South Wales

World-class art, a budding culinary scene, passionate sporting events, and a distinctive history await. Just two hours from London by train, our capital city of Cardiff is ideal for a weekend getaway.

An aerial view of all the attractions and waterfront at Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay 

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Explore the real underground workings of a 19th century coal mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum. As a landmark for Wales’ long industrial history, this site is one-of-a-kind and is recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.

Loving Welsh Food Tour

Discover the rich flavors of Wales with Loving Welsh Food. Taking place in Cardiff, these tours not only showcase Welsh food & drink but also provide insight into Wales’ food heritage, its people, culture and traditions.

Shopping arcades

Cardiff is a city where the old and new effortlessly come together to create its unique culture. This can best be seen in the city's shopping arcades. Dating back to Edwardian and Victorian times, these shopping centers offer a glance into Cardiff's past while being a modern shopper's paradise. 

Penderyn Whisky Distillery

Discover the secrets of whisky making at Penderyn Distillery. Their Whisky Master Class is perfect for any enthusiast, with a guided tour of the still room and shop floor and, of course, a tasting of some of their best products.

Cardiff Castle

Standing tall in the city center is Cardiff Castle. This amazing architectural gem is a combination of a Roman fort, a medieval castle, and an extravagant Victorian palace, and reflects the wealth that was created in Cardiff's historic docklands. 

Aerial shot of Cardiff Castle with view of city.
Sunlight streaming through one of the grand opulent rooms featuring a chandelier at Cardiff Castle.

Aerial view of Cardiff Castle; Inside Cardiff Castle

Mid Wales

Mid Wales is the green heart of Wales, making it the perfect place to escape life’s hustle and bustle. Here you can explore endless natural beauty, from the quaint fishing villages along the coast to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons. 

Elan Valley

Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Elan Valley. Though most famous for its stunning dams and reservoirs, the valley is also home to loads of wildlife, spectacular views and some of Wales' best stargazing sites.

Journey through part of the Elan Valley and its dams, filmed by Nathan Jermy

Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre

Witness the long established, and well-known tradition of red kite feeding at the Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre. These feedings were established as part of a conservation program to protect the small number of Red Kites, Wales' national bird. Today around 150 birds flock here daily to be fed.

Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons are one of three National Parks within Wales. Hike or bike its rolling hills, explore the waterfall country and gaze at the stars from one of many Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

Hay-on-Wye

As a charming little town composed of entirely bookshops and antique stores, Hay-on-Wye has rightly become known as the second-hand book capital of the world. Every year this small community holds the Hay Festival, a world-renowned festival of arts and literature.

National Library of Wales

At the National Library of Wales view current literature, fine arts and historical exhibitions. You can also take a guided tour to see some of the oldest Welsh prose texts as well as the Mabinogian, which influenced the tales of King Arthur and Merlin.

West Wales

Home of colorful seaside villages, award-winning beaches and our busy second city, Swansea. Whether you’re looking to hike some of the 870 miles of coastline or do a bit of wildlife-watching, West Wales has something for everyone.

St. David's Cathedral

Located in the smallest city in the UK, St. David’s Cathedral dates back to the 6th century and was named after the patron saint of Wales. Learn a bit about its history while you take in the cathedral's stunning medieval architecture. 

A magnificent view of the entire St Davids Cathedral during sunset.

Sunset over St. David's Cathedral

Pembrokeshire Islands

The cluster of islands located just off the Pembrokeshire coast are celebrated for their exceptional wildlife. Take a boat trip from Martin’s Haven to Skomer or Skokholm island to see their thriving puffin colonies. Or, journey from the other side of the bay near St. Davids to Ramsey Island, home to colonies of seals and nesting seabirds.

Tenby

A colorful seaside town with picture-perfect qualities, Tenby remains a major attraction for the young and old. Visit Castle Beach, awarded ‘Britain’s Best Beach’ by the Sunday Times, or take a short boat ride to Caldey Island, home to monks of the Cistercian Order.

Boats moored in a harbour on a sandy beach with a path leading up to colourful houses.
Puffin Portrait

Seaside village of Tenby; Puffin on Skomer Island; Castle Beach, Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was named by National Geographic as the second-best coastline in the world and is also Britain’s only coastal national park. With 186 miles of the famous Wales Coast Path and over 50 beaches to choose from, it’s the perfect place for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing day at the beach.

Dylan Thomas' Wales

Follow in the footsteps of famed Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. Visit his boathouse, his writing shed and the Dylan Thomas Centre, which houses an exhibition dedicated to the poet's life and works.  

North Wales

The dramatic landscapes of North Wales are alive with its legends and rich culture. Visit one of the many World Heritage sites, discover historic coastal towns, and experience the UK’s best outdoor adventures.  

The North Wales Way

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is well-known for its dramatic landscape of towering peaks and steep valleys. Hike one of six routes to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the mountain Sir Edmund Hillary used to train prior to being the first to reach the peak of Mount Everest in 1953. You may also reach the summit via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. 

King Edward's Iron Ring of Castles

Edward I's fearsome “Iron Ring” of colossal fortresses were constructed around Eryri (Snowdonia) in the 13th century. Today, they survive as some of the world's finest medieval monuments. Four - Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech - have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Caernarfon Castle courtyard
Looking across water to Conwy castle, with boats in the harbour.

Caernarfon Castle courtyard; Conwy Castle

Bodnant Garden

The National Trust’s Bodnant Garden is a ‘must-see’ place for every true garden lover. Marvel at plants from all over the world, Italianate-style terraces, formal lawns and the award-winning Bodnant Welsh Food centre all within its 100-acres.

Welsh language course

Learn one of Europe’s oldest living languages at Nant Gwrtheyrn. With a variety of Welsh language courses to choose from, no previous study is required. All you need is a fascination with the history and beauty of the Welsh language.

Portmeirion Village

Portmeirion Village was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century. With Riviera-inspired houses, ornamental gardens, and Italian bell tower, Portmeirion is unlike any other place in Wales, or the rest of the UK!

The Isle of Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey is the largest island in Wales, and is a magical hideaway waiting to be discovered. With standing stones, ancient burial mounds, the remains of a booming copper mine, a World Heritage listed castle and two grand Victorian bridges, history really comes to life here.

A large bridge crossing a river.

Menai Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the mainland.

Related stories