Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends in the Welsh capital.
Your holiday, starring Wales
Why we love Wales
When we say that Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, you already start to picture the beauty of the Welsh landscape. Add its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, lush valleys and mountainous National Parks, and the image of this intensely beautiful Celtic country is almost complete.
But scratch further beneath the surface, and you’ll uncover a nation bursting with adventure. Zoom through the air on an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest zip wire in Snowdonia (Eryri). Or, discover the nation’s depths on a subterranean caving tour, and hit the waves on some of Britain’s most spectacular coastline.
Did you know that Wales plays a leading role in some of your favourite films and TV shows? Maybe you’ll recognise it from Doctor Who, House of the Dragon or Sex Education. Now go behind the scenes to see the real stars of the show. Take a stroll along Pembrokeshire’s Freshwater West Beach, the backdrop to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, or admire Bodnant Garden’s blooms, as seen in The Secret Garden. Ready to explore these A-list landscapes?
Capital city
Cardiff
Currency
GBP
Timezone
GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)
No matter where your Welsh adventure goes, you’ll see that Wales may be small, but it’s certainly mighty.
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Starring Great Britain
Wales highlights
St David’s Day
How will you celebrate St David’s Day this year? In Wales, the first day of March is dedicated to the nation’s patron saint, and you’re invited to join in the festivities. Whether you’re trying your hand at a traditional Welsh craft, learning about the nation’s myths and legends, or enjoying a slice (or two) of bara brith, there are heaps of ways to mark St David’s Day.
Experience parades, parties and other special events to toast St David’s Day across Wales, from Caernarfon to Carmarthen. Feast on Welsh flavours at Llanelli’s St David’s Day Food and Drink Festival, or witness the power of a traditional male voice choir in Rhosllanerchrugog. And if you’re in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, the national St David’s Day Parade is a must-see.
The Wales Coast Path
Walk or cycle the Wales Coast Path from start to finish and you’ll have covered nearly 870 miles (1,400km). For day-trippers and more leisurely explorers there are friendly towns to visit, rare wildlife to spot and scenic views aplenty.
Welsh Castles
With a history of over 600 Welsh castles, there are still 400 to choose from and visit. Four have UNESCO World Heritage status, and the tower at Caerphilly ‘out-leans’ the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cardiff Castle is in the heart of the capital, while Castell Coch rises up from the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr like a vision from a fairytale. In Pembrokeshire, step into almost 800 years of Welsh history at Cilgerran Castle, which towers over the River Teifi.
Wales’ National Parks
Wales’ three National Parks celebrate three different landscapes. The rocky mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) contrast with the lush waterfalls and greener scenery of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), as well as the more rugged Pembrokeshire Coast. Wales also has five National Landscapes.
Welsh destinations
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Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
Llandudno
Wrexham
Tenby
Swansea
The Coastal Way
Ceredigion
Wye Valley
Betws-y-Coed
Cardiff
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Pembrokeshire
North Wales
Wales Coast Path
Llandudno
Wrexham
Tenby
Swansea
The Coastal Way
Ceredigion
Wye Valley
Betws-y-Coed
Sustainable tourism pledge
Wales itineraries
Feel the Hwyl (fun and joy) - only in Wales
Meet a Welsh legend
Bring a little bit of Welsh magic to your doorstep with Y Ddraig Goch AR app from VisitWales (available on mobile only). Summon the mythical red dragon, the star of Wales’ national flag, anywhere in the world and a snap an epic photo.
Featured things to do in Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a garden for all seasons. But at its heart sits Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse, home to one of the finest collections of Mediterranean climate-zone plants in the world. In April and May, this glass dome is bursting with colour as flowers from the Mediterranean, Australia and Chile are in full bloom.
Find out more about the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Coasteering
Where better to try coasteering than in the country it was invented? Get in a wet suit and experience cliff jumping, adventure swimming, sea-level traversing, cave exploration and more.
Find out more about coasteering in Wales
Stargazing
Did you know that Wales has the highest percentage of land with Dark Skies status of any nation in the world? This means ample opportunity for stargazing, and there’s no better time than autumn. From Eryri (Snowdonia) to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), there are hundreds of places to enjoy Wales’ clear and unpolluted night skies.
Explore the best spots for stargazing in Wales
Bright lights, big city
It’s all going on in Cardiff at Christmas. Explore the Bute Park light trail with a hot chocolate in hand, and do your festive shopping at the Cardiff Christmas Market.
Discover Cardiff at ChristmasOur favourite experiences in Wales
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