Wales is a country steeped in history, culture, myth and magic. There are ancient castles to discover, juxtaposed with modern cultural exhibitions. Spectacular mountain views and rugged coastlines provide a dramatic backdrop. That famously warm Welsh welcome is the finishing touch, making it a perfect destination all year round.
Wales has also become something of a draw for gastronomes. The country’s own dishes and cuisine are unique, making use of the region’s outstanding local produce. There are also plenty of award-winning restaurants, including the Walnut Tree Inn in Abergavenny, and Pant-Y-Gwydr in Swansea.
Wales provides everything you need in a break at any time of the year, from family holidays to cosmopolitan city breaks. There are a wonderful selection of holiday cottages in some of the country’s most unspoilt locations. Wales is a destination full of surprises.
Holidaying in Wales is far less stressful than travelling abroad. It’s accessible by rail and road, and there are flights to and from Cardiff Airport from other UK regional centres. The excellent transport links from the rest of the UK means that travel times are kept to a minimum. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to holiday closer to home.
Family holidays
Wales is often overlooked when it comes to family holidays. But as well as inspiring scenery and Celtic roots, the country also provides some of the best holidays for people of all ages. There are plenty of attractions that will be of interest to adults. Others will provide plenty of excitement and education for younger travellers. The Welsh Mountain Zoo and the Moelfre Seawatch Centre are unusual and enthralling.
Other attractions give families the chance to discover and experience new things together. Explore the country’s mining heritage at The Great Orme Ancient Mines or the National Showcaves Centre. King Arthur’s Labyrinth and the Llanfair Slate Caverns also provide a fascinating insight into Welsh history and mythology.
The imposing and ragged castles will provide a fascinating experience for everyone. Be sure to add Penrhyn Castle to your list – as well as the castle there is also an adventure playground for children.
The Great Outdoors
Wales is home to two extraordinarily beautiful National Parks – the Brecon Beacons in the south and Snowdonia in the north. Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of dramatic scenery and attracts over six million visitors every year. And while Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons may not tower as high as the Snowdon Massif, the southern National Park still provides visitors with some fantastic hiking routes and challenging peaks to scale. If you’re looking for dramatic coastal scenery, then the Pembrokeshire Coast is regularly voted as one of the best coastal destinations in the world.
Historical Wales
If you want to soak up Wales’ rich history then there are plenty of sites of interest, such as St David’s Cathedral, the Pontcysylte Aqueduct and Caernarfon Castle. The castles in Cardiff and Caerphilly both offer a glimpse of Wales’ Norman past. For younger visitors there’s a Walking Spy Trail at Cardiff Bay. The aim is to follow a set of clues and crack a code.
Music and festivals
Music is central to the Welsh identity. So you might like to arrange your holiday to coincide with one of the many festivals held throughout the year. If music’s in your blood, then be sure to make your way to the Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons. This is one of the largest festivals in the country, celebrating the art and culture of this ancient principality. It’s also one of the most child-friendly festivals in Wales, with plenty to keep younger festival goers entertained. As its name suggests, it’s very eco-friendly too.
Music even winds its way into the Welsh language. You’ll find it in the sing-song lilt of the accent, and in the prose of famous Welsh writers such as Dylan Thomas. The National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire is a festival that celebrates this Welsh love of language as well as the arts, crafts and foods of the area.
As well as the range of restaurants, Wales has its own food festivals. The Llangollen Food Festival in October showcases some of the best of the country’s cuisine, with over 100 producers, chefs and farmers giving you a taste of Wales. For something a little different, adventurous holidaymakers should head for St David’s Really Wild Festival, which focuses on foraged food.
Premier Cottages – your holiday home from home
With so much on offer, choosing your holiday home might seem like something of a challenge. However, our range of beautiful cottages are well placed for any type of holiday. Whether you want to be close to a sandy beach or within easy access of particular attractions, we can provide you with a holiday home that lets you immerse yourself in the culture and Welsh way of life.
Wales is a country that continues to surprise and enchant, whatever your interests may be.
![]() | Article Name | Wales : A Destination Guide |
Author | Anne Wiltshire | |
Description | Wales is a country steeped in history, culture, myth and magic. There are ancient castles to discover, juxtaposed with modern cultural exhibitions. Spectacular mountain views and rugged coastlines provide a dramatic backdrop. That famously warm Welsh welcome is the finishing touch, making it a perfect destination all year round. |