Travel to Wales

What to visit in Wales? The must-sees! 

Three national parks: spectacular nature

The main reason to travel to Wales is its nature. The country is home to three national parks, each with a very distinct character.

Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) is the most iconic. Its rocky mountains and high-altitude lakes give it a Scottish feel… And hiking enthusiasts know it! Mount Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 meters, can be climbed on foot via several trails of varying difficulty: the Pyg Track for experienced hikers, the Llanberis Path for a more accessible approach, or, more peacefully, aboard the little cog railway that winds its way to the summit. Below, deep lakes like Llyn Tegid, verdant valleys, and slate quarries converted into museums or adventure parks beckon exploration. For thrill-seekers, Snowdonia is also home to the world's fastest zip line: a descent at over 200 km/h above the old slate quarries. The village of Betws-y-Coed, at the entrance to the park, is an ideal base for exploring the region.

The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) They offer a completely different landscape: gentle moors, ancient forests, waterfalls cascading through the undergrowth, and an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. It is here, in valleys bathed by streams, that Wales reveals its most bucolic side. The Dan-yr-Ogof caves, among the largest in Europe, add an underground dimension to the exploration. The park is also one of the best places in Europe for stargazing: designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, it offers nights of rare clarity, far from any light pollution. Finally, the town of Brecon, with its lively market at the heart of the park, hosts one of the UK's best jazz festivals every summer.

Pembrokeshire, Finally, it is the UK's only coastal national park. Its jagged cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and secluded coves make it one of the most spectacular coastlines in Northern Europe. The coastal path that encircles it stretches for almost 300 kilometers, offering countless opportunities to discover hidden bays, spot grey seals, dolphins, and puffins, and soak up a wild landscape that seems unchanged for centuries. Tenby, the pastel-colored coastal town, is an ideal base for exploring the region and has even served as a backdrop for several films, including Harry Potter. Saint Davids, the smallest episcopal city in the United Kingdom, is also worth a visit for its cathedral nestled in a valley, invisible from the city streets.

Beyond these three major national parks, other natural areas are worth a visit. Gower Peninsula, The first site in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it boasts beaches like Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili, which are highly sought after by surfers and nature lovers alike. Llŷn peninsula, In the northwest, it offers a feeling of absolute remoteness: its deserted coastal paths, sleepy little fishing ports and beachfront pubs (including the legendary Ty Coch Inn, right on the water) make it Wales' best-kept secret, far removed from the crowds of neighbouring Snowdonia.

A land of castles: more than 600 fortresses to explore

While Wales is a natural paradise, it's also a fantastic open-air history lesson. With over 600 recorded castles (400 of which are still open to the public today), it holds the record for the highest density of castles per square kilometer in Europe. Every hill seems to conceal one. Every town has watched over another for centuries.

The Edwardian castles in the north of the country form a strikingly coherent architectural ensemble. Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris These fortresses are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and recognized as the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe. Built at the behest of King Edward I of England to secure access to Wales, these colossal fortresses combined cutting-edge military technology with maritime supply logistics. Climbing the ramparts of Conwy overlooking the estuary, or standing in the inner courtyard of Caernarfon, offers a tangible understanding of what power meant in the Middle Ages.

Le Caernarfon Castle is particularly steeped in recent history: it was here that the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, was invested in 1969. The series The Crown recreated this ceremony within its walls, renewing international interest in the site. Harlech Castle, perched on its rocky promontory overlooking the Irish Sea, with the Snowdonia mountains as a backdrop, is perhaps the most dramatically beautiful in the series, and the traditional song Men of Harlech, popularized throughout the world, it has been paying homage to him for centuries.

For enthusiasts, the essential tip is to take the Cadw pass From the first visit: this membership gives free access to all historical sites managed by the Welsh State and generally pays for itself from the third entry.

Further south, the Caerphilly Castle It impresses with its size. Indeed, it is one of the largest castles in the United Kingdom! Moreover, its leaning tower surpasses the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in its inclination. Raglan Castle, Often described as the largest ever built by a Welshman, it astonishes with its hexagonal tower surrounded by a moat dating from 1435. Castell Coch, On the outskirts of Cardiff, ancient beech forests emerge like a Victorian fairytale setting. It was actually rebuilt in the 19th century in a style neo-Gothic fantasy ahead of time. In Pembrokeshire, the Cilgerran Castle has dominated the Teifi River for 800 years and offers one of the most striking photographic compositions in the country.

Cardiff: a surprising capital, between modernity and heritage

It's impossible to talk about trip to Wales Not to mention its capital. Cardiff long suffered from a reputation as a stark industrial city, a former port city whose docks had been abandoned. Today, it is one of the most dynamic, youthful, and pleasant capitals in the United Kingdom.

Le Cardiff Castle It sits majestically in the heart of the city, surrounded by its gardens and luxuriously decorated Victorian apartments: a striking contrast between the austere exterior and the opulent interior. Just a few minutes' walk away, Bute Park It offers a generous green space in the heart of the city. Cardiff Bay district, entirely redeveloped around the Senedd (the Welsh parliament with contemporary architecture), the Wales Millennium Centre and a lively seafront promenade, testifies to the spectacular transformation of the city over the last thirty years.

Le National Museum Wales, Accessible free of charge, it houses an impressive collection ranging from French Impressionists to Welsh dinosaur fossils, and including Celtic and Roman archaeology. Victorian arcades (Morgan Arcade, Royal Arcade, Castle Arcade) form a network of covered shopping arcades dating from the 19th century and are the object of a veritable local cult for their independent shops, cafes and timeless atmosphere.

Cardiff is also a city of rugby. The Principality Stadium (formerly Cardiff Arms Park) is one of the most electrifying stadiums in the world when the Welsh national rugby team takes to the field, with the roof closed and the decibels at maximum. Watching a Welsh match accompanied by tens of thousands of voices chanting... Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (the national anthem), is one of the most intense human experiences a trip to Wales can offer. Even non-rugby players come away deeply moved.

Why choose Wales for your next trip? 

Welsh culture and living language: the soul of the country

What truly distinguishes Wales from its British neighbors is the vitality of its cultural identity. Welsh (Cymraeg Welsh is far from being a dead or folkloric language. It is an everyday language, spoken by around 800,000 people, taught in schools, displayed on all road signs, and celebrated in pubs and festivals. To hear two Welsh people conversing in their language is to understand that Wales is not just a slightly greener English region: it is a nation in its own right, with its own history, its own wounds, and its own myths.

Learning a few words before leaving is always appreciated: croeso means “welcome”, diolch means “thank you”, and bore da It means “hello”. This simple gesture opens doors and smiles that English alone cannot elicit.

The Eisteddfodau, These major festivals of poetry, music, and Celtic culture attract tens of thousands of participants each year. The national, itinerant Eisteddfod is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe. Choral tradition is deeply ingrained in Welsh culture: men's choirs, a direct legacy of the mining communities of the last century, continue to resonate in villages, chapels, and stadiums. Hearing a Welsh choir sing live is an experience that defies explanation; it must be felt.

Wales is also deeply linked to Celtic myths and to Arthurian legends. This is where Merlin was born according to medieval tradition, and where J.R.R. Tolkien drew some of his inspiration for the... Lord of the Rings. Landscapes of moors, ancient forests, and castles naturally nourish the imagination. In this vein, Portmeirion (a utopian, Italian-inspired village built between 1925 and 1975 on the country's north coast) is an architectural curiosity in its own right, having become world-famous as the setting for the cult series. The Prisoner in the 1960s.

More recently, Wrexham made international headlines: taken over by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the local football team became the subject of a documentary Welcome to Wrexham, propelling this northeastern city onto the world tourism map. Wrexham Racecourse, the oldest international stadium still in use, is worth the trip for a night match.

Gastronomy: the flavors of Cymru

A circuit in Wales It also involves the taste buds. Welsh cuisine, long underestimated, deserves attention. It is rooted in local produce (Moorland lamb, artisanal cheeses, seaweed from the coast…) and in a tradition of peasant generosity that is reflected in every dish.

Le cawl is the quintessential national dish: a thick, simmered soup made with lamb or beef, leeks, turnips, and carrots, eaten in the evening in a pub by the fire after a long day of hiking. Welsh rarebit (Toast topped with a sauce of melted cheese, mustard, and dark beer) is the epitome of Welsh comfort food. bara brith, A dried fruit cake flavored with tea is a natural accompaniment to rainy afternoons. More surprisingly, the laverbread (a purée of seaweed harvested on the Welsh coast, served with bacon and scallops) is a Welsh breakfast classic that those in the know order without hesitation.

The Welsh cheeses Welsh cheeses are experiencing a remarkable artisanal revival. Caerphilly, a soft, crumbly white cheese originating from the town of the same name, remains the most iconic, but many artisanal cheesemakers now offer more daring creations. Welsh pubs, which have resisted standardization, remain the best places to taste these products in their natural context.

When to go to Wales? The best times! 

Wales enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, meaning it's mild but changeable. Rain is part of the landscape… and it would be a lie to say otherwise! But it's also this ever-present moisture that makes the valleys so green, the rivers so lively, and the light so magical at sunrise and sunset.

Le spring (April-June) This is the favorite season for those familiar with the destination. Broom blooms yellow on the moors, lambs frolic in the meadows, and hikers have the trails to themselves. The light is soft, accommodations are still available, and prices haven't yet reached their summer peak.

Summer (July-August) This is peak season: the Pembrokeshire coast and national parks are at their busiest, and booking accommodation and activities several weeks in advance is highly recommended. It's also the season for major festivals: Eisteddfod National, the Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons, and the Brecon Jazz Festival.

Autumn (September-October) Wales often offers ideal conditions for a stay: warm light on the beech forests, fewer crowds, and still mild temperatures. It's the best time for hiking in the mountains and coastal getaways.

Winter It has its devotees. Castles shrouded in mist possess an atmosphere they lack in summer. Hay-on-Wye, the secondhand book capital of the world nestled on the Welsh border, is even more welcoming in December with its heated bookshops and passionate booksellers. And the Brecon Beacons, blanketed in snow, become a territory of austere beauty for hiking and snowshoeing.

Wales Tour: Itinerary Ideas for Your Trip to Wales

5-day trip to Wales: the best of the best: 

• Cardiff, the surprising capital
• Brecon Beacons and southern castles 
• Pembrokeshire Coast
• Snowdonia National Park
• Return to Cardiff via Caerphilly Castle

8-day road trip in Wales: Celtic traditions & Green Man Festival 

• Cardiff, the starting point for your 8-day tour of Wales
• Nature, legends and ancestral symbols in the Brecon Beacons
• Immerse yourself in Welsh craftsmanship with a visit to a traditional spinning mill
• The Green Man Festival, for a day out of time
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Conwy and Caernarfon Castles

10 days in Wales: total immersion! 

• Cardiff (2 nights) 
• Pembrokeshire/St Davids (2 nights) 
• Brecon Beacons (2 nights) 
• Central Wales/Hay-on-Wye (1 night) 
• Snowdonia (2 nights)
• Anglesey (1 night)

Practical information to help you plan your trip to Wales

Entry formalities to Wales

Since April 2, 2025, a Electronic Travel Authorization An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for citizens of the European Union wishing to enter the United Kingdom, even for a short tourist stay. This authorization is subject to a fee and must be obtained online at least 72 hours before departure. passport is mandatory. Indeed, since Brexit, identity cards are no longer accepted.

How to get to Wales?

Cardiff is connected to Paris by direct flights in 1 hour 35 minutes. Connections also exist via London (Heathrow, Gatwick, St Pancras). The Eurostar Paris-London (2 hours 15 minutes) remains a comfortable option for reaching Wales by train via the British rail network. The London-Cardiff journey takes approximately 2 hours. 

How to get around in Wales? 

To explore Wales in its wildest corners, the hire car remains essential. Beware of the left-hand drive and to single track roads In rural areas: distances in kilometers do not reflect actual travel times, and overtaking takes place in designated passing places. Scenic railway lines (including some historic steam trains) serve major cities and some national parks. Local buses cover villages, with frequency varying according to the season.

Accommodation and lodging in Wales 

Welsh B&Bs and guesthouses are a true institution. Warm and welcoming, often located in converted farmhouses or cottages, they offer an authentic taste of the local way of life, with hearty breakfasts that will keep you going all day long. The numerous and well-equipped campsites also allow you to immerse yourself in nature. In Cardiff, there is a wide range of good-quality accommodation to suit all budgets.

Recommended length of stay in Wales

An 8- to 10-day tour of Wales allows you to discover both the north (Snowdonia, the Llŷn coast, Edwardian castles) and the south (Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons, Cardiff) in good conditions. For a first, more focused visit, 5 to 7 days in one of the two regions will allow you to explore in depth rather than just skim the surface.

Local agency Wales: why choose Brightside Travel? 

At Brightside Travel, we'll design your tailor-made trip to Wales, taking you beyond the well-trodden tourist trails. Our team of travel experts knows the uncrowded coves of Pembrokeshire, the charming inns tucked away in the Snowdonia valleys, the Welsh festivals not featured in any mainstream guidebooks, and the coastal roads offering the most breathtaking sunsets. Brightside Travel's approach, your bespoke travel agency in Wales, is to work with you to create an itinerary that matches your pace, your desires, and your travel style, whether you prefer independent exploration or guided tours.

We also handle the practical formalities of your tour in Wales (ETA, Accommodation, transport, activities…) so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy your stay. Rental car, charming B2B accommodation, specialized local guide: a trip to Wales deserves to be savored without the logistics!

Brightside Travel is proud to be a partner Travelife, Brightside Travel is the leading label for sustainable and responsible tourism. In practical terms, this means that every trip we design in Wales incorporates rigorous environmental and social criteria: committed accommodations, local providers selected for their responsible practices, and a reduced carbon footprint for your travels. Traveling to Wales with Brightside Travel means exploring unspoiled landscapes while actively contributing to preserving them for future generations.

As you've probably gathered, a trip to Wales is an encounter with a country that doesn't need to put on an act. Everything is there, raw, vibrant, and utterly genuine. All that's left to do is go! Contact us to create your tailor-made stay in Wales. !