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10 unmissable places to visit in Wales

Sep 25, 2021 • 5 min read

From the hills of Brecon to the dramatic coastlines the Gower, Wales has tons of beautiful places to visit © Roy JAMES Shakespeare / Getty Images

With three epic national parks , reams of beach-studded coastline, an underrated capital and more chocolate-box villages than you can shake a love spoon at, small but mighty Wales has a wealth of locations worth adding to your itinerary.

Planning a Welsh adventure but not sure where to start? Be inspired by our selection of the best places to visit in Wales .

Move over Bassey, forget it Tyler – with effortless beauty, an undeniable flair for the dramatic and the X factor that attracts devoted fans in their millions, you could call Snowdonia National Park the ultimate Welsh diva. Beyond its famous peaks, you’ll find ancient forests, sparkling waterfalls, historic mining towns and fairy-tale castles. Are you a thrill seeker? If so, there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from white water rafting to ziplining over the world’s largest slate quarry and surfing on an inland lagoon.

Pembrokeshire

Popular Pembrokeshire – the most westerly county in Wales – is home to some of the country’s finest beaches, a plethora of pretty seaside towns and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids . The entire coast is a national park, best explored with a hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or on a coasteering tour – the cliff-scrambling sport was born right here. Lovers of wildlife won't want to miss a trip to Skomer Island, where thousands of puffins gather to raise their young come summer, while Harry Potter fans will want to make a pilgrimage to Dobby’s final resting place, Freshwater West beach. If you’re an ancient history buff, don’t miss Pentre Ifan , a prehistoric tomb hewn from the same bluestone used at Stonehenge.

Brecon Beacons 

The undulating hills and quaint villages of Brecon Beacons National Park are an irresistible draw for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts, not least because of the park’s proximity to the major towns and cities of South Wales – Cardiff, Swansea and Chepstow are all less than an hour away. Top hikes include Pen-y-Fan (come mid-week during school term time to beat the crowds) and Sugarloaf Mountain. The region is also an International Dark Sky Reserve – a dream for budding astronomers – so bring your binoculars for a spot of stargazing.

Portmeirion 

Is this Wales or the Italian Riviera? The brainchild of eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is unlike anything else you’ll see in the UK , thanks to its hodgepodge of pastel-colored Mediterranean-style buildings and manicured gardens complete with giant chess board and golden Buddha shrine. But despite its commercial theme park-esque leanings, this curated “village” will soon win you over, especially if you stay to watch the sunset over the Dwyryd Estuary. 

Cardiff has all the trappings you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city – great nightlife, vibrant culture and a burgeoning indie food scene – but it all comes in an unusually green and compact package. Wander along the River Taff in Bute Park , picking up a coffee and decadent orange brownie at the Secret Garden Cafe ; catch a musical at the Wales Millennium Centre (nicknamed “the armadillo” thanks to its copper-colored curves); browse for bargains in the capital’s Victorian shopping arcades; or tour the ornate rooms and grounds of Cardiff Castle . Whatever you do, you’ll be met with a warm Welsh welcome.

Hay-on-Wye 

For a wholesome weekend away, look no further than Hay-on-Wye. This charming market town sits snugly between the River Wye and the English border, just north of the Brecon Beacons. It’s known for its annual Hay Festival , a literary extravaganza headlined by big-name authors featuring readings, writers’ workshops and book signings. But there’s still plenty to do year-round if you can’t make the festival. Peruse the abundant antique markets and secondhand book stores, hike to Hay Bluff via Offa’s Dyke Path or opt for a spot of wild swimming at The Warren, a pebble beach on the river bank. 

Slow travel comes with a historic twist in Llangollen, a compact, culture-packed town in North East Wales. A heritage steam train trundles between Llangollen and Corwen daily from February to October, and the town is a popular launchpad for hiking the ancient national trail, Offa’s Dyke Path. Don’t miss a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct : towering 125ft (38m) above the River Dee, this spectacular World Heritage Site is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and can be traversed by foot, canal or even kayak. For a livelier time, visit in July, along with 120,000 other people, to attend the International Musical Eisteddfod and Fringe Festival.

Gower Peninsula 

The UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this 70-sq-mile (180 sq km) peninsula is renowned for its dramatic coastline and fabulous beaches. Following the south coast west from Swansea and the Mumbles , you’ll find a smattering of family-friendly bays (try Caswell and Langland for starters) backed by heather- and gorse-clad cliffs. Three-mile-long Rhossili Bay Beach dominates the peninsula’s west coast, spoiling visitors with broad golden sands, rolling surf and coastal walking trails peppered with ancient ruins. It’s worth saving time for a walk to Worms Head – the rocky promontory at the southern end of the beach – but keep an eye on the tides to avoid ending up stranded.

The Isle of Anglesey has two obvious claims to fame: it’s where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in the early years of their marriage, and it’s here you’ll find the village with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch (a selfie next to the train station’s expansive sign is a tourist rite of passage). But the real magic is found along Anglesey’s coast (another AONB), whether you’re hiking the Wales Coast Path to bird-spotting heaven, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve ; stand up paddleboarding on the Menai Strait; or lounging on Llanddwyn beach, a curve of pale sand backed by Corsican pines with views of Snowdonia. Beaumaris – with its Unesco-listed castle – makes a fine base from which to explore.

Machynlleth

This unassuming market town on the southern border of Snowdonia National Park is something of a cultural powerhouse. Once the capital of Wales (freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1404), today travelers come for the Museum of Modern Art and the increasingly popular Machynlleth Comedy Festival , which takes place each May. Save time for a day at the mostly open-air Centre for Alternative Technology , where you can learn about sustainable ways of living.

You might also like: The 10 most beautiful hikes in Wales The UK's longest mountain bike trail for beginners is now open How to spend a weekend in Anglesey, the eco-friendly island loved by William and Kate   

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Explore the landscape, history and culture of Wales on a fascinating day tour with ‘The Wandering Bard’

We offer a choice of escorted tours for you to experience throughout South and West Wales. Excursions include opportunities to view dramatic mountain scenery, roman ruins, Award Winning coastlines, and visits to ancient historic Welsh Castles.

Welsh Valleys Tour

Swansea Bay Tour

Mythical West Wales

Family Package Discounts Available

Contact Us for More Details

 We specialise in small group tours of up to 8 people for you to experience first hand the beauty & history of Wales. Our full day sightseeing tours are flexible and you have an experienced tour guide with you at all times.

ESCORTED TOURS

CARDIFF AND THE VALLEYS TOUR

Cardiff sits in the base of the South Wales Valleys. These valleys have defined Wales with images of coal miners, rugby players and male voice choirs. Our flexible tours can include visits to Rhondda Heritage Park, Caerphilly Castle, Caerleon Roman Fort and much more.   MORE INFORMATION HERE

SWANSEA BAY AND INLAND TOUR

Swansea is the second City Of Wales with a population of around 300,000. The magnificent Swansea Bay has been compared to the Bay of Naples. Our flexible tours can include visits to Rhossili Beach, Oystermouth Castle, Neath Abbey Ruins, Brecon Beacons National Park, and much more.   MORE INFORMATION HERE

MYTHICAL WEST WALES TOUR

West Wales is where the valleys begin to widen and the landscape starts to lend itself to farming more than industry. This is the area of Wales where you are more likely to hear the Welsh language used in the street as a first language. This is an area ancient history and myth.   MORE INFORMATION HERE

VIEW INFORMATION ON ALL OUR SIGHTSEEING TOURS OF WALES - MORE DETAILS

We offer flexible tours and always do our best to fit in with your existing sightseeing plans. We will arrange pickup from a location of your choice – your hotel, local landmark etc. – and our fully escorted tours normally last a full day from 9.00a.m. to 5.00pm

READ OUR REVIEWS

The Wandering Bard of South Wales Tour - Read Tripadvisor Reviews Here >

The Mythical West Wales Tour - Read Tripadvisor Reviews Here >

We came to visit the wonderful lands of Wales, and this tour was certainly the highlight! If you would like to know more about the history of Wales and Pembrokeshire, this is the perfect tour. Thank you, Gareth, for an amazing experience!

Jrgg43, Tripadvisor Review

Had a fantastic time in Wales. The tours are a must- do. Gareth being a history teacher knows his stuff. He’ll go the extra mile. Highly recommend.

Siam H, Tripadvisor Review

Outstanding,friendly service. Couldn't do enough for our Spanish visitors who were keen to see real Welsh culture. A Welsh speaker with a fantastic knowledge of the history of South Wales. Diolch yn Fawr.

KenT, Tripadvisor Review

Book a Tour Of Wales      Telephone: 07725 849121 - or- 07854 194982

Telephone: 07725 849 121

or: 07854 194 982

TOURS OF WALES with The Wandering Bard

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Experience Wales differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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"A land of stately mountains, verdant valleys, ancient castles and golden-sanded beaches, beautiful yet understated Wales is impossible not to fall in love with"

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Go on a Cardiff Castle Tour

One of the city’s biggest draws is Cardiff Castle, a mixture of Roman, Norman and Victorian architecture strewn around the central green. It offers a fantastic insight into the history of Cardiff as for centuries it was the home of the Butes, the family who transformed Cardiff from a small town into the biggest coal port in the world.

Walk down to the Cardiff Bay

Enjoy a walk along the old Cardiff docklands, now known as Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront filled with restaurants, boutiques and boats. You can go sailing on the large freshwater lake, enjoy a night of opera at the Wales Millennium Centre, and indulge in exceptional dining along Mermaid Quay.

Learn about Celtic culture

A trip to Wales offers the chance to dive into Celtic culture with our Local Specialists. They’ll show you the way of the Celts through food, music and humor, with traditional Welsh dinners and an evening of Welsh music performed by magical harpists and the finest local singers.

Hike in the Welsh mountain region of Snowdonia

Hiking in Wales is one of the best ways to get immersed in the country’s mountains, and Snowdonia National Park offers a grand introduction. Sprawling across northern Wales to the rugged coastline, you can find the highest peak in Wales, along with an excellent network of trails to guide your exploration.

Stroll through the Cardiff Central Market

Discover a range of local Welsh cuisine, vintage clothing and seasonal produce at Cardiff Central Market, a historic Victorian building that has been the site of a farmer’s market since the 18th century. You never know what treasures you’ll find as you wander the stores under the market’s glass roof.

Our top 5 things to do in Wales

When you’re not trekking through the mountains and exploring the most beautiful places in Wales, retreat to the city where you’ll find historic castles, old-fashioned markets and a compelling culture. Here are just a few of the ways we'll unlock the magic of Wales for you on your trip.

National Museum

Set in Cardiff’s civic center, the National Museum is home to a variety of national collections and touring exhibitions of geology and natural history. It also houses one of Europe’s best art collections, with paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from Wales and the world, and one of the finest collections of Impressionist art.

St Fagans National Museum of History

Located on the grounds of St Fagans Castle in Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History is one of the world’s best open-air museums. Along with St Fagans Castle, a 16th-century manor house, you’ll find a collection of more than 50 original buildings from different historical periods that have been rebuilt on the 100-acre parkland.

Swansea Museum

Built in 1841, Swansea Museum is the oldest museum in Wales. It’s home to a fantastic collection of historical objects from the pasts of Swansea and the world. You’ll find six galleries with everything from a Welsh Kitchen to the tomb of an Egyptian mummy.

Best museums in Wales

Wales is home to some of Europe’s best historical and cultural collections and our Wales tours take it all in, from an open-air museum in a 16th-century castle, to an Egyptian mummy’s tomb.

Welsh rarebit

A traditional Welsh dish hailing from the 18th century, Welsh rarebit is a delicious take on the classic toasted cheese sandwich. It’s made from creamy sauce of Welsh cheese, ale or milk, and mustard or spices, poured hot over slices of toasted bread.

Glamorgan sausage

Named after the county of Glamorgan in Wales, Glamorgan sausage is a Welsh vegetarian sausage. Traditionally made with Caerphilly cheese, leek and coated in breadcrumbs, the sausages are fried until crispy. The dish became popular in the Second World War when meat was scarce, and is now a national specialty.

Also known as ‘speckled bread’, Bara Brith is a rich fruit cake, originally made as a yeasted bread. Spread with salted butter or drizzled with warm honey, this traditional Welsh dish is a tea-time favorite.

Best food in Wales

From cheesy toast and spiced fruit cake, to vegetarian sausages and hearty meats, we'll show you how Welsh cuisine turns simple ingredients into memorable meals.

What to pack for Wales

Waterproof coat

A waterproof coat is an essential item in Wales - there are showers all year round and Cardiff is one of the wettest cities in Europe.

Hiking boots

The mountains of Wales are best explored on foot, and you’ll need a comfortable pair of hiking boots to explore the trails. Make sure you break in your boots before your trip to Wales.

From the historic buildings like Cardiff Castle to the giant mountains of Snowdonia, you’ll want to capture every exquisite moment.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Wales is 230V and the sockets are of Type G, with standard British 3-pin plugs.

Sunglasses are great to have all year round, to protect from the sunny days in summer and the low angle of the sun in winter.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Patrice Demski

Wonders of Britain and Ireland

This itinerary gave us a wonderful taste of both Great Britian and Ireland. We were part of big city, and small town cultures. The itinerary kept us hopping, but w...

We enjoyed this tour, but realized while taking part that we would not choose another tour that required 2 days of "ferry". We originally wanted a tour that showed...

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The tours was everything I had planned for and then some. However, some not all hotels were subpar for what I had expected. As for the coach read my previous commen...

Visited many many places and had a great experience

Connie Mahone

clean, friendly and close to cities amenities

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Offa's Dyke Path

Discover wales 5-day small-group tour from london, welsh wanderer (hotel) - 5 days, welsh wanderer - 5 days, trail running camp, walking in snowdonia, the wonders of wales, wales 14 peaks hiking experience, 3-day mountains & coasts of south wales small-group tour from bristol, insider tip wales.

• Self Guided Walking Holidays
• Enjoy the picturesque Welsh countryside
• Walk along Britain’s longest archaeological monument
• Maybe even find the rare Welsh Red Dragon!

• Christmas & New Year
• Explore three national parks
• Visit an incredible array of castles
• Learn about ancient Celtic culture

“Very full days driving.”

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Harlech Castle - Discover this 800-year-old castle, built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales
• Aberystwyth - Spend two nights in this charming Welsh town by the sea, with visits to nearby villages and Snowdonia National Park
• Tenby - Admire the 13th century town walls, stroll along the beach and explore the harbour of this pretty down during a two-night stay

“I think it was good value for the price of the tour. The van was comfortable and with only 8 people on the trip we could spread out.”

• In-depth Cultural

“I enjoyed my tour. Then the visits were short. I would suggest fewer locations and at least one full day to experience the location.”

• Hiking & Trekking

• Mountain Hikes
• Challenge yourself with an epic hiking experience through Snowdonia National Park
• Enjoy a welcome dinner in a local Welsh pub
• Conquer Snowdon mountain, the highest mountain in England and Wales

Wales Destinations

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wales

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper traveled extensively throughout Wales in the fall of 2022 with photographer Ian Henderson exploring the best experiences, from the cities to the coast and countryside.

For such a small country, Wales has broad diversity when it comes to attractions, the outdoors, and history, with some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the United Kingdom. Some of the best places to visit are actually locations that encompass multiple experiences all in one place, like castles, beaches , villages, and notable landmarks including Thomas Telford-designed bridges.

As you plan your itinerary, it makes sense to start in one region, like North Wales near Snowdonia National Park and Anglesey, then work your way to other destinations along the Pembrokeshire Coast , south to Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast .

From railways and mining excursions to living a part of preserved history by walking the castle walls surrounding Conwy, or taking in a national rugby game, you will have no problem filling a full itinerary.

Use our list of the top tourist attractions in Wales to narrow down your options.

1. Snowdonia National Park

2. brecon beacons national park, 3. cardiff castle & national museum cardiff, 4. gower peninsula beaches, 5. devil's bridge and the hafod estate, 6. wales by rail, 7. caernarfon castle, 8. principality stadium, 9. conwy & conwy castle, 10. pembrokeshire coast national park, 11. bookstores in hay-on-wye, 12. portmeirion, 13. beddgelert & betws-y-coed, 14. national slate museum & the big pit, 15. pontcysyllte aqueduct and llangollen canal, 16. cardiff arcades, 17. anglesey, 18. tintern abbey, 19. llandudno, 20. bodnant garden, more must-see destinations in and near wales.

Think of Wales, and you'll likely think of Snowdonia (Eryri), the beautiful range of mountains and hills located in the county of Gwynedd.

Consisting of 14 majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high—the most famous being the 3,546-foot Snowdon, the summit of which is accessible by train—Snowdonia can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast. The region remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the UK, attracting some four million visitors a year.

When you're here, it's easy to see why the area has featured so heavily in local legends, including those based around King Arthur , who locals will insist was Welsh.

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in Britain, boasting more than 1,479 miles of marked trails. Climbing is also popular here, as are mountain biking and horse riding.

However you get here, the views from the summit are incredible and extend from the coast all the way to Bala Lake .

Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of Wales. This hiker's paradise is bordered by two quite different sets of Black Mountains . The first, to the west, is the source of the River Usk , while to the east is the range that's famous for its wild ponies.

Most of the mountains in this 520-square-mile park are higher than 1,000 feet — with many in excess of 2,000 feet—and are named after the red sandstone that causes them to resemble the beacons of light once used to warn of invaders.

Be sure to explore the park's many caves and waterfalls, especially Henrhyd Falls at Coelbren , which is one of the best waterfalls in Wales . Just outside the park, near Abergavenny, you can tour a coal mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum . Other popular activities and things to do in the Brecon Beacons include mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and camping.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales, UK

Perhaps the most photographic of Wales' many castles, Cardiff Castle is a must-visit and one of the top attractions in Cardiff . Boasting still-intact sections constructed more than 1,000 years ago this splendidly preserved castle can take a few hours to explore. Be sure to allow plenty of time to do so in your Cardiff sightseeing itinerary.

Highlights include the State Apartments, notable for its informative displays relating to life in the castle over the ages, as well as the attractive old chapel. Other notable features include the well-preserved Banqueting Hall with its medieval murals and elaborate fireplace. A variety of guided tour options are available, along with an informative audio guide that can be picked up from the visitor center.

If there's still time after your castle adventure, try to squeeze in a visit to the National Museum Cardiff . Undoubtedly topping the list of the best things to do for free in Cardiff, this major attraction houses impressive collections focusing on archeology, zoology, and botany, as well as the arts.

The National Museum of Art is housed in the same building. This excellent art gallery features a number of works by some of the world's most important artists, including Old Masters and Welsh painters.

Address: Castle Street, Cardiff

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

You cannot visit Wales without carving out some time to hit the coastal beaches. The Gower Peninsula has some of the best beaches in South Wales and many of the most popular in the country.

Topping your list of places to visit should be Rhossili Bay, which has an expansive coastline for swimming and kitesurfing, with a good mixture of activities and opportunities for scenic walks, especially at sunset. You can find water sports rentals, a car park, restrooms, and a restaurant close to the beach.

Another great beach to visit is Oxwich Bay , which has the added scenery of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve surrounding it. This is a nice family and dog-friendly beach because of the calm water.

Some other Gower Peninsula beaches to consider are Llangennith Beach , popular with surfers; Broughton Bay Beach , an ideal place for beachcombers; and Three Cliffs Bay , which might win the prize for the best scenic views on the south coast.

Located 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth , Devil's Bridge is actually three bridges spectacularly stacked atop each other. The oldest (and the lowest) dates from the 11th century, and the newest was built in 1901. They span the Rheidol Gorge , where the River Mynach plunges 300 feet into the valley far below.

Be sure to follow the Falls Nature Trail to the bottom. It's a bit of a climb back up—especially those steep, slippery steps of Jacob's Ladder , the segment leading to the oldest bridge—but the views are incredible.

Afterward, visit Hafod Estate , 200 acres of lovingly restored woodlands and 18th-century gardens once considered the finest in Britain. While the manor house is long gone, visitors can enjoy pleasant hikes along well-marked trails past waterfalls, ancient trees, and the estate's old, walled formal gardens. And if you're looking for an idyllic cottage vacation, the wonderful old Hawthorn Cottage allows guests an unforgettable accommodation experience.

Address: Hafod Estate Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Cwmystwyth, Ystrad Meurig

Wales was once famous for its mining operations, in particular, the mining of slate used for the roofing, which is still so common here. While the majority of these mines and quarries have closed, many of the narrow-gauge railways used to shift goods (and later, Victorian-era tourists) around the country have been restored and now provide scenic excursions.

Today, there are several heritage railway lines that reach some of the country's most popular landmarks, including mountains, seaside towns, and castles. Many of the bigger lines, such as the 14-mile-long Ffestiniog Railway running through Snowdonia National Park , offer unique train driving courses and volunteer opportunities to add to the experience.

Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle (Castell Caernarfon) is one of the largest such fortifications in the country. With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive—and the best-preserved—medieval fortresses in Europe.

Occupying the site of an even older Norman castle, Caernarfon Castle dominates the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait on one side, and is protected by a moat on the other. The castle's royal heritage continues to this day, and in 1969 it was the scene of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales.

Also of interest is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum (admission included), notable for the 14 Victoria Crosses on display.

Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon

The pride of Wales rests in the people's enthusiasm for the game of rugby, so if you have a chance to take in a national game at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, it will be the highlight of your trip. Feel the Welsh patriotism as you attend a game with 74,000 rugby fans harmonizing the national anthem while donning their team jerseys and revving for fierce competition.

Joining the fun at Principality Stadium gives you a sense of Welsh culture in a way that other attractions cannot. The game of rugby means more to the Welsh than just a sporting event. It was created in the 19th century as a way for the Welsh to come together as a country and improve life by lifting their status as a nation.

Games are usually played from the fall through the spring, but if you visit outside of the season, you can still book one of several tours of the stadium.

Located on the north coast of Wales, just a short distance from Manchester, the small Welsh town of Conwy offers something for everyone: a stunning castle, medieval architecture, and plenty of great shopping.

The best views of Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) and River Conwy , with its suspension bridge designed by Thomas Telford, are from the 13th-century town walls built by King Edward I to keep the Welsh at bay. Besides touring the castle, one of the most unique experiences to enjoy here is walking the castle walls that surround the entire city. It is free to do, and you can get on and off in different sections. This vantage point offers the best views of the city and harbor.

The National Trust's Aberconwy House is Conwy's only surviving 14th-century merchant's house and one of the first buildings constructed inside the town walls. Other interesting homes are the Elizabethan Plas Mawr and the Smallest House in Great Britain .

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy

Surrounded by water on three sides, Wales has more than its fair share of dramatic coastline. Some of the most imposing is found along the coast of the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, which juts out into the Irish Sea, much of it falling within the boundaries of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro).

You can best explore this magnificent scenery on foot along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, finding villages like the picturesque little resort of Tenby, still partially enclosed by its medieval walls.

Other Pembrokeshire coast highlights are Pembroke Castle , St. David's Cathedral (in the town of the same name), and idyllic fishing harbors such as Laugharne, where Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived for much of his life. His boathouse home above the bay is now a museum.

As elsewhere in Wales, adventurous travelers can find unique places to stay, including classic old farm cottages, gypsy caravans, or vintage railcars.

Whether you consider yourself a bookworm or not, a visit to the bookstores in Hay-on-Wye will be a memorable experience. Hay-on-Wye is renowned for its literary scene and the annual Hay Festival, which brings in well-known authors from around the world.

This small town, with a castle on the hill and charming winding streets, has more than two dozen bookstores. The area has historical and global literary significance, which you will find evidence of as you walk the quaint streets and see references to its moniker as the Town of Books.

This walkable town is worth a day, or at least an afternoon, of your time. After you find a good read to take home, stroll into the small boutiques or find an outdoor café to enjoy the town's ambience and live music that is often playing on the street corners.

Portmeirion is a beautiful hotel resort and visitor attraction on the coast of Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd , North Wales . Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion was designed to resemble a quaint Italian fishing village. Visitors staying overnight get the whole place to themselves once the gates are closed, when they can explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, church, and the coastal paths of the lower village.

This stunning attraction has been the location for numerous films and TV programs, including the 1960s cult show, The Prisoner , and should definitely be included on your Wales sightseeing itinerary.

The resort's restaurants come highly recommended. A variety of shops are also located here, some selling the famous Portmeirion pottery.

Address: Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Breaks in the UK for Couples

The Welsh are certainly a friendly lot. And nowhere is this truer than in the many picturesque small villages that dot the Welsh countryside. Two of the very prettiest—and friendliest—are located within easy striking distance of Snowdonia National Park: Beddgelert & Betws-y-Coed.

Just a 30-minute drive apart, these two postcard-perfect riverside villages make for a great day trip. They each offer a slice of that traditional Welsh hospitality in their quaint B&Bs, guesthouses, inns, tearooms, and restaurants, and are often heralded as among the most picturesque villages not just in Wales, but all of the UK.

Located at the junction of the Colwan and Glaslyn rivers, Beddgelert is especially favored by hikers using the village as a base from which to tackle Snowdon itself. A number of gentler trails and paths are also easy to access here and are great for those wanting a stroll that takes in spectacular mountain vistas. Failing that, an easy stroll through the village itself is rewarding, or you can jump aboard the heritage Welsh Highland Railway for a scenic train ride to Porthmadog or Caernarfon.

Betws-y-Coed also makes for a great base for a Snowdonia adventure. Set in the Gwydyr Forest, it's particularly pretty in spring and fall when the changing seasons turn the vegetation here into a riot of color (it's also quieter during these less touristy times). In addition to the many fine examples of historic buildings located within the village, be sure to take a stroll to its nearby waterfalls, including Conwy Falls.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

Wales is a nation built in mining and, as such, has done a remarkable job of preserving its mining past. Of the many things to do related to this rich history, none can quite match the experience of visiting one of these mines in person.

Located in Caernarfon, the fascinating National Slate Museum offers an in-depth look at the workings of a 19th-century slate quarry, along with accompanying machinery and workshops, including a huge still-working waterwheel. A great deal of attention is also placed on the conditions for workers and their families, along with live demonstrations of the mining process.

Situated within Breacon Beacons, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a glimpse into the nation's other most-mined material and the lives of those who worked here. Highlights of a visit include exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes on the site.

Blaenavon is also home to an old ironworks that's worth exploring, home to the "Big Pit" blast furnaces and foundries. Also worth a visit, Rhondda Heritage Park actually allows visitors to descend to "pit bottom" in an old miners' elevator. These Black Gold Experience Underground Tours are even led by former coalminers, adding to the authenticity of the experience. There's also a replica village to explore, portraying everyday life for mining families.

It took 10 years to design and build the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales. Even today, it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 18-arch bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.

This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat .

It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.

For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.

Location: Llangollen Wharf

Few experiences in Wales match the day of shopping that awaits at the Victorian Arcades in Cardiff. These elegant glass-covered arcades have been an iconic part of the capital city since the 1800s. They were built in the Victorian era to protect shoppers from bad weather conditions.

There are several dozen arcades around Cardiff, each with its own unique flare, with the oldest being the Royal Arcade. Inside, you will find small boutiques, shops with jewelry and housewares, cafés, and mom-and-pop stands selling homemade Welsh cakes from generations-old recipes. A nibble on some of these tasty sugar-dusted treats, while you shop, is highly recommended.

Separated from mainland Wales by the mile-wide Menai Strait—spanned by the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818)—the Isle of Anglesey is home to a number of quaint, small fishing villages sprinkled along its more than 100 miles of attractive coastline. Along with its sandy beaches and landmarks such as South Stack Lighthouse , the island's mild climate makes it popular for day trippers and campers alike.

The smaller Holy Island , linked to Anglesey by bridge, is a popular holiday resort with two promenades (one of them 1.5 miles long). Tiny Salt Island offers great views and a chance for some bird-watching. Finally, one of the world's most famous photo ops is on the railway platforms of the town with the world's longest place name : Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.

Read More: Best Beaches in Anglesey

One of the most spectacular attractions in Wales is walking among the ruins at Tintern Abbey near Chepstow. This historical and architectural treasure was built in 1131 by Cistercian monks, and while much of it has been destroyed, in part by order of King Henry VIII in the 1500s, there is enough preserved to marvel at its massive structure.

After your time walking the grounds at Tintern Abbey, make your way to nearby Chepstow Castle. The castle sits on the cliffside of the estuary banks of the River Wye and is the oldest fortification in Britain . Walk through the matrix of corridors and passageways that were constructed in 1067 and be sure to see the oldest castle doors in Europe, which are perfectly preserved here for visitors to see up close.

Dubbed the "Queen of the Welsh Resorts," Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales . Located on the north coast with views across the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect tourist destination lies between the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme, a peninsula inhabited since the Stone Age.

The town's unique promenade is free of the usual seaside shops and cafés, which were wisely placed behind the seafront to ensure Victorian visitors a more peaceful experience. Take a stroll on the bustling Llandudno Pier, which is the longest in Wales, jutting out into the sea at nearly 2,300 feet.

The best views of the town and its surroundings are from the Great Orme , easily accessible by a heritage tramway. Well connected by rail and road, Llandudno is a good base for touring Wales' spectacular North Coast .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Llandudno

A National Trust property, Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, created over many years by generations of the McLaren family and brought to its present heights by the 2nd Lord Aberconway.

Highlights of the spectacular gardens are the grand formal terraces , spectacular views across the River Conwy to Snowdonia, and the famous Laburnum Arch . This curved walk of about 50 yards is covered with laburnum, whose abundant, long blossoms cover it in cascades of yellow in late May and early June.

Spring is also when the Dell, a deep valley where trees tower above streams, is abloom with rhododendrons. But the wide variety of flowering plants assures that the gardens are filled with color throughout the whole season. Among the trees are 42 UK Champion Trees , judged the best examples of their kind in Britain.

The elegant Georgian Pin Mill was moved here from Gloucestershire. A tearoom is located on-site and comes highly recommended.

Address: Bodnant Road, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay

The lively Welsh capital city of Cardiff is a good place to begin your trip and a good base for exploring South Wales . Cardiff is not far from the interesting port city of Bristol , just across the border in England. When you're exploring the beautiful mountains and countryside of North Wales , consider popping across the border again to visit the attractions in Chester , a charming walled city on a canal.

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Popular Greek island 'empty' in 'worst season ever' says tour guide over fears it was being overwhelmed

The 'over-tourism' phenomenon, which has also been reported in destinations such as Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik, has been a major issue in Santorini in recent years, but there's another side to it, claims a local tour guide

• 12:02, 13 AUG 2024

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Santorini, often dubbed "Instagram island", sees a staggering 3.4 million tourists outpace its roughly 20,000 locals yearly, with up to 17,000 cruise ship visitors flocking daily to hotspots like Fira and Oia during peak season for the famed sunsets.

During daylight, tourists throng the island's quaint cobbled streets and cliffside balconies. Yet, by nightfall, the bustling scene transforms as dramatically as Times Square in New York City emptying out, leaving behind a ghostly quiet.

A local tour guide, Gianluca Chimenti, who has called Santorini home for 18 years, shared his insights with CNN Travel: "Over-tourism doesn't exist. What I see is a lack of structures," suggesting that social media exaggerates issues of overcrowding. Chimenti elaborated: "The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

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By 9pm, town centres become deserted, restaurants and hotels fall quiet as most visitors are day-tripping cruise and ferry passengers present for mere hours, reports the Express . Despite this, the cruise traveller segment is still seen as vital for Santorini's economy, benefiting businesses just as longer-staying vacationers do. Chimenti acknowledged, though, that there was a growing consensus among locals that change was necessary.

Santorini, the world-renowned Greek island, which was once a quiet place for wine lovers with its extensive vineyards, is now struggling to maintain its charm amidst the surge in popularity. According to sources, the island's winemaking heritage is being squeezed as investors replace vineyards with holiday homes, driving up land prices due to over-tourism.

The antiquated facilities, such as Firas main port, are said to be buckling under increased footfall. Tourists currently face the choice of a taxing climb or waiting for the limited cable car service to reach the town centre. "It's absolutely normal that you're going to have a line if the cruise ships are coming all together," stated Chimenti.

But he also pointed out the stark contrast after tourists departed, claiming, "the hotels right now are more or less under 30% of a normal season," and revealed that local businesses were experiencing similar declines.

In an effort to combat these challenges, August 1 saw Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) confirm a meeting with Greece's maritime affairs minister, Christos Stylianides, to discuss the urgent situation and potential enhancements for the ports infrastructure and services.

Maria Deligianni, CLIA's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has highlighted the surge in tourism in Greece, particularly noting the "significant attention" on destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. She confirmed that cruise lines were committed to maintaining the 8,000-passenger cap in Santorini and expressed a keen interest in diversifying Greek itineraries to alleviate the pressure on these popular locales.

The CLIA reports that two-thirds of Greece's cruise tourism is focused on Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos, despite the country boasting 6,000 islands and islets, with 227 inhabited ones available for exploration.

Chimenti challenged this concentration: "Why are cruise ships not organising tours to the archaeological sites? If you split the people in three parts of the island, so at different times they are doing multiple things," he suggested, adding, "they have time to enjoy and you will never have crowds in any part of the island."

• Most Recent

World's largest garden maze in Eryri is luring people 'getting up to mischief'

The spectacular creation is a puzzle but not so fiendishly difficult that people get lost

• 04:45, 10 AUG 2024

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Since the 16th century, mazes have been a staple of aristocratic gardens, a quirky way of entertaining guests and organising clandestine meetings. Farmland maize mazes – many with precision-cut figures or artworks – are the modern equivalent but lack the heritage or longevity of their peers.

Only one around the world incorporates a series of small gardens within its design. When Giovanni Jacovelli had his big idea 20 years ago, to create a giant maze in the Conwy Valley , it was a stab in the dark: despite being a garden designer, he’d never previously set foot in a maze.

“It’s probably why I designed it so big,” he chuckled. “I’d not been to one before and I didn’t realise the amount of work it would involve.”

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At the time it was planted in 2005, the Conwy Valley Maze was billed as the world’s largest. It took the title from the Marquis of Bath, whose Longleat Hedge Maze has almost two miles of paths and can take 90 minutes to complete. “Others have since designed bigger mazes,” said Giovanni. “So now we call it the world’s largest garden maze.”

The Conwy Valley Maze was planted on bare farmland before being incorporated into the Jacovellis’ gardens between Trefriw and Dolgarrog . With wife Jane, Giovanni had been selling garden statuary at the site before deciding to tackle something more ambitious.

Why a maze? He considered a labyrinth - these predate mazes and were used historically for meditative purposes. “But they are one-way only," he said. "A maze is much more of a puzzle. I thought the chance of getting lost would make it more of an attraction!”

It’s not so fiendishly difficult that people have been left marooned. “Some people are a little apprehensive when they first enter,” he said. “But everyone comes out with smiles on their faces.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Extending across more than two acres, the maze was planted using English Yew trees spaced one-metre apart. Being on the fringes of Eryri (Snowdonia) , the construction required National Park approval. According to Giovanni, some officials complained that English Yew had been used and not a local variety.

“I didn’t have the heart to tell them that the famous Llangernyw Yew (in Conwy) is an English Yew,” he said. "At more than 4,000-years-old, it's one of the world’s oldest trees.

“The maze opened as soon as it was planted. Even though its walls were just one metre high, our visitor book shows that people really liked it, perhaps because they could see where others were going. I was surprised how fast the yew grew and bushed out – quicker than leylandii. Within three years it had reached the required height and the maze was complete.”

Uniquely, the maze was designed to contain themed gardens. There are tropical, butterfly and Japanese Zen gardens. A rose garden was designed with a massive archway. Italianate influences abound.

More recently, Japanese Cedar trees have been planted along one side (and elsewhere in the grounds), all lovingly shaped in the Niwaki tradition so that their branches seem to “float like clouds". “It’s like Bonzai but for mature trees,” said Giovannii. “It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in horticulture!”

Helping to design the maze was Australia-born artist Bob Haberfield, a high-profile commercial illustrator who designed for the likes of Sainsburys, Woolworths, Cointreau and Liptons tea. Best known for illustrating the covers of Michael Moorcock’s fantasy books, he was a Buddhist who, in his later years, settled in Trefriw in the Conwy Valley. When he died two years ago, in his 80s, a huge cache of 2,000 un-exhibited paintings and sketches were discovered. Many were glorious, some are now on display at the Conwy Valley Maze site.

The maze has rarely sought publicity and it’s rarely been given. Instead, the attraction relies on word of mouth. With the Jacovellis' son Enrico now helping to run the place, that’s starting to change. “Last month he distributed leaflets on a beach and for the past fortnight we’ve been packed,” said his dad. Tapping into this Italian heritage, Enrico has also begun selling home-baked pizza to maze visitors.

It may be relatively new by maze standards, but clandestine meetings and furtive trysts still take place here. “Once I came across an empty bottle of vodka and evidence of other activities!” said Giovanni. “You also get some funny comments in the visitors' book. A young lady wrote they’d “managed to get Granny lost and so we could get up to mischief”.

"We get visitors from around the world, many leaving lovely comments. The son of a police officer from ‘ Llandudno /Swindon’ came here in May having visited every maze in Britain - he wrote that ours was his favourite. Recently we had a children's birthday party with a Minotaur theme. Everyone dressed up, adults and children - it was really quite incredible."

This week the Conwy Valley Maze was in the running for a Sunday Times article on the UK’s top five mazes, said Giovanni. It lost out on account of its slightly ad hoc opening hours. While the attraction is open daily from 10am-4pm during school holidays and half-terms, it closes if the ground is wet, potentially leaving some visitors disappointed. The attraction recommends ringing ahead to check it’s open as paths can become too slippery after rain.

Unlike brick-and-mortar attractions, the maze, its gardens and sculptured art evolve over time, ensuring repeat visitors get to see something new each time. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Only passion can explain why a family of three is committed to the slog of maintaining more than two acres of mature yew. Then again, the Middle English for maze means to “perplex”, while in Old English it means “delirium”. Both for maze visitors and its creators, the descriptions seem equally apt.

Conwy Valley Maze is located between Trefriw and Dolgarrog. Entry is £5 per person (adults and children). No dogs allowed. Limited wheelchair access is available when it’s dry. For more details, visit the attraction’s new website .

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Man, 98, dies after car plummets off 80ft cliff in packed tourist hotspot with families told to take away their children

• Stephen Moyes , Associate News Editor
• Published : 11:17, 20 Aug 2024
• Updated : 13:35, 20 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

FAMILIES were asked to remove their kids from a beach while cops recovered the body of a 98-year-old man.

Tragic pensioner Reginald Rees was in a vehicle that plunged off a cliff at a picturesque seaside spot packed with holidaymakers.

Police and coastguard flanked a tractor which pulled wreckage of the veteran's car, which was found at the bottom of cliffs near stunning Rhossili Bay in South Wales .

The mangled red motor was covered with a tarpaulin.

Onlooker Heather Fenton said: "Police officers went along the beach asking families to distract their kids or remove them from the beach."

Mr Rees went missing after driving away from his home near Swansea last Wednesday.

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On Saturday police said they had found the vehicle around 40 minutes away on the Gower coastline.

Cops removed the vehicle over the weekend.

Although police say formal identification is yet to take place Mr Rees' family has been informed of the find.

A spokesperson said: "Officers searching for missing 98-year-old Reginald Rees, from Crofty, Swansea, recovered a body at Rhossili Bay at the weekend."

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Mr Rees is believed to have driven around 13 miles from his home in Crofty, Swansea, before going off the cliffs at the beach.

An inquest is expected to open into his death later this month.

Rhossili boasts stunning views along with a picturesque bay was named one of the top 100 beaches in the world by Lonely Planet earlier this year and the best beach in Britain by TripAdvisor.

It is a multi award-winning destination wgucg has a huge expanse of sand at low tide.

Visitors can walk across the bay to Llangennith or onto Worms Head.

It was recently named as the third best beach in Britain behind Camusdarach Beach near the village of Morar, Scotland, and Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland.

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News | Crime

Leicester Square: Australian girl, 11, 'stabbed eight times' released from hospital

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An 11-year-old girl who was stabbed “eight times” in Leicester Square has been released from hospital.

The victim needed plastic surgery after the horror attack on Monday.

She was an Australian tourist from New South Wales who had been visiting London while on holiday with her family, according to ABC.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to two Australians injured in London,” a Canberra official said.

Ioan Pintaru allegedly stabbed the child “eight times” in what police believe to be a random attack after grabbing her while she was with her mother.

The 32-year-old, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, is charged with the attempted murder of the girl and possession of a bladed article in a public place, said in court to be a steak knife.

His mother Magda Girla allegedly told the Daily Mail from her hometown of Pucioasa near the capital, Bucharest: “'I suffer together with her mother and I can’t describe the pain I’m in. I’m also a mother and I understand what she must be going through.”

She said her son had worked as a lorry driver and moved to the UK six years ago and had a four-year-old daughter.

Prosecutor David Burns told the court the girl was with her mother on a tourist visit to London when a man “approached the girl, placed her into a headlock, he’s then stabbed her eight times to the body”.

He said she was wounded in the face, shoulder, wrist and neck area.

The court heard members of the public, including a security guard, intervened and when police arrived they found a man being held on the ground.

He was recognised for his bravery at the Pakistan High Commission in London.

Mr Burns told the court the girl had undergone hospital treatment and she required plastic surgery.

Pintaru was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 10.

Metropolitan Police say the attack does not appear to be terror related.

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