Planning on a holiday in Wales? Take a look at some of the things to do in Wales!
From the best landmarks to visit, outdoor activities, beaches and wildlife attractions, here’s our local bucket list for Wales below: Remember to consider where to stay during your visit to Wales.
Laugharne Castle
If you’re planning a visit to Wales, no trip to the land of the castles is complete without taking in the magnificent heritage of Cadw. Wales boasts the highest concentration of historic monuments, castles, churches and places of interest in the UK. Laugharne Castle’s history stretches back over nine centuries. Founded in 1116, the castle was part of a chain of Norman coastal castles from Chepstow to Pembroke. The romantic ruins overlooking the River Taf estuary, have been the inspiration for artists such as Turner, and authors such as Dylan Thomas who wrote ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog’ in the gazebo in the castle garden. A must-visit for anyone interested in taking in the history and unique aesthetics of Wales!
Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle is a Norman castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the town of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Castles are perhaps the most striking legacy of the Anglo-Norman conquest of Wales, with Kidwelly Castle ranking as one of the finest. The castle was one of several established by the Normans to assert control over the kingship of Deheubarth in south-west Wales. It was situated both to control coastal traffic, and also to protect the important River Gwendraeth. If you want a truly medieval moment, catch a glimpse of Kidwelly shrouded in the early morning mist.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere of an authentic coal mine at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. Set in the unique Blaenafon Industrial Landscape and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Big Pit used to employ up to 1,300 workers. Visitors can now follow in their footsteps through award-winning interactive exhibits and a world-famous underground tour. Led by a real miner, the tour ventures 300ft underground through original mine workings, offering a real insight into what life was like for those who made their living in the coal mines. Visitors can also enjoy a virtual tour of a modern coal mine in the multi-media exhibition King Coal: The Mining Experience. Also be sure not to miss a visit to the Lamp Room with real-life canaries, the Blacksmith’s Forge, the Fan House and the Explosives Magazine.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is a region in northwest Wales concentrated around the mountains and glacial landforms of massive Snowdonia National Park. With the largest mountain in Wales, wooded valleys, historic villages and endless trails to walk, Snowdonia National Park is a truly amazing landscape. Go hill-walking on the trails, follow some incredible mountain biking routes or take a leisurely ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The national park takes its name from the imposing mountain and the dramatic ranges around it, which are incredibly popular with climbers, hikers and cyclists. Snowdonia is also a place for adventure, as you can zoom over Penrhyn Quarry on a zip line at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour at Zipworld, tackle Olympic-grade rapids on the Tryweyn River near Bala, or test your nerve on a caving trip at GoBelow. Cycling and riding routes criss-cross Snowdonia, with cycle hire available from a range of locations including Llanbedr, Caernarfon, Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert.
Llandudno Pier
Llandudno Pier is the premier attraction to visit whilst on holiday in Llandudno. At 2,295 feet, the pier is the longest in Wales and the fifth-longest in England and Wales. In 2005, Llandudno Pier was voted “Pier of the Year 2005” by the members of the National Piers Society. Offering superb views and concessions, why not indulge in a relaxing stroll along the pier and visit some of the renowned food stalls on your way!
Oakwood Theme Park
Oakwood Theme Park is Wales’ biggest theme park, boasting over 40 rides and attractions full of excitement for both children and adults. Visitors can explore the magical themed areas throughout the park including Neverland which brings the imaginative world of Peter Pan to life, and Spooky Street featuring a live scare maze! Enjoy a classic game of mini-golf, or hop aboard a paddleboat along the Boating Lake in the middle of the park. If you’re feeling daring, why not ride the adrenaline-fueled rollercoasters, including the UK’s number one wooden rollercoaster, Megafobia, the super-fast Speed, and the tidal-wave-inducing Drenched.
Heatherton World of Adventures
Heatherton World of Activities offers a range of fantastic and fun activities for all ages. With leverything from Go-karting, Golf and High Ropes to Archery, Paintball and Water Zorbing, all on one site, it makes for the perfect family day out. Visitors can also indulge in the Tree Tops Trail which offers the chance to both juniors and adults to take to the trees and swing like monkeys. Available all year round, the challenging assault courses run through the woodland at Heatherton and are ideal for groups and family days out. All activities are manned by the trained and friendly staff, who are on hand to provide helpful tips and tuition. The park is dog friendly, so no member of the family has to be left at home!
Margam Country Park
For adventure seekers, Margam Country Park is also home to Go Ape! treetop adventure centre where you can slide down from the treetops on a 167 metre zip wire. Margam Park Adventure offers a range of outdoor activities including pedal-powered go carting, cycling, canoeing, mountain-biking and much more, all great ways to see this historic park from a different angle.
Aberffraw, Anglesey Beach (Traeth Mawr)
Aberffraw, Anglesey Beach is a long, sandy bay which is flanked by rocky headlands and backed by wildlife-rich dunes. It’s one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, with must-see magnificent views. Access to the beach is by foot only, along the bank of the River Ffraw. The Anglesey Coastal Path runs from the beach in both directions so why not take a stroll on your visit too.
Traeth Soden, Cardigan, Ceredigion
Locals call this sand-and-shingle smuggler’s cove at the end of a beautiful valley the Secret Beach. At low tide, you can walk to another little bay to the north, or confident swimmers can swim to it. To the south is Castell Bach, part of an Iron Age hill fort with ramparts. If you’re on the hunt for a lovely and relaxing day at the beach, this is the place for you.
Ynyslas Dunes, Ceredigion
The spectacular dunes of Ynyslas are at the southern side of the estuary mouth and are the largest dunes in Ceredigion. Demonstrating all the stages of dune formation and growth, they are home to a rich population of orchids, mosses, liverworts, fungi, insects and spiders. The visitor centre and small shop are open between Easter and the end of September. There is also a 500-metre boardwalk from the visitor centre across the dunes to the beach and a shell path from the visitor centre to a boardwalk across the dunes to the beach for visitors to use. If you’re looking for something a little unique instead of a day at the tourist-filled pier, this is a great option for you.
City sightseeing in Cardiff
Why not get to know Europe’s youngest capital city a little better with a sightseeing tour. Jam-packed with attractions, from the brilliantly eclectic castle to the renowned Millennium Stadium and the world-famous bay. There are plenty of bus tours available which take passengers round all the main sights, offering hop on hop off journeys so you can be sure to take in everything Cardiff has to offer.
Manor Wildlife Park
Manor House Wildlife Park is a 52-acre zoo located in Pembrokeshire. Wales’s only walking safari, Manor Wildlife Park hosts exotic and endangered animals from across the globe. Guests can experience innovative walkthrough exhibits which allow you to come face to face with many of its animals from wallabies to lemurs, red pandas and giant rabbits. The park’s strong conservation ethos, and focus on providing more space for it’s animals makes Manor Wildlife Park truly unique from anywhere you’ve been before. They are currently involved with breeding programmes for Sumatran tigers and southern white rhinos, and both of these species can be seen at the park.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden located near the town of Colwyn Bay in Conwy County. As one of North Wales‘ top attractions, the zoo is set high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery. Set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is set on 37 acres of green landscape overlooking Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. The zoo hosts over 140 species from big cats to primates, brown bears, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can also indulge in animal encounter experiences with Californian sea lions, Humbolt penguins and Snow Leopards.