Discover the top destinations and experiences in West Wales that will enhance your journey.
Contents:
Wales is a captivating country with a plethora of remarkable attractions. However, many of the finest experiences in West Wales may not be widely recognized.
Much more than its renowned sheep and music legends, Wales offers a rich landscape that is ideal for exploration, particularly in West Wales, famous for its breathtaking shoreline.
For those visiting the UK for the first time, or residents nearby, reaching Wales by car or train is convenient, with the West Wales coast accessible from London in approximately 4.5 hours. Consequently, traveling to a tranquil destination away from the bustle of London or other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham or Cardiff becomes a feasible option.
With that said, I would like to highlight some of the finest experiences in West Wales for your upcoming visit. These activities vary from nature explorations to charming towns; I hope to present a selection that appeals to you.
Below are the prime activities to experience in West Wales. Enjoy your trip!
1.) Explore Pembrokeshire National Park
Pembrokeshire National Park, located on the southwestern coast of Wales, is an exceptional venue for discovering the country’s rugged natural shoreline. This is one of the few national parks in West Wales and is certainly among the top experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Keep an eye out for dolphins, explore the stunning landscapes, and follow the coastal trails that meander through this breathtaking region.
2.) Visit Aberystwyth
West Wales is largely rural, featuring limited urban centers and bright city lights. Nonetheless, Aberystwyth stands out as a noteworthy destination.
Tour the National Library of Wales, hike up Constitution Hill (or choose the cliff railway), and stroll along the expansive promenade. It is undeniably one of the superb activities to experience in West Wales.
3.) Take the steam train to Devil’s Bridge
Departing from Aberystwyth, board the steam train that operates nearly daily in summer, heading to the splendid waterfalls of Devil’s Bridge. This experience is uniquely nostalgic and ranks among the finest activities in West Wales.
The train leisurely ascends the hillside of this picturesque region, eventually arriving at Devils Bridge itself.
While in Devil’s Bridge, ensure you take a leisurely walk around the waterfalls, which are surprisingly gentle in nature.
4.) Ride the Cambrian Coastal Route
Exploring the north-west coast of Wales by train provides a wonderful experience.
Board the train from Machynlleth (the ancient Capital of Wales, pronounced
mack-un-thhh-leth
) and discover historic fishing villages like Aberdyfi, impressive castles close to the shore, and geological formations of the Cambrian coastline dating back millions of years.
Furthermore, after severe storms or strong tidal flows, it is possible to spot the remains of a prehistoric forest lying submerged at Ynyslas, an astonishing spectacle.
5.) Try some Welsh cuisine
Wales offers a wonderful array of delightful dishes to savor. Below are a few recommendations that should not be missed during your visit. Welsh cakes are essential! These flat cakes are griddled to perfection and filled with currants, which are simply irresistible! Pair it with a cup of tea and a freshly baked Welsh cake, and you will likely find yourself charmed (or at the very least, your taste buds will be delighted).
If Welsh cakes don’t suit your preferences, consider trying bara brith— a fruit loaf with generous portions of salted butter, Welsh rarebit, reminiscent of melted cheese on toast, or indulge in a steaming bowl of cawl, a lamb broth enriched with seasonal vegetables and leeks.
While it’s possible to enjoy gastronomy anywhere in Wales, this truly ranks among the finest experiences in West Wales during your journey.
6.) Hike Up Snowdon
Snowdonia National Park extends impressively across north-west Wales, featuring the highest peak in both Wales and England, Snowdon.
Prepare your hiking gear, formulate your plans, and revel in the breathtaking views from the summit. For seasoned hikers, the trek up Snowdon is likely to be enjoyable; however, novices (like myself) may wish to proceed with caution, taking frequent breaks for hydration and perhaps indulging in a chocolate bar or two.
The entirety of the park is magnificent and certainly ranks among the top experiences in West Wales.
7.) Explore Portmeirion
If you have yet to see Portmeirion, it’s a must-visit. This beautiful Italian-inspired village, located on the north-west coast of Wales, offers a distinctive perspective of Wales— or perhaps Italy?
Envision picturesque gardens, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the lush Welsh landscape. It undoubtedly constitutes one of the best activities in West Wales.
8.) Discover Tenby
Situated on the south-west coast of Wales, Tenby is a charming fishing village, perfectly suited for exploration. A favorite among locals for a relaxing weekend, Tenby is visually stunning and undoubtedly ranks among the finest experiences in West Wales.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets, enjoy the sandy beaches, and consider taking a trip to Caldey Island, renowned as one of the last remaining monastery islands in the UK.
9.) Try Learning some Welsh
This is essential— no exceptions! 🙊 For those unfamiliar with the Welsh language, it may sound distinctly unique. Although nearly the entire population is bilingual in English and Welsh, West Wales predominantly uses Welsh, thus I have included several phrases to assist you:
“Bore da” (pronounced: Boar ey da), meaning “good morning.” 🌅
“Iechyd da” (pronounced: yaki dar), which translates to “cheers” 🍻
“Hwyl fawr” (pronounced: hue-el vawer), meaning “goodbye” 👋
“Cariad” (pronounced: car-e-add), meaning “love” (a phrase that will surely garner attention) Ha! ❤️
