Wales

With so much to offer, Wales gives its tourists a well-rounded experience with beautiful coasts, magnificent mountains and rolling, green fields. There is never a boring moment in the country. One can go scuba diving, bird watching, indulge in water sports and take a tour of the remarkable "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" or enjoy some wonderful meat dishes and drink exquisite whisky by a roaring fire in of the delightful pubs in Cardiff or Swansea.

Wales may be small in terms of size, but its stunning beaches, secluded valleys, and modern cities allow for extraordinary diversity. Much of the country is covered in a rich green of forests and farmland, but the southern coast has 2 vibrant cities – Swansea and Cardiff, the capital – which are as modern and forward-thinking as many other major European urban centres. Travel to Wales’ northern coast to explore several of the UK’s best-preserved Medieval castles and visit the dramatic landscape of Snowdonia National Park.

The proud traditions, history and language of the Welsh can be seen and felt instantly. You will see road signs and civic buildings display the Welsh language above English, and the nation’s flag flies proudly wherever you go. The locals are famously outgoing and sociable, so you’ll be making new friends in no time… but the melodic accent may take some getting used to.

Cardiff

Cardiff makes a charming first impression with its ever-bustling, restaurant-lined waterfront and elegant, Edwardian Baroque-style City Hall. Imposing medieval churches serve as a striking counterpoint to modern architectural marvels like the copper-domed Wales Millennium Centre, while the city's restored Victorian arcades are today filled with hip boutiques selling quirky local fashion and artisan homewares.

Its dining scene runs the gamut from cosy cafes to high-end restaurants, so you can feast like royalty, whatever your budget. And Cardiff pulses long into the night, with atmospheric traditional pubs, sleek cocktail bars and intimate clubs drawing a diverse crowd of hedonists.

The best things to do in Cardiff take full advantage of the fact that it's one of the cultural hotspots of the UK. The capital city of Wales seamlessly blends a long and colourful history with innovation and modernity. Walking the streets, you'll see a mix of old Victorian shopping arcades and super-modern stadiums. The one constant is the great atmosphere you’ll find through out.

Llandudno

Llandudno might be a little tricky to pronounce for non-Welsh speakers, but it's easy to understand why holidaymakers return to this little seaside town often dubbed the Queen of the Welsh Resorts. It teems with the trappings of Victorian seaside resorts like Punch and Judy shows, ice cream vendors, a vintage tramway and afternoon tea.

Whatever the British weather throws at the shores of North Wales, there's always people using the Blue Flag beach and the famed 19th-century Llandudno Pier. There's also a 4,000-year-old copper mine, a zoo that will delight younger visitors, as well as a long list of outdoor activities in the rolling Welsh countryside.

Newport

Newport is a port city in Wales that lies at the mouth of the River Usk. During medieval times, the city was known as the country’s largest coal exporting port. Today, among the best things to do in the city include exploring intriguing historic sites built between the 12^th and 19^th centuries. You can find many landmarks in the city centre, including Newport Cathedral, Newport Castle, Newport Market, and Ye Olde Murenger House. There’s plenty to do just outside Newport as well, such as camping, wildlife watching, and hiking in the Welsh countryside.  

The city of Newport has many modern marvels to explore, from art galleries to thriving performance venues. The Newport Museum and Art Gallery has an extensive collection of classical and contemporary masterpieces by established Welsh painters. On the western bank of the River Usk, you can enjoy comedy shows, opera, dance, and live music at The Riverfront performance centre.

North Wales

North Wales is a relatively small region, but it’s brimming with holiday adventures that travellers won’t want to miss out on, including beaches, resorts and quaint small towns. Travellers interested in history can check out the imposing Caernarfon Castle, which dates back to the late 13th century in its oldest parts. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum, located in the Queen’s Tower, is a great stop for fans of military history, while the Legends of the Sky feature is a unique 3D experience that kids are sure to love.

Outdoor adventurers to North Wales typically find themselves drawn to Snowdonia National Park. This parkland is home to a number of towering peaks, with Snowdon being the tallest of them all. Hiking trails can take travellers all the way to the top, though many prefer to ride the convenient train to the peak. Beach lovers should consider a visit to the town of Llandudno with its lovely promenade, Victorian buildings and several beaches.

Rhyl

Rhyl is a fun coastal town in Wales where travellers can embark on an adventure with thrilling water sports or take in the cultural offerings at local theatres. Marine Lake is a particularly popular destination for water sports, with wakeboarding and waterskiing being readily available at North Wales’ only salt lake. At Rhyl East Beach, the atmosphere is a bit more laid back, offering opportunities to relax on the soft sands of the shore and look out into the picturesque water.

The local culture is often best experienced through live performances, and that’s exactly what travellers will find at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Not only can you enjoy plays and other productions played out by talented local actors, but you’ll find refreshing drinks here as well, making it a satisfying end to any day in Rhyl. The Rhyl Town Hall, conveniently located right in the middle of the town centre, is also often used as a venue for live events.

Swansea

Swansea impresses from the moment you first lay eyes on the dramatic sweep of Swansea Bay, punctuated by timber-clad bistros serving up fresh oysters and crisp wines. Along this glamorous, sea-salty stretch, you’ll also find the sleek and contemporary National Waterfront Museum, while the kids will beg to splash about at the LC Waterpark.

Where urban Swansea ends, the wild and dramatic Gower Peninsula begins. You’ll be enchanted by calm, golden beaches and crashing waves that any surfer will be desperate to ride. For a romantic evening, head to Mumbles, a gorgeous coastal enclave with dramatic sunsets and gourmet restaurants.