Wales
With its proud Celtic roots, Wales is a land of culture, song, mountains, dramatic coastline and industrial heritage, like no other! With one of Europe’s oldest living languages, this relatively small country is also a land of ancient landscapes whilst never being far from the sea.
Bordered by England to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west, Wales offers dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and attractions the whole family will enjoy. With its 42 blue flag beaches, three National Parks, imposing mountains and exhilarating sporting opportunities, Wales certainly provides an all round package of experiences.
The Isle of Anglesey
The Isle of Anglesey boasts a beautiful coastline with 27 award winning beaches, from the impressive surfing mecca of Rhosneigr to the golden sands of Newborough. The stunning coast provides an abundance of fresh seafood and a visit to Anglesey simply wouldn’t be complete without sampling local crab or lobster. It is also home to many festivals, with up to 200 hosted here each year, from laid back jazz to oyster tasting or walking for all abilities, you’ll find plenty to entertain you.History buffs will enjoy the breathtaking Beaumaris Castle, built by Edward 1 and possibly one of the finest examples of a medieval castle in Wales. Another notable attraction is the 18th century Plas Newydd Country House on the Menai Strait, the home of Lord and Lady Anglesey, which offers beautiful scenery and some very fine examples of Rex Whistler artwork.
Llandudno and Colwyn Bay
Llandudno and Colwyn Bay
: a warm welcome awaits you in elegant Llandudno, an enchanting Victorian seaside resort nestling beneath the majestic mountain, Great Orme. Long sandy beaches and cable cars to the top of Orme are perfect examples of the incredible diversity of this region. A wide array of activities are available from a relaxing meander along the beach to skiing, catering for all tastes from sedate to thrill seeking.Llandudno is famed for its connections with the Liddell family and their daughter Alice who was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice and her family regularly holidayed in the region from 1859 onwards, and eventually had a house built there, which is now the Gogarth Abbey Hotel. Alice Liddell is commemorated in the Alice in Wonderland Trail at Happy Valley with a series of oak sculptures depicting some of Lewis Carroll’s most memorable characters.
Whilst there, take in Conwy Castle, a magnificent example of military architecture, a world heritage site and the perfect spot to capture your holiday memories on camera.
Rhyl and Prestatyn offer traditional seaside treats; seashells, donkey rides, fairgrounds, candy floss and water-sports. Miles of shimmering sand provide hours of entertainment for children, so remember your bucket and spade and relax with a good book whilst the children play.
This region is an ideal setting for walking or cycling enthusiasts to take in the wonderful scenery and the stunning views from the Clwydian Range. Take a historical detour to the remains of the Roman bath house, or just explore the industrial past of the area.
North Wales Borderlands: from imposing castle remains and tiny picturesque villages, to peaceful woodlands and bubbling rivers, North Wales’ Borderlands will inspire visitors of all ages. A popular choice with walkers and cyclists, the Borderlands also offer a wealth of opportunities for the keen photographer.
If its heritage you’re looking for you’ll be spoilt for choice, with several castles and stately homes open to the public. The striking remains of Denbigh Castle and Flint Castle are testament to the turbulent history of Wales, built by Edward 1st during his campaign against the Welsh. The pristine Chirk Castle also dating from the reign of Edward 1st is still a family home, and famed for its award winning gardens.
You’ll also find plenty of entertainment for the younger members of your party, from water-parks to ice rinks, or step back in time with a journey on the Llangollen Railway.
Snowdonia Mountains and Coast provides some of the most diverse experiences in Wales, from the staggering mountains in the Snowdonia National Park to impressive coastlines sporting miles of long golden beaches.
The active holidaymaker will revel in the sheer number of sporting pursuits available: golf, fishing, water-sports, climbing, horse riding, walking and cycling to name just a few. For the more sedate, a wide range of shopping, attractions and fine eateries are on hand.
Ceredigion/Cardigan Bay with its designated heritage coast full of beautiful hidden coves nestling beside rural scenery Ceredigion is certainly a place where fond holiday memories are made.
Rich in marine wildlife the coast is home to pods of dolphins, seals and porpoises. Head to the harbour and take advantage of the many boat trips to view these magnificent creatures. Enjoy a warm welcome in the lively seaside resorts of New Quay or Barmouth or enjoy the quieter ambience and seafaring history of pretty harbor towns such as Aberaeon.
Further inland enjoy the rolling hills and lush green valleys, with their quaint villages and historic market towns. Cilgerran Castle is a popular attraction for visitors and provides the ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the view of the river Teifi.
Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons, a place to relax and soak up the friendly atmosphere and wonderful scenery. Agriculture forms a large part of the landscape, with sheep, the wool industry, and Welsh cattle contributing to the region’s farming heritage. Farming is also integral to the fantastic food on offer; fabulous lamb and beef, locally caught seafood and some of the finest cheese you will ever taste.
The industrial heritage of mid Wales is still in evidence, narrow gauge steam railways still link the busy ports and transport locally mined slate.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is an absolute must on your itinerary; you’ll be enchanted by its wild beauty, exhilarating waterfalls and vast wide open spaces, with postcard perfect views.
Pembrokeshire is one of the most popular destinations in Wales containing Britain’s only Coastal National Park, which covers around a third of Pembrokeshire. Encompassing the famous towns of Tenby, St David’s and Newport, the National Park is itself famed for the Preseli Mountains, reputed to be the home of the Stonehenge bluestones.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers a huge variety of landscapes along its route. It’s little wonder it holds such a fascination for walkers and cyclists, with some of the most challenging routes in Wales set to the backdrop of volcanic headlands and limestone cliffs. After an active day, take time for refreshments in one of the idyllic villages, and hop on the coastal bus to appreciate the views fro the comfort of your window seat.
Carmarthenshire; lush green countryside and some of the most impressive beaches in the UK will greet you in Carmarthenshire. The area abounds with scenic treasures: the Millennium Coastal Park, the National Wetlands Centre, and the National Botanic Garden to name just three.
Cefn Sidan with its seven mile sweep of golden sand is just a hop skip and jump away from the ideal family day out at Pembrey Country Park. Lanstephen and Ferryside will wow you with their ambience of bygone days and cheerful traditional seaside appeal.
Perhaps the most famous resident of Carmarthenshire was Dylan Thomas, to whom a heritage centre has been devoted in the town of Laugharne.
Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower: what wonderful contrasts this region offers; bustling city, abundant countryside, outstanding coastline and a wealth of historic gems.
Known for its lively nightlife, superb restaurants and excellent shopping facilities the waterfront city of Swansea is an ideal base for exploring South West Wales. Set on a fabulous sweep of the bay of Swansea, the compact nature of the city means that many of the most popular attractions are just a stones throw from the waterfront. Culture and history sit cheek by jowl vying for your attention, from the award winning Marina to the Dylan Thomas Centre or indeed his home on Cwmdonkin Drive.
At the far west of the bay, Mumbles offers traditional seaside charm, pristine ice cream parlours jostle with high quality restaurants offering delicious local produce to tempt your taste buds. Beaches to visit include Limeslade Bay and the unusually named Bracelet Bay, where the children can play safely to their hearts content. Built in 1794 on the tiny island of Mumbles Head, Mumbles Lighthouse still operates, warning boats of the dangers of the nearby coastline. Whilst in Mumbles, enjoy a visit to Oystermouth Castle, founded by William de Londres, it is a wonderful example of 12th century architecture and craftsmanship.
The Gower Peninsula was the first place in the UK to be awarded ‘area of outstanding beauty’ back in 1949, and is still enchanting and unspoilt, with many interesting historic features. Gower is a mecca for surfers, with some of the most impressive waves in Britain attracting surfers of all ages to its shores.
Glamorgan Heritage Coast is the perfect venue for lovers of outdoor pursuits with its golden beaches and rugged cliffs. Walking, cycling and surfing attract the sporty crowd, whilst romantic holiday makers will find the rolling hills and secluded coves an absolute paradise. Brimming with local history it’s easy to lose yourself in the charm of its tapestry of welcoming villages and sedate towns.
Explore timeless parks and gardens, such as Comeston Lakes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to many rare plant and animal species. Or go back in time in the Cowbridge Physic Gardens and discover the curative properties of plants used in herbal elixirs in the past and also present in today’s modern medicine.
Penarth pier is very popular with summer visitors; opened in 1895 the Pier has a long history of steamer traffic and is still visited by the MV Balmoral and PS Waverley. Free fishing and delightful summer entertainment ensure this local landmark remains much loved by locals and visitors alike.
South Wales Valleys were once the inspiration for the romantic poets, such as William Wordsworth. The area has deep industrial roots, with coal and iron ore mined there for hundreds of years, yet it still remains strikingly beautiful.
The Rhondda Heritage Park allows you to explore the mining past of the region, with an underground experience hosted by ex miner tour guides, and a recreated village street. Other attractions not to miss include the busy street market at Pontypridd, Blaenavon World Heritage Site, Joseph Parry’s ironworkers cottage, and of course Caerphilly Castle, which covers a staggering 30 acre site and was founded in 1268.
South Wales offers a variety of wholesome and tasty food. Try traditional Laverbread, a Welsh specialty of seaweed often served with oatmeal and fried into little cakes to serve with bacon and eggs. Those with a more ambitious appetite could partake of a Welsh Tea a mammoth offering of baked breads, teacakes and pastries, not for the faint hearted.
Cardiff, compact, bold in nature and the capital of Wales; brimming with attractions, culture, events, top class shopping and a wealth of entertainment, you’ll need plenty of time to cram everything in!
Cardiff lies at the convergence of three river systems, Taff, the Ely and Rhymney so it’s easy to see why its early residents used the rivers for trade. The Romans had a fort here in AD55, on the site that now holds Cardiff Castle. Although mostly buried beneath the castle now; there is still evidence of Roman walls at the castle’s centre. Cardiff Castle dates from the 11th century, and was originally built of wood at the behest of William the Conqueror. In the 12th century the Duke of Gloucester had the castle rebuilt in stone and a medieval town developed within its encompassing walls.
Visitors to Cardiff Bay can enjoy a wide variety of water-sports, boat cruises, the impressive Wales Millennium Centre or revel in the many festivals and events held here. Venture just outside Cardiff and pay a visit to St Fagan’s National History museum, an open air museum featuring over forty original buildings transported from all over Wales and recreated stone by stone.
Wye Valley and Vale of Usk; dominated by two rivers, the Usk and the Wye, a region rich in industrial heritage and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Teaming with historic sites and with castles galore you’ll find plenty to explore and discover here.
With its ruined medieval abbey Tintern has long attracted artists and poets flocking to the site to be inspired by its beautiful architecture. Today it’s a favourite starting point for ramblers following the Offa’s Dyke path or the Wye valley walk.
Abergavenny is also a haven for walkers, set between the Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Blorenge mountains. If you fancy something a little quieter head to the towns famous market on Tuesday, to sample some local produce or perhaps choose an antique to take home.
The history of Wales was certainly not always a peaceful one, and plenty of evidence of past turbulence can be found in the many castles of the region; Calicot, Penhow, Raglan Grosmont, Skenfrith and White.
If you enjoy pony trekking and salmon fishing then ‘Wales in Bloom’ winner USK is the ideal place to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Whilst there, venture on to Newport and enjoy its wealth of activities and attractions; a Cathedral, a Roman amphitheatre, Tredegar House and the fascinating museum.
FROM SNOWDONIA TO PEMBROKESHIRE, PREMIER COTTAGES ARE AVAILABLE AS HAVENS OF LUXURY TO COMPLEMENT THE INSPIRING LANDSCAPES AND COASTLINE THAT WELCOMING WALES HAS TO OFFER.
