Wales holidays

How to reach Wales

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Wales from London, but there are flights to Cardiff Airport from cities like Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin. From London, trains are the quickest option, taking just under 2 hours to Cardiff.

• Transfer time: Cardiff Airport is around a 30-minute drive from the city centre, with regular buses and trains providing public transport options. Trains to other parts of Wales, like Swansea or Aberystwyth, are easily accessible from Cardiff's main station.

• Price: The bus from Cardiff Airport costs around £5, while a taxi to the city centre is roughly £30. Train tickets from London to Cardiff range between £20 and £50, depending on how far in advance you book.

Best time to visit Wales

If your holidays to Wales focus on the great outdoors, spring and summer might be your best bet, while autumn and winter lend themselves to cosy pubs and indoor attractions.

• March to May: The weather is predictably unpredictable, although April and May are lovely months to start exploring Wales’s coastlines, as the weather warms up (average temperatures around 10–15°C) and the crowds have yet to arrive.

• June to August: For much of the summer, Wales – particularly the coast – can be bathed in sunshine and between June and August, the Pembrokeshire coast, washed by the Gulf Stream, can be as warm as anywhere in Britain - the perfect time to lie on a beach or camp in the dry. Superb festivals too. Note, though, that the tops of mountain ranges can still get very cold, even in midsummer.

• September to November: Autumn colours take centre stage in September, particularly in Wales' three national parks. However, the weather can be really changeable, so expect sunshine one moment and a torrential downpour the next. Still, with temperatures averaging 8–15°C, it’s ideal for exploring the country’s many castles without the crowds.

• December to February: Mornings are frosty, days are short and dark and temperatures hover around 3–7°C, making it a great time to enjoy Wales’ warm and welcoming country pubs. Another attraction is the Christmas markets, particularly in Cardiff and Swansea, which otherwise offer plenty of festive cheer.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and Welsh are both official languages, with Welsh widely used in signs, announcements and daily conversation, particularly in rural areas.

• Local habits and customs: The Welsh take great pride in their culture and heritage, and saying “diolch” (thank you) in Welsh is always appreciated. Expect a warm welcome at local pubs, often the heart of community life.

• Currency: The currency used is the British Pound. ATMs are widely available and credit cards widely accepted.

• Getting around: The large cities and densely populated valleys of south Wales support comprehensive train and bus networks, but the more thinly populated areas of mid- and north Wales have to make do with skeletal services. A single bus journey typically costs £2–£3, while train fares vary depending on the route and booking time. Driving offers the best flexibility, especially for exploring rural attractions.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard UK three-pin plugs apply, with 230 volts AC.

• Time zone: Wales is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and observes British Summer Time (BST) during daylight savings.

Best things to do in Wales

For many, it’s the wealth of prehistoric sites, crumbling castles and wild landscapes that draw visitors here in the first place, although the cities and university towns buzz with an understated youthful confidence and sense of cultural optimism.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Pen y Fan: The highest peak in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan rewards hikers with breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys.

• Beaumaris Castle: Head to Beaumaris and settle down with a coffee to admire the superb view across the Menai Straits to the Snowdonian mountains.

• Tryfan: Fabulous views along the Ogwen Valley in the wilds of Snowdonia are just one of the rewards for making the arduous ascent of Tryfan.

• Cadair Idris: The dominant mountain of southern Snowdonia, the magnificent Cadair Idris is chock-full of classic glacial features - and superlative views.

The best districts

• Cardiff Bay: The regeneration of the bay has resulted in a remarkable transformation of the derelict old docks into a bona fide tourist attraction.

• Tenby Old Town: Triangular, with two sides meeting at the castle and the third following the remaining town walls, Tenby's old town core - replete with cafés, restaurants and shops - is a delight to wander around.

• Conwy: The pick of north Wales’ small towns, with a picture-postcard medieval castle and a ring of ramparts enclosing a smart little centre.

Museums

• Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon: Explore Wales’ mining heritage with an underground tour of this former coal mine in Blaenavon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• National Museum, Cardiff: This exceptional museum attempts to tell the story of Wales and reflect the nation’s place in the international sphere; don’t miss the outstanding Welsh and Modern Art Galleries.

• Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne: An enchanting museum offering a feeling of inspirational peace above the ever-changing water. In the bedrooms upstairs you can see a video on Thomas’ life and a selection of local artists’ views of the estuary and the village.

Parks and gardens

• Aberglasney: Rescued from near-terminal decay, these formal gardens in the Tywi Valley are a perfect counterpoint to the nearby National Botanic Garden of Wales.

• National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthen: This Carmarthenshire gem is home to the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, a stunning piece of architecture by Norman Foster.

• Colby Woodland Garden, Saundersfoot: Wedged into a wooded valley, highlights here include the sloping walled garden and gazebo and, in May and June, the explosion of colour in the numerous rhododendron bushes.

Historical monuments

• St Davids Cathedral, St Davids: The heart of Welsh spirituality, St David’s Cathedral is at Wales’ westernmost extremity and has drawn pilgrims for a millennium and a half.

• Tintern Abbey: Admire the beautiful roofless ruin that inspired Wordsworth’s poetry by the placid River Wye.

• Pentre Ifan: Wales’ largest burial stone, with its 16ft-long top-stone precariously balanced on stocky legs.

• Caerphilly Castle: Europe’s second-largest castle, this massive medieval fortress is quite the sight to behold.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Gower Peninsula: Beautiful beaches, open moorland, pretty villages and even a castle or two: there’s a reason why this gorgeous stretch was designated Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• Brecon Beacons: The rambling moors of the Brecon Beacons are perfect for wild, lonely walks with thundering waterfalls and limestone caverns as destinations.

• Wye Valley: Soak up the pastoral beauty of this wonderful valley and the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey.

• The Llŷn peninsula: The peninsula excels in escapism, be it the panorama from the summit of Tre’r Ceiri or the lovely seaside village of Aberdaron.

Activities for families in Wales

Wales is overrun with thrilling activities to keep the whole family entertained, from adventure parks and castles galore to some of Europe’s most enjoyable mountain railways.

• Mountain railways: Of Wales’ many “great little trains”, the Ffestiniog Railway, winding down through the Snowdonia mountains, is one of the very best - a terrific family outing.

• Castles: What kid doesn’t love rooting around a castle? And with more castles per mile than anywhere else in Europe, from the hard little stone keeps of the early Welsh princes to Edward I’s incomparable series of 13th-century fortresses at Rhuddlan, Conwy, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Harlech - they’ll be spoilt for choice.

• Adventure parks: Europe’s longest zip-wire and the fastest in the world can be found in Snowdonia; adrenaline junkies should also make a beeline for Zip World Tower in the Valleys, which also has a line suitable for younger ones.

Free things to do in Wales

Generous with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Wales holidays offer plenty of free activities that don’t compromise on excitement or charm.

• Annual festivals: Ranging from the epic to the absurd, Wales’ wealth of festivals sees all walks of life partying in muddy fields across the country. Many are free, such as the fabulous The Big Cheese in Caerphilly in late July, which features re-enactments, craft stalls, a traditional fun fair and a Big Cheese Race.

• Beaches: Much of the Welsh coast remains unspoilt, with long sweeps of fine sand dotted with the occasional traditional British seaside resort; among the best beaches are those at Rhossili Bay and Tenby.

• Coastal path walks: The spectacular Wales Coast Path stretches 870 miles, but you can pick and choose your own section - all for free of course. Highlights include Pembrokeshire’s clifftop trails and Anglesey’s serene beaches.

Nature and outdoor activities in Wales

With craggy mountains, large areas of moorland, a deeply indented coastline, wide beaches and fast-flowing rivers, Wales is a fabulous outdoor playground.

• Hiking: With trails like Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wales Coast Path or a more challenging trek up Mount Snowdon, there’s no shortage of opportunities to strap on your boots.

• Mountain biking: Wales has a reputation for top-class mountain biking, and every weekend mud-splattered bikers weave along miles of single-track at more than a dozen dedicated bike parks – among them Coed-y-Brenin in Snowdonia and the superb Bike Park Wales near Merthyr.

• Kayaking: Paddlers have the run of miles of superb coastline, particularly around Anglesey, the Llŷn and the Pembrokeshire coast.

• Coasteering: Wales leads the way in coasteering, an exhilarating combination of hiking, coastal scrambling, swimming and cliff-jumping. Clad in a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid, you aim to make your way as a group along the rugged, wave-lashed coastline.

Beaches to enjoy on Wales holidays

Wales holidays are a dream for beach lovers, offering some of the most stunning and unspoiled coastline in the UK. From sweeping golden sands to secluded coves, the beaches of Wales cater to families, adventurers, and those seeking tranquillity.

• Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula: Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, Rhossili Bay offers three miles of pristine sand backed by dramatic cliffs. Perfect for walking, surfing, or simply enjoying the view, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

• Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire: Often referred to as a hidden gem, this secluded beach is accessible only via a scenic coastal path. Its golden sands and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for picnics and a peaceful day by the sea.

• Tenby Beaches, Pembrokeshire: The charming seaside town of Tenby boasts several beaches, including Castle Beach and South Beach. With their soft sands, rock pools, and nearby cafes, they’re perfect for families and couples alike.

• Aberdaron Beach, Llyn Peninsula: This wide sandy beach is a favourite for those seeking a slower pace. It’s great for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the picturesque fishing village nearby.

• Barmouth Beach, Snowdonia: Combining sandy shores with a backdrop of mountains, Barmouth Beach offers a unique setting for relaxing or exploring. It’s perfect for families, with plenty of space for games and easy access to local shops.

• Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire: A hotspot for surfers and film buffs (as a Harry Potter filming location), Freshwater West is a rugged and windswept beach known for its beauty and dramatic waves.

Whether you’re relaxing on the golden sands of Rhossili Bay, exploring rock pools in Tenby, or catching waves at Freshwater West, Wales’s beaches promise an unforgettable coastal experience.

Local dishes in Wales

Wales’ culinary landscape has changed beyond all recognition in recent years, its natural larder including freshly caught fish, tender local lamb and a fabulous array of cheeses. These staple ingredients are used in everything from traditional dishes to fusion creations in restaurants throughout the land.

Some typical dishes

• Welsh rarebit: A comforting dish of cheese sauce spiced with ale and mustard served on thick slices of toasted bread.

• Laverbread: It may not sound particularly appetising, but this edible seaweed, frequently served for breakfast with sausages, egg and bacon, is not bad at all.

• Glamorgan sausage: A spiced vegetarian combination of Caerphilly cheese, breadcrumbs and leeks, you'll find this on many a breakfast menu.

Meat dishes

• Welsh lamb: Renowned for its tenderness and flavour, it’s a staple of Sunday roasts or slow-cooked stews; try salt-marsh lamb from the Gower, best served with mint, thyme or rosemary.

• Cawl: A traditional lamb or beef stew with root vegetables, often accompanied by crusty bread and mature Welsh cheese.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cockles: Trawled from the estuary north of the Gower, these delicious morsels are perfect doused in lots of vinegar.

• Seared scallops: Often served with locally foraged samphire or a tangy citrus dressing, these are a tasty treat in many coastal restaurants.

Sweets and desserts

Two traditional cakes are almost universal: Welsh cakes are flat, crumbling pancakes of sugared dough (a little like a flattened scone), while bara brith, a popular accompaniment to afternoon tea, literally translates as “speckled (with dried fruit) bread”.

Local drinks

• Welsh gin: There has been an upsurge in gin distilleries in recent years, with around half a dozen now in production; look out for In the Welsh Wind in Tan-y-Groes near Cardigan and the Dyfi Distillery in Corris, near Machynlleth.

• Craft ales: There’s been a renaissance in the Welsh brewing industry in recent years; the most widely known is Cardiff-based Brains; there’s also Llanelli-based Felinfoel, and - best of the lot - Tiny Rebel from Newport.