10 Reasons To Visit Wales

Wales is well known as one of the most picturesque parts of the UK – no wonder it’s one of the top destinations for a British Isles based holiday. From the sunny, sandy beaches of Pembrokeshire and the breathtaking natural scenery of Snowdonia, to countless chocolate box perfect villages and no fewer than six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s not hard to see why visitors come here from all over the world.

Add to the mix a wide range of more than affordable accommodation to suit all budgets and cheap travel to boot, and Wales is pretty much a dream destination. If you need any more convincing though, here are the top ten reasons you should visit Wales.

1. It’s Cheap to Get There…

Most destinations in Wales are only a couple of hours travel time from London – one of the world’s biggest and busiest travel hubs. That means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to completing your journey!

Flights are available from £50; alternatively, for only a fraction more travel time you can catch a train, with advance fares starting at as little as £14. For the particularly budget conscious, there is a plethora of buses and coaches available, and if you book ahead of your trip, you could bag a seat for just £1!

2….And to Stay There

There are plenty of places to stay all over Wales, and you should find it easy to find a cosy and comfortable room that won’t break the bank. Cheap and cheerful hotel chains like Travelodge have a presence in and around most of the major towns and cities, and a double room should set you back only around £45 a night.

For a more homely experience though, check out one of Wales’ many friendly B&Bs and guest houses, where a stay with the personal touch should cost around the same, or even a little less. Finally, if you fancy the full self catered option, a renting a holiday cottage is a great way to go, and a very popular among travellers to the villages around Snowdonia. There are a prices to suit all budgets and can even accommodate large groups.

3. Snowdonia

Snowdonia is understandably one of Wales’ most visited destinations. An area of breathtaking natural beauty, it’s home to the highest peak south of Scotland in the UK and is an ultra popular destination for climbing enthusiasts.

There are also hills ripe for hiking, and innumerate walking and cycling trails that wind their way through lush forests, around placid lakes and past the ruins of ancient fortresses. You can even hire a guide to take you on a tour of the area’s network of underground caves.

4. Metropolitan Cities

Did you know Wales is the ideal destination for a city break? The metropolitan capital city of Cardiff is bursting to the brim with designer and high street shops, restaurants, pubs and bars and nightclubs.

Plus, it’s only a short journey from the city centre to the beach at Cardiff Bay! For other Welsh city destinations, check out Newport, Swansea and Bangor.

5. Beautiful Beaches

Whether you’re in Wales for an action-packed activities holiday or a break to get away from it all, no stay would be complete without a visit to one of the country’s many beautiful beaches. The county of Pembrokeshire has miles of stunning coastline, including sandy beaches at Tenby at Marloes Sands.

Alternatively, head to Llandudno, a charming Victoria seaside resort, or take in the dramatic views at the Gower Peninsula, officially named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty way back in the 1960s, and is just as breath taking today.

6. Places of Historical Interest

History buffs will have a whale of a time in Wales. There’s so much history in this former Celtic territory, starting with a whole host of castles. Cardiff Castle is remarkably well-preserved and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Many ancient and imposing fortresses are still dotted around the hills of Snowdonia, including the UNESCO-listed Conwy Castle, built for Edward I. Plus, there’s Tenby in Pembrokeshire, a charming Medieval town boasting original 13th Century city walls, stone gatehouse and a 15th Century church, as well as picture perfect colourful cottages and lovely beaches.

7. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Wales has a great deal to offer in terms of cultural experience, backed up by the fact that it is home to not one, not two, but three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In South Wales, The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is the UK’s best preserved historical industrial area and a great way to get a real look at how the Industrial Revolution transformed life in the country. Here you can see the former quarries, a railway, workers homes and mines. To learn more, stop by the Big Pit National Coal Museum or Blaenavon Ironworks.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is in North East Wales and is the tallest aqueduct in the UK, while the castles and wales of King Edward, listed en masse, are to be found in Gwynedd in Snowdonia.

8. Fun Festivals

If your visit to Wales falls over the summer months, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to festivals. The most famous is Hay on Wye, a world famous literary festival that takes place through May and June.

The Gower Festival takes place in July and is a celebration of world music and The Big Cheese is a free weekend event in Caerphilly dedicated to food, drink and fun. This is just the tip of the iceberg though, so check what’s happening near you ahead of your stay.

9. Shopping

While most people might think of London as the shopping capital of the UK, Wales is home to a plethora of stores stocking fashions from high street to high end, and many other good in between.

In Bridgend, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is where to go for designer fashions at cheap prices, while the Castle Quarter Arcade in Cardiff boasts beautiful Victorian architecture as well as arrange of cute, independent shops and cafes. Plus, almost every major town holds a market where you can get your souvenirs or just your groceries for the cheapest prices.

10. Eating Out

Seven Welsh restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, making the whole country a smorgasbord of delight for foodies.

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy eating out in Wales though as it’s teeming with independent (and historic) pubs, cafes and eateries that are charming, friendly and several pounds cheaper than equivalent destinations in other parts of the UK, particularly London. Enjoy!