Wales

Croeso means welcome and you will hear it often in this land of spectacular coastline, sparkling lakes, lush forests, hidden valleys, majestic mountains and friendly locals. Though you'll see signposts in both English and Welsh, even the most rural places has friendly locals happy to speak both languages.  From the fine beaches and seaside towns of the North, through mid Wales with its rich, scenic landscape, coastal walks and castles, to the cultural capital and heritage trails of the South, every corner has something to discover. Wales has three National Parks in Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons, several official ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and miles of protected Heritage Coast, as well as its own language, traditions, music and culture, all unmissable.

North Wales

North Wales is a diverse region that has been attracting holiday visitors for over two hundred years. With a long list of attractions that includes the Snowdonia National Park, the Lln Peninsula and Cambrian Coastline, historic castles, narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling, walking, award-winning beaches, country parks, World Heritage Sites and ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, there is something to suit all ages and tastes.

The beautiful Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, with its ice cream coloured houses and famous trams, nestles at the foot of the Great Orme. Take the tram straight to the top or wind your way around the headland, admiring the dramatic scenery from the 4 mile shelf cut from the limestone cliffs. Alternatively, the Isle of Anglesey has a landscape that is as varied as it is spectacular, from sandy blue flag beaches, fishing harbours and Neolithic burial chambers to the busy port of Holyhead. The Carneddau is 100 square miles of beautiful moorland, dotted with Neolithic tracks, standing stones, Bronze Age sites and beautiful lakes. The Hiraethog Mountains in the North East, The Berwyns South of Llangollen and the river valleys of the Conwy, Clwyd, Dee and Glaslyn have a magic all of their own.

The views of Merseyside, Snowdonia and the Dee Valley from the top of Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, are stunning. Mount Snowdon is the highest in Wales at 3,560 ft and Cadair Idris, near Dolgellau, is one of the most popular. Snowdonia’s 823 square miles of national park contains magnificent mountains, lakes, forests and the Snowdon Mountain Railway, one of the The Great Little Trains of Wales.  The road from Dolgellau to Tal-y-Llyn or Trawsfynydd via Llyn Celyn Lake to Bala both deliver heart-stopping views. Swallow Falls is a strikingly beautiful must-see waterfall on the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig. There’s more than enough space for a good ramble too – discover the wildlife on the Dee Estuary Alwen Trail, quiet riversides in Flintshire, or forest and lake trails in the Conwy Valley.

Wrexham is the region’s biggest town and has been much improved in recent years. There are several museums dedicated to the area’s lead, coal and iron heritage and nearby Erddig is a splendid 18th century country house. The pretty market town of Llangollen makes a great base for exploring with the Llangollen Canal, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey and Dinas Bran Castle all within easy reach.

Medieval towns such as Ruthin, splendid Jacobean farmhouses, fine Elizabethan houses, workers cottages and the slate caverns of Blaenau Ffestiniog, Glyn Ceiriog and Llanberis all show the varied history of this region.

North Wales is steeped in history but perhaps most famous for its castles, with some dating back 1,000 years. Conwy, Caernarvon and Beaumaris are among the most notable examples of the famous Welsh castles and are breathtaking in their size and splendour. Dolbadarn and Dolwyddelan will appeal to romantics, Gwydir Castle is set within a Grade I listed 10 acre garden in the Conwy Valley and Penrhyn Castle is a beautifully set 19th century fantasy.

Mid Wales

A place of immense natural beauty, Mid Wales boasts rolling green countryside, southern Snowdonia, the Cambrian Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and a breathtaking coastline dotted with fishing villages, seaside resorts, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and secluded coves. The Welsh Marches were once governed by the Marcher Lords on behalf of the King and historic Machynlleth is where the Welsh rebel leader Owain Glyndwr set up his Welsh Parliament in 1404. Today it has a number of visitor attractions including MOMA, Wales (Museum Of Modern Art) and The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) which has been pioneering new energy technologies for over 40 years.

The vibrant university town of Aberystwyth is home to an award-winning Arts Centre with a wide-ranging programme. Charming rural villages and lively market towns linked by ancient mountain roads and old drovers’ ways jostle for attention all over this region. Pretty Llanidloes, with its 16th century market hall, stands at the confluence of the Severn and Clywedog rivers.

In the heart of Powys, between the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Tywi forest, Rhayader is a historic market town named for a local waterfall on the River Wye and close to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. The history of Llandrindod Wells is linked to its health-giving waters and picturesque Builth Wells has existed in one form or another since before the Roman occupation. Hay-on-Wye is regarded as the second-hand book capital of the world - enjoy a spot of  lunch and browse the bookshops, or visit for one of the exciting festivals and cultural events on offer.

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring architecture of Brecon Cathedral or the annual summer Brecon Jazz festival. The Brecon Beacons National Park, the River Usk, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the shores of Llangorse Lake are dotted with quaint country villages and sleepy hamlets. Llandovery, on the western border of the park, is an ancient market town once the site of violent attacks and battles during medieval times – climb the ruined castle for tranquil views over the town and the River Bran.

Mid Wales can’t be beaten for the sheer number of trails and pathways that criss-cross the landscape. Significant traces of the enormous Offa’s Dyke, built by the 8th century Saxon king to keep marauding Welsh forces out of his kingdom, form the basis of the 168 mile North to South Offa’s Dyke Trail. The Beacons Way is a magical 152km (95mile) walk across the Brecon Beacons National Park. Among the hamlets and farms of the Cambrian Mountains, Wales’ backbone, one of the most beautiful sights for walkers is Devil’s Bridge spanning the Mynach River.

The Cardigan Bay Coast is one of the UK’s best kept secrets with miles of unspoilt coastline, award-winning beaches, spectacular mountains, wonderful wildlife and a vast range of activities. Harlech Castle stands atop rugged cliffs, while pretty Barmouth nestles in the shadow of Cader Idris. Mid Wales has always had a strong seafaring tradition - schooners used to set out from the little ports of Aberaeron, Aberdovey, Aberystwyth and New Quay, which today bustle with pleasure craft and delightful seafood eateries.

Historic Cardigan, the gateway to the picturesque Teifi Valley, sits at the southern end of the beautiful Ceredigion Coast Path which traces the entire shoreline of this lovely region.

West Wales

Wales second city, stunning beaches, great walking and cycling, exciting watersports, family resorts, ancient history and romantic castles – West Wales has so much to enjoy. Known for its fabulous coastal scenery and protected by Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is a great destination. The rugged 186 mile long Pembrokeshire Coastal Path offers sweeping cliff tops, secret coves, estuaries, wide sandy beaches and amazing wildlife. The moorlands of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park rise gently to the Preseli Hills, and Stone Age forts and Norman castles testify to this area’s ancient history.

Britain’s smallest city, St David’s, has a cathedral founded by the eponymous saint in the 8th century which is still in use today. The seaside resort of Tenby is a much loved medieval walled town with fabulous beaches and a pretty harbour. From the intriguing mythology of Merlin to the gritty wildboy poetry of Dylan Thomas, Camarthenshire really does bring stories to life and there are plenty of other attractions. Near Carmarthen, Dylan Thomas’ is buried in the village churchyard of Laugharne while up country the Dolaucothi gold mines, started by the Romans, are now a museum. Kidwelly Castle is on a par with other great castles of Wales and the National Botanic Garden of Wales is a world-class visitor attraction set in 568 acres of beautiful countryside, with the world’s largest single-span glasshouse.

Stretching from the western Brecon Beacons in the North, to Carmarthen Bay in the south, the rugged foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, lush rural landscapes and crystalline coastline can all be enjoyed here. Carmarthenshire is home to some of Wales’ longest beaches - heaven for swimmers, beachcombers, walkers, wildlife-watchers and other outdoor adventures. You’ll also find chic places to stay, stylish eateries, great local produce and welcoming country pubs to enjoy.

Wales’ second city, Swansea, enjoys a location that is hard to beat with most city centre attractions and shops only a short walk from the 5 mile sweep of Swansea Bay. The Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates Swansea’s famous son with a permanent exhibition on Dylan and his life, housed in a splendid listed building. The National Waterfront Museum replays the sights and sounds of more than 300 years of Welsh industry and innovation. Penllergare Valley Woods with its lakes, waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views, exotic trees and shrubs, is a forgotten Victorian paradise hidden away in a steep valley just a stone’s throw, yet a world away, from the M4 in North Swansea.

The rhododendron-filled Gardens at Clyne were established by Admiral Algernon Walker-Heneage-Vivian who sponsored plant collecting expeditions overseas. Cosmopolitan Mumbles marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula’s coastline, the UK’s first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and a secluded world of limestone cliffs, remote bays and miles of golden sands. The 13th century Weobley Castle, the ruins of Threecliff Bay and Gower Farm Museum with its 100 year old farm memorabilia are just a few of the most popular locations to visit.

South Wales

Green valleys, castles full of myth and legend, a unique industrial heritage, male voice choirs, stunning scenery and the warmest of welcomes –  it’s easy to see why many call this the ‘real’ Wales. Porthcawl and Barry Island are cheerful seaside resorts fringed by the striking Heritage Coast and lovely countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan. Kenfig and its surroundings are steeped in history from prehistoric times through to the Romans and the Vikings. Kenfig Pool National Nature Reserve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, part of the largest active sand dune system in Europe, and the dunes are home to a variety of rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

The remains of the Norman Ogmore Castle can be found among the lush grasses along the River Ewenny, where it once guarded a major fording place into southern Wales. Dyffryn Gardens, a few miles west of Cardiff, has over 55 acres of exceptional Edwardian gardens and is easily one of the most beautiful in Wales.

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, has a fairytale castle where lavish and opulent interiors sit beside more recent attractions including the atmospheric Wartime Shelters, recreating the time when the Castle’s tunnels were used as a place of refuge during the Second World War. Modern Cardiff has long since come of age and offers spectacular shopping, museums, dining and entertainment - be sure to visit the free National Museum Cardiff, the Wales Millennium Centre and the top class waterside restaurants with fabulous views over Cardiff Bay.

Inland, Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe and Cyfarthfa Castle, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, is an impressive homage to the Industrial Revolution and a great day out. Take a ride on a vintage steam locomotive through beautiful scenery along the length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons, on one of the most popular railways in Wales. Blaenavon is one of the best preserved 18th century ironworks in Europe and nearby Big Pit, now the National Mining Museum of Wales, is part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. Once home to King Arthur, the Romans and the Normans, the borderlands of the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk today offer a wealth of attractions both indoor and out.

The Black Mountains, rising to 2,660 feet at Waun Fach, mark Wales’ boundary with England. The remains of Caerleaon Roman Fortress and Baths near Newport paint a vivid picture of life in second century Roman Britain, while the Offa’s Dyke National Trail is just one of the borderlands many long distance footpaths. Usk’s charm lies in its riverside walks and small independent shops and it holds a fabulous Winter Festival.

Ancient monastic orders sought solitude at settlements such as Tintern Abbey and Llanthony Priory, and great castles include Chepstow, the earliest stone fortress in Wales perched high above the River Wye and picture-postcard Caldicot Castle. White Castle, named after its original walls, is one of three neighbouring castles in the Monnow Valley, popular these days as a TV and film location for everything from Doctor Who to historic dramas.