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

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 listing. Wales, one of many 4 nations that make up the UK, has usually been missed 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, hanging landscapes, and wonderful adventures. The Welsh are a unusual bunch who like to leap off issues, dangle excessive within the sky, and communicate a wholly completely different language. With a wealthy historical past and a land full of imposing castles, Wales can also be a implausible 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 one of the best 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 one among three nationwide parks within the nation and it tops our listing 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 various 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? E book this guided hike with an professional information.

2. Snowdon Mountain Railway

In case you have restricted time, you may 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 practice travels up 5 miles to the height of Mount Snowdon.

Once you arrive you get out to do some mountaineering and take within the extraordinary views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You possibly can 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 superb 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 fashionable 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.

4. Bounce Under

Bounce Under is a big underground trampoline that provides adults playtime within the final jungle fitness center. 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 dimensions of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the results of an outdated mining quarry. Let me inform you it’s large so give your self at the very 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 certain 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 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 searching for one thing distinctive to do in Wales. If you need 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 one lives on this city, nevertheless it’s an exquisite cease in your go to to Wales that provides 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 contemporary scones and cream as you discover the fairytale village. Or higher but, keep in a single day on the Portmeirion Lodge the place you are feeling as if in case you have stepped again in time.

We cherished our keep at Lodge Portmeirion – The benefit of staying right here is you could 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 beautiful sandy seashores. The Hop on Hop Off bus gives 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 stunning 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 Lodge and cherished it. This boutique resort is positioned on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.

8. Conwy Fortress

Wales is the fortress capital of Europe and one among our favourite castles to go to in Wales is Conway Fortress in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Fortress has stood the take a look at of time because it was constructed between 1283 and 1289. It’s thought-about one of many biggest fortresses in Europe and is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Website.

This magnificent fortress 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 Fortress, 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 Fortress

Harlech Fortress is essentially the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s Thirteenth-century ‘iron ring’. and is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Website. It’s positioned 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 without doubt one of the high locations in Wales to see. Be certain to go inside to discover the fortress tower. If you happen to’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 implausible wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you’re taking a Sea Fishing journey in North Wales. We hopped aboard a fishing boat to study all about lobster fishing.

This distinctive journey takes individuals out on this distinctive journey the place you board his fishing boat to verify his lobster traps within the bays.

Not solely do you discover ways to catch a lobster, however to additionally perceive the conservation of this fashionable seafood entrée referred to 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 earth.

Its 18 arches rise 38 meters (126 ft) ft into the air spanning 1000 ft. Pedestrians can stroll beside the water or you may take a canal boat. However in case you are searching 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 simplest ways to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast is by going Coasteering. Coasteering was invented in Wales and we determined that if we have been ever going to offer the adrenaline journey of Coasteering a attempt 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 gives outstanding views and as a lot journey as you want. You possibly can bounce from 10 meters or you may merely slip simply into the ocean. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, e-book your journey right here.

13. Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you happen to don’t wish to bounce within the water, you may hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. It covers a distance of 186 miles (299 km) alongside the west coast of Wales and gives a number 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 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.

Mountaineering all the 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 certain to go to St. David’s Cathedral positioned within the coronary heart of town of St. David’s. Throughout 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 positioning. 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 right now.

Guests can take a guided tour of the cathedral to study 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 wonderful pub that you will need to cease in for a pint, the Slooth, and it’s also a picturesque coastal stroll that’s so good, that the Crimson Bull Cliff Diving Occasion befell right here in 2013.

You don’t have to leap off the large cliffs, however strolling alongside the coast gives extraordinary views of the coast of Wales. For mountaineering this is a wonderful place in Wales.

16. Gower Peninsula

In case you are searching 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 seashore with dramatic sea cliffs stretching 3 miles (5.8km) to Worm’s Head which received its title 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 fashionable with surfers.

17. Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital metropolis of Wales and no journey could be full with out visiting this bustling city middle. It’s an incredible place to make a base whereas exploring South Wales and there are many issues to see and do.

E book 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 through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

An excellent 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

Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Wales is to go to Cardiff Fortress. This medieval fortress is positioned within the coronary heart of 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 underneath 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

In case you are a historical past buff, the Nationwide Museum Cardiff is to not be missed. The constructing contains a beautiful atrium, a phenomenal rooftop backyard, and a variety of galleries and exhibition areas starting from historic artifacts to up to date artwork.

There are everlasting and short-term reveals which might be enjoyable for the entire household. Youngsters will love the interactive reveals the place they will discover a duplicate Victorian schoolroom, attempt on medieval armor, and study Welsh historical past, myths and legends.

Among the best issues in regards to 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 might be in wonderful situation and there are numerous extra ruins. We have been instructed 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 instructed us that we will 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 outside 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.

E book 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. Probably the most notable is the ruined Llandeilo Fortress, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and gives beautiful views of the encompassing countryside.

Llandeilo is especially well-known for its meals scene, with numerous 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 stunning seaside city of Aberaeron. Be certain to attempt its honey ice cream by which has been domestically made by the Holgate household for 35 years.

We stayed on the Harbour Grasp Lodge, a stunning resort overlooking the ocean with an incredible 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 because the 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 once they grew to become unstable, they merely constructed one other atop them.

Legend has it that it received its title after an outdated 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 important sights in Aberystwyth is its seashore, which is an extended stretch of golden sand that’s good for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.

The seashore is backed by a promenade that provides beautiful views of Cardigan Bay, and there are a number of cafes, eating places, and bars close by the place guests can get pleasure from a meal or a drink.

Aberystwyth can also be house to numerous historic landmarks and sights, together with Aberystwyth Fortress, which dates again to the Thirteenth century and gives beautiful views of the city and the encompassing countryside.

Different notable landmarks embody 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 way of 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 wished to make an announcement about his conquest of Wales and to bolster the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh individuals.

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 contains a collection of spectacular towers and ramparts. Probably the most notable options of the fortress 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 e-book city positioned in Powys close to the border with England. The city is known for its massive 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 world wide. 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 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. Right now, Hay on Wye has round 20 bookshops, a lot of that are positioned in historic buildings and supply a variety of uncommon and weird books.

28. Heart of Various Expertise

To step out of historical past for a bit, The Centre for Various Expertise (CAT) is a superb change of tempo. Thie instructional and analysis middle positioned in Machynlleth, Wales was based in 1973 by a bunch of activists and environmentalists who wished to advertise sustainable dwelling and reveal sensible options for a low-carbon future.

CAT is about on a 7-acre website and is house to a wide range of instructional reveals 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 simplest 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 an incredible path to see all the highest Wales sights over the course of 8 days in Wales. Examine 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 making an attempt to learn a number of the indicators. However then once more, isn’t studying one other language a part of the enjoyable of touring?

So there you could have 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 shocked it isn’t on extra individuals’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?

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