Do you know that Wales has extra castles per sq. km than anyplace 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 may 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 UK, has usually been ignored in favor of its extra distinguished neighbors: England, Scotland, and Northern Eire however when you go to Wales you’ll surprise 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 wholly totally different language. With a wealthy historical past and a land stuffed with imposing castles, Wales can be a incredible vacation spot for tradition as a lot as it’s for journey.
So get able to be taught 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 one of the best locations to go to in Wales that may make you need to pack your luggage proper now.
1. Snowdonia Nationwide Park
Snowdonia Nationwide Park in North Wales is one in all three nationwide parks within the nation and it tops our record 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 various trails to discover the unimaginable 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 toes). Need to hike up the Snowdon Mountain Summit? Ebook this guided hike with an skilled information.
2. Snowdon Mountain Railway
You probably 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 practice travels up 5 miles to the height of Mount Snowdon.
While you arrive you get out to do some mountaineering and take within the extraordinary views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You may take the practice 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 loads 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 toes making it one of many best-hiking locations in the UK. Climbing, mountain biking, and horseback using are additionally common 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.
Locations to Keep in Llanberis
4. Bounce Beneath
Bounce Beneath is a huge underground trampoline that gives 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.
Situated at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the cave is twice the scale of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the results of an outdated mining quarry. Let me inform you it’s enormous so give your self at the very least a half day to get pleasure from this! Learn extra: Bounce Beneath – The Final Underground Trampoline for the Child in You!
5. ZipWorld
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns is unquestionably the place to go to for distinctive adventures. After leaping round at Bounce Beneath, make sure that to do the By way of Ferrata and Zip Line. This hair-raising course takes three hours to finish and takes you thru a dozen zip traces whilst you traverse alongside excessive cliffs plunging to the caverns under.
There are caves, ropes, and bridges to cross and it’s a wonderful journey for these searching for 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
Some of the 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 a beautiful 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 Resort the place you’re feeling as you probably have stepped again in time.
We liked our keep at Resort Portmeirion – The benefit of staying right here is you’ve gotten 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’s the largest seaside resort in Wales located on a slim strip of sand that connects the Welsh mainland and the Nice Orme. The luxurious Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie between two beautiful sandy seashores. The Hop on Hop Off bus presents two totally different routes to get pleasure from views all the highest sights.
Llandudno has two fantastic seashores, making the proper place to go to in the summertime. Its lovely seaside promenade makes for a stunning stroll out to the pier that juts 700-meters (2,300-foot) into the bay. Be sure you hop on the Nice Orme Tramway, the one cable-hauled tramway on a public highway in Nice Britain.
We stayed at Llandudno Bay Resort and liked it. This boutique resort is situated on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.
8. Conwy Citadel
Wales is the fort capital of Europe and one in all our favourite castles to go to in Wales is Conway Citadel in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Citadel has stood the check of time because it was constructed between 1283 and 1289. It’s thought of one of many best fortresses in Europe and is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
This magnificent fort has imposing partitions taht have stood the check of time that also encompass the grounds and small city of Conway at this time. While you go inside Conwy Citadel, 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, you should definitely cease and see Britain’s most interesting townhouse of the golden Elizabethan age the Elizabethan Plas Mawr, and the Smallest Home in Nice Britain.
9. Harlech Citadel
Harlech Citadel is essentially the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring’. and is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s situated within the city of Harlech in west Wales, within the county of Gwynedd. Wanting over Tremadog Bay from the highest of a sea cliff is a shocking view.
Harlech Castles is without doubt one of the high locations in Wales to see. Ensure 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 incredible wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you’re taking a Sea Fishing journey in North Wales. We hopped aboard a fishing boat to be taught all about lobster fishing.
This distinctive journey takes folks out on this distinctive journey the place you board his fishing boat to test his lobster traps within the bays.
Not solely do you discover ways to catch a lobster, however to additionally perceive the conservation of this common seafood entrée referred to as the Black Gold of the Sea. For extra info on fishing journeys and lobster safaris to the Nice Orme go to: Sea Fishing Journeys North Wales
11. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Some of the picturesque scenes in Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal throughout the River Dee. A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the very best canal aqueduct on the planet.
Its 18 arches rise 38 meters (126 ft) toes into the air spanning 1000 toes. 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 offer the adrenaline journey of Coasteering a strive anyplace, it might be right here. Test 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 exceptional views and as a lot journey as you want. You may leap 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
Should you don’t need to leap 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 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 novel and unforgettable expertise. A number 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.
Mountaineering your entire 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 make 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, relationship again to the sixth century when The Patron St. David based a monastery on the location. The unique 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 at this time.
Guests can take a guided tour of the cathedral to be taught extra about Welsh historical past and structure, or just discover the various 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 Best with Invoice Nighy and Sam Claflin of Starvation Video games fame shot right here whereas we visited. There is a superb pub that you should cease in for a pint, the Slooth, and it is usually a picturesque coastal stroll that’s so excellent, that the Purple Bull Cliff Diving Occasion befell right here in 2013.
You don’t have to leap off the huge cliffs, however strolling alongside the coast presents extraordinary views of the coast of Wales. For mountaineering 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 seaside with dramatic sea cliffs stretching 3 miles (5.8km) to Worm’s Head which received its identify from the Viking phrase for a sea serpent.
Some seashores to take a look at within the Gower Peninsula embrace Llangennith Seashore, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. Caswell Bay is common 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 an amazing place to make a base whereas exploring South Wales and there are many issues to see and do.
Ebook this Cardiff guided Strolling Tour with a neighborhood information to admire the Cardiff Citadel, Nationwide Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, and the Cardiff Civic Centre which was constructed throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
A superb place to make a base is Resort Indigo situated within the coronary heart of Cardiff close to all the key sights together with the fort, St David’s Corridor and principality stadium.
18. Cardiff Citadel
Some of the common issues to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Citadel. 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 varied highly effective Welsh lords and princes.
Within the late Thirteenth century, the fort was seized by English forces beneath the command of King Edward I, who rebuilt and expanded the fortress to assist safe his maintain over Wales.
At present, guests to Cardiff Citadel 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 beautiful atrium, a lovely rooftop backyard, and a spread of galleries and exhibition areas starting from historic artifacts to modern artwork.
There are everlasting and short-term displays which are enjoyable for the entire household. Youngsters 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.
Among the best issues concerning the Nationwide Museum of Cardiff is that admission is free.
20. Carreg Cennen Citadel
There are greater than 100 castles to discover in Wales which are in glorious situation and there are numerous extra ruins. We had been advised that if there may be one fort to go to, make it Carreg Cennen Citadel 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 advised 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 Method is a 100 mile route by means of the nationwide park and the Taff Path is a long-distance biking route that goes by means of the park from Brecon to Cardiff.
Ebook 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 Citadel and Park, the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park, and the Carreg Cennen Citadel. 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. Some of the notable is the ruined Llandeilo Citadel, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and presents beautiful views of the encircling countryside.
Llandeilo is especially well-known for its meals scene, with plenty of high-quality eating places and cafes serving up scrumptious Welsh delicacies and domestically sourced produce.
23. Aberaeron
Some of the colourful locations in Wales is the beautiful seaside city of Aberaeron. Ensure to strive its honey ice cream wherein has been domestically made by the Holgate household for 35 years.
We stayed on the Harbour Grasp Resort, a stunning resort overlooking the ocean with an amazing restaurant. Aberaeron is also called the Lobster Capital of Wales, so you should definitely get pleasure from 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 collection of three bridges constructed on high of each other. The unique dates again to medieval instances. As an alternative of demolishing the bridges after they turned unstable, they merely constructed one other atop them.
Legend has it that it received its identify after an outdated girl misplaced her cow and noticed it grazing on the opposite facet 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 predominant sights in Aberystwyth is its seaside, which is an extended stretch of golden sand that’s excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.
The seaside is backed by a promenade that gives beautiful views of Cardigan Bay, and there are a selection of cafes, eating places, and bars close by the place guests can get pleasure from a meal or a drink.
Aberystwyth can be house to plenty of historic landmarks and sights, together with Aberystwyth Citadel, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and presents beautiful views of the city and the encircling countryside.
Different notable landmarks embrace the Nationwide Library of Wales, which homes a group of Welsh books and manuscripts, and the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which takes guests on a scenic journey by means of the Welsh countryside.
26. Caernarfon Citadel
Situated within the city of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Citadel is a medieval fort that was constructed by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Web site, 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 strengthen the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh folks.
The fort 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 Citadel.
The fort encompasses a collection of spectacular towers and ramparts. Some of the notable options of the fort 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 pageant. The Hay Competition has been operating since 1988.
The pageant 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 Might 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 turned well-known within the Nineteen Sixties when Richard Sales space, a neighborhood bookseller, started selling the city as a middle for books. At present, Hay on Wye has round 20 bookshops, a lot of that are situated in historic buildings and supply a variety of uncommon and strange books.
28. Middle of Different Expertise
To step out of historical past for a bit, The Centre for Different Expertise (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 display sensible options for a low-carbon future.
CAT is ready on a 7-acre website and is house to quite a lot 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 automobile. We flew into Machester, England, and picked up our automobile on the airport earlier than heading out to discover Wales in a counter-clockwise path. It was an amazing path to see all the highest Wales sights over the course of 8 days in Wales. Examine rental automobile costs at RentalCars.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 toughest a part of the journey is simply making an attempt 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’ve gotten it! These are our suggestions for one of the best 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 need to return. There’s 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