{"id":3417,"date":"2026-09-17T17:21:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:42:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:42:54","slug":"what-to-see-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/what-to-see-in-wales\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Wales? The 12 must-sees and our itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

You are wondering What to see in Wales<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to see in southern Wales?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Cardiff, a capital city on a human scale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Caerphilly Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. The Bannau Brycheiniog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Blaenavon and its mining past<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. The Gower Peninsula<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to see in Wales on the west coast?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

7. Pembrokeshire, from Tenby to St Davids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Cardigan Bay and Aberystwyth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to see in northern Wales?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

9. Eryri and the Yr Wyddfa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. The castles of Edward I<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Portmeirion, an Italian-style village<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Anglesey, Llandudno and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What itinerary is best to see Wales in 7 to 10 days?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n