He has always been the little brother of the nations that make up Britain, but in his scant extension, he hides the most incredible wonders that can be imagined. Land of countless castles – more than 640, no more or less-of villages that seem drawn from a tale and landscapes that leave no speech, to spend a few days touring Wales is a sure bet.
For you to know where to start, continue and finish, at Skyscanner we wanted to recommend all the places you can’t miss on a trip to Wales. Get ready, because you’ll get more surprises than you think, we assure you. We start in 3, 2, 1 – Go!
- Cardiff, the capital
As it could not be otherwise, we started our proposals to know Wales by its capital. Cardiff, a city that is easily understandable to foot, organizes its structure and its day-to-day around the imposing castle that governs it and that, in addition, is its biggest tourist attraction. A visit to get to know the origins of the Welsh capital will not be too much, and just after that, you will travel Queen Street and High Street, its two main commercial arteries, in the heart of Cardiff.
The ancient Victorian galleries, popularly known as arcades, will capture our attention, full of flirtatious businesses in the purest British style. In the evening, you will have to return to this area of the city to enjoy its numerous pubs and live music, the protagonist of most of the bars in Cardiff.
But, to get to know the other side of the city, that more cosmopolitan and modern, we will have to know two of its great emblems: on one side, the Millennium Stadium, built to house in 99 the rugby World Cup, and one of the biggest national orgulous. On the other hand, the walls Millennium Centre, a state-of-the-art building that hosts the National Opera of Wales and which is well worth a visit. Within walking distance, the Bay of Wales, where you can enjoy a good dinner at any of its restaurants or leisure businesses.
- The Bay of Rhossili
Close your eyes. Imagine an immense beach of miles and miles of white sand with steep cliffs around and, best of all, practically empty. Now, stop fantasizing about that idyllic landscape and open it again: we have good news for you. That wonderful picture you just imagined exists and you can find it in South Wales.
We focused on the Gower Peninsula, the first place in Britain to be declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and for some reason won the title as early as 1956. Here fought the occasional battle English and welsh back in the TWELFTH and THIRTEENTH centuries, so that your attractive landscape we have to join the historic.
Hiking lovers choose this area to make one of the most beautiful routes in the country. Including, of course, the beautiful Bay of Rhossili, very frequented also by surfers. Worms Head, a small island that in low tide hours becomes accessible thanks to a path that is discovered, is another attraction in the area. Mind you, if you’re up to it, watch out for Tidal schedules!
- Swansea, the second city of Wales
If after visiting Cardiff we are still looking forward to entering the most urban Welsh environment, we will always have the option to visit Swansea, another of our proposals for places to see in Wales.
Just an hour away from the capital, this beautiful Welsh city is also known as “the city by the sea” and is the second-largest in the nation. Although it was bombed by the Germans during World War II, today its center is completely rebuilt and it is well worth walking around Castle Square, Oxford Street shopping, visiting its cathedral or prowling around the University area.
Before leaving Swansea, you can visit the National Waterfront Museum, where you can see machinery and transport from a long time ago when the city was still alive for and for the industry. In his Marina, he looks at the Statue of Dylan Thomas, playwright, and Welsh storytelling writer and one of the most famous characters born in the area, along with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Burton or Anthony Hopkins. You will also have to visit the Mumbles Lighthouse, the most popular lighthouse in all of South Wales, or tour the beautiful Bay of Swansea. And, to say goodbye, encourage yourself to try one of the most typical recipes of the local gastronomy: laverbread or seaweed bread.
- Ogmore Castle
If we think the Welsh territory has the incredible figure of 641 castles, it is clear that some of them had to be included in our list of places to see in Wales, don’t you think?
And, therefore, here goes the first: Ogmore Castle, a beautiful castle –or what remains of it – erected by William of London around 1106, during the Norman invasion. In use until well into the 19th century, the castle was used throughout its history for different purposes, including courts of Justice or prison. Today all you can visit are its remains, although thanks to the location in which they are found they give rise to a beautiful landscape. Close to Ogmore Castle is Southerdown beach, a beautiful beach full of round rocks that well deserves a break.
- Conwy, the most charming town
And South, North Wales. We stop at Conwy to understand why this enclave is famous when talking about charming corners in this country.
This small medieval village surrounded by high walls and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO has a clear protagonist: its castle, which watches from the heights everything that surrounds it. Commissioned by King Edward I of England in the 13th century, it offers a panoramic view of the picturesque streets of Conwy and the Bay in which it is found that we will fall in love from the very first moment. Here is also the smallest house in the whole UK. And you’ll know exactly where it is because it’s rare not to find, swirling around its red facade, a group of tourists on a perennial basis.
Walking through its alleys, visiting the mussel Museum –fishing for this product even attracted the Romans in its day-and walking around its fishing port will give you a fairly complete picture of this idyllic Welsh village.