When it comes to travel destinations that blend stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm-hearted culture, Wales holds a special place in my heart. Wales might be compact, but it fascinated me and made me wish I’d planned a longer trip. I had such a hard time choosing my favorite photos for this article.
My husband and I visited Wales on our Great British Adventure that also included England and Scotland. Our route included only Northern Wales, so I’ll just have to go back and see the southern half on another trip.
Here are 8 things that I loved in Wales.
1. Countrysides and Sheep
As you journey through Wales, prepare to be charmed by something truly special: the rolling, green countrysides. It’s a landscape that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just be.
Here, you’ll find an abundance of woolly residents dotting the fields. They’re practically the official welcoming committee, munching contentedly on the vibrant grass, providing a bucolic scene that captures the very essence of rural Welsh life. The sheep (8.7 million as of 2024) outnumber the people (3 million), but I never tired of seeing them. They’re just soooooo cute!
2. Elan Valley
The Elan Valley, located in the heart of mid-Wales, is a breathtaking landscape of engineering marvel and natural splendor.
Constructed in the late 19th century, this series of dams and reservoirs was designed to provide water for Birmingham, England, but has since become a stunning destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The valley encompasses over 70 square miles of pristine wilderness, featuring Victorian-era dams that blend seamlessly with the rugged moorland terrain.
It is sometimes referred to as the “Welsh Lake District.” Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and cycling routes that wind through the dramatic landscape, offering panoramic views of sparkling water, rocky outcrops, and lush green valleys. Wildlife flourishes here.
At night, the Elan Valley provides stargazing opportunities, free from light pollution. It is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. We passed through on our drive across the country, but I’d love to go back and spend more time there.
3. Devil’s Bridge
In the heart of Ceredigion, the village of Devil’s Bridge boasts a trio of architectural marvels spanning the River Mynach. The lowest of these, a stone arch, is believed to have been constructed by the monks of Strata Florida Abbey in the 12th century. However, according to legend, the original was built by the Devil himself because no human could manage it – hence the name. Above it, an 18th-century stone bridge was added in 1753, and crowning the ensemble is a 20th-century iron bridge from 1901.
Beneath these bridges lies the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a series of potholes sculpted by the river’s relentless flow over millennia.
The Punchbowl & Three Bridges walk is a 15-minute trail featuring 220 slate steps that led us to a vantage point where we marveled at the cascading waters and the impressive stacked bridges above.
It is definitely worth a visit if you are near Aberystwyth. And if you’re staying in Aberystwyth, you can ride the train there on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train.
4. Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth, a charming coastal town in Wales, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. During our brief visit, we went for a scenic walk. First, we admired the pebbly beach.
Then we walked along the seaside promenade to the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle.
The ruins were striking with Cardigan Bay as a backdrop.
As with most of my trips, there’s always more to see than I have time for. I would love to go back to Aberystwyth and explore. One thing on my wish list is the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a funicular railway that ascends Constitution Hill for a panoramic view of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay. At the top is a large camera obscura. Aberystwyth is also home to the National Library of Wales and has a lively arts scene.
5. Portmeirion
I love to include quirky attractions in my travels and Portmeirion fit the bill perfectly. Portmeirion is truly a one-of-a-kind, whimsical village that feels like it’s been plucked from Italy and dropped onto the Welsh coast.
Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this Mediterranean-style village is a vibrant collection of colorful buildings, exotic gardens, and quirky architectural surprises.
As you wander through its charming streets, you can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, browse unique shops filled with local crafts, or enjoy a leisurely meal with stunning views of the estuary. There are walking trails along the cliffs offering breathtaking panoramas of Snowdonia’s mountains meeting the sea. Portmeirion also offers on-site accommodations, allowing guests to immerse themselves in this magical environment overnight. We stayed in a Gothic-style castle.
6. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is a breathtaking landscape of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and incredible outdoor adventures in northern Wales.
The most adventurous travelers can challenge themselves by climbing Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Hiking trails range from easy walks to more demanding routes. My husband settled for a walk with me, although I suspect he would have preferred to summit the mountain.
Those seeking gentler adventures might enjoy a scenic train ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Other adventure opportunities include mountain biking along scenic trails, kayaking or paddleboarding on glacial lakes, ziplining, and even jumping on underground trampolines.
For a dash of history and culture, charming villages inside the park provide cozy pubs, local crafts, and art galleries. We loved the village of Beddgelert with its charming stone buildings and bridge.
7. Llechi Cymru Wales Slate World Heritage Site
When you wander through the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia, you’re not just seeing breathtaking scenery – you’re treading on a history carved in stone. The Llechi Cymru Wales Slate World Heritage Site tells an incredible story of innovation and hard work that literally roofed the world. This remarkable area showcases the legacy of slate quarrying that shaped communities and landscapes for centuries. It was inscribed by UNESCO in July 2021. So, I thought it deserved its own spot on my list.
A highlight within this site is the National Slate Museum, where visitors can dive into the fascinating history of the slate industry with engaging exhibits, demonstrations, and vintage machinery. We were especially impressed by this enormous water wheel.
The museum vividly brings to life the stories of the quarry workers and the craftsmanship involved in slate production. It helped us understand the remarkable craftsmanship that made Welsh slate famous worldwide.
And they’re making it even better. The museum temporarily closed at the end of 2024 and will reopen in 2026 with a new learning center, play area, shop, and café.
8. Caernarfon Castle
Did you know that Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe? It is known as the “Castle Capital of the World,” with more than 400 castles still standing or in ruins. So, of course, we had to visit a couple.
Caernarfon Castle stands as one of Wales’ most impressive medieval fortifications. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed not only as a military stronghold but also as a royal palace symbolizing English authority.
It is renowned for its massive stone walls and distinctive polygonal towers, offering visitors panoramic views of the picturesque harbor and Snowdonia mountains beyond. Caernarfon boasts elaborate stone courses and unusual color-banded masonry, making it visually stunning.
The castle also holds immense royal significance, being the site where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969. Coincidentally, we happened to visit Caernarfon Castle just a couple of days before the Coronation of King Charles. We noticed the Welsh weren’t celebrating like the English were.
Do you want help planning a trip to Wales?
I’ll be honest. I haven’t yet had any requests to plan a Wales trip. I hope this article changes that. If you’re still reading this, maybe it’s a sign that you should be my first Wales client. Contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation.