Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.
Wales
Why we love Wales
When we say that Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world, you already start to picture the beauty of the Welsh landscape. Add its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, lush valleys and mountainous National Parks and the image of this intensely beautiful Celtic country is almost complete.
But scratch further beneath the surface, and you’ll uncover a nation filled to the brim with thrilling adventure. Get stuck into world-class sport at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and zoom through the air on an exhilarating ride of your life on the world’s fastest zip wire in Snowdonia. Or discover the nation’s depths on a subterranean caving tour, take an ambling ramble across picturesque hiking trails, and hit up the waves of the adrenaline-filled coastline.
Meet friendly Welsh locals in vibrant market towns, and historic villages - test out your Welsh language skills, and dive into eclectic indie shops along the high streets. Or grab a bike to tackle a cycle route that covers the length of the country.
No matter where your Welsh adventure goes, you can certainly say that Wales in a small but mighty country.
Capital city
Cardiff
Currency
GBP
Timezone
GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)
The Wales Coast Path
Walk or cycle the Wales Coast Path from start to finish and you’ll have covered nearly 870 miles! For day-trippers and more leisurely explorers there’s friendly towns to visit, rare wildlife to spot and scenic views aplenty.
Welsh Castles
With a history of over 600 recorded castles, there’s now 400 to choose from and visit. Four have UNESCO World Heritage status and the tower at Caerphilly out leans the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cardiff Castle is in the heart of the capital while Castell Coch rises up from the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr like a vision from a fairytale.
Wales’ National Parks
Wales’ three national parks celebrate three different landscapes. The rocky mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) contrast with the lush waterfalls and greener scenery of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), as well as the more rugged Pembrokeshire Coast. Wales also has five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Wales
Wales sparkles with scenic beauty, rich history and adventure, from its magnificent castles and National Parks, to rolling hills, mountains and coastline.
Hike the Wales Coast Path for stunning beaches, surf and sailing, or climb Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) for spectacular views from Wales’ highest mountain.
Explore the beautiful beaches and wildlife-filled islands of Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal national park, or Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) for rock climbing and caving.
Discover Welsh history and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, Waterfront Museum in Swansea, or Big Pit National Coal Museum for tours of an underground mine.
Marvel at the Italian-inspired architecture of Portmeirion village, or Mediterranean plant collections in the Great Glasshouse at The National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Head to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for world-class sport, take on the three peaks of Yr Eifl on the Llyn Peninsula, or cycle the scenic Peregrine Path along the River Wye.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in Europe, with an impressive 400 to explore. Four of these have UNESCO World Heritage status - Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and Beaumaris Castle.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Wales was the first country in the world to create a continuous footpath along its entire coastline, stretching 870 miles (1,400 km).
The world’s fastest zipwire, Velocity 2, can be found at Zip World in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (161km/h).
With a fascinating history spanning 1,000 years, Pembroke Castle is the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cave.
Wales boasts five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - areas conserved for their landscapes. Among them are the island of Anglesey, Gower, and the Wye Valley, which sits on the border between Wales and England.
- Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is referred to as the City of Arcades because it has the most Victorian, Edwardian, and modern-day shopping arcades of any city in Britain.
Welsh destinations
Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
St David's Day 2024: Random Acts of Welshness
Featured things to do in Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a garden for all seasons. But at its heart sits Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse, home to one of the finest collections of mediterranean climate-zone plants in the world. In April and May, this glass dome is bursting with colour as flowers from the Mediterranean, Australia, and Chile are in full bloom.
Find out more about the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Coasteering
Where better to try coasteering than in the country it was invented for. Get in a wet suit, and experience cliff jumping, adventure swimming, sea-level traversing, exploring caves and more - all professionally supervised.
Find out more about coasteering in Wales
Portmeirion
An unexpected snippet of Italy in the heart of Wales, Portmeirion brings the Italian Riviera to the rolling hills of this nation. Get a taste for authentic gelato, wander round ornamental gardens and enjoy the architectural splendour of this quirky tourist village.
Find out more about Portmeirion
National Museums
Discover Welsh history and culture at seven, free-to-enter National Museums, including the National Museum Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, the National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon, plus National museums dedicated to slate, wool, coal mining and Welsh life through the ages.
Find out more about Wales’ National MuseumsOur favourite experiences in Wales
Go big in Gower
Whether you’re a keen twitcher, avid adrenaline seeker or looking for an accessible experience, the Swansea Bay Coastline has you covered. Climb up the crevices of Three Cliffs Bay, ride that perfect wave at Rhossili Bay, or find your sense of adventure following an accessible path from Swansea Bay to Mumbles Pier.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Discover information, resources and contacts for Wales.
Planning a business event in Wales?
Planning a business event in Wales?
Find out what’s on offer for conferences, meetings, incentive travel and events.
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