What to see in Wales? The 12 must-sees and our itinerary

You are wondering What to see in Wales Considering it for your first visit? This small country within the United Kingdom boasts mountains, rugged coastlines, hundreds of castles, and colorful villages. Yet, it remains far less crowded than England or Scotland.

Here is our selection of must-sees, region by region, followed by an example of a 7 to 10 day itinerary to link these stages.

What to see in southern Wales?

1. Cardiff, a capital city on a human scale

The Welsh capital is indeed easily explored on foot. Its castle blends Roman remains, a Norman keep, and sumptuous Victorian interiors. Cardiff Bay, now redeveloped, is home to the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, and the Wales Millennium Centre.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? What to see in Wales? The 12 must-sees and our itinerary "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

Question 2 of 5

Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

Question 3 of 5

During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

Question 4 of 5

Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

Question 5 of 5

What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

The National Museum Cardiff and the St Fagans Open Air History Museum are also free. Finally, Castell Coch, north of the city, resembles a fairytale castle.

2. Caerphilly Castle

Located a few kilometers from Cardiff, Caerphilly is the largest castle in Wales. Its moat and leaning tower make it one of the most impressive fortresses in the country.

3. The Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey

To the east, the River Wye marks the border with England. The ruins of Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131, rise in the middle of a wooded valley that has inspired many painters and poets.

4. The Bannau Brycheiniog

Formerly known as Brecon Beacons, this national park boasts rolling hills and numerous trails. Pen y Fan, at 886 meters, is notably the highest peak in the south of the country. Further southwest, the waterfall region around Ystradfellte is also well worth a day trip.

5. Blaenavon and its mining past

The industrial landscape of Blaenavon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Big Pit Museum even offers the chance to descend into a former coal mine, accompanied by former miners.

6. The Gower Peninsula

Near Swansea, Gower was the first region in the United Kingdom to be listed for its scenic beauty in 1956. Its Rhossili Bay is among the most beautiful beaches in the country.

What to see in Wales on the west coast?

7. Pembrokeshire, from Tenby to St Davids

Pembrokeshire is home to a national park that is primarily coastal. Tenby is initially charming with its colorful houses and city walls. St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, also boasts a magnificent cathedral.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs for approximately 300 kilometers along cliffs and inlets, such as Barafundle Bay. In spring and summer, boats finally reach Skomer Island, famous for its puffins.

8. Cardigan Bay and Aberystwyth

Further north, Cardigan Bay is known for its bottlenose dolphins. Boat trips depart from New Quay. Aberystwyth, a university town, is also the starting point for a small steam train to Devil's Bridge.

What to see in northern Wales?

9. Eryri and the Yr Wyddfa

Eryri National Park, formerly Snowdonia, is home to Yr Wyddfa, the country's highest peak at 1,085 meters. During the season, a cog railway departs from Llanberis to reach the summit. The village of Betws-y-Coed and the Swallow Falls are excellent additions to the visit.

10. The castles of Edward I

Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by King Edward I, they symbolize the English conquest of the country. In Conwy, you can also walk along the walls that encircle the old town.

11. Portmeirion, an Italian-style village

On the coast, Portmeirion is particularly striking for its pastel-colored facades reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The architect Clough Williams-Ellis designed it in the 20th century. The village also served as a backdrop for the cult television series The Prisoner.

12. Anglesey, Llandudno and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Anglesey also boasts rugged coastlines and the South Stack lighthouse. Llandudno, a Victorian seaside resort, lies at the foot of the Great Orme. Finally, near Llangollen, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, designed by Thomas Telford, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What itinerary is best to see Wales in 7 to 10 days?

The country may seem small, but the roads are often winding. For example, expect about four hours of driving time between Cardiff and Eryri. Here is a well-balanced itinerary:

• Days 1 and 2: Cardiff, Castell Coch and Caerphilly.
• Day 3: the Wye valley, then the Bannau Brycheiniog.
• Days 4 and 5: Tenby, St Davids and the Pembrokeshire coastal path.
• Day 6: Cardigan Bay and Aberystwyth.
• Days 7 and 8: Eryri, Portmeirion and Caernarfon.
• Days 9 and 10: Conwy, Anglesey and the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.

In a week, however, it's best to choose between the south and the north. The itinerary can also be easily combined with England, for example with Bath and the... the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

When is the best time to visit Wales, and how do you get around?

From May to September, the days are long and the trails more accessible. Spring and early autumn, however, remain quieter. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring a waterproof jacket.

The car remains the most practical solution for traveling between regions. Our advice for rent a car These will help you prepare for your trip. For the formalities, a passport and an ETA are required, as explained in our guide to... formalities for the United Kingdom.

All other practical information is gathered in our guide for planning your trip to Wales. The official website Visit Wales also presents each region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you see in Wales as a priority?

For a first stay, aim for Cardiff, the Bannau Brycheiniog, the Pembrokeshire coast, Eryri Park and the castles of Conwy and Caernarfon.

How many days does it take to visit Wales?

One week is enough for a region. For a shorter first look, our 5-day tour of Wales It connects Cardiff, Eryri and Pembrokeshire. With ten days, however, you can connect the south, the west coast and the north without rushing.

What is the highest peak in Wales?

Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, rises to 1,085 meters in Eryri National Park.

Where can I see puffins in Wales?

On the island of Skomer, off the coast of Pembrokeshire. Boats mainly operate in spring and summer, depending on the weather.

Which sites in Wales are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

The castles of Edward I in the north, the industrial landscape of Blaenavon, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and the slate landscape of the northwest of the country.

See Wales with Brightside Travel

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