Province guides
United Kingdom
Attractions
The top tourist attractions in Wales include the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, one of the top performing arts venues in the UK; Cardiff Castle, a complex including Roman, Norman, medieval, and Victorian remains; St Fagan's National History Museum, arguably the best open-air museum in Europe; St David's Cathedral, which dates back to 1181 and graces a site that has held a church since the 6th century; Caernarfon Castle, in the delightful medieval town of the same name; the atmospheric Tintern Abbey, immortalised by poets such as Wordsworth; Hay-on-Wye, known for its wealth of book shops and the Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts; and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, despite this wealth of fascinating cultural and historical sites, Wales remains most famous among travellers for its stunning natural landscapes and attracts many people wanting walking holidays. There are many popular hiking trails in Wales, but the most celebrated is Offa's Dyke Path, which traverses the country from north to south, following a dyke constructed in the 8th century. Walking this National Trail path in its entirety takes about two weeks, but it can be broken up into short sections. Two of the best places to experience the scenic beauty of the country are Snowdonia National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the Lake District, and the biggest in Wales, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of t…
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the Lake District, and the biggest in Wales, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560 feet (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the magnificently scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. Mount Snowden was written about by William Wordsworth, and has retained an aura of profound romance for many fans of the poet ever since. There's plenty more to explore, including lakes, waterfalls, and glacial valleys, as well as Roman forts, Stone Age burial chambers, railways, and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also offers tours through its cavernous slate mines.
Website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk
Cardiff Castle
Situated right in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion, and a Norman keep, …
Cardiff Castle
Situated right in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion, and a Norman keep, which in turn was built over a Roman fort. Cardiff Castle stands as witness to more than 2,000 years of history. Roman soldiers and knights have lived in the castle, and the wealthy Bute family resided in it from early 19th century up until 1947. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens, and Italian and Arabian decor. The admission ticket includes access to a selection of the lavish Castle Apartments, the Norman Keep, the Battlement Walk, the Wartime Shelters, the Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, the Interpretation Centre (including a film show), and an audio guide in multiple languages.
Website www.cardiffcastle.com
Wales Millennium Centre
Nicknamed 'The Armadillo', this performing arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and dance recitals, stand-up comedy, and musicals. …
Wales Millennium Centre
Nicknamed 'The Armadillo', this performing arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and dance recitals, stand-up comedy, and musicals. Known as one of the world's most iconic performing arts venues, it features a world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours, and exhibitions for visitors to get an overall vision of the best of the arts world in Wales. The centre stages all the most popular and famous shows performed in London and all over the world, with classic favourites such as Cats, West Side Story, Wicked, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert frequently performed, alongside the best in contemporary Welsh, British, and international entertainment. Guided tours of the centre are available, allowing guests to check out the dressing rooms and marvel at the sheer size of the stage.
Website www.wmc.org.uk
Llandaff Cathedral
The Llandaff Cathedral is one of Wales' premier sights and is not to be missed by visitors to the Welsh capital. Located on the western edge of Cardiff, it lies in what used to be …
Llandaff Cathedral
The Llandaff Cathedral is one of Wales' premier sights and is not to be missed by visitors to the Welsh capital. Located on the western edge of Cardiff, it lies in what used to be the tiny village of Llandaff, with the area surrounding the cathedral still retaining a village-like feel through its stone-and-timber buildings and narrow, crooked lanes. Constructed in the 12th century on the site of an earlier church, the Llandaff Cathedral boasts some of the greatest medieval art to be found in all of Wales. Suffering extensive damage during Nazi bomb raids in World War II, the cathedral was restored and received two modern additions: the Welsh Regiment Chapel, and the striking Jacob Epstein sculpture Christ in Majesty. The sculpture, made of aluminium and suspended from a concrete arch that dominates the cathedral's nave, divides opinion between those who find it arresting and those who find it garish and out of place.
Website www.llandaffcathedral.org.uk