Wales

Summary
From the drama of rugged Snowdonia in the north to the golden beaches of Pembrokeshire in the south, Wales is one of the most scenically beautiful areas in Britain, a patchwork of mountains and valleys, fringed by a wonderful coastline. Anyone who loves the great outdoors will be in their element as it’s the ideal place for walking, cycling, surfing or boating on the canals. Medieval castles dot the landscape, and you’ll stumble across potteries and artists’ workshops. The once neglected capital city of Cardiff has turned into one of the most celebrated cities in the UK over recent years too, with a vibrant youth culture and no end of trendy bars and restaurants.

Getting there/around Wales
Cardiff International Airport is served by flights from around the UK and several European destinations. It’s 12 miles out of town with regular buses to the city centre. Direct trains to Cardiff run from London Paddington, Manchester, Birmingham and Swansea. National Express coaches run to Cardiff from Bristol, Birmingham and London. For north Wales there are rail services from Chester and Birmingham.
Within Wales there are good bus links, with shuttle buses serving the coastal path in Pembrokeshire during the summer. There are 14 steam and narrow gauge railways for getting around in a leisurely manner too.

Sightseeing in Wales
Start in Cardiff, the lively capital and check out the newly rejuvenated Cardiff Bay with its fancy bars and eateries. In the city centre is the impressive castle, with its extravagant interiors. On the river Taff you’ll see the Millennium Stadium, completed for the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

In south Wales, the Wye Valley is a beautiful region – home to the ruins of Tintern Abbey, immortalised by Wordsworth, and Raglan Castle. Along the south coast, the Gower Peninsula close to Swansea is a wild area with sandy beaches and ruined castles that’s loved by walkers and surfers.

In the north of Wales, Snowdonia National Park has spectacular mountains offering great hiking terrain; it’s the second largest national park in Britain, after the Lake District. On the north-west coast you’ll find Caenarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Brecon Beacons National Park in mid-Wales is popular for outdoor fun too – from pony-trekking to mountaineering.