The smallest of mainland Britain’s component countries, Wales offers many wonderful reasons to visit. The south includes cosmopolitan Cardiff, famous for its magnificent castle and a good base from which to begin exploring the rest of the country. With its splendid shopping arcades and many well-reserved historic buildings, it’s a city with plenty of places to visit and things to do.

We’ll find an abundance of attractions , including more than 400 castles and fortifications, countless gardens, breathtaking scenery, and a network of heritage railways that connects much of the country.

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is an enticing destination with a modern feel. The waterfront area, redeveloped from the 1990s onwards, is home to hotels, restaurants, and shops making it a nice area to visit. The city has a number of noteworthy attractions, not the least of which are the Welsh Folk Museum, the National Museum of Wales, the Cardiff Castle, and the Queen Street pedestrian precinct.

Cardiff also makes a nice base for those looking to do trips around South Wales.

Just a short drive from Cardiff is the town of Caerphilly, with the 13th C Caerphilly Castle, which can be easily visited on a day trip. A little further afield, Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the countries natural treasures, with wild ponies, numerous trails, and Henryd Falls. Take in the view over the park from the remains of Carreg Cennen Castle. Another historical town worth visiting is Pembroke, with the Norman Pembroke Castle. Nearby Pembroke Coastal National Park offers an excellent area for walking, with an extensive scenic coastal trail that leads past beaches and cliffs.

One of the oldest towns in Wales, Swansea is an interesting place. The town is known for its impressive gardens and parks, as well as annual cultural events. One of the highlights here is the covered Swansea Market.

The Mumbles, an area of Swansea, features a promenade, pier, and entertainment area with restaurants and cafes. Beyond the Mumbles is the Grower Peninsula, a beautiful natural area with a few smaller towns and villages, wide stretches of beach that draw surfers, and farmland.

The coastal resort of Tenby, which still maintains the old town walls, is another popular destination, particularly in summer. Just south of Tenby is Caldey Island, with remains of an old abbey, which can be visited on a boating excursion.

In North Wales visitors can experience the great outdoors in Snowdonia National Park. Walking and hiking are some of the best ways to see the park. Another popular attraction in the north is the Caernarfon Castle, with roots dating back to the 13th C.