Perched on the rocky fringe of Western Europe, Wales packs so much physical beauty into its small mass of land. Its mountain rangers, ragged coastline, old-fashioned market towns, lush valleys and ancient castles, all invite long and repeated visits.
The culture, too, is fascinating, whether in its Welsh or English language manifestations, its industrial or its Celtic traditions, its ancient cornerstones of belief or its contemporary chutzpah. Below are the top 10 places to visit in Wales:
1. Caernarfon Castle
The landscape across Gwynedd is dotted with castles that were constructed by King Edward I, and Caernarfon Castle is certainly the most impressive one of them all. Caernarfon, one among Europe’s great mediaeval fortresses, has been awarded the status, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Educational exhibitions as well as displays dig into the intriguing history of this impressive castle. Do not forget to check out the other King Edward I castles in Gwynedd including Harlech Castle, Castle, Conwy Castle and Beaumaris Castle.
Caernarfon Castle
2. Millennium Stadium
A trip to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is a must for any fan of sports. This is Wale’s national stadium, and the third biggest stadium in Britain. The stadium is mainly used for football and rugby games, and is presently one of the most remarkable icons of the modern Wales.
Experience the hype before the match in the Dragon’s Lair dressing rooms; hear the roar of seventy four thousand five hundred fans as you walk down the tunnel for the layers towards the holy turf; see the pitch from the VIP suite, and lift the trophy like a sporting superstar in the President’s Box.
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
3. Snowdonia National Park
Experience the best of Welsh countryside here at the Snowdonia National Park, the biggest national park in the whole of Wales. With one hundred lakes, thirty seven miles of pristine beaches and coastline, wetlands and moors, and ninety mountain peaks, including Snowdown Mountain, the highest mountain in Wales, there is so much to do.
You can explore the landscape by bike, horseback or foot or discover the local events and attractions. Alternatively, you can choose to test the adventurous side of you with a day of white water rafting.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
4. Offa’s Dyke Path
Follow in the routes of the history-makers of Wales with a walk along the Offa’s Dyke Path. This one hundred and seventy seven mile-long National Trail is a historic crossing of Wales from north to south.
It is named after, and frequently followed by the great Dyke which was ordered by King Offa to be built in the 8th century, maybe to separate his Kingdom of Mercia from the rival kingdoms. It normally takes approximately two weeks to walk the entire path but majorities of people choose to finish short sections in day trips.
Offa’s Dyke Path, Wales
5. Cardiff Castle
Wales is well known as the land of castles. Therefore, you should not be surprised to find a castle in the middle of the capital city. Cardiff Castle is the home to two thousand years of history, from the arrival of the Romans, all through to the Norman Conquest as well as the Victorian Rule.
Do not miss to visit the Interpretation center, where you can actually look into the intriguing history of the castle, and delight in the panoramic views of the castle as well as its Norman Keep.
Cardiff Castle, Wales
6. St. David’s Cathedral
St David is Wale’s patron saint, and the St. David Cathedral built in his name is one among the great historic shrines of Christendom. It is here that the remains of St David are buried, and has become a well-known place of pilgrimage.
Do not miss the St. David Cathedral annual festival in May and June. This festival comprises of ten days of contemporary as well as classical music concerts in the magnificent nave of the cathedral.
St. David Cathedral
7. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
With a height of one hundred and twenty six feet above the River Dee, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a two hundred year old engineering phenomenon, and Britain’s latest World Heritage Site.
Board a traditional narrow boat on the Llangollen Canal and you will find yourself taking in some of the most beautiful views in Wales as you cross the aqueduct. In case you are afraid of heights, you may want to stay below the deck as the rock face on the non-towpath side is only meant for the height lovers.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
8. Powis Castle and Gardens
In case you love gardens, you will not want to miss out on a trip to the Powis Castle and Gardens. The outstanding feudal castle was initially constructed more than eight hundred years ago, and towers above the twenty six-acre garden.
This world famous garden is the home to grand Italianate terraces, lush herbaceous borders, dancing statues, as well as an informal woodland wilderness. There is so much to see in the castle as well, including a lovely collection of the treasures from India.
Powis Castle and Gardens
9. Hay-on-Wye
This small town lies on the Welsh side of the Welsh/English border, and is famous worldwide for its second hand and antiquarian bookshops. With more than thirty main bookshops scattered around the town, Hay-on-Wye is a bibliophile’s heaven, particularly every May, when the yearly Hay Festival of Literature comes to the town.
However, it is not only about books, there is so much in Hay-on-Wye to keep you occupied, from the impressive ruins of the neighboring Llanthony Priory to the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.
Hay-on-Wye, Wales
10. National Museum Cardiff
Discover natural history, geology, art and archeology with a day out to the Cardiff National Museum. Whatever your interests are, there is so much to see from the impressionist paintings to the colossal dinosaurs.
The art collection in the museum is one among Europe’s finest, and the Evolution of Wales gallery will take you on a four thousand, six hundred million-year journey, bringing you face to face with dinosaurs and the wooly mammoths. It is the ideal family day out, and to top it all off, entry is free.
Cardiff National Museum
Wales is surely packed with different holiday experiences that are sure to delight any person who is looking for a UK holiday with a difference. With so many places to visit, you can never run out of options. The above list of the top 10 places to visit in Wales can act as a startup to make your holiday in Wales a memorable one.
