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Introduction to Wales

History of Wales

The same goes for Snowdonia – a large, rural region which can take time to explore and do justice. Its best places to stay are around Porthmadog, Caernarfon, Conwy and Llandudno where there are plenty of good accommodation options.

Also in the area and perfect for exploring Tenby, try Penally Abbey – a gothic house with ruined chapel in the tumbling gardens and views over the sea.

Near the Brecon Beacons, the Walnut Tree Inn has a Michelin star in its restaurant and comfy cottage-style rooms.

Cardiff itself has hotels of every kind, from independent townhouses and B&Bs to international brands and travel options. The Park Plaza and Hotel Indigo are among the most stylish.

In northern Wales and, in particular around the Snowdonia area, try the homely Bryn Tyrch Inn at Capel Cruig, the grand and romantic Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel, or The Old Rectory on the Lake at Tal-y-Llyn with views of the mountains.

Some of the most special stays in Wales include its historic castles. Examples with accommodation include Craig-y-Nos Castle and Brecon Castle in the Brecon Beacons, Cardigan Castle, Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel in Denbighshire, or the incredible six-room Roch Castle in Pembrokeshire perched on a hill with panoramic views and contemporary architecture.

Once an industrial centre, it is now a modern, regenerated, cultural hub where the Welsh National Assembly is based and the Principality Stadium dominates the skyline. Cardiff has the bulk of visitor attractions in this part of Wales, including museums and galleries, its moated castle, large areas of city parkland. It is also where you’ll find good food, entertainment, hotels and shopping.

Just outside Cardiff is the kitsch seaside resort of Barry Island, where locals go to play and enjoy sunnier weather.

Further along the coast is Swansea – another former port now reinventing itself as a pace to come and enjoy the museums and history, food, and waterfront views. Its most famous son, Dylan Thomas, is commemorated in a museum. Mumbles is a lovely little fishing village just outside Swansea famous for its seafood (including an Oyster Festival) and boutique shops.

Swansea is the starting point for reaching the Gower Peninsula, where you’ll find hidden coves, clifftop views, exhilarating walks and hidden villages which often offer a traditional pub or restaurant.

Pembrokeshire in the south west corner of Wales feels far removed from anywhere else in the UK. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, as well as Victorian seaside towns like Tenby, Britain’s smallest cathedral city of St Davids, and lots of rugged beaches and views. It’s the perfect place for a family trip or weekend getaway, and you might even spot a whale or dolphin.

Mid-Wales may be characterized by its mining history, or the haunting sound of a male voice choir, but it has so much more to offer. Lovely valleys offer walks, wildlife, comfy bed and breakfasts and traditional villages. Meanwhile the coast has miles of beaches and larger towns like Aberystwyth with its places to stay, eat and shop.

This part of Wales is now pioneering green ways of life. It’s common to see health food shops, healing retreats, festivals celebrating the land, and eco attractions like the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth.

North Wales is characterized by its mountains. Snowdonia National Park’s highest peak is one of the highest in Britain, and is made more accessible by its traditional railway to the summit. This region offers plenty of outdoor activities, adventure holidays and magnificent views.

The north coast of Wales is home to traditional resorts like Caernarfon, Rhyll and Colwyn Bay, and crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge to the island of Anglesey leads to plenty of points of interest to explore. The region is also home to some of the more famous and dramatic castles in Wales, with Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech among the best.

In Swansea both the Dylan Thomas Birthplace and Dylan Thomas Centre are top museums to this famous poet and writer. But it’s worth visiting Mumbles around the coast, which is a pretty seaside village with a beach, lots of shops and cafes and places to stay.

Alongside the Gower Peninsula, with its own small villages and traditional places to eat and stay. It has wonderful walks, beaches and views along the coast.

Pembrokeshire is a wonderful region in which to explore the outdoors. Its National Park preserves traditional landscapes which includes many rocky clifftops, coves and beaches. Barafundle Bay is a hidden gem, but most people head to the Victorian resort of Tenby which has many beaches to enjoy, as well as places to stay and other attractions.

On the northern tip of the National Park is St Davids, Britian’s smallest cathedral city, little bigger than a village, with some lovely B&Bs and access to nearby Whitesands beach and the RSPB reserve of Ramsey Island.

The Brecon Beacons is another National Park in Wales, situated north of Cardiff and taking in some of the most scenic valleys and hills of the interior of the country. The view from Pen-y-Fan is one of the most splendid in Britain, and the Sgwd yr Eira waterfall is hauntingly beautiful. But there’s more to this region, including ruinous hilltop castles like those at Carreg Cennen, Llandovery and Dinefwr, the pretty towns of Abergavenny and Brecon, or the world famous Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival.

In Snowdonia National Park the main attraction is Snowdon itself. With a peak at 3,560ft, there are many walking paths to the summit of varying difficulties. However, from the picturesque village of Llanberis you can take the historic cog railway to the summit.

Snowdonia has much more to offer, from hiking and cycling trails, to 15 highly regarded golf courses including Royal St David’s at Harlech. The coast off Snowdonia offers windsurfing, boat trips and fishing, and towns like Porthmadog, Llanbedr, Harlech and Barmouth offer award-winning places to eat, visitor attractions like castles, beaches and museums, and great boutique hotels and self-catering options.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns is one of Wales’ most visited attractions. Once providing slate for building materials, this underground world is now open to visit . You can ride the underground railway, or the zipline, go cycling or explore the quarries by 4×4. A popular place for young and old at the heart of Snowdonia.

Top attractions in North Wales include Caernarfon Castle – one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe with its gothic tower and battlements. Other castles worth visiting in the area include Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris, each a beautiful ruin full of history and charm.

The traditional and attractive seaside town of Llandudno is worth a visit. It has a Victorian pier, shopping, places to eat and stay, a beach; be sure to take the cable tramway up Great Orme for wonderful views.

Conwy is a historic and cultural town within easy reach of England. Aside from its castle you can visit the Elizabethan house of Plas Mawr, its town walls, old town and enjoy views of the countryside.

Anglesey is separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait, crossed by the famous suspension bridge into the village with the world’s longest name – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch. Other attractions here include the coastal walkway and South Stack Lighthouse which you can climb to the top of.

Then there is the seafood. Wales is mostly coastline and produce like fresh fish, mussels, crabs and oysters are as tasty here as anywhere.

Wales has many great places to eat. Among its handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, you should try Restaurant James Sommerin in Penarth (near Cardiff), where one of the country’s top chefs serves his tasting menu, or Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay where the TV chef’s presents dishes made from local ingredients.

Making the most of the lamb and seafood on offer in the region, The Grove in Narberth serves grazing boards of cheese, lamb and fish.

As part of the growth in sustainability in Wales, The Warren in Carmarthen is an award-winning café-restaurant which emphasizes local and organic produce.

In Cardiff try the ‘unpretentious’ but superb Casanova for Italian flavours, or Heaneys by Great British Menu chef Tommy Heaney.

In Pembrokeshire, you must try the Coast Saundersfoot restaurant – award-winning and set in a purpose-built, sustainable building only metres from the shoreline with unrivalled views and great food. Cwtch (which means cuddle in Welsh) near St Davids, serves a tasty local menu in great surroundings.

There is one main international airport in Wales, located near Cardiff. It has domestic UK links, as well as European and limited long-haul links by various airlines. The main airports at London are less than 3 hours by road from South Wales, and Manchester Airport is within easy reach of North Wales.

The road and public transport networks are good along the south coast and north coast, making many of the main towns and attractions easy to reach. However, mid Wales is quite rural and linked only by minor country roads and a limited public transport network, so you will need car or organized travel to reach many places.

Because of the good weather, popular areas of Wales like the coast, Pembrokeshire, Cardiff and Snowdonia can become busy during the summer months, and during the Easter and summer school holidays. Therefore you might consider planning a visit outside of these times, such as in April or May when the weather is still warm and pleasant, but places less crowded. This time of year is also special for the arrival of wildlife like Atlantic puffins, or newborn lambs, as well as the blooming of flowers.

If your visit to Wales is to enjoy its outdoor pursuits, such as walking the hills and coasts, or to enjoy camping, the best time is between June and October.

Regardless of the weather, Wales has many events and festivals throughout the year which are worth visiting.

You’ll find boutique hotels, spas and retreats across Wales. Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire is an understated, 15^th centuty countryside lodge with romantic gardens and fine-dining restaurant. Palé Hall near Snowdonia is a country manor which has hosted Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill and now provides luxury accommodation for its guests with impeccable service.

Some of the best spas in Wales can be found around the west coast. In particular try the St Bride’s Hotel & Spa in Pembrokeshire, the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, the Corran Resort & Spa in Carmarthenshire or the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel in the Berwyn Mountains of Powys.

Luxury activities you might want to try are the many castles and country houses now open to visitors. From Picton Castle & Gardens to Caerphilly Castle, often chosen as a wedding venue. You could also visit Penderyn Distillery & Visitor Centre where Welsh whisky is making a comeback with this excellent spirit.

Wales is built on its history. While there are many prehistoric and ancient sites, castles and monuments still standing, it is the more recent history – since the Industrial Revolution – which shapes many in Wales. The male voice choirs and music, art, poetry and writing is part of the culture here and is shaping the country even as it has become more modern and outward facing in recent years.

Weather in Wales

Visiting Wales soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Wales.

WALES WEATHER