to do, and once you’re inspired to visit don’t forget to check out our fantastic range of holiday homes and cottages in Wales.

Hidden Gems | For families | Things to do | For foodies

As anyone from there will tell you, Wales is very much its own country. It has its own culture to explore, its own language to hear and its own landscapes to discover. The fiercely proud people are also fiercely welcoming, quick to greet you with a smile and a pint, before showing off their spectacular nation. What they show you could vary from buzzing, cosmopolitan cities with lively festivals to breathtaking mountain ranges and the gorgeous coasts, hills and valleys that lie in between. For such a small country, Wales packs in loads, which means you could enjoy several holidays there without ever seeing the same thing twice.

Best places to visit in Wales

• Cardiff – Visit the castle, museums and chic restaurants of Wales’s vibrant capital.
• The Brecon Beacons – Hike through this stunning South Wales range.
• Tintern Abbey – Explore the spectacular ruins of a 12th-century monastery on the banks of the River Wye.
• Mount Snowdon – Summit the highest peak in in the country.
• Caerphilly Castle – Walk around the crenelated walls of a moated medieval castle.
• Broad Haven – Find your own patch of sand on one of Pembrokeshire’s loveliest beaches.

When to visit?

Pictures of Snowdonia covered in blankets of glorious white are certainly compelling reasons to visit the mountains of Wales in winter , but be prepared; temperatures drop to their lowest in January and February , and mountain roads are often close due to drifts. However, the countryside of Wales is an undeniably magical destination over the Christmas holidays.

Small beach of Tyddewi (Saint Davids)

Weather-wise, summer is the best time to visit, although in the peak holiday season of late July and August the national parks and coastal areas hike up their prices for the influx of tourists. Spring offers warm , dry days with lots of life in the farms and fields, as well as lower prices and fewer tourists crowding the main attractions. Autumn, when the Welsh castles are surrounded by glorious red and golden foliage, is stunning, but it’s also usually wet ; October, in particular, tends to be the rainiest month. Basically you can travel to Wales at any time of the year, and you’ll find there’s plenty to get up to, no matter the weather.

How to travel to Wales, and get around while you’re there

• Airport: There are direct flights to Cardiff airport from most UK destinations.
• By train: Wales is separated, by dialect, culture and train routes, into two halves, North Wales and South Wales. There are main lines that run across the towns of the north, from Prestatyn to Holyhead, and the south from Chepstow to Pembrokeshire. Book tickets using National Rail.
• By bus: Buses afford greater flexibility as you travel around Wales, with no need to book in advance and routes that lead to many of the smaller villages. Traws Cymru operates longer distance journeys between them.
• By car: If you’re happy to drive around convoluted though scenic routes with winding roads, then driving is the most flexible option for travel within Wales. Rental Cars lists all the available firms in the country.
• On foot: The National Walking Trails of Wales crisscross the country and lead you to otherwise inaccessible areas of spectacular natural beauty. For the hardiest hikers, trek the perimeter of the country on the Wales Coast Path .

Hidden gems

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

• The island of Anglesey encompasses the best of Wales’ landscapes, packing in hills, coast and deserted stretches of sandy shores into one compact space. Newborough, a woodland backing one of the best beaches in Wales, is a haven for wildlife, with harriers, skylarks and red squirrels living in the woods and marshland around the area. The views of Snowdonia across the sea make it a particularly stirring stretch of the island.
• Hunt in the hills for the hidden lakes of Wales. Llyn y Fan Fach , in the Camarthen Fans, is a scenic point surrounded by flat-topped mountains, which can only be reached by foot. Or head for the Blue Lagoon, in Pembrokeshire, a flooded slate quarry hidden by the indented coastline.
• Tucked away in the woodlands of Ceredigion is the network of rivers and walking trails of Hafod Estate. This is one of the best places in the west of the country for ramblers, with around 200 hectares to explore on foot. You’ll pass waterfalls, alpine bridges and rolling fields, so make sure you take your camera for these incredibly picturesque sights.
• Pistyll Rhaeadr is the highest waterfall in Wales yet remains something of a secret to the country’s visitors. Trek through the Berwyn Mountains, another unknown area in the heart of the nation, to reach this spectacular, 80-metre high natural landmark. You’ll also find Tan-y-Pistyll (the little house under the waterfall) here, where you can reward your efforts with a hot drink. Head there in the coldest months of winter and you may see the falls frozen in gorgeous icicles.
• The area of South Wales known as the Valleys captures much of the character and culture of the Welsh, and is rich with mining history. Some of the old mines have been turned into museums, such as the Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehafod, while the villages themselves possess an earthy charm.

Wales Travel Guide for families

Whereas many adults seek a holiday to regain some energy, kids tend to be most satisfied when they’re exhausted from all the fun. Children can easily wear themselves out during a week or two in Wales. Between kiddie-friendly sightseeing, coastal fishing excursions and getting a sugar high in a chocolate factory, children will barely have a chance to catch their breath.

And even when families aren’t hopping between attractions, Wales will welcome them with open arms. The wide open spaces are ideal for youngsters who have energy to burn, and there are lots of beautiful places to walk the dog too. It won’t cost an arm and a leg either; there’s loads that families can enjoy for next to nothing and even for free.

Take your pick from our list of kid-friendly activities, which will help make your family trip to Wales a great one. Alternatively, we’ve got a whole blog post full of great ideas for family friendly activities in Wales , so you’ve got no excuse for not getting out there and enjoying the countryside!

The best things to do with kids in Wales

Snowdon Mountain Railway

• Heading to an adventure playground is always win-win from mum and dad’s point of view – the kids are entertained and get some exercise, and they’ll be tuckered out for what’s hopefully an early night!
• If you’re looking for a great park,   Zip   World   provides miles of high-octane experiences with their huge zip lines – which you can even enjoy in a cavern underground!
• Of course, that majestic Welsh countryside isn’t going to explore itself. Grab a bike and head out on a little tour, or alternatively there are loads of tours on offer that will get you out into the wilds of Wales and appreciating everything that’s great about the great outdoors.
• One tour with a twist comes from the  Welsh  Bass Guide , which can teach you and the family the fun of wilderness survival in Pembrokeshire. Head out into the woods with your guide, where you’ll learn how early settlers survived while foraging for some ingredients to make an authentic meal cooked on an open fire.
• Many kids (not to mention bigger kids too) are utterly enraptured by trains. Wales is the perfect setting to indulge this interest, with steam trains running in Snowdonia, Llangollen and a whole load more. The landscapes alone are spellbinding – couple that with the romance of train travel and you’re onto a winner.
• Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways  runs one of the world’s oldest narrow gauge railways, and their routes take in the mountains, fields and forests so you get to take in everything that makes the Welsh countryside so beautiful and unique.

Family-friendly walking and cycling routes 

View of Aber Falls in Showdonia National Park

• Take a hike to a natural wonder the kids are bound to love – the Aber Falls in Abergwyngregyn . It’s only a three mile walk through the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve to this beautiful spot, which is actually one of Wales’s highest waterfalls.
• The coastlines of Wales provide ample opportunities for beautiful walks, and if the weather’s right you can even indulge in a little paddling! There’s a beautiful stretch between  Aberdovey and Tywyn that takes about three hours, and you can even hop on the train back at the end if everyone’s feeling exhausted.
• The Elan Valley Trail makes for a beautiful run thanks to the four reservoirs you’ll be cycling around, but it’s quite a long run – 18 miles to be exact, so make sure everyone can go the distance before you set off!
• For a cycling route that takes in some of Wales’ art, culture and history, take the twelve mile trip between  Port Talbot and Afan Forest Park . You’ll wind through woodlands packed with nature and home-grown artworks, before ending up at the Afan Forest Visitor’s Centre where you’ll find the South Wales Miner’s Museum.

At times, Wales feels like a country where there’s no need to actually do anything. Park yourself in a holiday home surrounded by the nation’s outstanding natural beauty and just bask in the glorious scenery, going for gentle walks through the valleys or watching the world go by from a quiet café or country pub. In Wales, just being there is often enough.

However, to do this would mean missing out on a broad, exciting range of ways to enjoy Wales, from riding boats around the dramatic coastline to plunging down the slopes of Snowdonia on a mountain bike.The wilderness lures adventurers with canyoning and caving, trekking and stargazing, while the fascinating museums lure those in search of intellectual pursuits. From the fast-paced to the snail-paced, our selection of grown-up group activities will take you from the tallest mountain peak to the depths of an old mine. Need more inspiration? We’ve got a whole blog dedicated to fantastic group activities in Wales !

Fun activities and things to do on your Wales trip

• The fantastic landscapes of Wales offer groups and friends a veritable playground when it comes to things to do – from nature trails to bike rides to wilderness training that teaches you how to forage, the list is as endless as it is tempting.
• Explore stunning Welsh lakes and rivers with  Snowdonia Adventur e A ctivities , which will take you to the very heart of the region’s beautiful waterways. You get a great choice of activities too, with kayaking, abseiling and mountain biking all perennial favourites.
• But Snowdonia has even more to offer in the form of Mount Snowdon itself. Make sure you head up this impressive mountain in the safest way possible with  Clim b S nowdon , whose expert guides can help you to the top no matter your experience or fitness level.
• But it isn’t just solid ground that can give you an adrenaline buzz in Wales. There’s plenty of lakes, rivers, reservoirs and seawater to give you a thrill, and with many companies out there offering courses and day excursions in water-sports and boating there’s no excuse for not getting out there and learning – unless, perhaps, it’s the middle of winter.
• One way to get your pulse racing is with a speedy motorboat ride – and  Voyages of Discovery   can sort you out with one that will have you reconnecting with nature – it takes you over to Ramsey Island bird sanctuary where you can meet some of Wales’ indigenous birds. They’ve also got other adventures on offer, so if taking to the water doesn’t float your boat (ahem) there’s bound to be something else of interest.
• One great way to unwind is to enjoy some of the wonderful natural wildlife of Wales, and there’s such a fantastic diversity of plants and especially animals, that anyone with even a passing interest in the natural world is bound to be fascinated. Whether you’re just enjoying the back garden of your accommodation or thinking of a more organised tour, make sure you bring your binoculars!
• Bay to Remember   can get you out there and experiencing what’s possibly the ultimate nature excursion – spotting bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Mwnt.
• Another aspect of Wales’ wonderful rural environment is the relative lack of light pollution. If you’ve brought your binoculars along, take the opportunity on a clear night to revel in the majesty of the universe and do a bit of stargazing.
• If you’re looking for something a bit more in-depth,  Good Day Out ‘s stargazing evening doesn’t just instruct you on the best way to stargaze, you’ll learn all about the science and history of this venerable pastime too.
• The Welsh are rightly proud of their history and culture, which runs from Celtic ancestors to a vibrant modern-day arts scene. As a result, you’ll find a plethora of museums and attractions that celebrate everything Wales has contributed to the world, from ancient treasures to modern writers and everything in between.
• One delightfully quirky and interactive museum is the  Big   Pit , which delves (quite literally) into the history of coal mining. You’ll be able to take in everything the pit’s museum offers before donning your hard hat and heading an impressive 90 metres underground to see what life was really like for a miner in a genuine pit.

Wales, for the foodies

Welsh Rarebit

Wales is proud of its status as a separate country and, consequently, much of their food and drink celebrates this difference and independence of spirit. You’ll find the adjective ‘Welsh’ prefixing many of the ingredients and the best restaurants in the country almost invariably stock local, seasonal produce and serve up their take on regional dishes. To really understand the local gastronomy, consider taking classes and workshops where you’ll learn to cook like a true Welshman. Or perhaps take a tour of the places that produce some of Wales’ finest exports, among them some stellar craft breweries and a distillery.

Alternatively, look for the finest dining establishments, where celebrated chefs will cook up mouth-watering dishes of food that’s straight from the country’s farms and seas. The only trouble you might encounter is trying to understand Welsh menus. In which case, we recommend asking for a (five-minute potatoes) or a bara lawr (an edible seaweed).From Welsh whiskey to stuffed pig’s trotters, our favourite Welsh food and drink establishments and experiences serve up an eclectic mix. Hungry for more? Check out on our blog on the best foodie things to do in Wales !

Best places to visit in Wales for tasty food

• If you’re looking to celebrate or splash out a little, you might want to try the Michelin-starred   Tyddyn Llan  in Llandrillo. The impressive nine course tasting menu is a wonder in itself, though choosing between that and the delicious a la carte offerings is no easy task.
• Bar 44   in Penarth is ideal for a relaxing night out thanks to its laid back atmosphere and Spanish influences – choose a good red and enjoy some fantastic tapas dining!
• Though you can find some tasty-sounding vegetarian options on the menu, there’s no prizes for guessing what  The Potted Pig  in Cardiff specialises in. Dig in to some of their porky treats, from glazed ham hock to fried bacon cake. Yup, you read that right.

Must-try dishes

• Welsh cakes, aka bakestones, are a traditional sweet treat – kind of like a scone. But unlike scones, you traditionally don’t eat them with jam or butter (although some people do) – they’ve been popular in Wales since the late 19th Century, and can be small or large. They’re great with a cup of tea!
• Thanks to the lush landscape and abundance of green grass, Welsh lamb is a real treat. Enjoy it roasted, pan-fired or, if you’re feeling traditional, in the hearty stew known as  cawl .
• For breakfast, why not try something a little out of the ordinary with some laverbread ? Made from seaweed, this delicious fried dish goes particularly well with bacon and is about as Welsh as you can get.
• The delightfully named crempogs are buttermilk pancakes often served for afternoon tea, so if you’ve been out exploring the town and come across a tea shop, make sure you pop in to try some. Don’t forget a slice of bara brith too!

We hope we’ve inspired you enough with our Wales Travel Guide to go and check out this mighty little country for yourself! Our collection of holiday homes in Wales will have you smack bang in the middle of beautiful surroundings – whether you’re looking for rural and secluded, or somewhere a bit closer to the action. If you need a hand choosing where to stay in Wales, give our concierge team a shout!

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Thumbs up for this Wales travel guide. Great Ideas Thanks.

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Wales Travel Blogs (Top Wales Travel Guides)

Ready to travel around Wales?

Whether you’re simply looking for inspiration on where to travel to or you’ve already started planning your trip, these Wales travel blogs will help you kickstart your Welsh adventure.

To start, we’d suggest you read these 26 fun facts about Wales . They’ll give you a good background to the country before you visit.

If you can’t decide when to plan your trip for, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Wales . It gives you suggestions based on the different seasons, weather and special events across the country.

We’ve also been busy picking out some of the best places to stay in Wales. If you like quirky accommodation, take a look at our post about the most unusual places to stay in Wales . From a dragon’s egg suspended from a tree and a tiny hobbit house to an ancient castle, there are some incredible options.

Love food? Wales has lots of great places to eat, including these Michelin starred restaurants in Wales . Want to hit the beach? Check out these beautiful beaches in north Wales .

Or if you just fancy a bit of fun, take our Wales quiz and see how much you know about the country.

We hope you have a great time exploring Wales.

13 BEST Hidden Gems in the UK

13 BEST Things to do in Wales in Winter

13 BEST Day Trips from Cardiff, Wales

13 BEST Places to Visit in Wales

Wales Travel Guide

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A New Statue of Queen Elizabeth II Complete With Corgis Is Unveiled

The statue in Rutland is one of the first memorials to the late Queen to be unveiled since her death.

A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled in Rutland, England on Sunday on what would have been her 98th birthday. And to further cement her link with the corgi, several members of the Welsh Corgi League proudly brought their dogs to be part of the 400-strong crowd at the unveiling. The seven-foot bronze statue by Sculptor Hywel Pratley depicts the Queen in state robes. One corgi is at her feet and another two are on the plinth.

According to reports the scupltor told the crowd at the unveiling that the plinth was designed to be sat on and could be a hit with the Instagram generation. "It will make perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in it's back,” he is said to have told the crowd.

An engraving on the monument reads, “Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 - 2022. Erected as a tribute to her late Majesty through public subscription by Rutland people.” The statue was commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland (the King’s representative in the county) Dr Sarah Furness. The sculptor told the Telegraph newspaper last July that he believed the statue was the first commissioned specifically as a memorial to her after her death. There have been other statues unveiled since her death which were being made beforehand, such as the one that King Charles unveiled in York in November 2022 designed to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee that year.

No member of the royal family was at the unveiling on Sunday. King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral. The King and Princess of Wales are unable to carry out duties as normal due to their cancer treatments , with the Princess of Wales asking for space to recover following major abdominal surgery and while she receives chemotherapy . Prince William is also operating a reduced number of duties to care for his wife and children, meaning that the royal family is thin on the ground when it comes to the number of engagements they can carry out.

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth owned more than 30 corgis. She had them in her household as a young child, but it was corgi Susan , who was an 18th birthday present from her parents that is often described as her first corgi and the dog from whom many of her other pets were descended. Susan accompanied then Princess Elizabeth on her honeymoon, and when she died in 1959, the young Queen had a special gravestone made for her at Sandringham House, Norfolk.

The late Queen owned corgis and cross breed dorgis right up until her death in 2022. When she died, she left corgis Muick and Sandy to Sarah Ferguson who shared a year later that they were “thriving."

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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