For such a small country, Wales sure packs in a lot of adventure. Wherever you end up, let the landscape lead the way – whether that means climbing mountains, hiking along the castle-strewn coastline, or venturing into underground caverns.
Visit a Castle
Wales has more castles per square mile than any other European country. Top picks include Unesco-listed Harlech Castle, which overlooks Cardigan Bay from its hilltop perch; fairytale-worthy, forest-shrouded Castell Coch, with its distinctive conical roofs; and Powis Castle, renowned for its elegant gardens.
Summit a Mountain
If you haven’t encountered a Welsh mountain or two, some would argue you haven’t really experienced Wales. The landscape here is as rugged and ridged as a dragon’s back. However, even the highest peaks are surprisingly family-friendly, and kids will love searching for mythical dragon lairs, sleeping giants, and bottomless haunted lakes. Mt. Snowdon (the country’s tallest at 3560ft) and Pen y Fan are spectacular hikes, but can get incredibly busy. Therefore, avoid the crowds by heading to the remote Cambrian Mountains. Summiting Pen Pumlumon Fawr (2467ft) is made all the sweeter when you have the place all to yourself.
Head Underground
Mining and the industrial revolution transformed the economy and landscape of Wales; they are a quintessential part of the country’s heritage. Don a hard hat and descend 300ft below ground at the Unesco-listed Big Pit in Blaenavon to get a taste of what it was like to work there. Alternatively, you can opt for a less historically accurate experience at Zip World, where you can scramble along via ferrata or bounce on trampolines within the old Llechwedd Slate Caverns.
Eat Welsh Food
Try Welsh classics such as leek-filled Glamorgan sausages, Welsh cakes, and bara brith, but save room for top-notch street food, vegan bakes, and an ever-expanding selection of artisanal cheese. For a fantastic introduction to Wales’s leading food producers and chefs, come in September for the Abergavenny Food Festival. Foraging is on the rise too – join a coastal foraging course or scour the hedgerows for tasty weeds on a mindful walk with Wild Pickings, or bottle your own botanical gin with Brecon Beacons Foraging.
Hike the Wales Coast Path
Wales was the first country in the world to launch a trail that covered its entire coastline, and what a trail it is. Spanning 870 miles (1400km), the Wales Coast Path meanders over craggy cliff tops, windswept headlands, and is dotted with pristine beaches, seaside towns, and ancient castles. Pick a section – Llŷn Peninsula, Anglesey, or the Gower are all good places to start – pull on your boots and get walking.
Tour a Distillery
Welsh spirits are gaining popularity. In 2021, the gin distillery Aber Falls launched its first whisky and plans to seek Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for the locally made tipple. Moreover, Penderyn Distillery opened its second location in Llandudno. Consider enjoying a distillery tour, trying a local spirit at any decent country pub, or crafting your very own bottle of gin at Hensol Castle in South Wales.
Watch a Rugby Match with the Locals
For many in Wales, rugby transcends sport; it’s an expression of Welsh identity. It doesn’t get much better than experiencing a Six Nations game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, located right in the city center. But even if you can’t get tickets, being in Cardiff on match day is an experience in itself.
Go Glamping
If camping in Wales sounds daunting due to wet weather, don’t worry. The range of Welsh accommodations with a back-to-nature vibe has expanded rapidly in recent years, meaning you don’t have to wrestle with tent poles in the rain unless you want to. Options include staying in a geodesic dome complete with an onsen-inspired outdoor tub and log burner at Fforest Farm near Cardigan, finding coziness in one of The Secret Yurts with private hot tubs near Welshpool, or lounging in a luxury safari tent at NightSky Glamping in Abersoch.
Spend the Day at the Beach
Wales boasts 45 Blue Flag beaches, recognized for their exceptional cleanliness and safety, along with countless hidden coves and secluded bays. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – the UK’s only dedicated coastal national park – has the lion’s share of splendid beaches. Notable spots like Barafundle Bay, Broadhaven South, and Whitesands Bay are breathtaking destinations. Wherever you go along the coast, you won’t be far from swimmable, surfable, and walker-friendly shores.
Ride the Ffestiniog Railway
While it may seem a bit touristy, a journey along the Ffestiniog Railway is a delight for steam train enthusiasts or those who appreciate scenic travel. Established in 1836 to transport slate between the quarry and port, it now serves as a heritage attraction and holds the title of the world’s oldest surviving narrow-gauge railway. You’ll trundle between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog – both part of the newly minted Unesco-listed slate landscapes of North Wales – past rushing rivers, forested hills, and soaring peaks. For the best views, splurge on a 1st-class observation carriage.
Experience an Eisteddfod
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is the ultimate celebration of Welsh culture. This annual event sees musicians, poets, dancers, actors, and creatives from across Wales come together to perform, compete, and showcase their talents. The event is conducted in Welsh, but Welsh learners and non-Welsh speakers are welcome to attend. There’s also a youth-specific festival held earlier in the year, making it accessible for everyone.
Watch Wildlife in Its Natural Habitat
Wales’s unspoiled landscapes provide sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife, particularly birds. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites in Mid-Wales, as these birds of prey have made a remarkable comeback. Spot guillemots and razorbills at Southstack Cliffs RSPB Reserve, or take a boat to Skomer Island to witness Manx shearwaters and a colony of breeding puffins between April and August. Porpoises, dolphins, and seals can also be observed year-round off the west coast.
Go Stargazing
Wales’s rural landscapes offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the UK. Both Brecon Beacons National Park and Snowdonia National Park are designated International Dark Sky Reserves, while privately owned Elan Valley Estate is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, where light pollution is minimal. The UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership also lists numerous other spots likely to offer stellar views, including the beautiful beaches of Broad Haven South and Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire.
