28 of the Greatest Locations to Go to in Wales in 2023

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 checklist. Wales, one of many 4 nations that make up the UK, has usually been neglected 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 full of 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 completely different language. With a wealthy historical past and a land full of imposing castles, Wales can be a unbelievable 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 the most effective locations to go to in Wales that may make you wish to pack your luggage proper now.

1. Snowdonia Nationwide Park

Snowdonia Nationwide Park in North Wales is considered 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 and so they 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? Ebook this guided hike with an professional 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 middle. 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 possibly 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 good place to make a base when exploring Snowdonia Nationwide Park. Plus there may be lots 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 driving are additionally widespread 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 professional mountain information.

4. Bounce Under

Bounce Under is a huge underground trampoline that provides adults playtime within the final jungle fitness center. 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 scale of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the results of an previous mining quarry. Let me inform you it’s large so give your self at the least a half day to get pleasure from this! Learn extra: Bounce Under – 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 Under, 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 traces when 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 in search of one thing distinctive to do in Wales. If you would like one thing actually quick, head exterior 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, however it’s a beautiful 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 positioned very near the Cinque Terre.

Spend a day consuming ice cream and have some scorching 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 you probably have stepped again in time.

We beloved our keep at Lodge Portmeirion – The benefit of staying right here is you have got 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 attractive sandy seashores. The Hop on Hop Off bus presents two completely different routes to get pleasure from views all the highest sights.

Llandudno has two great 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. Remember 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 beloved it. This boutique lodge is positioned on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.

8. Conwy Fortress

Wales is the fortress capital of Europe and considered one of our favourite castles to go to in Wales is Conway Fortress in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Fortress 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 Website.

This magnificent fortress has imposing partitions taht have stood the check of time that also encompass the grounds and small city of Conway at this time. Once you go inside Conwy Fortress, you’ll witness the nice corridor, chambers, and kitchen, and a extra secluded interior ward with non-public chambers and a royal chapel.

When visiting Conway, be sure you 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 Fortress

Harlech Fortress is essentially the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring’. and is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website. It’s positioned 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. Be certain that to go inside to discover the fortress tower. For those who’d like to go to the fortress, 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 unbelievable 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 verify his lobster traps within the bays.

Not solely do you learn to catch a lobster, however to additionally perceive the conservation of this widespread seafood entrée often called 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 Website, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the best canal aqueduct on the earth.

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 if you’re on the lookout for one thing adventurous, attempt 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 positioned 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 present the adrenaline journey of Coasteering a attempt 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 mountaineering, cliff leaping, and swimming into sea caves. It presents exceptional views and as a lot journey as you want. You possibly can bounce from 10 meters or you possibly can merely slip simply into the ocean. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, e-book your journey right here.

13. Pembrokeshire Coast Path

For those who 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 few of the most breathtaking coastal surroundings on the earth. 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 few 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.

Climbing your 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

Whereas in Pembrokeshire be sure that to go to St. David’s Cathedral positioned within the coronary heart of the town of St. David’s. Inside 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, relationship again to the sixth century when The Patron St. David based a monastery on the location. The unique constructing was made 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 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 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 could cease in for a pint, the Slooth, and additionally it is a picturesque coastal stroll that’s so excellent, that the Purple Bull Cliff Diving Occasion passed off 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 mountain 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 understood 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 obtained its title 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 widespread with surfers.

17. Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital metropolis of Wales and no journey can be full with out visiting this bustling city middle. 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 Fortress, 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.

A great place to make a base is Lodge Indigo positioned within the coronary heart of Cardiff close to all the most important sights together with the fortress, St David’s Corridor and principality stadium.

18. Cardiff Fortress

Some of the widespread issues to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Fortress. This medieval fortress is positioned within the coronary heart of the town and dates again greater than 2000 years. Within 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.

Within the late Thirteenth century, the fortress 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.

Right now, guests to Cardiff Fortress 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 includes a beautiful atrium, a stupendous rooftop backyard, and a spread of galleries and exhibition areas starting from historic artifacts to up to date artwork.

There are everlasting and momentary displays which are enjoyable for the entire household. Youngsters will love the interactive displays the place they will discover a reproduction Victorian schoolroom, attempt on medieval armor, and find out about Welsh historical past, myths and legends.

Among the best issues concerning the Nationwide Museum of Cardiff is that admission is free.

20. Carreg Cennen Fortress

There are greater than 100 castles to discover in Wales which are in glorious situation and there are numerous extra ruins. We had been informed that if there may be one fortress to go to, make it Carreg Cennen Fortress 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 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 the nationwide park and the Taff Path is a long-distance biking route that goes by 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 Fortress and Park, the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park, and the Carreg Cennen Fortress. 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 variety of historic landmarks to discover within the city. Some of the notable is the ruined Llandeilo Fortress, 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 a variety of high-quality eating places and cafes serving up scrumptious Welsh delicacies and regionally sourced produce.

23. Aberaeron

Some of the colourful locations in Wales is the beautiful seaside city of Aberaeron. Be certain that to attempt its honey ice cream through which has been regionally made by the Holgate household for 35 years.

We stayed on the Harbour Grasp Lodge, a stunning lodge overlooking the ocean with an amazing restaurant. Aberaeron is also referred to as the Lobster Capital of Wales, so be sure you get pleasure from regionally 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 because the 1700s. Satan’s Bridge is definitely a sequence of three bridges constructed on high of each other. The unique dates again to medieval instances. As a substitute of demolishing the bridges after they turned unstable, they merely constructed one other atop them.

Legend has it that it obtained its title after an previous girl 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 sights in Aberystwyth is its seaside, which is a protracted stretch of golden sand that’s excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.

The seaside is backed by a promenade that provides 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 a variety of historic landmarks and sights, together with Aberystwyth Fortress, 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 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 Fortress

Situated within the city of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Fortress is a medieval fortress that was constructed by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Website, the fortress was constructed between 1283 and 1330, with the intention of serving as a royal palace and a army 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 fortress 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 Fortress.

The fortress includes a sequence of spectacular towers and ramparts. Some of the 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 e-book city positioned in Powys close to the border with England. The city is legendary for its massive variety of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, in addition to its annual literary pageant. The Hay Competition has been working since 1988.

The pageant is a celebration of literature, arts, and tradition, and brings collectively a variety of writers, poets, artists, and musicians from around the globe. 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, however it turned well-known within the Sixties when Richard Sales space, a neighborhood bookseller, started selling the city as a middle for books. Right now, Hay on Wye has round 20 bookshops, lots of that are positioned in historic buildings and provide a variety of uncommon and weird books.

28. Heart 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 middle positioned in Machynlleth, Wales was based in 1973 by a gaggle of activists and environmentalists who needed to advertise sustainable dwelling and exhibit sensible options for a low-carbon future.

CAT is about on a 7-acre web site and is house to quite a lot of academic displays and interactive shows. Guests can find out about renewable power, natural gardening, sustainable constructing methods, and lots of different matters 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 route. 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 a few of the indicators. However then once more, isn’t studying one other language a part of the enjoyable of touring?

So there you have got it! These are our suggestions for the most effective 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’s nonetheless a lot extra to see and do. What’s your favourite place in Wales?

Our journey to Wales was in partnership with Go to Britain and Go to Wales