Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.
Wales
Why we love Wales
When we say that Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, you already start to picture the beauty of the Welsh landscape. Add its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, lush valleys and mountainous national parks, and the image of this intensely beautiful Celtic country is almost complete.
But scratch further beneath the surface, and you’ll uncover a nation bursting with adventure. Zoom through the air on an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest zip wire in Snowdonia (Eryri). Or, discover the nation’s depths on a subterranean caving tour, and hit the waves on some of Britain’s most spectacular coastline.
Did you know that Wales plays a leading role in some of your favourite TV shows? Maybe you’ll recognise it from Doctor Who, House of the Dragon or Sex Education. Now go behind the scenes to see the real stars of the show.
Capital city
Cardiff
Currency
GBP
Timezone
GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)
No matter where your Welsh adventure goes, you’ll see that Wales may be small, but it’s certainly mighty.
Wales
Wales sparkles with scenic beauty, rich history and adventure, from its magnificent castles and National Parks, to rolling hills, mountains and coastline.
Hike the Wales Coast Path for stunning beaches, surf and sailing, or climb Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) for spectacular views from Wales’ highest mountain.
Explore the beautiful beaches and wildlife-filled islands of Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal national park, or Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) for rock climbing and caving.
Discover Welsh history and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, Waterfront Museum in Swansea, or Big Pit National Coal Museum for tours of an underground mine.
Marvel at the Italian-inspired architecture of Portmeirion village, or Mediterranean plant collections in the Great Glasshouse at The National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Head to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for world-class sport, take on the three peaks of Yr Eifl on the Llyn Peninsula, or cycle the scenic Peregrine Path along the River Wye.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in Europe, with an impressive 400 to explore. Four of these have UNESCO World Heritage status - Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and Beaumaris Castle.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Wales was the first country in the world to create a continuous footpath along its entire coastline, stretching 870 miles (1,400 km).
The world’s fastest zipwire, Velocity 2, can be found at Zip World in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (161km/h).
With a fascinating history spanning 1,000 years, Pembroke Castle is the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cave.
Wales boasts five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - areas conserved for their landscapes. Among them are the island of Anglesey, Gower, and the Wye Valley, which sits on the border between Wales and England.
- Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is referred to as the City of Arcades because it has the most Victorian, Edwardian, and modern-day shopping arcades of any city in Britain.
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Starring Great Britain
Wales highlights
The Wales Coast Path
Walk or cycle the Wales Coast Path from start to finish and you’ll have covered nearly 870 miles (1400 km)! For day-trippers and more leisurely explorers there are friendly towns to visit, rare wildlife to spot and scenic views aplenty.
Wander the best walking trails in Wales
Welsh Castles
With a history of over 600 Welsh castles, there are still 400 to choose from and visit! Four have UNESCO World Heritage status, and the tower at Caerphilly ‘out-leans’ the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cardiff Castle is in the heart of the capital, while Castell Coch rises up from the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr like a vision from a fairytale.
Wales’ National Parks
Wales’ three national parks celebrate three different landscapes. The rocky mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) contrast with the lush waterfalls and greener scenery of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), as well as the more rugged Pembrokeshire Coast. Wales also has five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Welsh destinations
Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
Sustainable tourism pledge
Wales itineraries
Discover Wales your way
Featured things to do in Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a garden for all seasons. But at its heart sits Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse, home to one of the finest collections of mediterranean climate-zone plants in the world. In April and May, this glass dome is bursting with colour as flowers from the Mediterranean, Australia and Chile are in full bloom.
Find out more about the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Coasteering
Where better to try coasteering than in the country it was invented? Get in a wet suit and experience cliff jumping, adventure swimming, sea-level traversing, cave exploration and more.
Find out more about coasteering in Wales
Stargazing
Did you know that Wales has the highest percentage of land with Dark Skies status of any nation in the world? This means ample opportunity for stargazing, and there’s no better time than autumn. From Eryri (Snowdonia) to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), there are hundreds of places to enjoy Wales’ clear and unpolluted night skies.
Explore the best spots for stargazing in Wales
National Museums
Discover Welsh history and culture at seven free-to-enter National Museums, including the National Museum Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, the National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon, plus those dedicated to slate, wool, coal mining and Welsh life through the ages.
Find out more about Wales’ National MuseumsOur favourite experiences in Wales
White-knuckle watersports in Snowdonia (Eryri)
Paddles at the ready! Take on the fast and furious sport of white water rafting at the National White Water Centre in Bala, in the rugged heart of Snowdonia (Eryri). Feeling brave? Try the Ultimate Rafting experience for a wild ride down the UK’s most stacked section of grade three-four white water rafting. Or explore the natural river environment on a Rafting Safari, where you’ll even have the chance to swim along the way.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Discover information, resources and contacts for Wales.
Planning a business event in Wales?
Planning a business event in Wales?
Find out what’s on offer for conferences, meetings, incentive travel and events.
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