From windswept mountains and deep green valleys to rugged coastal cliffs and medieval castles, Wales captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The country offers countless enticing activities for all interests. Outdoor enthusiasts have miles of trails to hike and bike. History buffs can explore ancient ruins stretching back to Roman times. Foodies can sample innovative cuisine and savor local brews and spirits. For a memorable trip, be sure to include these top things to do in Wales.
Snowdonia National Park
Sprawling across the northwestern corner of Wales, magnificent Snowdonia National Park provides enough natural wonders to occupy any traveler. The centerpiece is mighty Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales at 3,560 feet. Hiking trails of all levels of difficulty scale its slopes to reach panoramic summits. For an easier experience, take the mountain railway up to the top, which has offered thrilling rides since 1896.
Deep valleys, glacial lakes, thunderous waterfalls, and winding rivers add to Snowdonia’s appeal. Drive one of the most scenic roads in Wales – the Llanberis Pass which winds between jagged Glyder peaks. Ride the UK’s only public railway through a mountain on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Gaze at 13th century Dolbadarn Castle mirrored in the serene waters of Llyn Padarn lake. Nearby, enjoy lake cruises, nature trails, forests, and slate history at Padarn Country Park.
Pembrokeshire National Park
Along Wales’ southwestern peninsula, Pembrokeshire National Coastal Park offers over 300 miles of breathtaking shoreline. Sheer cliffs, rock arches, sea stacks, blowholes, and long sandy beaches await exploration. Slip away to secluded coves only accessible on foot or by boat. Popular hikes include the dramatic clifftop sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path near St. David’s Head and Marloes Peninsula.
Don’t miss wildlife boat excursions out to Grassholm and Skomer islands, home to huge colonies of puffins, razorbills and guillemots during spring and summer months. At St. David’s Head, brave the steps down to Cathedral Cave, a gigantic sea cave complex complete with arches and tunnels leading back from the entrance. The remains of ancient fortresses like those at Stackpole Head and Pembroke evoke the region’s strategic importance since medieval times.
Castles & Medieval History
From formidable Norman fortresses built in the 11th century to lavish Victorian palaces, Wales is peppered with hundreds of castles recounting centuries of complex history. Two of the most impressive are Caernarfon Castle in the north and Pembroke Castle in the southwest. Caernarfon is known for its polygonal towers and striped stonework harkening back to Roman fort ruins. It’s famous as the birthplace of Edward II and location of the investiture of Prince Charles.
First built in 1090, Pembroke Castle stands dramatically on a rocky peninsula above the River Cleddau. Explore its interior of grand halls and elaborate residential spaces used for banquets and royal gatherings through the ages. Other top castles include 13th century Conwy and Harlech with stunning backdrops and intricate medieval craftsmanship.
Walk Offa’s Dyke
Stretching over 8th century earthworks and ruins, the Offa’s Dyke Path follows a 177-mile route along the English-Welsh border. Open to hikers and mountain bikers, the trail provides a scenic overview of the Welsh countryside alternating between forested hills, open pastures, and historic village outskirts. More remote sections pass ancient earthworks and ruins leftover from Offa’s Dyke constructed under King Offa in the 8th century.
Choose a small section for a day hike or tackle longer stretches over multiple days. The 14-mile route between Hay-on-Wye and Kington traverses the Black Mountains, offering panoramic vistas. Near Llangollen, a 7-mile portion follows the Dee Valley across hillsides and riverbanks. Guided walking tours are available through certain sections spotlighting cultural heritage.
Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon Beacons National Park contains arguably some of Wales’ most beautiful and untamed landscapes. The centerpiece Fforest Fawr Geopark encompasses a wild upland area of rushing waterfalls, exposed rock outcrops, stunning vistas and Celtic history. Must-sees include thundering Sgwd yr Eira waterfall and the rugged crags of Craig y Cilau dotted with cave entrances. On the edge of the park, Carreg Cennen Castle impresses visitors with its clifftop location and partially intact towers.
Throughout the park, trails cater to every ability level. Choose gentle canal towpaths, brisk hill climbs like Pen y Fan, or multi-day treks across the Beacons. Nearby, the underground caverns of Dan yr Ogof provide a cool contrast to the natural beauty above ground. The park also contains quaint towns like Hay-on-Wye famed for bookshops.
Surf Snowdonia
In the Conwy Valley just south of the Snowdonia National Park, Surf Snowdonia offers an unexpected adventure in landlocked North Wales – surfing an artificial inland wave pool. Using a unique hydrofoil system, the lagoon generates waves over 6 feet high for experienced surfers to ride. The surf school caters to all levels with beginner lessons and intermediate coaching.
Spectators can watch the surfing action from the contemporary activity center containing a cafe, shop and high ropes course. Beyond surfing, the location provides hiking trails to waterfalls and access to fishing and boating on Llyn Cowlyd reservoir. An added bonus – no wetsuits needed with pleasant water temperatures year-round.
Hay-on-Wye Book Town
Renowned across the UK as the “Town of Books”, Hay-on-Wye offers bibliophile heaven. With over 30 bookstores in a small countryside town, you can spend days browsing old shelves of used books across all genres. The colorful collection of shops includes cinema, military and travel book specialists. Outdoor bookstalls line the streets and fill castle grounds during the huge Hay Festival of literature & arts each May.
Beyond books, Hay-on-Wye provides a pleasant base for exploring the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. Walk to panoramic views atop the book town’s Norman castle. Cozy pubs, art galleries and craft studios round out the cultural offerings. After visiting, you’ll agree Hay-on-Wye deserves its Book Town title.
Portmeirion Village
One of Wales’ most unusual attractions, Portmeirion Village transports visitors to an elaborate Mediterranean-style village perched on a rugged coastal peninsula. Brightly painted buildings, columns, arches, and statues designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis create the illusion of a coastal Italian village rather than North Wales. Explore while admiring the craftmanship and creativity of this architectural marvel.
The estuary location and lush gardens add to Portmeirion’s romantic allure. Have tea in a café along the piazza, stick your feet in the sandy Cerrig Llwydion Beach, or wander through acres of rhododendrons. Don’t leave without ambling along the peaceful clifftop trails taking in views across the estuary. Portmeirion makes a delightful day trip but you can also spend the night in one of the village’s historic cottages.
Cardiff Attractions
As the spirited capital and largest city in Wales, Cardiff offers big city entertainment from museums and historic sites to major sports, shopping and dining. Must-see attractions include the grounds of Cardiff Castle incorporating an original Norman keep, Roman walls, and Victorian gothic revival interiors. Next door, the National Museum Cardiff houses art, natural history and geology exhibits in a grand marble building.
A short walk leads to the architecturally striking Wales Millennium Centre, an art complex with theater spaces and shops along the lively Cardiff Bay waterfront. Other top Cardiff attractions include the Doctor Who Experience, Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve and open-air St Fagans National Museum of History chronicling Welsh heritage.
With rugged mountains, glistening lakes, endless castles and over 600 miles of breathtaking coastline, Wales packs in incredible scenery and attractions. Discover famous sites like Mount Snowdon and Saint David’s Cathedral along with hidden gems – waterfalls tucked into valleys, tiny islands populated by puffins, and ancient footpaths traversing the countryside. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing seaside villages, culture-rich cities to rolling green pastures, Wales offers something to delight every type of traveler.
