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Meet Britain’s green stars of the show: Wales

With three blockbuster national parks packed into one country, Wales punches well above its weight when it comes to drama – on screen and off. These aren’t just landscapes, they’re living, breathing film sets, where dragons roam (House of the Dragon, The Witcher), Harry Potter’s house-elf rests in peace, and adrenaline comes zipwired from the skies. But it’s not all about the high-octane highlights. In Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and along the Pembrokeshire Coast, visitors will also find star-studded skies, boutique stays with firepits and sheepskin throws, and local producers serving up smoked salmon and small-batch whisky with a side of mountain air. This is nature at its most cinematic – wild, windswept and full of surprises.

Photo by: Michael Roberts/Moment/Getty Images

Trekker hiking up a mountainous cobble stoned path through a barren mountain range

Have a roar-some adventure in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park 

Slate-studded Snowdonia (Eryri) is a thrill-seeker’s dream, chock-full of high-octane hikes and record-breaking zipwires. Just watch out for the odd dragon and other magical creatures – House of the Dragon and The Witcher were both filmed here. 

Snowdonia Sunrise Hiking Experience, Llanberis 

See Snowdonia at its most magical on a moonlit hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), its tallest peak. Solo travellers are welcome on this small-group adventure, led by a qualified mountain guide. The early-morning hike to the summit is well worth the effort, timed so that the reward is stunning views of the sunrise. 

Snowdonia Glamping Holidays, Betws-y-Coed 

Visitors can choose from cosy shepherds’ huts or boutique glamping barns at Snowdonia Glamping Holidays. Both promise comfortable beds, gorgeous Welsh sheepskin rugs and blankets, and outdoor kitchens with glorious views. Nearby Betws-y-Coed is brimming with restaurants and outdoorsy shops for those last-minute hiking essentials.  

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda 

Take on the challenge of the world’s fastest zipline – head first – at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Fearless flyers are transported to the top of this old slate quarry in ex-army trucks before being let loose on the zipwire, which can reach speeds of more than 100mph (160km/h). For more thrills, visitors can also take the controls of a quarry kart through this slate-studded landscape.  

Photo by: Crown Copyright / Visit Wales

Friends glamping by the waters edge in a forest.

Walk on the wild side in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park 

Get those mountain highs in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), with its internationally recognised dark skies. Leave plenty of room for its iconic food festivals, where lip-smacking Welsh produce is the star of the show.  

Stargazing at Brecon Beacons Observatory 

Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve is an astronomer’s treasure trove, and a group stargazing session is the ideal way for beginners to get to know the night sky. Participants can learn how to operate the telescopes at the Brecon Beacons Observatory, before photographing the skies above. More experienced stargazers are welcome to bring their own kit. 

By the Wye Glamping, Hay-on-Wye 

Leave technology behind and dare to go off-grid at By the Wye Glamping. Hidden within the treetops near Hay-on-Wye, its luxurious safari tents offer jaw-dropping views of the Wye Valley and the wonderfully dark skies at night. Try cooking dinner on the firepits – the team can even provide BBQ banquets from local suppliers. The site’s resident woodland ranger, runs regular wilding adventures designed for all ages too.  

Wigwam Holidays, Brecon 

At the gateway to the National Park is Wigwam Holidays, overlooking the rolling Welsh hills. The six heated cabins – three with their own wood-fired hot tubs – are a treat to return to after a day exploring the nearby market town of Brecon. The campsite is part of a family farm that’s also home to 80 cattle and 700 sheep, so there’s plenty of four-legged company too.  

Aber Glamping, Crai 

Spend a night under the stars with plenty of home comforts at one of Aber Glamping’s luxurious geodomes. Each dome is kitted out with a king-sized bed plus extra futons, as well as access to a private eco toilet and shower. The huge windows make them ideal for stargazing – look out for meteor showers. 

Brecon Beacons Foraging (Abergavenny) 

Find out how the natural world is a bartender’s bounty on a botanical gin foraging session with Brecon Beacons Foraging. With the guidance of foraging expert Adele Nozedar, participants will touch, sniff and – when it’s safe to – taste the riches of the Brecon Beacons countryside. At the end, visitors can take home a 300ml jar of their unique creation, with non-alcoholic options available too.  

Penderyn Distillery, Penderyn 

Wales is making a name for itself in the world of spirits, and Penderyn’s award-winning Welsh whisky is leading the charge. Discover the challenging work that goes into every single bottle on a behind-the-scenes tour of its Brecon Beacons headquarters. See the mill, mash tun and stills before sampling a snifter or two in the Tasting Bar. Iechyd da! (cheers!). 

Black Mountains Smokery, Crickhowell 

 Family-run business Black Mountains Smokery has been perfecting their smoking process since 1996, using Welsh oak shavings for added sustainability. Visitors can enjoy some of their smoked salmon or charcuterie on a picnic in the hills or pick up a gourmet hamper packed with local treats for a special souvenir.  

The Walnut Tree Inn, near Abergavenny 

Celebrated chef Shaun Hill’s hearty yet complex cooking has earned The Walnut Tree Inn a Michelin Star – and with good reason. Local beef and game take pride of place, and the daily changing menus blend contemporary and classical British cooking. There’s no need to drive afterwards thanks to the Walnut Tree’s two on-site cottages at the end of the garden. 

Abergavenny Food Festival, Abergavenny 

Come hungry to Abergavenny Food Festival (20–21 September 2025), because there are 200 exhibitors and heaps of tasty treats to tuck into. Watch top chefs work their culinary magic and listen to foodie panel discussions and author chats. Each evening, Party at the Castle lights up the grounds of Abergavenny Castle with top-notch music acts and a fireworks display. 

Brecon Beacons Food Festival, Brecon 

Join some of Wales’ finest food and drink producers at the Brecon Beacons Food Festival (4 October 2025) for a smorgasbord of local flavours. Think spirits from Cardiff, fudge from the Gower Peninsula and even chilli sauce from Pembrokeshire. Don’t miss the Taster Table for samples of the goodies on offer. Local choirs will provide a soundtrack to the day. 

Photo by: Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

Surfer riding the waves

Be spellbound by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park 

Wands at the ready for a trip to Pembrokeshire, home to the hallowed Harry Potter filming location of Freshwater West beach. There’s certainly magic in the air here, whether it be the enchanting Welsh food or the bewitching history of its mighty castles

Celtic Quest Coasteering, Abereiddy 

Scramble and swim around Pembrokeshire’s coast on an action-packed day out with Celtic Quest Coasteering. Whether the sea is calm or the waves are wild, the team know all the best spots around Abereiddy for a coasteering adventure. No Celtic Quest experience is complete without jumping from the cliffs into the Blue Lagoon – once a quarry, now a spectacular seawater lagoon. 

Pembroke Castle, Pembroke 

Britain’s only fortress to be built over a natural cavern, Pembroke Castle is one of Wales’ most imposing buildings. There’s more than 900 years of history to explore includingtales of great English Civil War battles, the birth of Tudor kings and life in the Middle Ages.  

Grove of Narberth, Molleston 

For a romantic getaway in Pembrokeshire, look no further than the swoon-worthy Grove of Narberth. Cocooned in the Narberth hills, this rural escape has been thoughtfully designed, blending Welsh arts and crafts with modern luxuries. Its restaurant, Fernery, holds four AA Rosettes and prides itself on its innovate tasting menus using the finest local ingredients. 

St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot 

Croeso (welcome) to paradise. Sea-breezy and oh-so stylish, the St Brides Spa Hotel is an elevated take on the traditional British beachside hotel. There are delightful nods to its maritime location throughout, from its wall art to the delicious fish dished up at The Cliffs restaurant and bar. Visitors can splash out on a treatment at the in-house spa or simply enjoy the views over Saundersfoot from the outdoor infinity pool. The hotel has enjoyed a refurbishment in 2025, so look out for brand-new decor and a sparkling new restaurant design soon. 

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