For a small country, Cymru as the locals call it, packs a heck of a lot in: spectacular land and seascapes, action and adventure from easy strolls to white knuckle rides, funky B&Bs and fantastically tasty food and drink. Whatever the time of year and whatever you’re looking for – a weekend break for two, fun for the whole family or a serious shot of adrenaline – Wales has it all.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula (Shutterstock)
Looking for inspiration?
Visit Wales and you’re spoilt for choice. That’s why Hazel Plush put together a handy list of 5 things to do in Wales. It’s by no means exhaustive: think of it rather as a starting point. Whether you’re into horseriding or watching a spot of international rugby, or more inclined to catch a ride up Snowdonia than climb it, there’s bound to be something to get you started. Katherine Price’s suggestions for short breaks in Wales is a good place to start if you’re trying to figure out which part of Wales you’d like to visit.
For more detailed suggestions, drop by the guides to Brecon Beacons and Cadair Idris, lovingly prepared by the Wanderlust team. Finally, if a train through stunning scenery appeals, drop by David Atkinson’s piece on riding the Welsh Highland Railway.
More information
5 things to do in Wales – Hazel Plush
3 short breaks in Wales – Katherine Price
Great British escape: Brecon Beacons – The Wanderlust Team
Great British escape: Cadair Idris, Wales – The Wanderlust Team
Riding the Welsh Highland Railway – David Atkinson
Mountain biking in South Wales (Shutterstock)
Getting active in Wales
With its growing reputation as the UK’s adventure playground, you won’t have any shortage of things to do in Wales. The opening of the new Wales coast path, for example, has been a boon for walkers. Whether you want to tackle the entire 870 miles, or just one of the easier sections, David Atkinson has put together the ultimate guide to its three must-walk sections. Alf Anderson offers advice on walking the Pembrokeshire section in winter. And Graihagh Jackson nominates five other wild Welsh walks should the new coast path prove too daunting.
Of course, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to keep you occupied in Wales. Mountain biking is extremely popular, as is kayaking and coasteering. And you may be surprised that Wales is the UK’s up-and-coming surf destination. Siân Anna Lewis is on hand with a list of the best surfing beaches in the country.
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Walking the new Wales coast path – David Atkinson
Winter walking on Wales' Pembrokeshire coast – Alf Anderson
5 Wild Welsh Walks – Graihagh Jackson
Mountain biking in Wales – Hannah Maia Taylor
Top spots for kayaking, coasteering and surfing in Wales – Sophie Hurst
Your guide to the best surfing beaches in Wales – Siân Anna Lewis
Welsh secrets revealed
Looking for somewhere quirky to stay in Wales? From Hobbit tents and yurts through to abandoned lighthouses and castles, there are plenty of colourful places to stay. Katherine Price has also put together a list of 7 hidden campsites for those of you who like to spend the night under canvas. Cool Places, meanwhile, nominate their favourite beaches in Wales.
Finally, Wanderlust reader Kay Tro has put together an Insider’s Guide to the Welsh, entitled Things You Should Know About My Country. It’s mandatory reading for those thinking of crossing the Severn Bridge.
More information
Quirky places to stay in Wales – Visit Wales
7 hidden campsites in Wales – Katherine Price
Best 6 beaches in Wales – Cool Places
Things you should know about my country: Wales – Kay Tro
Wales’ tastiest treats
With its fresh-from-farm produce and the revival of its culinary traditions, Wales is fast becoming a favourite destination for foodies. The folk at Dylan’s Restaurant at Anglesey are leading that revival and provided us with four innovative recipes from North Wales that you can try at home.
Despair not if you have a hankering for some of Wales’ more traditional treats. Visit Wales have stumped up the recipes for Welsh Cakes, Glamorgan sausages and Welsh Cawl so you can relive that wet afternoon in Betws-Y-Coed all over again.
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The best food from North Wales – Dylan's Restaurant
3 delicious traditional Welsh recipes – Visit Wales
Capturing it all on film
Wales is a country with an elemental beauty. Is it any wonder then that photos featuring it have twice won the landscape category in the Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year competition? Andy Burton’s shot of Dunraven Bay in South Wales was the winner in 2007. Krzysztof Ligeza’s stunning photo of the Brecon Beacons was victorious in 2009.
It isn’t easy taking such amazing shots. The weather, to be honest, is changeable at best. Thankfully Tom Ang is on hand with a fistful of useful tips on how to capture the beauty of the wetter corners of the UK when the weather isn’t really on your side.
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Wanderlust Landscape photo of the year 2007 – Adam Burton
Wanderlust Landscape photo of the year 2009 – Krzysztof Ligeza
How to take photos in Autumn in the UK – Tom Ang
Autumn in Snowdonia (Shutterstock)
Everything you need to know
Ready to start planning your trip? Our Discover Wales Guide is the place to start. Make sure you drop by our UK Travel Guide and UK Essential Info page as well, for more everyday (but equally vital) information. Our short break guides to South East Wales and Rhossili Bay are well worth a look too.
If you have a particular question about Wales, pop over to the myWanderlust Forum where our knowledgeable community are ready to spring into action and share all that they know. Or check out the questions that have already been asked about Wales. The answer to yours might already be there.
More information
Discover Wales Guide – Wanderlust Team
United Kingdom Travel Guide – Wanderlust Team
United Kingdom Essential Info – Wanderlust Team
Short Break: South-east Wales – Katherine Price
A short break in Rhossili Bay, South Wales – Helen Scarr
Main Image: Caernarfon castle, North Wales (Shutterstock)
