Did you understand that Wales has more castles per square km than anywhere else in Europe? That’s simply among the lots of factors to go to Wales. We’re assembling all the leading locations to go to in Wales that will lure you to include it to the top of your UK container list. Wales, among the 4 countries that comprise the UK, has actually frequently been neglected in favor of its more popular next-door neighbors: England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland once you go to Wales you’ll question why you never ever thought about it previously.
Places to Go To in Wales
This small nation is filled with enforcing castles, striking landscapes, and incredible experiences. The Welsh are a wacky lot who like to leap off things, hang high in the sky, and speak a totally various language. With an abundant history and a land filled with enforcing castles, Wales is likewise a great location for culture as much as it is for experience.
So prepare to find out an expression or 2 of the Welsh language, get your adrenaline on, and go back in time since we are going to share all the very best locations to go to in Wales that will make you wish to load your bags today.
1. Snowdonia National Forest
Snowdonia National Forest in North Wales is among 3 national forests in the nation and it tops our list for its pure charm. Found in northwestern Wales, the park covers over 800 square miles of rolling hills, lakes, and a huge rugged landscape.
Experience enthusiasts will enjoy checking out the Snowdon mountains and they can trek the lots of tracks to check out the amazing mountain views. The star destination is going to the top of Mount Snowdon, the greatest peak in all of Wales standing happy at 1085 meters (3645 feet). Wish to raise the Snowdon Mountain Top? Reserve this directed walking with a specialist guide.
2. Snowdon Mountain Train
If you have actually restricted time, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Train as much as Britain’s greatest visitor center. The century-old narrow-gauge train opened in 1896 and its historical steam train takes a trip up 5 miles to the peak of Mount Snowdon.
When you arrive you go out to do some hiking and take in the remarkable views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You can take the train pull back or trek down the mountain. See our video of our journey up to Mountain Snowdon
3. Llanberis
Llanberis is a terrific location to make a base when checking out Snowdonia National forest. Plus there is plenty to see consisting of the National Slate Museum, and another historical train, the Llanberis Steam Train.
Besides Snowdon Mountain, Snowdonia National forest homes 14 mountains over 3000 feet making it among the best-hiking locations in the UK. Climbing up, mountain cycling, and horseback riding are likewise popular in Snowdonia.
This dawn walking takes you from the town of Llanberis for a morning trek to view the dawn from the top of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa with a certified mountain guide.
Places to Remain In Llanberis
4. Bounce Below
Bounce Below is a huge underground trampoline that uses grownups playtime in the supreme jungle health club. The series of trampolines, webs, ladders, and slides produce a heart-pounding experience that provides as lots of delights as it does laughs.
Found at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the cavern is two times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the outcome of an old mining quarry. Let me inform you it’s substantial so provide yourself a minimum of a half day to enjoy this! Learn more: Bounce Below– The Ultimate Underground Trampoline for the Kid in You!
5. ZipWorld
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns is absolutely the location to go to for special experiences. After leaping around at Bounce Below, ensure to do the Via Ferrata and Zip Line. This hair-raising course takes 3 hours to finish and takes you through a lots zip lines while you pass through along high cliffs plunging to the caverns listed below.
There are caverns, ropes, and bridges to cross and it’s an exceptional experience for those looking for something special to do in Wales. If you desire something actually quickly, head outside to the Titan Zipline, it’s the fastest in Europe!
6. Portmeirion Traveler Town
Among the most special locations in Wales is the Italian-style town of Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a wacky traveler town in Gwynedd, Wales. No one resides in this town, however it’s a fantastic stop on your see to Wales that provides a peaceful retreat in a really various location.
It was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who designed Portmeirion after the Italian Riviera town of Portofino situated extremely near to the Cinque Terre.
Invest a day consuming ice cream and have some hot coffee with fresh scones and cream as you check out the fairy tale town. Or even better, remain overnight at the Portmeirion Hotel where you feel as if you have actually gone back in time.
We liked our remain at Hotel Portmeirion– The benefit of remaining here is you have the majority of the town to yourself in the early morning and eve and after the trip busses have actually left.
7. Llandudno
Llandudno is the Queen of the Welsh Resorts. It is the biggest seaside resort in Wales located on a narrow strip of sand that links the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme. The magnificent Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie in between 2 beautiful sandy beaches. The Get on Hop Off bus uses 2 various paths to delight in views all the leading tourist attractions.
Llandudno has 2 terrific beaches, making the best location to go to in the summertime. Its gorgeous seaside boardwalk produces a beautiful walk out to the pier that sticks out 700-meters (2,300-foot) into the bay. Make sure to get on the Great Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled tramway on a public roadway in Great Britain.
We remained at Llandudno Bay Hotel and liked it. This store hotel lies on the Llandudno Boardwalk with sea views.
8. Conwy Castle
Wales is the castle capital of Europe and among our preferred castles to go to in Wales is Conway Castle in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Castle has stood the test of time because it was developed in between 1283 and 1289. It is thought about among the best fortresses in Europe and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Website.
This spectacular castle has enforcing walls taht have actually stood the test of time that still surround the premises and town of Conway today. When you go inside Conwy Castle, you’ll witness the fantastic hall, chambers, and kitchen area, and a more remote inner ward with personal chambers and a royal chapel.
When going to Conway, make certain to stop and see Britain’s finest townhouse of the golden Elizabethan age the Elizabethan Plas Mawr, and the Smallest Home in Great Britain.
9. Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is the most remarkable fortress from Edward I’s 13th-century ‘iron ring’. and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Website. It lies in the town of Harlech in west Wales, in the county of Gwynedd. Examining Tremadog Bay from the top of a sea cliff is a sensational view.
Harlech Castles is among the leading locations in Wales to see. Ensure to go within to check out the castle tower. If you want to go to the castle, it opens at 10:00 am and costs ₤ 6.90 pp
10. Great Orme
Experience the imposing cliffs of the Great Orme in North Wales to see great wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you take a Sea Fishing expedition in North Wales. We hopped aboard a fishing boat to find out everything about lobster fishing.
This special experience takes individuals out on this special experience where you board his fishing boat to examine his lobster traps in the bays.
Not just do you find out how to capture a lobster, however to likewise comprehend the preservation of this popular seafood entrée referred to as the Black Gold of the Sea. For additional information on fishing expedition and lobster safaris to the Excellent Orme see: Sea Fishing Trips North Wales
11. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Among the most stunning scenes in Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that brings the Llangollen Canal throughout the River Dee. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the greatest canal aqueduct on the planet.
Its 18 arches increase 38 meters (126 feet) feet into the air covering 1000 feet. Pedestrians can stroll next to the water or you can take a canal boat. However if you are trying to find something daring, attempt taking a directed canoe trip
12. Pembrokeshire Coast National Forest
Among the wildest and most rugged locations to see in Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coast National forest situated on the West coast of Wales. The very best method to check out the Pembrokeshire Coast is by going Coasteering. Coasteering was developed in Wales and we chose that if we were ever going to provide the adrenaline experience of Coasteering a shot anywhere, it would be here. Inspect it out here.
Coasteering is a special experience sport or seaside expedition where you pass through along the coast of Wales by rock climbing, cliff leaping, and swimming into sea caverns. It uses amazing views and as much experience as you want. You can leap from 10 meters or you can merely slip quickly into the sea. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, book your experience here.
13. Pembrokeshire Coast Course
If you do not wish to leap in the water, you can trek the Pembrokeshire Coast Course. It covers a range of 186 miles (299 km) along the west coast of Wales and uses a few of the most spectacular seaside landscapes on the planet. The Pembrokeshire Coast Course takes you through rugged sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and churning waters of the Irish Sea.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Course is divided into 14 areas, each using a special and memorable experience. A few of the highlights consist of the remarkable cliffs at St. David’s Head, the remote beaches at Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands, and the stunning harbor at Solva.
Treking the whole course normally takes around 2 weeks, however there are lots of much shorter areas that can be finished in a day or 2.
14. St. David’s Cathedral
While in Pembrokeshire ensure to go to St. David’s Cathedral found in the heart of the city of St. David’s. Within the cathedral is the Shrine of St. David, which is thought to consist of the remains of the Tutelary saint of Wales. The shrine is decorated with elaborate carvings and is a location of trip for lots of visitors to the cathedral.
The cathedral has a long abundant history, going back to the sixth century when The Customer St. David established an abbey on the website. The initial structure was made from wood and was later on changed with a stone church in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral was broadened and reconstructed numerous times, leading to the structure that stands today.
Visitors can take a directed trip of the cathedral to find out more about Welsh history and architecture, or merely check out the lots of nooks and crannies of the structure by themselves. St. David’s Cathedral is thought about among the holiest websites in the nation
15. Porthgain
The town of Porthgain is so stunning that the BBC Motion Picture, The Finest with Costs Nighy and Sam Claflin of Cravings Games popularity shot here while we checked out. There is an exceptional club that you should drop in for a pint, the Slooth, and it is likewise an attractive seaside walk that is so best, that the Red Bull Cliff Diving Occasion happened here in 2013.
You do not need to leap off the huge cliffs, however strolling along the coast uses remarkable views of the coast of Wales. For treking this is an exceptional location in Wales.
16. Gower Peninsula
If you are trying to find another location in Wales for beaches, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales is understood for its long sandy beaches and clear waters. Rhossili Bay is a renowned beach with remarkable sea cliffs extending 3 miles (5.8 km) to Worm’s Head which got its name from the Viking word for a sea snake.
Some beaches to take a look at in the Gower Peninsula consist of Llangennith Beach, 3 Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. Caswell Bay is popular with web surfers.
17. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and no journey would be total without visiting this busy city center. It’s a terrific location to make a base while checking out South Wales and there are lots of things to see and do.
Reserve this Cardiff directed Strolling Trip with a regional guide to appreciate the Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, and the Cardiff Civic Centre which was developed throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
An excellent location to make a base is Hotel Indigo situated in the heart of Cardiff near all the significant tourist attractions consisting of the castle, St David’s Hall and principality arena.
18. Cardiff Castle
Among the most popular things to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Castle. This middle ages castle lies in the heart of the city and go back more than 2000 years. In the 11th century, the castle was the seat of the Welsh king, Rhys ap Tewdwr, and later on worked as the home of numerous effective Welsh lords and princes.
In the late 13th century, the castle was taken by English forces under the command of King Edward I, who reconstructed and broadened the fortress to assist protect his hold over Wales.
Today, visitors to Cardiff Castle can explore its elaborate Gothic-style estate, its excellent clock tower, and the Welsh Armed Force Museum.
19. National Museum Cardiff
If you are a history enthusiast, the National Museum Cardiff is not to be missed out on. The structure includes a sensational atrium, a gorgeous roof garden, and a series of galleries and exhibit areas varying from historical artifacts to modern art.
There are long-term and short-term displays that are enjoyable for the entire household. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays where they can check out a reproduction Victorian schoolroom, try out middle ages armor, and learn more about Welsh history, misconceptions and legends.
Among the very best features of the National Museum of Cardiff is that admission is totally free.
20. Carreg Cennen Castle
There are more than 100 castles to check out in Wales that remain in exceptional condition and there are many more ruins. We were informed that if there is one castle to go to, make it Carreg Cennen Castle simply north of Cardiff.
This remarkable fortress becomes part of King Edward I’s 13th-century ‘ iron ring. They weren’t lying when somebody informed us that we can frequently be the only individual there. We had all of it to ourselves. The castle’s walls are still standing however what makes this castle so unique is the truth that it remains in ruins.
21. Brecon Beacons National Forest
The 3rd installation of the 3 national forests to go to in Wales is Brecon Beacons National Forest is an outside enthusiasts paradise. From stargazing to mountain cycling its rolling hills, there is something for everybody. With 4 range of mountains, there are lots of locations to check out within its 520 square miles.
Brecon Beacons National forest houses the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark and it is a dark sky maintain. The Beacons Method is a 100 mile path through the national forest and the Taff Path is a long-distance biking path that goes through the park from Brecon to Cardiff.
Reserve this adrenaline experience from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons. Start with a directed trip of world popular Rhondda Valley in Southeast Wales prior to starting your adrenaline-fuelled experience of canyoning, swimming, and delving into crystal clear mountain streams
22. Llandeilo
Llandeilo is another stunning fishing town in the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales and is an excellent base to check out Dinefwr Castle and Park, the Brecon Beacons National Forest, and the Carreg Cennen Castle. When in Llandeilo, you will likewise be near 2 significant Gardens– The National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglaseny Gardens.
Llandeilo has a history that goes back over 1,000 years, and there are a variety of historical landmarks to check out in the town. Among the most significant is the messed up Llandeilo Castle, which goes back to the 13th century and uses sensational views of the surrounding countryside.
Llandeilo is especially popular for its food scene, with a variety of premium dining establishments and coffee shops dishing out scrumptious Welsh food and in your area sourced fruit and vegetables.
23. Aberaeron
Among the most vibrant locations in Wales is the charming seaside town of Aberaeron. Ensure to attempt its honey ice cream in which has actually been in your area made by the Holgate household for 35 years.
We remained at the Harbour Master Hotel, a beautiful hotel neglecting the sea with a terrific dining establishment. Aberaeron is likewise referred to as the Lobster Capital of Wales, so make certain to delight in in your area captured lobster at night.
24. Devil’s Bridge Falls
Devil’s Bridge is a town called after the bridge it is popular for. It has actually been a traveler destination because the 1700s. Devil’s Bridge is in fact a series of 3 bridges developed on top of one another. The initial go back to middle ages times. Rather of destroying the bridges when they ended up being unsteady, they merely developed another atop them.
Legend has it that it got its name after an old female lost her cow and saw it grazing on the other side of the river. The Devil appeared and accepted develop a bridge in return for the soul of the very first living thing to cross it.
So, when the bridge was finished the female tossed a crust of bread for her pet dog to obtain. When the pet dog leapt over the bridge, it was the very first living thing to cross the bridge.
25. Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a seaside town in West Wales, in the county of Ceredigion. Among the piece de resistances in Aberystwyth is its beach, which is a long stretch of golden sand that is best for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The beach is backed by a boardwalk that uses sensational views of Cardigan Bay, and there are a series of coffee shops, dining establishments, and bars close by where visitors can delight in a meal or a beverage.
Aberystwyth is likewise house to a variety of historical landmarks and tourist attractions, consisting of Aberystwyth Castle, which goes back to the 13th century and uses sensational views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Other significant landmarks consist of the National Library of Wales, which houses a collection of Welsh books and manuscripts, and the Vale of Rheidol Train, which takes visitors on a picturesque journey through the Welsh countryside.
26. Caernarfon Castle
Found in the town of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Castle is a middle ages castle that was developed by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Website, the castle was developed in between 1283 and 1330, with the objective of functioning as a royal palace and a military fortress. King Edward, I wished to make a declaration about his conquest of Wales and to enhance the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh individuals.
The castle has a connection with the Prince of Wales started in 1911, the future King Edward VIII was invested here as the Prince of Wales. Ever since, the investiture of each brand-new Prince of Wales has actually occurred at Caernarfon Castle.
The castle includes a series of excellent towers and ramparts. Among the most significant functions of the castle is its polygonal towers that visitors can reach the top for views of the surrounding Welsh countryside.
27. Hay on Wye
Hay on Wye is the nation’s nationwide book town situated in Powys near the border with England. The town is popular for its a great deal of pre-owned and antiquarian bookshops, in addition to its yearly literary celebration. The Hay Celebration has actually been running because 1988.
The celebration is an event of literature, arts, and culture, and combines a large range of authors, poets, artists, and artists from around the globe. The Hay Celebration happens over 10 days in Mid Might and June in Hay on Wye and has actually included the similarity Margaret Atwood, Costs Clinton, and Salman Rushdie.
Hay on Wye was established in the early 19th century as a market town, however it ended up being popular in the 1960s when Richard Cubicle, a regional bookseller, started promoting the town as a center for books. Today, Hay on Wye has around 20 bookshops, much of which lie in historical structures and use a large range of unusual and uncommon books.
28. Center of Option Innovation
To get out of history for a bit, The Centre for Option Innovation (FELINE) is a terrific modification of rate. Thie academic and proving ground situated in Machynlleth, Wales was established in 1973 by a group of activists and ecologists who wished to promote sustainable living and show useful options for a low-carbon future.
feline is set on a 7-acre website and is house to a range of academic displays and interactive display screens. Visitors can learn more about renewable resource, natural gardening, sustainable structure strategies, and lots of other subjects connected to sustainability and environmentalism.
Navigating Wales
The very best method to navigate Wales is by rental cars and truck. We flew into Machester, England, and got our cars and truck at the airport prior to going out to check out Wales in a counter-clockwise instructions. It was a terrific path to see all the leading Wales tourist attractions throughout 8 days in Wales. Inspect rental cars and truck costs at RentalCars.com
The Welsh Language can be a little bit of a tongue tornado to get your head around however do not stress everybody speaks English in Wales. The hardest part of the journey is simply attempting to check out a few of the indications. However, isn’t finding out another language part of the enjoyable of taking a trip?
So there you have it! These are our suggestions for the very best locations in Wales. From its enforcing castles to rugged coast, there are a lot of things to do in Wales, I marvel it isn’t on more individuals’s radar.
While composing this short article, it made me wish to return. There is still a lot more to see and do. What’s your preferred location in Wales?
Learn More About Travel in Great Britain
Our journey to Wales remained in collaboration with Go To Britain and Go To Wales