No traveler to the UK can fully understand what makes Britain so special without spending at least a little time exploring Wales. Wales, a rugged and wild country in the southwest of England, is known for its dramatic landscapes, mountainous national parks, sandy beaches, rolling hills, and beautiful coastline.
Uniqueness of Wales
In addition to its geographical advantages, Wales has an amazingly unique history, language, and culture that have attracted visitors for generations. Few people are as friendly and helpful as the Welsh. They welcome you into their country with open arms and a short smile. If you love the great outdoors, Wales is the place to go. There are numerous national parks with miles of hiking and walking trails suitable for all skill levels and abilities. Whether you enjoy climbing rugged mountains, paddling sparkling sands, or jumping cliffs, Wales has a walk for you.
There are also many charming villages and towns that seem to have popped out of the pages of a picture book. Imagine yourself surrounded by rolling green countryside dotted with stone houses along a meandering river. You might get lost as you wander from village to village, soaking up all the beauty and culture. For history buffs, Wales has 641 castles, more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. If you prefer city life, travel to Cardiff. It also has castles, an innovative arts scene, top-notch restaurants, and a thriving nightlife. If it’s on your must-do list, you can even stay in a Welsh castle.
With so much to see in Wales, planning an itinerary can be a daunting task. In this guide to the best sights, attractions, and places to visit in Wales, we’ve selected the top 10 things to see on your visit to Wales to help you plan and be edgy. Looking for accommodation in North Wales? Check out our North Wales location and accommodation guide. Hotels, B&Bs, and holiday homes offer exceptional North Wales stays for all budgets.
Conwy Castle
On the off chance that medieval castles and English history are your enthusiasm, at that point a trip to Llandudno to see Conwy Castle is most certainly in arrange. It’s in North Ribs, fair west of the Isle of Anglesey, and as it were a 3 ½ hour prepare ride from London.
The castle was built in the late 1200s by Edward I as an endeavor to contain the Welsh individuals. Nowadays it remains one of the foremost forcing and amazing castles in Ribs. It sits on a bed of strong shake, nearly showing up to rise out of the soil toward the sky. In spite of the fact that the roof has long since disintegrated, the dividers still stand and guests can meander through the to a great extent intaglio castle insides.
Do not miss investigating the eight towers, the awesome corridor, and the illustrious chambers. Be careful, in the event that the climate is moist, the steps driving to the towers can be a bit dangerous. The climb is well worth it, be that as it may, as the sees of the estuary of the Waterway Conwy are breathtaking. Conwy Castle is a naturally well-known location, so it is best to buy your tickets well in development to create certain you won’t be disillusioned after you arrive.
Cardiff
In spite of the fact that Cardiff has only been the official capital of Ridges since 1955, it may be a city that has really come into its possession. Don’t let its size fool you — Cardiff may as it were be the 11th biggest city in Britain but it may be a bustling urban middle known for its history, sports, and dynamic social scene. Cardiff started life thousands of a long times prior as a Roman fort on the banks of the Stream Taff.
Amid the mechanical revolution, Cardiff came to life and inevitably got to be the greatest exporter of coal in the world. Today, the city has a few of the foremost energizing advanced engineering in Britain counting the Thousand Years Middle and the epic design deed that’s the Cardiff Inlet Barrage. There’s continuously something going on in Cardiff — check online to see what celebrations, wearing occasions, or concerts may be happening amid your visit.
For history buffs, Cardiff Castle is right within the city’s middle, and the Characteristic History Historical Center is one of the foremost prevalent attractions in Ribs. When you’re wrapped up learning, enjoy a feast at one of the city’s pop-up eateries or take a reroute into a bar. In case you need something small and more out of control, there are plenty of places to let your hair down — Cardiff is known for its nightlife. As it was two hours from London, it was well worth the trip.
Caernarfon/ Carnarvon Castle
In case you’re searching for a royal post straight from the Center Ages, you wish to visit Caernarfon Castle, on the banks of the River Seiont. Considering its amazing scale and building dramatization, it might very well be the foremost threatening structure in Wales. Lord Edward, I was not messing around when he enlisted ace military architect James of St. George to build the castle, the walled town, and the wharf. The venture took a whopping 47 years to total and they did extraordinary work — it’s still standing nowadays, after all.
Once you visit, make beyond any doubt to investigate the Eagle Tower at the western conclusion of the castle. It’s the most stupendous of all the castle’s towers and has three turrets and gloat dividers that are 18 feet thick. No wonder this was where the royals of days gone by would feel secure bedding down for an evening. You’ll be able to walk along the bulwarks and investigate incalculable winding staircases, numerous of which lead to staggering views of the wide open past. Take note that numerous walkways are uneven, so it’s best to wear appropriate shoes.
Snowdonia National Stop
You’ll spend days investigating all that Snowdonia National Park has to offer. It has 823 square miles, counting a few of the most wonderful places in Wales. If you’re biting the dust to awe the people back home, tell them you simply climbed the tallest mountain in Britain— Mount Snowdon. At 3,560 feet, it generally takes less than three hours to reach the best. There are six ways up, each with changing levels of difficulty.
One of the more open courses is the Llanberis Way; it’s a little longer but includes a more progressive climb. On the off chance that you aren’t very prepared to handle an entire mountain, attempt the Cwm Idwal, a circular walk around a few of the most staggering views within the park. If you’ve recently gone, it’s best to check the park’s site for a comprehensive list of the strolls, including detailed maps and difficulty levels.
Prepared to get off your feet? Snowdonia National Park is a zone of exceptional normal excellence and has a few picturesque towns. Beddgelert is one of the loveliest villages in Ridges and could be the perfect place to take a break, discover a comfortable bar, and curl up with a pint.
Railroad Station, Llanfair
Back in the 1880s, a sleepy small town on the Isle of Anglesey decided it needed to do something radical to draw in more sightseers. A nearby tailor recommended they extend their now dubious title of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and maybe make a sensation for guests charmed by the peculiarities of the Welsh dialect. The town listened, and nowadays its name boasts a bewildering 17 syllables and 58 letters. As the tailor had trusted, tourists now come from all over the world to take a look at that incredibly long sign at the nearby railroad station.
It’s genuinely one of the best-known tourist attractions in Wales, so what visit would be complete without snapping a selfie in front of that sign? While you’re there, halt at the tourism office and purchase a T-shirt to show your friends back home that you really were there. On the off chance that you need to be in your face around it, you’ll indeed learn how to articulate it. One of the most famous signs in Wales Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is one of the most curious places to visit in Wales.
Welsh Good Countries railroad
One of the best ways to enjoy the ravishing scenery of Ribs is by rail. There are two phenomenal alternatives. The primary is the about 200-year-old Ffestiniog Railroad, the world’s most seasoned narrow-gauge railroad. Climb aboard and travel like a Victorian tourist. The journey starts at the harbor in Porthmadog and travels about 14 miles through Snowdonia National Park until it reaches Blaenau Ffestiniog. During the trip, the preparer climbs into the mountains, reaching over 700 feet above ocean level while embracing the mountainside.
All onboard are treated to radiant views, neglecting lavish green pastures, antiquated woodlands, towering waterfalls, and quiet lakes. The momentary choice is the Welsh Good Countries Railroad, the longest heritage railroad in the UK. In conjunction with its regular passenger cars, it offers some of the most sumptuous lodgings of any heritage railway. Hungry? They’ll provide made-to-order nourishment right at your seat. The train itself travels 25 miles through the district of Gwynedd, going from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Along the way, you’ll skim the foot of Mount Snowdon as you pass through the fairytale-like town of Beddgelert. Have those cameras prepared because it’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Wales?
Portmeirion
Wouldn’t it be astonishing in the event that you managed to secure one of the most beautiful spots on the Welsh coast and, after envisioning almost it your entire life, chose to construct your exceptionally own idyllic town? That’s precisely what Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis did in 1925 when he set out to make Portmeirion. Found following the Dwyryd Estuary on the coast of Wales, he utilized parts from ancient buildings and a tongue-in-cheek sensibility in making his daydream town. It took decades to wrap up his vision and make one of the most astonishing Ridge attractions.
Today, people come from all over the world to visit this make-believe sanctuary that feels like an Italian village roosting over the Mediterranean. Stroll along the paths through the well-tended gardens with gazebos and lakes. There are also hotels, eateries, shops, and a spa. The most important thing to do while you’re there is to take in the charming vibe and enjoy the shocking views.
Anglesey
One of the most interesting places to visit in Ridges is the Isle of Anglesey, the biggest Welsh island that lies just off the northwestern coast. It’s 276 square miles and is isolated from the mainland by the Menai Strait. One of the most astounding sights in Anglesey is the Menai Suspension Bridge. Built-in 1826 by Thomas Telford, it was the world’s first cutting-edge suspension bridge. Seeing it nowadays is just as noteworthy as it must have been back then.
Investigating the island itself could be a treat, especially for those who adore history. The medieval Beaumaris Castle is on Anglesey, as are over 120 ancient monuments and archeological locales. Bird watchers take note. The island is home to different habitats — estuaries, wetlands, sea cliffs, and rock-covered shores — so the variety of birds makes this one of the most excellent places in all of Britain to observe birds.
Llandudno
No visit to Wales is complete without a trip to Llandudno, the ruler of the Welsh resorts. This quaint coastal town in the north of Wales is celebrated for its charming pastel-colored Victorian engineering as well as its exquisite scenery and popular beach. In the summer, you’ll be able to windsurf, parasail, or just relax and douse up a few rays. North Shore Beach, also known as Llandudno Shoreline, is considered to be one of the finest shorelines in Wales, not so much for its beauty as for its picturesque dock and promenade. There’s a play area and a divertissement arcade, along with concession stands and cafes.
Other exercises in the region incorporate taking a ride on the Extraordinary Orme tramway, one of the most seasoned tramways in the world, dating back to the early 1900s. On the cable car, you’ll pass through Extraordinary Orme Nation Park and Nature Save, and the views are simply exceptional.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
One of the best places to visit in Wales is Britain’s only coastal national park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This diamond has everything from beaches to windswept cliffs. In the spring, get ready to snap some pictures because the meadows are covered with eminently colored bluebells, harebells, and cowslips.
If an incredible walk is what you’re after, snatch your hiking poles and head to the Grains Coast Way. It’s an 870-mile-long open pathway that follows the entire coastline and offers emotional vistas of the Celtic and Irish oceans along with the shorelines underneath.
Go to the park’s website and pick a doable walk, as there’s something for each wellness level and craving. In case you’d like to get wet, kayaking and surfing are well-known activities on the Pembrokeshire Coast as well.