wales what visit

Top 13 things to add to your Wales trip itinerary

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Wales has several internationally recognized places to stargaze © Matt Gibson / Shutterstock

For such a small country, Wales sure packs in a lot of adventure. Wherever you end up, let the landscape lead the way – whether that means climbing mountains, hiking along the castle-strewn coastline or venturing into underground caverns.

Get trip planning with our roundup of the best things to do in Wales .

Visit a castle

Wales has more castles per square mile than any other European country. Top picks include Unesco-listed Harlech Castle , which overlooks Cardigan Bay from its hilltop perch; fairytale-worthy, forest-shrouded Castell Coch , with its distinctive conical roofs; and Powis Castle , renowned for its elegant gardens.

Summit a mountain

If you haven’t schlepped up a Welsh mountain or two, some would argue you haven’t really been to Wales. The landscape here is as rugged and ridged as a dragon’s back, but even the highest peaks are surprisingly family-friendly, and kids will love searching for mythical dragon lairs, sleeping giants and bottomless haunted lakes. Mt. Snowdon (the country’s tallest at 3560ft) and Pen y Fan are spectacular hikes but can get incredibly busy. Avoid the crowds by heading to the remote Cambrian Mountains. Summiting Pen Pumlumon Fawr (2467ft) is made all the sweeter when you have the place all to yourself.

Head underground

Mining and the industrial revolution transformed the economy and landscape of Wales and are a quintessential part of the country’s heritage. Don a hard hat and descend 300ft below ground at the Unesco-listed Big Pit in Blaenavon to get a taste of what it was like to work there or opt for a less historically accurate experience at Zip World , where you can scramble along via ferrata or bounce on trampolines within the old Llechwedd Slate Caverns.

Eat Welsh food

By all means, try the Welsh classics – such as leek-filled Glamorgan sausages, Welsh cakes and bara brith – but save room for top-notch street food, vegan bakes and an ever-expanding selection of artisanal cheese ( Caws Cenarth makes a superb blue). For a fantastic introduction to Wales’s leading food producers and chefs (among others from around the UK) come in September for Abergavenny Food Festival . Foraging is on the rise too – join a coastal foraging course , scour the hedgerows for tasty weeds on a mindful walk with Wild Pickings , or bottle your own botanical gin with Brecon Beacons Foraging .

Hike the Wales Coast Path

Wales was the first country in the world to launch a trail that covered its entire coastline – and what a trail it is. Spanning 870 miles (1400km), the Wales Coast Path meanders over craggy cliff tops and windswept headlands and is dotted with pristine beaches, seaside towns and ancient castles. Pick a section – Llŷn Peninsula , Anglesey or the Gower are all good places to start – pull on your boots and get walking.

Tour a distillery

Welsh spirits are having a moment. In 2021, gin distillery Aber Falls launched its first whisky and plans to seek Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for the locally made tipple, while Penderyn Distillery opened its second location in Llandudno . Book a distillery tour, try a glass or three at any decent country pub, or make your very own bottle of gin at Hensol Castle in South Wales.

Watch a rugby match with the locals

For many people in Wales, rugby is more than a sport – it’s an expression of Welsh identity. It doesn’t get much better than watching a Six Nations game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium – which is smack bang in the city center – but even if you can’t get tickets, match day in the capital is an experience in itself.

Go glamping

If the mere suggestion of going camping in Wales makes you think of tramping through wet and miserable weather, don’t panic. The spectrum of Welsh accommodations with a back-to-nature feel has expanded rapidly in recent years, meaning you don’t need to wrestle with a tent pole in the rain unless you want to. Bed down in a geodesic dome complete with onsen-inspired outdoor tub and log burner at Fforest Farm near Cardigan, stay cozy in one of The Secret Yurts with private hot tubs near Welshpool or lounge in a luxury safari tent at NightSky Glamping in Abersoch.

Spend the day at the beach

Wales has 45 Blue Flag (ie exceptionally clean and safe) beaches, as well as countless hidden coves and secluded bays. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – the UK’s only dedicated coastal national park – has the lion’s share, and Barafundle Bay , Broadhaven South and Whitesands Bay are all absolute stunners. Wherever you go along the coast, you won’t be far from swimmable, surfable and walker-friendly shores.

Ride the Ffestiniog Railway

Sure, it’s a little twee and touristy, but if you’re a lover of steam trains or slow, scenic travel, a journey along the Ffestiniog Railway is a delight. Established in 1836 to transport slate between the quarry and port, it’s now a heritage attraction – and the world’s oldest surviving narrow-gauge railway. You’ll trundle between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog – both part of the newly minted Unesco-listed slate landscapes of North Wales – past rushing rivers, forested hills and soaring peaks. Splash out on a 1st-class observation carriage for the best views.

Experience an eisteddfod

The ultimate celebration of Welsh culture, the National Eisteddfod of Wales is an annual event that sees musicians, poets, dancers, actors and creatives from across Wales come together to perform, compete and share their talents with the nation. The event is conducted through the medium of Welsh, but Welsh learners and non-Welsh speakers are welcome to attend (time to start that Welsh Duolingo course !). There’s also a youth-specific festival held earlier in the year.

Watch wildlife in its natural habitat

Wales’s bounty of unspoiled landscapes provides sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife, especially birds. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites in Mid-Wales (these birds of prey have been brought back from the brink of extinction); spot guillemots and razorbills at Southstack Cliffs RSPB Reserve ; or take a boat to Skomer Island, a haven for Manx shearwaters and a colony of breeding puffins between April and August. Porpoises, dolphins and seals can also be spotted year round off the west coast.

Go stargazing

Wales’s rural landscapes offer some of the best stargazing in the UK. Both Brecon Beacons National Park and Snowdonia National Park are designated International Dark Sky Reserves, and privately owned Elan Valley Estate is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning light pollution is at its lowest here. The UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership also lists many other spots where you’re likely to get stellar views, including the beautiful beaches of Broad Haven South and Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire.

You might also like: Best things to do in winter in Wales Introducing Wales’s epic national parks Top 10 Instagram hotspots in Wales

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The 14 best places to visit in Wales

Cymru, the capital of castles, the Land of Song. Whatever name you know it by, here's where to go to see Wales at its most magnificent.

There can be no such thing as too much appreciation when it comes to Wales. This small but mighty country has spectacular landscapes, a fascinating history and an all-round warm and welcoming spirit that makes it hard not to love. 

And you can encounter its wonderful Celtic magic in so many places. The beach options are endless, the foodie scene is thriving, the castles house centuries of stories  and the peaks are breathtaking. From Cardiff in the south and Snowdonia in the north to the coastal towns of the west, here are the very best places you have to visit in Wales. 

RECOMMENDED:  🍴 The best restaurants in Cardiff 👀 The best things to do in Cardiff 🌤️ The very best  things to do in the UK

This article was recently updated by  Amy Houghton , a writer from the Brecon Beacons. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

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Where to go in Wales

1.  Pembrokeshire

Of course, Pembrokeshire is a collection of places, but this spread of gorgeous coastal villages and unbeatable walks deserves all the attention it gets. The beaches of this western county win awards regularly, while its fishing villages may just be enough for the first-time visitor to consider the merits of such a life. Explore the UK's smallest city, St Davids, visit the serene little settlement of  Dale  or take an invigorating trek along the coastline. Pembrokeshire is one of the best destinations in the UK, let alone Wales.

2.  Brecon Beacons

Pen Y Fan (South Wales’s highest mountain) is the centrepiece of the Brecon Beacons, a gorgeous expanse of nature that serves as another great example of this nation’s natural beauty. Some of the walks in and around the Beacons are incredible, while the lakes, cirques and waterfalls showcase the variety that makes this part of the world so very special. Keep your eyes open for dinosaurs – this was the filming location for Jurassic World 2 and there's an award-winning dino park at Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves. 

3.  Gower Peninsula

Way back in 1956, the Gower Peninsula became the first region of the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. That alone makes it a must-visit corner of this gorgeous country, but the Gower has plenty of brains to back up its award-winning beauty. Swansea is a centre for culture and literary innovation, while the adventurous should seek out Paviland cave (between Port Eynon and Rhossili, for the record) to discover the final resting place of the Red Lady of Paviland. Still, it all comes back to nature, and it doesn’t get much better than this.

4.  Cardiff

Cardiff has only been the capital of Wales since 1955, but the largest city in the country was hugely influential long before official recognition came its way. One of the greatest sporting cities in the UK, it is also a hotbed of culinary innovation and cultural excitement, with a raucous nightlife and gorgeous parks to boot. The Cardiff Bay area is one of Europe’s finest water developments, while the range of architectural styles across the city is almost tailor-made for celebrating across social media.

5.  Snowdonia National Park

Climbing to the top of a country is a real bucket-list achievement.  Snowdonia National Park  is one of the most popular areas in Wales, and rightly so, with the mighty Snowdon peak (1,085m into the air) standing tall above rivers, lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see. Scaling the peak and heading back down takes between five and seven hours, although the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway will get you to the top in just over an hour.

6.  Conwy

It is difficult to argue against Conwy, perhaps the country’s prettiest town. The double-whammy of the toll bridge and the town’s famous castle cause jaws to drop right out of the gate, while the abundance of cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops in the idyllic centre are among the region’s best. Conwy is also home to the smallest house in the UK, a bright red cutie that manages to be tiny and impossible to miss all at once.

7.  Aberystwyth

Famous for its heady student population and annual murmurations (of starlings that is, not the students), Aberystwyth is arguably the most popular spot on the west coast. Known as the cultural capital of Wales, the town manages to be instantly recognisable as ‘Aber’ from north to south, which is impressive when you consider the abundance of towns with that classic Welsh suffix. Aberystwyth Castle is another to add to the list, while the students ensure this is one of the best nights out in Wales.

8.  Abergavenny

  Abergavenny  might well be Wales's foodie capital. The borders town hosts a tremendous food festival every autumn while serving delicious dishes all year round, accentuating a stunningly quaint town centre full of cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants. The town’s castle and museum are unique among the best on the nation’s roster, with a story of treason and violence that contradicts its current peaceful atmosphere. Not far away you've got the small town of Crickhowell, which welcomes thousands of music fans to the beloved Green Man Festival each summer. 

9.  Anglesey

Head up here for the longest train station name in the world, more adventure than you can shake your fist at and a conveyer belt of natural beauty that is as good as anything found in the south. Anglesey is a little bit different and that’s how it should be, something that is as apparent in Menai Bridge as it is in Cemaes Bay. Beaumaris Castle may well be the highlight, although night paddleboarding, rib-riding and the rest of the adrenaline-centric activities come close.

10.  Porthmadog

Fan of aesthetically pleasing ports that are major hubs for narrow gauge railways? Sure, that’s a niche collection of interests, but Porthmadog is one of those places built for adoration. Porthmadog’s maritime history is its major pull, but the town also serves as a tremendous base for exploring the region, whether that means Snowdonia National Park or fairytale-like  Portmeirion .

11.  Llŷn Peninsula

Wales is at its best when the air is still, and it doesn’t come more tranquil than the Llŷn Peninsula. The most isolated paradise in Wales still marches to the beat of its own serene drum, an area of outstanding natural beauty that has the paperwork to back that up. This is just about as unspoilt as Wales gets, with cliff-top walks and island views to die for. The Llŷn Peninsula is all forts, extinct volcanoes and the rest. Want Wales all to yourself? Head here.

12.  Cardigan

One of Time Out’s best places to visit in 2023, this market town was the birthplace of the Eisteddfod – a cultural stalwart of the Welsh calendar. Beyond that, Cardigan has a bustling creative community and so, so many delicious food spots. For a hearty brunch check out Crwst Bakery’s venue on Priory Street and for dinner overlooking the River Teifi, head to Pizzatipi. The gorgeous beach at Poppit Sands is a short drive away and a few miles further north you'll find Mwnt Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! 

13.  Hay-on-Wye

Thought Timbuktu wasn’t a real place? Well, it is. And Hay-on-Wye is its UK twin. This small Wye Valley town proudly proclaims to be the world’s first ever book town and is famed for its annual book festival that has attracted the likes of Hillary Clinton, Dua Lipa and Stormzy. With over 30 bookstores, this is a bibliophobes mecca. If you had to go to just one, make it Richard Booth's – an emporium of new and used books spread over three glorious floors.  

14.  Machynlleth

This Powys settlement tends to fly under the radar when it comes to roundups of Wales’s best bits. But mark our words, there’s a wealth of cultural innovation happening in Machynlleth. It hosts an annual festival dubbed the comedy world’s best kept secret, where well-known comedians try out their rawest material. And if you’ve got some money to throw around, feast on the 30-course menu at Ynyshir, Wales’s first ever two-Michelin star venue. Don’t miss the modern art museum and the wildlife thriving in the surrounding Dyfir Biosphere.

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Visiting Wales

Our inspiring landscapes are the perfect backdrop for epic trips. We've hundreds of castles and ancient ruins, endless rolling hills and valleys, snow-capped mountains, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and internationally-recognised Dark Skies to offer. Discover Wales, your way.

Epic surroundings

Discover award winning pubs, spectacular roads and plenty of space for adventure.

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Wales now boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s an intro to all four, with details about why each is so important to the history of Wales, and the wider world.

An introduction to the Wales Coast Path

Celebrating the Wales Coast Path

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With three protected International Dark Sky Places within its borders, Wales is now one of the top destinations in the world for stargazing.

Castle country

Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

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Take me there

You can get to Wales by train, plane, car or even by boat.

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Top 10 places to visit in Wales (Best things to see & do)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 2, 2023

A visitor to the UK simply won’t be able to get a complete picture of what makes Britain so special without spending at least a little time exploring Wales.

That rugged and wild country on Britain’s southwestern side, Wales is known for its dramatic landscape, mountainous national parks, sandy beaches, rolling hills and gorgeous coastlines.

In addition to its geographical blessings, Wales has a remarkably unique history, language and culture that has fascinated tourists for generations. You also won’t find friendlier and more hospitable people than the Welsh — they’ll welcome you to their country with open arms and a quick smile.

If you fancy the great outdoors, you won’t do much better than Wales. There are many national parks with miles of hiking and walking trails that are suitable for any skill level or ability. Whether you enjoy climbing a craggy mountain, padding across the gleaming sand or skipping over the cliff tops, there is a trek for you in Wales.

There are also an abundance of charming villages and towns that look as though they’ve come to life right from the pages of a storybook. Think stone cottages nestled near winding rivers, surrounded by the green rolling countryside. You could lose yourself wandering from village to village, taking in all of the beauty and culture.

For history lovers , Wales has 641 castles — more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. If city life is more your speed, then take a trip to Cardiff. It has a castle too and an innovative art scene, world-class dining and a boisterous nightlife. You can even stay in a castle in Wales if that is on your bucket list!

With so many things to see in Wales it can be overwhelming planning an itinerary.

To help you to plan and remove the overwhelm we have chosen the very best Welsh sights, attractions, and places in this guide to the top 10 things to see and do when you visit Wales.

Looking for a place to stay in North Wales? Check out our North Wales location and accommodation guide which has special stays in North Wales for all budgets including hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and more.

CONWY CASTLE

Caernarfon/carnarvon castle, snowdonia national park, railway station – llanfair…gogogoch, ffestiniog and welsh highlands railway, portmeirion, pembrokeshire coast national park, fast facts – wales, planning your trip to wales, top 10 places to visit in wales.

If medieval castles and English history are your passion, then a trip to Llandudno to see Conwy Castle is most certainly in order. It’s in North Wales , just west of the Isle of Anglesey and only a 3 ½ hour train ride from London.

The castle was built in the late 1200s by Edward I as an attempt to contain the Welsh people. Today it remains one of the most imposing and impressive castles in Wales. It sits atop a bed of solid rock, almost appearing to rise out of the earth toward the sky. Though the roof has long since crumbled, the walls still stand and visitors can wander through the largely intact castle interior.

Don’t miss exploring the eight towers, the great hall and the royal chambers. Be mindful, if the weather is damp, the steps leading to the towers can be a bit slippery. The climb is well worth it, however, as the views of the estuary of the River Conwy are breathtaking.

Conwy Castle is an understandably popular site, so it is best to purchase your tickets well in advance to make certain you won’t be disappointed when you arrive.

Click to purchase tickets for Conwy Castle

Although Cardiff has only been the official capital of Wales since 1955, it is a city that has truly come into its own. Don’t let its size fool you — Cardiff may only be the 11th largest city in Britain but it is a bustling urban centre known for its history, sports and vibrant cultural scene.

Cardiff began life thousands of years ago as a Roman fort on the banks of the River Taff. During the industrial revolution, Cardiff came to life and eventually became the biggest exporter of coal in the world.

Today, the city has some of the most exciting modern architecture in Britain including the Millennium Centre and the epic engineering feat that is the Cardiff Bay Barrage. There is always something going on in Cardiff — check online to see what festivals, sporting events or concerts may be happening during your visit.

For history buffs, Cardiff Castle is right in the city’s centre, and the Natural History Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Wales. When you’re finished learning, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s pop-up restaurants or take a detour into a pub.

If you want something a little wilder, there are plenty of places to let your hair down — Cardiff is known for its nightlife. Only two hours from London , it’s well worth the trip.

Read more | 15 Things to do in Cardiff

If you’re looking for a royal fortress straight from the Middle Ages, you need to visit Caernarfon Castle , on the banks of the River Seiont. Considering its grand scale and architectural drama, it might very well be the most intimidating structure in Wales.

King Edward I was not messing around when he hired master military architect James of St. George to build the castle, the walled town and the quay. The project took a whopping 47 years to complete and they did a great job — it’s still standing today, after all.

When you visit, make sure to explore the Eagle Tower at the western end of the castle. It’s the grandest of all the castle’s towers, has three turrets and boasts walls 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 can walk along the battlements, explore countless winding staircases, many of which lead to stunning views of the countryside beyond. Take note that many of the walkways are uneven, so it’s best to wear proper shoes.

Read more – Best castle stays in Wales

You could spend days exploring all that Snowdonia National Park has to offer. It has 823 square miles, including some of the most beautiful places in Wales.

If you’re dying to impress the folks back home, tell them that you climbed the tallest mountain in Wales — Mount Snowdon . At only 3,560 feet, it generally takes less than three hours to reach the top. There are six paths up, each with varying levels of difficultly.

One of the more accessible routes is the Llanberis Path — it’s a little longer but has a more gradual climb. If you aren’t quite ready to tackle a whole mountain, try the Cwm Idwal, a circular walk around some of the most stunning scenery in the park. Before you go, it’s best to check the park’s website for a comprehensive list of the walks, including detailed maps and difficulty levels.

Ready to get off your feet? Snowdonia National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty and has several scenic villages. Beddgelert is one of the loveliest villages in Wales and is a perfect place to take a break, find a cosy pub and curl up with a pint.

Read more | Snowdonia National Park | Velocity 2 zip wire | Snowdonia Mountain Railway

Back in the 1880s, a sleepy little town on the Isle of Anglesey decided it needed to do something radical to attract more tourists. A local tailor suggested they expand their already tricky name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and perhaps create a sensation for visitors charmed by the idiosyncrasies of the Welsh language.

The town listened and today its name boasts a dizzying 17 syllables and 58 letters. Just as the tailor had hoped, tourists now come from all over the world just to get a peek of that astonishingly long sign at the local railway station.

It’s truly one of the most popular Welsh tourist attractions , so what visit would be complete without snapping a selfie in front of that sign?

While you’re there, stop in the tourism office and buy a t-shirt to show your friends back home that you really were there. If you want to be hardcore about it, you could even learn how to pronounce it.

One of the best ways to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Wales is by rail. There are two fantastic options. The first is the nearly 200-year-old Ffestiniog Railway — the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway. Climb aboard and travel just like a Victorian tourist.

The journey begins at the harbour in Porthmadog and travels nearly 14 miles through Snowdonia National Park until it reaches Blaenau Ffestiniog. During the trip, the train ascends into the mountains, reaching over 700 feet above sea level while hugging the mountainside.

All onboard are treated to magnificent views overlooking lush green pastures, ancient forests, towering waterfalls and serene lakes.

The second option is the Welsh Highlands Railway — the longest heritage railway in the UK. Along with its regular passenger cars, it offers some of the most luxurious accommodations of any heritage railway. Hungry? They’ll deliver made-to-order food right to your seat.

The train itself travels 25 miles through the county of Gwynedd, going from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Along the way, you’ll skim the bottom of Mount Snowdon as you pass through the fairytale-like village of Beddgelert.

Have those cameras ready because it’s one of the most picturesque places to go in Wales.

Read more | Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you managed to secure one of the most scenic spots on the Welsh coast and, after dreaming about it your whole life, decided to build your very own idyllic village? That’s exactly what Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis did in 1925 when he set out to create Portmeirion.

Located next to the Dwyryd Estuary on the coast of Wales, he used fragments from old buildings and a tongue and cheek sensibility in creating his fantasy village. It took decades to finish his vision and create one of the most amazing Wales attractions.

Today, people come from all over the world to visit this make-believe haven that feels like an Italian village perched over the Mediterranean. Stroll along the paths through the well-tended gardens with gazebos and ponds. There are also hotels, restaurants, shops and a spa.

The most important thing to do while you’re there is to take in the charming ambience and enjoy the stunning views.

Read more | Portmeirion

One of the most interesting places to visit in Wales is the Isle of Anglesey, the largest Welsh island that lies just off of the northwestern coast. It’s 276 square miles and is separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait.

One of the most amazing sights in Anglesey is the Menai Suspension Bridge. Built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, it was the world’s first modern suspension bridge. Seeing it today is just as impressive as it must have been back then.

Exploring the island itself is a treat, especially for those who love history. The medieval Beaumaris Castle is on Anglesey as well as over 120 ancient monuments and archaeological sites.

Bird watchers take note. The island is home to multiple habitats — estuaries, wetlands, sea cliffs and rock-covered shores — so the variety of birds makes this one of the best places in all of Britain to bird watch.

Read more | Visiting Anglesey

No visit to Wales is complete without a trip to Llandudno, the Queen of the Welsh Resorts. This quaint coastal town in the north of Wales is celebrated for its charming pastel-coloured Victorian architecture as well as its lovely scenery and popular beach.

During the summer, you can windsurf and parasail or just relax and soak up some rays. North Shore Beach, also known as Llandudno Beach , is considered to be one of the best beaches in Wales not only for its beauty but because of its picturesque pier and promenade. There’s a playground and games arcade along with concession stands and cafes.

Other activities in the area include taking a ride on the Great Orme tramway, one of the oldest tramways in the world, dating back to the early 1900s. On the tram, you’ll pass through Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve and the views are simply unforgettable.

Read more | North Wales Travel Guide

One of the best places to visit in Wales is Britain’s only coastal national park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This gem has everything from beaches to windswept cliffs.

During the spring, get ready to snap some pictures because the meadows are covered with gloriously coloured bluebells, harebells and cowslips.

If a vigorous walk is what you’re after, grab your hiking poles and head to the Wales Coast Path. It’s an 870-mile-long public footpath that follows the entire coastline and offers dramatic vistas of the Celtic and Irish sea along with the beaches below. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, but don’t worry, you don’t have to walk the whole thing.

Just go to the park’s website and pick a doable walk, as there is something for every fitness level and desire. If you’d like to get wet, kayaking and surfing are popular activities at Pembrokeshire Coast as well.

Read more | Pembrokeshire

WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit Wales include Resistance by Owen Sheers, Tea in the Heather by Kate Roberts and the Works of Dylan Thomas

WHAT TO WATCH – Best movies to watch before you visit Wales include The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain , How Green Was My Valley , and Submarine.

WHAT TO DO : Click here for recommended tours of Wales

WHERE TO STAY : Click here to find the best accommodation in Wales

WHAT TO EAT – Welsh cakes, laverbread, Bara Brith

WHERE TO EAT – There are a number of restaurants in Ewales with Michelin stars including Ynyshir , Eglwys Fach (Snowdonia) which was named the top restaurant in Wales in 2019.

PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Cardiff Central and Swansea.

WHAT TO PACK: It can be very wet all year round in Wales (find out more about visiting Wales in the different seasons ) so take waterproof clothes, shoes and an umbrella!

TIP: If you plan to drive and are hiring a car it is better to go for a compact model – the roads can be narrow and parking spaces are tight. Also, plan plenty of time to get to destinations – they may look close on a map but narrow, windy and busy roads can add to journey time!

If you love stunning views and being out in nature, you won’t go wrong no matter where you go in Wales.

As the weather changes frequently, bring plenty of layers and some rain gear to be prepared for any eventuality. No matter what you choose to do, have a wonderful visit to Wales.

Looking for accommodation during your stay in Wales? My Wales accommodation guide has options for all budgets and for those of you who would like to spend the night in a castle there are 8 perfect castle stays in this post!

Learn more in my Wales Travel Planning Guide!

Wales bucket list: 40 amazing things to see & do in Wales

• David Angel
• Wales , United Kingdom

About the author: David Angel , is a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian with 30+ years of experience, and previously Art Director for Visit Wales. His work is regularly featured in the BBC, the Guardian, and Condé Nast Traveler. He is fluent in English and Welsh.

So what should be on your Wales bucket list?

This small country, part of the UK and next-door neighbour to England, has a huge range of places packed into it. And we’ve narrowed it down to a top 40 best places to visit in Wales. For now.

We think many of the best things to see in Wales are around its magnificent coastline. Many of its beaches are outstanding, from the lively two beaches at New Quay to the vast expanses of sand at Rhossili and Harlech. And then there is the picture perfect seaside resort of Tenby.

Many of the best things to do in Wales also revolve around its rich heritage, with a concentration of castles unequalled anywhere else in the world.

As a born-and-bred Welshman, I’ve been privileged to have seen all of these places in Wales many times over. And this list is full of great pointers for planning your trip to Wales.

So read on for our Welsh bucket list.

Table of Contents

Wales Bucket List – 40 Best Things To Do in Wales

1. rhossili beach .

Rhossili bea ch is one of the  best beaches on the Gower peninsula , or indeed Wales. It has repeatedly been voted one of the best in the UK, Europe and indeed the world. It has also been voted one of the top ten sunset spots on the planet for good measure. 

This gorgeous three-mile (5 km) sweep of golden sand sits at the western end of Gower, the peninsula to the west of the city of Swansea. 

It’s also at the end of the Port Eynon to Rhossili walk, one of the most exhilarating coastal walks in the UK.  Also look out for Worm’s Head, the long tidal island just offshore.  

2. Conwy Castle and Town Walls  

Four North Wales castles comprise Wales’ first UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of these,  Conwy , is also one of the most beautiful towns in Wales. 

Conwy Castle is formidable, an eight-towered masterpiece standing mighty above the river of the same name. The adjoining walls encircle the medieval town around it, and the walk around either gives spectacular views over the town and nearby estuary.

You can also find one of the best late medieval townhouses in Britain on the High Street, at the magnificent Plas Mawr. 

3. Betws-y-Coed   

Betws-y-Coed  is a lovely old village surrounded by forests and one of the main gateways to the Snowdonia National Park.

It started out as home to an artists’ colony, inspired by the lovely sylvan scenery. Betws has its own local beauty spots, such as Swallow Falls and Fairy Glen, the later a narrow ravine through which the river Conwy flows. 

Betws itself is a charming mix of beautiful old stone guest houses, twee Welsh tea rooms and souvenir shops, and some of the best outdoor gear shops in Wales. It is the most popular village to stay in North Wales .

It’s around ten miles from there to Snowdon and the other main peaks of Snowdonia. While living in Australia for a few years, this was the place in Wales that I missed the most. 

4. Tryfan  

Tryfan is only a few miles from Snowdon by crow’s flight but deserves its own place in a Welsh bucket list because it’s the toughest mountain in Wales to climb. It’s also one of the best landscapes in Wales

It’s a steep, in places almost vertical mass of rock rearing up out of the dramatic Ogwen Valley, and can only be conquered with a good deal of scrambling on all fours. 

The summit is home to the legendary Adam and Eve, a pair of rocks a few feet apart. Some intrepid – or possibly insane – climbers leap from one to the other as a kind of rite of passage. I’ve seen the view down, and it’s a very long way to the bottom! 

5. Snowdon  

Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales and England. Snowdon is one of the best known natural landmarks in Wales.

It’s 1,085 metres above sea level, and unsurprisingly one of the busiest mountain summits in Britain. A café and information centre, Hafod Eryri (‘Snowdonia Summer House’) is open from April to October.  

There are several paths up Snowdon, from the long, easy Llanberis Path to the hardcore arete of the Snowdon Horsehoe, which takes in several other summits.

Try to time your visit for a day when it sheds its cloudy shroud. You could be rewarded with vistas extending to Mid Wales, the Isle of Man to the north and Ireland to the west. 

6. St David’s Cathedral  

You have to travel to the westernmost point in Wales to see its finest church.

St David’s Cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Wales, who founded a church on the site in the 6 th  century AD. Because of this great church, this small village was restored to the status of a city in 1994. It’s the smallest city in Britain by population, with around 2,000 inhabitants. 

The Cathedral itself is a mixture of architectural styles, with Romanesque and Gothic elements and a handsome later wooden roof in the nave. Don’t miss the view from the choir to the central tower, with its amazing stone vault.

The city also has some of the best coastal walking in Europe on its doorstep. Take the Caerfai to Whitesands walk to see some of the best scenery.  

7. Tenby   

The seaside doesn’t get much better than Tenby , an exquisite little town on the south Pembrokeshire coast. It’s one of the most picture-perfect places I’ve ever seen. 

Tenby is blessed with three beaches (North, Castle and South), and a street of pastel-painted Georgian houses clustered around its gorgeous harbour. It’s also a great base to explore the rest of Pembrokeshire. It shouldn’t just be on your big Welsh bucket list. It should be in your top five too.  It’s harbour is one of the best landmarks in Wales.

8 . Sandtop Bay, Caldey Island  

Caldey Island is one of the most popular day trips from Tenby.

The island is just a twenty-minute boat ride away, but it’s like going a long way back in time, to somewhere the pace of life is a whole lot slower. 

The island is best known for its Cistercian monastery, but its coastline is just as compelling a draw. Several paths around the island have been opened in the last few years. One of these takes you to Sandtop Bay, one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, even Wales and the UK. 

9. Llanddwyn Island  

Nothing can quite prepare you for  Llanddwyn Island , a tidal isle off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales. 

You have to drive through a pine forest and walk half an hour across splendid Newborough beach to reach it, but what a place. 

I’d put this place in my top five places in Wales to visit. It’s a breathtaking location, with views along the incredible beach to Snowdonia in one direction, and the jagged peaks of the Llyn Peninsula in the other. The walk to the end of the island is rewarded by the sight of two beaches and two lighthouses, all with the outstanding backdrop. The island is named after St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, who lived there around the 5 th  century AD.  

10. Bwa Gwyn and Rhoscolyn Coast walk   

The  Anglesey coast  has more to it than long sandy beaches.

It also has several dramatic cliff sections, and one of the best of these is around the tiny village of Rhoscolyn, on Holy Island, a few minutes from the port of Holyhead. 

Here, the beaches suddenly give way to stunning cliffs and rock formations. The best of these is Bwa Gwyn, a bright, gleaming white rock arch jutting out into the sea. 

11. Parys Mountain  

Wales has one industrial UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south (Blaenavon) and another in the offing in the north (its slate industry).

But the most visually striking remnants of its industrial past are tucked away in the far north of the country, near the north Anglesey coast 

Parys Mountain was once the world’s largest copper mine.

It’s an amazing sight, the excavated earth streaked with multicoloured hues of gold, copper and reds. It looks like something from another planet, perhaps the nearest any of us will ever get to Mars! 

12. Harlech Castle  

Harlech Castle, like Conwy, is another of English King Edward I’s Iron Ring of castles that subjugated the Welsh.

It’s one of the most evocative castles in Wales, atop what was once a sea cliff, and is now a crag almost a mile inland. 

It looks its best from the small park near the end of the high street. On a clear day, the whole Snowdonia range makes for a tremendous backdrop, and the coast is pretty spectacular too. It also sits near the top of Ffordd Pen Llech, now officially the steepest street in the world. 

13. Menai Bridge  

Two bridges currently link Anglesey and the mainland – the modern Britannia road and rail bridge, and its predecessor, built by Thomas Telford in the early 19 th  century.

It’s a stunning suspension bridge, nestling beautifully into the dramatic landscape. It still carries the A5 road linking Bangor with the town of Menai Bridge. 

The Menai Strait is the body of water separating mainland north Wales from the Isle of Anglesey. It’s a wonderfully scenic stretch of water, with the mountains of Snowdonia dominating the view.  

See Also: The Most Beautiful Bridges In Europe

14. Cardiff  

The capital of Wales simply had to be on our Welsh bucket list.

Like all capitals, it’s quite different to the rest of its country, and it’s the most cosmopolitan, vibrant city in Wales by a long way.  

There are so many things to do in Cardiff that it’s probably best if we just list the highlights. There’s Cardiff Castle, the adjacent Bute Park, the redeveloped Cardiff Bay, the lovely Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, Roath Park, the Middle Eastern restaurants along City Road, the second-best collection of Impressionist paintings in the UK, and in St Fagans, one of the best historic museums in Europe.    

See Also: 20 Famous Landmarks In Cardiff To Discover

15. Cwmorthin  

The next UK location to be put forward for World Heritage status is a collection of Welsh slate industry sites around North and Mid Wales.

The overall list comprises many different sites, and some of them are among the most dramatic man-made landscapes anywhere in the world.  One of them is at secluded Cwmorthin, hidden away in a valley close to the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. 

Blaenau itself is an eye-opener, with vast heaps of slate spoil looming high above the streets of the town. 

Cwmorthin is a quieter proposition, the ruins of a slate quarry, chapel and miners’ cottages sitting above a mountain lake. The valley, once thriving with industry, now lies eerily silent. It’s so quiet that the last time I was there I could hear the swoosh of  small bird flying a hundred metres away from me across the lake.

The ruins of Rhosydd quarry, even further up into the mountains, are equally impressive.  

16. Castell Coch   

The growth of industry in Wales in the 19 th  century meant that a select few people became extremely rich.

Once they attained a certain stratospheric level of wealth they would indulge in fantasies like Castell Coch, a fairytale castle overlooking the main Cardiff to North Wales road on the outskirts of the capital.  It’s one of the best castles to visit in South Wales.

Castell Coch was built by William Burges for his patron, the Third Marquess of Bute, who made his fortune from coal. He also commissioned the building of much of nearby Cardiff Castle in the 19 th  century.

The exterior is like a miniature version of the cite in  Carcassonne  in France, with its Gothic Revival turrets. Inside, Castell Coch is fantasy run riot, with elaborate murals, stained glass window and vaulted ceilings. 

17. Caernarfon Castle  

The castle at Caernarfon is one of the sights that most epitomises Wales for many.

The sturdy castle sits next to a river, its solid angular towers impregnable to attack. Along with Conwy,  Beaumaris and Harlech it’s part of the Gwynedd Castles World Heritage Site. 

Caernarfon Castle is perhaps the most formidable of the four, and like Conwy, is augmented by a section of fortified town walls. It has a magnificent – not to mention strategic – setting, at the point where the river Seiont meets the sea and at the entrance to the Menai Strait and is one of the best castles to visit in North Wales. 

18. Pennant Melangell  

It’s pretty hard to conceive of anything this humble, remote church might have in common with London’s  Westminster Abbey .  But you’d be surprised.  

Pennant Melangell is named after St Melangell, the patron saint of hares, who lived and died in this blissfully isolated valley in northern Powys. It’s a beautiful small church which attracts modern pilgrims because it still contains her intact shrine.

This is the only one in the UK apart from that of Edward the Confessor in Westminster. 

See Also: 6 Amazing Pilgrimages In Wales To Discover

19. Tintern Abbey  

The romantic ruined abbey church at Tintern, in the gorgeous Wye Valley, once inspired the poet William Wordsworth.

It was one of the main stops on arguably the first tourist route in Britain, the Wye Tour, a two-day journey from Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow. 

The Gothic church looks splendid at any time of year, but looks its  best in autumn , when the Wye Valley goes golden in the fall colours.  

20. Brecon Beacons  

The Brecon Beacons National Park covers a huge swathe of rural South Wales, from Hay-on-Wye in the east to Carmarthenshire in the west.

It’s made up of four distinct areas – the Black Mountains in the east, the main Brecon Beacons range, then the remote upland Fforest Fawr to the west. This in turn merges into the Black Mountain, an area of wild open moors, with a couple of stunning mountain lakes tucked away beneath the main escarpment. 

The highest peak, Pen y Fan, is the biggest draw, and can get very busy with hikers if conditions are good.  It doesn’t take you long to get off the beaten path in the Beacons, however. Many of the routes across the National Park are quiet, even in the best weather in peak season. Also expect to find everything from castles to canals, with waterfalls galore to boot. 

21. Llanthony Priory  

Tintern Abbey has always attracted a stream of visitors, ever since the inception of modern tourism. 

Llanthony, another ruined monastery, requires a bit more seeking out, up a single-track road through one of the most remote valleys in Wales. And what a reward you get for your effort. 

 Hidden away off a country lane, behind an intact 12 th  century church, is Llanthony Priory. It also dates from the same period, and owes its ruined state to King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. A tiny hotel is built into the ruins, and a bar serves drinks from the undercroft downstairs. An incomparable place. 

22. Hay-on-Wye  

Hay-on-Wye  has, for decades, been the second-hand bookshop capital of the world.  It’s a wonderfully quirky small country town close to the English border. It’s centred around an ancient castle which is currently undergoing restoration. There are around twenty bookshops that have weathered the internet storm, and some other great niche stores besides. 

Hay sits below one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It also hosts the annual Hay Literary Festival, the biggest of its kind in the world. 

23. North Pembrokeshire Coast  

The North Pembrokeshire coast is one of the coastal connoisseurs’ favourite part of the Wales Coast Path.

It runs from the beach at Newport to the pretty village of St Dogmaels, which sits across the Teifi river from its neighbour Cardigan. 

This is hardcore coastal walking. Other than the start and finish points, there is only one road access point in around 15 miles. This is at Ceibwr Bay, halfway along near the village of Moylegrove. The cliffs along this stretch of coast path are staggering, folds of rocks contorted and buckled by millions of years facing the elements. There are so many big dipper ascents and descents along the way. It’s a tough walk, but utterly exhilarating. 

2 4. New Quay  

New Quay isn’t to be confused with Newquay on the north Cornwall coast.

The similar name and seaside location apart, it’s very different to its Cornish counterpart. 

Cei Newydd sits between Aberaeron and Aberystwyth on the Ceredigion coast. It’s a lovely sea-salty village with a postcard-perfect harbour. It also has plenty of pubs and cafes to while away the summer days, not to mention more great coastal walking. Its two beaches are great, and the harbour is the departure point for dolphin watching boat trips along the coast. 

See Also: 20 Great Things To Do In New Quay Wales

25. Barmouth and Mawddach estuary   

The Mid Wales seaside resort of  Barmouth  sits on the northern side of Cardigan Bay, with views of Snowdonia in one direction and across to the Llyn Peninsula in the other.  

It’s a funny contradiction. In summer it’s a brash mini-version of the archetypal British seaside resort, with fish and chips, tooth-busting sticks of rock and ‘kiss me quick’ hats. Yet this small town also sits next to some of the most majestic scenery in the British Isles.

The Mawddach estuary is stunning, with views across to Cadair Idris. The main beach is fantastic, and the walks up into the steep Rhinog mountains are rarely frequented but so worth discovering.  

26. Offa’s Dyke  

Offa’s Dyke is a vast earthwork built in the 8 th  century by an Anglo-Saxon king to keep the troublesome Welsh out.

Offa was king of Mercia, which roughly corresponds with the modern English Midlands and Welsh border region. 

The earthwork extends for 170 miles (270 km) from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north, through some glorious scenery either side of the border.  It’s all very quiet and bucolic nowadays, and you’ll pass several Border castles along the way. 

27. Portmeirion

Portmeirion  is a fantasy village put together by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis on a river estuary in North West Wales.

It’s a sublime spot, surrounded by landscaped gardens and forest. Some of it is built in an Italianate style, including the Campanile (belltower) and Bristol Colonnade.  

Most visit for the day but you can also stay overnight in one of two hotels or the many self-catering cottages and apartments in the village.  If you ever get the chance to stay at Portmeirion and explore it with nobody around, don’t miss it. 

28. Llangollen and the Dee Valley   

Llangollen  and the surrounding countryside is the jewel of North East Wales.

The small town sits in an idyllic spot on the frothing rapids of the River Dee, beneath the ruins of an ancient Welsh castle, Dinas Bran. The Dee has carved out one of the most striking landscapes in Wales, a lovely wooded valley surrounded by mountains. 

The town’s beds – and every square inch of floorspace – fills for the International Eisteddfod early July each year. It’s a great time to visit the town, but it’s a wonderful place to stay in any season.

Highlights include a medieval stone arched bridge, a pub with a terrace above the rapids, a ruined medieval abbey (Valle Crucis), the lovely house and gardens at Plas Newydd, not to mention the Llangollen Canal and its crowning glory, the World Heritage-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct four miles (6 km) to the east.

Well worth a few days of anyone’s time. 

29. Aberystwyth  

‘Aber’ is the cultural nexus of Mid Wales.

It’s home to a University and the National Library of Wales, and is the most cosmopolitan place in Wales after the capital, Cardiff. 

Aberystwyth is somehow something of a hidden gem though goodness knows how. It grew as a seaside resort in the 19 th  century, with two beaches, a pier, a cliff railway and a narrow-gauge railway (inland to Devils Bridge) to entice you. Not to mention a 13 th  century castle and one of the architectural wonders of Wales, the Old College building on the seafront.

It also has some of the best restaurants, pubs and hotels in Mid Wales.   

Bardsey Island   

Bardsey Island – Ynys Enlli in Welsh – is the holiest of all  Welsh islands . 

It’s situated off the tip of the Llyn Peninsula in North west Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Britain. Three visits to Bardsey were said by Pope Callixtus II to bring the equivalent spiritual benefits of a single journey to Rome. It is also known as the Isle of 20,000 Saints, who were believed to be buried there. 

Bardsey is separated from the mainland by Bardsey Sound, which is notorious for its choppiness and changeability in conditions. Little remains of the abbey founded by St Cadfan in the 6 th  century AD. It still attracts spiritual pilgrims seeking a retreat from the world. 

Bardsey is also a great place to watch wildlife, from Atlantic grey seals to migrating seabirds.   

Porth Dinllaen   

Porth Dinllaen is one our favourite villages in North Wales. In an alternative universe, it could have been the departure point for ferries to Dun Laoighaire, Dublin’s port. Fortunately, that particular privilege went to Holyhead, which left Porth Dinllaen a tiny backwater by the sea. 

This was the best thing that could possibly have happened to it. It’s a tiny hamlet of around ten houses, one of which happens to be a pub, the Ty Coch Inn (“Red House Inn”).

It’s all of five metres from the beach to the bar, and you can then sit outside and sup on one of the most satisfying pints of beer you’ll ever enjoy. The view up the coast to the three peaks of Yr Eifl (‘The Rivals’ in English) is unforgettable.  

Tre’r Ceiri  

The ‘Town of Giants’ is an Iron Age hillfort, believed to be around 2,000 years old, on a peak above the north coast of the Llyn Peninsula. 

It was built as a defensive site, and would have been a forbidding site to capture, high in the skyline of North Wales. 

The hut circles of Tre’r Ceiri are very well preserved, and they look incredibly impressive against the astounding backdrop. From the summit walls you have an unrivalled panorama of North Wales, from the patchwork fields of the Llyn to the summits of Snowdonia and the coastline of Anglesey tapering off into the distance.

The ‘car park’ on the road below only has space for around four vehicles, so it’s never busy up there. 

Cadair Idris  

The scenery all around is breathtaking, from the glacial lake of Llyn Cau on the southern approach to the sublime Mawddach estuary to the north. Two of the  most beautiful lakes in Europe , Llynnau Cregennen, also nestle in its foothills. The lovely old town of Dolgellau is the best base from which you can tackle Cadair Idris. 

It’s not the highest mountain in Wales, but Cadair Idris can claim to be the hardest slog in the country. Its proximity to the sea means that most routes start close to sea level, so it’s a five-hour hike to the summit whichever way you go. 

Llanbedrog  

The  Llyn Peninsula  of North West Wales has some astounding beaches, and Llanbedrog is one of the very best of them. 

It’s a small village halfway between the larger resorts of Abersoch and Pwllheli. It feels like a secret enclave, hidden away at the bottom of a single-track lane. There you’ll find a gorgeous swathe of sand, sheltered by a headland, making the water much calmer than neighbouring beaches. A great café, a couple of houses in the trees, a row of brightly painted beach huts and jaw-dropping views of the mountains of Snowdonia complete the idyllic scene.   

Caerphilly Castle  

Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe.

It’s surrounded by a system of lakes and a small park, an oasis in an otherwise unprepossessing small South Wales Valleys town. It’s well-known for its leaning tower, but there’s so much more to it than that. 

Caerphilly is a classic concentric castle, with three layers of walls forming a strong defensive barrier.

The visitor experience has greatly improved over the last few years. Areas that were off-limits have been opened up, and there’s also a Dragon’s Lair and a Maze for the kids. 

Partrishow Church  

A few miles from Llanthony, up improbably narrow country lanes, Partrishow church is secreted away yet still attracts visitors from all over the world. 

This tiny church, dedicated to the obscure St Issui, is a unique survivor. It possesses a very rare, intricately carved wooden rood screen, which separates the two main parts of the church.

It also has a number of wall paintings, including a gloomy memento mori. There’s also a holy well at the bottom of the hill. A beautiful place of blissful peace and quiet.   

See Also: The Most Beautiful Churches In Europe

Nash Point and Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast  

The Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast often gets overlooked by visitors heading west to Gower and Pembrokeshire. 

It’s mainly visited by locals, who are very familiar with its charms. 

These vary from the vast sand dune system at Merthyr Mawr to the part rocky, part sandy Dunraven Bay at nearby Southerndown. The photographers’ favourite is undoubtedly Nash Point, five miles (8 km) to the south. At low tide, a series of wave-cut platforms is revealed, and the stratified cliffs make for a compelling combination. 

Aberd ovey  and  the Dovey E stuary  

Aberdovey (Aberdyfi in Welsh) is a small coastal town on the Cardigan Bay coastline, at the edge of the Snowdonia National Park’s southern boundary.

The beach is fantastic, stretching around the corner of the coast and continuing north to Tywyn five miles away. 

The Dovey estuary is also pretty special. You can take the train along the northern shore to Aberdovey from Machynlleth, one of the most scenic stretches of the spectacular Cambrian Coast Line.

The southern shore is remarkable too. The dunes of Ynyslas are among the best in the country, and Borth beach, which extends south from there, reveals the remains of a petrified forest at very low tides. 

The Wales Coast Path section high above Aberdovey is also one of the most under-rated on the whole 870-mile route. 

Powis Castle  

Powis Castle  is the finest stately home in Wales, housed in a medieval red stone castle. It’s near the market town of Welshpool, which in turn is close to the English border.  It is one of the best castles to visit in Wales

The interior is as grand as any in Britain, with wonderfully ornate rooms decorated with several great historic paintings. The Gardens are also magnificent, with their unique yew hedges and terraces a joy to visit any time between spring and autumn. 

Wales Bucket List – Final Words

There are so many amazing places to visit in Wales. Narrowing a bucket list down to just 40 places has been a difficult task, as there are also so many other places to see.

Ultimately it’s all down to what you want. You might want to explore West Wales on a Pembrokeshire Road Trip . Or a Snowdonia road trip is a great way to see the stunning mountains of North Wales .

You could also base yourself in one of the seven cities in Wales and explore further. There are three National Parks and four World Heritage Sites. It’s taken me a lifetime to see it all. It is off-the-beaten-path Britain at its best.

Looking for more tips on Wales? You can find all our guides to Wales .

• Best places to visit in Wales in Autumn
• Llanddwyn Island Guide
• Best beaches in North Wales
• Anglesey beaches
• Best Gower Beaches
• Best castles in South Wales
• Things to do in Anglesey
• Charming villages to explore in North Wales

About the Author: David Angel , a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian, has over 30 years of experience exploring and photographing Wales. As former Art Director and Commissioning Editor for Visit Wales, he has explored every corner of this extraordinary country, climbed its mountains, and walked hundreds of miles along the breathtaking Welsh coastline and landscapes. He now uses a lifetime of experience to write comprehensive guides to help people like you discover and explore the best of Wales.  He is a native English speaker and fluent in Welsh.

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wales

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper traveled extensively throughout Wales in the fall of 2022 with photographer Ian Henderson exploring the best experiences, from the cities to the coast and countryside.

For such a small country, Wales has broad diversity when it comes to attractions, the outdoors, and history, with some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the United Kingdom. Some of the best places to visit are actually locations that encompass multiple experiences all in one place, like castles, beaches , villages, and notable landmarks including Thomas Telford-designed bridges.

As you plan your itinerary, it makes sense to start in one region, like North Wales near Snowdonia National Park and Anglesey, then work your way to other destinations along the Pembrokeshire Coast , south to Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast .

From railways and mining excursions to living a part of preserved history by walking the castle walls surrounding Conwy, or taking in a national rugby game, you will have no problem filling a full itinerary.

Use our list of the top tourist attractions in Wales to narrow down your options.

1. Snowdonia National Park

2. brecon beacons national park, 3. cardiff castle & national museum cardiff, 4. gower peninsula beaches, 5. devil's bridge and the hafod estate, 6. wales by rail, 7. caernarfon castle, 8. principality stadium, 9. conwy & conwy castle, 10. pembrokeshire coast national park, 11. bookstores in hay-on-wye, 12. portmeirion, 13. beddgelert & betws-y-coed, 14. national slate museum & the big pit, 15. pontcysyllte aqueduct and llangollen canal, 16. cardiff arcades, 17. anglesey, 18. tintern abbey, 19. llandudno, 20. bodnant garden, more must-see destinations in and near wales.

Think of Wales, and you'll likely think of Snowdonia (Eryri), the beautiful range of mountains and hills located in the county of Gwynedd.

Consisting of 14 majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high—the most famous being the 3,546-foot Snowdon, the summit of which is accessible by train—Snowdonia can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast. The region remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the UK, attracting some four million visitors a year.

When you're here, it's easy to see why the area has featured so heavily in local legends, including those based around King Arthur , who locals will insist was Welsh.

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in Britain, boasting more than 1,479 miles of marked trails. Climbing is also popular here, as are mountain biking and horse riding.

However you get here, the views from the summit are incredible and extend from the coast all the way to Bala Lake .

Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of Wales. This hiker's paradise is bordered by two quite different sets of Black Mountains . The first, to the west, is the source of the River Usk , while to the east is the range that's famous for its wild ponies.

Most of the mountains in this 520-square-mile park are higher than 1,000 feet — with many in excess of 2,000 feet—and are named after the red sandstone that causes them to resemble the beacons of light once used to warn of invaders.

Be sure to explore the park's many caves and waterfalls, especially Henrhyd Falls at Coelbren , which is one of the best waterfalls in Wales . Just outside the park, near Abergavenny, you can tour a coal mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum . Other popular activities and things to do in the Brecon Beacons include mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and camping.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales, UK

Perhaps the most photographic of Wales' many castles, Cardiff Castle is a must-visit and one of the top attractions in Cardiff . Boasting still-intact sections constructed more than 1,000 years ago this splendidly preserved castle can take a few hours to explore. Be sure to allow plenty of time to do so in your Cardiff sightseeing itinerary.

Highlights include the State Apartments, notable for its informative displays relating to life in the castle over the ages, as well as the attractive old chapel. Other notable features include the well-preserved Banqueting Hall with its medieval murals and elaborate fireplace. A variety of guided tour options are available, along with an informative audio guide that can be picked up from the visitor center.

If there's still time after your castle adventure, try to squeeze in a visit to the National Museum Cardiff . Undoubtedly topping the list of the best things to do for free in Cardiff, this major attraction houses impressive collections focusing on archeology, zoology, and botany, as well as the arts.

The National Museum of Art is housed in the same building. This excellent art gallery features a number of works by some of the world's most important artists, including Old Masters and Welsh painters.

Address: Castle Street, Cardiff

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

You cannot visit Wales without carving out some time to hit the coastal beaches. The Gower Peninsula has some of the best beaches in South Wales and many of the most popular in the country.

Topping your list of places to visit should be Rhossili Bay, which has an expansive coastline for swimming and kitesurfing, with a good mixture of activities and opportunities for scenic walks, especially at sunset. You can find water sports rentals, a car park, restrooms, and a restaurant close to the beach.

Another great beach to visit is Oxwich Bay , which has the added scenery of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve surrounding it. This is a nice family and dog-friendly beach because of the calm water.

Some other Gower Peninsula beaches to consider are Llangennith Beach , popular with surfers; Broughton Bay Beach , an ideal place for beachcombers; and Three Cliffs Bay , which might win the prize for the best scenic views on the south coast.

Located 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth , Devil's Bridge is actually three bridges spectacularly stacked atop each other. The oldest (and the lowest) dates from the 11th century, and the newest was built in 1901. They span the Rheidol Gorge , where the River Mynach plunges 300 feet into the valley far below.

Be sure to follow the Falls Nature Trail to the bottom. It's a bit of a climb back up—especially those steep, slippery steps of Jacob's Ladder , the segment leading to the oldest bridge—but the views are incredible.

Afterward, visit Hafod Estate , 200 acres of lovingly restored woodlands and 18th-century gardens once considered the finest in Britain. While the manor house is long gone, visitors can enjoy pleasant hikes along well-marked trails past waterfalls, ancient trees, and the estate's old, walled formal gardens. And if you're looking for an idyllic cottage vacation, the wonderful old Hawthorn Cottage allows guests an unforgettable accommodation experience.

Address: Hafod Estate Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Cwmystwyth, Ystrad Meurig

Wales was once famous for its mining operations, in particular, the mining of slate used for the roofing, which is still so common here. While the majority of these mines and quarries have closed, many of the narrow-gauge railways used to shift goods (and later, Victorian-era tourists) around the country have been restored and now provide scenic excursions.

Today, there are several heritage railway lines that reach some of the country's most popular landmarks, including mountains, seaside towns, and castles. Many of the bigger lines, such as the 14-mile-long Ffestiniog Railway running through Snowdonia National Park , offer unique train driving courses and volunteer opportunities to add to the experience.

Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle (Castell Caernarfon) is one of the largest such fortifications in the country. With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive—and the best-preserved—medieval fortresses in Europe.

Occupying the site of an even older Norman castle, Caernarfon Castle dominates the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait on one side, and is protected by a moat on the other. The castle's royal heritage continues to this day, and in 1969 it was the scene of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales.

Also of interest is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum (admission included), notable for the 14 Victoria Crosses on display.

Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon

The pride of Wales rests in the people's enthusiasm for the game of rugby, so if you have a chance to take in a national game at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, it will be the highlight of your trip. Feel the Welsh patriotism as you attend a game with 74,000 rugby fans harmonizing the national anthem while donning their team jerseys and revving for fierce competition.

Joining the fun at Principality Stadium gives you a sense of Welsh culture in a way that other attractions cannot. The game of rugby means more to the Welsh than just a sporting event. It was created in the 19th century as a way for the Welsh to come together as a country and improve life by lifting their status as a nation.

Games are usually played from the fall through the spring, but if you visit outside of the season, you can still book one of several tours of the stadium.

Located on the north coast of Wales, just a short distance from Manchester, the small Welsh town of Conwy offers something for everyone: a stunning castle, medieval architecture, and plenty of great shopping.

The best views of Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) and River Conwy , with its suspension bridge designed by Thomas Telford, are from the 13th-century town walls built by King Edward I to keep the Welsh at bay. Besides touring the castle, one of the most unique experiences to enjoy here is walking the castle walls that surround the entire city. It is free to do, and you can get on and off in different sections. This vantage point offers the best views of the city and harbor.

The National Trust's Aberconwy House is Conwy's only surviving 14th-century merchant's house and one of the first buildings constructed inside the town walls. Other interesting homes are the Elizabethan Plas Mawr and the Smallest House in Great Britain .

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy

Surrounded by water on three sides, Wales has more than its fair share of dramatic coastline. Some of the most imposing is found along the coast of the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, which juts out into the Irish Sea, much of it falling within the boundaries of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro).

You can best explore this magnificent scenery on foot along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, finding villages like the picturesque little resort of Tenby, still partially enclosed by its medieval walls.

Other Pembrokeshire coast highlights are Pembroke Castle , St. David's Cathedral (in the town of the same name), and idyllic fishing harbors such as Laugharne, where Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived for much of his life. His boathouse home above the bay is now a museum.

As elsewhere in Wales, adventurous travelers can find unique places to stay, including classic old farm cottages, gypsy caravans, or vintage railcars.

Whether you consider yourself a bookworm or not, a visit to the bookstores in Hay-on-Wye will be a memorable experience. Hay-on-Wye is renowned for its literary scene and the annual Hay Festival, which brings in well-known authors from around the world.

This small town, with a castle on the hill and charming winding streets, has more than two dozen bookstores. The area has historical and global literary significance, which you will find evidence of as you walk the quaint streets and see references to its moniker as the Town of Books.

This walkable town is worth a day, or at least an afternoon, of your time. After you find a good read to take home, stroll into the small boutiques or find an outdoor café to enjoy the town's ambience and live music that is often playing on the street corners.

Portmeirion is a beautiful hotel resort and visitor attraction on the coast of Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd , North Wales . Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion was designed to resemble a quaint Italian fishing village. Visitors staying overnight get the whole place to themselves once the gates are closed, when they can explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, church, and the coastal paths of the lower village.

This stunning attraction has been the location for numerous films and TV programs, including the 1960s cult show, The Prisoner , and should definitely be included on your Wales sightseeing itinerary.

The resort's restaurants come highly recommended. A variety of shops are also located here, some selling the famous Portmeirion pottery.

Address: Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Breaks in the UK for Couples

The Welsh are certainly a friendly lot. And nowhere is this truer than in the many picturesque small villages that dot the Welsh countryside. Two of the very prettiest—and friendliest—are located within easy striking distance of Snowdonia National Park: Beddgelert & Betws-y-Coed.

Just a 30-minute drive apart, these two postcard-perfect riverside villages make for a great day trip. They each offer a slice of that traditional Welsh hospitality in their quaint B&Bs, guesthouses, inns, tearooms, and restaurants, and are often heralded as among the most picturesque villages not just in Wales, but all of the UK.

Located at the junction of the Colwan and Glaslyn rivers, Beddgelert is especially favored by hikers using the village as a base from which to tackle Snowdon itself. A number of gentler trails and paths are also easy to access here and are great for those wanting a stroll that takes in spectacular mountain vistas. Failing that, an easy stroll through the village itself is rewarding, or you can jump aboard the heritage Welsh Highland Railway for a scenic train ride to Porthmadog or Caernarfon.

Betws-y-Coed also makes for a great base for a Snowdonia adventure. Set in the Gwydyr Forest, it's particularly pretty in spring and fall when the changing seasons turn the vegetation here into a riot of color (it's also quieter during these less touristy times). In addition to the many fine examples of historic buildings located within the village, be sure to take a stroll to its nearby waterfalls, including Conwy Falls.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

Wales is a nation built in mining and, as such, has done a remarkable job of preserving its mining past. Of the many things to do related to this rich history, none can quite match the experience of visiting one of these mines in person.

Located in Caernarfon, the fascinating National Slate Museum offers an in-depth look at the workings of a 19th-century slate quarry, along with accompanying machinery and workshops, including a huge still-working waterwheel. A great deal of attention is also placed on the conditions for workers and their families, along with live demonstrations of the mining process.

Situated within Breacon Beacons, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a glimpse into the nation's other most-mined material and the lives of those who worked here. Highlights of a visit include exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes on the site.

Blaenavon is also home to an old ironworks that's worth exploring, home to the "Big Pit" blast furnaces and foundries. Also worth a visit, Rhondda Heritage Park actually allows visitors to descend to "pit bottom" in an old miners' elevator. These Black Gold Experience Underground Tours are even led by former coalminers, adding to the authenticity of the experience. There's also a replica village to explore, portraying everyday life for mining families.

It took 10 years to design and build the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales. Even today, it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 18-arch bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.

This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat .

It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.

For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.

Location: Llangollen Wharf

Few experiences in Wales match the day of shopping that awaits at the Victorian Arcades in Cardiff. These elegant glass-covered arcades have been an iconic part of the capital city since the 1800s. They were built in the Victorian era to protect shoppers from bad weather conditions.

There are several dozen arcades around Cardiff, each with its own unique flare, with the oldest being the Royal Arcade. Inside, you will find small boutiques, shops with jewelry and housewares, cafés, and mom-and-pop stands selling homemade Welsh cakes from generations-old recipes. A nibble on some of these tasty sugar-dusted treats, while you shop, is highly recommended.

Separated from mainland Wales by the mile-wide Menai Strait—spanned by the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818)—the Isle of Anglesey is home to a number of quaint, small fishing villages sprinkled along its more than 100 miles of attractive coastline. Along with its sandy beaches and landmarks such as South Stack Lighthouse , the island's mild climate makes it popular for day trippers and campers alike.

The smaller Holy Island , linked to Anglesey by bridge, is a popular holiday resort with two promenades (one of them 1.5 miles long). Tiny Salt Island offers great views and a chance for some bird-watching. Finally, one of the world's most famous photo ops is on the railway platforms of the town with the world's longest place name : Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.

Read More: Best Beaches in Anglesey

One of the most spectacular attractions in Wales is walking among the ruins at Tintern Abbey near Chepstow. This historical and architectural treasure was built in 1131 by Cistercian monks, and while much of it has been destroyed, in part by order of King Henry VIII in the 1500s, there is enough preserved to marvel at its massive structure.

After your time walking the grounds at Tintern Abbey, make your way to nearby Chepstow Castle. The castle sits on the cliffside of the estuary banks of the River Wye and is the oldest fortification in Britain . Walk through the matrix of corridors and passageways that were constructed in 1067 and be sure to see the oldest castle doors in Europe, which are perfectly preserved here for visitors to see up close.

Dubbed the "Queen of the Welsh Resorts," Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales . Located on the north coast with views across the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect tourist destination lies between the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme, a peninsula inhabited since the Stone Age.

The town's unique promenade is free of the usual seaside shops and cafés, which were wisely placed behind the seafront to ensure Victorian visitors a more peaceful experience. Take a stroll on the bustling Llandudno Pier, which is the longest in Wales, jutting out into the sea at nearly 2,300 feet.

The best views of the town and its surroundings are from the Great Orme , easily accessible by a heritage tramway. Well connected by rail and road, Llandudno is a good base for touring Wales' spectacular North Coast .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Llandudno

A National Trust property, Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, created over many years by generations of the McLaren family and brought to its present heights by the 2nd Lord Aberconway.

Highlights of the spectacular gardens are the grand formal terraces , spectacular views across the River Conwy to Snowdonia, and the famous Laburnum Arch . This curved walk of about 50 yards is covered with laburnum, whose abundant, long blossoms cover it in cascades of yellow in late May and early June.

Spring is also when the Dell, a deep valley where trees tower above streams, is abloom with rhododendrons. But the wide variety of flowering plants assures that the gardens are filled with color throughout the whole season. Among the trees are 42 UK Champion Trees , judged the best examples of their kind in Britain.

The elegant Georgian Pin Mill was moved here from Gloucestershire. A tearoom is located on-site and comes highly recommended.

Address: Bodnant Road, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay

The lively Welsh capital city of Cardiff is a good place to begin your trip and a good base for exploring South Wales . Cardiff is not far from the interesting port city of Bristol , just across the border in England. When you're exploring the beautiful mountains and countryside of North Wales , consider popping across the border again to visit the attractions in Chester , a charming walled city on a canal.

More on Wales

20 Beautiful (& Unique) Places To Visit In Wales: 2024 Guide

Wales is the smallest country on the Isle of Great Britain. It’s so small you can travel the length of this mountainous land in under five hours!

However, despite its small size Wales definitely packs a big punch and a visit to this culturally rich country should not be rushed.

With over 600 castles, Wales is referred to as the castle capital of Europe. There are nearly 33,000km of walking paths to wander and 3 national parks explore. There are award winning beaches, the fastest zipline in the world, a language as old as the Britons, oh and we have a dragon as our national flag!

Have I sold you on it yet?

Despite spending the last decade travelling the world, I always look forward to coming home and exploring more of what my Welsh homeland has to offer.

So, as a proud Welsh woman born and bred in the valleys of South Wales, I want to share my thoughts on the best places to visit in Wales.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Map Of The Top Places To Visit In Wales

The 20 Best Places To Visit In Wales

1.  yr wyddfa (mount snowdon) – visit wales’ highest peak.

As a country carved by glaciers in the last ice age, many of the top attractions in Wales involve our most plentiful asset – mountains. It’s quite fitting therefore, that the top thing to do in Wales is to visit the country’s highest mountain, Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa as it is now officially known. 

Yr Wyddfa is found in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park , which offers spectacular vistas around every corner and has recently been added to the UNESO World Heritage List. It’s the first of 3 National Parks in this list.

Yr Wyddfa is 1085m and is the only major peak in the UK to have a train that runs to the summit. For this quirky uniqueness alone, it’s worth taking a ride on the Snowdon Mountain railway .  

Alternatively, for the full mountain experience I recommend hiking to the top. There are several hiking routes to the summit of Snowdon, which I describe in detail in this handy guide .  If you’re a mountain lover who wants to enjoy a quieter hike in Snowdonia National Park, take a look at this guide .

Prefer not to walk alone? If you’re looking for a Mountain Leader to guide you on a mountain adventure, please contact me here to discuss rates and availability.

Related Reading

• Top spots for winter camping in Wales
• Beautiful Landscape Photographs of Wales
• The 50 highest mountains in Wales

2. Bike Park Wales – Hit world leading mountain bike trails in the South Wales Valleys

Wales has a great network of cycle routes to enjoy but for more adventurous mountain biking, I highly recommend a trip to Bike Park Wales on the outskirts of my home town, Merthyr Tydfil.

Situated on a forested hillside, Bike Park Wales is the only mountain biking centre in the UK that provides an uplift service. That means you get all the fun of the downhill without all the effort of the uphill. Winner!

At Bike Park Wales there are 40 colour graded trails for all abilities. They offer bike rental, coaching sessions and have a cafe which even serves bottles of their locally brewed ale. Popularity here has soared in recent years so be sure to book your passes in advance .

For more things to do in Merthyr Tydfil, take a look at this guide .

3. Anglesey – Hike the coast and relax on the beaches

Anglesey or Ynys Mon is Wales’ largest island and offers visitors an array of activities to enjoy. Much of the coastline around Anglesey has been declared An Area of Outstanding Beauty, making it a beautiful place to visit in Wales. The coastline is ideal for walkers and many of the beaches are Award Winning.

In the south west you can visit a town with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

If you buy me a pint I’ll say it for you 😉

The town was given this name by a local man as a marketing ploy and you have to admit it works! In the south east you can visit the moated castle of Beaumaris, which was the last of Edward I’s castles.

However, my personal favourite thing to do in Angelsey is to visit the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. With it’s picturesque lighthouse and the 16th century chapel St Dwynwen (the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers), it’s surly one of the top places to go in Wales.

Discover Anglesey at your own pace with this self guided audio tour!

4.  Zipworld – Experience the worlds fastest zipline

ZIpworld has helped transform some of Wales’ old quarries and mines into fun outdoor adventure playgrounds. Zipworld has several sites in North Wales and a newly opened site in South Wales.

At Bounce Below you can jump around on trampolines in a dimly lit slate cavern which is a serious amount of fun, although massively exhausting! At Penrhyn Quarry you can race around on go-karts or if you’re brave enough try out Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zipline.

Other activities include roller coasters, tree top wires and even plummeting 100ft from a trap door!

Discover an epic 2 week Welsh road trip itinerary in this guide!

5. St David’s: Visit the smallest city in Wales

St David’s is a charming little city in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. In fact, it is the smallest city in the UK and about as far west as you can go in Wales. The city is built on the site of a monastery founded by the patron saint of Wales, St David ( Dewi Sant )

Given the history of this city your trip should, of course, include a visit to St David’s Cathedral. Also pay a visit to the adjacent medieval ruins of Bishops Palace.

After the history fix is complete be sure to wander around the pretty narrow streets, peeking your head into the numerous art galleries, cafes and it’s one and only pub! Then head out to the stunning Whitesands Bay.

From this sandy beach you can enjoy some of the best surfing Wales has to offer. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, visit St Davids Head for a breath taking walk around the peninsula. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and seals!

For your perfect stay in St Davids, try the gorgeous LLety Farm .

Check out the video below to see if you can spot seals hanging out at St davids Head!

6.  Cardiff – Explore Wales’ capital city

Not all capital cities are worth a visit but Cardiff most certainly is. Cardiff is a vibrant city which has a little something for everyone and makes it one of the best places to go in Wales.

At the centre of the city there is (of course!) a castle. Opposite Cardiff Castle you can find the Victorian Arcades which are filled with boutique shops. Join this Alleyways and Avenue Tour to find the best spots. The nearby streets are filled with restaurants and bars which offer a great night out, especially after a Welsh rugby match! 

For an exploration of the seafront head out to Cardiff Bay Barrage, which is Europe’s largest waterfront. If you’re looking for adventure here, try white water rafting or indoor surfing at Cardiff International White Water. The Bay is also home to the Senedd and is therefore the beating heart of Welsh Politics.

If you’re a Doctor Who fan you’ll know Cardiff is where this series is filmed and you can embark on your very own Doctor Who tour ! Or for the Gavin and Stacey fans, go behind the scenes at Barry Island in this half day tour . 

Extend your time in Cardiff with one of the top accommodation options below.

• Future Inn Cardiff Bay (⭐4, 📈8.3, Cardiff Bay, top location: 1.2 miles from city centre, £)
• The Parkgate Hotel (📈8.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.2 miles from city centre, ££)
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff (⭐4, 📈7.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.3 miles from city centre, £)

7.  Portmeirion – Experience a slice of Italy

Portmeirion is a quaint, Italian-inspired seaside town on the coast of Northwest Wales. I’ll be honest and say I found the visit a little strange as it’s sort of a themed city. Kinda like visiting Disneyland. However, it is very pretty and definitely one of the must-see places in Wales.

After exploring the small streets and giant chess board (yup!), allow some time to wander down to the waterfront for a stroll around the coast. You could even spend the night in the village at the beautiful Portmeirion Hotel .

What is the best way to explore Portmeirion?

The best way to explore any location/sightseeing is a guided tour, undoubtedly. Portmeirion is not an exception. With “Portmeirion, Castles and Snowdonia Tour” with a dedicated driver and expert local guide you will see so much more of Wales than you could cover independently (11 locations are included on this tour).

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR HERE

8. Hay-on-Wye – Rediscover literature at this market town

Hay-on-Wye is a small market town in the County of Powys, close to the English border. As a child my mum and I would take regular visits to Hay-on-Wye on the hunt for interesting or unusual books.

Today Hay-on-Wye has over twenty bookstores to keep literary lovers enthralled. But a visit to Hay-on-Wye is as much about the buildings that house the books, as it is about the books themselves. The book stores vary from castles to boutique stores, to simple book shelves on the streets. Hay-on-Wye is a delightful place to visit in Wales.

Every year Hay-on-Wye hosts the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, aka the Hay Festival. This festival lasts for 10 days and was described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind.”

If you plan your visit for a Thursday you can also enjoy Market Day, a tradition that has been running in the town for hundreds of years. In the market you can find books (of course), antiques and locally produced food.

Discover all the best things to do in Hay-on-Wye in this guide !

Need somewhere to stay? For a delightful glamping experience, try Golden Valley Shepherds Huts .

9. Govan’s Chapel and the Green Bridge of Wales – Enjoy a beautiful coastal walk

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the gem of West Wales and is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

Founded in the 6th century, St Govan’s is a remarkable little chapel built into the side of a limestone cliff in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. I first discovered St Govan’s purely by accident, whilst doing a hike from Bosherton.

Access to the chapel is a via a steep set of stairs. Legend has it that if you count the stairs on the way down and then again on the way back up, the number is never the same! Surely it’s well worth a visit just to find out?!

5km further around on the Wales Coastal path from St Govan’s you can find another highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast, the Green Bridge of Wales. This is a natural rock arch which has been carved away from the mainland by erosion. You can also find the Elegug sea stacks nearby which were once arches similar to the Green Bridge.

Did you know? The Wales Coastal Path is 870 miles long and is the first path in the world to follow a country’s coastline in its entirety. It has also been voted the second prettiest coastal path in the world!

10. Tenby – Visit Wales’ Prettiest Seaside Town

Wales has many pretty seaside towns which are contenders for this list however my personal favourite is Tenby. I spent many a childhood holiday playing on Tenby’s famous beaches but this seaside town is also packed with charm and history.

Tenby is a historic fishing village in South Wales with gorgeous colourful houses dotted around its harbour. These are best enjoyed with a relaxing stroll during the soft golden tones just before sunset.

In 2019 Castle Beach in Tenby was voted the UK’s best beach by the Sunday Times. This beach is the smallest of Tenby’s beaches. From Castle Beach at low tide you can access St Catherine’s island and fort. To the north of the beach climb the steps to Castle Hill which houses the remains of Tenby Castle. 

To learn all about the best things to do in Tenby, take a look at this guide.

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TENBY

• Giltar Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.4, Tenby, beachfront, £)
• The Park Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.9, Tenby, beachfront, ££)
• Heywood Spa Hotel (⭐4, 📈8.8, Tenby, 0.7 miles from North Tenby Beach, £££)

11. Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) – Cool off in Waterfall Country

Wales has an abundance of waterfalls and since the country receives so much rain every year they are often flowing at full pace. Many of Wales’ most beautiful waterfalls are spread out around the country, however there is one area in South Wales which has more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in the country. This area is known as Waterfall Country .

In Waterfall Country there are several waterfall trails to enjoy , however the most popular is the Four Falls Trail. On this walk you can visit four waterfalls and at the final fall, Sgwd yr Eira, there is the option to walk behind the powerful cascade.

For more information on the 4 falls trail, take a look at this guide or for more things to do in the Brecon Beacons see this post.

12. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen – Venture along this impressive structure

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen is definitely one of the top things to see in Wales . This 18 arched bridge is the longest aqueduct in Britain and carries the Llangollen canal over the River Dee.

You will need a head for heights if you want to walk over the 306.9m bridge but there are also walking trails which lead both upstream and downstream from the bridge itself. Both of these trails offer fine views of this impressive structure.

13. Conwy Castle – Travel back in time at Conwy

Wales has so many castles you could visit one every day for a year and still not see them all. I even went to school in a castle (very Harry Potter I know!), so deciding which castle to put on this list was a difficult task. However, Conwy Castle is surly one of Wales’ top places to visit and makes it to the top of my Welsh castles list.

Conwy Castle is set on the banks of the river Conwy and has Snowdonia National Park looming in the distance. Conwy castle is arguably the most impressive of Edward I Welsh castles, which UNESCO considers one of the finest examples of 13/14th century military architecture in Europe. Edward’s Welsh castles are another of Wales’ World Heritage sites.

Explore the battlements on your visit and be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. For a self guided audio guide tour of Conwy’s highlights, click here .

Discover more about castles in North Wales in this guide .

14. Elan valley – See epic Victorian dams 

The Elan Valley showcases an epic feat of civil engineering as well as outstanding natural beauty, all in one hit.

Over one hundred years ago the Elan Valley was partly flooded with six dams and reservoirs in order to provide safe drinking water for Birmingham. But this once contentious project built out of necessity, has since become an area for visitors to revel in.

On the Estate there are 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the Claerwen National Nature Reserve. It is the most important area for land birds in Wales and has been awarded International Dark Sky Status.

Try and visit Elan Valley after heavy rain so you can see the dams in full flow. For me, Graig Goch and Pen y Garreg are the most impressive dams on the Elan river but they are all impressive in their own right. Elan valley can be explored on foot but also has great cycle trails, so bring your bike and enjoy cycling through this special part of mid-Wales.

The best part about the Elan Valley is it’s much quieter than some of the other tourist sites in Wales. So make sure you add Elan Valley to your Wales bucket list.

15. Gower Peninsula – Hike the rugged Peninsula 

The Gower was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a visit to this rugged peninsula you’ll quickly discover why. There are cliff-edged hikes to explore, beautiful beaches to relax on and multiple water sports to enjoy.

Located at the far end of the peninsula, Rhossili beach has been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world and I’d certainly recommend a visit. If the tide is right, venture out onto the tidal island of Worm’s Head. This part of the Gower is also popular with surfers and coasteerers. Both super fun activities but brace yourself for the cold waters!

Experience more beautiful Gower beaches at 3 Cliffs bay, Port Eynon and Oxwich or for a pebble beach try Pwll Du. If you’re in need of a castle fix try Woebley, Pennard or Oxwich.

For more information about walks in the Gower, take a look at this guide.

16. Pentre Ifan – See the Stonehenge of Wales

Found in an unassuming field on the Preseli Hills is Wales’ most famous ancient site – Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber. Constructed over 5000 years ago, the remains of this ancient ruin provide a glimpse as to what must have been quite an incredible burial chamber.

Any archaeological buffs out there will also know that the Preseli Hills are also home to Spotted Dolerite – the rocks that form the inner sanctum of Stonehenge. Yes, those world famous rocks were dragged all the way from West Wales to the Salisbury Plain!

Even if you have no interest in Neolithic monuments, it’s very impressive to see a 20 ton capstone precariously balancing on the tips of 3 standing stones. You can push it as much as you like, I promise it doesn’t budge! 

17. Pen y Fan – Hike Southern Britains highest peak

The Brecon Beacons has many great hikes to enjoy from the Sugarloaf in the east to Llyn y Fan Fach in the west. However, the highest and most famous peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park is Pen y Fan.

At 886m Pen y Fan is big enough to warrant a decent workout and there are several routes that lead to the top of this famed peak. The easiest of these trails will take little over an hour but for more experienced hikers there are trails that involve full mountain days.

See my complete guide to hiking Pen y Fan to discover what you can expect on a day spent exploring the Central Beacons. However, if you’d prefer someone else to lead the way up this famous mountain, please get in touch and we can discuss rates and availability.

18. The Blue Lagoon – Paddle boarding, coasteering and more

For an adventurous exploration of Wales’ more modern history, head to the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy. There is a cove near Abereiddy which was once a slate quarry and was active until the early 20th century. When a channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, the Blue Lagoon was formed.

Abandoned quarries and slate mines all around Wales are being given a new lease of life as adventurous destinations (such as those at Zipworld) and the Blue Lagoon is no different. The Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for adventure sports such as coasteering and cliff jumping and has become a tourist hot spot.

Ruined quarry buildings around the lagoon provides evidence of its’ industrial past and add an eerie element to this otherwise beautiful Welsh tourist attraction.

19. Tintern Abbey – Explore Wales’ most famous Abbey

Located next to the village of Tintern, in the lower Wye Valley is Tintern Abbey, another of Wales’ top visitor locations. This British Gothic masterpiece was originally founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, but was abandoned after the dissolution by Henry VIII.

This majestic ruin found new life as a tourist attraction thanks in part to poets like Wordsworth and was a source of inspiration for artists like Turner. Today the Abbey is managed by Cadw and is well worth the small entrance fee.

For more distant views of Tintern, try walking a section of Offa’s Dyke trail to a viewpoint known as the Devil’s Pulpit. Located just 6 miles from Tintern is the charming town of Chepstow. Known as the gateway to Wales, Chepstow has many sites to see and well-worth including on your Welsh itinerary.

20. Llandudno – Visit Wales longest pier

Built in the 1950s by the Mostyn family, Llandudno is Wales’ largest seaside resort. Llandudno is famed for its extensive pier. It’s also the town where Alice Pleasance Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, holidayed as a child.

Walk or take the tram to the nearby summit of Great Orme for incredible views and then kick back on one of Llandudnos’ beaches. Enjoy a Punch and Judy show, explore the prehistoric copper mines or simply stroll the promenade with an ice cream in hand.

Having barely changed in over a century, this charming Victorian town is jam-packed with activities to enjoy on your visit to Wales.

Getting To These Top Tourist Attractions In Wales

The towns and cities on this list can be easily accessed by trains and/or buses from other major cities such as Cardiff and London. For the best deals on cars and trains check out Busbud .

However, the more rural tourist attractions are often poorly serviced by public transport and require the use of a car.

For the best deals on car rental in Wales, I recommend Discover Cars .

Final Thoughts On The Top Places To Go In Wales

Wales is a small country with a lot to offer. If you love the outdoors, history or culture, a trip to this hilly land should definitely make it onto your UK bucket list.

Nature lovers can enjoy a hike in the mountains of Snowdonia, relax on the beaches in Anglesey, get wet behind waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons and spot dolphins off the Pembrokeshire coast. And those wanting to soak up the culture can get lost in the literature of Hay on Wye, delve into the history of Wales’ great castles and admire the Cathedral in UK’s smallest city.

I look forward to welcoming you on your trip to Wales. Iechyd da! (Cheers!)

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Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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28 of the Best Places to Visit in Wales in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Did you know that Wales has more castles per square km than anywhere else in Europe? That’s just one of the many reasons to visit Wales. We’re rounding up all the top places to visit in Wales that will entice you to add it to the top of your UK bucket list . Wales, one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, has often been overlooked in favor of its more prominent neighbors: England, Scotland , and Northern Ireland but once you visit Wales you’ll wonder why you never thought of it earlier.

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in Wales

This tiny country is filled with imposing castles, striking landscapes, and amazing adventures. The Welsh are a quirky bunch who like to jump off things, dangle high in the sky, and speak an entirely different language. With a rich history and a land filled with imposing castles, Wales is also a fantastic destination for culture as much as it is for adventure.

So get ready to learn a phrase or two of the Welsh language, get your adrenaline on, and step back in time because we are going to share all the best places to visit in Wales that will make you want to pack your bags right now.

1. Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park in North Wales is one of three national parks in the country and it tops our list for its pure beauty. Located in northwestern Wales, the park covers over 800 square miles of rolling hills, lakes, and a vast rugged landscape.

Adventure lovers will love exploring the Snowdon mountains and they can hike the many trails to explore the incredible mountain views. The star attraction is going to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in all of Wales standing proud at 1085 meters (3645 feet). Want to hike up the Snowdon Mountain Summit ? Book this guided hike with an expert guide.

2. Snowdon Mountain Railway

If you have limited time, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway up to Britain’s highest visitor center. The century-old narrow-gauge railway opened in 1896 and its historic steam train travels up five miles to the peak of Mount Snowdon.

When you arrive you get out to do some hiking and take in the extraordinary views from the 1085-meter (3645-foot) peak. You can take the train back down or hike down the mountain. Watch our video of our trip up to Mountain Snowdon

3. Llanberis

Llanberis is a great place to make a base when exploring Snowdonia National Park. Plus there is plenty to see including the National Slate Museum, and another historic railway, the Llanberis Steam Railway.

Besides Snowdon Mountain, Snowdonia National Park houses 14 mountains over 3000 feet making it one of the best-hiking destinations in the United Kingdom. Climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are also popular in Snowdonia.

This sunrise hike takes you from the village of Llanberis for an early morning hike to watch the sunrise from the top of Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa with a qualified mountain guide.

Places to Stay in Llanberis

• ERW Fair Guesthouse is a family-run B&B in Llanberis
• Padarn Hotel – Great location within walking distance of the Snowdonia Mountain Railway.

4. Bounce Below

Bounce Below is a giant underground trampoline that offers adults playtime in the ultimate jungle gym. The series of trampolines, nets, ladders, and slides make for a heart-pounding experience that gives as many thrills as it does laughs.

Located at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the cave is twice the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral and is the result of an old mining quarry. Let me tell you it’s huge so give yourself at least a half day to enjoy this! Read more: Bounce Below – The Ultimate Underground Trampoline for the Kid in You!

5. ZipWorld

The Llechwedd Slate Caverns is definitely the place to visit for unique adventures. After jumping around at Bounce Below, make sure to do the Via Ferrata and Zip Line. This hair-raising course takes three hours to complete and takes you through a dozen zip lines while you traverse along high cliffs plunging to the caverns below.

There are caves, ropes, and bridges to cross and it’s an excellent adventure for those seeking something unique to do in Wales. If you want something really fast, head outside to the Titan Zipline, it’s the fastest in Europe!

6. Portmeirion Tourist Village

One of the most unique places in Wales is the Italian-style town of Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a quirky tourist village in Gwynedd, Wales. Nobody lives in this town, but it’s a wonderful stop on your visit to Wales that gives a quiet retreat in a very different destination.

It was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who modeled Portmeirion after the Italian Riviera village of Portofino located very close to the Cinque Terre .

Spend a day eating ice cream and have some hot coffee with fresh scones and cream as you explore the fairytale village. Or better yet, stay overnight at the Portmeirion Hotel where you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

We loved our stay at Hotel Portmeirion – The advantage of staying here is you have most of the village to yourself in the morning and evening before and after the tour busses have left.

7. Llandudno

Llandudno is the Queen of the Welsh Resorts. It is the largest seaside resort in Wales situated on a narrow strip of sand that connects the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme. The splendid Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie between two gorgeous sandy beaches. The Hop on Hop Off bus offers two different routes to enjoy views all the top attractions.

Llandudno has two wonderful beaches, making the perfect place to visit in the summer. Its beautiful seaside promenade makes for a lovely stroll out to the pier that juts 700-meters (2,300-foot) into the bay. Be sure to hop on the Great Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled tramway on a public road in Great Britain.

We stayed at Llandudno Bay Hotel and loved it. This boutique hotel is located on the Llandudno Promenade with sea views.

8. Conwy Castle

Wales is the castle capital of Europe and one of our favorite castles to visit in Wales is Conway Castle in North Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, Conwy Castle has stood the test of time since it was built between 1283 and 1289. It is considered one of the greatest fortresses in Europe and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This magnificent castle has imposing walls taht have stood the test of time that still surround the grounds and small town of Conway today. When you go inside Conwy Castle, you’ll witness the great hall, chambers, and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward with private chambers and a royal chapel.

When visiting Conway, be sure to stop and see Britain’s finest townhouse of the golden Elizabethan age the Elizabethan Plas Mawr, and the Smallest House in Great Britain.

9. Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle is the most dramatic fortress from Edward I’s 13th-century ‘iron ring’. and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the town of Harlech in west Wales, in the county of Gwynedd. Looking over Tremadog Bay from the top of a sea cliff is a stunning view.

Harlech Castles is one of the top places in Wales to see. Make sure to go inside to explore the castle tower. If you’d like to visit the castle, it opens at 10:00 am and costs £6.90 pp

10. Great Orme

Witness the towering cliffs of the Great Orme in North Wales to see fantastic wildlife, from seals to seabirds as you take a Sea Fishing trip in North Wales. We hopped aboard a fishing boat to learn all about lobster fishing.

This unique adventure takes people out on this unique adventure where you board his fishing boat to check his lobster traps in the bays.

Not only do you learn how to catch a lobster, but to also understand the conservation of this popular seafood entrée known as the Black Gold of the Sea. For more information on fishing trips and lobster safaris to the Great Orme visit: Sea Fishing Trips North Wales 

11. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

One of the most picturesque scenes in Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the highest canal aqueduct in the world.

Its 18 arches rise 38 meters (126 ft) feet into the air spanning 1000 feet. Pedestrians can walk beside the water or you can take a canal boat. But if you are looking for something adventurous, try taking a guided canoe tour

12. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

One of the wildest and most rugged places to see in Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park located on the West coast of Wales. The best way to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast is by going Coasteering. Coasteering was invented in Wales and we decided that if we were ever going to give the adrenaline adventure of Coasteering a try anywhere, it would be here. Check it out here.

Coasteering is a unique adventure sport or coastal exploration where you traverse along the coast of Wales by rock climbing, cliff jumping, and swimming into sea caves. It offers remarkable views and as much adventure as you desire. You can jump from 10 meters or you can simply slip easily into the sea. We went Coasteering with Preseliventure, book your adventure here.

13. Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you don’t want to jump in the water, you can hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. It covers a distance of 186 miles (299 km) along the west coast of Wales and offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the world. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes you through rugged sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and churning waters of the Irish Sea.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is divided into 14 sections, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Some of the highlights include the dramatic cliffs at St. David’s Head, the secluded beaches at Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands, and the picturesque harbor at Solva.

Hiking the entire path usually takes around two weeks, but there are plenty of shorter sections that can be completed in a day or two.

14. St. David’s Cathedral

While in Pembrokeshire make sure to visit St. David’s Cathedral located in the heart of the city of St. David’s. Within the cathedral is the Shrine of St. David, which is believed to contain the remains of the Patron Saint of Wales. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings and is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors to the cathedral.

The cathedral has a long rich history, dating back to the 6th century when The Patron St. David founded a monastery on the site. The original building was made of wood and was later replaced with a stone church in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral was expanded and rebuilt several times, resulting in the structure that stands today.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn more about Welsh history and architecture, or simply explore the many nooks and crannies of the building on their own. St. David’s Cathedral is considered one of the holiest sites in the country

15. Porthgain

The village of Porthgain is so picturesque that the BBC Movie, The Finest with Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin of Hunger Games fame shot here while we visited. There is an excellent pub that you must stop in for a pint, the Slooth, and it is also a picturesque coastal walk that is so perfect, that the Red Bull Cliff Diving Event took place here in 2013.

You don’t have to jump off the massive cliffs, but walking along the coast offers extraordinary views of the coast of Wales. For hiking this is an excellent place in Wales.

16. Gower Peninsula

If you are looking for another place in Wales for beaches, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales is known for its long sandy beaches and clear waters. Rhossili Bay is an iconic beach with dramatic sea cliffs stretching 3 miles (5.8km) to Worm’s Head which got its name from the Viking word for a sea serpent.

Some beaches to check out in the Gower Peninsula include Llangennith Beach, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. Caswell Bay is popular with surfers.

17. Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and no trip would be complete without visiting this bustling urban center. It’s a great place to make a base while exploring South Wales and there are plenty of things to see and do.

Book this Cardiff guided Walking Tour with a local guide to admire the Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, and the Cardiff Civic Centre which was built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A good place to make a base is Hotel Indigo located in the heart of Cardiff near all the major attractions including the castle, St David’s Hall and principality stadium.

18. Cardiff Castle

One of the most popular things to do in Wales is to visit Cardiff Castle. This medieval castle is located in the heart of the city and dates back more than 2000 years. In the 11th century, the castle was the seat of the Welsh king, Rhys ap Tewdwr, and later served as the residence of various powerful Welsh lords and princes.

In the late 13th century, the castle was seized by English forces under the command of King Edward I, who rebuilt and expanded the fortress to help secure his hold over Wales.

Today, visitors to Cardiff Castle can explore its ornate Gothic-style mansion, its impressive clock tower, and the Welsh Military Museum.

19. National Museum Cardiff

If you are a history buff, the National Museum Cardiff is not to be missed. The building features a stunning atrium, a beautiful rooftop garden, and a range of galleries and exhibition spaces ranging from historic artifacts to contemporary art.

There are permanent and temporary exhibits that are fun for the whole family. Kids will love the interactive exhibits where they can explore a replica Victorian schoolroom, try on medieval armor, and learn about Welsh history, myths and legends.

One of the best things about the National Museum of Cardiff is that admission is free.

20. Carreg Cennen Castle

There are more than 100 castles to explore in Wales that are in excellent condition and there are countless more ruins. We were told that if there is one castle to visit, make it Carreg Cennen Castle just north of Cardiff.

This dramatic fortress is part of King Edward I’s 13th-century ‘iron ring. They weren’t lying when someone told us that we can often be the only person there. We had it all to ourselves. The castle’s walls are still standing but what makes this castle so special is the fact that it is in ruins.

21. Brecon Beacons National Park

The third installment of the three national parks to visit in Wales is Brecon Beacons National Park is an outdoor lovers paradise. From stargazing to mountain biking its rolling hills, there is something for everyone. With four mountain ranges, there are plenty of places to explore within its 520 square miles.

Brecon Beacons National Park houses the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark and it is a dark sky preserve. The Beacons Way is a 100 mile route through the national park and the Taff Trail is a long-distance cycling route that goes through the park from Brecon to Cardiff.

Book this adrenaline adventure from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons . Start with a guided tour of world famous Rhondda Valley in Southeast Wales before beginning your adrenaline-fuelled adventure of canyoning, swimming, and jumping into crystal clear mountain streams

22. Llandeilo

Llandeilo is another picturesque fishing village in the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales and is a good base to explore Dinefwr Castle and Park, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Carreg Cennen Castle. When in Llandeilo, you will also be near two notable Gardens – The National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglaseny Gardens.

Llandeilo has a history that dates back over 1,000 years, and there are a number of historic landmarks to explore in the town. One of the most notable is the ruined Llandeilo Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Llandeilo is particularly famous for its food scene, with a number of high-quality restaurants and cafes serving up delicious Welsh cuisine and locally sourced produce.

23. Aberaeron

One of the most colorful places in Wales is the lovely seaside town of Aberaeron. Make sure to try its honey ice cream in which has been locally made by the Holgate family for 35 years.

We stayed at the Harbour Master Hotel , a lovely hotel overlooking the sea with a great restaurant. Aberaeron is also known as the Lobster Capital of Wales, so be sure to enjoy locally caught lobster in the evening.

24. Devil’s Bridge Falls

Devil’s Bridge is a village named after the bridge it is famous for. It has been a tourist attraction since the 1700s. Devil’s Bridge is actually a series of three bridges built on top of one another. The original dates back to medieval times. Instead of demolishing the bridges when they became unstable, they simply built another atop them.

Legend has it that it got its name after an old woman lost her cow and saw it grazing on the other side of the river. The Devil appeared and agreed to build a bridge in return for the soul of the first living thing to cross it.

So, when the bridge was completed the woman threw a crust of bread for her dog to retrieve. When the dog jumped over the bridge, it was the first living thing to cross the bridge.

25. Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a seaside town in West Wales, in the county of Ceredigion. One of the main attractions in Aberystwyth is its beach, which is a long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The beach is backed by a promenade that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay, and there are a range of cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink.

Aberystwyth is also home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions, including Aberystwyth Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Other notable landmarks include the National Library of Wales, which houses a collection of Welsh books and manuscripts, and the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Welsh countryside.

26. Caernarfon Castle

Located in the town of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, in North Wales, Caernarfon Castle is a medieval castle that was built by King Edward I. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the castle was built between 1283 and 1330, with the intention of serving as a royal palace and a military stronghold. King Edward, I wanted to make a statement about his conquest of Wales and to reinforce the English Crown’s authority over the Welsh people.

The castle has a connection with the Prince of Wales began in 1911, the future King Edward VIII was invested here as the Prince of Wales. Since then, the investiture of each new Prince of Wales has taken place at Caernarfon Castle.

The castle features a series of impressive towers and ramparts. One of the most notable features of the castle is its polygonal towers that visitors can climb to the top for views of the surrounding Welsh countryside.

27. Hay on Wye

Hay on Wye is the country’s national booktown located in Powys near the border with England. The town is famous for its large number of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, as well as its annual literary festival. The Hay Festival has been running since 1988.

The festival is a celebration of literature, arts, and culture, and brings together a wide range of writers, poets, artists, and musicians from around the world. The Hay Festival takes place over 10 days in mid-May and June in Hay on Wye and has featured the likes of Margaret Atwood, Bill Clinton, and Salman Rushdie.

Hay on Wye was founded in the early 19th century as a market town, but it became famous in the 1960s when Richard Booth, a local bookseller, began promoting the town as a center for books. Today, Hay on Wye has around 20 bookshops, many of which are located in historic buildings and offer a wide range of rare and unusual books.

28. Center of Alternative Technology

To step out of history for a bit, The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a great change of pace. The educational and research center located in Machynlleth, Wales was founded in 1973 by a group of activists and environmentalists who wanted to promote sustainable living and demonstrate practical solutions for a low-carbon future.

CAT is set on a 7-acre site and is home to a variety of educational exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors can learn about renewable energy, organic gardening, sustainable building techniques, and many other topics related to sustainability and environmentalism.

Getting Around Wales

The best way to get around Wales is by rental car. We flew into Machester, England, and picked up our car at the airport before heading out to explore Wales in a counter-clockwise direction. It was a great route to see all the top Wales attractions over the course of 8 days in Wales. Check rental car prices at RentalCars.com

The Welsh Language can be a bit of a tongue twister to get your head around but don’t worry everyone speaks English in Wales. The hardest part of the trip is just trying to read some of the signs. But then again, isn’t learning another language part of the fun of traveling?

So there you have it! These are our recommendations for the best places in Wales. From its imposing castles to rugged coast, there are so many things to do in Wales, I’m surprised it isn’t on more people’s radar.

While writing this article, it made me want to go back. There is still so much more to see and do. What’s your favorite place in Wales?

Read More About Travel in Great Britain

• Where To Stay In London – A Guide to The Best Areas and Places
• London Landmarks – 18 Famous Places in Photos
• How to Get from London Airport to City Centre
• 3 Days in London – The Ultimate London Itinerary
• 22 of the Top Things to Do in London, England
• 21 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
• 15 Best Cities in Scotland To Visit
• North Coast 500
• 27 Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland

Our trip to Wales was in partnership with  Visit Britain and Visit Wales

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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4 thoughts on “28 of the Best Places to Visit in Wales in 2024”

Stunning photos of my home country. Wales has to definitely be on every traveller’s list when they come to the UK. Highly recommend Conwy castle and the surrounding area, the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed, a hiker’s paradise!

Wow… its very beauty, amazing…

I never really think of Wales when pondering new destinations, but your blog post makes it look pretty cool. I like the landscape and history. Great photos, especially the main pic of the castle.

I have hiked Mt Snowdon and it was so cool! I’d love to get to some more of these places and adventures you recommend!!

48 Places To Visit in Wales To See Beautiful Places in Wales!

Categories U.K , Wales

Looking for the best places in Wales to visit?? Here are my suggestions based on my lifetime living in and near many of these beautiful places in Wales!

Wales is such a great destination to visit and often so underrated ! I love writing about Wales on my travel blog because whether you want mountains, beaches, cities, family activities or historic sites , Wales really has it all!

I’ve also spent much of my life living in Wales or near Wales so I always have plenty to talk about and so many recommendations for places to visit in Wales!

Here is my ultimate round up of the BEST 48 Places to Visit in Wales in North Wales, South Wales and Mid Wales to help you plan your trip which include scenic places in Wales as well as the top activities in Wales and most beautiful beaches in Wales !

At the end of this post, I’ve given more details on how to get around Wales, how long to spend in Wales and what to do in Wales!

BEST Places to visit in Wales

Map of most beautiful places to visit in Wales

Here is a map of Wales which details all of the best places to go in Wales I have noted below. This will help you work out where all these Wales tourist attractions and natural beauty spots are so you can plan your trip to Wales.

Places To Visit in South Wales

1. cardiff city (cardiff), – best cities to visit in wales.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and one of the best places to visit in Wales . It is a great city to visit and perfect for a city break with some added extras.

Cardiff is well known for its nightlife and things to do in Cardiff during the day include Cardiff Castle and walking around Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff is a good base to see more of South Wales from, you can do day trips from Cardiff to visit many places on this list of places to go in South Wales like the Brecon Beacons and Swansea Gower.

Related Posts: 1 Day Cardiff Itinerary & TOP 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!

2. Castle Coch (Cardiff)

– best castles in wales.

Another great stop on your way into or out of Cardiff is Castle Coch , one of the best castles in Europe , not only Wales!

Castle Coch is a really impressive castle and as you drive towards it, it looks like a fairytale castle sticking out of the woods! It’s a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built to protect Cardiff.

You can go inside the castle by purchasing a ticket however it is impressive to see from the outside and you can also go for a walk around the woods of Fforest Fawr where it’s located.

It’s one of the great things to do on a Wales trip with kids !

3. Tenby (Pembrokeshire)

– best seaside destination in wales.

Now we are onto Pembrokeshire and South West Wales on this list of best places to visit in Wales !

Pembrokeshire is the top holiday destination in Wales , and Tenby is the most popular beach and seaside town in Pembrokeshire.

This extremely colourful town has everything you need for a Welsh seaside holiday includes Tenby holiday cottages , 3 sand beaches, coastal walks, shops, restaurants and boat tours.

I really recommend visiting Tenby on your Wales holiday because it is such a popular place and so many people love it as one of the best places to visit in Wales .

Another reason Tenby and the places near Tenby are so good is because you can base yourself here to see more of Pembrokeshire from in an easy way.

Related Posts: 15 BEST Beaches in Pembrokeshire To Visit & A Map & 10 Best & Beautiful Campsites Near Tenby And Close to the Beach!

4. Saundersfoot (Pembrokeshire)

– best beaches in pembrokeshire.

Saundersfoot has a beautiful, big, sandy beach with a pretty seaside village and it’s really close to Tenby. In fact, one of my favourite South Wales walks is walking from Saundersfoot to Tenby !

Saundersfoot is home to some amazing food and restaurants you should visit here when in Wales if you want a less touristic beach but still one with good holiday facilities around you.

Related Post: Things To Do in Saundersfoot & Things To Do Near Saundersfoot.

CAR HIRE IN WALES

If you’re reading this post with future dreams of doing a Wales road trip but don’t have a car, visit Rentalcars to get a quote. They search all of the top rental companies like Budget and Hertz to get you the best price!

Search car rental prices for Wales here!

5. Manorbier (Pembrokeshire)

– best beaches to visit in wales.

Manorbier Beach is one of the beaches near Tenby and the one of the best beaches in Wales . It’s popular with locals and holidaymakers from nearby accommodation and holiday parks!

It’s a great beach for beginner surfing , and surfing for children because of its small waves. It has a rock and sand beach and is surrounded by a beautiful coastal path.

Whilst stopping in Manorbier on your Wales trip, you can also visit Manorbier Castle and get some cake at Beach Break Tearooms!

6. Barafundle Bay (Pembrokeshire)

– best beaches in wales.

Voted one of the beaches in the world, Barafundle Bay is a must-visit for beautiful places in Wales .

The reason why this beach and bay is so nice is because you need to walk 10-15 minutes over a field and cliff top to get there and once you are there there are no beach facilities.

Related Post: How to Get to Barafundle Bay.

7. Bosherston Lilly Ponds (Pembrokeshire)

This is a lovely and surprising walking loop from the very small village of Bosherston. From the car park, you are a minute from a beautiful pond and footpath that takes between 1-2 hours to walk around.

Not many people know about the Bosherston Lilly Ponds because they are hidden, so they are definitely a hidden gem in Wales that you need to keep in mind when planning where to go in Wales !

Related Post: How To Visit the Bosherston Lilly Ponds in Pembrokeshire!

8. St Govan’s Chapel (Pembrokeshire)

– best hidden gems in wales.

If you want to visit more hidden gems in Wales , St Govan’s Chapel is another place to visit!

This is a chapel hidden down a set of steps that leads out onto a hidden bay!

It’s really close to Bosherston Lilly Ponds so you should plan to visit both at one time on your Wales itinerary.

Related Post: How to Visit St Govan’s Chapel in Pembrokeshire! A Hidden Place!

9. Freshwater West Beach (Pembrokeshire)

If you’re a Harry Potter fan you may know of this beach because it is where Dobby the house-elf is laid to rest after his battle!

There is a little memorial for Dobby with rocks and stones behind the dunes that you can visit which is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans in South Wales!

You should still visit this beach in Pembrokeshire even if you are not a Harry Potter fan because it is another one of Pembrokeshire’s best beaches . I visited at sunset and it was such an amazing sunset spot so try to include this on your itinerary for Wales too!

10. Pembroke Castle (Pembrokeshire)

Pembroke town is not somewhere you need too spend much time but whilst travelling through Pembrokeshire in Wales, you may find yourself passing through Pembroke and Pembroke Castle is a nice place to stop.

There are so many castles in Wales and Pembroke Castle is one of the big castles that you can fully walk around so it’s one of the great things to do in Pembrokeshire with kids .

When in Pembroke town you can also take a walk along the river and get lunch or a drink in one of the many pubs close to the castle .

11. Oakwood Theme Park (Pembrokeshire)

– best family activities in wales.

This is Wales biggest theme park and therefore the biggest of the Wales tourist attractions . From my many experiences there as a teenager, a really good theme park too!

If you want to do something a bit different or it is not beach weather, you can have fun at Oakwood theme park !

12. Ramsey Island (Pembrokeshire)

– best islands to visit in wales.

Ramsey Island is one of the beauty spots in Wales . You can see and visit Ramsey Island on a boat trip. I booked this whilst in St David’s which is the small city nearby.

In the right season you can spot whales and dolphins from the boat and I believe all year round you’ll get to see seals which is what I saw. It’s a great day out in South Wales and Pembrokeshire for children and adults!

Related Post: 10 Things To Do In Broad Haven close to St David’s .

13. Blue Lagoon (Pembrokeshire)

– best places to swim in wales.

If you want somewhere cool to swim in Wales , especially in the summer, you have to add the Blue Lagoon to your list of top places to visit in South Wales!

It’s a former slate quarry and now features a big, and deep, lagoon that is popular for coasteering, kayaking and swimming!

To find it, you need to search and head to: National Trust – Abereiddi to Abermaw . You won’t find ‘Blue Lagoon Wales’ as a point on Google Maps.

The Blue Lagoon is now one of the South Wales Instagram spots you see a lot of online!

14. Pen Y Fan (Brecon Beacons National Park)

– best hikes in brecon beacons.

The Brecon Beacons National Park is definitely one of the top places to visit in Wales because of its stunning countryside, its activities and hikes!

The Brecon Beacons is the best place for hiking in South Wales , it has the second-highest peak in Wales called Pen Y Fan (the highest peak is Snowdon in North Wales).

Hiking Pen Y Fan makes for a brilliant day out in Wales and I really recommend taking on the challenge to tick this well known peak off and see South Wales from above!

Related Post: How To Do Pen Y Fan Walk in The Brecon Beacons!

15. Hay on Wye (Brecon Beacons National Park)

– prettiest towns in wales.

You’ll find the pretty market town of Hay on Wye in the Brecon Beacons National Park to the North on the edge of England and Wales.

Hay on Wye is a really unique place making it one of the places of interest in Wales because it is famous for its literature and books !

The town is full of book shops old and new along with other independent shops and lots of nice cafes . It’s a real gem in South Wales!

16. Brecon Beacons Waterfalls (Brecon Beacons National Park)

– best waterfalls in wales.

When looking for famous Welsh places to visit , how can you leave Brecon Beaons National Park. It is full of waterfalls and if you’re looking for where to visit in Wales , I recommend going to see some waterfalls in the National Park.

There is a 4 waterfall walk which is a popular walk and relatively easy walk to do taking just a few hours.

There are places to go wild swimming in the Brecon Beacons on the walk as well as walking behind a waterfall and seeing more of the beautiful landscape of the National Park in Wales.

Related Post: How To Do The Brecon Beacons Waterfalls Walk to 4 Waterfalls!

17. Barry Island (Glamorgan)

– best beaches to visit in wales for families.

If you know of Gavin and Stacey , you’ll know Barry Island, and for some seaside fun and for one of the popular days out in Wales you can head to Barry Island for the day!

Barry Island is full of candy floss, fish & chips, arcade games, and rides, some people think it’s a bit tacky but if you go for the fun of it, you’ll have a good time!

Plus, there are a few different beaches in Barry Island and some are much quieter and relaxed than others so it’s still worth checking out, even if you are dubious!

Related Post: Barry Island Beaches Guide! 4 BEST Beaches in Barry To Visit!

18. Nash Point (Glamorgan)

– best walks in wales.

A hugely underrated part of Wales is the Glamorgan Heritage Coast ! This part of the Wales Coastal Path between Cardiff and Swansea is full of amazing beaches and Wales beauty spots .

Nash Point is my favourite area on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast in South Wales.

It has a towering cliff edge and the rocks down at the beach are one of the best places in ways for fossil hunting in Wales! If you have children who are into dinosaurs, this is a great stop in Wales !

19. Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes (Glamorgan)

– best hidden places in wales.

For a super unique walk in Wales, check out the Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve featuring huge sand dunes.. yes sand dunes!

My sister goes walking here with her dogs all the time and I only recently found out about it because it is a spot only locals know !

Head to Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve on Google Maps here . As you reach this point, you’ll get to the car park and from there you’ll see the big sand dunes you need to climb!

You can choose the steep dunes or some easier sand dunes and once at the top you’ll be rewarded with an incredible coastline view over Merthyr Mawr Beach and you can keep walking around the nature reserve from here which is easier to walk since you’ve already passed the sand dunes!

20. Cowbridge (Glamorgan)

– most beautiful towns in wales.

Cowbridge is a lovely market town between Cardiff and Bridgend so if you’re driving from Cardiff to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast I suggest you take the scenic route rather than the M4 and drive through Cowbridge.

It’s full of independent shops in colourful buildings. There’s a pretty garden called the Physic Garden you can stretch your legs in and I recommend getting ice cream from Fablas Ice Cream Parlour .

It’s a hidden gem in Wales for sure!

21. Rhossili Bay (Swansea Gower)

The Swansea Gower feels like an Island off of the coast of Swansea and South Wales but it is actually joined to the mainland making it easy to visit from the M4.

Rhossili Bay is the most famous place to visit on the Gower because this beach has been voted as one of the best beaches in Wales (and maybe the world?). It’s not hard to see why so it should be on your list of places to visit in Wales !

The beach is huge and you get an amazing view of it whilst taking a coastal walk down Worms Head.

22. Three Cliffs Bay (Swansea Gower)

– best beach walks in wales.

Another one of the best beaches in Swansea Gower is the Three Cliffs Bay which offers you a wild beach experience with sand dunes, a salt marsh and limestone cliffs , plus an amazing sand beach.

You can base yourself here for a few days on your Wales trip, the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park is a well known and popular place to stay in Wales or you can stop by whilst visiting the other places to go in South Wales on this list.

Related Post: How To Visit Three Cliffs Bay & Three Cliffs Bay Walks!

23. National Botanic Gardens of Wales (Carmarthenshire)

– best gardens to visit in wales.

When planning your Wales trip, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales outside Carmarthen is a good place to stop all year round and definitely one of the good things to do in Wales when it rains because much of it is inside!

At this Wales tourist attraction you can visit the Great Glasshouse and Tropical House indoors and get a ticket for the   British Bird of Prey Centre !

If the weather is good you can stretch your legs in the 400 acre Waun Las National Nature Reserve which is an enchanting mosaic of flower-rich meadows, evocative woodlands, waterfalls and cascades.

When stopping in Carmarthen, there are many nice villages near by like Llansteffan near by so be sure to plan in a few hours to see the near-by area!

24. Pembrey Country Park and Beach (Carmarthenshire)

If you’re doing this Wales trip with kids and want to wear them out, or you want a really good walk yourself, Pembrey Country Park is where you need to visit.

With an 8 mile long beach and a huge woodland area there is plenty of space to walk! You can also do activities here like horse riding, Wales longest toboggan run, dry ski slopes, crazy golf and more!

If you are looking for caravan sites and camping in Wales sites, I really recommend Pembrey Campsite because of how many facilities are within the County Park.

25. Wye Valley (England Wales Border)

– best places to visit in wales near england.

On the very edge of Wales is the Wye Valley so if you’re driving from Southern England to Wales, you should pass through the Wye Valley on the way.

One of the main places to visit in the Wye Valley is Tintern Abbey . The historic Abbey ruins of Tintern Abbey and the village of Tintern are a good place to stretch your legs at the start or end of your Wales road trip as these are the famous landmark in Wales .

If you want a bit of a hike you can hike up to Devils Pulpit which is nearby and a great introduction to Wales hikes!

26. Cardigan

For places to visit in Wales, Cardigan has to be on the list! Despite Cardigan’s small size, this ancient market town is a great place to base yourself in South West Wales because there are plenty of things to do in Cardigan and Cardigan Bay.

The Cardigan Bay coastline is by far the top attraction, it’s actually where the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path starts so if you enjoy hiking, this is a great place to go.

Cardigan is surrounded by amazing beaches which are much less touristy than many of those further South in Pembrokeshire and you’re bound to see more of Welsh local life in this part of Wales.

Best Places to Visit in Mid-Wales

27. the elan valley (powys).

The Powys region is technically in Mid-Wales but when looking at a map of Wales, it is closer to the South and easier to reach from South Wales, that’s why this impressive place area is ending my list of places to visit in Wales!

Elan Valley and the Elan Valley Dams and Reservoirs are one of the top places to visit in Powys. They were built a hundred years ago to supply desperately needed clean water to Birmingham. Today, they are perfect for walking around and they are impressive to see with gushing water travelling from one dam to another!

If you are coming from the Midlands into South Wales, going via the Elan Valley is a good way to enter or exit Wales and see this stunning beauty spot in Wales!

Places to Visit in North Wales

28. yr wyddfa (mount snowdon) (snowdonia national park), – best hikes in wales.

If the weather is on your side, climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) should be on top of the list on your Wales itinerary! Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) is the highest peak in Wales and although climbing it is hard work, it is do-able for many people and such a great achievement!

There are a few routes to the top, I have done it from Pen Y Pass a few times which I recommend, and if you don’t fancy the walk you can use the Snowdon Mountain Railway train to help you which is especially good if you’re in North Wales with children.

Related Post: Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) From The Pen Y Pass Snowdon Route!

29. Llanberis Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)

– best places for families to visit in wales.

Llanberis is the town most people will pass through on the way to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) and many people park in Llanberis and start the hike up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) from here too.

Therefore if you are looking for things to do near Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Llanberis is a good place to visit.

Llanberis has a huge lake which is popular for watersports and many families come to relax on the grassy bank along the lake which has play areas too.

Tourist attractions in Llanberis include the Llanberis Lake Railway , National Slate Museum and Dolbadarn Castle . Overall it’s a perfect place for families to visit in Wales.

30. Dinorwig Quarry (Snowdonia National Park)

Also in Llanberis is Dinorwig Quarry but I’m adding this as it’s own place to visit in Wales because it’s a full day out on it’s own.

We had a great afternoon hiking here last year. We parked up in Llanberis main car park and headed straight into the forest between the two lakes here. If you search for Dinorwig Quarry on Google maps, you’ll find it easily.

We were so surprised by what we saw here. There are lots of old mining buildings within the forest, also known as the Anglesey Barracks as workers from Angelesey used to stay here. Dali’s Hole is a lake right at the top of the mountain and forest which you can walk to and then you can head over into the footpaths through the old Quarry.

On google it’s hard to see where to go, but trust me when you are there there are many places for walking here, with amazing views of the Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in front.

31. Watkins Path Waterfalls (Snowdonia National Park)

– best waterfalls in wales.

Now wild swimming is all the range, one of the super unique and cool places for wild swimming in Wales and in Snowdonia is the Watkin Path Waterfalls!

The Watkins Path is another route to the top of Mount Snowdon but close-ish to the start of the walk you’ll find lots of pools one after each other than run down the mountain. They’re basically natural infinity pools in North Wales and the best places for swimming in Snowdonia .

32. Cwmorthin Lake, (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

– best lakes in wales.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) is made up of so many lakes and it will be hard to drive past them on your North Wales trip without wanting to stop! One of the good lakes to stop at is Cwmorthin Lake because of its history.

This used to be a slate mine so when you visit the lake you can see the former Cwmorthin Slate Mine, there is also Cwmorthin Waterfall down the river from the lake so it makes a great place to stop for a walk in nature.

If you fancy some wild swimming in North Wales , this place is for you too!

33. Zip-Line (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

– best activities in wales.

One of the top places to visit in Wales for a lot of fun is Zip World in North Wales.

Zip World have 4 locations in North Wales 3 of which are in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park).

The activities in each of them change from a roller coaster through the forest, sky rides, velocity ziplines and so much more, so pick which ones sound most appealing to you and book in because this will give your Wales road trip a huge adrenaline hit!

Zip World have revamped their North Wales activities quite a lot recently and now, in their Slate Cavern location in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) you can play underground golf and go on trampolines inside the cavern!

It’s best to book all Zip-World activities in Wales online in advance so you don’t miss out, especially for weekends and school holidays!

34. Adventure Parc Snowdonia (Snowdonia National Park)

– best attractions in wales.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia has something for everyone in the family and you don’t have to have children to enjoy it! It’s an adults adventure playground too!

For high class, adrenaline activities in Wales like surfing on a man-made surfing pool , rock climbing walls, high ropes, indoor caves, soft play, paddle boarding , zip lines, biking and coasteering, check Adventure Parc Snowdonia out for all of the best water activities in North Wales !

35. Mount Tryfan (Snowdonia National Park)

– best hike in snowdon national park.

If you are up for an intense hike, be sure to add Mount Tryfan to your list of places to go in Wales and places for hiking in North Wales .

In fact, it’s not a hike, it’s a scramble to the top! It took me 5 hours and although it was hard and scary at times, it was so rewarding!

My Related Post: A Guide to Climbing Tryfan & Hiking Tryfan for Non-Climbers in North Wales!

36. Conway City (Conwy)

– best cities in wales to visit.

Conway is a walled market town and worth visiting a few reasons. The main reason being Conwy Castle . There are many Castles in North Wales but this one is hugely impressive and if you only visit one castle in Wales it should be this one!

Conway is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain and still has it’s town walls intact so it’s a great place to visit for history in Wales if you don’t fancy a beach day or the weather is not on your side for exploring the wild outdoors.

37. LLandudno (Conwy)

– best seaside resorts in wales.

Llandudno is an old British seaside resort but it is still thriving today and is clean and tidy to visit.

I love the old victorian buildings that line the huge promenade and beach. Llandudno pier is easily the top of the list of Llandudno tourist attractions is a good place for some typical seaside fun!

It is a resort town so there are lots of activities near Llandudno like a ski slope and one of the popular things to do in Llandudno is to drive up to and around the Great Orme rock that stands out beside the town. Be sure to look for seals in the ocean below too!

For one of the great places to visit near Llandudno you can go to Conwy city or one of the many nearby beaches like Colwyn Bay Beach.

We have some paddle boards and recently took them out onto the sea from Llandudno beach. We found it easy to park right by the beach and get to the water carrying the boards. The water was a bit choppy for us but if it was a nice still day, this is a great paddle boarding spot in North Wales .

38. Gwrych Castle (Conwy)

– best castles in wales to visit.

Another one of the top Castles to visit in Wales is Gwrych Castle. This is one of the beautiful places in Wales to visit anyway, however it has now become even more popular due to it being where “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” was filmed for two consecutive years.

You need to purchase tickets to enter Gwrych Castle and if you want to know what it’s like to stay overnight in a castle, you can book to stay in one of their lodges !

39. Portmeirion Tourist Village (Gwynedd)

Aside from Snowdon, I’d say this is the top of the list in tourist attractions in Wales .

For a slice of Italy in Wales, you can visit Portmeirion . It is a pretty iconic place so you may have seen photos of it before online and it’s definitely one of the most iconic places to visit in North Wales .

It is a tourist village and it does get very busy so don’t go expecting a quaint village, it also costs £12.00 per adult to enter but for a unique experience to see some nice buildings and gardens it’s worth going.

Porthmadog is the closest town to Portmeirion which is quite a popular tourist town, so this place works as one of the great places to visit near Porthmadog .

40. Harlech Beach (Gwynedd)

– best beaches in wales to visit.

For one of the best beaches in Wales with a beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue water head to Harlech Beach ! It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales I have seen and I love that it has the sand dunes behind it.

Whilst you’re in Harlech you can check out the local town and definitely take a visit to Harlech Castle which stands prominently on the hill and another great North Wales attractions .

Harlech is a good place to visit before or after Portmeirion as they are quite close together.

41. Black Rock Sands Beach (Gwynedd)

– biggest beaches in wales.

Black Rock Sands Beach is a really cool and different beach to visit because you can drive onto it !! It’s so amazing and fun, especially if you have always wanted to experience driving on a huge beach !

It costs £5.00 to enter the beach and after that, you have the whole beach to decide where to drive and park up. There is a chance you could get stuck in wet sand but there are people there to help pull you out!

This is another one of the good places to visit near Porthmadog as it isn’t far away at all.

42. Aber Falls (Gwynedd)

Wales is all about waterfalls and one of the most visited waterfalls in Wales is Aber Falls! It’s a great place to stop as you are leaving Snowdon to go into North England or Conwy or Llandudno because it’s just off the main North Wales Expressway.

Aber Falls is popular because it is fairly easily accessible so it’s good for kids to walk with an impressive waterfall at the end so get this on your list of things to see in Wales !

43. Abersoch Beach (Llyn Peninsula)

– best beaches for families in wales.

The beaches in North Wales are some of the top places to visit in North Wales all year round.

For a calm and sandy beach , Abersoch is the beach for you. You can head here in all seasons for a sunny day on the beach and a winters walk.

If you have children this is a good beach to add to your places to visit in Wales with kids as it is family friendly and safe.

44. Ty Coch Inn (Llyn Peninsula)

– best pubs in wales.

A Beach Bar might not be what you expect to see in Wales, but this is why this part of the UK is so great because it offers surprise after surprise.

Ty Coch Inn has been voted in the  top ten beach bars in the world because this typical Welsh pub is located on a beautiful stretch of beach.

It’s definitely one of the unique places to visit in Wales because there are not many other places you find a pub in such an incredible location.

45. Pen-Llyn Riding Centre (Llyn Peninsula)

If you want to add some horse riding in Wales to your list of things to do in Wales, I went out on a hack with Pen-Llyn Riding Centre last year and it was such a great way to see see this part of the Llyn Peninsula which is called Pwllheli.

46. Beaumaris (Anglesey Island)

– best islands in wales to visit.

Anglesey is an island off of the North-West coast of Wales connected by a bridge in Bangor, and if there is one place you should visit in Anglesey it’s Beaumaris.

Beaumaris is a charming seaside town with a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and lots of them are painted in bright colours!

For tourist attractions in Anglesey, you can visit Beaumaris Castle , take a Puffin Island boat trip , walk along the seafront and get some fish and chips from one of the many shops!

47. Newborough Beach (Anglesey Island)

– best sandy beaches in wales.

This is one of my favourite beaches in Wales! To get there you drive through Newborough National Nature Reserve, followed by a quick walk over sand dunes before getting to a long stretch of white sand !

The Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this beach. It’s perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding and you can do a great walk to the end of the peninsula to see the lighthouses.

48. South Stack Lighthouse (Anglesey Island)

– best lighthouses in wales.

This is one of my husbands top places to visit in Wales. He just loves seeing South Stack Lighthouse perched right on the last edge of the West Coast of Wales so remotely and it’s amazing that it was built in 1809 .

We also love the drive to South Stack Lighthouse , it’s so scenic and totally worth the extra time it takes you get here as it’s a one of the best places to see in Anglesey .

Once here, you can visit inside the lighthouse with a ticket , there are walking paths along the coast and you can check out Elin’s Tower.

How to get to Wales?

The best way to get to Wales is by car and it depends whether you plan to visit South Wales, North Wales or Mid Wales.

For access into South Wales, go via the M4 into Cardiff which is an easy route for getting to Wales.

For access into North Wales, go via the North Wales Express which is an easy route for getting to Wales.

How to get around Wales?

Wales is best travelled by car because many of the best places to visit in Wales are remote and a car is needed to access them.

However, the train and bus system in Wales is good too. Here’s my post on visiting Wales by train and some ideas of where to go in Wales by train.

Best Time of Year to Visit Wales

I say that late spring, summer and early autumn is the best time to visit Wales for the best opportunity of good weather!

But, the weather in Wales is unpredictable, just like the rest of the UK, therefore as long as you have the right clothing for the weather, any time is the best time to visit Wales!

I have a more detailed post here on the best time of year to visit Wales which goes through the weather each month.

Where to Stay in Wales

There is a range of accommodation available in Wales for all budget types which can be booked on Booking.com , Airbnb , Hostelworld , Cool Stays etc.

Budget: For budget accommodation in Wales, look for hostels . YHA is a great hostel chain offering many locations throughout Wales!

Mid-Range: For hotels and guest houses, have a look on Airbnb and Booking.com . You’ll also find many glamping in Wales options in the mid-range price category.

Splurge: If you want some really unique accommodation in Wales like some luxury glamping in Wales, you’ll need to pay more but it will be worth it! You can find places like this on Cool Stays , Booking.com & Airbnb !

Wales FAQ’s

What is the most beautiful part of wales.

I’d say that the most beautiful part of Wales is Pembrokeshire in South Wales! Pembrokeshire has a huge coastline with so many amazing beaches to visit. There are many seaside towns here and many of the family attractions in Wales here so it is not only beautiful but easy to see and stay here.

Is South Wales or North Wales better?

Both South Wales and North Wales have their highlights. If you enjoy hiking, North Wales is best. Both sides have top beaches in Wales though and many of the top attractions in Wales.

If you are struggling to decide where to visit in Wales, it’s best to visit the closest part to you. If you live in South England or the Midlands, South Wales will be better for you. If you live in North England or Scotland, North Wales will be better for you!

Where should I go in Wales?

The top areas to go in Wales are Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park), Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons and Cardiff.

Is Wales worth it?

Yes! Wales is definitely worth it! So many people are so surprised by Wales and how beautiful it is. Whether you go on a day trip or spend a 1 week holiday in Wales there is so much to see and do!

I hope this list of the places to visit in Wales has helped you plan your Wales trip and Wales itinerary!

• More of my Wales posts to help you plan your trip:
• How To Spend 3 Days in Wales! Perfect 3 Day Wales Itinerary!
• How To Spend 1 Week in Wales!
• 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
• 16 Beaches Near Cardiff To Visit. All 1 Hour From Cardiff!
• How To Climb Snowdon From The Pen Y Pass Snowdon Route!
• 16 Beautiful Staycations in Wales To Feel Like You’re Abroad!

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The Ultimate 5 to 7-Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Published on December 6, 2023

by Neota Langley

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Taking a Wales road trip from the majestic peaks of Snowdonia National Park (known as Eryri in Welsh) to the windswept shores of the Pembrokeshire Coast is the best way to immerse yourself in this land where breath-taking landscapes and charming towns and cities are combined.

Take 5 to 7 days in Wales to fully immerse yourself in the warmth of Welsh hospitality, sample traditional cuisine, and embark on a journey that reveals the fascinating Celtic heritage of this often underrated gem. 

Located on the windswept west coast of the United Kingdom, Wales is home to endless rugged landscapes, ancient history, and a vibrant cultural scene. This enchanting country is not to be overlooked, for it reveals a treasure trove of experiences. Perfect for those who seek to take the road less travelled. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Wales?

Wales is a country in itself but it is much smaller than the likes of Ireland or Scotland . This makes it the perfect location for a week-long getaway. Although you won’t be able to explore every corner with 5-7 days, that doesn’t mean you can’t easily experience the highlights. 

With 5 days in Wales, you will be able to hit the two largest national parks, the rugged and mountainous Snowdonia and the glorious coastline of Pembrokeshire.

For the purpose of this itinerary, we begin in the north and come to a close in the south which makes this a circular road trip. This means you can experience the variation of this country in a short amount of time.

Depending on your priorities, you could easily swap out some of the more outdoorsy activities for days spent in Wales’ towns and cities. That’s the joy of exploring such a small country.  

If you have 1 week in Wales, you will be able to visit all 3 national parks. Ramble along coastal footpaths, climb mountains and visit the country’s capital, Cardiff. Discover local cuisine such as Bara Brith (fruit loaf), Lava Bread (seaweed) and the incredibly moreish Welsh Cakes.

The Celtic past and delve into the myths and legends that surround Wales. One week is the perfect amount of time to spend in this varied country but if you do have more time on your hands, we have included some additional locations at the end of this itinerary that are worth adding to your route. 

Getting To & Around Wales

Getting to Wales is relatively straightforward, thanks to its air, rail, road and sea connections. This itinerary is set up as a Wales road trip so, the best way to make the most out of your time here, is by car.

If you are visiting the UK and don’t have a car with you, there are several hire locations across the country where you can pick up, and drop off your hire car. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare options.

There are public transport options if you are unable to hire a car but across the more rural parts, the timetables can be sparse. Visiting Wales is doable when relying on public transport but you will have to allow extra time for connections and there may be certain areas you won’t be able to explore. You can view schedules here.

If you are travelling from further afield, there is one major airport in Cardiff which offers flights to a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond. There are also direct ferries connecting Anglesey and Fishguard with Ireland . 

5-7 Day Wales Itinerary

Welcome to Wales, from the mountains in the north to the golden sandy beaches in the south, this road trip whisks you away on a journey of discovery. Take the slow road and explore the hidden gems throughout this Wales itinerary. 

Day 1 – Anglesey

For the purpose of this itinerary, our road trip begins in the north and you can’t get any further north than the island of Anglesey. Known as the “Mother of Wales,” this island, attached to the mainland by the Menai Bridge, is a wild place full of ancient ruins, windswept landscapes, and picturesque villages. 

Anglesey makes the perfect day trip, although you could easily take longer to explore the coast. Start your day by driving over the Menai Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge connecting Anglesey to mainland Wales.

If you have been stuck in the car for a few hours, you will find the National Trust property Plas Newydd on the other side of the bridge. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, with beautiful views across the Menai Strait, especially if you have a four-legged companion. 

There are a few options for spending the day on Anglesey, depending on what you want to see and do with your time. 

For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the serenity, head down to Newborough Forest. Take a peaceful stroll amidst the towering pine trees before reaching the stunning Llanddwyn Island. Explore its historic lighthouse, ruins, and peaceful beaches.

To get the best of both worlds, head to South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve, where the South Stack Lighthouse stands proudly against the dramatic coastal backdrop.

Take a stroll along the cliffs for breathtaking views out to sea. Then, in the afternoon, you will have time to explore Holyhead, the largest town on Anglesey. Visit St. Cybi’s Church and unwind beside the Holyhead Harbour. 

For the evening, return to the mainland, maybe making a pit stop a the incredible Conwy Castle or Caernarfon Castle on the north coast. For the first two nights of this itinerary, we will be based in or around Snowdonia National Park . 

Where to Stay Near Snowdonia National Park

Hafan Artro – This small hotel in the village of Llanbedr is a great base for exploring North Wales. They have free on-site parking, a full breakfast and a range of comfortable rooms available.

The Tilman – Those after luxury will love this 5-star hotel during their time in North Wales. They have several luxe rooms to choose from, a fab breakfast available and amenities including an on-site bar to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Snowdonia hotels!

Day 2 – Snowdon (Eryri)

After a peaceful day enjoying the sea breeze over on the island of Anglesey, it’s time to lace up those hiking boots to head up to the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Eryri in Welsh). 

For those who love walking and want to complete the challenge of the ascent, the hike up to the summit is beautiful and accessible for most fitness levels/ages during the summer months.

For those who would rather reserve their energy, there is a train that chugs up the steep mountainside to reach the top from Llanberis. No effort required. 

If you are hiking, it’s best to set out early. During the peak season, the path can become crowded, especially later in the day. There are 6 pedestrian routes to the summit but the two that start and finish on the Pen Y Pass road are the best.

You can also create a circuit with these two routes which gives a little more diversity than the other paths. You can park your car in the Pan y Pass car park but you will need to book ahead for a spot during the summer.

Head out on the ‘Pyg’ trail and return on the ‘Miners’ – this way, you could pack your swimwear and take a dip in the Llyn Llydaw, a chilly mountain lake, to cool off on the return. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear, pack a coat and take plenty of snacks and water.

The weather can change very quickly in the mountains so it’s always best to be prepared, even if it’s a beautiful sunny day in the car park. 

You will most likely spend the entire day in the mountains, the hike takes between 6-8 hours. If you are an inexperienced hiker and prefer to go with a guide you can  join a hiking tour  or  organise a private hike.

As you return to your car, it’s likely you will need to have a good meal to replenish your energy. There are plenty of cosy pubs offering meals beside the fire around the area, including ‘The Heights’ in Llanberis.

There is also a pizza restaurant serving the best wood-fired pizzas in North Wales called ‘ Hangin Pizzeria ’ in Betws-y-Coed a short drive away which is definitely worth the trip.  

Day 3 – Portmeirion/Mid Wales 

After spending 2 nights in North Wales, day 3 is a road trip day. We have added a few options for pit stops along the way so depending on how much time you have, you could visit one or all three.

The drive itself takes between 3-4 hours depending on where exactly your accommodation is. There is one main road down the west coast of Wales and you’re in luck, it’s an incredibly scenic drive through mountains and along the coast road. 

Our first stop is a slight detour from the main road but is well worth visiting, especially during the summer months when the sun is shining. 

Portmeirion – Is this really Wales? You’d be forgiven for confusing the village of Portmeirion with a quaint village in Italy. It defies convention with an enchanting blend of Italianate architecture and lush landscapes.

Conceived by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this colourful haven transports visitors to a Mediterranean-inspired realm, adorned with pastel buildings, cobbled streets, and exotic gardens. 

Stop number two is the charming coastal town of Aberystwyth. Mid Wales is often overlooked but it is a real hidden gem, with the Cambrian mountains on one side, and Cardigan Bay on the other.

Home to Aberystwyth University, this town exudes a youthful energy, with vibrant cafes, shops, and cultural spaces. You will find the mediaeval castle ruins on one side of the promenade and the funicular railway up Constitution Hill on the other.

Aberystwyth offers endless options for exploration, from spending time on the beach, treating yourself to some authentic Welsh cuisine, hiking in the hills, to rummaging through the independent shops along the high street. If you only have time to stop once on your journey south, Aberystwyth is the place to visit. 

The final stop is the quaint coastal market town of Fishguard. This maritime town is the gateway to Pembrokeshire but also serves as a ferry port to the Republic of Ireland.

The town is famed for the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, an event commemorated by the impressive tapestry found in the Town Hall. Take a stroll to enjoy breathtaking views from the cliff tops overlooking Fishguard Bay before exploring the winding streets lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture, uncovering local shops and cafes along the way.

For the next 3 nights on this Wales itinerary, we will be based around Pembrokeshire National Park. In terms of accommodation, selecting a central location is a strategic move and will help cut down on driving hours.  

Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire

Coach Guest House – This guesthouse in Tenby is a great base in Pembrokeshire. They have plenty of comfortable rooms to choose from and a wonderful breakfast each morning.

The Park Hotel – Situated in South Wales just outside of Tenby, this hotel is a great, peaceful getaway in the region. They have beautiful rooms (some with sea views) and a swimming pool on site.

Beachcomber B&B – This beachfront bed and breakfast is another excellent base for exploring Pembrokeshire. They have several delightful rooms to choose from along with an exceptional breakfast available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Pembrokeshire hotels!

Day 4 – Pembrokeshire – North

We kick off day 4 in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Home to meandering cliff paths, turquoise waters and long stretches of sandy beaches, this is Wales’ answer to the Riviera.

For the purpose of this itinerary, we have split this vast area into two days. It may look like a small national park but with most of the roads being windy country lanes, it can take time to get from one location to the next. 

The unofficial capital of this National Park is St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. Despite its city status, St Davids exudes a charming village atmosphere, characterised by its stunning cathedral, historic sites, local boutiques and a backdrop of rolling hills and pristine beaches. 

Any day trip to this micro-city should start at the magnificent St David’s Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful building stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance, drawing pilgrims from around the world. 

St Davids also serves as a gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a renowned long-distance trail hugging the rugged Welsh coastline. The nearby St Davids Peninsula, with its secluded coves and panoramic vistas and is within walking distance from the city centre,  giving you ample opportunity to explore its natural wonders. 

The centre of the city can become very crowded during the peak summer months and, due its size, parking can be tricky. It’s best to arrive early to make sure you bag a spot and can explore for the rest of the day without worrying. 

Pembrokeshire is a coastal paradise, so it’s only right that our next destination is a beautiful sandy beach. Framed by towering cliffs and rolling sand dunes, Marloes Sands is one of the more ‘off the beaten track’ beaches in this National Park and even during the busiest seasons, there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of tranquillity.

The expansive sands reveal intricate rock formations, tidal pools, and the iconic “Church Rock,” a limestone stack rising dramatically from the sea.

The beach is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as seabirds soar overhead and seals often bask on the offshore rocks. Make sure you take note of the tide times before visiting, at high tide there is little to no sand visible. 

Day 5 – Pembrokeshire – South

Day 5 begins in the unassuming village of Bosherston. As with most of the destinations in Pembrokeshire, it’s best to arrive early to make sure you get a parking spot.

Bosherston is a very small village, with just a campsite, a handful of houses, a pub and a cafe. The reason this quaint village is so popular is what is hidden beneath the trees beyond the car park, the Lily Pools.

These beautiful lakes are full of lily pads and if you visit in July/August, the flowers will be in full bloom. There is a circular path around the lakes but if you take a short diversion, you will emerge from the treeline onto the coast at Broad Haven South Beach.

This hidden bay is complete with golden sands, surrounding countryside and breathtaking rock formations.  

After spending the morning soaking in the best of Wales’ coastline, it’s time to head into the seaside town of Tenby. Although Tenby is a town, it is much larger than St Davids and there are plenty of ways to spend your afternoon.

The town’s three golden-sand beaches invite sun-seekers from around the world, while the mediaeval town walls surround the quirky, vibrant atmosphere of the town’s shops, galleries, and cafes. Explore the bustling harbour, where fishing boats bob on the tide, or take a short boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a tranquil abbey and lighthouse.

If you only have 5 days for your trip to Wales, Tenby is the perfect place to round off your trip. From here, you will be able to reach the M4 in just one hour or, if you are using public transport, there is a train station just outside of the walled town centre.

Make sure you grab a bite to eat before you leave, Tenby is home to some excellent up-and-coming restaurants and street food stalls such as Tap & Tan, Ultracomida and Lokky’s. 

Day 6 – Brecon Beacons 

If you have dedicated a whole week to exploring Wales then you’re in luck, our next destination is the rugged Brecon Beacons National Park.

A true hiker’s paradise, the Beacons are much smaller than the mountains of Snowdonia but they can be equally as beautiful and are much more accessible for every level of adventurer. Encompassing lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient woodlands, this national park has it all. 

If you loved climbing to the summit of Snowdon, it’s only right that you also bag Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. Towering over the rolling hills that surround it, Pen Y Fan stands at 886m.

The climb is moderate and is accessible to most, with an easy-to-follow, non-technical path. The journey begins from the popular trailhead at Pont ar Daf, winding through heather-clad slopes and rocky terrain. As you ascend, the panoramic views are revealed, step by step. 

Climbing Pen Y Fan is a popular choice for a day trip in the Brecon Beacons, but for a unique adventure that is a little further from the beaten path, you’ll want to head over to the other side of the National Park to discover the magical trails of Waterfall Country.

Here, a meandering path leads you deep into the ancient forest, venturing along the trails of the Mellte and Hepste Rivers. The highlight is the Four Falls Trail, a mesmerising circular route leading to four breathtaking waterfalls – Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the awe-inspiring Sgwd yr Eira.

Each waterfall has its own unique charm but at Sgwd Y Eira, you can actually walk behind the curtain of water to the otherside. This is also a popular place to go wild swimming in the fresh Welsh mountain river. 

Last on our list of things to do in the Brecon Beacons is the Llyn Y Fan Fach circular hike. This horseshoe walk is much quieter than the Pen Y Fan horseshoe but the incredible views and dramatic geology make it a real hidden gem.

Ascent behind the lake to walk along the ridgeline then loop back around, passing another hidden lake. The real highlight is this legendary hidden valley, where the Lady of the Lake is said to have risen from the waters.

This mythological past, coupled with the tranquil beauty of the lake and mountain views, makes the Llyn y Fan Fach walk a must-do for any adventurer visiting the Brecon Beacons. Plan to spend the night in Cardiff.

Where to Stay in Cardiff

Parador 44 – This hip hotel is an excellent mid-range option in the centre of Cardiff. They have several modern rooms on offer, an on-site restaurant serving Spanish cuisine and a superb breakfast each morning.

Future Inn Cardiff Bay – This luxe hotel is wonderful for those after a plush stay in Cardiff. Located within easy walking distance of Bute Park and Cardiff Castle, there is a wonderful restaurant on-site along with amenities like room service to enjoy.

The Spires Serviced Apartments – These pet-friendly apartments are perfect for those looking for a self-catering option in the Welsh capital. They have several furnish flats to choose from and a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cardiff hotels!

Day 7 – Cardiff 

Seeing as we are rounding off our trip to Wales in the south, it would be a shame to miss out the country’s capital, Cardiff. This city blends its rich history with a modern day vibrancy, there is plenty to see and do whether you want to discover the castle, spend the day shopping or immerse yourself in Wales’ favourite sport, rugby. 

The city’s iconic skyline is dominated by Cardiff Castle, a mediaeval ruin nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

Take a stroll through Bute Park, a natural oasis perched along the River Taff, before immersing yourself in the cultural delights of the National Museum.

It’s also worth making a short detour to visit the recently modernised waterfront of Cardiff Bay which houses the Wales Millennium Centre and a plethora of shops and restaurants.

If you are a night owl, you will find plenty to do in the city centre as the darkness draws in. From mysterious cocktail bars to thumping nightclubs, this is a university city which really comes alive after dark. 

Have More Time?

If you have more than one week to spend exploring Wales, there are a few additional stops along the way that are worth adding to your itinerary. The first being the coastline just beyond the city of Swansea, known as The Gower Peninsula. 

Designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower is home to iconic spots like Rhossili Bay, with its sweeping sands and the famous rocky outcrop of Worm’s Head. The peninsula is dotted with mediaeval castles, such as Pennard Castle, overlooking Three Cliffs Bay.

A true haven for water enthusiasts, the Gower offers world-class surfing at Llangennith, and opportunities to discover secluded coves by paddleboarding and kayaking.

Wye Valley / Offa’s Dyke

On the border between Wales and England, you will find Offa’s Dyke, an ancient earthwork tracing this historic frontier built by King Offa in the 8th century. Spanning 177 miles, it weaves across diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to woodlands.

Today, the dyke serves as a long-distance trail for hikers and nature enthusiasts, revealing remnants of history along the way, including ancient forts and Roman ruins. 

You can explore this trail the entire way down the spine of Wales but the section that runs through the Wye Valley is the most breathtaking and is well worth taking a day to explore. Carved by nature, this UNESCO-listed Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty follows the river Wye, bordered by ancient woodlands and towering limestone cliffs.

Climb up to Symonds Yat Rock, a scenic viewpoint above the village, offering breathtaking vistas of the river winding through the valley. Don’t forget to visit Tintern Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece, founded in 1131. Its soaring arches and weathered stone walls stand as a thought-provoking testament to centuries past.

Llyn Peninsula

Another destination that is a little further from the beaten path is the rugged Llyn Peninsula. Often forgotten in favour of Snowdonia and Anglesey, this coastal haven juts out of north Wales into the wild Irish Sea.

Renowned for its rugged landscapes and picturesque villages, the peninsula boasts enchanting beaches like Porth Neigwl and Porth Oer. Aberdaron, a charming coastal village, marks the far western tip, with its quaint charm and the historic St Hywyn’s Church.

The Llyn Coastal Path meanders along the shoreline, offering panoramic views of Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia.  If you want a peaceful holiday away from the crowds, even in the high season, the Llyn Peninsula is the perfect destination. 

Wales may be a small country but with hidden valleys, towering mountains, golden sands and mystical waterfalls, it really does have everything. With ample opportunities to discover hidden gems, Wales is one of those destinations that will always leave you wanting more. 

Are you planning to visit Wales? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

9 Best Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire, Wales

One Day in the Brecon Beacons Itinerary: A Day Trip from Cardiff

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Snowdonia Itinerary

About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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Wealth of Geeks

13 Magnificent Things To Do in Wales on Your Next Visit

Posted: November 10, 2023 | Last updated: November 10, 2023

I might be a little biased, but Wales is the most magnificent nation on God’s green Earth. Okay, I am a lot biased, but something about my homeland tugs at the heartstrings and gets the body and mind singing in harmony. Maybe it is winsome towns and villages, or perhaps the imposing power of the coast? It could be the proud cultural heritage of song and prose, but it may just as likely be the work ethic and influence of the Welsh impact on the Industrial Revolution.

13 Wonderful Things To Do in Wales

There is much to love about Wales, from top to bottom, from head to toe. Criminally overlooked by many visitors to the United Kingdom, Wales is a celebration of love, life, and forever after, with a warm hug (a cwtch, to use the local vernacular) and a packet of crisps waiting inside. Croeso i Gymru —welcome to Wales.

1. Walk the Coastal Path

What better way to get to know Wales than by walking the entire length of its land and sea borders? The stunning Wales Coastal Path takes energetic amblers along the coastline, from Prestatyn in the north to Chepstow in the south, covering 870 miles of rugged hills and sweeping countryside. Still not satisfied? Add the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path from Chepstow to Prestatyn along the land border with England. Both paths are split into sections that are tailor-made for exploring, but there is something tempting about walking the entire perimeter.

2. Join the Revolution in Wrexham

The good times are back in Wrexham , and make no mistake about it. Once the industrial powerhouse of North Wales, the decline of the coal industry brought stagnation to the town, only for a most unlikely source to inspire a real renaissance. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s decision to buy Wrexham AFC (the third oldest soccer team in the world, no less) has seen interest in the town skyrocket, and with it comes all the bells and whistles of attention and care. Wrexham is back on the map in a big way.

3. Experience Italy in Portmeirion

No, you haven’t been transported to the Mediterranean, and yes, you are still in North Wales. The fairytale village of Portmeirion might be the most romantic spot in Wales. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis designed it between 1925 and 1975, and it continues to win over new fans today with its romantic mixture of architectural grace and winsome charm. What do you get if you cross the serenity of North Wales with the alluring architecture of Italy? Portmeirion, obviously.

4. Climb Yr Wyddfa

Known as Mount Snowdon in English, Yr Wyddfa is the literal pinnacle of Wales. The views from the highest peak in Wales are spectacular, but the destination is nothing without the journey, and a hike up here is a must for any visitor to our proud little nation. The hike isn’t the most difficult, but it isn’t exactly a walk in the park either, so bring plenty of fluids and stop for a breather whenever required. If the prospect of walking up a mountain doesn’t excite you, you can always take the iconic and idyllic train to the top of Wales.

5. Get Greedy in Abergavenny

Every town worth its salt on the border with England is known as the ‘Gateway to Wales’, but Abergavenny might be the most exciting. The Foodie Capital of Wales has built itself a reputation as one of the nation’s best market towns, a bustling hub of activity that is most alive on market days, with local restaurants making the most of fresh ingredients and innovative culinary ideas. The surrounding area is an active wonderland, but Abergavenny is at its best in the small pubs and modern taverns. The September Food Festival is arguably one of the best things to do in Wales.

6. Read, Read, and Read in Hay-On-Wye

The Welsh love a good story. We have a proud history of storytelling, and literature is an integral part of Welsh culture. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the winsome village of Hay-on-Wye, a book-obsessed place smack-bang on the border with England. There are over 20 bookshops in the National Book Town of Wales, making Hay-on-Wye a must for bibliophiles and readers alike.

7. Sing With the Crowds in Cardiff

The Welsh relationship with its official capital is a complex one. Cardiff is now the center of Welsh politics, administration, and sport, but it has only been the capital since 1955. The city is best experienced on a major sporting occasion, as the streets of Cardiff are packed with fans decked out in red, with daffodil hats everywhere. When it comes to sporting experiences in the United Kingdom, nowhere comes close to Cardiff on an international rugby match day.

8. Visit Charming Conwy

The North Welsh coast has long been a magnet for holiday-goers, with Llandudno earning the moniker “Queen of the Welsh Resorts.” Charming Conwy is a short drive away and makes for a much more engaging experience, from its stunning castle to the smallest house in Great Britain, via great food, independent boutiques, and more. The walled market town is a spectacular sight from all directions, but something about the approach across the River Conwy tugs at the heartstrings.

9. Learn To Pronounce Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch

Turn the clock back to the mid-19th century, and the sleepy village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll went about its business on the Menai Strait with the eyes of the world elsewhere. One ingenious piece of marketing changed everything, and Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch was born. Legend has it that the name was changed to become the longest name of any railway station in the UK, and visitors still head here today to take a picture of the sign. It translates as St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave. Yes, every self-respecting Welsh person can pronounce it.

10. Honor a National Tragedy in Aberfan

The story of Wales in the 19th and 20th centuries is eternally tied to its industry, as the mines and pits of the country fuelled the industrial revolution that changed the world. Big industry came with danger, and not a decade passed without a significant mining tragedy in Wales. None were as intensely traumatic as the 1966 Aberfan disaster, when a slurry landslide overwhelmed Pantglas Junior School, killing 116 children and 28 adults. A memorial garden now sits where the school once stood, paying homage to lives lost in a national tragedy.

11. Learn About the Complex History of Castles

Wales is famous for its medieval fortresses and castles, but don’t expect these grand structures to be universally loved nationwide. The Welsh have a complex relationship with the castles, primarily because they were built as a symbol of oppression and occupation, dating to the Edwardian Conquest of Wales in the 13th century. Caernarfon is the most prominent symbol of that, an undeniably stunning castle packed with symbolism and deeper meaning.

12. Go Underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum

The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000, and the fascinating Big Pit National Coal Museum is integral to its educational purpose. The Big Pit functioned as a coal mine for a century between 1880 and 1980, and today, it shows visitors the intensity and relentlessness of life as a miner, from the shift to living conditions and beyond. The museum also puts Wales in an international context, showing how influential this little nation was in the early 20th century.

13. Experience Heaven on the Llyn Peninsula

An official Area of Outstanding National Beauty, the Llŷn Peninsula is 30 miles of gorgeous heaven in the northwest of Wales. This is the Welsh coast in its most magnificent guise, a stretch of beaches, fishing villages, and sweeping views, protected by rolling hills, with snippets of cultural heritage at every stop. The Llŷn Peninsula has quietly become a magnet for innovative gastronomy, another string to its delectably melodious bow.

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Prince William Hit the Pub for 'Low-Key' Outing with Mother-in-Law Carole Middleton amid Kate's Cancer Treatment

The Princess of Wales' parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, have been a constant support in recent months

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Prince William may have recently raised a glass with his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton .

The Prince of Wales, 41, and his wife Kate Middleton 's mom grabbed a drink at a local pub over the weekend, according to an April 10 report from Richard Eden of the Daily Mail .

"It was all very low-key with no great fanfare. He just walked in and through the pub. He appeared to be with Carole Middleton," Eden quoted a patron as saying.

Prince William and Princess Kate have kept a low profile since she announced in a self-written speech on March 22 that she is undergoing treatment for cancer . The Princess of Wales, 42, explained that the diagnosis came after post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in January.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty

A source previously told PEOPLE that Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, "will be there to lend support" following her abdominal surgery.

On March 4, the Princess of Wales was seen for the first time following her surgery . In photos obtained by Backgrid, she sat in the front seat of a car that Carole drove.

The Middletons live a short car ride away from the Prince and Princess of Wales' home in Windsor and are a constant presence in their grandchildren's lives, often having Prince George , 10, Princess Charlotte , 8, and Prince Louis , 5, over for sleepovers.

"Her parents are an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren," a palace insider said. "And they will be a reassuring presence when she goes back to Windsor to recuperate."

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Princess Kate’s siblings Pippa and James also live nearby, and her younger brother shared a touching statement on Instagram following her cancer news announcement.

"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too," he wrote below a photo of them as children. 

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

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As she focuses on her health, Princess Kate can also lean on Prince William.

"He is a very reliable, strong person. She doesn’t feel isolated in this because of William, who is right beside her," a longtime family friend exclusively tells PEOPLE .

The Princess of Wales mentioned in the video message announcing her cancer news that her husband of nearly 13 years is " a great source of comfort and reassurance."

"This is about supporting her and her feeling supported. It is a joint effort. She doesn’t feel isolated at all," the insider says. "The nuclear family that they have created so well is an immense support not only to him but to Catherine too."

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A look back at the royals in Palm Beach County: When Charles, Diana, Prince Harry visited

Queen elizabeth ii did visit florida, but the royal family had ties to palm beach..

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Palm Beach County on Friday, April 12, and headed to the  Grand Champions Polo Club  in Wellington for the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale .

This is the second time  Harry, 39, has played polo in Wellington . In 2016, a similar Sentebale charity event was held at Valiente Polo Farms.

Harry is a co-founder of  Sentebale, which works with children in Lesotho and Botswana, in southern Africa, impacted by poverty and health issues like HIV. Sentebale means "forget-me-not" in Sesotho, the language of Lesotho.

Harry was part of a panel Thursday, April 11, at Zaytinya, a restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in South Beach, to address health and wealth inequity, and also climate challenges facing youth in Africa.

The royal family always seems to make news, even when they visit the United States.

Here's a look back at when members of the royal family visited Palm Beach County.

2016: Prince Harry plays a charity polo match in Wellington

In 2016, Prince Harry, the younger son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, visited Palm Beach County to play a charity polo match at Valiente Polo Farm in Wellington . 

Queen Elizabeth visits to Florida: Miami wristwatches, crystal palm tree from Tampa among welcome gifts

From the Post archives: Prince Charles bestows royal name, presence to polo club in Florida

1989: Prince of Wales bestows name, presence to polo club north of Palm Beach County

In 1989, the Prince of Wales visited Florida to inaugurate the Windsor Polo and Beach Club. The heir to the British throne lent his presence and his family name — Windsor — to a commercial development owned by friends.

The polo club, 10 miles north of Vero Beach in Indian River County, was the brainchild of Geoffrey and Jorie Kent. He was born in East Africa, she was from Oak Brook, Illinois, and together they owned Abercrombie & Kent, a travel company specializing in expensive trips to exotic places. Geoffrey Kent and the prince had been playing polo together for years and founded the Windsor Park Polo Team in England in 1987.

Following the inauguration of the new club in Vero Beach, Kent and the Prince of Wales played for the Windsor Park Polo Team at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington.

1980: Prince of Wales admitted to hospital in West Palm Beach

In 1980, the Prince of Wales was admitted to what is now Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach  after suffering from heat exhaustion. He had spent a rigorous afternoon on horseback on the polo fields of Wellington in 90-degree heat. He was released the next day, flew to Eleuthera in the Bahamas and returned to Wellington a few days later.

1985: Prince Charles, Princess Diana attend controversial event at The Breakers in Palm Beach

In 1985, Prince Charles brought his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, to Wellington and Palm Beach in a visit marred by controversy over a $5,000-a-head banquet at The Breakers that was to benefit a college in New Mexico.

In a speech at the banquet, the prince chastised critics of the benefit's host, industrialist Armand Hammer. There also was a flap over Patricia Kluge, the ball's co-chair, who resigned after it was revealed that, years earlier, she had posed nude for a British magazine.

The Breakers: Five things you may not know about the Palm Beach luxury resort

1988: Prince Charles visits Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago

Prince Charles returned to Palm Beach County in 1988. He visited Donald Trump's Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago but stayed for two nights in less grandiose surroundings — a horse ranch west of Lake Worth Beach owned by his polo-playing friends Geoffrey and Jorie Kent. There was a wildlife show in Wellington, a luncheon to benefit Friends of the Masai Mara, and a polo match, which, as always, the prince's team won.

Laura Lordi is the digital strategy editor for The Palm Beach Post. Contact Lordi at [email protected] .  Support local journalism. Subscribe today.

Prince William Steps Out at a Pub in Norfolk with Someone We, Quite Frankly, Weren’t Expecting

The Prince of Wales and his family remain in Norfolk at their country home, Anmer Hall, while the kids are on Easter break from school.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George , Princess Charlotte , and Prince Louis , remain at their country home, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The family of five has been at Anmer Hall—one of their favorite retreats—since right about March 22, the day Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a video message; they’ll likely remain there until close to April 17, when the three kids return to school at Lambrook after a lengthy Easter break.

Over the weekend, William “was seen popping into a pub in Norfolk” with his mother-in-law Carole Middleton, “who is said to be staying with the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children for the Easter holidays,” The Mirror reports. 

William drinking Aspalls cider at The Rose and Crown pub in Norfolk in 2020; it's unclear, though, if this is the exact pub he was at over the weekend.

“It was all very low-key, with no great fanfare,” wrote Richard Eden in his column for The Daily Mail . “He just walked in and through the pub. He appeared to be with Carole Middleton.” Kate, however, didn’t join in the excursion, Eden wrote. (She is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type and stage of cancer.) Eden also wrote of how subtly William is able to visit a pub and do “normal” everyday activities . “ Prince William seems able to enjoy a pretty normal life,” Eden wrote.

Carole is known to be very close with her eldest daughter and has been branded a “Mary Poppins-like figure” to her grandchildren. A source close to the family told The Independent that Carole has been helping take the Wales trio to school and giving “endless support” without any fuss. 

Mother and daughter are famously close.

Carole and Michael Middleton, seen here in 2010 as Kate's engagement was announced to William, live nearby Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

“Catherine may be 42, but she is still Carole’s little girl,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said. “To watch her go through this and withstand the bullying pressure to explain must have been desperately upsetting.”

The Wales family is at Norfolk right now, but when home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kate’s parents Michael and Carole and both of her siblings, Pippa and James, all live nearby and are a source of help and support. “The Middletons are a really close family, and Carole is a very hands-on grandmother,” Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine , told Hello . “I’m sure she will be at the helm.” 

Kate and her mom the day before Kate's wedding in 2011.

The Middletons at William and Kate's wedding on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

Carole and Michael Middleton are a constant presence in the Wales family's lives, like here at the birth of Prince George in July 2013.

News of the surprise pub trip comes the day after William interrupted his Easter break to hop on social media yesterday, “marking his first public words since Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis,” The Mirror reports. A longtime supporter of the Lionesses—England’s national women’s soccer team—William reacted to the news that Lioness Rachel Daly has decided to retire from international football. William, the president of the Football Association and a massive fan of the sport, wrote on social media “Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with @Lionesses, @RachelDaly3,” signing off with the letter W, indicating it was personally from William himself.

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Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with @Lionesses, @RachelDaly3. Plenty more goals for Villa now! W https://t.co/JXmadhxW7L April 10, 2024

William is expected to return to public duties after his children return to school next week; Kate’s return date is a bit more murky as she focuses on her treatment. Kensington Palace spoke out about the huge amount of support the couple has received following Kate’s announcement, saying in a statement “The prince and princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth, and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message. They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”

Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of  Podcast Royal , a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts  I’d Rather Be Reading , which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more. 

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Prince William reveals first public engagements since Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis

Prince of Wales will visit surplus food redistribution charity in Surrey on Thursday before going on to a youth centre in west London

Prince William will return to work this week with his first public engagement since the Princess of Wales ’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

The Prince of Wales, 41, will visit a surplus food redistribution charity in Surrey on Thursday, before going on to a youth centre in west London that receives deliveries from the organisation.

The two visits will be his first since decamping to Norfolk with Princess Catherine and their three children for the Easter holidays.

The Princess announced on March 22 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment.

She revealed in a video message that following successful abdominal surgery in January, post-operative tests found that “cancer had been present”.

The statement was released to coincide with the end of the school term, allowing the Prince and Princess to shield Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, from the ensuing publicity. The children are expected to return to school for the summer term on Wednesday.

The Prince’s last public engagement was almost a month ago, on March 19, when he visited Sheffield to promote his Homewards homelessness initiative, although he was spotted last week at an Aston Villa football match with Prince George.

Kensington Palace had previously said he would return to public duties after the school holidays. He is expected to maintain a reduced timetable, as he has since the beginning of the year, as he continues to juggle work with supporting his wife throughout her ongoing cancer treatment.

Food waste focus echoes Earthshot commitment

The Prince’s focus on the reduction of food waste reflects one of the key priorities of his Earthshot Prize, as it helps protect the environment by cutting down emissions from landfill.

In 2021, the city of Milan won the award’s Build a Waste-Free World category for its food hubs that collect excess food and distribute it to communities in need.

Kensington Palace said the Prince would visit Surplus to Supper to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London.

He will meet volunteers who sort and deliver the food, helping them load it into vans to take to local organisations.

The Prince will also join the team of chefs in the kitchen, where he will help prepare meals.

Founded in 2017, the charity, based at Sunbury Cricket Club, redistributes more than three tonnes of surplus food every day to hundreds of local projects such as food banks, charities, schools and community organisations.

It relies on 200 volunteers to collect food that would otherwise go to landfill from local retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and caterers before redistributing it to those most in need.

This month, it will have saved the equivalent of three million meals that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

The charity also prepares and freezes 25,000 meals each year.

The subject of food waste is also close to the heart of the King , who marked his 75th birthday last November with the launch of the Coronation Food Project, an ambitious new initiative that aims to join the dots between food waste and food need.

The monarch is also undergoing treatment for cancer but is expected to return to a programme of light public duties in the coming weeks.

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Prince William to resume royal duties after Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis

LONDON — Britain's Prince William is set to return to official royal duties Thursday for the first time since his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced she was receiving treatment for cancer .

William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, will visit west London and the adjacent county of Surrey to highlight the work of community and environmental impact organizations in the area, Kensington Palace said in a statement Tuesday.

They will be William's first public engagements since Kate revealed almost a month ago that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an as-yet unspecified form of cancer.

In the weeks before the news became public, William, 41, canceled a number of engagements , including a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, as he juggled being with his wife and looking after their children.

After Kate's video announcement, the couple missed the Easter Sunday service in Windsor, a high-profile annual royal engagement.

On Thursday, William will visit Surplus to Supper, a food bank that distributes more than 3 metric tons of food per day, much of which would otherwise go to landfills. He will also stop by a youth center in West London to which the food bank sends regular donations.

"Protecting the environment for future generations is one of The Prince of Wales’s key priorities and in 2020 he launched The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental prize and platform to discover, award, celebrate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet," Kensington Palace said.

William is following in the footsteps of his father, King Charles III, who has long championed environmental and social causes.

William was at a soccer match in Birmingham last week , watching his beloved Aston Villa with his son George, in what was the pair's first public appearance since the news of Kate's diagnosis.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Prince William Is Returning to Official Royal Duties After Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis

Prince William is preparing to step out for his first official royal duty since his wife, Princess Kate Middleton , announced her cancer diagnosis .

The Prince of Wales will visit West London and the adjacent county of Surrey on Thursday, April 18, to highlight the work of community and environmental impact organizations in the area, Kensington Palace said in a statement to NBC News .

William, 41, will begin the day in Sunbury-on-Thames to see how a food distribution charity called Surplus to Supper delivers, sorts and repackages unused food to community groups. Soon after, he will visit a youth center in West London that receives regular deliveries of the surplus food and distributes the items to people in need.

According to People , William’s royal duties will also resume one day after his three children with Kate, 42 — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — return to school for a new term.

Related: A Timeline of Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle: Surgery, Chemo and More

In recent weeks, William has taken a step back from work commitments after his wife announced to the world that she has cancer.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous,” Kate said in a video posted via social media on March 22. “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment.”

The Princess of Wales asked for privacy as she expressed gratitude to her family for their support during a challenging time.

“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits,” she continued. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.”

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Related: A Breakdown of the Royal Line of Succession

While William has put on a brave face since his wife’s announcement, a source previously told Us Weekly the father of three feels “ helpless and scared ” and has been asking other members of the family to fill in for him so he can be present at home.

Through the ups and downs, both William and Kate are trying to focus on the positive, such as the supportive messages they’ve received from royal watchers all around the world.

“The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message,” Kensington Palace said in a statement to Us on March 23. “They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”

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