Unique experiences to do on different days out in Wales

Whether you’re a history buff, an adrenaline junkie or seeking a one-of-a-kind relaxation experience, get inspired and add some of these extraordinary activities to your bucket list.

Take a dip in the unique wild seaweed baths at Halen Môn in Anglesey. The upcycled whiskey barrel are filled with warm, mineral-rich seaweed-infused water and offer a different approach to relaxation compared to a traditional spa. The pure water, a by-product of Halen Môn’s sea salt harvesting process, enhances the detoxifying effects, while the panoramic views across the Menai Strait provide an unparalleled backdrop.

The beaches of Wales have become even more enjoyable all-year-round as a result of the introduction of beach saunas at coastal locations across the country. From Tŷ Sauna on the beautiful Oxwich bay beach, Sawna Bach at Porth Tyn Tywyn, Anglesey,  Wildwater Sauna at Nolton Haven, Logi Saunas, Pembrokeshire and Willow Springs in the Afan Valley, beach saunas can be enjoyed north and south for you to warm up swiftly following a plunge in the cool sea.

Wales is one of the top destinations in the world for stargazing. We have three protected International Dark Sky Places, including the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Eryri National Park and Elan Valley Estate, and Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) was the first site in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification. Wales has the highest percentage of land under Dark Skies protection globally, making Wales one of the best destinations in the world to enjoy clear, unpolluted views of thousands of stars, comets and galaxies. Discover the best stargazing experiences Wales has to offer.

RibRide’s FoilRide experience was the UK’s first e-foil school, and offers opportunities to learn the unique skill of eFoiling. Glide above the waters of the Menai Strait on an electric surfboard powered by a hydrofoil wing. This near-silent, eco-friendly adventure allows you to fly over the water, offering an exhilarating and unique way to enjoy the scenic beauty of North Wales.

Blink and you’ll miss the smallest house in Great Britain, Quay House, situated on the beautiful town of Conwy’s quayside. This tiny, red-painted house, measuring only 72 inches across, was once a full-time home and is now a tourist attraction visited by holidaymakers from all over the world.

Wondering the cobbled streets and admiring the brightly coloured buildings of Portmeirion, you'd be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Italian Riviera as opposed to a village north Wales. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’s Italianate style architectural marvel includes picturesque hotels, cottages, award-wining restaurants and shops, all set within stunning sub-tropical gardens. There really isn’t anywhere like it – and it’s no wonder this remarkable location has been the backdrop to many TV and film productions.

Wales’s 870-mile coast path is unique in itself. Add to that the many treasures hidden along the trail, such as St Govan’s Chapel, a small medieval chapel built into the cliffs on the Pembrokeshire coast. The chapel is accessible by a steep flight of stone steps, and offers magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Only in Wales – and more specifically in Barry – can fans of the popular TV series 'Gavin and Stacey' truly embrace their love of the legendary series by taking the official Gavin and Stacey tour of the seaside town where most of the show was filmed. Hop on to the original Dave's Coaches bus and visit some of the iconic locations from the show, such as Gwen's house, the arcade, the church, and the caravan where Nessa and Dave lived.

Along the north-east coast in Penarlâg (Hawarden) is the impressive Gladstone’s Library – the only residential library in the UK. Founded by prominent statesman and former Prime Minister William Gladstone, the library houses his personal collection of over 250,000 books, as well as manuscripts, letters, and artefacts related to his life and work. And what’s more, you can even spend the night in one of the 26 comfortable rooms. Not many people can claim to have slept in such influential and inspiring surroundings.

Are you desperate for a deep, uninterrupted night’s sleep? Your dreams could come true at Deep Sleep, the deepest underground accommodation in the world! Situated a staggering 1,375 feet deep below the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) at the bottom of an abandoned Victorian slate mine are cosy cabins and a romantic grotto. Truly an experience like no other.

Only in Wales can you enjoy majestic views from the peak of our highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) without needing to exert yourself in a gruelling physical challenge first. Copa’r Wyddfa (the summit of Snowdon) can be reached from the village of Llanberis by train. Hop aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a journey like no other..

Not far from the magnificent Menai Bridge and on the banks of the Menai Strait on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) lies a small village with the very long name. Home to the longest place name in Europe, and the second longest one-word place name in the world, Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch is another reason to put Wales on the international map! A selfie next to the sign above the shop in the centre of the village – or the railway station – is a must. Make sure you’re standing at a suitable distance to fit all 58 letters in. Don’t forget to visit the shop to get your passport stamped!

One of Wales’s most renowned poets, Dylan Thomas, was far from ordinary – and a visit to his former home, the Boathouse, and writing shed in Laugharne on the banks of Taf estuary is a truly extraordinary experience. The pretty, Carmarthenshire town is said to be the setting of some of his most famous works, such as Under Milk Wood and Poem in October, and original manuscripts and memorabilia are on display at his former home and writing shed. For a fully immersive experience take a stroll along the Dylan Thomas Walk, taking in Laugharne Castle, the Boathouse, his writing shed and his final resting place at St Martin’s Church.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is home to the largest single-span glasshouse in the world, and houses a collection of over 8,000 plant species from six different continents, including rare and endangered plants. The botanic garden is a place of education and conservation, where you can discover the diversity and beauty of plants and their importance for human well-being.

If you visit some parts of Wales over Christmas and New Year you may encounter Y Fari Lwyd (‘the grey mare’), a horse’s skull with glass bottle eyes and decorated with ribbons, bells and a long white cloak. A well-known and unique Welsh tradition dating back to the 19th century, the Mari is taken around villages by groups between Christmas day and the twelfth night. When the group arrives at a house they sing Welsh songs to gain entry, or participate in an improvised rhyme and verse contest with the inhabitants. So keep your eyes peeled for an unique encounter with the eerie Mari over the darkest winter days!