Did you recognize that Wales has extra castles per sq. km than wherever else in Europe? That’s simply one of many many causes to go to Wales. We’re rounding up all the highest locations to go to in Wales that can entice you so as to add it to the highest of your UK bucket record. Wales, one of many 4 nations that make up the United Kingdom, has usually been neglected in favor of its extra distinguished neighbors: England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland however when you go to Wales you’ll surprise why you by no means considered it earlier.
Places to Visit in Wales
This tiny nation is stuffed with imposing castles, putting landscapes, and superb adventures. The Welsh are a unusual bunch who like to leap off issues, dangle excessive within the sky, and communicate a completely totally different language. With a wealthy historical past and a land stuffed with imposing castles, Wales can be a implausible vacation spot for tradition as a lot as it’s for journey.
So get able to study a phrase or two of the Welsh language, get your adrenaline on, and step again in time as a result of we’re going to share all the very best locations to go to in Wales that can make you wish to pack your baggage proper now.
1. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park in North Wales is certainly one of three nationwide parks within the nation and it tops our record for its pure magnificence. Located in northwestern Wales, the park covers over 800 sq. miles of rolling hills, lakes, and an enormous rugged panorama.
Adventure lovers will love exploring the Snowdon mountains and so they can hike the numerous trails to discover the unbelievable mountain views. The star attraction goes to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the very best peak in all of Wales standing proud at 1085 meters (3645 ft). Want to hike up the Snowdon Mountain Summit? Book this guided hike with an professional information.
2. Snowdon Mountain Railway
If you will have restricted time, you possibly can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway as much as Britain’s highest customer heart. The century-old narrow-gauge railway opened in 1896 and its historic steam prepare travels up 5 miles to the height of Mount Snowdon.
When you arrive you get out to do some climbing and take within the extraordinary views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You can take the prepare again down or hike down the mountain. Watch our video of our journey as much as Mountain Snowdon
3. Llanberis
Llanberis is a superb place to make a base when exploring Snowdonia National Park. Plus there’s a lot to see together with the National Slate Museum, and one other historic railway, the Llanberis Steam Railway.
Besides Snowdon Mountain, Snowdonia National Park homes 14 mountains over 3000 ft making it one of many best-hiking locations within the United Kingdom. Climbing, mountain biking, and horseback driving are additionally standard in Snowdonia.
This dawn hike takes you from the village of Llanberis for an early morning hike to observe the dawn from the highest of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa with a certified mountain information.
Places to Stay in Llanberis
4. Bounce Below
Bounce Below is a big underground trampoline that provides adults playtime within the final jungle gymnasium. The collection of trampolines, nets, ladders, and slides make for a heart-pounding expertise that provides as many thrills because it does laughs.
Located at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the cave is twice the scale of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the results of an previous mining quarry. Let me inform you it’s big! Read extra: Bounce Below – The Ultimate Underground Trampoline for the Kid in You!
Bounce Below is situated on the Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog
5. ZipWorld
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns is unquestionably the place to go to for distinctive adventures. While you’re there, make sure that to do the Via Ferrata and Zip Line. This hair-raising course takes three hours to finish and takes you thru a dozen zip strains whilst you traverse alongside excessive cliffs plunging to the caverns under.
There are caves, ropes, and bridges to cross and it’s a superb journey for these looking for one thing distinctive to do in Wales. If you need one thing actually quick, head outdoors to the Titan Zipline, it’s the quickest in Europe!
Zip World is situated on the similar location as Bounce Below
6. Portmeirion Tourist Village
One of probably the most distinctive locations in Wales is the Italian-style city of Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a unusual vacationer village in Gwynedd, Wales. Nobody lives on this city, nevertheless it’s an exquisite cease in your go to to Wales that provides a quiet retreat in a really totally different vacation spot.
It was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who modeled Portmeirion after the Italian Riviera village of Portofino situated very near the Cinque Terre.
Spend a day consuming ice cream and have some sizzling espresso with recent scones and cream as you discover the fairytale village. Or higher but, keep in a single day on the Portmeirion Hotel the place you’re feeling as when you have stepped again in time.
We beloved our keep at Hotel Portmeirion – The benefit of staying right here is you will have a lot of the village to your self within the morning and night earlier than and after the tour busses have left.
7. Llandudno
Llandudno is the Queen of the Welsh Resorts. It is the biggest seaside resort in Wales located on a slender strip of sand that connects the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme. The splendid Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie between two beautiful sandy seashores. The Hop on Hop Off bus presents two totally different routes to take pleasure in views all the highest sights.
Llandudno has two great seashores, making the right place to go to in the summertime. Its lovely seaside promenade makes for a beautiful stroll out to the pier that juts 700-meters (2,300-foot) into the bay. Be positive to hop on the Great Orme Tramway, the one cable-hauled tramway on a public street in Great Britain.
We stayed at Llandudno Bay Hotel and beloved it. This boutique resort situated on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.
8. Conwy Castle
Wales is the fortress capital of Europe and certainly one of our favourite castles to go to in Wales is Conway Castle in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Castle has stood the check of time because it was constructed between 1283 and 1289. It is taken into account one of many best fortresses in Europe and is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This magnificent fortress has imposing partitions taht have stood the check of time that also encompass the grounds and small city of Conway in the present day. When you go inside Conwy Castle, you’ll witness the nice corridor, chambers, and kitchen, and a extra secluded internal ward with personal chambers and a royal chapel.
When visiting Conway, make sure you cease and see Britain’s best townhouse of the golden Elizabethan age the Elizabethan Plas Mawr, and the Smallest House in Great Britain.
9. Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is probably the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring’. and is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated within the city of Harlech in west Wales, within the county of Gwynedd. Looking over Tremadog Bay from the highest of a sea cliff is a surprising view.
Harlech Castles is without doubt one of the prime locations in Wales to see. Make positive to go inside to discover the fortress tower. If you’d like to go to the fortress, it opens at 10:00 am and prices £6.90 pp
10. Great Orme
Witness the towering cliffs of the Great Orme in North Wales to see implausible wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you’re taking a Sea Fishing journey in North Wales. We hopped aboard a fishing boat to study all about lobster fishing.
This distinctive journey takes folks out on this distinctive journey the place you board his fishing boat to verify his lobster traps within the bays.
Not solely do you learn to catch a lobster, however to additionally perceive the conservation of this standard seafood entrée often known as the Black Gold of the Sea. For extra info on fishing journeys and lobster safaris to the Great Orme go to: Sea Fishing Trips North Wales
11. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
One of probably the most picturesque scenes in Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal throughout the River Dee. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the very best canal aqueduct on the planet.
Its 18 arches rise 38 meters (126 ft) ft into the air spanning 1000 ft. Pedestrians can stroll beside the water or you possibly can take a canal boat. But if you’re on the lookout for one thing adventurous, strive taking a guided canoe tour
12. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
One of the wildest and most rugged locations to see in Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park situated on the West coast of Wales. The greatest approach to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast is by going Coasteering. Coasteering was invented in Wales and we determined that if we have been ever going to provide the adrenaline journey of Coasteering a strive wherever, it could be right here. Check it out right here.
Coasteering is a novel journey sport or coastal exploration the place you traverse alongside the coast of Wales by mountain climbing, cliff leaping, and swimming into sea caves. It presents outstanding views and as a lot journey as you want. You can bounce from 10 meters or you possibly can merely slip simply into the ocean. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, ebook your journey right here.
13. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
If you don’t wish to bounce within the water, you possibly can hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. It covers a distance of 186 miles (299 km) alongside the west coast of Wales and presents a number of the most breathtaking coastal surroundings on the planet. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes you thru rugged sea cliffs, sandy seashores, and churning waters of the Irish Sea.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is split into 14 sections, every providing a novel and unforgettable expertise. Some of the highlights embrace the dramatic cliffs at St. David’s Head, the secluded seashores at Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands, and the picturesque harbor at Solva.
Hiking the complete path often takes round two weeks, however there are many shorter sections that may be accomplished in a day or two.
14. St. David’s Cathedral
While in Pembrokeshire make sure that to go to St. David’s Cathedral situated within the coronary heart of the town of St. David’s. Within the cathedral is the Shrine of St. David, which is believed to include the stays of the Patron Saint of Wales. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings and is a spot of pilgrimage for a lot of guests to the cathedral.
The cathedral has a protracted wealthy historical past, courting again to the sixth century when The Patron St. David based a monastery on the location. The authentic constructing was product of wooden and was later changed with a stone church within the twelfth century. Over the centuries, the cathedral was expanded and rebuilt a number of instances, ensuing within the construction that stands in the present day.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to study extra about Welsh historical past and structure, or just discover the numerous nooks and crannies of the constructing on their very own. St. David’s Cathedral is taken into account one of many holiest websites within the nation
15. Porthgain
The village of Porthgain is so picturesque that the BBC Movie, The Finest with Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin of Hunger Games fame shot right here whereas we visited. There is a superb pub that you could cease in for a pint, the Slooth, and additionally it is a picturesque coastal stroll that’s so good, that the Red Bull Cliff Diving Event happened right here in 2013.
You don’t have to leap off the large cliffs, however strolling alongside the coast presents extraordinary views of the coast of Wales. For climbing this is a superb place in Wales.
16. Gower Peninsula
If you’re on the lookout for one other place in Wales for seashores, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales is thought for its lengthy sandy seashores and clear waters. Rhossili Bay is an iconic seaside with dramatic sea cliffs stretching 3 miles (5.8km) to Worm’s Head which bought its identify from the Viking phrase for a sea serpent.
Some seashores to take a look at within the Gower Peninsula embrace Llangennith Beach, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. Caswell Bay is standard with surfers.
17. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital metropolis of Wales and no journey can be full with out visiting this bustling city heart. It’s a terrific place to make a base whereas exploring South Wales and there are many issues to see and do.
Book this Cardiff guided Walking Tour with an area information to admire the Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, and the Cardiff Civic Centre which was constructed throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
A very good place to make a base is Hotel Indigo situated within the coronary heart of Cardiff close to all the main sights together with the fortress, St David’s Hall and principality stadium.
18. Cardiff Castle
One of the most well-liked issues to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Castle. This medieval fortress is situated within the coronary heart of the town and dates again greater than 2000 years. In the eleventh century, the fortress was the seat of the Welsh king, Rhys ap Tewdwr, and later served because the residence of assorted highly effective Welsh lords and princes.
In the late Thirteenth century, the fortress was seized by English forces underneath the command of King Edward I, who rebuilt and expanded the fortress to assist safe his maintain over Wales.
Today, guests to Cardiff Castle can discover its ornate Gothic-style mansion, its spectacular clock tower, and the Welsh Military Museum.
19. National Museum Cardiff
If you’re a historical past buff, the National Museum Cardiff is to not be missed. The constructing encompasses a gorgeous atrium, an exquisite rooftop backyard, and a spread of galleries and exhibition areas starting from historic artifacts to up to date artwork.
There are everlasting and momentary reveals which might be enjoyable for the entire household. Kids will love the interactive reveals the place they will discover a duplicate Victorian schoolroom, strive on medieval armor, and find out about Welsh historical past, myths and legends.
One of the very best issues concerning the National Museum of Cardiff is that admission is free.
20. Carreg Cennen Castle
There are greater than 100 castles to discover in Wales which might be in wonderful situation and there are numerous extra ruins. We have been informed that if there’s one fortress to go to, make it Carreg Cennen Castle simply north of Cardiff.
This dramatic fortress is a part of King Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring. They weren’t mendacity when somebody informed us that we are able to usually be the one particular person there. We had all of it to ourselves. The fortress’s partitions are nonetheless standing however what makes this fortress so particular is the truth that it’s in ruins.
21. Brecon Beacons National Park
The third installment of the three nationwide parks to go to in Wales is Brecon Beacons National Park is an outside lovers paradise. From stargazing to mountain biking its rolling hills, there’s something for everybody. With 4 mountain ranges, there are many locations to discover inside its 520 sq. miles.
Brecon Beacons National Park homes the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark and it’s a darkish sky protect. The Beacons Way is a 100 mile route by the nationwide park and the Taff Trail is a long-distance biking route that goes by the park from Brecon to Cardiff.
Book this adrenaline journey from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons. Start with a guided tour of world well-known Rhondda Valley in Southeast Wales earlier than starting your adrenaline-fuelled journey of canyoning, swimming, and leaping into crystal clear mountain streams
22. Llandeilo
Llandeilo is one other picturesque fishing village within the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales and is an efficient base to discover Dinefwr Castle and Park, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Carreg Cennen Castle. When in Llandeilo, additionally, you will be close to two notable Gardens – The National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglaseny Gardens.
Llandeilo has a historical past that dates again over 1,000 years, and there are a variety of historic landmarks to discover within the city. One of probably the most notable is the ruined Llandeilo Castle, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and presents gorgeous views of the encircling countryside.
Llandeilo is especially well-known for its meals scene, with a lot of high-quality eating places and cafes serving up scrumptious Welsh delicacies and domestically sourced produce.
23. Aberaeron
One of probably the most colourful locations in Wales is the beautiful seaside city of Aberaeron. Make positive to strive its honey ice cream by which has been domestically made by the Holgate household for 35 years.
We stayed on the Harbour Master Hotel, a beautiful resort overlooking the ocean with a terrific restaurant. Aberaeron is also referred to as the Lobster Capital of Wales, so make sure you take pleasure in domestically caught lobster within the night.
24. Devil’s Bridge Falls
Devil’s Bridge is a village named after the bridge it’s well-known for. It has been a vacationer attraction for the reason that 1700s. Devil’s Bridge is definitely a collection of three bridges constructed on prime of each other. The authentic dates again to medieval instances. Instead of demolishing the bridges once they turned unstable, they merely constructed one other atop them.
Legend has it that it bought its identify after an previous lady misplaced her cow and noticed it grazing on the opposite facet of the river. The Devil appeared and agreed to construct a bridge in return for the soul of the primary residing factor to cross it.
So, when the bridge was accomplished the girl threw a crust of bread for her canine to retrieve. When the canine jumped over the bridge, it was the primary residing factor to cross the bridge.
25. Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a seaside city in West Wales, within the county of Ceredigion. One of the principle sights in Aberystwyth is its seaside, which is a protracted stretch of golden sand that’s good for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.
The seaside is backed by a promenade that provides gorgeous views of Cardigan Bay, and there are a number of cafes, eating places, and bars close by the place guests can take pleasure in a meal or a drink.
Aberystwyth can be house to a lot of historic landmarks and sights, together with Aberystwyth Castle, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and presents gorgeous views of the city and the encircling countryside.
Other notable landmarks embrace the National Library of Wales, which homes a set of Welsh books and manuscripts, and the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which takes guests on a scenic journey by the Welsh countryside.
26. Caernarfon Castle
Located within the city of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress that was constructed by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the fortress was constructed between 1283 and 1330, with the intention of serving as a royal palace and a navy stronghold. King Edward, I wished to make an announcement about his conquest of Wales and to bolster the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh folks.
The fortress has a reference to the Prince of Wales started in 1911, the longer term King Edward VIII was invested right here because the Prince of Wales. Since then, the investiture of every new Prince of Wales has taken place at Caernarfon Castle.
The fortress encompasses a collection of spectacular towers and ramparts. One of probably the most notable options of the fortress is its polygonal towers that guests can climb to the highest for views of the encircling Welsh countryside.
27. Hay on Wye
Hay on Wye is the nation’s nationwide ebook city situated in Powys close to the border with England. The city is legendary for its giant variety of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, in addition to its annual literary competition. The Hay Festival has been operating since 1988.
The competition is a celebration of literature, arts, and tradition, and brings collectively a variety of writers, poets, artists, and musicians from all over the world. The Hay Festival takes place over 10 days in Mid May and June in Hay on Wye and has featured the likes of Margaret Atwood, Bill Clinton, and Salman Rushdie.
Hay on Wye was based within the early nineteenth century as a market city, nevertheless it turned well-known within the Sixties when Richard Booth, an area bookseller, started selling the city as a middle for books. Today, Hay on Wye has round 20 bookshops, lots of that are situated in historic buildings and provide a variety of uncommon and strange books.
28. Center of Alternative Technology
To step out of historical past for a bit, The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a superb change of tempo. Thie academic and analysis heart situated in Machynlleth, Wales was based in 1973 by a gaggle of activists and environmentalists who wished to advertise sustainable residing and show sensible options for a low-carbon future.
CAT is about on a 7-acre web site and is house to a wide range of academic reveals and interactive shows. Visitors can find out about renewable power, natural gardening, sustainable constructing methods, and plenty of different matters associated to sustainability and environmentalism.
Getting Around Wales
The greatest approach to get round Wales is by rental automotive. We flew into Machester, England, and picked up our automotive on the airport earlier than heading out to discover Wales in a counter-clockwise course. It was a terrific path to see all the highest Wales sights over the course of 8 days in Wales. Check rental automotive costs at RentalVehicles.com
The Welsh Language is usually a little bit of a tongue tornado to get your head round however don’t fear everybody speaks English in Wales. The hardest a part of the journey is simply attempting to learn a number of the indicators. But then once more, isn’t studying one other language a part of the enjoyable of touring?
So there you will have it! These are our suggestions for the very best locations in Wales. From its imposing castles to rugged coast, there are such a lot of issues to do in Wales, I’m shocked it isn’t on extra folks’s radar.
While writing this text, it made me wish to return. There remains to be a lot extra to see and do. What’s your favourite place in Wales?
Read More About Travel in Great Britain
Our journey to Wales was in partnership with Visit Britain and Visit Wales