A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
The Welsh capital city of Cardiff presents numerous opportunities for tourists who are keen to explore beyond some of the more renowned attractions in the UK. Acting as a gateway to the South Wales countryside, the city is enveloped by natural beauty.
As the second smallest country in the United Kingdom, following Northern Ireland, Wales boasts a remarkable array of historical landmarks despite its diminutive size. The country is renowned for its substantial number of castles, with over 400 structures, making it the nation with the highest density of castles globally.
One might suggest I hold a particular affinity for Wales, a notion that is not without merit. Wales is undeniably a stunning locale, and having resided there for numerous years, I have intimately explored its beauty. Undoubtedly, the exceptional hiking experiences in Wales will likely leave you feeling equally enamored with its landscapes!
New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state and is home to its largest city, Sydney. While the Sydney Opera House may be the first icon that springs to mind when considering NSW or even Australia as a whole, there exists a plethora of urban and regional attractions available for visitors to explore in this state.
Wales, where does one begin? For a relatively compact country, it offers a remarkable array of activities and attractions.
Croeso (Welsh for welcome) to my extensive overview of Wales. In particular, I will focus on West Wales, while also highlighting several significant locations to explore throughout the region.
When it comes to striking architecture, Sydney is perhaps best known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. However, a new and exciting architectural highlight will soon open its doors in December—the Sydney Modern Project.
Great Britain contains multitudes, in every direction: lots of lakes, countless castles, a profusion of pubs, and much, much more.
Wales is made for lovers of the great outdoors, and many of its most scenic travel routes are best explored on foot or by bike. The 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path winds its way around the entire Welsh coast – a world first when it launched in 2012 – and the country’s rural heart is crisscrossed with off-road cycle routes and quiet country lanes.
From vast belts of golden sand and rolling surf to under-the-radar bays, beaches in Wales are plentiful and delightfully unspoiled. No need to hold out for blazing sunshine; these beauties are spectacular whatever the weather, so long as you’re wearing the right clothing. If you’re looking for a crowd-free Welsh coast experience, traveling outside peak season is ideal.
Wales is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful drives. Beyond the more densely populated south, where you’ll find the only highway, narrow, undulating lanes criss-cross the land, meaning travel can be slow. However, there’s no need to rush when your surroundings consist of sky-skimming mountains, deep green valleys, and swaths of pristine coastline.
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.
When to travel to Wales depends on a few factors – namely your budget, your tolerance for rain, and whether you have an unquenchable desire to try bog snorkeling.
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.
A hefty chunk of Wales is properly remote wilderness, so it’s easy to give the crowds a miss in this country of lonely moors and mountains, cliff-rimmed coastlines, and tucked-away valleys. Mostly, you’ll share the trails with nothing more than the odd unruly sheep.
With medieval castles, mythical giants, mountains galore, and miles of heavenly coastline, Wales’ three national parks successfully seduce travelers who visit. Come summer, many Brits and savvy visitors make a beeline for the national parks’ jagged peaks and clear lakes.
As a country known for its rainy weather, Wales offers a multitude of activities to enjoy regardless of the season, winter included. From charming cabins to empty beaches, wild woodlands, and welcoming pubs, a visit to Cymru in winter promises satisfaction.
Walkers may soon be charged to climb Wales’ highest mountain. A local councilor has suggested that a fee as low as £1 per person would contribute to the upkeep and preservation of the peak, which attracts approximately half a million visitors annually.
Snowdonia National Park is among the oldest parks in Wales, featuring nearly 1000 square miles of unspoiled beauty, including the highest peak in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon. If hiking to the summit isn’t appealing, a mountain railway is available.
St David’s Day, the annual celebration of Wales’ patron saint, falls on 1 March and tends to denote the start of spring. As if like clockwork, carpets of daffodils (the country’s national flower) emerge just in time for the special day and hang around for at least a month. For definite daffy sightings, head to Powis Castle and Gardens in Welshpool, the riverbanks in Bute Park in Cardiff, or Bodnant Garden in Conwy.