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Cardiff based freelance journalist and content creator. Passionate about micro-adventures, vegan living, gaming and sharing hidden spots only locals know.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Walking Aberdaron to Porth Meudwy, North Wales

Explore free days out and things to do in Wales

Looking for some fun things to do around Wales that won't cost you anything? We've picked some great free days out for all ages, including our national museums and historical sites and outdoor attractions.

The best things in life, as the saying goes, are free. In Wales, the mountains, beaches, sunsets and views are all on the house. But, apart from all that fab stuff that nature has provided, there are some superb free attractions.

Dryslwyn Castle

There’s a small charge to visit some of Wales’ 400+ castles, while others are free to explore. Take  Dryslwyn Castle  in Carmarthen. It’s less well-known, and certainly less visited than neighbouring  Dinefwr , but the Towy Valley views from its ruined hilltop castle and village are priceless.

Dryslwyn Castle, near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, West Wales

Dolphin spotting

There are plenty of paid-for  boat trips  which go out into Cardigan Bay to say hello to the resident dolphins, porpoises and seals, as well as exotic visitors like whales and harmless sharks. But, if you don’t want to spend a penny, just sit on a clifftop somewhere gorgeous, like Mwnt in Ceredigion, and watch the wildlife glide through the waters beneath you. 

More attractions in Ceredigion

Mwnt, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

Most people have a smartphone with GPS these days. It’s all you need to go Geocaching, a global game of hide-and-seek with almost two million hidden ‘treasures’. The folks in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park  have really got the geocaching bug: they’ve planted 180 caches for you to find around the park. Natural Resources Wales also have two geocaching trails at Coed y Brenin Forest Park , near Dolgellau. Children (and adults) will never again be bored on country walks! 

The summit of Pen y Fan on one of the geocaching routes in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Mid Wales and a waterfall at Coed y Brenin, North Wales

Margam Country Park

The magnificent castle, 18th century orangery, ornamental gardens and deer park at  Margam Country Park  in Port Talbot are set in 1,000 acres of lovely countryside. In addition, there’s a narrow gauge railway, adventure playgrounds, a nursery rhyme-themed children’s area and a rare breeds farm trail to keep you busy. Entry to the park itself and most of its attractions are free, but some days there are special events so entry charges apply. 

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, South Wales

© Jeremy Head

Llanddwyn Island

The entire 870-mile Wales Coast Path is free for everyone to explore. One place,  Llanddwyn Island , is well worth a visit if you’re after something fairytale-like. This magical ‘island’, which is rarely cut off completely by water, is the setting for the perfect family adventure in Anglesey. Walk through the nature reserve to reach an old lighthouse and ruined chapel.

 Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey, North Wales

National Museums

Our seven  National Museums  are spread all over Wales. Between them, they cover all aspects of Welsh life and history, ancient and modern. There’s art, culture, natural history, coal, wool, slate, industry, Roman heritage and more, with each venue offering brilliant family days out. Remarkably, considering the world-class collections they hold, they’re all free to visit.

Search for more museums across Wales

St Fagans National Museum of History and object handling at National Museum Cardiff, South Wales and National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, West Wales

September is a month of bargain thanks to the  Open Doors Days  scheme organised by Cadw. It offers free access to a variety of buildings and heritage sites across Wales, as well as events of all kinds. Entrance fees are waived, while places that were already free offer something extra, such as behind-the-scenes tours and exhibitions

Castell Coch, Tongwynlais, South Wales, and Plas Mawr Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, North Wales 

St Davids Cathedral

Britain’s smallest city has one of its prettiest cathedrals.  St Davids Cathedral  was built in the 12th century from gorgeous honey-coloured stone on the site of a monastery founded 600 years earlier by St David himself. It’s a fabulous place to visit and, like other places of worship, free to enter (although a modest donation is always warmly welcomed).

More attractions in Pembrokeshire.

St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

The Oriel Kyffin Williams gallery within  Oriel Môn  is dedicated to Wales’s most celebrated artist. It always has some of his most stunning work on display. Elsewhere in the building are ever-changing exhibitions by other artists, sculptors and craftworkers, as well as an excellent museum about Anglesey’s history and a rather good café.

More museums and galleries on Anglesey.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

One of the greatest feats on Wales’ canals is the  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct  near Llangollen. It is so special that it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with 11 miles of the Llangollen canal. You can walk along the top of the 40m-high aqueduct if you’re feeling brave (it measures just over 300 metres in length) or walk underneath it. Either way, the 19 arches are worth checking out.

Find out what it's like to work on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct .

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Llangollen, North Wales

© Welsh Canal Holiday Craft Ltd

Alice in Wonderland Trail

The story goes that, back in the 1860s, Alice Liddell (the real Alice in Wonderland that inspired Lewis Carroll) spent many summer holidays in Llandudno . While historical records aren’t crystal clear on this tale, Llandudno has staked its claim to an Alice connection since 1933, when a statue of the White Rabbit was erected there. Today, you can follow the  Alice Town Trail  of over 50 3D statues and figures of Carroll’s characters around Llandudno, either by paper map (available at the tourist information centre), by downloading a Alice Town Trail mobile app  or by simply trying to find them as you walk around the town.

Alice in Wonderland Trail, Llandudno, North Wales

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Must-see attractions in Wales

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…

Great Orme Bronze Age Mines

Sitting unobtrusively near the top of the Great Orme is the largest prehistoric mine ever discovered. Nearly paved over for a car park, this site of…

Braich-y-Pwll

The rugged, ethereally beautiful extremity of the Llŷn Peninsula is where medieval pilgrims set off to reach the holy island of Bardsey; one glimpse of…

Bodnant Garden

Laid out in 1875 and painstakingly landscaped over 150 years, Bodnant is one of Wales’ most beautiful gardens. Lord Aberconway of the McLaren family …

Cardiff Castle

There's a medieval keep at its heart, but it's the later additions to Cardiff Castle that really capture the imagination. In Victorian times, extravagant…

National Museum Cardiff

Devoted mainly to natural history and art, this grand neoclassical building is the centrepiece of the seven institutions dotted around the country that…

Tintern Abbey

The haunting riverside ruins of this sprawling monastic complex have inspired poets and artists through the centuries, most notably William Wordsworth,…

From sea level it's difficult to gauge the sheer scale of the limestone chunk known as the Great Orme (Y Gogarth), yet it's 2 miles in circumference and…

St Fagans National History Museum

Historic buildings from all over the country have been dismantled and re-erected in the semirural surrounds of St Fagans village, 5 miles west of central…

Carreg Cennen

Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog

Dramatically perched atop a steep limestone crag, high above the River Cennen, are the brooding ruins of Wales' ultimate romantic castle, visible for…

Flanked by the castle and the River Taff, Bute Park was donated to the city along with the castle in 1947. With Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields and…

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…

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Swansea, The Gower & Carmarthenshire

Concealed in the rolling Tywi valley countryside, this lavish complex opened in 2000 and is still maturing. Formerly an aristocratic estate, the garden…

For a glimpse of the life of the British upper class in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the 'upstairs-downstairs' social hierarchy of their bygone world,…

Chepstow Castle

Imposing Chepstow Castle perches atop a limestone cliff overhanging the river, guarding the main river crossing from England into South Wales. It is one…

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 Henllys

North Pembrokeshire

If you've ever wondered what a Celtic village looked, felt and smelt like, take a trip back in time to this Iron Age settlement, 4 miles east of Newport…

Powis Castle

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

Pembroke Castle

South Pembrokeshire

This spectacular and forbidding castle was the home of the earls of Pembroke for over 300 years and the birthplace of Henry VII, the first Tudor king. A…

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…

This idyllic, 324-hectare, beautifully landscaped estate, immediately west of Llandeilo, incorporates a deer park, pasture, woods, an Iron Age fort, the…

The western extremity of the Gower is guarded by this mile-long promontory, which turns into an island at high tide. Worms Head takes its name from the…

Cardigan Castle

Cardigan Castle holds an important place in Welsh culture, having been the venue for the first competitive National Eisteddfod, held in 1176 under the…

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…

Aberglasney Gardens

Wandering through these formal walled gardens feels a bit like walking into a Jane Austen novel. They date originally from Elizabethan times, have evolved…

St Issui's Church

Halfway up a thickly forested hillside in the Vale of Eywas, this tiny 11th-century church is like a time capsule of Welsh faith and culture, buried too…

Penrhyn Castle

Funded by the vast profits from the slate mine of Caribbean sugar-plantation owner and anti-abolitionist Baron Penrhyn, and extended and embellished by…

Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd (New House) was the grand manor of the marquesses of Anglesey. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and pastures, with fine prospects across the…

Dylan Thomas Boathouse

Dylan Thomas, his wife Caitlin and their three children lived in this cliff-clinging house from 1949 to 1953. It's a beautiful setting, looking out over…

Gwydyr Forest

The 28-sq-mile Gwydyr Forest, planted since the 1920s with oak, beech and larch, encircles Betws-y-Coed and is scattered with the remnants of lead and…

Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Mound

Squatting on a headland above gorgeous Trecastle Bay, 2 miles south of the village, Barclodiad y Gawres (the Giantess' Apronful) is the largest neolithic…

National Slate Museum

Even if you're not enraptured by industrial museums, ignore the dull-sounding name and check this one out. At Dinorwig Quarry much of the slate was carved…

Anglesey Sea Zoo

This excellent aquarium introduces you to the denizens of the local waters: from lobster and cuckoo wrasse to tiny brine shrimp and Picasso-painting-like…

More destinations you need to see

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21 awesome experiences in Wales you must do!

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There are so many unique experiences in Wales that it’s hard to know where to begin? This ruggedly beautiful Celtic country has a diverse range of extraordinary activities and things to do and see.

Whether you love outdoor activities, wildlife, magnificent architecture or dramatic scenery, there is something for everyone in Wales.

Choose from biking, hiking, zip-lining, coasteering, pottery classes, stargazing and more when you visit wonderful Wales. Check out our list of awesome experiences in Wales and get inspired to have an incredible Wales adventure.

Zip Wire over a Welsh quarry

This has to be one of the best adventure activities in Wales! Soar over a quarry on the ‘ Titan zip lines ‘, which are located in the former mining town, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

These thrilling zip lines are the first 4 person zip line in Europe, so you can experience incredible views with your loved ones 385m above sea level.

Photos and head cam hire is available at the Titan Zip lines if you want to get some awesome adventures shots for your Instagram.

Get your adrenaline hit coasteering in Pembrokeshire

One of the must-do outdoor activities in Wales is Coasteering. Get your heart racing as you scramble your way across the dramatic Welsh coastline

This adrenaline-pumping activity will push you out of your comfort zone as you leap off cliffs, climb over rocks and plunge into frothy pools.

One of the best places for coasteering in Wales is Pembrokeshire, this gorgeous part of Wales has 86 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline to explore.

Book your coasteering experience with outdoor specialists Big Blue Adventures and explore the coast safely.

Go Mountain Biking in the Elan Valley

Spend a day biking through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Elan Valley with Mountain Bike Wales . Let Phil and Polly guide you through rugged landscapes and rocky trails.

Bike through rivers, over hills and along bridleways as you traverse some pretty epic landscapes. Grab a GoPro and make sure to get some snaps and footage of your thrilling bike journey through some of the most isolated parts of Wales.

Watch a Red Kite Feeding in Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre became a red kite feeding station in the ’90s to protect the small number of red kites in the area.

The red kites are still fed by the lake to this day at 2 pm in winter (GMT) and at 3 pm in summer. You can see up to 150 kites diving for the food, it is fantastic to watch.

Follow the Barcud Trail around the lake to find the bird hide that overlooks the feeding ara. This is the best spot to watch the feeding and try and get some photos of the swooping red kites.

Take a scenic tram on the Great Orme

The Great Orme is an extremely photogenic limestone headland above the town of Llandudno in North Wales. It is a great spot for hiking, photography and picnics.

Surely the best way to discover the Great Orme is to ride all the way up to the top on Britain’s only cable-hauled street Tramway.

The Tramway climbs 1500m high the the Great Orme Country Park and beautiful Nature Reserve. It’s a lovely way to slowly appreciate the scenic surruondings.

Go trampolining in underground slate caverns

Only in Wales would you have a former mine turned into an underground trampoline and subterranean playground.

In the historic mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, they have transformed a huge network of Victorian mining caverns into ‘Bounce Below’.

Here you can jump on massive bouncy nets across two levels in a neon-lit, 180ft deep, cathedral-sized cavern.

The muted neon lights only add to the surreal atmosphere of trampolining in a gigantic caver. It really is a unique experience in Wales and definitely one not to be missed.

Discover a tiny, tidal church in Anglesey

If you love visiting sacred places in Wales, why not head to St Cwyfan’s, a tiny, Grade II*-listed island church in Anglesey? It’s situated upon a circular stone-walled island that’s only accessible at low tide and is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Wales .

You can also book a cycling tour and Bike around the beautiful isle of Anglesey on a spectacular cycling tour experience. You’ll cycle through rural lanes and visit serene churches surrounded by the sea on a trip with Explore Churches and Green Lane Bike Tours

On this ride, you will cross wildlife-rich reclaimed wetlands, follow the track of an old road through sand dunes and cross a pack horse bridge.

You’ll also visit Llangadwaladr to see a commemoration to a 7th century King of Gwynedd, ride on to Aberffraw, the ancient court site of the Princes of Gwynedd, where St Beuno’s has stood since the 7th century. Finish your spiritual biking journey with a Welsh afternoon tea at Riverside Arts & Crafts cafe.

Learn to surf in the Gower

One of the  best beaches for surfing  in Wales is the Gower area. One of my favourite surfing spots in the Gower is the sandy beaches of Llangennith. It’s a picturesque surfing spot in wales, with consistent waves that rival  Newquay  in Cornwall.

If you are new to wave riding why not book a surf-lesson with  Big Blue Adventures ? These guys are the outdoor specialist in Wales and offer a range of surf lesson options.

The surf lessons take place at either Rhossili Bay or Llangennith Beach and are around 2 hours long, including all equipment, experienced instructor and training on the beach.

Star Gazing at Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park

If the conditions are right in the Cambrian Mountains area, there are some incredible stargazing opportunities as the Elan Valley.

Here you will find world-class stargazing and a range of astrophotography events and workshops run by expert Astronomers from Dark Sky Wales .

In 2015, the Elan Valley Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status and attracts many astronomers and astrophotographers from all over the UK and beyond.

If you fancy a late-night looking at the stars, there are several sites you can visit including Claerwen car park, Craig Goch, Teifi Pools and Pont Ar Elan.

Summit Pumlumon, the most secret mountain in Wales

Unlike other tourist-heavy, hiking hotspots, there are no queues, crowds or litter at Pumlumon Fawr, the most secret mountain in Wales.

It’s a mountain in the Cambrian Mountains region that has escaped the attention of day-trippers and selfies seekers. They tend to familiar peaks of Snowdon and Pen y Fan In Brecon, for those coveted Instagram shots.

This might be because Pumlumon is definitely not a ‘have a go’ kind of mountain. There’s no marked trails, cafes, toilets, massive tour groups, or gift shops here. It’s truly the last wilderness in Wales.

There are 5 main hiking trails for Pumlumon that vary in distance and ascent. If you climb Pumlumon from the northern side of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular scenery.

The panoramic views from the summit of Pumlumon Fawr are nothing short of utterly extraordinary. You can see as far as Cadair Idris, Snowdon and Aran Fawddwy to the north.

The full sweep of Cardigan Bay can also be seen, from Pen Llŷn in the north, right down to Pembrokeshire in the south. It’s definitely one of the best hikes in Wales, if you love remote and wild trails.

Go inside Pen y Garreg Dam

The magnificent dams, reservoirs and 73-mile aqueduct of the Elan Valley were built a hundred years ago to supply water to Birmingham.

Today you can explore the Elan Valley estate to marvel at the natural beauty and impressive engineering. You can even go inside one of the dams on one of their popular Dam open days .

Venture inside the Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central tower. You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the dam wall which makes for some incredible photos.

Enter the Bog Snorkelling Championship in Llanwrtyd Wells

The good people of Llanwrtyd Wells invented the unusual event ‘bog snorkelling championships’. At this weird and wonderful event, people compete to swim lengths in a peat bog, without using conventional swimming strokes, in the shortest time possible.

Only in Wales would someone look at a peat bog and think “I bet you could snorkel in that.” We are an innovation nation, I’ll give us that.

This wacky event takes place every August in Llanwrtyd Wells and Competitors must wear snorkels and flippers and complete the course without using traditional swimming strokes.

If you have a good sense of humour and tolerance for the absurd, it is definitely one of the most unusual activities in Wales to be involved in.

Discover the surreal tourist village of Portmeirion

Portmeirion  was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was the filming location of the British television series ‘The Prisoner’. This whimsical and enchanting tourist village in Gwynedd is a little slice of Italy in North Wales.

With its enchanting, pastel-coloured buildings, charming fountains and manicured gardens, it’s a total photographer’s dream.

This is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Wales. Wander around this little corner of weirdness in Wales and explore the Villages little shops, cafes and quirks.

Go on an underground mine tour

Adventure into the dark, underground caverns of mid-Wales’ ancient metal mines with Mid Wales mine adventure .This special tour gives you an insight into life as a miner, working underground in the Cambrian Mountains .

Be guided by an expert through the underground caverns where surviving equipment and artefacts are frozen in time, reminding us of the dark and dangerous work of silver mining.

This extraordinary activity in Wales involves wading through water-filled passages and adventuring through dark, ancient caverns. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Cycle the Wales Coast Path

One of the best way to see 870-mile long Wales Coast Path is to cycle sections of it. The picturesque coast path is the world’s first uninterrupted route along a country’s coast.

You can bring your own bike or hire a bike in one of the towns, country parks or outdoor activity providers along the way.

Our favourite place to cycle on the Wales Coastal path is the section between Llanelli and Pembrey Country Park. The cycleway is well maintained and is a brilliant cycle route for families and couples exploring Pembrokeshire.

Learn pottery at Penrhiw Pottery

Looking for unique arts and crafts workshop in Wales? Check out Penrhiw Pottery for a creative day out. Here, all pottery is expertly hand thrown and hand glazed by Dave and Anouska in their impressive studio in Ystumtuen.

There’s a number of classes and workshops available to get you throwing on the wheel with confidence. I certainly found what I lacked in skill, I made up for in enthusiasm.

Dave and Anouska are on hand to provide excellent guidance and support so that you can create a lovely, but a wonky pot of your very own.

If your attempt at ceramics isn’t quite up to scratch, there are several beautiful pieces for sale. The teapots, in particular, are a wonderful gift.

Go on a food safari in Cardiff

Cardiff Tasting Tour is a delicious way of discovering the capital of Wales, Cardiff. Think Welsh food is boring? Think again. on this fun and informative tour, you can enjoy the very best of Welsh drinks and food through a range of tastings including cockles, meats and Welsh cheeses

On this foodie walking tour, you’ll also learn about the heritage and history of Cardiff. Your guide will take you around its beautiful parks, majestic buildings and famous landmarks as you eat your way around the city.

Ride the Vale of Rheidol steam train

Looking for a unique journey in Wales, hop aboard the retro Vale of Rheidol steam train . Drive to Aberystwyth to catch the afternoon train to Devils Bridge and enjoy a steam train experience through Welsh woodlands, fields and meadows.

Journey across the Rheidol Valley in a beautifully restored steam train and enjoy a retro rail adventure. The track seems to follow the contours of the countryside and takes you through some remarkable scenery at a leisurely pace.

Listen to the soothing sounds of a powerful narrow gauge steam locomotive working hard to climb 700ft (200m) during the 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.

When you reach Devil’s Bridge, be sure to stop for coffee and a steaming bowl of Cawl at the quirky, Two Hoots Cafe.

Pilgrimage walk on Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Take a guided walk on the last stretch of an ancient pilgrimage route on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Book a Pembrokeshire pilgrimage experience with Explore Churches and discover coastal views, Celtic chapels and crosses.

It’s a 6 mile meditative walk runs from Solva to St David’s that includes unique features such as St Non’s Chapel, with its holy well and Celtic cross.

This historic route was as important as the Camino de Santiago in medieval times. It’s now becoming a popular pilgrimage route once again for those seeking a ‘Celtic Camino’ in Wales.

This tour is organised and managed by Guided Pilgrimage, a not for profit travel company providing a range of Celtic pilgrimage experiences in West Wales. 

Learn to cook Welsh cuisine

Learn to cook a range of traditional Welsh dishes in a converted cowshed at the innovative  Y Sied . This modern-looking kitchen and coffee shop is the home to the Pumpkin Patch’ cookery and gardening school.

You can book a bespoke private cookery workshop with the owner and local chef Lisa Fearne. Why not request to learn some traditional Welsh dishes in your workshop? You can then bring a taste of Wales back home with you!

In this 3-hour cookery workshop, you can sharpen your cooking skills and learn how to cook Welsh specialities such as roast lamb, cawl and rarebit.

Welsh tea and tour of ancient St Asaph Cathedral

Uncover hidden history and stories at 700-year-old St Asaph Cathedral, said to be the smallest, ancient cathedral in Britain.

Book a tea and tour of St Asaph Cathedral experience with Explore Churches and marvel at its magnificent architecture. Here you’ll find medieval carvings, clerestory windows and ornate stained glass.

The Cathedral is a living working place of worship with a range of services throughout the week. The William Morgan bible is also located here, said to be the first bible to be translated into Welsh.

Finish the tour with homemade cakes and locally roasted coffee from the church’s on-site ‘Translators’ Tearoom’.

What do you think of our list of awesome experiences in Wales? Are there any big bucket list items you are looking to tick off when you visit Wales? Let us know in the comments below.

DISCLAIMER – This post was written in collaboration with the National Churches Trust.

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Wales Bucket List

Pip is the editor of Wales Bucket List. She is a travel writer, podcaster and local Welsh girl who loves a coffee and a Welsh cake.

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The 18 best things to do in Wales

There are so many spectular things to do and places to wander in this underrated Celtic gem. These are some of the absolute best.

Anyone who visits Wales, falls a little bit in love Wales. And with very good reason. This nation may be small but boy is it crammed with irresistible Celtic charm, magnificent landscapes and exhilarating culture. There's nowhere quite like it. 

It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate, to give your mind a rest and to bathe in the genial hospitality of Welsh people. Take a long and thoughtful hike across the length of its coast or immerse yourself in the exciting buzz of its capital full of passionate sports fans and innovative talent. Whatever kind of getaway you're after, here are some of the very best things you can see and do in Cymru. 

RECOMMENDED: 

📍The best places to go in Wales  🍴 The best   restaurants in Cardiff 👀 The best   things to do in Cardiff 🌤️ The best  things to do in the UK

This article was recently updated by  Amy Houghton , a writer from the Brecon Beacons. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

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Best things to do in Wales

1.  Climb to the top of Wales

Where is it?  Yr Wyddfa, Snowdonia National Park

What is it?  The highest mountain in Wales and the busiest in the UK

Why go?  Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon in English) takes anywhere between five and seven hours depending on the route taken, but the 1,085-metre peak offers the most magnificent views in all of Wales. Heading this way in winter is a no-no, but the mountain gets plenty busy through spring, summer and autumn, with more than half a million hikers dragging themselves up to the top every year. Those worried about fitness issues can take the quaint train – an hour-long ride to the top that offers plenty of gorgeous views along the way.

2.  Travel back through Welsh history

Where is it? St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

What is it? Award-winning living museum and Wales’ most popular open-air attraction. 

Why go? To really imagine everyday life for Welsh people through the centuries. There are over 50 historic buildings for you to weave your way through, including Iron Age roundhouses; a Victorian school complete with the Welsh Not, which was used to basically force Welsh children to speak English; 20th century ‘Gwalia Stores’, a common name for Welsh grocery shops and the Elizabethan St Fagans Castle and grounds. It's also got a working farm, and two working mills making bread that you can buy at the on-site bakery. Did we mention that you can see all this completely for free?

3.  Get lost in a town full of bookshops

Where is it?  Hay-on-Wye, Monmouthshire

What is it?  A small market town in mid Wales known for its love of all things literature

Why go?  There are few things more comforting than the dusty atmosphere of an old bookshop, and the small town of Hay-on-Wye is famous for the things. Known colloquially as the ‘town of books’, Hay has more than two dozen bookshops dotted around its streets, selling everything from new releases to the classics of yore. When it comes to literary tourism in the UK, Hay-on-Wye is a real bucket-list spot.

4.  Soak up the rays on Rhossili Bay

Where is it?  Gower Peninsula, Swansea

What is it?  A three-mile stretch of golden sand and coastline that runs as far as the eye can see, pun possibly intended.

Why go?  Rhossili Bay is a constant contender when judging the best beach in Wales, as well as perpetually featuring in the top ten UK-wide. Besides its award-winning beauty, nearby pubs like The King’s Head and Worm’s Head offer some of the best pub grub around – with a side of beautiful beer-garden views. It's also a fave among surfers. The best thing? It’s dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join in the sandy fun too. 

5.  Storm a world-famous castle

Where is it?  Caernarfon, Gwynedd

What is it?  Arguably the most aesthetically impressive of the many castles of Wales

Why go?  Wales has a curious relationship with its castles. Some are beautiful examples of medieval architecture and a major pull for tourists, while others like the so-called Ring of Iron as a painful reminder of King Edward I’s conquest of Wales in the twelfth century. Of all the castles, Caernarfon’s is possibly the most arresting. It's a Unesco World Heritage site said to be designed on the famous walls of Constantinople (today’s Istanbul). Caernarfon is a charming town with plenty of attractions, but few come close to matching the might of its eponymous castle.

6.  Become one with nature in the Beacons

Where is it?  The Brecon Beacons National Park (aka Bannau Brycheinog).

What is it?  A breathtaking mountain range with the highest peak in South Wales.

Why go?  Stretching from near Llandeilo in the west to the English border in the east, Brecon Beacons National Park covers more than 500 square miles of natural beauty. Head for the hills towards the mighty Pen Y Fan, at 886 metres above sea level; it’s the highest peak in South Wales. The Beacons are also known as Waterfall Country, so you'd be a fool to bypass the Four Waterfalls Walk .  If party vibes are more your thing, then the  Green Man  music festival will make your heart sing.

7.  Explore a village like no other

Where is it?  Portmeirion, Gwynedd

What is it?  A tourist village designed and built in the style of rural Italy

Why go?  There’s nowhere quite like  Portmeirion . Designed and constructed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this small village is as cute as it gets, with gorgeous architecture and movie-set style waiting around every corner. Williams-Ellis made it clear that his desire was to bring the atmosphere of the Mediterranean to North Wales, and most will agree that he succeeded. The village is best visited by car, although Minffordd railway station is just over a mile away.

8.  Wander Britian's smallest city

Where is it? St David’s, Pembrokeshire

What is it? The tiniest city in the UK thanks to its spectacular cathedral, one of the ‘great historic shrines of Christendom’. 

Why go? No bigger than your average village, St David’s was granted city status in 1995. It was the Welsh patron saint, St David (see what they did there?) built his monastery, so there’s plenty of holy significance there. But beyond the huge cathedral, this city has a thriving arts scene, is close to stunning coastline at Whitesands Bay and for posh foodies has Michelin star restaurant Blas or for experimental foodies, there’s Grub Kitchen , the UK’s first full-time edible insect eatery.

9.  Walk the length of the country

Where is it?  Offa’s Dyke and the  Wales Coastal Path

What is it?  One is a ninth-century border turned into a walking route, while the latter is a path that covers the entirety of the Welsh coast.

Why go?  Wales is unique in that it is the only country in the world with an official walking path covering the entirety of its borders. Well, that should be two paths, but the point stands. This is a land that offers an accessible yet difficult walking challenge. The Wales Coastal Path is a footpath stretching 870 miles from Chester to Chepstow, while the Offa’s Dyke Path roughly covers the inland stretch between those two spots. Walking the whole thing might be a little excessive, but there are plenty of stretches that can be enjoyed over a day or two. There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of Wales.

10.  Go on a sporting pilgrimage in the capital

Where is it?  Cardiff

What is it?  There are few things more exciting than Cardiff on match day.

Why go?  The quintessential Welsh tourist experience? There may be more important things when it comes to history and tradition, but it doesn’t get much more thrilling than visiting the capital on a major rugby or football occasion. Cardiff is at its best when the Dragons are doing battle at the Principality Stadium or the neighbouring Cardiff City Stadium, and the pubs and bars of the city evolve into an entirely different beast. Win, lose or draw, Cardiff on match day is an incredible experience.

11.  Learn to pronounce the longest town name in the UK

Where is it? Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Anglesey.

What is it? A small village with a famously tongue-twisting name

Why go? Originally called Llanfair Pwllgwyngll, the name of this village in Anglesey was extended in the nineteenth century in the hope of luring tourists to its town. In that regard, it has been a major success. There isn’t much to do here beyond sitting in a couple of pubs or wandering the aisles of the station shop, but taking a photograph of the famous train station sign is one of the great tourist rites of passage when visiting Wales.

12.  Go puffin spotting

Where is it?  Puffin Island, Anglesey

What is it?  As the name suggests, an island dominated by puffins.

Why go?  Known as Ynys Seiriol in Welsh, Puffin Island is an uninhabited chunk of land off the eastern tip of Anglesey that is home to a huge variety of fauna, most famously the cute little birds that give it its name. The masses of puffins aren’t the only birds worth spotting, however, as the island is also home to one of the largest great cormorant colonies in the British Isles, as well as guillemots, razorbills and others. Tours of the island are available but don’t forget the camera and the binoculars.

13.  Ride the rails in the Welsh highlands

Where is it? West Highland Railway, Gwynedd

What is it? A narrow-gauge railway running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog via a host of fascinating and fabulous sights

Why go? This award-winning heritage railway is a charming way to explore the many isolated marvels of this stretch of the country. The vibrant port town of Porthmadog is a delightful starting point, while adorable Beddgelert is another to add to the list of beautiful Welsh villages with compelling stories to tell.

14.  Tickle your funny bone in the old capital

Where is it?  Machynlleth, Powys

What is it?  The old capital of Wales, home to one of the UK’s best comedy festivals.

Why go?  Many people new to Wales are surprised to discover that  Cardiff  has only been the Welsh capital since 1955. The long and storied history of the Welsh nation has many other cultural and political centres, one of which is now a peaceful mid-Wales town that is energized by laughter in the summer. Machynlleth was the seat of Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh Parliament in 1404 and is thus considered the ancient capital of Wales. Its annual comedy festival is a hotbed of rising stars and established names.  

15.  Go underground at the Dan-yr-Ogof Caves

Where is it?  Brecon Beacons/Swansea

What is it?  A show-stopping series of caves to explore… and a life-sized dinosaur park

Why go?  Go deeper underground and explore a 17km cave system that’ll rock your world. You’ll notice a few familiar reptilian faces poking through the foliage and rock formations along the way, as more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models are living here too. There isn’t a reality where dinosaurs aren’t super-awesome, making Dan-yr-Ogof a must-visit in the southern half of Wales. 

16.  Learn about a hard day’s work (and a national industry)

Where is it?  Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon

What is it? A former colliery and underground coal-mine labyrinth

Why go? Don your hard hat and venture down into the dark coal mines at the Big Pit Coal Museum. It’s a deep dive into Wales’ rich industrial past. Your ex-miner guide will teach you what life was like for the working classes during the area’s mining heyday. They’ll give you the lowdown on the story of coal extraction and how the valleys played a vital role in exporting the stuff around the world.

17.  Visit the smallest house in Great Britain

Where is it?  Conwy, Gwynedd

What is it?  A bright red miniature house that was once home to an extremely tall fisherman

Why go?  Conwy is one of the most beautiful towns in  Wales , famous for its castle and its defiant commitment to independent businesses. In amongst it all stands a vibrant red house that is the smallest in Great Britain. A woman in traditional Welsh clothing waits outside the house to provide information for visitors, and tours of the tiny house cost just £1. The red colour of the house means that, ironically enough, you can’t miss it.

18.  Jump on the bandwagon with Reynolds and McElhenney

Where is it?  Wrexham, Clwyd

What is it?  The long-suffering supporters of one of Britain’s oldest football clubs have cause for optimism thanks to its celebrity owners.

Why go?  The footballing world is bizarre, but few stories have caused as much head-scratching as this. In early 2021, Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds became owners of  Wrexham AFC , breathing new optimism into the town. Wrexham was once the largest town in Wales and an industrial powerhouse, but can the football team’s new proprietors bring optimism back into the area? This will either go very well or very badly. The spotlight is back on Wrexham, to say the least.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wales

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper traveled extensively throughout Wales in the fall of 2022 with photographer Ian Henderson exploring the best experiences, from the cities to the coast and countryside.

For such a small country, Wales has broad diversity when it comes to attractions, the outdoors, and history, with some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the United Kingdom. Some of the best places to visit are actually locations that encompass multiple experiences all in one place, like castles, beaches , villages, and notable landmarks including Thomas Telford-designed bridges.

As you plan your itinerary, it makes sense to start in one region, like North Wales near Snowdonia National Park and Anglesey, then work your way to other destinations along the Pembrokeshire Coast , south to Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast .

From railways and mining excursions to living a part of preserved history by walking the castle walls surrounding Conwy, or taking in a national rugby game, you will have no problem filling a full itinerary.

Use our list of the top tourist attractions in Wales to narrow down your options.

1. Snowdonia National Park

2. brecon beacons national park, 3. cardiff castle & national museum cardiff, 4. gower peninsula beaches, 5. devil's bridge and the hafod estate, 6. wales by rail, 7. caernarfon castle, 8. principality stadium, 9. conwy & conwy castle, 10. pembrokeshire coast national park, 11. bookstores in hay-on-wye, 12. portmeirion, 13. beddgelert & betws-y-coed, 14. national slate museum & the big pit, 15. pontcysyllte aqueduct and llangollen canal, 16. cardiff arcades, 17. anglesey, 18. tintern abbey, 19. llandudno, 20. bodnant garden, more must-see destinations in and near wales.

Think of Wales, and you'll likely think of Snowdonia (Eryri), the beautiful range of mountains and hills located in the county of Gwynedd.

Consisting of 14 majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high—the most famous being the 3,546-foot Snowdon, the summit of which is accessible by train—Snowdonia can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast. The region remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the UK, attracting some four million visitors a year.

When you're here, it's easy to see why the area has featured so heavily in local legends, including those based around King Arthur , who locals will insist was Welsh.

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in Britain, boasting more than 1,479 miles of marked trails. Climbing is also popular here, as are mountain biking and horse riding.

However you get here, the views from the summit are incredible and extend from the coast all the way to Bala Lake .

Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of Wales. This hiker's paradise is bordered by two quite different sets of Black Mountains . The first, to the west, is the source of the River Usk , while to the east is the range that's famous for its wild ponies.

Most of the mountains in this 520-square-mile park are higher than 1,000 feet — with many in excess of 2,000 feet—and are named after the red sandstone that causes them to resemble the beacons of light once used to warn of invaders.

Be sure to explore the park's many caves and waterfalls, especially Henrhyd Falls at Coelbren , which is one of the best waterfalls in Wales . Just outside the park, near Abergavenny, you can tour a coal mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum . Other popular activities and things to do in the Brecon Beacons include mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and camping.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales, UK

Perhaps the most photographic of Wales' many castles, Cardiff Castle is a must-visit and one of the top attractions in Cardiff . Boasting still-intact sections constructed more than 1,000 years ago this splendidly preserved castle can take a few hours to explore. Be sure to allow plenty of time to do so in your Cardiff sightseeing itinerary.

Highlights include the State Apartments, notable for its informative displays relating to life in the castle over the ages, as well as the attractive old chapel. Other notable features include the well-preserved Banqueting Hall with its medieval murals and elaborate fireplace. A variety of guided tour options are available, along with an informative audio guide that can be picked up from the visitor center.

If there's still time after your castle adventure, try to squeeze in a visit to the National Museum Cardiff . Undoubtedly topping the list of the best things to do for free in Cardiff, this major attraction houses impressive collections focusing on archeology, zoology, and botany, as well as the arts.

The National Museum of Art is housed in the same building. This excellent art gallery features a number of works by some of the world's most important artists, including Old Masters and Welsh painters.

Address: Castle Street, Cardiff

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

You cannot visit Wales without carving out some time to hit the coastal beaches. The Gower Peninsula has some of the best beaches in South Wales and many of the most popular in the country.

Topping your list of places to visit should be Rhossili Bay, which has an expansive coastline for swimming and kitesurfing, with a good mixture of activities and opportunities for scenic walks, especially at sunset. You can find water sports rentals, a car park, restrooms, and a restaurant close to the beach.

Another great beach to visit is Oxwich Bay , which has the added scenery of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve surrounding it. This is a nice family and dog-friendly beach because of the calm water.

Some other Gower Peninsula beaches to consider are Llangennith Beach , popular with surfers; Broughton Bay Beach , an ideal place for beachcombers; and Three Cliffs Bay , which might win the prize for the best scenic views on the south coast.

Located 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth , Devil's Bridge is actually three bridges spectacularly stacked atop each other. The oldest (and the lowest) dates from the 11th century, and the newest was built in 1901. They span the Rheidol Gorge , where the River Mynach plunges 300 feet into the valley far below.

Be sure to follow the Falls Nature Trail to the bottom. It's a bit of a climb back up—especially those steep, slippery steps of Jacob's Ladder , the segment leading to the oldest bridge—but the views are incredible.

Afterward, visit Hafod Estate , 200 acres of lovingly restored woodlands and 18th-century gardens once considered the finest in Britain. While the manor house is long gone, visitors can enjoy pleasant hikes along well-marked trails past waterfalls, ancient trees, and the estate's old, walled formal gardens. And if you're looking for an idyllic cottage vacation, the wonderful old Hawthorn Cottage allows guests an unforgettable accommodation experience.

Address: Hafod Estate Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Cwmystwyth, Ystrad Meurig

Wales was once famous for its mining operations, in particular, the mining of slate used for the roofing, which is still so common here. While the majority of these mines and quarries have closed, many of the narrow-gauge railways used to shift goods (and later, Victorian-era tourists) around the country have been restored and now provide scenic excursions.

Today, there are several heritage railway lines that reach some of the country's most popular landmarks, including mountains, seaside towns, and castles. Many of the bigger lines, such as the 14-mile-long Ffestiniog Railway running through Snowdonia National Park , offer unique train driving courses and volunteer opportunities to add to the experience.

Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle (Castell Caernarfon) is one of the largest such fortifications in the country. With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive—and the best-preserved—medieval fortresses in Europe.

Occupying the site of an even older Norman castle, Caernarfon Castle dominates the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait on one side, and is protected by a moat on the other. The castle's royal heritage continues to this day, and in 1969 it was the scene of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales.

Also of interest is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum (admission included), notable for the 14 Victoria Crosses on display.

Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon

The pride of Wales rests in the people's enthusiasm for the game of rugby, so if you have a chance to take in a national game at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, it will be the highlight of your trip. Feel the Welsh patriotism as you attend a game with 74,000 rugby fans harmonizing the national anthem while donning their team jerseys and revving for fierce competition.

Joining the fun at Principality Stadium gives you a sense of Welsh culture in a way that other attractions cannot. The game of rugby means more to the Welsh than just a sporting event. It was created in the 19th century as a way for the Welsh to come together as a country and improve life by lifting their status as a nation.

Games are usually played from the fall through the spring, but if you visit outside of the season, you can still book one of several tours of the stadium.

Located on the north coast of Wales, just a short distance from Manchester, the small Welsh town of Conwy offers something for everyone: a stunning castle, medieval architecture, and plenty of great shopping.

The best views of Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) and River Conwy , with its suspension bridge designed by Thomas Telford, are from the 13th-century town walls built by King Edward I to keep the Welsh at bay. Besides touring the castle, one of the most unique experiences to enjoy here is walking the castle walls that surround the entire city. It is free to do, and you can get on and off in different sections. This vantage point offers the best views of the city and harbor.

The National Trust's Aberconwy House is Conwy's only surviving 14th-century merchant's house and one of the first buildings constructed inside the town walls. Other interesting homes are the Elizabethan Plas Mawr and the Smallest House in Great Britain .

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy

Surrounded by water on three sides, Wales has more than its fair share of dramatic coastline. Some of the most imposing is found along the coast of the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, which juts out into the Irish Sea, much of it falling within the boundaries of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro).

You can best explore this magnificent scenery on foot along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, finding villages like the picturesque little resort of Tenby, still partially enclosed by its medieval walls.

Other Pembrokeshire coast highlights are Pembroke Castle , St. David's Cathedral (in the town of the same name), and idyllic fishing harbors such as Laugharne, where Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived for much of his life. His boathouse home above the bay is now a museum.

As elsewhere in Wales, adventurous travelers can find unique places to stay, including classic old farm cottages, gypsy caravans, or vintage railcars.

Whether you consider yourself a bookworm or not, a visit to the bookstores in Hay-on-Wye will be a memorable experience. Hay-on-Wye is renowned for its literary scene and the annual Hay Festival, which brings in well-known authors from around the world.

This small town, with a castle on the hill and charming winding streets, has more than two dozen bookstores. The area has historical and global literary significance, which you will find evidence of as you walk the quaint streets and see references to its moniker as the Town of Books.

This walkable town is worth a day, or at least an afternoon, of your time. After you find a good read to take home, stroll into the small boutiques or find an outdoor café to enjoy the town's ambience and live music that is often playing on the street corners.

Portmeirion is a beautiful hotel resort and visitor attraction on the coast of Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd , North Wales . Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion was designed to resemble a quaint Italian fishing village. Visitors staying overnight get the whole place to themselves once the gates are closed, when they can explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, church, and the coastal paths of the lower village.

This stunning attraction has been the location for numerous films and TV programs, including the 1960s cult show, The Prisoner , and should definitely be included on your Wales sightseeing itinerary.

The resort's restaurants come highly recommended. A variety of shops are also located here, some selling the famous Portmeirion pottery.

Address: Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Breaks in the UK for Couples

The Welsh are certainly a friendly lot. And nowhere is this truer than in the many picturesque small villages that dot the Welsh countryside. Two of the very prettiest—and friendliest—are located within easy striking distance of Snowdonia National Park: Beddgelert & Betws-y-Coed.

Just a 30-minute drive apart, these two postcard-perfect riverside villages make for a great day trip. They each offer a slice of that traditional Welsh hospitality in their quaint B&Bs, guesthouses, inns, tearooms, and restaurants, and are often heralded as among the most picturesque villages not just in Wales, but all of the UK.

Located at the junction of the Colwan and Glaslyn rivers, Beddgelert is especially favored by hikers using the village as a base from which to tackle Snowdon itself. A number of gentler trails and paths are also easy to access here and are great for those wanting a stroll that takes in spectacular mountain vistas. Failing that, an easy stroll through the village itself is rewarding, or you can jump aboard the heritage Welsh Highland Railway for a scenic train ride to Porthmadog or Caernarfon.

Betws-y-Coed also makes for a great base for a Snowdonia adventure. Set in the Gwydyr Forest, it's particularly pretty in spring and fall when the changing seasons turn the vegetation here into a riot of color (it's also quieter during these less touristy times). In addition to the many fine examples of historic buildings located within the village, be sure to take a stroll to its nearby waterfalls, including Conwy Falls.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

Wales is a nation built in mining and, as such, has done a remarkable job of preserving its mining past. Of the many things to do related to this rich history, none can quite match the experience of visiting one of these mines in person.

Located in Caernarfon, the fascinating National Slate Museum offers an in-depth look at the workings of a 19th-century slate quarry, along with accompanying machinery and workshops, including a huge still-working waterwheel. A great deal of attention is also placed on the conditions for workers and their families, along with live demonstrations of the mining process.

Situated within Breacon Beacons, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a glimpse into the nation's other most-mined material and the lives of those who worked here. Highlights of a visit include exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes on the site.

Blaenavon is also home to an old ironworks that's worth exploring, home to the "Big Pit" blast furnaces and foundries. Also worth a visit, Rhondda Heritage Park actually allows visitors to descend to "pit bottom" in an old miners' elevator. These Black Gold Experience Underground Tours are even led by former coalminers, adding to the authenticity of the experience. There's also a replica village to explore, portraying everyday life for mining families.

It took 10 years to design and build the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales. Even today, it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 18-arch bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.

This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat .

It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.

For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.

Location: Llangollen Wharf

Few experiences in Wales match the day of shopping that awaits at the Victorian Arcades in Cardiff. These elegant glass-covered arcades have been an iconic part of the capital city since the 1800s. They were built in the Victorian era to protect shoppers from bad weather conditions.

There are several dozen arcades around Cardiff, each with its own unique flare, with the oldest being the Royal Arcade. Inside, you will find small boutiques, shops with jewelry and housewares, cafés, and mom-and-pop stands selling homemade Welsh cakes from generations-old recipes. A nibble on some of these tasty sugar-dusted treats, while you shop, is highly recommended.

Separated from mainland Wales by the mile-wide Menai Strait—spanned by the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818)—the Isle of Anglesey is home to a number of quaint, small fishing villages sprinkled along its more than 100 miles of attractive coastline. Along with its sandy beaches and landmarks such as South Stack Lighthouse , the island's mild climate makes it popular for day trippers and campers alike.

The smaller Holy Island , linked to Anglesey by bridge, is a popular holiday resort with two promenades (one of them 1.5 miles long). Tiny Salt Island offers great views and a chance for some bird-watching. Finally, one of the world's most famous photo ops is on the railway platforms of the town with the world's longest place name : Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.

Read More: Best Beaches in Anglesey

One of the most spectacular attractions in Wales is walking among the ruins at Tintern Abbey near Chepstow. This historical and architectural treasure was built in 1131 by Cistercian monks, and while much of it has been destroyed, in part by order of King Henry VIII in the 1500s, there is enough preserved to marvel at its massive structure.

After your time walking the grounds at Tintern Abbey, make your way to nearby Chepstow Castle. The castle sits on the cliffside of the estuary banks of the River Wye and is the oldest fortification in Britain . Walk through the matrix of corridors and passageways that were constructed in 1067 and be sure to see the oldest castle doors in Europe, which are perfectly preserved here for visitors to see up close.

Dubbed the "Queen of the Welsh Resorts," Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales . Located on the north coast with views across the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect tourist destination lies between the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme, a peninsula inhabited since the Stone Age.

The town's unique promenade is free of the usual seaside shops and cafés, which were wisely placed behind the seafront to ensure Victorian visitors a more peaceful experience. Take a stroll on the bustling Llandudno Pier, which is the longest in Wales, jutting out into the sea at nearly 2,300 feet.

The best views of the town and its surroundings are from the Great Orme , easily accessible by a heritage tramway. Well connected by rail and road, Llandudno is a good base for touring Wales' spectacular North Coast .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Llandudno

A National Trust property, Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, created over many years by generations of the McLaren family and brought to its present heights by the 2nd Lord Aberconway.

Highlights of the spectacular gardens are the grand formal terraces , spectacular views across the River Conwy to Snowdonia, and the famous Laburnum Arch . This curved walk of about 50 yards is covered with laburnum, whose abundant, long blossoms cover it in cascades of yellow in late May and early June.

Spring is also when the Dell, a deep valley where trees tower above streams, is abloom with rhododendrons. But the wide variety of flowering plants assures that the gardens are filled with color throughout the whole season. Among the trees are 42 UK Champion Trees , judged the best examples of their kind in Britain.

The elegant Georgian Pin Mill was moved here from Gloucestershire. A tearoom is located on-site and comes highly recommended.

Address: Bodnant Road, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay

The lively Welsh capital city of Cardiff is a good place to begin your trip and a good base for exploring South Wales . Cardiff is not far from the interesting port city of Bristol , just across the border in England. When you're exploring the beautiful mountains and countryside of North Wales , consider popping across the border again to visit the attractions in Chester , a charming walled city on a canal.

More on Wales

20 Beautiful (& Unique) Places To Visit In Wales: 2024 Guide

Wales is the smallest country on the Isle of Great Britain. It’s so small you can travel the length of this mountainous land in under five hours!

However, despite its small size Wales definitely packs a big punch and a visit to this culturally rich country should not be rushed.

With over 600 castles, Wales is referred to as the castle capital of Europe. There are nearly 33,000km of walking paths to wander and 3 national parks explore. There are award winning beaches, the fastest zipline in the world, a language as old as the Britons, oh and we have a dragon as our national flag!

Have I sold you on it yet?

Despite spending the last decade travelling the world, I always look forward to coming home and exploring more of what my Welsh homeland has to offer.

So, as a proud Welsh woman born and bred in the valleys of South Wales, I want to share my thoughts on the best places to visit in Wales.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Map Of The Top Places To Visit In Wales

The 20 Best Places To Visit In Wales

1.  yr wyddfa (mount snowdon) – visit wales’ highest peak.

As a country carved by glaciers in the last ice age, many of the top attractions in Wales involve our most plentiful asset – mountains. It’s quite fitting therefore, that the top thing to do in Wales is to visit the country’s highest mountain, Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa as it is now officially known. 

Yr Wyddfa is found in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park , which offers spectacular vistas around every corner and has recently been added to the UNESO World Heritage List. It’s the first of 3 National Parks in this list.

Yr Wyddfa is 1085m and is the only major peak in the UK to have a train that runs to the summit. For this quirky uniqueness alone, it’s worth taking a ride on the Snowdon Mountain railway .  

Alternatively, for the full mountain experience I recommend hiking to the top. There are several hiking routes to the summit of Snowdon, which I describe in detail in this handy guide .  If you’re a mountain lover who wants to enjoy a quieter hike in Snowdonia National Park, take a look at this guide .

Prefer not to walk alone? If you’re looking for a Mountain Leader to guide you on a mountain adventure, please contact me here to discuss rates and availability.

Related Reading

• Top spots for winter camping in Wales
• Beautiful Landscape Photographs of Wales
• The 50 highest mountains in Wales

2. Bike Park Wales – Hit world leading mountain bike trails in the South Wales Valleys

Wales has a great network of cycle routes to enjoy but for more adventurous mountain biking, I highly recommend a trip to Bike Park Wales on the outskirts of my home town, Merthyr Tydfil.

Situated on a forested hillside, Bike Park Wales is the only mountain biking centre in the UK that provides an uplift service. That means you get all the fun of the downhill without all the effort of the uphill. Winner!

At Bike Park Wales there are 40 colour graded trails for all abilities. They offer bike rental, coaching sessions and have a cafe which even serves bottles of their locally brewed ale. Popularity here has soared in recent years so be sure to book your passes in advance .

For more things to do in Merthyr Tydfil, take a look at this guide .

3. Anglesey – Hike the coast and relax on the beaches

Anglesey or Ynys Mon is Wales’ largest island and offers visitors an array of activities to enjoy. Much of the coastline around Anglesey has been declared An Area of Outstanding Beauty, making it a beautiful place to visit in Wales. The coastline is ideal for walkers and many of the beaches are Award Winning.

In the south west you can visit a town with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

If you buy me a pint I’ll say it for you 😉

The town was given this name by a local man as a marketing ploy and you have to admit it works! In the south east you can visit the moated castle of Beaumaris, which was the last of Edward I’s castles.

However, my personal favourite thing to do in Angelsey is to visit the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. With it’s picturesque lighthouse and the 16th century chapel St Dwynwen (the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers), it’s surly one of the top places to go in Wales.

Discover Anglesey at your own pace with this self guided audio tour!

4.  Zipworld – Experience the worlds fastest zipline

ZIpworld has helped transform some of Wales’ old quarries and mines into fun outdoor adventure playgrounds. Zipworld has several sites in North Wales and a newly opened site in South Wales.

At Bounce Below you can jump around on trampolines in a dimly lit slate cavern which is a serious amount of fun, although massively exhausting! At Penrhyn Quarry you can race around on go-karts or if you’re brave enough try out Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zipline.

Other activities include roller coasters, tree top wires and even plummeting 100ft from a trap door!

Discover an epic 2 week Welsh road trip itinerary in this guide!

5. St David’s: Visit the smallest city in Wales

St David’s is a charming little city in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. In fact, it is the smallest city in the UK and about as far west as you can go in Wales. The city is built on the site of a monastery founded by the patron saint of Wales, St David ( Dewi Sant )

Given the history of this city your trip should, of course, include a visit to St David’s Cathedral. Also pay a visit to the adjacent medieval ruins of Bishops Palace.

After the history fix is complete be sure to wander around the pretty narrow streets, peeking your head into the numerous art galleries, cafes and it’s one and only pub! Then head out to the stunning Whitesands Bay.

From this sandy beach you can enjoy some of the best surfing Wales has to offer. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, visit St Davids Head for a breath taking walk around the peninsula. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and seals!

For your perfect stay in St Davids, try the gorgeous LLety Farm .

Check out the video below to see if you can spot seals hanging out at St davids Head!

6.  Cardiff – Explore Wales’ capital city

Not all capital cities are worth a visit but Cardiff most certainly is. Cardiff is a vibrant city which has a little something for everyone and makes it one of the best places to go in Wales.

At the centre of the city there is (of course!) a castle. Opposite Cardiff Castle you can find the Victorian Arcades which are filled with boutique shops. Join this Alleyways and Avenue Tour to find the best spots. The nearby streets are filled with restaurants and bars which offer a great night out, especially after a Welsh rugby match! 

For an exploration of the seafront head out to Cardiff Bay Barrage, which is Europe’s largest waterfront. If you’re looking for adventure here, try white water rafting or indoor surfing at Cardiff International White Water. The Bay is also home to the Senedd and is therefore the beating heart of Welsh Politics.

If you’re a Doctor Who fan you’ll know Cardiff is where this series is filmed and you can embark on your very own Doctor Who tour ! Or for the Gavin and Stacey fans, go behind the scenes at Barry Island in this half day tour . 

Extend your time in Cardiff with one of the top accommodation options below.

• Future Inn Cardiff Bay (⭐4, 📈8.3, Cardiff Bay, top location: 1.2 miles from city centre, £)
• The Parkgate Hotel (📈8.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.2 miles from city centre, ££)
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff (⭐4, 📈7.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.3 miles from city centre, £)

7.  Portmeirion – Experience a slice of Italy

Portmeirion is a quaint, Italian-inspired seaside town on the coast of Northwest Wales. I’ll be honest and say I found the visit a little strange as it’s sort of a themed city. Kinda like visiting Disneyland. However, it is very pretty and definitely one of the must-see places in Wales.

After exploring the small streets and giant chess board (yup!), allow some time to wander down to the waterfront for a stroll around the coast. You could even spend the night in the village at the beautiful Portmeirion Hotel .

What is the best way to explore Portmeirion?

The best way to explore any location/sightseeing is a guided tour, undoubtedly. Portmeirion is not an exception. With “Portmeirion, Castles and Snowdonia Tour” with a dedicated driver and expert local guide you will see so much more of Wales than you could cover independently (11 locations are included on this tour).

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR HERE

8. Hay-on-Wye – Rediscover literature at this market town

Hay-on-Wye is a small market town in the County of Powys, close to the English border. As a child my mum and I would take regular visits to Hay-on-Wye on the hunt for interesting or unusual books.

Today Hay-on-Wye has over twenty bookstores to keep literary lovers enthralled. But a visit to Hay-on-Wye is as much about the buildings that house the books, as it is about the books themselves. The book stores vary from castles to boutique stores, to simple book shelves on the streets. Hay-on-Wye is a delightful place to visit in Wales.

Every year Hay-on-Wye hosts the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, aka the Hay Festival. This festival lasts for 10 days and was described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind.”

If you plan your visit for a Thursday you can also enjoy Market Day, a tradition that has been running in the town for hundreds of years. In the market you can find books (of course), antiques and locally produced food.

Discover all the best things to do in Hay-on-Wye in this guide !

Need somewhere to stay? For a delightful glamping experience, try Golden Valley Shepherds Huts .

9. Govan’s Chapel and the Green Bridge of Wales – Enjoy a beautiful coastal walk

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the gem of West Wales and is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

Founded in the 6th century, St Govan’s is a remarkable little chapel built into the side of a limestone cliff in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. I first discovered St Govan’s purely by accident, whilst doing a hike from Bosherton.

Access to the chapel is a via a steep set of stairs. Legend has it that if you count the stairs on the way down and then again on the way back up, the number is never the same! Surely it’s well worth a visit just to find out?!

5km further around on the Wales Coastal path from St Govan’s you can find another highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast, the Green Bridge of Wales. This is a natural rock arch which has been carved away from the mainland by erosion. You can also find the Elegug sea stacks nearby which were once arches similar to the Green Bridge.

Did you know? The Wales Coastal Path is 870 miles long and is the first path in the world to follow a country’s coastline in its entirety. It has also been voted the second prettiest coastal path in the world!

10. Tenby – Visit Wales’ Prettiest Seaside Town

Wales has many pretty seaside towns which are contenders for this list however my personal favourite is Tenby. I spent many a childhood holiday playing on Tenby’s famous beaches but this seaside town is also packed with charm and history.

Tenby is a historic fishing village in South Wales with gorgeous colourful houses dotted around its harbour. These are best enjoyed with a relaxing stroll during the soft golden tones just before sunset.

In 2019 Castle Beach in Tenby was voted the UK’s best beach by the Sunday Times. This beach is the smallest of Tenby’s beaches. From Castle Beach at low tide you can access St Catherine’s island and fort. To the north of the beach climb the steps to Castle Hill which houses the remains of Tenby Castle. 

To learn all about the best things to do in Tenby, take a look at this guide.

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TENBY

• Giltar Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.4, Tenby, beachfront, £)
• The Park Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.9, Tenby, beachfront, ££)
• Heywood Spa Hotel (⭐4, 📈8.8, Tenby, 0.7 miles from North Tenby Beach, £££)

11. Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) – Cool off in Waterfall Country

Wales has an abundance of waterfalls and since the country receives so much rain every year they are often flowing at full pace. Many of Wales’ most beautiful waterfalls are spread out around the country, however there is one area in South Wales which has more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in the country. This area is known as Waterfall Country .

In Waterfall Country there are several waterfall trails to enjoy , however the most popular is the Four Falls Trail. On this walk you can visit four waterfalls and at the final fall, Sgwd yr Eira, there is the option to walk behind the powerful cascade.

For more information on the 4 falls trail, take a look at this guide or for more things to do in the Brecon Beacons see this post.

12. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen – Venture along this impressive structure

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen is definitely one of the top things to see in Wales . This 18 arched bridge is the longest aqueduct in Britain and carries the Llangollen canal over the River Dee.

You will need a head for heights if you want to walk over the 306.9m bridge but there are also walking trails which lead both upstream and downstream from the bridge itself. Both of these trails offer fine views of this impressive structure.

13. Conwy Castle – Travel back in time at Conwy

Wales has so many castles you could visit one every day for a year and still not see them all. I even went to school in a castle (very Harry Potter I know!), so deciding which castle to put on this list was a difficult task. However, Conwy Castle is surly one of Wales’ top places to visit and makes it to the top of my Welsh castles list.

Conwy Castle is set on the banks of the river Conwy and has Snowdonia National Park looming in the distance. Conwy castle is arguably the most impressive of Edward I Welsh castles, which UNESCO considers one of the finest examples of 13/14th century military architecture in Europe. Edward’s Welsh castles are another of Wales’ World Heritage sites.

Explore the battlements on your visit and be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. For a self guided audio guide tour of Conwy’s highlights, click here .

Discover more about castles in North Wales in this guide .

14. Elan valley – See epic Victorian dams 

The Elan Valley showcases an epic feat of civil engineering as well as outstanding natural beauty, all in one hit.

Over one hundred years ago the Elan Valley was partly flooded with six dams and reservoirs in order to provide safe drinking water for Birmingham. But this once contentious project built out of necessity, has since become an area for visitors to revel in.

On the Estate there are 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the Claerwen National Nature Reserve. It is the most important area for land birds in Wales and has been awarded International Dark Sky Status.

Try and visit Elan Valley after heavy rain so you can see the dams in full flow. For me, Graig Goch and Pen y Garreg are the most impressive dams on the Elan river but they are all impressive in their own right. Elan valley can be explored on foot but also has great cycle trails, so bring your bike and enjoy cycling through this special part of mid-Wales.

The best part about the Elan Valley is it’s much quieter than some of the other tourist sites in Wales. So make sure you add Elan Valley to your Wales bucket list.

15. Gower Peninsula – Hike the rugged Peninsula 

The Gower was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a visit to this rugged peninsula you’ll quickly discover why. There are cliff-edged hikes to explore, beautiful beaches to relax on and multiple water sports to enjoy.

Located at the far end of the peninsula, Rhossili beach has been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world and I’d certainly recommend a visit. If the tide is right, venture out onto the tidal island of Worm’s Head. This part of the Gower is also popular with surfers and coasteerers. Both super fun activities but brace yourself for the cold waters!

Experience more beautiful Gower beaches at 3 Cliffs bay, Port Eynon and Oxwich or for a pebble beach try Pwll Du. If you’re in need of a castle fix try Woebley, Pennard or Oxwich.

For more information about walks in the Gower, take a look at this guide.

16. Pentre Ifan – See the Stonehenge of Wales

Found in an unassuming field on the Preseli Hills is Wales’ most famous ancient site – Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber. Constructed over 5000 years ago, the remains of this ancient ruin provide a glimpse as to what must have been quite an incredible burial chamber.

Any archaeological buffs out there will also know that the Preseli Hills are also home to Spotted Dolerite – the rocks that form the inner sanctum of Stonehenge. Yes, those world famous rocks were dragged all the way from West Wales to the Salisbury Plain!

Even if you have no interest in Neolithic monuments, it’s very impressive to see a 20 ton capstone precariously balancing on the tips of 3 standing stones. You can push it as much as you like, I promise it doesn’t budge! 

17. Pen y Fan – Hike Southern Britains highest peak

The Brecon Beacons has many great hikes to enjoy from the Sugarloaf in the east to Llyn y Fan Fach in the west. However, the highest and most famous peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park is Pen y Fan.

At 886m Pen y Fan is big enough to warrant a decent workout and there are several routes that lead to the top of this famed peak. The easiest of these trails will take little over an hour but for more experienced hikers there are trails that involve full mountain days.

See my complete guide to hiking Pen y Fan to discover what you can expect on a day spent exploring the Central Beacons. However, if you’d prefer someone else to lead the way up this famous mountain, please get in touch and we can discuss rates and availability.

18. The Blue Lagoon – Paddle boarding, coasteering and more

For an adventurous exploration of Wales’ more modern history, head to the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy. There is a cove near Abereiddy which was once a slate quarry and was active until the early 20th century. When a channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, the Blue Lagoon was formed.

Abandoned quarries and slate mines all around Wales are being given a new lease of life as adventurous destinations (such as those at Zipworld) and the Blue Lagoon is no different. The Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for adventure sports such as coasteering and cliff jumping and has become a tourist hot spot.

Ruined quarry buildings around the lagoon provides evidence of its’ industrial past and add an eerie element to this otherwise beautiful Welsh tourist attraction.

19. Tintern Abbey – Explore Wales’ most famous Abbey

Located next to the village of Tintern, in the lower Wye Valley is Tintern Abbey, another of Wales’ top visitor locations. This British Gothic masterpiece was originally founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, but was abandoned after the dissolution by Henry VIII.

This majestic ruin found new life as a tourist attraction thanks in part to poets like Wordsworth and was a source of inspiration for artists like Turner. Today the Abbey is managed by Cadw and is well worth the small entrance fee.

For more distant views of Tintern, try walking a section of Offa’s Dyke trail to a viewpoint known as the Devil’s Pulpit. Located just 6 miles from Tintern is the charming town of Chepstow. Known as the gateway to Wales, Chepstow has many sites to see and well-worth including on your Welsh itinerary.

20. Llandudno – Visit Wales longest pier

Built in the 1950s by the Mostyn family, Llandudno is Wales’ largest seaside resort. Llandudno is famed for its extensive pier. It’s also the town where Alice Pleasance Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, holidayed as a child.

Walk or take the tram to the nearby summit of Great Orme for incredible views and then kick back on one of Llandudnos’ beaches. Enjoy a Punch and Judy show, explore the prehistoric copper mines or simply stroll the promenade with an ice cream in hand.

Having barely changed in over a century, this charming Victorian town is jam-packed with activities to enjoy on your visit to Wales.

Getting To These Top Tourist Attractions In Wales

The towns and cities on this list can be easily accessed by trains and/or buses from other major cities such as Cardiff and London. For the best deals on cars and trains check out Busbud .

However, the more rural tourist attractions are often poorly serviced by public transport and require the use of a car.

For the best deals on car rental in Wales, I recommend Discover Cars .

Final Thoughts On The Top Places To Go In Wales

Wales is a small country with a lot to offer. If you love the outdoors, history or culture, a trip to this hilly land should definitely make it onto your UK bucket list.

Nature lovers can enjoy a hike in the mountains of Snowdonia, relax on the beaches in Anglesey, get wet behind waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons and spot dolphins off the Pembrokeshire coast. And those wanting to soak up the culture can get lost in the literature of Hay on Wye, delve into the history of Wales’ great castles and admire the Cathedral in UK’s smallest city.

I look forward to welcoming you on your trip to Wales. Iechyd da! (Cheers!)

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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