{"id":10598,"date":"2023-11-30T19:52:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T19:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/15-magnificent-things-to-do-and-see-in-wales-the-most-magical-country-in-the-world\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:28:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:28:08","slug":"15-magnificent-things-to-do-and-see-in-wales-the-most-magical-country-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/15-magnificent-things-to-do-and-see-in-wales-the-most-magical-country-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Very Best Things to Do in Wales (Castles, Coastlines & Hidden Gems)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Okay, totally biased, but I love Wales! Being Welsh, you couldn’t expect anything else, really. Though pushing my bias aside, there are so many beautiful and best things to do in Wales that really make it a stunning country to explore. <\/p>\n

For a relatively small country, we pack a hefty punch in gorgeous places to see, food to eat and one stunning coastline to explore.  Since leaving my home country, I have come to appreciate the culture, landscape, food and people so much more than I ever did when I lived there. Which, in hindsight, is a lesson I have learned about travelling generally: to always appreciate a place and moment.<\/p>\n

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With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the very best things to do in Wales on your next trip. Some are based in cities<\/a>, others in national parks; whatever the case, I’m hoping to introduce you to some lovely areas of Wales to visit.<\/p>\n

Best things to do in Wales<\/h2>\n

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Wales. Have the best time exploring. <\/p>\n

1.) Eryri (<\/span><\/strong>Snowdonia) <\/span><\/strong>National Park<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia National Park, is one of the oldest parks in Wales and a stunning place to explore. This is even more true if you love the great outdoors and want to explore some of the country’s most iconic natural landscapes.  <\/span><\/p>\n

With almost 1000 square miles of unspoilt beauty, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) also has the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Don’t worry, there’s a mountain railway if you don’t fancy the hike to the top. Getting to the top of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is definitely something you’ll want to do, as the views are incredible. <\/span><\/p>\n

In my opinion, it really is one of the best things to do in Wales when you’re exploring the north of the country<\/a>. Plus, Snowdonia National Park is also home to many birds of prey<\/span>, red kites. There are even breeding centres in the Dyfi Valley (at the southern fringes of Eryri National Park) where you can see the kites in their natural habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’ve got time, head over to Cader Idris, go ziplining at one of the world’s fastest lines or chill out and explore Llyn Padarn. It’s beautiful at sunset. <\/p>\n

For a great hotel in Southern Snowdonia<\/a>, make sure to check into the Penmaenuchaf Hotel<\/a>. It’s not too far from the town of Dolgellau and is perched within the most expansive grounds. It’s lovely and the perfect place to call home as you explore this area of Snowdonia. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best places to visit when in North Wales<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Conwy Castle <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Being almost 1,000 years old, seeing Conwy Castle is easily up there as one of the best things to do in Wales on your next trip. Being A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle has a heap of things to see and do, especially if you love gorgeous Welsh Castles<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s a small price to enter Conwy Castle, but honestly, it’s worth it. Tickets can be grabbed here<\/a>. Visits will take around 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

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Make sure to see the Bakehouse Tower and the outward that is just stunning. Not only that, it’s really easy to visit if you’re following the north coastline of Wales<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best Castles To Visit In Wales<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Portmeirion<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Nestled on the north-west coast of Wales, Portmeirion<\/a> is a truly beautiful Italian\/Welsh village that’s too stunning to miss. <\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the town of Portmeirion doesn\u2019t look too much like other Welsh towns, but for a very good reason. It was built to replicate the beauty of Italy within the tranquil landscape of Wales, and exploring its little streets is easily one of the best things to do in Wales.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Looking for the best hotel in North Wales<\/a>? Stay overnight in the gorgeous Portmeirion Hotel<\/a>. This village is also world-renowned for its pottery and designs, which are truly stunning. Not only that, the hotel is right within the grounds of Portmeirion and makes for one of the most picturesque places to stay in all of Wales. We love it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

4.) Beaumaris Castle <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Wales has an abundance of incredible castles<\/a>, with Beaumaris Castle (Google Maps pin<\/a>) being one of my very favourites. Perched on the island of Anglesey, it’s a great place to wander and easily one of the best things to do in Wales if you’re headed to Anglesey itself. <\/span><\/p>\n

Being another of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales, Beaumaris has a long history that dates back hundreds of years. Once here, make sure to ramble around the moat, see the towers and north gatehouse that are just stunning. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best castles in Wales<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Pembrokeshire National Park<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Pembrokeshire National Park<\/a> is one of the best coastal national parks in Wales and a gorgeous place to explore. It really is one of the best things to do in Wales if you love the countryside and rugged coast. <\/p>\n

On a sun-filled day, you can take a kayak into the bay and keep your eyes peeled for the local seals, dolphins and puffins that frequent Skomer Island. Alternatively, head over to Freshwater West Beach for a gorgeous beach day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Just a word of caution, only ever go out with organised tours or guides. The tidal changes can be quite extreme, and conditions can change quickly. Always be cautious and listen to local, expert advice. <\/span>Also, don’t forget you can visit Skomer Island<\/a> to see the puffins when they’re around! It’s beautiful, and you can take day trips from Pembrokeshire to see them. <\/p>\n

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Oh, and don’t forget about visiting Pentre Ifan, a prehistoric burial chamber from over 5,000 years ago. It’s easy to visit as you wander around West Wales, and well worth making a little stop to see along your road trip.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Pembrokeshire<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) Tenby <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Tenby<\/a> is a totally quaint and historic fishing village that’s too beautiful to miss. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of my favourite seaside towns and certainly one of the best things to do in Wales if you want to visit a charming little piece of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you’re in Tenby, take in the colourful houses and picturesque charm of the town and wander the little streets around the beaches. Oh, and keep an eye out for the colourful little cottages, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Apparently, it was a way that wives would remind fishermen which house their family lived in. Those Welsh fishermen must have had a terrible memory! <\/span><\/p>\n

For a stunner of a hotel, close to Tenby, make sure to book The Dunes Hote<\/a>l. It’s a short, 15-minute stroll from North Beach in Tenby and the perfect place to call home as you explore this area of Wales. It’s so lovely and the whole team is so friendly. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Tenby<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 7.) Cardigan Coastline<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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One of the best things to do in Wales is to explore the beautiful countryside. There is always an opportunity to head off the main roads and into the smaller villages and just wander. <\/p>\n

One little spot is the tiny village of Tresaith (Google Maps pin<\/a>). Legend has it that 7 Irish sisters sailed across the Irish Sea to the coastline of Wales and set up home for their family to get away from their evil father. Who knows if this is true!<\/p>\n

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Plus, this particular church is so old that it dates back to Pagan times, with the grounds being circular to avoid any evil spirits from ever entering. It was so incredible to see.<\/p>\n

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That being said, if you want to visit somewhere a little more nature-based, head to Ynyslas Beach, near Borth (Google Maps pin<\/a>). At certain times, especially after a storm, the seabed exposes the prehistoric forest that once stood under the sea. It’s such an unusual sight to see. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in West Wales to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8.) Aberystwyth<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Aberystwyth<\/a> is one of the largest towns on the West Wales coastline and a great place to visit on your journey from north to south Wales. <\/p>\n

Once here, make sure to take a stroll across the Promenade, head up Constitution Hill on the Cliff Railway and visit the National Library of Wales. It’s a stunning building that sits on top of the hills overlooking the town. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Afterwards, head over to the castle and explore the older side of Aberystwyth itself. It’s a great little town that’s totally charming.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Aberystwyth<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) Devil’s Bridge<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Firstly, trust me, it\u2019s not quite as scary as it sounds! <\/span>Devils Bridge (Google Maps pin<\/a>) is a very small village in the hills of West Wales<\/a>, with not a single devil in sight. Now, the most famous residents of this village are the waterfalls. <\/span><\/p>\n

Head here by steam train directly from Aberystwyth to witness the natural beauty of this area. Just remember to take some comfy walking shoes – it can be pretty uneven. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also, don’t forget to gorge on some Welsh cakes whilst in Wales. Now, there are a good few examples of food to gorge on in Wales, but there are some firm favourites you have to try. Personally, any trip should always involve lots of local food, and this is easily one of the best things to do in Wales if you want to try some local treats. <\/p>\n

Welsh cakes are like flat, sweet scones and totally delicious to have with a cuppa. That being said, there’s also Bara Brith (like a fruit loaf) and things like Cawl (lamb stew) and Welsh Rarebit (like Cheese on toast) that is too good to miss. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in West Wales to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10.) Urdd National Eisteddfod<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The Eisteddfod<\/a> is an annual Welsh-language festival that celebrates the very best of Welsh literature, music and performances that make Wales great.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagine it as a cross between Glastonbury and The Olympics\u2026 just much more Welsh! Now, most of the activities will be in Welsh, so it can be pretty hard to understand lots of what is going on if you don’t speak the language. If this is the case, maybe give this one a miss and explore some of the other best things to do in Wales. <\/span><\/p>\n

11.) Gower<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Not too far from the city of Swansea is the stunning coastline and area around the Gower Peninsula. Once here, make sure to spend lots of time exploring the beautiful and totally vast sandy beaches. Honestly, they are stunning and easily up there as one of the best things to do in Wales if you love the seaside. <\/p>\n

Once here, also make sure to see Three Cliffs Bay and Worms Head; they are totally gorgeous areas. <\/p>\n

12.) Hay-on-Wye (Hay Festival)<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Now, Bill Clinton (the former US president) described the Hay Festival<\/a> as ‘the Woodstock of the mind<\/em>‘ – and it’s so true! <\/span><\/p>\n

This festival has become one of the world’s most renowned literary festivals, situated in Hay-on-Wye, which is near the border with England. N<\/span>estle in for the long haul and take a few books to sit back and relax, and just enjoy the whole festival. It happens every year and is one alternative festival to visit, especially on a summer day.<\/span><\/p>\n

13.) Visit Cardiff<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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So, as the capital of Wales, there are obviously lots of amazing things to do<\/a> in the city – that’s a given. Though if you’re short on time, it can sometimes be a little tricky to pick just a few.<\/p>\n

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Once here, make sure to visit the iconic Cardiff Castle, see Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, Castell Coch, and explore St. Fagans, which is a historic museum on the outskirts of the city. <\/p>\n

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To make things easier, we’ve written a dedicated post on all the places you can’t miss in Cardiff<\/a>. This way, you can get everything ready for your trip to the city. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Cardiff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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20 Best Places In North Wales (Ultimate Travel Guide With Google Maps Pins)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n