Wales Travel Guide
For such a small country, Wales has a lot to offer. With
dramatic mountains, spectacular seashores, tumbling rivers, fresh
green valleys and Europe's largest concentration of medieval
fortresses, it is a real gem that is often overlooked by
tourists.With a name that springs from the Anglo-Saxon term '
waleas', meaning 'foreigner', it is hardly surprising that
the Welsh have a unique culture, language and heritage that
distinguishes them from the English, though as part of the United
Kingdom, Wales is still subject to its laws and regulations.
Although best known for their unpronounceable place names, roaring
men's choirs and fierce rugby teams, this is a friendly and
hospitable nation.Though its largest city, Cardiff, has only 350,000 residents,
cities in Wales are home to interesting urban atmospheres that
retain a certain historical quaintness while providing all the
modern amenities one could ask for. Cardiff, especially, has in
recent years emerged as one of the hippest cities in the UK. Resort
towns like Llandudno, Swansea and Tenby provide elegant seaside
escapes, and medieval fortifications such as Caernarfon and Conwy
offer glimpses into Wales' thousand-year-old history.Wales is a land of nature and legend with stunning, unspoiled
natural scenery that is protected by a series of large National
Parks. Headline attractions include majestic parks like Brecon
Beacons and Mount Snowdon, and scenic seaside communities tucked
into craggy shorelines. For wilderness enthusiasts and lovers of
the great outdoors, Wales is the ideal UK holiday destination.
Wales Travel Guide
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Etiquette in Wales tends to follow British customs. Men and
women will shake hands upon meeting, although good friends may hug
and exchange a kiss on the cheek. Politeness is important, to the
point that many Welsh will be indirect. Bluntness can be considered
rude. During conversation, a distance of 2-3 feet is kept. It is
considered rude to look away while someone is speaking. The Welsh
are prompt, and it is not polite to keep a person waiting in
business or social settings. True to British form, cutting to the
front of queues or creating a public spectacle are major taboos in
Wales. The Welsh are fiercely proud of their language and culture,
and will be offended if referred to as British or English. Wales is
a predominantly Protestant nation, with Methodism and Anglicanism
the largest denominations.
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Wales Travel Guide
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Description:
Located in the southwest corner of Wales, the Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged
cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing
villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal
walks, including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path.
Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes,
hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands
offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots,
razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's
paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing,
windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to
visit is in spring, when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have
yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting if only for
its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an
intriguing history (open every day for visitors between 10am to
4pm). Just South of the Park is the city of St David's, which is
actually only a little larger than your average village. The
cathedral found there is the resting place of St David, the patron
Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy
places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to
Rome.
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Website:
www.visitpembrokeshire.com
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Description:
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the
Lake District, and boasts rugged mountain trails through some of
the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak
is Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft (1,068m), which is visited by half a
million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less
adventurous ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. While
Snowdonia is a haven for hikers and climbers, there is plenty else
to explore including lakes, waterfalls and glacial valleys, as well
as forts, railways and the crumbling remains of the country's
mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include
the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, whose former copper
mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also
offers tours through its cavernous slate mines.
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Website:
www.eryri-npa.co.uk
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Description:
Situated in North Wales, across the Menai Strait from the Isle
of Anglesey, is Caernarfon, dominated by the walls of its
13th-century castle. It was here that, in 1969, Prince Charles'
investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event
marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of
strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly
nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is
probably most noted for the town of
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllantysiliogogogoch, which has
the longest place name in the United Kingdom. The name, when
translated into English, means 'The church of St. Mary in a hollow
of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church
by the red cave'. The island was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic
activity in Britain and many Neolithic ruins remain. Many people
rush through Anglesey, on their way to catch the Irish ferries at
Holyhead, and miss out on its spectacular coastal scenery of sandy
coves and rocky headlands.
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www.visitcaernarfon.com
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Description:
Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings
incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion and a
Norman keep, which in turn was built over a Roman fort standing
guard over on a cliff above Cardiff. The city itself may have only
been there for about a hundred years, but Cardiff Castle dates back
over 2,000 years. Roman soldiers and knights have lived in the
castle, and the wealthy Bute family have resided in it since the
19th century. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with
opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian décor.
Guided tours are available. Family friendly visits are also
available to those with young children.
Address:
Castle Street
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Telephone:
029 20 87 8100
Email:
cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk
Website:
www.cardiffcastle.com
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Description:
This fascinating hands-on science museum is a must for those who
are young at heart, perpetually intrigued and amazed by the power
of science. Techniquest was voted 'Europe's best science centre' in
an industry survey, and it continues to thrill all those who visit
with its puzzles, gadgets and structures on display. The Science
Theatre and Planetarium are popular stops for most who come to
Techniquest for the day, while younger visitors will love the
children's educational programs, laboratories and workshops on
offer.
Address:
Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay
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Telephone:
029 20 475 475
Email:
info@techniquest.org
Website:
www.techniquest.org
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Description:
This open-air museum located in St Fagans chronicles the
historical lifestyle, architecture and cultural heritage of the
people of Wales, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions
in the country. The 16th-century manor house in which the museum
stands bears testament to the magnificent heritage of the Welsh,
and the museum features more than 40 original buildings, moved from
various parts of Wales and erected to show how the people of Wales
have lived over the last 500 years. Among these are houses, a farm,
a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute. Donated to
the Welsh by the Earl of Plymouth, the museum first opened in 1948
and to this day, the original strain of native livestock can be
seen in the fields and farmyards, and strains of Welsh language
proudly heard in the air.
Address:
St Fagans, Cardiff
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Telephone:
029 20 57 3500
Email:
post@museumwales.ac.uk
Website:
www.museumwales.ac.uk
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Description:
Nicknamed 'the Armadillo', this arts centre located in the
Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and
dance recitals, stand-up comedy and musicals. Known as one of the
world's iconic arts and cultural destinations, it features a
world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours,
exhibitions and a choice of bars and restaurants for visitors to
enjoy with an overall vision to bring the best of the arts world to
Wales. Guided tours of the centre are available where guests can
check out the dressing rooms, marvel at the sheer size of the
stage, and find out what lies beneath the mystical inscription.
Address:
Bute Place, Cardiff
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Telephone:
(0)29 2063 6400
Email:
info@wmc.org.uk
Website:
www.wmc.org.uk
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Description:
The village of Portmeirion in Northern Wales is as charming as
they come, with rows of cottages and pretty trails winding through
the woods. Portmeirion was designed by the architect Sir Clough
Williams-Ellis, and is now run by a charitable trust more as a
tourist attraction than a residential village. Its quaint demeanor
has attracted film crews, and the 1960s cult TV programme
The Prisonerwas filmed there, among others. Small enough
to see on foot, there are manicured gardens and a beach, as well as
a few souvenir shops and a restaurant, ice cream shop, and pizzeria
to enjoy.
Address:
Penrhyndeudraeth
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Telephone:
01766 770000
Email:
info@portmeirion-village.com
Website:
www.portmeirion-village.com
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Description:
One of many cave systems in Brecon Beacons National Park, the
Dan-yr-Ogof Caves are an 11 mile (17km) cave complex located about
15 miles (24km) southwest of Brecon. Only the first portion of the
system is open to the public, but the spectacular limestone rock
formations of the three available caves, the Dan yr Ogof Showcave,
the Cathedral Showcave and the Bone Cave, should not be missed.
Formed 315 million years ago, the formations include vertical
stalagtites and stalagmites, and also rare helectites, which grow
sideways. The nearby National Showcaves Centre for Wales has a
dinosaur park with more than 50 life-size statues, an Iron Age
farm, and a museum.
Address:
15 miles (24km) southwest of Brecon
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Telephone:
01639 730 284
Email:
info@showcaves.co.uk
Website:
www.showcaves.co.uk
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Description:
Mumbles - a lovely resort village beautifully located beneath
pine-forested slopes overlooking Swansea Bay - is fast-becoming one
of the United Kingdom's favourite seaside getaway destinations.
With a history that dates back to the 12th century and a range of
excellent seafront pubs and restaurants, Mumbles exudes a charm
that must be experienced to be believed. Mumbles is home to some
great cultural sights, such as the ruins of Oystermouth Castle, a
historic lighthouse and the pretty Mumbles Pier; and has had its
fair share of famous residents over the years, including Dylan
Thomas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bonnie Tyler and Rowan Williams, the
Archbishop of Canterbury. Yet, despite these attractions, the real
allure of Mumbles remains intangible - something to do with the
quality of the sunlight reflected by the bay, illuminating the
age-old stone buildings that surround the water, and filling
visitors with a serene feeling, as though intoxicated by the sheer
natural beauty of the place. Mumbles is also within easy reach of
some of the UK's best beaches, such as Rhossili, once called 'the
supermodel of British beaches' by
The Independent.
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Description:
Culturally-minded visitors to the UK are urged to visit
Hay-on-Wye, a charming market-town located within the boundaries of
Brecon Beacons National Park. Widely referred to as the 'Town of
Books', Hay-on-Wye is the bibliophile's equivalent of Mecca -
featuring more than 30 second-hand bookstores, many of which stock
collector's items and hard-to-find rarities. Hay-on-Wye hosts the
annual Hay Festival, one of the biggest literary festivals on the
planet, drawing crowds in excess of 80,000 people, who come to
attend lectures and readings given by the world's most eminent
writers. There is more to Hay-on-Wye than simply books, however -
the town also boasts lovely architecture, a celebrated collection
of quaint pubs and restaurants, the fascinating ruins of two
Norman-built castles, and a popular Thursday Market, where all
manner of things can be bought, from antiques to hand-made cheeses.
For mature visitors to the UK looking for a memorable cultural
experience, a visit to Hay-on-Wye is an absolute must.
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www.hay-on-wye.co.uk
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Description:
The Llandaff Cathedral, located on the western edge of Cardiff,
is one of Wales' premier sights, not to be missed by visitors to
the Welsh capital. Situated in what used to be the tiny village of
Llandaff, the area surrounding the cathedral still retains a
village-like feel, with stone-and-timber buildings and narrow,
crooked lanes providing excellent photo fodder. The cathedral
itself has a long and interesting history. Constructed in the 12th
century on the site of an earlier church - of which, a pre-Norman
Celtic cross is all that remains - the Llandaff Cathedral boasts,
in the form of its west front, some of the greatest medieval art to
be found in all of Wales. Suffering extensive damage during Nazi
bomb raids in World War II, the cathedral was restored and received
two modern additions - the Welsh Regiment Chapel, and the striking
Jacob Epstein sculpture
Christ in Majesty. The sculpture, made of aluminium and
suspended from a concrete arch that dominates the cathedral's nave,
is a controversial piece, dividing opinion between those who find
it arresting, and those who find it garish and out of place. Head
to the Llandaff Cathedral and see the interesting work for
yourself, before relaxing in the tranquil public gardens that
surround this significant religious site.
Address:
Cathedral Road
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Call 029 2056 4554 to arrange a guided tour
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Description:
Famous Tintern Abbey, a monastery established by William Marshal
('the greatest knight that ever lived') to give thanks to God after
surviving a narrow escape at sea, is one of the most inspiring and
enduring tourist sights that Wales has to offer. The abbey, whose
first inhabitants were Cistercian monks, dates from the early 13th
century and has been well preserved, affording visitors great views
of its majestically-ruined nave, chancel, tower, cloister and
chapel. Even more beautiful, is the grounds on which Tintern Abbey
is located - an Elysian area of green fields, craggy, moss-strewn
hills, and a stone bridge that leads across an inlet from the sea.
Gorgeous Tintern Abbey has a long history of inspiring works of
art, from paintings by William Turner to poems by William
Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson and even Allen Ginsberg. Located a mere
stone's throw from the English border, Tintern Abbey makes a
wonderful first stop on a memorable sightseeing tour of Wales.
Address:
Saltmills, New Ross
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051 562650
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