There are many wonderful reasons to visit Wales. If you like castles, then Cardiff, famous for its splendid castle is a good place from where to begin exploring the rest of the country. Cardiff has impressive shopping arcades and many historic buildings, it’s a city with plenty of places to visit and things to do.
As you travel further, you’ll find plenty attractions and sightseeing opportunities; these include more than 400 castles and fortifications, countless gardens, breath-taking scenery, and a network of heritage railways that connect much of the country.
‘…breath-taking scenery…’
Whatever you do in Wales, you can be sure you’ll be in good hands; the Welsh are the most interesting and laid-back people. Let’s learn about some of the top things to do in the wonderful country of Wales.
Anglesey
The Isle of Anglesey is home to various quaint, small fishing villages sprinkled along its more than 100 miles of attractive coastline. With its sandy beaches and landmarks, the island’s mild climate makes it popular for day trippers and campers.
‘…quaint, small fishing villages…’
Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens ever created! Tourist attractions 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.
‘…most beautiful gardens ever created…’
Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the most gorgeous parts of Wales. This paradise is bordered by the Black Mountains; the mountains 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 off invaders. There are many caves and waterfalls to explore; other popular activities include mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and camping.
‘…many caves and waterfalls to explore…’
Caernarfon Castle
Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle 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 best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
‘…most impressive and best preserved medieval fortresses…’
Cardiff Castle & National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is a must visit! It boast intact sections constructed more than 1,000 years ago. The splendidly preserved castle can take a few hours to explore. Highlights include the State Apartments, distinguished 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.
‘…splendidly preserved castle…’
Conwy & Conwy Castle
The small town of Conwy offers something for everyone; a superb castle, medieval architecture, and plenty of great shopping. The best views of Conwy Castle are of the 13th century town walls built by King Edward I to keep the Welsh at bay.
‘…plenty of great shopping…’
Devil’s Bridge and the Hafod Estate
Devil’s Bridge is really three bridges amazingly stacked on each other. The oldest 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.
‘…from the 11th century…’
Hafod Estate is 200 acres of lovingly restored woodlands and 18th century gardens once considered the finest. Tourists enjoy the pleasant hikes along well-marked trails that pass waterfalls and ancient trees.
‘…lovingly restored woodlands…’
Llandudno
Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales. 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 best views of the town and its surrounds are from the Great Orme, easily accessible by a heritage tramway.
‘…views across the Irish Sea…’
National Slate Museum & the Big Pit
Wales 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. The captivating 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.
‘…none can quite match the experience of visiting…’
The Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a glimpse into other most mined materials, and the lives of those who worked here. Highlights of a visit include exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes on the site.
‘…exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes…’
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Surrounded by water on three sides, Wales has more than its fair share of dramatic coastline. Some of the most imposing are 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. You can explore this magnificent scenery on foot along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, and find pretty little villages, still partially enclosed by medieval walls.
‘…fair share of dramatic coastline…’
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal
It took 10 years to design and build the aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in north east Wales. It’s considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 18 arched bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soar 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length making it the highest aqueduct in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it’s more fun to cross it on a canal boat that take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf.
‘…the highest aqueduct in the world…’
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia, the beautiful range of mountains and hills comprise of 14 majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high. Snowdon, the most famous is 3,546 feet and is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Wales. Snowdonia National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations, boasting more than 1,479 miles of trails. Climbing, mountain biking and horse riding is also popular here. The views from the summit are incredible!
‘…Climbing, mountain biking and horse riding…’
Wales by Rail
Wales was once famous for its mining operations, specifically the mining of slate used for the roofing that 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 to provide scenic excursions. More than 10 heritage railway lines reach some of the country’s most popular landmarks, including mountains, seaside towns, and castles.
‘…scenic excursions…’
