Wales

Wales

Three glorious National Parks: the mountains and lakes of Snowdonia (Great Little Trains, which take you through breathtaking scenery on a narrow gauge steam railway), the bleak moorlands of Brecon Beacons and the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast, where picturesque resort towns dot the coastline. Said to be the home of King Arthur’s famed Camelot, the people of Wales have a strong sense of national pride and tradition. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe, from romantic ruins to mighty fortresses, the most famous of these castles, Caernarfon was both an impregnable fortress and a grand royal palace.

National Parks

The first area to be designated as a national park in Wales, and the third in Britain, was Snowdonia. Known as Eryri in Welsh, and nestled within the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy, Snowdonia was named for Wales' highest peak, Snowdon. Snowdon is one of the most popular options for mountain walking, but you can also avail of the mountain railway to reach the summit. A treasure trove for discoveries, Northern Snowdonia is home to it's own Lily, arctic-alpine, hawkweed and rainbow-coloured beetle. 

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park(Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro,) although not entirely coastal, includes Caldey Island, the Daugleddau estuary, the St. Bride's Bay coast and the Preseli Hills. This is a fitting destination for anyone interested in the likes of geology simply based on the composure of the landscape. Along with numerous sites of special scientific interest and several national nature reserves, the largest and best preserved neolithic dolmen in Wales (Pentre Ifan) resides here. The coastal path is a designated National Trail that is 186 miles long and the beaches it lies amongst are award winning locations for visitors to explore.

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park encompasses three main regions within the south of Wales; the Black Mountain, Fforest Fawr Geopark and the Brecon Beacons hills. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, this park is ideal for stargazers and astronomers. There are many outdoor activities for visitors to participate in as it is known for everything from bare moorland to remote reservoirs. You can hike, cycle, sail, canoe and camp (to name but a few.)

Castles

The castles of Wales are stunning, and plentiful. Conwy has been described as a magnificent fortress, Caernarfon's walls are thought to be an imitation of the walls of Constantinople, Chepstow has the oldest castle doors in Europe and Beaumaris is considered the "most technically perfect castle in Britain." Even the ruins of once mighty castles such as Rhuddlan and Carreg Cennen are impressive and haunting. Upon visiting Wales, you are quite literally spoiled for choice when it comes to castle exploration.

Culture

Often known as "the land of song," Wales boasts an incredible history of producing talented musicians. From the impactful chapel choirs to the beloved Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey to the popular Manic Street Preachers and Sterophonics, Wales has truly delivered some much needed harmony to this world. Even the traditional and folk music scene remains alive and well as it is currently experiencing a resurgence. 

Wales is absolutely brimming with culture. 

Find yourself mesmerized by one of the Brythonic (P-Celtic) languages as you make your way across the country exploring national parks and castles. Learn about the mythology and literature and as you visit national museums and libraries to view important historical collections of documents and Medieval Celtic art. Fully immerse yourself in this country and you will not be disappointed. 

Suggested Itineraries

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