Wales is one of the most magical countries in the United Kingdom, where medieval castles, picturesque villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes await tourists.
Wales is located as England’s western neighbor, surrounded by sea on three sides. The country’s rich historical heritage stretches back from Roman times to the Middle Ages. Welsh culture is unique, boasting its own language, traditions, and musical heritage.
Like Scotland, it has numerous castles and diverse, wild romantic landscapes.
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Best places in Wales
Conwy Castle
On the coast of North Wales, in the picturesque town of Conwy, stands this 13th-century fortress, which was one of the most important structures of English King Edward I’s Welsh campaign.
The castle was built between 1283 and 1287 and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval castle architecture. Its eight massive towers and thick walls still provide an impressive sight today. Its special feature is that the medieval town wall has been perfectly preserved, surrounding the old town. This is one of the most complete medieval defense systems in Europe.
From the castle walls, there is a beautiful view of the River Conwy and the landscape stretching at the foot of the surrounding mountains. The remains of the Great Hall standing in the castle courtyard and the royal apartments still convey the former luxury.
The castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by more than 200,000 visitors every year. Besides the castle, it’s worth seeing one of the smallest houses in Great Britain, which is only 1.8 meters wide. In the town’s charming little streets, numerous small shops, cafés, and restaurants await tourists, offering local specialties and traditional Welsh dishes.
Cardiff
Wales’ capital and largest city is located in the southern part of the country, on the shore of the Bristol Channel. Once the world’s largest coal port, it has now become a modern city.
The castle standing in its center encompasses more than 2000 years of history. On its grounds, you can find a Roman fort, Norman motte, and Victorian castle alike. In the 19th century, commissioned by the Marquess of Bute, architect William Burges rebuilt the castle, creating one of the most magnificent examples of Victorian Gothic. The richly decorated rooms of the Clock Tower and the corner bastion, including the famous Animal Wall, create a wonderful atmosphere.
A popular part is Cardiff Bay, which was once a run-down dock area but is now Wales’ cultural and entertainment center. Here you’ll find the Wales Millennium Centre, the country’s most important cultural institution, as well as the Welsh parliament building, the Senedd.
Snowdonia National Park
The area stretching across northern Wales is Great Britain’s second-largest national park, covering 2,170 square kilometers.
Its namesake is Mount Snowdon, which at 1,085 meters high is Wales’ highest point. The park’s landscapes are characterized by steep mountains, crystal-clear lakes, ancient forests, and picturesque valleys.
Climbing Snowdon is one of Wales’ most popular hikes, with six different paths leading to the summit. The easiest and most frequently used route is the Llanberis Path, while the steepest and most challenging is the Watkin Path. Those who don’t want to walk can reach the summit by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a rack railway that has been carrying visitors since 1896.
The national park includes many other mountains, including the Glyder range and the Carnedd range. The area contains Betws-y-Coed, the picturesque village known as the „Gateway to Snowdonia” which is an excellent starting point for hiking. The park has more than 2,300 kilometers of hiking trails, from easy family walks to challenging mountaineering hikes.
Portmeirion
On the coast of North Wales, beside Cardigan Bay, you’ll find this special architectural wonder that evokes an Italian-style Mediterranean village in the middle of the Welsh landscape.
Architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis created this settlement between 1925 and 1975, which is one of the most unique creations of British architecture. The village buildings shine with bright colors, and every detail is carefully planned. The central square, the campanile (bell tower), the colorful houses, and the terraces overlooking the sea all evoke the Italian Riviera.
The exotic gardens belonging to the village are full of tropical and subtropical plants that thrive in the Welsh climate thanks to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream. Portmeirion gained fame thanks to the British television series „The Prisoner” which was filmed here in the 1960s. It’s still the location for numerous films and television productions, and festivals are held here annually.
Caernarfon Castle
On the North Wales coast, on the shore of the Menai Strait, stands this monumental fortification, which is a symbol of English King Edward I’s Welsh conquest.
The castle’s construction began in 1283 on the site of an earlier Welsh fort, and during planning, the walls of Constantinople were taken as a model. The characteristic polygonal towers and colored sandstone walls provide a unique sight.
However, its historical significance goes beyond its architectural value: the first Prince of Wales, the later King Edward VII, was born here in 1284. According to tradition, King Edward I presented his newborn son here to the Welsh as their new prince. In 1969, the investiture ceremony of Prince Charles (then still prince) as Prince of Wales was also held here.
The castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Wales’ most visited historical monuments. The museum in the castle courtyard presents the region’s history and the castle’s role in Welsh-English conflicts. From the castle walls, there’s a beautiful view of the Menai Strait and the opposite Anglesey island. It’s also worth walking around the town, as during its more than 800-year history, it has preserved its medieval character with narrow streets and traditional Welsh buildings.
Swansea
Wales’ second-largest city is located on the eastern edge of the Gower Peninsula, on the shore of Swansea Bay.
Despite the city’s industrial past, it has now become a modern cultural center that is proud of its Welsh identity and rich artistic heritage. Swansea was the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, the famous Welsh poet, and many locations in the city are connected to his literary work.
In the center, you’ll find Swansea Market, one of the largest covered markets in Wales. Here they sell local products, traditional Welsh specialties, and handmade creations. The promenade along the coast, the Marina, with its yacht harbor and restaurants, is a popular meeting point.
Swansea’s cultural life is extremely rich: the Grand Theatre, Taliesin Arts Centre, and Dylan Thomas Centre are all significant cultural institutions. Swansea Bay’s long sandy shore is an ideal location for walking and water sports, while the nearby Gower Peninsula offers numerous hiking opportunities.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The country’s only coastal national park covers 629 square kilometers.
The park’s central element is the 299-kilometer-long coastal path that connects Wales’ most beautiful coastal landscapes. The steep cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches create a varied landscape.
Among its most famous attractions are the colorful cliffs around Stackpole Quay, where limestone and sandstone layers form spectacular formations. Barafundle Bay is often called one of Great Britain’s most beautiful beaches, with its crystal-clear water and golden sand.
The national park is also famous for its rich wildlife: it’s home to one of Great Britain’s largest puffin colonies, and dolphins and seals are often seen in the coastal waters. Skomer and Skokholm islands are protected natural areas where thousands of seabirds nest. The park area contains numerous ancient monuments, including prehistoric burial sites, Iron Age forts, and medieval castles.
Llangollen
In the central part of North Wales, in the Dee Valley, you’ll find this charming little town famous for its international music festival and picturesque railway line.
Its name means „Church of Saint Collen” and the town indeed developed around a monastery. The settlement holds a special place in Welsh culture, as it hosts the annual Royal International Musical Eisteddfod festival.
The town’s most famous attraction is the Llangollen Railway, a historic steam railway built in 1865. The trains travel through beautiful landscapes in the Dee Valley, stopping at several stations during the 16-kilometer journey. The railway station itself is also a museum that presents the history of Victorian rail transport. In the town center, you’ll find the famous Llangollen Bridge, a 14th-century stone bridge that spans the River Dee.
The Llangollen Canal, which runs alongside the town, is a popular location for narrow boat excursions. The canal was built in the 18th century and is part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Anglesey Island
Anglesey Island, lying off the coast of North Wales, is connected to the mainland via the Menai Strait.
The island’s Welsh name is „Ynys Môn”, meaning „Island of Mona” and it was one of the most important centers of Celtic druid culture. Today it’s home to some of Wales’ most beautiful natural and historical treasures, with diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The island’s coastline is 200 kilometers long and hides numerous beautiful beaches. Llanddwyn Island is a romantic location where a monument was erected to Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh saint of love. Red Wharf Bay’s long sandy shore is ideal for family beach activities and water sports.
Among its historical monuments, Beaumaris Castle stands out – Edward I’s last and most perfect Welsh castle – along with numerous ancient monuments. The Bryn Celli Ddu Neolithic burial chamber looks back on a 5,000-year history. The island’s largest settlement is Holyhead, an important port town and starting point for ferry services to Ireland.
Tintern Abbey
In the heart of the Wye Valley, near the English-Welsh border, stands the beautiful ruin of this Gothic abbey.
The abbey was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and was an important monastic center for more than 400 years. After its dissolution in 1536, it slowly began to decay, but its romantic ruins still provide an impressive sight today.
The vegetation growing among the high arches and columns creates a special atmosphere. The ruins of the main church, the foundations of the monastic buildings, and the still-standing walls all testify to the former grandeur. The abbey also inspired romantic poetry – William Wordsworth’s popular poem is about this very place.
The Wye Valley itself also boasts special natural beauty. The river’s winding bed, the surrounding wooded hills, and the alternating fields and forests create a picturesque landscape. Around the abbey, you’ll find numerous hiking trails along which you can discover the valley’s rich flora and fauna. The nearby town of Chepstow is also worth a visit, as it’s home to one of Great Britain’s oldest stone castles.
Gower Peninsula
The peninsula stretching west from Swansea city was the first area in Great Britain to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
The 19-kilometer-long peninsula boasts stunning coastlines, ancient hillforts, and rich historical heritage. The area’s diverse landscape offers experiences for every nature lover, from sand dunes to steep cliffs.
Its most famous beach is Rhossili Bay, often called Great Britain’s most beautiful coastline. The three-mile-long sandy shore, Rhossili Down hill, and Worm’s Head rock formation together create a breathtaking panorama. Worm’s Head is a rock formation that becomes isolated during high tide, which can be reached on foot during low tide, but the return journey is only possible during low tide.
Gower is also rich in historical monuments. Arthur’s Stone, located in the Rhossili area, is a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber that, according to legend, is the remains of King Arthur’s table.
Harlech Castle
On top of a cliff overlooking Cardigan Bay stands this impressive medieval fortification, one of the most imposing among Edward I’s Welsh castles.
The castle was built between 1283 and 1287 and is considered a perfect example of concentric castle architecture. The massive walls and towers rising from the mountainside still give the impression of being impenetrable.
Its special strategic significance lay in controlling traffic from both land and sea. The areas below the castle were once washed by the sea, so the fortress could also be approached by ship. Today the sea has receded, but from the castle there’s still a wonderful view of Cardigan Bay and the distant Snowdonia mountains. From the castle courtyard, on clear days, even the shores of Ireland are visible.
Throughout its history, the castle survived several famous sieges. The most famous was the siege from 1404-1409, when Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr captured it and made it his headquarters. The castle later played an important role during the Wars of the Roses. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding town of Harlech is an excellent starting point for exploring Snowdonia National Park.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The park stretching across central South Wales covers 1,344 square kilometers and includes four different mountain ranges.
The park’s namesake is the Brecon Beacons range, whose highest point is Pen y Fan at 886 meters high. The park’s landscape is varied, with everything from open mountain pastures to deep valleys and waterfalls.
Pen y Fan is the highest point in southern Wales and the park’s most popular hiking destination. Among the routes leading to the summit, the easiest is the path starting from Storey Arms, which is about 4 kilometers long. From the summit, there’s an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains and valleys; on clear days, even the Bristol Channel is visible.
The southern part of the national park, the Fforest Fawr area, boasts numerous impressive waterfalls. The special feature of Sgwd yr Eira waterfall is that visitors can walk behind the waterfall. The Waterfall Country, as locals call it, hides dozens of waterfalls found in the valleys of the Nedd, Hepste, and Pyrddin rivers. The park area also contains some British caves, including the Dan yr Ogof cave system, which is one of Great Britain’s largest caves and has impressive stalactite formations.
St Davids
Great Britain’s smallest city boasts only 1,600 inhabitants, but its historical and cultural significance far exceeds its size.
St Davids is the birthplace of Wales’ patron saint, Saint David, and one of the most important centers of Welsh Christianity. The city is located at the westernmost point of the Pembrokeshire coast and was already a Christian pilgrimage site in the 6th century.
The city’s central attraction is St Davids Cathedral, the smallest cathedral in Great Britain. The cathedral stands in a valley, which is unusual since most medieval cathedrals were built on hills or elevated locations. The foundations of the Norman-style building were laid in the 12th century over Saint David’s shrine. The cathedral’s interior is impressive, especially the wooden vault ceiling and rich stone carvings.
Next to the cathedral stand the ruins of the bishop’s palace, built in the 14th century and once one of Wales’ most magnificent residences. Near the city, you’ll find Whitesands Bay, a beautiful sandy beach popular among surfers.
Devil’s Bridge (Pontarfynach)
Located in the heart of the Rheidol Valley, southeast of Aberystwyth, it comprises three bridges built one above the other.
The lowest bridge is the legendary „Devil’s Bridge”, built in the 11th century, and many folk tales and legends are associated with it. According to legend, the devil built the bridge in a single night in exchange for possession of the first soul to cross it. The middle one is an 18th-century bridge, and the top one is an iron structure built in 1901.
The bridges span a deep gorge where Mynach stream joins the Rheidol River. The water plunges 90 meters into the valley, creating the spectacular Mynach Falls. The view from different levels enchants every visitor.
Well-developed walkways are found around the area, from which we can admire the bridges and waterfall from different angles. The viewpoint called Punchbowl is particularly popular among photographers. The Devil’s Bridge Steam Railway, a narrow-gauge railway, also starts from here, traveling along a scenic route through the Welsh highlands.
