Never visited Wales before? This country offers something for every type of traveller from outdoor adventures to rich history to unique national dishes. Below are just a few wondrous reasons to add Wales to your travel bucket list.
Impressive castles
Wales has one of the highest concentrations of medieval castles in the world – over 600 of them! While most of them are ruins, at least 100 of them are fairly complete. Some of the most famous castles include Cardiff, Pembroke, Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech.
Stunning mountains
There are many stunning mountains across Wales that you can climb. The tallest is Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park – consider staying at the Royal Victoria Hotel at the base from where you can choose from a range of mountain paths or take a steam train to the peak. The Brecon Beacons in Wales is meanwhile home to Pen Y Fan, which has some of the most jaw-dropping views of any mountain in the UK.
Breathtaking coastal walks
The rugged coastline of Wales also features some breathtaking coastal walks sporting dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, ancient monuments and an array of wildlife. There’s an 870 mile trail that goes around the entire coastline – probably not something you want to do in one trip, but there are plenty of beautiful sections to choose from.
Unique cuisine
Welsh cuisine is not to be overlooked. You’ll find many restaurants and gastropubs across the country where you can try authentic mouthwatering hearty dishes like cawl, Welsh rarebit, Conwy mussels and Glamorgan sausage. Leeks and lamb are the two ingredients Wales is most renowned for. Make sure to also try some local ale and cheeses (there are many to choose from).
Scenic steam railways
There are twelve scenic steam railways throughout Wales. This includes the Snowdon Mountain Railway, The Welsh Highland Railway (the longest heritage railway in the UK) and the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth. Make sure to book a ride in advance as these steam train journeys can be popular and there are limited tickets during peak times.
Quaint villages
If you’re looking for picture-postcard villages, the Welsh valleys have many of them. There’s Beddgelert in Snowdonia with its stone cottages and picturesque river. There’s also the sleepy seaside village of Llangrannog, which is nestled in a cove. There’s also Portmeirion, which is renowned for its brightly coloured Italian-inspired architecture. Plan to stop in one of these villages for a pint or grab some afternoon tea in a quiet tearoom.
Thrilling adventure sports
If you’re a thrillseeker, Wales is also arguably the outdoor adventure capital of the UK. Its lakes and rivers are popular for kayaking and canoeing, and there’s also the opportunity of white water rafting. In more mountainous areas, sports like rock-climbing and abseiling are worth trying, plus these are several famous mountain bike trails. Many parts of the coast are popular surfing destinations due to their fantastic waves. The longest and fastest zipline in the world is also located in Wales at Penrhyn Quarry. You can also go caving in many of the country’s underground cave systems.
