Discovering Wales: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Wales, though one of the four constituent countries of the UK, has its own rhythm, culture, and compelling reasons to be visited. Known for its land of legends, this beautiful region features stories of dragons and King Arthur, stunning landscapes like Snowdonia, and iconic castles such as Caernarfon, all fringed by magnificent coastlines like Pembrokeshire.
For first-time visitors, having some pointers will be instrumental. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make the most of your journey to Cymru (pronounced kum-ree), as the locals affectionately call it.
Wales by Numbers
- Population: 3.1 million
- Annual Visitors: 10 million (plus 100 million day visitors)
- Daily Budget: £80-£150, depending on location and accommodation standards
- Number of Sheep: Over 10 million
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: 5
- National Parks: 3, which protect 20% of the country
- Tallest Mountain: Snowdon (1,085 meters)
- Letters in the Welsh Alphabet: 28
- Longest Place Name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters)
Where to Go and What to See
Wales can be divided into three distinct sections: North Wales, Mid Wales, and South Wales.
North Wales
North Wales is a hotspot for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Snowdonia National Park attracts over 350,000 visitors annually, offering 90 peaks including Snowdon itself, which can be accessed by foot or on the mountainside train. Opportunities for outdoor activities abound, with options like jumping on springy cargo nets in an underground cavern at Bounce Below, racing down the world’s fastest zip wire over Penrhyn Quarry with Zip World, and wakeboarding on the pristine waters of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Eastward lies the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, an impressive 18-arch aqueduct celebrated as a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Also notable is Offa’s Dyke Path, which follows the England/Wales border. The island of Anglesey, located in the far northwest, boasts wildlife and untouched natural beauty. Explore it from Beaumaris, known for its access to the stunning Menai Strait and famous cliffs of Holyhead.
Mid Wales
In Mid Wales, the picturesque county of Ceredigion features charming towns, rolling hills, and coastal charm, with Aberystwyth as its largest town. Known for its Victorian-era promenade, it is home to the oldest pier in Wales and the largest Camera Obscura in the world atop Constitution Hill.
The renowned Brecon Beacons National Park features rugged uplands, stunning valleys, winding rivers, and scenic drives. The region’s most famous peak is Pen-Y-Fan, while the Black Mountains and the beautiful glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr captivate visitors. The area also has a Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, while the enchanting Sgwd-yr-Eira waterfall offers a dreamy escape.
South Wales
With the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel on its shores, South Wales is a paradise for water sports, coastal walks, exquisite seafood, and breathtaking scenery. Pembrokeshire boasts the UK’s only coastal National Park, featuring 186 miles of coastline with over 50 beaches, ranging from quaint coves to vast expanses of sand. Keep an eye out for puffins, seals, porpoises, and even dolphins, especially on specialized boat tours.
The charming city of St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, is known for its friendly atmosphere and rich religious heritage, being the historic home of the patron saint of Wales. The cathedral here is a significant site for Christian pilgrimage. Nearby, Abereiddy offers the stunning Blue Lagoon, a mesmerizing old slate quarry filled with turquoise water, ideal for adventurous jumps from the cliffs. Don’t miss Whitesands Bay, perfect for surfing, and Tenby, a beautiful town reminiscent of Mediterranean beaches, featuring a delightful harbour surrounded by pastel-hued homes.
To the east of Pembrokeshire lies Swansea Bay, highlighted by the scenic Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its marshes, dunes, sandy beaches, woodlands, and rocky shores, witnessing the sunset over The Mumbles or Worms Head at Rhossili Bay is a truly unforgettable experience.
The southeast, with Cardiff as its capital, offers a rich assortment of heritage, culture, and picturesque countryside. Cardiff is a compact city, easily navigable by foot, bus, or train. The city center showcases a blend of historical and modern attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the charming Victorian arcades. The Principality Stadium, situated by the River Taff, is a highlight for sports fans, serving as the venue for international matches and global performers.
Further southeast lies the Vale of Glamorgan, known for its award-winning beaches along the Heritage Coast, remnants of Welsh mining history, castles, and even vineyards.
What to Pack
Wales is known for its unpredictable weather, often accompanied by rain, hence packing layers, an umbrella, and a waterproof jacket is essential. The weather is generally warm from April to September (15°C to 28°C) but can feel significantly colder in winter (averaging 6°C, with snow rarely seen except in mountain areas).
While high-end bars and restaurants might require smarter attire, Wales is predominantly a casual country, encouraging practical and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor adventures.
Eating and Drinking
Wales boasts a range of culinary specialties worth sampling. Alongside fresh fish and seafood, diners can enjoy laverbread (cooked seaweed, frequently served at breakfast). Vegetarians may appreciate Glamorgan sausages (a cheese and leek delight), but should avoid cawl (a lamb broth) and faggots (herb-infused minced offal meatballs). Among the sweet offerings to try are Welsh cakes (spiced currant cakes cooked on a bakestone) and bara brith (a delightful fruity tea loaf served sliced and buttered).
Safety
Wales as a whole is a safe and welcoming place. On match days, cities like Cardiff and Swansea can become crowded, where pickpocketing or alcohol-related incidents may increase. When exploring rural areas and planning outdoor activities, always check the weather to be prepared for changing conditions.
Etiquette
Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Wales. If satisfied with service, a 10% tip is appreciated, but do check if a Service Charge has already been included. Tipping is not necessary at bars or pubs without food service.
Manners: Simple gestures like saying “please” and “thank you” go a long way. When exiting a bus, it’s customary to thank the driver with a cheerful “cheers.”
Chatter: Welsh individuals are known for their friendliness and willingness to chat, so don’t be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation.
Language & Culture
Cymraeg (Welsh): Wales is a bilingual country where English is predominantly spoken in major cities. However, in rural areas, you’re more likely to overhear the melodic Welsh language, which children are required to learn in schools. You’ll also notice Welsh words featured prominently on road signs, menus, and shop labels. Try picking up a word or two; for instance, “thank you” is “diolch,” pronounced dee-olkh. Rest assured, everyone speaks English, regardless of whether Welsh is their first language.
Patriotism: The Welsh are known for their strong sense of pride in their heritage. Don’t be shocked if you hear groups bursting into a Welsh hymn on public transport or see Welsh symbols like daffodils adorning buildings. They are generally eager to engage, sharing their love for their homeland.
Getting There
The primary airport serving Wales is Cardiff International Airport, offering regular flights to and from various global locations. Visitors can also fly into Bristol Airport in England or one of the London’s airports and then take a bus or train into Wales.
For those traveling by road, the fastest routes include the M4, M5, M6, M48, and M56. Be advised, a toll is required when entering Wales over the Severn Bridge.
There are rail connections to South Wales (Newport and Cardiff) from stations such as London Paddington, Reading, Bath, and Bristol. Change at Cardiff for trains to Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire. Various lines from London Euston, Manchester, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, and Crewe connect directly to locations in North Wales.
Getting Around
Getting around Wales is most convenient by car, particularly in more remote areas without public transport. Aside from the motorways, three main routes known as The Wales Way facilitate travel: The Coastal Way runs along the west coast, the Cambrian Way traverses the country vertically, and the North Wales Way covers the northern region. Note that vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and distances are measured in miles.
If you do not have access to a car, public transport can sufficiently cover most areas, with taxis available for more secluded locations.
For the adventurous, the Wales Coastal Path offers a comprehensive network of well-marked routes to explore on foot or by bike, making it possible to walk the entire coastline.
