Did you know that Wales is home to a lot more than just Snowdonia and the coastal towns of Pembrokeshire? It’s one of the most beautiful, diverse and fascinating countries in the world - and its population has almost doubled as a result of tourism over the past decade. From our medieval castles to our thriving city centres, here are the top things to see and do in Wales: There are so many reasons why visitors keep coming back to this little corner of Great Britain. The country hosts some of Western Europe’s oldest settlements, wildest beaches, highest mountains and most mysterious forests – all within easy reach of its urban hubs. Here we take you on a journey through Wales as only we can see it.
Stunning Scenery
Wales is the only place in the UK where you can experience a temperate, maritime climate all year round. This means that the country’s scenery is ever-changing, with a colourful splash of leaves during autumn and a white blanket of snow during winter. While spring is a quiet and peaceful time to visit Wales, summer is bursting with colour as the countryside fills with wildflowers. In autumn, the leaves turn a myriad of vibrant shades that make the perfect backdrop to a walk along the Wales coastal path or a drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The country’s landscapes are perhaps best experienced from the water. Whether you’re in a canoe or kayak on one of the many rivers and lakes across Wales or taking a boat trip from your favourite coastal town, there are few better ways to take it all in than from the water.
Breathtaking Beaches
If you’re looking for yellow sands, stunning coastal architecture and seas that are the perfect temperature to go swimming in, head to the two-mile-long Rhossili Beach in the southwest corner of Wales. It’s one of Great Britain’s most iconic beaches and has also been voted one of the world’s best beaches. If golden sands are more your thing, visit the beautiful beach at Tenby, where the sand is a striking shade of yellow. If you’re after a beach with a difference, visit the famous Blue Beach, near Llandudno. This is the world’s only Blue Beach and is a truly stunning sight. Alternatively, try the sandy bay at Sailing Sands, near St David’s. This beach, which is made of sand from the nearby ruins of a distillery, is unique and very different from any other beach in Wales.
Epic Hiking Trails
Wales is a hiking hotspot and boasts some of the UK’s most popular trails, including the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Offas Dyke Path and the Glyndwr’s Way. You could walk any of these trails in a single weekend, but we recommend that you choose one or two, and make the most of them. If you’re new to long-distance hiking, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is the perfect introduction to the sport, as it’s relatively easy to follow, and makes for a great day hike for those who can’t commit to an entire weekend. If you’d like to experience a real taste of Welsh history, try the Offas Dyke Path. This challenging trail follows the border between England and Wales and passes by many of the border landmarks. While you walk, you’ll be able to learn all about the significant events that have taken place along the border since the days of the English king, Offa.
Snowdonia: Wales’ Mountains of Mist
Wales’ most iconic mountain range is Snowdonia, a national park that is home to the largest natural lake in the UK, 51 peaks higher than 3,000 feet, and breathtaking views of the nearby coast. Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and the UK’s third-highest peak, is a renowned hiking trail. The small Welsh town of Llanberis, which sits at the foot of Snowdon, is home to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which takes visitors to the top of the mountain in only 45 minutes. But if you want to experience the mist and majesty of the Mountains of Mist, try hiking up Snowdon from the nearby town of Beddgelert.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the most diverse and beautiful areas in Wales and makes for an excellent day trip from the country’s urban hubs. The park boasts a wide variety of landscapes, from rolling green hills and wild moorlands to lush forests and beautiful waterfalls. You can visit the famous rock formation of Pen-y-Gwryd, or explore the park’s many mountain trails. You could also visit the park’s many beautiful gardens or nearby ancient ruins. Pen-y-Fan is the highest, and most popular, peak in the National Park, and is very busy all year round with the main start point at Storey Arms always packed.
Pembrokeshire National Park
The Pembrokeshire National Park’s rugged, windswept coastline and windswept, rugged coastline make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. You can walk along the country’s only coastal National Park, or visit one of the many nearby towns and villages, such as Pembroke, home to a historic castle, or the southern village of Fishguard, the birthplace of the Irish ferries. You could also visit the picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which stretches for 93 miles along the country’s southern coastline.
Wales Coastal Path
The Wales Coastal Path is one of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails. This path connects every coastal town in Wales and boasts breathtaking views of both wild and urban landscapes, as well as plenty of nearby wildlife. You could choose to walk any part of the path or walk the entire thing, which would take you about four weeks. When you’re done walking, you could visit the nearby coastal towns and cities, such as Swansea, St David’s, Porthcawl and Cardiff.
St David’s and Pembroke: A Double helping of Medieval Magic
St David’s and Pembroke are two of the oldest towns in Wales and are home to two of the country’s most famous medieval castles. Visit Pembroke Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that overlooks the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. You could also visit St David’s Castle, a ruined castle that sits atop a nearby hill. Both castles are a great place to learn about Welsh history, as well as witness some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
The best of Wales: Culture and history
Wales is a country steeped in history, and there are tons of places to explore and learn about our nation’s fascinating past. Visit Caerphilly Castle and the National Museum of Wales to explore the castles, history and culture of the country’s western region, or explore the National Library of Wales, Parliament and National Museum Cardiff to learn more about the history of the country’s southern area. If you want to explore Wales’s history beyond the cities, you could hike Offa’s Dyke Path, walk the Wales Coastal Path or visit any of the country’s many castles and stately homes.
More reasons why visitors keep coming back to this little corner of Great Britain
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely realised that there are many, many reasons why visitors keep coming back to this little corner of Great Britain. If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more reasons why Wales is the perfect place to visit:
- There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales, including the world-famous Roman remains at Caerleon and the prehistoric landscapes of Preseli Hills and the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape.
- The country’s capital, Cardiff, is one of the fastest-growing cities in all of Europe and is a great place to visit for its buzzing city centre, regal castles and nearby hiking trails.
- The country’s best-known natural features, like Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, are easily accessible from the urban hubs of Cardiff, Newport and Swansea.