places to visit west wales

Carmarthenshire

Pembrokeshire

Swansea Bay

Tywi Source Sea

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Must-See Country Parks & Gardens in South Wales

West Wales strikes a perfect balance of both cultural and coastal offerings. Home to the second city, Swansea, West Wales is dotted with few urban hubs but plenty of colourful seaside villages that are home to some of the top-rated beaches in the UK. Within West Wales, you’ll find Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea Bay and more.

The Pembrokeshire National Park is perched neatly on the coast of south-west Wales and is the perfect place to explore the rugged coastline. As coastal paths criss-cross the area, keep your eye out for dolphins in the water.

West Wales is a relatively rural region with little in terms of bright city lights and towering buildings. Even so, there is one town that should be on your radar, and that’s Aberystwyth. The National Library of Wales, walks up Constitution Hill and the promenade are great ways to spend the afternoon taking in the culture.

Some visitors to West Wales simply come to relax, enjoy the local businesses and take in the idyllic countryside atmosphere. Others travel here for beach holidays on the stunning coastline.

From Pembrokeshire National Park and Tenby to Aberystwyth and the iconic Snowdon in the north-west – there is so much to see and do in West Wales. If you want to make the most of your time, be sure to take a look at our expert guides. Full of tips and inside information, they’ll make sure you’re fully equipped for your trip.

10 unmissable places to visit in Wales

Sep 25, 2021 • 5 min read

From the hills of Brecon to the dramatic coastlines the Gower, Wales has tons of beautiful places to visit © Roy JAMES Shakespeare / Getty Images

With three epic national parks , reams of beach-studded coastline, an underrated capital and more chocolate-box villages than you can shake a love spoon at, small but mighty Wales has a wealth of locations worth adding to your itinerary.

Planning a Welsh adventure but not sure where to start? Be inspired by our selection of the best places to visit in Wales .

Move over Bassey, forget it Tyler – with effortless beauty, an undeniable flair for the dramatic and the X factor that attracts devoted fans in their millions, you could call Snowdonia National Park the ultimate Welsh diva. Beyond its famous peaks, you’ll find ancient forests, sparkling waterfalls, historic mining towns and fairy-tale castles. Are you a thrill seeker? If so, there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from white water rafting to ziplining over the world’s largest slate quarry and surfing on an inland lagoon.

Pembrokeshire

Popular Pembrokeshire – the most westerly county in Wales – is home to some of the country’s finest beaches, a plethora of pretty seaside towns and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids . The entire coast is a national park, best explored with a hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or on a coasteering tour – the cliff-scrambling sport was born right here. Lovers of wildlife won't want to miss a trip to Skomer Island, where thousands of puffins gather to raise their young come summer, while Harry Potter fans will want to make a pilgrimage to Dobby’s final resting place, Freshwater West beach. If you’re an ancient history buff, don’t miss Pentre Ifan , a prehistoric tomb hewn from the same bluestone used at Stonehenge.

Brecon Beacons 

The undulating hills and quaint villages of Brecon Beacons National Park are an irresistible draw for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts, not least because of the park’s proximity to the major towns and cities of South Wales – Cardiff, Swansea and Chepstow are all less than an hour away. Top hikes include Pen-y-Fan (come mid-week during school term time to beat the crowds) and Sugarloaf Mountain. The region is also an International Dark Sky Reserve – a dream for budding astronomers – so bring your binoculars for a spot of stargazing.

Portmeirion 

Is this Wales or the Italian Riviera? The brainchild of eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is unlike anything else you’ll see in the UK , thanks to its hodgepodge of pastel-colored Mediterranean-style buildings and manicured gardens complete with giant chess board and golden Buddha shrine. But despite its commercial theme park-esque leanings, this curated “village” will soon win you over, especially if you stay to watch the sunset over the Dwyryd Estuary. 

Cardiff has all the trappings you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city – great nightlife, vibrant culture and a burgeoning indie food scene – but it all comes in an unusually green and compact package. Wander along the River Taff in Bute Park , picking up a coffee and decadent orange brownie at the Secret Garden Cafe ; catch a musical at the Wales Millennium Centre (nicknamed “the armadillo” thanks to its copper-colored curves); browse for bargains in the capital’s Victorian shopping arcades; or tour the ornate rooms and grounds of Cardiff Castle . Whatever you do, you’ll be met with a warm Welsh welcome.

Hay-on-Wye 

For a wholesome weekend away, look no further than Hay-on-Wye. This charming market town sits snugly between the River Wye and the English border, just north of the Brecon Beacons. It’s known for its annual Hay Festival , a literary extravaganza headlined by big-name authors featuring readings, writers’ workshops and book signings. But there’s still plenty to do year-round if you can’t make the festival. Peruse the abundant antique markets and secondhand book stores, hike to Hay Bluff via Offa’s Dyke Path or opt for a spot of wild swimming at The Warren, a pebble beach on the river bank. 

Slow travel comes with a historic twist in Llangollen, a compact, culture-packed town in North East Wales. A heritage steam train trundles between Llangollen and Corwen daily from February to October, and the town is a popular launchpad for hiking the ancient national trail, Offa’s Dyke Path. Don’t miss a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct : towering 125ft (38m) above the River Dee, this spectacular World Heritage Site is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and can be traversed by foot, canal or even kayak. For a livelier time, visit in July, along with 120,000 other people, to attend the International Musical Eisteddfod and Fringe Festival.

Gower Peninsula 

The UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this 70-sq-mile (180 sq km) peninsula is renowned for its dramatic coastline and fabulous beaches. Following the south coast west from Swansea and the Mumbles , you’ll find a smattering of family-friendly bays (try Caswell and Langland for starters) backed by heather- and gorse-clad cliffs. Three-mile-long Rhossili Bay Beach dominates the peninsula’s west coast, spoiling visitors with broad golden sands, rolling surf and coastal walking trails peppered with ancient ruins. It’s worth saving time for a walk to Worms Head – the rocky promontory at the southern end of the beach – but keep an eye on the tides to avoid ending up stranded.

The Isle of Anglesey has two obvious claims to fame: it’s where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in the early years of their marriage, and it’s here you’ll find the village with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch (a selfie next to the train station’s expansive sign is a tourist rite of passage). But the real magic is found along Anglesey’s coast (another AONB), whether you’re hiking the Wales Coast Path to bird-spotting heaven, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve ; stand up paddleboarding on the Menai Strait; or lounging on Llanddwyn beach, a curve of pale sand backed by Corsican pines with views of Snowdonia. Beaumaris – with its Unesco-listed castle – makes a fine base from which to explore.

Machynlleth

This unassuming market town on the southern border of Snowdonia National Park is something of a cultural powerhouse. Once the capital of Wales (freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1404), today travelers come for the Museum of Modern Art and the increasingly popular Machynlleth Comedy Festival , which takes place each May. Save time for a day at the mostly open-air Centre for Alternative Technology , where you can learn about sustainable ways of living.

You might also like: The 10 most beautiful hikes in Wales The UK's longest mountain bike trail for beginners is now open How to spend a weekend in Anglesey, the eco-friendly island loved by William and Kate   

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The Welsh region with the prettiest beaches

By Rick Jordan

In my mind’s eye, when I see Cardigan and the landscape around it from afar, I assemble narrow lanes banked by tall hedgerows filled with bickering birds and empty sands between the paws of dragon- skinned rocks. Fields hazed by farm-fire smoke, shadows gathering like folds of theatre curtain, a chiaroscuro woodcut in the landscape. I had holidayed in this part of West Wales as a child, returned by chance a decade ago with my own son, and then just kept on coming back. It’s a land beyond motorway and train, far enough away from London to be almost immune – with properly dark night skies that seem to have a cleansing effect, some of the most beautiful coastline in Britain and deep-cover countryside to vanish into. And anyway, there’s always a magnetism, an impetus, about going west.

I am drawn to stories of young folk escaping here from town life in the early 1970s – just as bored Welsh teenagers were making the reverse journey – finding tumbledown cottages to repair and cheap land to grow food, fuelled by hippie optimism. Many were disciples of back- to-the-land guru John Seymour, whose Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency lay on teak coffee tables in every patchouli-scented household. If there’s a little disdain now for that brown-tinged era, for its damp cagoules and earnestness, there’s also a sense of ‘well, what took us so long to catch up?’

One of those pioneers was Patrick Holden, who still lives on the farm he began as a commune in 1973 after hanging out on folk troubadour Donovan’s island near Skye , later working for the Soil Association and founding the Sustainable Food Trust while continuing to make cheese from his dairyherd. ‘As soon as you come over the Cambrian mountains it feels purifying – nature in the ascendant,’ he tells me. ‘It’s like California with more rain, and that west-coast, anything-can-happen feeling.’

Holden regards this part of Wales as the epicentre of small-scale organic farming in the UK , and many others have followed since – there’s room and space to experiment. Adam York, the co-creator of Manchester’s Unicorn cooperative supermarket, came to set up a market garden in Cardigan ( Aberteifi in Welsh), the mild winters making it possible to grow salad all year round, stretching the seasons; others have seeded mushroom farms, while eco-housing schemes support young individuals keen to start land-based projects. Just outside town is In the Welsh Wind Distillery, shiny with copper pipes, its founders Ellen Wakelam and Alex Jungmayr vociferous about local provenance for their ingredients and for a wider Welsh food scene. They began by making craft gin, then gathered barley from nearby farms for their field-to-glass whisky.

‘People have to have a little more gumption these days,’ says Jack Smylie Wild, a poet and baker based in Cardigan, whose parents were new-age travellers in the late 1980s, the era of Castlemorton raves, of living in old ambulances and horse boxes. ‘There’s the same spirit, but not so much hanging around in damp farmhouses smoking weed.’ He writes about the area in his lyrical debut Riverwise , a meditative ramble along the banks of the River Teifi, enjoying the ‘wilderness of mind’ it brings, alighting on personal legends and secret spots. I know the Teifi well, its waters tracing the county border between Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire . I have kayaked and paddle-boarded and fallen in, scrambling down to swim in gasping breaths in summer, watching out for but never seeing otters. The chance of a kingfisher, though; kites overhead; a curlew stalking the shore by the wetlands reserve, its name redolent of both call and beak; reeds as high as a water buffalo’s eye, the shaggy creatures a surreal presence here.

At Cardigan the Teifi broadens out, makes a moat for the stone knuckle of the castle, slows enough to drop a crabbing line. Cast back a century and more, and the place resounded with all the clanking and hammering of a thriving shipbuilding port, fleets of boats laden with herring, slate and oak bark sailing to North America and the Baltic. The clamour has long faded; ferns and woodland have rewilded industrial scars, and often the distant past seems nearer the surface than recent history. Coracles woven from willow are still used to fish the river; at tiny St Dogmaels, just down the road from Cardigan, the ruins of a 12th-century abbey stand where others have a village green. Once, an elderly, beetle-browed man appeared from behind an arch and enquired of my then-seven-year-old son what he knew of the dissolution of the monasteries.

‘If you’re looking for an archetypal, low-carbon town in the UK, this is as close as you’ll get,’ reckons York from his market garden. He’s right. Here is river and beach, castle and high street all in close proximity, easily walked or cycled, and with enough for the inquisitive – a couple of arts centres, butchers, delis, galleries, a nature reserve for walking, the ebb and flow of people with fresh ideas.

More often than not I spend some time at Fforest, which is more than a mere campsite – it’s a whole eco-system. Former art students James Lynch and Sian Tucker didn’t just buy a tumbledown homestead but 200 acres of wood and farmland on the edge of Cilgerran, crafting geodesic domes among the trees and evolving it into a year-round project, with winter women-only retreats and a summer happening of craft and cheese making, all accomplished with a clear-eyed sense of style and community. The campsite pub is the most atmospheric around, with a ghost story so unsettling it will shadow the walk back through dark, dark woods. Lynch, a gruff Tolkien-esque figure, is the sort of person who might disappear into his shed and emerge a week later, goggles on, with an incredible flying machine; one of his current projects is to turn empty churches into way stations for cyclists, with sleeping pods he designed himself. In the process the pair have not only fallen in love with the landscape – camping on the beach with their four sons, diving for spider crabs, foraging for samphire – but given a serious boost to Cardigan’s profile and economy. (Some credit too must go to David and Claire Hieatt, the couple behind Hiut denim and the inspirational DO Lectures.)

Along the coast north of Cardigan are my favourite beaches in the world. Mwnt, with its ancient church and neat, conical hill that I climb to the top, an optical illusion making the drop to the shore seem more sheer and scarier than it is; Penbryn, with its cave and near-tropical sands; and Llangrannog, reached by the steep road or by clambering over a stile into a sudden, surprising gully of ferny rainforest and cascading streams. Every Bonfire Night, fireworks are set off from opposing clifftops and a huge blaze is lit on the sand, to be slowly extinguished by the tide.

Up until recently, locals would tell you it was like Cornwall without the crowds; last summer that changed, of course, as people who normally flew to Bali found West Wales instead. But luckily there are the spots where no signposts point. The waterfalls at Ffynone Woods, said to lead to the under- world; the seal colony just out of sight from Poppit Sands; standing stones and silent glades of green. Places on the periphery, where the outside world fades away.

Where to stay

The Fforest project has taken glamping to the next level, with several evolutionary leaps – but the alpha species is the geodesic domes, some with steaming onsen, all kitted out with beds, bathrooms, handwoven rugs and kitchen cabins. Also in the mix are split-level digs in former pigsties set around a vegetable garden and a farmhouse to be rented in its entirety. There are some Scandi-style apartments in a warehouse in central Cardigan, with painterly views of the Teifi and castle, though these are being adapted to create The Albion . Opening later this year, the hotel will riff on a backstory involving the eponymous ship, which departed in 1819 from the quay below carrying emigrants to New Brunswick. For those determined to see otters, the off-grid Oak Tree Cottage is embedded in the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.

Cardigan Castle was reopened in 2015 after years of restoration and now has family-friendly bedrooms in a Georgian mansion withinits doughty medieval walls. Up in Aberaeron is Harbourmaster , whose dark-blue frontage resembles a postage stamp, while Sea and Slate has several pretty cottages along the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast. Back in the early 1970s, one way of staying here cheaply was to sign up with WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), helping out with planting and harvesting in return for bed and board. It’s still going strong, with small farms taking part including Troed y Rhiw , owned by Californian-born Alicia Miller and her husband.

Where to eat and drink

In Cardigan, the Pizzatipi encampment, set under a huge canvas around a pagan-like firepit, draws in folk from as far as Carmarthen. The little pub has local ales and ciders, and a small restaurant has just been added above the kitchen. Sadly, local favourite Bara Menyn café closed after six years of early starts (baker Jack Smylie Wild has plans for a follow-up), but for sourdough and coffee, as well as pudding kits, there’s now Crwst , established by locals Osian and Catrin Jones, which has brought a little urban slickness.

Nearby, the new Yr Hen Printworks is a rare wine bar. El Salsa’s Mexican street food has gathered a loyal following since it parked its food truck and set up permanently – chef Laura Elsaesser grows her own spices and sources everything else from nearby farms, while Jen Goss’s Our Two Acres supper clubs are fed by ingredients from her smallholding. In Llangrannog, bag fish and chips from The Beach Hut , and crab cakes from The Boy Ashore shack in Aberporth. Inland, the small university town of Lampeter is where you’ll find Watson & Pratt’s , a brilliant organic deli that will be opening an outpost in Aberaeron this summer. St Dogmaels Market gathers each Tuesday morning, with stalls selling bread from the mill across the duck pond and Foxhill jams. Ask for the ‘goat man’, who makes pies using butter from his herd. There are more jams, chutneys and crunchy Welsh edibles at the Abbey Café (where this writer was once the proud winner of an afternoon tea at the summer fête).

Cardigan Bay Fish runs out of a family house on the high street – knock at The Villa and ask what Mandy and Len Walters have that day. Scallops, spider crab or half lobsters, perhaps, though if Len’s been out in his coracle there may be fresh sewin (wild river trout) too. On the little road to Poppit Sands, The Ferry Inn is a favoured first-night destination for fish pie and terrace views across the river estuary. Seasonal farmshop Glebelands Market Garden is on the St Dogmaels road just out of Cardigan. In the Welsh Wind Distillery , about two miles out on the Aberystwyth road, holds gin-tasting sessions, while the Mantle micro- brewery does the same for beer – start with the easy-drinking Rock Steady Golden Ale. In the village of Llandysul is Caws Teifi , founded by a Dutch cheese-making trio in the 1980s; they also make Dà Mhìle gin (try the savoury seaweed variety), apple brandy, rum and whisky. Sitting in the cheese-tasting cabin with a hunk of washed-rind Saval, the sounds of the farm all around, is a deeply satisfying churn-to-plate experience.

Where to shop

Opposite the castle, Canfas Gallery has a growing reputation for seeking out and supporting up-and-coming Welsh artists who don’t depict endless seascapes and white cottages. Meinir Mathias, for example, who paints men cross-dressed in traditional bonnets and lace, and ceramicist Joe Frowen, who casts dystopian futures on his pots. It’s all curated by former B&B owner Anne Cakebread – she also paints in her atelier at the back, writes and illustrates a witty series of Welsh-language books ( Teach Your Cat Welsh is on my bookshelf), and knows everything there is to know about local comings and goings. She moved here with her girlfriend by chance: ‘I’d been painting a beach from my imagination and when I stepped onto Poppit Sands for the first time, there it was.’

Restored using traditional techniques by its owner, Custom House Shop and Gallery sells soap made using seawater from Mwnt beach, teeny-tiny coracles, knitwear and a cookbook by Anja Dunk, who grew up in Cardigan and fuses German and Welsh cooking (surely a one-off). Peter Bodenham’s studio is a dinky space in St Dogmaels where he turns very collectible cups, vases and bowls with colours blown in from the wild West Wales coast. And in Llangrannog, the Sea and Slate gallery is run by Spot Scott, who renovated the fisherman’s hut where she showcases willow-weaving and artworks, along with homewares from Welsh social enterprise The Goodwash Company.

Keep scrolling for more images of Cardigan

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A barn feast at Fforest

Local cat at Fforest

Fforest's garden-shack camp kitchen

Lay your head in one of the geodesic domes at Fforest

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Adam Turner , CN Traveller

Connor Sturges , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

Firewood outside the on-site pub at Fforest

Willow den at Fforest

Holly at Fforest

The staircase in the restored Georgian farmhouse at Fforest

Sea and Slate cottage near Newport

Breakfast at Fforest

A spring mountain expedition

Drinks at Fforest pub

Seabass ceviche at Fforest

Oysters at Harbourmaster

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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 .

An email you’ll actually love

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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9 Very Best Things To Do In West Wales

Wales is a beautiful country that has so many incredible places to see . That being said, there’s a whole treasure trove of the best things to do in West Wales that you might not have considered. 

Much more than just fluffy sheep and Tom Jones, Wales is a country that is perfect to explore regardless of what type of holiday you’re looking for. This is especially true when thinking of West Wales and the stunning coastline.

If you’re visiting the UK for the first time, or indeed, if you live close by, Wales is pretty easy to reach by car or train, with the West Wales coast reached from London in about 4.5 hours. This all means that’s it’s a relatively quick trip to somewhere completely different from the hustle of London or other big cities like Birmingham or Cardiff .

With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the very best things to do in West Wales on your next trip. Some will be nature-based, others will be little towns, but whatever the case I hope to show you a few you might like.

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in West Wales. Have the best trip. 

1.) Explore Pembrokeshire National Park

Pembrokeshire National Park is perched right on the coast of south-west Wales and the perfect place to explore the country’s rugged, natural, coastline. It’s one of the only national parks in West Wales and is easily up there as one of the best things to do in West Wales if you love nature. 

Keep your eyes peeled for Dolphins, explore the beautiful landscapes and walk the coastal paths that criss-cross this area.

Read more: Best National Parks to visit in the UK

2.) Visit Aberystwyth

West Wales is a relatively rural region of the United Kingdom, with very little in terms of big cities and glimmering city lights. That being said, there’s one town that should definitely be on your radar – Aberystwyth.

Take a tour of the National Library of Wales, ramble up Constitution Hill (or take the cliff railway) and walk the far-stretching promenade. It really is one of the best things to do in West Wales. 

Thinking of visiting Wales? See our complete guide to what you should see

3.) Take the steam train to Devil’s Bridge

Leaving from Aberystwyth, hop on the steam train that departs almost every day in the summer for the glistening waterfalls of Devil’s Bridge. It’s a totally unique experience and one of the best things to do in West Wales for a little nostalgia.

The train itself slowly climbs the mountain edges of this gorgeous region and chugs along to Devils Bridge itself.

Once in Devil’s Bridge, make sure to take a ramble in and around the Waterfalls that are much less devilish than you might think.

Read more: Best things to do in Wales

4.) Ride the Cambrian Coastal Route

One of the best ways to see the north-west of Wales is to explore the coastline by train.

Take the train from Machynlleth (the ancient Capital of Wales, pronounced,  mack-un-thhh-leth ) and discover the historic fishing villages of Aberdyfi, the impressive castles that are a stone’s throw from the shores and the landforms of the Cambrian coastline that date back millions of years.

Plus, after a storm or strong tidal flows, you can even spot the prehistoric forest on the seabed at Ynyslas. It really is a sight to behold. 

5.) Try some Welsh cuisine

Wales has a great deal of delicious food to try but here are a few favourites that I think you have to try on your visit. Welsh cakes are a must! These flat cakes are baked on a griddle and filled with currents which I could eat all day! Grab yourself a cup of tea, a freshly baked Welsh cake and I guarantee you’ll fall in love (or at least your tummy will).

If Welsh cakes aren’t your thing, maybe try bara brith – a fruit loaf with lashings of salted butter, Welsh rarebit – a little like cheese on toast, or even a big bowl of piping hot cawl – a lamb based broth that is filled with seasonal vegetables and plenty of leeks. 

Now, technically, you can gorge in any part of Wales, but it’s certainly one of the best things to do in West Wales on your trip.

6.) Hike Up Snowdon

Snowdonia National Park stretches for quite some distance in the north-west of Wales, encompassing the highest mountain in Wales and England, Snowdonia.

Grab your hiking boots, plan your trip and enjoy the stunning views from the top. If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll find the hike up Snowdon pretty enjoyable, on the other hand, if you’re a novice (like me) you may well want to take it slow with lots of little breaks for water and cheeky chocolate (or two). 

The whole park is stunning and easily up there as one of the best things to do in West Wales. 

7.) Explore Portmeirion

If you’ve ever seen Portmeirion, you’ll quickly realise why I said you should visit. This gorgeous Italian village is nestled on the north-west coast of Wales and is perfect to see a unique a different perspective of Wales (or do I mean Italy?).

Think picturesque gardens, beautiful architecture and views across the beautiful Welsh countryside. It really is one of the best things to do in West Wales. 

Plus, you can actually stay the night in Portmeirion at this hotel ! It’s so picturesque and totally charming. 

8.) Discover Tenby

On the south-west coast of Wales, Tenby is a small fishing village which is totally idyllic to explore. Already a firm favourite for us Welsh Folk to spend a relaxing Sunday, Tenby is just beautiful and certainly one of the best things to do in West Wales. 

Wander around the cobbled streets, enjoy the town’s sandy beaches and even take a trip over to Caldey Island, one of the last remaining island monasteries in the whole of the UK.

Read more: Best things to do in Tenby

9.) Try Learning some Welsh

Now, this has to be done – no excuses! 🙊  To a non-Welsh speaker, our language can sound very different and a little peculiar. Although almost all of the population speak English as well as Welsh, west Wales is a predominantly Welsh-speaking area, so I’ve included a few phrases to get you started:

“Bore da” (say: Boar ey da), which means “good morning. 🌅

“Iechyd da” (say: yaki dar) which loosely translates to “cheers” 🍻

“Hwyl fawr” (say: hue-el vawer) which means “goodbye” 👋

“Cariad” (say: car-e-add) which means “love” (you’ll get lots of attention with this one) Ha! ❤️

Read more: The best things to do across Wales

14 Very Best Things To Do In Wales

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022

Wales boasts some of the most spectacular coastlines in all of Britain. This is especially true around the rugged Pembrokeshire Peninsula, an area that's widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Wales for tourists on the lookout for a memorable vacation experience.

Jutting out into the Irish Sea, the southwesterly tip of Wales is an area just begging to be explored, whether on foot, by bike, or by car. It's also a great place from which to discover the rest of West Wales, including lovely Carmarthenshire.

Together, these two beautiful counties are home to numerous attractions. Fun things to do on the Pembrokeshire Coast include exploring historic castles and fortresses, touring countless churches and cathedrals, as well as visiting the region's many quaint old fishing harbors and villages.

For the truly adventurous traveler seeking a totally unique experience, check out the numerous intersting places to stay, whether for a night or a week. Everything from little farm cottages, classic old lighthouses, gypsy caravans, and even vintage railcars perched on cliff tops have been transformed into unique accommodations.

Find out more about this beautiful region, and the best places to visit, with our list of the top attractions on the Pembrokeshire Coast of Wales.

1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

2. the pembrokeshire coast path national trail, 3. pembroke castle, 4. carmarthen: merlin's birthplace, 5. dylan thomas' laugharne, 6. the town of tenby, 7. carew castle and tidal mill, 8. manorbier village and castle, 9. st. davids cathedral, 10. goodwick and fishguard, 11. cardigan and the national wool museum, 12. caldey island, map of tourist attractions on the pembrokeshire coast, wales.

Pembrokeshire serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic southwest coast of Wales. This long stretch of rugged shoreline is widely considered to be one of the most attractive coastlines in all of Britain.

Fortunately, much of this spectacular coastline is protected as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Established in 1952 and covering an area of 629 square kilometers, this must-see landscape is notable as Britain's only coastal national park .

Some of the biggest draws for tourists are the park's numerous sandy beaches. All told, there are more than 50 of them to be explored, ranging from quiet, secluded spots to busier beaches that are popular with families. Add to this its many remote bays and islands, and it's not difficult to see the appeal. Further enhancing the visitor experience in this magical landscape is the fact that it's home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare sea birds such as puffins or razor-billed auks.

One of the most popular things to do here is hiking, thanks in large part to the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Other fun outdoor activities include rock climbing and sea kayaking.

You'll also want to include the park's visitor center in Haverfordwest on your Pembroke itinerary. You can gather information before your hike, as well as shop for souvenirs. Other information centers are located in St. David's, Tenby, Fishguard, and Milford Haven.

Address: Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales

A particularly delightful way to explore this beautiful Welsh region is via the superb Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Laid out in 1970, this spectacular National Trail covers a distance of nearly 300 kilometers along the coast, stretching all the way from Amroth in the south to its northernmost point in St. Dogmaels near Cardigan.

Most of the path is located within the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park itself. While most sections of the path are easy to walk and located on cliff tops, the presence of so many attractive beaches just waiting to be explored makes it necessary to have a degree of fitness if you're planning on making the descent in order to explore the beaches themselves.

While walking the entire route would take anywhere from 12 to 14 days, many tourists to the region will break their adventure up into bite size hikes, or even manageable day trips. If that sounds like you, there are plenty of great accommodation options to choose from, including everything from quaint B&Bs to old gypsy caravans and even castles.

For those seeking to explore farther afield, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path connects to the Wales Coast Path. This epic 1,400-kilometer hike connects Queensferry to Chepstow, and basically covers the entire Welsh coastline.

Official site: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/coast-path/

Pembroke Castle is not only the most imposing Norman coastal fortress in Wales, it's also something of a movie star, having made its debut in the romantic movie, Me Before You . Towering on the crest of a hill near the town after which it's named, the fortress was built in 1090 by Arnulf, Earl of Pembroke.

And this privately-owned castle's setting is certainly spectacular, boasting magnificent views of the surrounding area from atop its massive, round keep. Adjoining the keep are the Prison Tower, the Norman Hall, and the North Hall, from which a staircase leads down into the huge natural cavern known as the Wogan.

On-site exhibits include the story of the many Earls of Pembroke, a medieval banquet, as well as displays focusing on the Civil War battle that took place here between Cromwell's troops and the Pembroke Royalists. There's also an exhibit that tells the history of the famous Pembroke Yeomanry.

And for those wanting to have the ultimate wedding backdrop, the castle is licensed for civil weddings, too, with reception space available for up to 60 guests. A café and gift shop are also located on-site.

Address: Pembroke Castle, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: http://pembroke-castle.co.uk/

According to legend, Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales, is the supposed birthplace of the Celtic magician Merlin of Arthurian legend. Celebrating this connection are numerous references to the great wizard across the town, including statues and the Merlins Walk shopping center.

Located on the River Towy, just 14 kilometers inland from the bay of the same name, it's also the county town of Dyfed, which consists of the counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan. It's also well known for once having been an important market town and seaport.

Visitors interested in sightseeing can admire the 14th-century parish church of St. Peter, the 14th-century town wall and gatehouse, as well as the ruins of Carmarthen castle. The elegant Guildhall, dating from 1766, along with the Carmarthenshire County Museum, are important attractions well worth visiting.

Address: Abergwili, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales

The small market town of Laugharne on the Taf estuary is famous for its excellent cockles, as well as its many well-preserved 18th-century buildings. These include the historic Town Hall, which was built in 1746.

Dylan Thomas , undoubtedly the most famous Welsh poet, called this sleepy nest of 400 souls "the strangest town in Wales" when he and his wife moved into the slate-roofed Boat House above the bay in 1938.

Thomas remained here until his death in 1953, and his boathouse home has since been converted into a museum with a superb terraced tearoom. You can even visit the writing shed in which he did much of his work. He was buried in the village cemetery, and his simple gravestone is easy to find.

Another area attraction is Laugharne Castle . This imposing fortress dates back to medieval times and saw active service during the Civil War. Although it has since fallen into ruin, its quaint garden gazebo remains.

Address: Dylans Walk, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Official site: www.dylanthomasboathouse.com

Tenby, still with its ancient town walls intact, lies on a rocky peninsula at the western end of Carmarthen Bay. At the turn of the century, artist Augustus John praised this charming seaside resort as being "so restful, so colorful, and so unspoiled" due to its picturesque harbor edged with attractive pastel-colored houses.

It also boasts two beautiful sandy beaches , charming narrow alleys, and the carefully restored 15th-century Tudor Merchant's House. St. Mary's Church, the largest parish church in Wales, is also worth a visit.

You should also make time to visit the interesting Tenby Museum and Art Gallery . This fascinating museum is home to a collection of interesting artifacts relating to the town's past, along with a well-stocked gift shop.

Address: Castle Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: www.tenbymuseum.org.uk

The impressive ruins of 13th-century Carew Castle stand on one of the many hills surrounding Milford Haven and its adjacent 23-acre millpond. Its beautifully carved high cross dates from the 11th century, and standing at the castle's entrance is a fine example of 11th-century Welsh art, the patterns in its 4.2-meter-high structure revealing a fascinating connection between Viking and Celtic influences in its design.

In addition to the many bats that live here, it's said to be one of the most haunted castles in Wales. Its most famous ghostly resident is said to be the spirit of a 12th-century princess.

The Carew Tidal Mill, the only one of its kind left in Wales, and one of only four in the UK, has been fully restored and offers an interesting look into the technology of the time. This unique structure was built in 1801 on the site of an earlier mill dating back to the 1500s.

The nearby church at Carew Cheriton boasts a lovely perpendicular tower and is a fine example of 14th-century sacral architecture. I nformative guided tours of the tower are available. Afterwards, be sure to spend a little time exploring Milford Haven, which has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Britain.

Location: Castle Lane, Carew, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/

Surrounded by stunning red sandstone cliffs, the village of Manorbier is well worth a visit due to the medieval Manorbier Castle (1275-1325). Standing alone on a hill, this spectacular fortress offers tremendous views and paints quite a romantic picture as you walk its many excellent trails.

For a unique accommodation experience, book the old stone house built within the castle walls. It and the castle also serve as a popular wedding backdrop.

The town itself was the birthplace in 1146 of Giraldus Cambrensis, one of the most brilliant thinkers of the Middle Ages. As Archdeacon of Brecon, he was the main protagonist of an independent Welsh Church, adviser on Irish affairs.

He was also known as an excellent orator and famously accompanied Archbishop Baldwin of Canterbury on his tour of Wales to gain support for the Third Crusade. This journey resulted in his best known work, The Itinerary of Wales , in which he describes Manorbier as the most charming place in all of Wales.

Address: Manorbier, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: https://manorbiercastle.co.uk

The cathedral in tiny St. Davids, Britain's smallest city, was built in a hollow to escape the attentions of marauders. Consequently, from the immediately surrounding area, only the tower can be seen. A wall enclosed the precincts of the cathedral in the 13th century, and the structure itself was largely redecorated in the 14th century.

Highlights of a visit include seeing its 13th-century tower, the Lady Chapel, and the spectacular west front, given its present form between 1862 and 1878. While the exterior of the cathedral appears rather somber and austere, the rich variety of forms within its triple-aisle Norman interior creates an overwhelming effect, particularly the beautiful 15th-century Irish oak ceiling.

Of the four arches supporting the tower, the one on the west side dates from before the collapse of the original tower. The three others from after 1220. The choir-stalls, with filigree misericords, along with the bishop's throne, date from the second half of the 15th century. The relics contained in a small chest in the Trinity Chapel are probably those of St. David, although his shrine in front of the high altar is empty.

An unusual quirk is the building's slightly sloping floor, which you'll notice almost immediately upon entry. Guided tours are available and although free, donations are always appreciated.

Address: The Pebbles, St. Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Official site: www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

Located in Fishguard Bay are the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard. In the old part of Fishguard, you'll find a huddle of small houses surrounding the beautiful harbor, Abergwaur, made famous after Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood was filmed here in 1971.

It is from here that ferries depart to Rosslare in Ireland. It's also a popular spot for tourists to shop for Welsh handicrafts and other goods in the boutiques and shops of Lower Town. The ruins of a medieval castle dominate the tip of the promontory.

Walkers are attracted to the location for its many pleasant coastal paths with their fine views, especially around the Pen Caer peninsula with its many prehistoric remains, Iron Age forts, and chambered tombs.

Cardigan is a busy little market town located on the banks of the Teifi (pronounced Tivi) river, about 3.2 kilometers above its mouth. It's a quaint place to stop and explore, with tourist attractions including the six-arched, 18th-century bridge that spans the river.

The river itself is renowned among anglers for its salmon and trout. Nearby are two round towers dating from the 13th-century Cilgerran Castle , each of which offer great views over the river.

The Teifi Valley is also the traditional base of the Welsh wool trades and is home to the Museum of the Welsh Woolen Industry. Here, you'll find many interesting displays related to the combing and spinning of wool, along with traditional weaving techniques and patterns. There are also displays focusing on contemporary products available from Welsh mills.

Address: Dre-Fach Felindre, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Official site: www.museumwales.ac.uk/wool/

If your idea of fun includes doing a little island hopping, be sure to consider taking an excursion to lovely Caldey Island. Located just over a half mile from the mainland near Tenby, the island can trace its history back some 1,500 years. During this time, it served as one of the most important of holy islands in Wales.

The island is, to this day, home to a group of 40 or so Trappist monks, who produce a variety of purchasable goods, including cheese, chocolates, and products like perfume made from locally sourced lavender.

It's also a popular boat trip for its diverse wildlife, which includes a large colony of cormorants. There's also a small museum in the post office worth visiting, as the island has its own stamps, which make great souvenirs.

Other notable landmarks include the 13th-century Church of St. Illtyd, and Caldey Lighthouse, built in 1828, which can easily be accessed from the many pleasant trails and paths that circle the island.

Official site: https://caldeyislandwales.com

More on Wales

Six places to see on the west coast of Wales

Snowdonia, North Wales Image:Getty Images

Head west to the far west coast of Wales for a road trip adventure that is far less traveled. The west coast of Wales is filled to the brim with incredible things to do and see, here are six of our favorites.

Pick any part of Britain's varied coastline and you’ll find fishing villages, harbor towns, and seaside holiday escapes. Many of these are well-trafficked paths indeed, but for a coastal adventure far less traveled, head to the far west coast of Wales.

This diverse road trip of manageable length reveals a sea-strapped heritage far removed from bright city lights and the manicured attractions of the common tourist circuits.

An abundance of castles, relics of the nation’s Celtic past, coastal panoramas and photo spots line the way. Take those couple of extra days if you can.

• Exploring Wales
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Day 1: Across the Severn to Cymru

From London, the airports or the M25, nothing could be easier than the drive to South Wales. Take the M4 west to the Severn Crossing and there it is. Croeso y Cymru  – Welcome to Wales!

Chepstow makes a great first destination across the broad river border on the M48. Plan three hours with a stop on the motorway. Or take the scenic route, dropping down onto the A4 in Hungerford, through Marlborough and Avebury to Chippenham (do stop at Avebury Circle if you’ve not seen it).

Chepstow has two classic moderately-priced hotels in the town center: The Beaufort on the square and the Castle Hotel under the walls of 11th-century Chepstow Castle. The tourist information center in the castle car park will be happy to help with a full range of other lodging options.

In addition to one of the two oldest surviving stone castles in Britain, visit the local Chepstow Museum right across the street, and enjoy the arcades and alleys of the old town center. Tintern Abbey is just up the road, as well.

Town Houses In Chepstow, Wales, United Kingdom

Day 2: Destination Pembrokeshire

Continuing west this morning on the M4, it’s only a few minute’s drive to Caerleon, one of the most important sites in Roman Britain. Once the legionary fortress of Isca Augustus , Caerleon’s Roman amphitheater is among the world’s most complete, and the Roman barrack blocks are unique in Britain. The National Roman Legion Museum tells the whole story.

With the jagged coastline to the industrial south, continue West on the M4. Past Newport, Cardiff, and Swansea, the motorway ends into the A48 and Carmarthenshire. At St. Clears, you might divert just a few miles to Laugharne and its breathtaking estuary. Visit cliff-top Laugharne Castle, poet Dylan Thomas’ boathouse home, and perhaps take refreshment at Brown’s Hotel, where Thomas drank with local friends and fans that came from far and wide.

The southwestern peninsula of Wales, Pembrokeshire can be an overnight stop–or a great place to spend an extra day. Walking the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path along some of Britain’s prettiest coastline might take a little longer.

For a classic Welsh seaside resort and a tidy walled medieval town, head for an overnight in Tenby. Or continue on the A487 to St. David’s; with 1,800 residents, the village is the smallest city in Britain. Its ancient cathedral dedicated to Wales’ patron saint provides the city status. Do visit 12th-century St. David’s Cathedral by all means, and the ruins of the once-elegant medieval Bishops Palace.

Picturesque view of boats in Tenby Harbour, with its clusters of colourful painted houses, and Castle Hill

Day 3: Along the West Coast to North Wales

From Tenby or St. David’s this morning route winds north to Fishguard, where travelers have caught the ferry to Ireland for generations. The A487 leads north along the coast to Snowdonia. Don’t expect to drive at main road speeds, however. The road is narrow, constantly winding and the coastal scenery too spectacular to ignore.

The convenient midway, midday destination is Aberystwyth. With 10,000 students, the University of Aberystwyth doubles the town’s population. Stretch your legs and take lunch on the popular seafront and pier and the adjacent pretty commercial streets.

North of Aberystwyth another 20 miles, at Machynlleth the landscape gets wilder as you enter Snowdonia National Park. A dozen miles north of Dolgellau the A487 veers west to follow the coast, while the A470 continues north over the slate mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. If time is pressing, follow this mountain route to Betws-y-Coed for the overnight and explore the Vale of Conwy.

Don’t expect to drive at main road speeds, however. The road is narrow, constantly winding, and the coastal scenery spectacular.

It’s only a few miles west to the harbor town of Porthmadog–in season a popular destination with an abundance of tourist services. Time permitting, do visit famous Portmeirion, the Italianate fantasy village created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Or take a ride up to the slate quarries on the narrow-gauge, steam Ffestiniog Railway.

Borth-Y-Gest, Porthmadog, North Wales

Day 4: Snowdonia

A day won't do it in Snowdonia, so you’ll inevitably make choices–or take another day in the neighborhood. Follow the A487 up to Caernarfon this morning, for a visit to the walled town and majestic Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward I and site of the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.

Then, take the A4086 through to Llanberis and Mount Snowdon. Llanberis is the staging ground for excursions of any kind to the summit of the tallest mountain in England or Wales. You might catch the Snowdon Mountain Railroad to the top if you decide not to hike it. Through the Pass of Llanberis, continue west to Betwsy-Coed.

Stay in the popular mountain village and join visitors and locals at the Royal Oak’s bistro this evening, or carry on along the river to Conwy.

The view across Llynau Mymbyr to Snowdon on a beautiful still Autumn day.

Day 5: To Conwy, Llandudno and Great Orme

Whether its spring or summer, the one visit to plan for in the Vale of Conwy is Bodnant Gardens. These spectacular National Trust gardens are considered the finest in Wales for a reason.

The walled town spreading out beneath Conwy Castle is a delight. Explore as well the small town center with its variegated architecture and the working quayside where the River Conwy opens into the Irish Sea. Pay a visit as well across the estuary to the popular seaside town of Llandudno, renowned as a holiday destination since the Victorians.

Stroll the pier nearly half a mile into Colwyn Bay. Or take the tram from Llandudno to the top of the Great Orme headland for incredible views over the coastline. Both Conwy and Llandudno are replete with accommodations from fine hotels to B&Bs.

Winding road at Great Orme, North Wales

Day 6: Further Up and Further In

With another day in North Wales, you might take a drive along the coast to the Isle of Angelsey.

Cross the Menai Straits to visit the elegant mansion of Plas Newydd, seat of the Marquis of Anglesey, on the Straits’ banks. Nearby, visit picturesque Beaumaris Castle. Or head east on the A55 toward Cheshire. See a bit of historic Chester, surrender your rental car there and catch the train back to London. If your road trip continues, you might turn south to Shrewsbury and take the A49 along the Marches border and Offa’s Dyke.

Decisions, decisions.

* Originally published in June 2016.

Related: Wales

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The best historic houses and gardens to visit in wales.

Explore a land of spectacular countryside and extraordinary heritage as a member of Historic Houses

Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to Wales, a country full of some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable, with a proud and distinct history that’s reflected in its wealth of historic houses and gardens. If you’re planning a visit to Wales, make sure to schedule in time to peruse this glorious heritage. Scroll down to see more or view a map of all the houses and gardens you can see in Wales here .

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

North Wales

Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire

Bodrhyddan Hall is a Grade I listed building and has been the home of Lord Langford and his family for over 500 years. Set in several acres of stunning formal gardens and reclaimed woodland, the house is one of the few remaining family-owned stately homes in Wales.

Bodrhyddan is largely of 17th century design with notable Victorian additions and contains an extensive historical collection. Notable examples include arms & armour, a variety of fine art and portraits, and a 3,000 year old Egyptian mummy & Sarcophagus.

Brynbella, near St Asaph

Brynbella features nine acres of garden and woodland.

The gardens comprise various elements such as woodland garden, walled garden, three water gardens, a gravel garden (winner of British Association of Landscaping Industries award), plus formal and informal areas of planting.

Gwrych Castle, Clwyd

Gwrych Castle is a Grade I listed country house in North Wales and one of the most talked about attractions in Britain due to hosting ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!   for two consequent years.

Designed by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh and built between 1810 and 1822, Gwrych Castle embodies the ideals of the Romantic Movement set within a picturesque yet ancient inspired landscape.

Visit Wales sustainably

We’ve teamed up with the team at Good Journey to find means of helping you find ways to travel more sustainably to extraordinary places. While you might think it difficult to find means of using public transport to visit some of the more rural historic houses and gardens in Wales, don’t worry, Good Journey have a solution. Visit their website for further information.

..also in North Wales

Hartsheath, Flintshire

Hartsheath is a Grade II* 18th and 19th-century country house, set in a 19th-century landscape park.

The Drawing Room has trompe l’oeil decoration with pineapple motifs. The house also contains a unique collection of Welsh watercolours and works by the “Jewish Holbein” Isidor Kaufmann, as well as interesting collection of furniture and porcelain.

Plas Brondanw, Llanfrothen

Plas Brondanw was built by Clough Williams-Ellis’s ancestor around 1550. He was given the house by his father in 1908. “It was for Brondanw’s sake that I worked and stinted” he wrote, “for its sake that I chiefly hoped to prosper”.

Although less well known than his village and gardens at Portmeirion, the gardens of Brondanw are nevertheless considered by many to be Clough Williams-Ellis’smost important creation. All proceeds and donations go directly towards the cost of maintaining the garden.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Anglesey

Described as one of North Wales’ best kept secrets is Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. Situated at the side of the Menai Strait, hidden from view near to Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey.

In 1996, the present owner bought the 200 acre Plas Cadnant Estate and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and grounds. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory.

South Wales

Cornwall House, Monmouth

Cornwall House is the last remaining privately occupied house in main shopping steeet of Monmouth.

It is a town house, dating back to at least the 17th-century. The red brick garden façade is in the Queen Anne style, dating from 1752 when the house belonged to Henry de Bergh, the Duke of Beaufort’s agent.

Cresselly House, Pembrokeshire

Home of the Allen family for 250 years, the fine stone façade of Cresselly presents a lovely symmetry as you approach the house from the main drive.

The three-storey centre section, built in 1770, is flanked by two-storey wings added nearly a hundred years later and was the work of Clarke and Holland of Newmarket, Suffolk, who also worked for Lady Catherine Allen’s brother, the Earl of Portsmouth. The house contains good plasterwork and fittings of both periods.

Golden Grove, Carmarthenshire

Originally the seat of the Vaughan family, Golden Grove Estate was left by John Vaughan, in the absence of children of his own, to John Campbell in 1804.

Jeffry Wyattville was commissioned to design and oversee the building of an imposing new house with comprehensive service wing and superb stables. Work started in 1827 and was completed within 7 years. One of the longest houses in the UK it was also one of only 4 to have central heating. A very fine clock was also commissioned which ran 3 clock faces and several bells.

Picton Castle, Haverfordwest

A treasured family home for over 700 years, the elegant rooms feature magnificent fireplaces by Sir Henry Cheere, and fine works of art, including the controversial ‘Picton Renoir’.

Picton Castle is a most unusual ancient building, as it is a fully developed medieval castle that was transformed into a stately home in the 18th century. From the outside with its four symmetrically spaced half round towers and gatehouse entrance flanked by two narrower towers it is based upon patterns of Irish castles of the period and is the only one of this type in the mainland UK.

Treowen, Monmouth

“Over the entrance is a stone square with the armorial bearings of nine different noblemen and other characters of high rank in this County. A correspondent dignity pervades the whole of the interior. A staircase two yards wide, of 72 steps, with balustrades, the newels on the quarterspaces two feet round, the whole in solid oak, which still remains perfect, stands unrivalled in the Kingdom.” –  Charles Heath 1787

Antiquarian Charles Heath’s glowing description of Grade I listed Treowen remains as true today as when it was written.

Days out in Wales

Anyone who’s spent time in Wales can attest to the majestic splendour of the country, its people and heritage. If you’re looking to visit Wales soon, we hope you’ll find time to visit its historic houses and gardens. You can view a map of all these wonderful places to enjoy a day out in Wales on our map linked here.

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Top Things to Do in Moscow, Russia - Moscow Must-See Attractions

Things to do in moscow, explore popular experiences, top attractions in moscow.

Other Top Attractions around Moscow

What travellers are saying

• Saint Basil's Cathedral
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Moscow Metro
• Moscow Kremlin
• Neskuchny sad
• Aleksandrovskiy Sad
• Kuskovo Estate
• Sokolniki Park
• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
• Walks With Folks

Moscow   Travel Guide

7 Best Things To Do in Moscow

Updated February 11, 2021

Art, museums and history reign supreme in Moscow, one of the most pristinely and magnificently preserved cities. This beautiful walking city is also recommended for couples. Here you can stroll through 15th-century cathedrals, explore Russian

• All Things To Do

Red Square Red Square free

One of the world's most famous public squares, the Red Square sits at the physical center of Moscow and is considered the symbolic center of all of Russia. Bluntly speaking, Red Square is a must-see in the city. Allot a decent amount of time to take in the views, capture them on your camera and to just soak in the atmosphere of the place.

You'll find the Red Square is bordered by the massive GUM shopping mall on the east, St. Basil's Cathedral on the south, the State Historical Museum on the north and Lenin's Mausoleum on the west.

Tretyakov Gallery Tretyakov Gallery

Many say the Tretyakov Gallery features the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. This museum is filled to the brim with masterpieces ranging from the 11th century to the 20th century. The gallery is actually comprised of two buildings, often referred to as the "Old Tretyakov" and the "New Tretyakov."

If you make time for only one museum in Moscow, make sure it's this one. Frommer's says, "This collection of masterpieces awes both newcomers to Russian art and connoisseurs." With works from Russian icons like Vrubel and Kadinsky dotted throughout the museum, you could easily find yourself whiling away the whole day here.

St. Basil's Cathedral St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, also known by its much longer title as the Cathedral of Intercession of Theotokos on the Moat , is the most iconic landmark in Russia. It's located in Red Square , immediately recognizable by its unique bonfire-style design.

Built in the mid-16th century under the orders of Ivan the Terrible himself, (a popular legend says he had the architect blinded to prevent him from duplicating the beauty) St. Basil's Cathedral is most known for its vibrantly colored onion domes. Frommer's says the cathedral is "essentially a union of nine different churches and styles, and nine different chapels, beneath nine domes, each unique in size, form, and color."

Cathedral of Christ the Savior Cathedral of Christ the Savior free

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is located along the bank of the Moscow River and only a few blocks away from the Kremlin . Tourists come to the cathedral for its impressive architecture and design, as well as for its equally impressive (and strange) history.

The cathedral was originally built to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon in 1812 and to honor the soldiers who gave their lives fighting him. Then in 1931, Stalin had the structure dynamited to make room for his Palace of the Soviets project -- an ambitious skyscraper (it would have been the tallest structure in the world) that never materialized. Instead, the site was transformed in 1958 into the Moscow Pool, one of the largest public swimming pools in the world. The pool closed in 1994 and the cathedral was rebuilt in its place in 1997.

Moscow Kremlin Moscow Kremlin

Often referred to simply as "The Kremlin," this fortress is located in the center of Moscow, off of the Red Square . It is the most well known of the Kremlins (Russian citadels) and serves as the official residence of the Russian President. The Kremlin encompasses four cathedrals, four palaces and a number of towers.

One of the major highlights here is the Armory Palace, one of the city's oldest museums. The Armory Palace was originally the royal Russian arsenal where weapons were produced and stored. It wasn't until the early 1800s that it was converted into a museum. Now, it showcases Western European, Asian and Russian weapons and armor, as well as several collections of work from goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewelers. Don't miss the Fabergé egg exhibit. 

Lenin's Mausoleum Lenin's Mausoleum free

Lenin's Mausoleum is located in Red Square and is probably one of the stranger tourist attractions you'll ever come across. It contains the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, a disturbing site that has been on display almost every day since his death in 1924.

Lonely Planet says, "Whether for the creepiness value or an interest in mummification, the granite tomb of Lenin is a must-see, especially since (if some people get their way) the former leader may eventually end up beside his mum in St Petersburg." Apparently, the Bolsheviks leader made a specific request to be buried alongside his mother before he died.

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is located on Volkhonka Street across from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior . It houses the largest collection of European art in Moscow, and it was named in honor of one of Russia's premier poets, Alexander Pushkin.

You don't go here to read sonnets, though. Instead, you should look to find art spanning a wide range of eras and movements, from ancient Greece to the Renaissance to French Impressionism. Masterpieces from the likes of Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso and Van Gogh easily make this museum deserving of a visit.

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Top Things to Do in Moscow, Russia

Places to visit in moscow, explore popular experiences, top attractions in moscow.

Other Top Attractions around Moscow

What travellers are saying

• Saint Basil's Cathedral
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Moscow Metro
• Moscow Kremlin
• Neskuchny sad
• Aleksandrovskiy Sad
• Kuskovo Estate
• Sokolniki Park
• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
• Walks With Folks

• National Trust
• Historic buildings

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Conwy Castle, North Wales

10 great castles in Wales to visit

Wales is one of the world's greatest countries for castles and we think that Britain's best can be found within our borders. Come and learn about the Welsh nation's history through the buildings that defended it.

From defensive beginnings and the conflict of Civil War, to Tudor banqueting and Victorian decadence, the architectural splendour of these fortresses always stirs the soul. If you're looking for castles in Wales to visit, read on.

Castles in North Wales

Conwy castle.

Perched on a rock against the backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia) , Conwy Castle has an indisputably magical feel. Some consider it the finest castle Edward I built, and the mesmerising views from the battlements are particularly famed within the walled town. Conwy is one of the castles in north Wales that forms a UNESCO world heritage site. It's quite amazing to stand in this castle and consider how it was built in only four years between 1283 and 1287. Conwy remains the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in Wales or England. Edward I only stayed here once, trapped by a Welsh rebellion in 1294 over Christmas until January 1295. King Richard II hid at the castle from King Henry IV. With great halls, private chapels and royal chambers wind through this medieval marvel, it's a great castle to visit.

The mighty Conwy Castle still towers over the town after 700 years

Caernarfon Castle

Edward I wasn’t messing around when he built this polygonal 13th century castle on a former Roman fort. Part of the coastal World Heritage Site, the mighty Caernarfon Castle remains one of the most visually arresting sights you’ll ever see. The birthplace of Edward II and where the investiture of King Charles III as Prince of Wales took place, visit the Exhibition rooms to stir your senses. There's now step free access to the rooftop.

Read more : Caernarfon's military might .

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, North Wales

© Judith Newton

Chirk Castle

The picturesque Welsh-English border offers few sites as magnificent as Chirk Castle . Roger Mortimer built the castle in the late 13th century. It was home for the Myddelton family from the 1595 until Thomas Scott-Ellis leased it in 1910. It is now owned and run by the National Trust. The elegant state rooms inside are an interior dream, combining elaborate plasterwork with a medieval tower, a dungeon and an 18th century Servants’ Hall. Enjoy an uplifting wander through the garden, terrace, pavilion and parkland enclosing Wrexham ’s gem.

Castles in Mid Wales

Powis castle.

Powis Castle has a rich history, although it’s the gardens – famed for their French and Italian styles, adorned with plants and an orangery – that single it out, and that’s before you spot the medieval deer park. The perfect place to relax before heading inside to see the medieval fortress. Powis Castle was built in the mid 13th century by Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, a Welsh prince. In 1578, Powis was leased to Sir Edward Herbert. It features decadent galleries and staircases aplenty.

Powis Castle and Garden, Mid Wales

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Castles in West Wales

Dinefwr  castle.

The folkloric 12th century castle at Dinefwr Park is hugely atmospheric. This once much fought-over seat of the kingdom of Deheubarth is now run by the National Trust. Enjoy the wonderful views and guided tours that take in the nearby nature reserve , cottages, ponds, croquet lawn and a tea room. Look out for the rutting deer and cows who might join you during a stroll around the 18th century landscape park.

Laugharne Castle

The magnificent medieval Laugharne Castle was part of a chain of Norman coastal castles from Chepstow in the east to Pembroke in the west. After centuries of conflict, Laugharne was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. It's forever associated with Dylan Thomas , who escaped writer’s block at this 'brown as owls' castle. Discover his inspiration within the Victorian ornamental gardens, and relax near the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Shed where poetry was once in motion.

Laugharne Castle, which sits on the estuary of the River Tâf, West Wales

Cilgerran Castle

The Normans’ penchant for defences with river views means 12th century Cilgerran Castle has an amazing vantage point, overlooking the River Teifi . Circle the two vast round towers and walk between the walls of the Earl of Pembroke’s creation on a gorge – home to a castle which, even by Welsh standards, is particularly beautiful.

Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

Castles in South Wales

Caerphilly castle.

Caerphilly Castle was locked within water defences when it was built by the English during the 13th century. The outside is the place, among an array of delights, to see four siege engines, and the inside has a hallowed, majestic feel.

Caerphilly Castle, South Wales

© Michael George, Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle's striking round towers make this fortress a singular classic, and there’s every chance you’ll be enraptured from the moment you see the astonishing gatehouse which once denied Oliver Cromwell at the end of the Civil War. Surrounded by fields, the romantic ruins even make space for a bowling green. Construction of this South Wales castle began in the 1430s by Sir William ap Thomas. It's one of the last true castles to be built in Wales.

Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire

© Tom MartinandWALES NEWS SERVICE

Caldicot Castle

Every view from the incredible medieval Caldicot Castle could be a picture postcard. The history of this 13th century castle, built by Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, is the stuff of legend. From Norman beginnings, to conflict in the Middle Ages, and Victorian domesticity. Fifty five acres of country park await, as well as events such as re-enactments and a tearoom for unwinding.

What is the oldest castle in Wales?

Chepstow Castle the oldest castle in Wales. It was one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. It's the oldest surviving post-Roman stone castle in Britain. The building of this castle started in 1067 by Earl William FitzOsbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror.

What is the biggest castle in Wales?

Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, and the second largest in Britain after Windsor Castle. The magnificent fortress covers 30 acres and boasts massive walls, towers, and gatehouses. It is three times the size of Principality Stadium and a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

What is the smallest castle in Wales?

It is believed that Weobley castle is one of the smallest castle in Wales. It has views of the beautiful Gower peninsula. This former elegant family home with a watchtower. Built by the wealthy de la Bere family, stewards to the lords of Gower 700 years ago, Weobley suffered serious damage during the uprising of Owain Glyndwr in the early 15th century.

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Caernarfon's military might

Discover an ancient Celtic town with a Roman barracks and imposing medieval castle.

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