Why Visit Wales?
Not that we’re biased or anything, but we think Wales is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
With over 12,900 square miles of countryside to discover, Wales has something for everyone. Male voice choirs, stunning scenery, ancient history and so much more – the variety that Wales has to offer is totally unique. It’s not just our picturesque towns and bustling cities that offer culture, you will find an abundance of art, music and history hidden away in the smaller villages and hamlets across the country too.
Here are our top 7 reasons to visit Wales…
1. Our Interesting Welsh History
Our history is vast and our countryside is littered with the relics of the past. Neolithic, Bronze and Iron age sites can be found on nearly every hilltop from Anglesey in the north to Cardiff in the south. From the mighty castles in Pembrokeshire to the majestic castles of Carmarthenshire, there’s an array of historic buildings in Wales waiting to be discovered. Not forgetting the plethora of museums and art galleries housing interesting exhibits from all over Wales.
Some of the most popular historic sites include Talley Abbey in Carmarthenshire, Llanerchaeron Estate in Ceredigion, the Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber in Pembrokeshire and Cosmeston Medieval Village. A fan of Welsh mythology? Check out these fascinating Welsh myths and legends.
2. Our World-Class Beaches
Our beaches are renowned globally, not just for their stunning beauty but also by surfers, land speed record setters and by the many people who come and enjoy the All Wales Coast Path – there aren’t many countries on our planet where you can walk freely around the entire coastline.
Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven are some of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, whilst Freshwater West and Whitesands are ideal Welsh beaches for surfers. Looking for a family-friendly adventure? These family beaches in Pembrokeshire and dog-friendly beaches in West Wales will ensure you have a beach day to remember.
Looking for some more inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to beaches in West Wales.
3. Our Stunning National Parks
Enjoy the Pembrokeshire National Park and visit every beach Wales has to offer – all on foot and all on one footpath! Visiting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of our favourite things to do in Pembrokeshire. The National park is home to 240 spectacular square miles waiting to be discovered. Experience the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline for yourself along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, a 186-mile long route along clifftops and panoramic vistas.
Inland you can discover the beauty of two more national parks – Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, both attracting vast numbers of visitors year after year.
4. Our Mighty Mountains
Snowdonia offers 823 square miles of mountains and hidden valleys to explore and more than half the population continue to speak our native language. Take a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a journey you will never forget.
The Brecon Beacons offers 519 square miles of rolling hills and mountains with the peak of Pen Y Fan (pronounced: Pen ur Van) towering over and offering stunning views of the valleys below. Whilst in the Beacons, a visit to the Market Town of Brecon is a must.
There are also plenty of mountains and hills to discover in West Wales. Enjoy a walk to Devil’s Bridge Falls, set within the idyllic Cambrian Mountains or head to Llanllwni Mountain, offering views of the Preseli Hills and the Brecon beacons. The Carningli Mountain circular walk from Newport will provide 360-degree views across Pembrokeshire and beyond.
5. Our Idyllic Countryside
Don’t just visit our National Parks though – the rest of Wales has equally stunning countryside to discover, try the desert of Wales (Cambrian Hills) in Ceredigion if remoteness ticks your boxes, visit the South Wales valleys for a trip through our industrial history or try a train journey on the Heart of Wales Line for the scenery you will remember for life.
If stunning Welsh gardens bring you out in a sweat, then a visit to the Botanic Garden of Wales combined with the nearby Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire are sure to please.
6. Adventure!
When it comes to activities, Wales has plenty to keep everybody happy. Mountain Biking, Boating, Four Wheel Driving and Coasteering to mention just a few are available in most parts of Wales and for two years Wales was home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championship at Abereiddi in Pembrokeshire.
Head to the coast for an adventurous boat ride to the islands of Pembrokeshire or head inland and enjoy some stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on one of these beautiful Welsh lakes.
Brechfa Forest in Camarthenshire is a favourite haunt for locals and tourists embarking on Mountain Bike trails and some of the best surfing in the UK can be in Pembrokeshire in West Wales or on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales.
Less strenuous pursuits can be found at pony-trekking centres and the many golf courses and fishing lakes dotted across the countryside.
7. Welsh Food and Drink
For those of you looking for gastronomical delights, Wales will not disappoint.
Try some of our local markets for homegrown and homemade products that you cannot get at the supermarket. Search out our local deli’s for the best cheeses, patisseries and other local food gems and don’t forget the local butcher who will more than likely have a great selection of locally reared and butchered meat and poultry on offer. Check out these delicious Welsh recipes for some tasty local cuisine.
In many of our coastal towns and villages, you will be able to buy fish and crustaceans on the harbour or on the seafront fresh from the sea that day. Many of our harbours are tidal, so be sure to check tide times and head for an hour or so after full tide to catch the fishermen returning with their catch.
When a night off from cooking our local delights is required – then our pubs in Pembrokeshire, pubs in Carmarthenshire and restaurants in Pembrokeshire serve mouth-watering and award-winning food.
Have our top reasons to visit Wales persuaded you to explore this beautiful country? Browse our selection of holiday cottages across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion and enjoy a holiday to remember.