Do you know 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 checklist. Wales, one of many 4 nations that make up the UK, has usually been missed in favor of its extra outstanding neighbors: England, Scotland, and Northern Eire however when you go to Wales you’ll marvel why you by no means considered it earlier.
Locations to Go to in Wales
This tiny nation is stuffed with imposing castles, putting landscapes, and wonderful adventures. The Welsh are a unusual bunch who like to leap off issues, dangle excessive within the sky, and converse a completely completely different language. With a wealthy historical past and a land stuffed with imposing castles, Wales can be a improbable 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 perfect locations to go to in Wales that can make you wish to pack your baggage proper now.
1. Snowdonia Nationwide Park
Snowdonia Nationwide Park in North Wales is certainly one of three nationwide parks within the nation and it tops our checklist for its pure magnificence. Situated in northwestern Wales, the park covers over 800 sq. miles of rolling hills, lakes, and an enormous rugged panorama.
Journey lovers will love exploring the Snowdon mountains they usually can hike the numerous trails to discover the unimaginable mountain views. The star attraction goes to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the best peak in all of Wales standing proud at 1085 meters (3645 ft). Wish to hike up the Snowdon Mountain Summit? Guide this guided hike with an knowledgeable information.
2. Snowdon Mountain Railway
If in case you 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.
Once you arrive you get out to do some mountain climbing and take within the extraordinary views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You’ll be able to 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 good place to make a base when exploring Snowdonia Nationwide Park. Plus there may be a lot to see together with the Nationwide Slate Museum, and one other historic railway, the Llanberis Steam Railway.
In addition to Snowdon Mountain, Snowdonia Nationwide Park homes 14 mountains over 3000 ft making it one of many best-hiking locations in the UK. Climbing, mountain biking, and horseback using are additionally in style in Snowdonia.
This dawn hike takes you from the village of Llanberis for an early morning hike to look at the dawn from the highest of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa with a professional mountain information.
Locations to Keep in Llanberis
4. Bounce Beneath
Bounce Beneath is a big underground trampoline that provides adults playtime within the final jungle health club. The sequence of trampolines, nets, ladders, and slides make for a heart-pounding expertise that offers as many thrills because it does laughs.
Situated at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the cave is twice the dimensions of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the results of an previous mining quarry. Let me let you know it’s big so give your self no less than a half day to take pleasure in this! Learn extra: Bounce Beneath – The Final Underground Trampoline for the Child in You!
5. ZipWorld
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns is certainly the place to go to for distinctive adventures. After leaping round at Bounce Beneath, be sure that to do the Through 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 beneath.
There are caves, ropes, and bridges to cross and it’s a wonderful journey for these in search of one thing distinctive to do in Wales. If you would like one thing actually quick, head outdoors to the Titan Zipline, it’s the quickest in Europe!
6. Portmeirion Vacationer Village
Probably the most distinctive locations in Wales is the Italian-style city of Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a unusual vacationer village in Gwynedd, Wales. No person lives on this city, nevertheless it’s an exquisite cease in your go to to Wales that offers a quiet retreat in a really completely 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 Lodge the place you’re feeling as if in case you have stepped again in time.
We liked our keep at Lodge Portmeirion – The benefit of staying right here is you will have many 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’s the largest seaside resort in Wales located on a slim strip of sand that connects the Welsh mainland and the Nice Orme. The sumptuous Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie between two attractive sandy seashores. The Hop on Hop Off bus provides two completely different routes to take pleasure in views all the highest points of interest.
Llandudno has two great seashores, making the proper place to go to in the summertime. Its stunning seaside promenade makes for a beautiful stroll out to the pier that juts 700-meters (2,300-foot) into the bay. You’ll want to hop on the Nice Orme Tramway, the one cable-hauled tramway on a public highway in Nice Britain.
We stayed at Llandudno Bay Lodge and liked it. This boutique lodge is situated on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.
8. Conwy Fort
Wales is the fort capital of Europe and certainly one of our favourite castles to go to in Wales is Conway Fort in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Fort has stood the take a look at of time because it was constructed between 1283 and 1289. It’s thought of one of many biggest fortresses in Europe and is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website.
This magnificent fort has imposing partitions taht have stood the take a look at of time that also encompass the grounds and small city of Conway right now. Once you go inside Conwy Fort, you’ll witness the nice corridor, chambers, and kitchen, and a extra secluded inside ward with personal chambers and a royal chapel.
When visiting Conway, remember to cease and see Britain’s best townhouse of the golden Elizabethan age the Elizabethan Plas Mawr, and the Smallest Home in Nice Britain.
9. Harlech Fort
Harlech Fort is essentially the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring’. and is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website. It’s situated within the city of Harlech in west Wales, within the county of Gwynedd. Trying over Tremadog Bay from the highest of a sea cliff is a shocking view.
Harlech Castles is likely one of the prime locations in Wales to see. Ensure that to go inside to discover the fort tower. Should you’d like to go to the fort, it opens at 10:00 am and prices £6.90 pp
10. Nice Orme
Witness the towering cliffs of the Nice Orme in North Wales to see improbable wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you are 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 examine his lobster traps within the bays.
Not solely do you learn to catch a lobster, however to additionally perceive the conservation of this in style seafood entrée generally known as the Black Gold of the Sea. For extra data on fishing journeys and lobster safaris to the Nice Orme go to: Sea Fishing Journeys North Wales
11. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Probably the most picturesque scenes in Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal throughout the River Dee. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the 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. However in case you are in search of one thing adventurous, strive taking a guided canoe tour
12. Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park
One of many wildest and most rugged locations to see in Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park situated on the West coast of Wales. One of the best ways to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast is by going Coasteering. Coasteering was invented in Wales and we determined that if we had been ever going to provide the adrenaline journey of Coasteering a strive wherever, it could be right here. Test it out right here.
Coasteering is a singular journey sport or coastal exploration the place you traverse alongside the coast of Wales by mountaineering, cliff leaping, and swimming into sea caves. It provides outstanding views and as a lot journey as you need. You’ll be able to bounce from 10 meters or you possibly can merely slip simply into the ocean. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, guide your journey right here.
13. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Should 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 provides among 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 singular and unforgettable expertise. A few of the highlights embody the dramatic cliffs at St. David’s Head, the secluded seashores at Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands, and the picturesque harbor at Solva.
Mountain climbing the whole 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
Whereas in Pembrokeshire be sure that to go to St. David’s Cathedral situated within the coronary heart of town of St. David’s. Inside the cathedral is the Shrine of St. David, which is believed to comprise 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 an extended wealthy historical past, courting again to the sixth century when The Patron St. David based a monastery on the location. The unique constructing was fabricated from 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 right now.
Guests 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 Film, The Most interesting with Invoice Nighy and Sam Claflin of Starvation Video games fame shot right here whereas we visited. There is a superb pub that you have to cease in for a pint, the Slooth, and it is usually a picturesque coastal stroll that’s so excellent, that the Crimson Bull Cliff Diving Occasion came about right here in 2013.
You don’t have to leap off the huge cliffs, however strolling alongside the coast provides extraordinary views of the coast of Wales. For mountain climbing this is a superb place in Wales.
16. Gower Peninsula
If you’re in search of 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 seashore 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 embody Llangennith Seaside, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. Caswell Bay is in style with surfers.
17. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital metropolis of Wales and no journey could be full with out visiting this bustling city heart. It’s a fantastic place to make a base whereas exploring South Wales and there are many issues to see and do.
Guide this Cardiff guided Strolling Tour with a neighborhood information to admire the Cardiff Fort, Nationwide Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, and the Cardiff Civic Centre which was constructed in the course of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
place to make a base is Lodge Indigo situated within the coronary heart of Cardiff close to all the most important points of interest together with the fort, St David’s Corridor and principality stadium.
18. Cardiff Fort
Probably the most in style issues to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Fort. This medieval fort is situated within the coronary heart of town and dates again greater than 2000 years. Within the eleventh century, the fort was the seat of the Welsh king, Rhys ap Tewdwr, and later served because the residence of assorted highly effective Welsh lords and princes.
Within the late Thirteenth century, the fort was seized by English forces below the command of King Edward I, who rebuilt and expanded the fortress to assist safe his maintain over Wales.
As we speak, guests to Cardiff Fort can discover its ornate Gothic-style mansion, its spectacular clock tower, and the Welsh Navy Museum.
19. Nationwide Museum Cardiff
If you’re a historical past buff, the Nationwide Museum Cardiff is to not be missed. The constructing encompasses a gorgeous atrium, a good looking rooftop backyard, and a spread of galleries and exhibition areas starting from historic artifacts to up to date artwork.
There are everlasting and non permanent displays which can be enjoyable for the entire household. Children will love the interactive displays the place they’ll discover a duplicate Victorian schoolroom, strive on medieval armor, and study Welsh historical past, myths and legends.
Probably the greatest issues in regards to the Nationwide Museum of Cardiff is that admission is free.
20. Carreg Cennen Fort
There are greater than 100 castles to discover in Wales which can be in wonderful situation and there are numerous extra ruins. We had been instructed that if there may be one fort to go to, make it Carreg Cennen Fort 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 instructed us that we will usually be the one particular person there. We had all of it to ourselves. The fort’s partitions are nonetheless standing however what makes this fort so particular is the truth that it’s in ruins.
21. Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park
The third installment of the three nationwide parks to go to in Wales is Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park is an out of doors 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 Nationwide Park homes the Fforest Fawr UNESCO International Geopark and it’s a darkish sky protect. The Beacons Means is a 100 mile route by way of the nationwide park and the Taff Path is a long-distance biking route that goes by way of the park from Brecon to Cardiff.
Guide this adrenaline journey from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons. Begin 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 effective base to discover Dinefwr Fort and Park, the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park, and the Carreg Cennen Fort. When in Llandeilo, additionally, you will be close to two notable Gardens – The Nationwide Botanic Backyard of Wales and Aberglaseny Gardens.
Llandeilo has a historical past that dates again over 1,000 years, and there are a selection of historic landmarks to discover within the city. Probably the most notable is the ruined Llandeilo Fort, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and provides gorgeous views of the encompassing countryside.
Llandeilo is especially well-known for its meals scene, with quite a few high-quality eating places and cafes serving up scrumptious Welsh delicacies and domestically sourced produce.
23. Aberaeron
Probably the most colourful locations in Wales is the beautiful seaside city of Aberaeron. Ensure that to strive its honey ice cream wherein has been domestically made by the Holgate household for 35 years.
We stayed on the Harbour Grasp Lodge, a beautiful lodge overlooking the ocean with a fantastic restaurant. Aberaeron is also called the Lobster Capital of Wales, so remember to take pleasure in domestically caught lobster within the night.
24. Satan’s Bridge Falls
Satan’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. Satan’s Bridge is definitely a sequence of three bridges constructed on prime of each other. The unique dates again to medieval instances. As an alternative of demolishing the bridges after they grew to become 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 aspect of the river. The Satan appeared and agreed to construct a bridge in return for the soul of the primary dwelling 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 dwelling factor to cross the bridge.
25. Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a seaside city in West Wales, within the county of Ceredigion. One of many essential points of interest in Aberystwyth is its seashore, which is an extended stretch of golden sand that’s excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.
The seashore 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 dwelling to quite a few historic landmarks and points of interest, together with Aberystwyth Fort, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and provides gorgeous views of the city and the encompassing countryside.
Different notable landmarks embody the Nationwide 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 way of the Welsh countryside.
26. Caernarfon Fort
Situated within the city of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Fort is a medieval fort that was constructed by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Website, the fort was constructed between 1283 and 1330, with the intention of serving as a royal palace and a navy stronghold. King Edward, I needed to make a press release about his conquest of Wales and to bolster the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh folks.
The fort has a reference to the Prince of Wales started in 1911, the long run 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 Fort.
The fort encompasses a sequence of spectacular towers and ramparts. Probably the most notable options of the fort is its polygonal towers that guests can climb to the highest for views of the encompassing Welsh countryside.
27. Hay on Wye
Hay on Wye is the nation’s nationwide guide city situated in Powys close to the border with England. The city is known for its giant variety of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, in addition to its annual literary competition. The Hay Competition 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 Competition takes place over 10 days in Mid Could and June in Hay on Wye and has featured the likes of Margaret Atwood, Invoice Clinton, and Salman Rushdie.
Hay on Wye was based within the early nineteenth century as a market city, nevertheless it grew to become well-known within the Nineteen Sixties when Richard Sales space, a neighborhood bookseller, started selling the city as a middle for books. As we speak, Hay on Wye has round 20 bookshops, lots of that are situated in historic buildings and provide a variety of uncommon and weird books.
28. Heart of Different Know-how
To step out of historical past for a bit, The Centre for Different Know-how (CAT) is a good change of tempo. Thie academic and analysis heart situated in Machynlleth, Wales was based in 1973 by a gaggle of activists and environmentalists who needed to advertise sustainable dwelling and show sensible options for a low-carbon future.
CAT is ready on a 7-acre website and is dwelling to a wide range of academic displays and interactive shows. Guests can study renewable power, natural gardening, sustainable constructing methods, and lots of different subjects associated to sustainability and environmentalism.
Getting Round Wales
One of the best ways 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 path. It was a fantastic path to see all the highest Wales points of interest over the course of 8 days in Wales. Test rental automotive costs at RentalCars.com
The Welsh Language generally is a little bit of a tongue tornado to get your head round however don’t fear everybody speaks English in Wales. The toughest a part of the journey is simply attempting to learn among the indicators. However 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 perfect locations in Wales. From its imposing castles to rugged coast, there are such a lot of issues to do in Wales, I’m stunned it isn’t on extra folks’s radar.
Whereas writing this text, it made me wish to return. There may be nonetheless a lot extra to see and do. What’s your favourite place in Wales?
Learn Extra About Journey in Nice Britain
Our journey to Wales was in partnership with Go to Britain and Go to Wales