Places to go in wales | Everything You Need to Know
Wales is a country of stunning beauty, incredible beaches, and warm, friendly locals. One key difference between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom is its language. In fact, Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe, to my knowledge.
Wales is a land of breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, and a rich culture, offering something special for every traveler. From the peaks of Snowdonia to the beaches of Pembrokeshire, this country is waiting to provide you with a wealth of experiences. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or looking for a quieter place, here are the best places to visit in Wales, selected from my own experience.
Top Places to Visit in Wales with Sheet Sizes
Place Name | Suggested Sheet Size | Notes |
Snowdonia National Park | A2 (420 x 594 mm) | Great for scenic photography posters. |
Cardiff Castle | A4 (210 x 297 mm) | Ideal for brochures or mini-guides. |
Pembrokeshire Coast | A3 (297 x 420 mm) | Good for coastal maps or adventure flyers. |
Brecon Beacons | A2 (420 x 594 mm) | Perfect for hiking trail posters. |
Portmeirion Village | A4 (210 x 297 mm) | Use for architectural and art-style flyers. |
Conwy Castle | A3 (297 x 420 mm) | Medium-size historical infographic. |
Llandudno Pier | A5 (148 x 210 mm) | Handy for quick tourism handouts. |
Tenby | A4 (210 x 297 mm) | Classic beach town flyer size. |
Caernarfon Castle | A3 (297 x 420 mm) | Use for medieval or family tour posters. |
Devil’s Bridge Falls | A5 (148 x 210 mm) | Compact for nature lovers or hikers. |
Aberystwyth | A4 (210 x 297 mm) | Good for university or cultural guides. |
Anglesey | A3 (297 x 420 mm) | Island map or coastal guide. |
Rhossili Bay | A2 (420 x 594 mm) | Stunning beach photography display. |
Llanberis (Snowdon access) | A4 (210 x 297 mm) | Railway and hiking route guides. |
St Fagans National Museum | A5 (148 x 210 mm) | Family-friendly museum handout. |
But the big place to visit is Snowdonia, which is home to one of the castles here (Caerphilly or Cardiff are probably the most popular, but there are many). St Davids, on the coast, is the smallest town in the UK and has a beautiful coastline. The Brecon Beacons are amazing. Wales has it all, so it really depends on how much time you have and what your main interests are.
Cardiff is a fantastic city, West Wales has a stunning coastline and plenty of outdoor activities, and North Wales has mountains and countryside. Similarly, the beaches of Cardigan Bay in West Wales are stunning, stretching along the coast from Aberystwyth to Aberdyfi. There are some beautiful beaches, clear waters, and, again, picturesque scenery.
Nature and History Combine in Wales
- Snowdonia National Park: Snowdonia is known as the crown jewel of North Wales, with rugged mountains, lochs, and endless adventure. Hike the highest peak in Wales or enjoy the thrilling zip-line adventure of Zip World. For a more tranquil experience, visit the charming village of Beddgelert, surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Anglesey: This charming island on the northwest coast is known for its historic sites and beaches. Explore Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path for stunning coastal views. Don’t miss a visit to South Stack Lighthouse, where you can spot puffins if you visit in the summer.
- Conwy: If you want to step back in time, the medieval town of Conwy is a must. The town’s castle, built by Edward I, still stands as a testament to Wales’ rich history. Stroll along the city walls or visit the smallest house in Great Britain, located on the waterfront.
Mid Wales
- Brecon Beacons National Park: Known for its landscapes and dark skies, Brecon Beacons is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can climb the park’s highest peak, Pen Y Fan, or witness the cascading waterfalls of the park’s Waterfall Country. At night, don’t miss a trip to the designated International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Elan Valley: Located in the heart of Mid Wales, the Elan Valley is ideal for nature lovers. You’ll find a series of Victorian dams and reservoirs providing a wonderful backdrop for cycling, walking, or wildlife watching. It’s a peaceful escape if you’re looking to step away from modern life for a while.
- Powis Castle: This National Trust property combines history and horticulture. The castle’s interior and terraced gardens are a feast for the senses. The surrounding countryside offers extraordinary views that are worth exploring.
South Wales
- Cardiff: The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is a vibrant center of history, culture, and entertainment. With its mix of Roman and Gothic architecture, Cardiff Castle is a must-see. Visit St Fagans National Museum of History to learn about Cardiff’s past, or relax at Cardiff Bay, which features a wonderful waterfront area with cafes.
- Gower Peninsula: Wales’ first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Gower Peninsula, is a fantastic destination for beach lovers. Rhossili Bay’s golden sands and sweeping views are often ranked among the best beaches in the world. For adventurers, the rugged cliffs and caves of Three Cliffs Bay offer plenty to explore.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: This coastal wonderland is the only national park in the United Kingdom entirely located on the coast. Visit the charming town of St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, or relax on the pristine sands of Barafundle Bay. For wildlife enthusiasts, boat trips to Skomer Island are a must, as it’s famous for its puffins and seals.
Visit this blog to learn about places to see in north wales uk. Depends on what you’re looking for — if it’s active nightlife, then go to Cardiff and stay there. Then head to Anglesey. As far as I know, there isn’t much going on anywhere other than Newport or Swansea. But outside of the nightclubs, the range of activities in Cardiff is huge and includes, among other things, a man-made white-water rafting place.
One of the big problems we have here in Wales is getting from south to north reasonably well — even the trains connecting Cardiff to Holyhead run through the east of Wales, crossing into England for a fair amount of the journey. So you’ll want to have a car and be willing to drive on rural lanes unless you’re sticking to the south.
Some of my favourite places on Anglesey are South Stack, the Iron Age hut circles at South Stack, and Llanddwyn Island. Llanddwyn Island is a bit of a walk from the car park (take change), but it’s well worth it. Plas Cadnant’s hidden gardens are also stunning, with a nice tea shop. The Bull in Beaumaris is a good pub — the hotel and food are very popular, too.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures
- Hay-on-Wye: Known as the famous book town, Hay-on-Wye is a literary haven with dozens of bookshops and a world-famous literary festival. It’s a delightful stop for bibliophiles and day trippers alike.
- Devil’s Bridge Falls: Located near Aberystwyth, this series of waterfalls is steeped in Welsh folklore. The site’s iconic three-tiered bridge and scenic trails make it a magical place to visit.
- Blaenavon: This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Wales’s industrial heritage in a unique way. The Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a fascinating underground tour, providing insights into the lives of coal miners.
Seasons
- Spring: The Welsh valleys and hills are awash with wildflowers, especially in areas like the Brecon Beacons and the Singing Sands. Castles, parks, and Easter events offer activities to enjoy with the family.
- Summer: Visit the beaches of Wales for outdoor adventures and coastal walks. Festivals and local markets are in full swing.
- Autumn: Enjoy the golden hues of autumn in places like the Wye Valley and the Elan Valley, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and photography.
Adventure Activities
- Surfing at Porthcawl or Whitesands Bay offers world-class waves.
- Coasteering along Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastline is an adventurous must-try.
- Mountain biking trails at Coed y Brenin or Afan Forest Park cater to all skill levels.