Wales

Land of ancient myths and Celtic legends, Wales is a small and compact country boasting a diverse landscape, from lakes and mountains, rivers and valleys to beautiful coastlines and rolling wooded countryside. It offers superb opportunities for an active holiday.

What to see in Wales

Wales’ biggest asset is undoubtedly its countryside, home to three National Parks that make up almost a quarter of the country’s total area. Snowdonia National Park in the north combines dramatic mountain scenery with glacial valleys, lakes and streams, while in the south the Brecon Beacons boast mountains, moorlands, forests and wooded gorges with deep caves. The surrounding area of the Wye Valley on the borders with England is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; as are the Gower Peninsula, the Lleyn Peninsula, the Anglesey Coast and the Clwydian Range.

The endless miles of largely unspoilt and beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline in the west have some of the finest long beaches in Europe, with pretty little bays plus the lively traditional seaside resorts of Tenby and Whitesand. Further inland is the secluded and pretty Gwaun Valley.

The capital of Wales, Cardiff, has many attractions, including its newly developed waterfront, the Millennium Stadium. Castles can be seen all over Wales, ranging from tiny stone keeps to huge medieval fortresses; some of the best preserved are Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech, all built by Edward I.

Places of Interest

• North: Isle of Anglesey; Portmeirion Italianate village; Llandudno; Colwyn Bay; Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech castles; Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways.

• West: Oakwood Park, Wales’ only theme park; the National Botanic Gardens at Aberglasney; Dolaucothi Goldmines; historic, stone-walled Aberaeron.

• Mid: Brecon Beacons National Park; the lakes of the Elan Valley; picturesque seaside town of Barmouth; Machynlleth, ‘ancient capital of Wales’ and the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology.

• South: Caerphilly’s enormous medieval castle; Cardiff, capital of Wales; seaside resorts of Tenby and Saundersfoot; National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne.

Did you know?

• The origins of the Red Dragon flag may date back to the Roman period, when the dragon was used by military cohorts.
• St. David’s in Pembrokeshire is Britain’s smallest city by virtue of its cathedral to the patron saint of Wales.
• There are many sites in Wales linked to the legend of King Arthur: Castell Dinas Brân, near Llangollen, is reputed to be the resting place of the Holy Grail.
• The Welsh name for Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa, means burial place.
• The Welsh ruler, Owen Glendower, was the last native Welshman to be given the title Prince of Wales in 1400.
• The Welsh language is one of Europe’s oldest languages and shares its roots with Breton, Gaelic and Cornish.

Wales for watersports

Whatever is on your watery wishlist, Wales might be a good place to look for it. World class beaches mean water, seaside in most cases, and here you will find a dizzying array of aquatic activities: sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing and kite surfing, just for starters. For many, their motorhome, campervan or motorcaravan is the perfect way to indulge in these activities – the perfect way to travel independently with all necessary kit on board.

Inland there are the tumbling rivers with their own appeal for canoeing and canyoning, or more peaceful waters for messing about in a boat.

Outdoor activities in Wales

Wales is a huge outdoor play area. It’s a destination of choice for mountain biking, climbing, abseiling, canyoning and caving. The natural terrain makes riding a popular activity and an invigorating ride along the beach, kicking up the spray, is a real experience. There are plenty of golf courses and some excellent fishing in the placid lakes or cascading rivers and mountain streams.

Worthy of special note is the Wales Coast Path: the first path in the world that traces a country’s entire coastline. It’s 870 miles long and offers walkers incredible scenery with wraparound views, magnificent seascapes and a fascinating insight in to the nature and history of Wales.

Glamping in Wales

Need a roof over your head? Wales has a wealth of campsites offering great glamping options if you’re leaving the tent, caravan or motorhome behind. Aside from the usual grassy pitches, hardstandings, chalet and rental options, you’ll find a range of yurts, tipis and wigwams to choose from, in wonderfully bucolic surroundings beside bubbling streams and on working farms.

Pods are also available and they come in various shapes and sizes, with or without en suite facilities or private washrooms. These are a great and inexpensive way for friends without camping gear like tents or caravans to come along too. In our experience you’ll receive a warm, Welsh welcome at each one.