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The best of wales unlocked for you.

Experience Wales differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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"A land of stately mountains, verdant valleys, ancient castles and golden-sanded beaches, beautiful yet understated Wales is impossible not to fall in love with"

Caroline, Travel Director

Go on a Cardiff Castle Tour

One of the city’s biggest draws is Cardiff Castle, a mixture of Roman, Norman and Victorian architecture strewn around the central green. It offers a fantastic insight into the history of Cardiff as for centuries it was the home of the Butes, the family who transformed Cardiff from a small town into the biggest coal port in the world.

Walk down to the Cardiff Bay

Enjoy a walk along the old Cardiff docklands, now known as Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront filled with restaurants, boutiques and boats. You can go sailing on the large freshwater lake, enjoy a night of opera at the Wales Millennium Centre, and indulge in exceptional dining along Mermaid Quay.

Learn about Celtic culture

A trip to Wales offers the chance to dive into Celtic culture with our Local Specialists. They’ll show you the way of the Celts through food, music and humor, with traditional Welsh dinners and an evening of Welsh music performed by magical harpists and the finest local singers.

Hike in the Welsh mountain region of Snowdonia

Hiking in Wales is one of the best ways to get immersed in the country’s mountains, and Snowdonia National Park offers a grand introduction. Sprawling across northern Wales to the rugged coastline, you can find the highest peak in Wales, along with an excellent network of trails to guide your exploration.

Stroll through the Cardiff Central Market

Discover a range of local Welsh cuisine, vintage clothing and seasonal produce at Cardiff Central Market, a historic Victorian building that has been the site of a farmer’s market since the 18th century. You never know what treasures you’ll find as you wander the stores under the market’s glass roof.

Our top 5 things to do in Wales

When you’re not trekking through the mountains and exploring the most beautiful places in Wales, retreat to the city where you’ll find historic castles, old-fashioned markets and a compelling culture. Here are just a few of the ways we'll unlock the magic of Wales for you on your trip.

National Museum

Set in Cardiff’s civic center, the National Museum is home to a variety of national collections and touring exhibitions of geology and natural history. It also houses one of Europe’s best art collections, with paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from Wales and the world, and one of the finest collections of Impressionist art.

St Fagans National Museum of History

Located on the grounds of St Fagans Castle in Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History is one of the world’s best open-air museums. Along with St Fagans Castle, a 16th-century manor house, you’ll find a collection of more than 50 original buildings from different historical periods that have been rebuilt on the 100-acre parkland.

Swansea Museum

Built in 1841, Swansea Museum is the oldest museum in Wales. It’s home to a fantastic collection of historical objects from the pasts of Swansea and the world. You’ll find six galleries with everything from a Welsh Kitchen to the tomb of an Egyptian mummy.

Best museums in Wales

Wales is home to some of Europe’s best historical and cultural collections and our Wales tours take it all in, from an open-air museum in a 16th-century castle, to an Egyptian mummy’s tomb.

Welsh rarebit

A traditional Welsh dish hailing from the 18th century, Welsh rarebit is a delicious take on the classic toasted cheese sandwich. It’s made from creamy sauce of Welsh cheese, ale or milk, and mustard or spices, poured hot over slices of toasted bread.

Glamorgan sausage

Named after the county of Glamorgan in Wales, Glamorgan sausage is a Welsh vegetarian sausage. Traditionally made with Caerphilly cheese, leek and coated in breadcrumbs, the sausages are fried until crispy. The dish became popular in the Second World War when meat was scarce, and is now a national specialty.

Also known as ‘speckled bread’, Bara Brith is a rich fruit cake, originally made as a yeasted bread. Spread with salted butter or drizzled with warm honey, this traditional Welsh dish is a tea-time favorite.

Best food in Wales

From cheesy toast and spiced fruit cake, to vegetarian sausages and hearty meats, we'll show you how Welsh cuisine turns simple ingredients into memorable meals.

What to pack for Wales

Waterproof coat

A waterproof coat is an essential item in Wales - there are showers all year round and Cardiff is one of the wettest cities in Europe.

Hiking boots

The mountains of Wales are best explored on foot, and you’ll need a comfortable pair of hiking boots to explore the trails. Make sure you break in your boots before your trip to Wales.

From the historic buildings like Cardiff Castle to the giant mountains of Snowdonia, you’ll want to capture every exquisite moment.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Wales is 230V and the sockets are of Type G, with standard British 3-pin plugs.

Sunglasses are great to have all year round, to protect from the sunny days in summer and the low angle of the sun in winter.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Want to try the best Welsh wine?

THE 10 BEST Wales Bus Tours

Bus tours in wales.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. North Wales Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

2. Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

3. Snowdonia & The 3 Castles Tour

4. Small group Holyhead shore excursion in Caernarfon castle

5. The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour

6. Portmeirion, Castles and Snowdonia Tour

7. CHESTER: North Wales Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

8. Private Welcome To Wrexham Half-Day Tour

9. Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

10. Private Snowdonia Essentials Hollyhead Shore Excursion

11. Full-day Best of Snowdonia Day Tour

12. Enjoy Beaches, Dylan Thomas Home, Castles And Tenby From Cardiff

13. Valleys Heritage And Brecon Beacons Landscapes From Cardiff

14. 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon

15. Cardiff Day Tour from London

16. Full Day Anglesey Tour from Llandudno and Conwy

17. Gavin and Stacey TV Locations Tour of Barry Island

18. Cardiff City Tour

19. Small-Group Holyhead Shore Excursion Anglesey Highlights Tour

20. Private Snowdonia's Industrial Heritage & Slate Trail Tour

21. Private Guided Tour of Southern Coast of Isle of Anglesey

22. 5-Day Discover Wales Small-Group Tour from London

23. 3-Day Mountains & Coasts of South Wales from Bristol

24. North Wales from Chester

25. Taste of North Wales - 8 Hour Private Tour from Conwy or Llandudno Area

26. Private Snowdonia’s Mountains, Lakes & Mines Tour

27. Private Day Tour of South Wales, including Cardiff & Caerphilly Castle.

28. Shore Excursion: North Wales Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

29. Full-Day Private Tour of North Wales from Holyhead

30. Private Welcome To Wrexham, and Beautiful North Wales Day Tour.

What travellers are saying.

Wales Tours  

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Might look familiar to you. Might seem like a made-up word. We can assure you it’s not. It's the name of a town in Wales, just one of this incredible country's many quirks. For a small country, Wales bursts with marvels ready to be explored on a tour. It boasts a culture with an ancient language that will make your tongue twist. It's the land of castles, with more than 400 scattered across its arresting landscapes. Full of legends, welcoming locals, and sweet coastline villages, Wales is waiting.

Explore Wales Tours

Planning Your Wales Tour

A Wales tour has so much to offer its guests. But where do you start? At Rabbie’s we’ve spent years perfecting the ultimate Wales tours for you to experience in 2023. Whether you depart from London , Manchester or Bristol , we can provide a small group tour that suits all types of travellers. From friends gathering for a birthday, to solo travellers and family spending quality time together. Discover what we have to offer now.

Travel Wales Responsibly

With four UNESCO World Heritages Sites to its name, and many more breathtaking locations to visit, Wales is a place we want to cherish. Which is why one of our missions is to protect the places we love. We do this through our responsible travel initiative . Through this, we donate, volunteer, use small mini-coaches and do as much as we can to protect locations for future generations to enjoy. Hop on board one of our Wales tours to see the work we do for yourself.

Why You'll Love a Wales Tour

Countless castles

Wales may be small, but it certainly wasn't a pushover. Over centuries the Welsh built 600 castles. And even though many of them are now in ruins, you’ll still be amazed at the diversity of these defensive buildings. And what’s more is they’re usually located in gorgeous hill top locations.

Almost too beautiful

National parks cover 20% of Wales. You have the stunning and rugged coastlines of the Pembrokeshire Coast. You have the rolling plains and hidden caves of the Brecon Beacons. And you have the altitude defying mountains of Snowdonia. So, if you’re looking for natural wonders, then look no further and visit Wales.

The land of legends

In Wales, history is tangled with myths. And there’s a legend about every hill and lake you pass by. Listen to the tale of the red dragon and how it’s become the national animal. Hear the moving story of Gelert, the dog, and his heroic deed. And discover the places connected to King Arthur.

Llanfairpwllgwy

The longest place name in Europe means 'St Mary's Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave'. And if you think this is some sort of joke, then you’re right. Because this name was given as a publicity stunt in the 1860s. You’ll come across many of these odd facts as you journey through Wales.

Our Wales Tours

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How to travel around in Wales: enjoy epic scenery as you go

Nov 25, 2021 • 6 min read

From budget train and bus transportation passes to finding the perfect cross-country cycle route, here are the best ways to travel around in Wales © wcjohnston / Getty Images

Wales  is made for lovers of the great outdoors , and many of its most scenic travel routes are best explored on foot or by bike. The 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path winds its way around the entire Welsh coast – a world first when it launched in 2012 – and the country’s rural heart is crisscrossed with off-road cycle routes and quiet country lanes.

Traveling the country by public transportation is entirely possible with a little patience and planning. Buses and trains are generally comfortable and efficient, but you're likely to find driving your own set of wheels more convenient if you’re hoping to pack lots in or venture to Wales’ wildest parts. Here are our top tips for getting around in Wales.

Trains are efficient but expensive

Traveling Wales by train is an increasingly comfortable and efficient option – often enhanced by sweeping views of plunging valleys and glittering shores – but tickets can be pricey, and journeys relatively slow.

Most rail services are run by Transport for Wales . Book direct or use Trainline  or Split My Fare  to search for alternative routes and fares. For long-distance trips, aim to book a couple of months in advance for the best price. The network is reasonably extensive along the south and north coasts and the South Wales valleys, but trains heading between north and south Wales always cut across the border with England, with key changes occurring in the English towns of Shrewsbury and Chester.

If you're planning to take a few long-distance train trips, look into the UK’s railcard system , which offers various concessions. An annual railcard typically costs £30, which you can often make back in just a few discounted journeys.

Buses are perfect for travel to more remote towns and villages

If you plan on getting to some of Wales’ more remote corners by public transport, trains can only get you so far. Regional buses regularly traverse the more rural areas, though services can be limited on weekends. A whole host of private companies operate throughout the country; sift through your options using the journey planner from Traveline Cymru . Contactless payments and ticketing apps are becoming more popular, but if you’re paying by cash, it’s always wise to bring exact change.

Many local bus providers offer day or multi-day bus passes, which are often more affordable than buying numerous single or round-trip journeys. Do your research if you want to save a little extra. 

Long-distance buses (known as coaches) run between major towns and cities and should be booked in advance. They’re generally the cheapest option but can be incredibly slow, especially if you’re heading between the north and south, which usually involves a change at Birmingham. Check for timetables and tickets with National Express .

Buy an Explore Wales Pass for unlimited rail and bus travel

Offering four days of unlimited rail and bus travel within an eight-day period (on selected operators), the Explore Wales Pass is a budget-friendly way to take in some of the country’s highlights. There are some restrictions; for example, you’ll need to avoid commuter-heavy early morning train services from Monday to Friday on some routes. But with a little planning, you can take in Snowdonia’s soaring peaks, Pembrokeshire ’s pristine beaches, Cardiff ’s epic nightlife, and more, in just over a week.

Sticking to a smaller area? Regional passes with similar benefits are also available.

Car and motorcycle journeys offer maximum flexibility

If you want to get far off the beaten track or see as much of Wales as possible in a short space of time, traveling by car or motorcycle is your best option.

While North and South Wales are well developed in terms of road infrastructure, the more rural areas often consist of narrow single-track lanes and windy roads with blind corners galore. Pair this with lashing rain or sheep-induced traffic jams and you can expect to travel very slowly indeed.

If you’re traveling the length of Wales, it may be easier to dip into England to shoot up the highway, but crossing the rugged mountain ranges and valleys of Mid-Wales is far more memorable – just bring anti-nausea medication if you get travel sick.

Want to road trip in the most sustainable way possible? The country’s compact size makes Wales ideal for journeys by electric vehicle. There are hundreds of charging stations across the country (see Zap Map  for more details), and many heritage sites and attractions have dedicated EV charging points, so you can sightsee while your car charges up for the next leg of the journey. 

Rental cars can be expensive, so use comparison sites and book in advance to find the best deals. 

Taxis are readily available in Cardiff

Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber – as well as plentiful local “Dragon Taxis” – are available in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. In other big towns, there’s usually a taxi rank outside the train station. Elsewhere, you might need to call to book. Ask locally for taxi company recommendations.

There are many wonderful cycling routes 

Wales is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular cycling routes, whether you’re looking for family-friendly jaunts or tough long-distance trails. Short, easy routes include the Bay Trail in Cardiff and the canalside path ​between Llangollen and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, while experienced hill climbers and Geraint Thomas wannabes will be spoiled for choice in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park . 

If you can handle thigh-burning ascents and unforgiving weather conditions, there are plenty of long-distance routes to choose from. Heck, you can even pedal the length of Wales if you want to. Check out the Sustrans' National Cycle Network to get planning.

Most large towns have at least one bike rental shop if you don't have a bike of your own. Bike-sharing schemes are available in Swansea and Cardiff, and bike lanes are constantly expanding, but the cities still aren’t super bike-friendly. Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.

Take a seasonal boat ride to offshore islands

Seasonal tourist boats shuttle passengers to offshore islands, such as Caldey Island or Bardsey Island , but there are no ferry services between Welsh ports.

Go by plane between Cardiff and Anglesey

The only domestic flights in Wales run between Cardiff and Anglesey and take around 50 minutes.

Accessible transportation in Wales

Public transport vehicles in Wales are reasonably set up for passengers with accessibility needs, with designated seating, wheelchair space, and access ramps. If traveling by train, it’s best to call Transport for Wales in advance if you require assistance in the station, though staff (and friendly locals) will always help where they can. You could be eligible for discounted travel depending on your disability, so check with your chosen transport provider to find out more.

You might also like:  Top 13 things to add to your Wales trip itinerary    The best time to visit Wales for food, hiking or bog snorkeling    Whether it's cloudy or sunny, you can still enjoy these best beaches in Wales   

This article was first published September 2021 and updated November 2021

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Hop On Hop Off Cardiff - Bus Tours

Cardiff sightseeing bus tours.

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Explore Cardiff in Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

The vibrant and largest city of Wales is best experienced on a bus sightseeing tour which offers the utmost comfort to make the most of it in a short time. Also known as the City of Castles, it has over 20 castles that give a glimpse into Wales’ glorious history. With the myriad of arcades throughout the city, Cardiff is also famously known as the City of Arcades.

During your visit to the city, you can explore its key landmarks, immersive museums, art galleries, music venues, and more on a Cardiff open bus tour. The bus tour covers more than 13 attractions of the city including Wales Millenium Centre, the Bay Gallery, Cardiff Barrage, Fitzalan Place, Norwegian Church, Mermaid Quay, Techniquest, Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, and more. All you have to do is sit back and relax while enjoying the fascinating views along with engaging audio commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a cardiff hop-on hop-off tour.

Cardiff can be best experienced on a bus tour in the months of June through September. The weather is pleasantly warm and the days are long. Spring also makes a great alternative for exploring Cardiff. However, it may rain a little as the city is approaching wet weather.

Q: How does it work?

Cardiff bus tour offers you the convenience and flexibility to get off at the nearest designated stop. No tour guide, you set your own itinerary. You’ll find all the stops are located strategically at all the major attractions, making your touring as hassle-free as possible. And then, when you’re ready to continue, return to a designated bus stop, show your pass, and hop back on the bus and onwards towards your next attraction. So, go ahead and make a whole loop of the route once you have your tour ticket, get familiar with the city and pick out your favorite places to visit and then return to them during your stay.

Q: What time do Cardiff bus tours operate?

Bus tours will run at different times of the day, especially if you have booked admission or skip-the-line tickets to the attractions. Make sure to check the tour details for full details on timings.

Q: Where do I exchange my bus tour voucher or paper ticket?

You will receive the bus tour vouchers on your smartphone. Since it is an E-voucher, you can show it at the time of arrival.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Cardiff hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

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