Activity ideas to enjoy in Wales' great outdoors

Wales is a dream destination for cyclists. With miles of scenic road routes, glorious gravel tracks and thrilling mountain bike trails, where you can immerse yourself in nature with every turn of the pedals.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Wales boasts some of the UK’s top bike parks and trail centres. You'll find Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales, Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre at Afan Forest Park in the Neath Valley, West Wales, Dirt Farm Wales in Abergavenny on the border between Mid and South Wales, and BikePark Wales in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. Each has purpose-built tracks for all skill levels, set against dramatic backdrops of forest, slate, and mountain.

Wales hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that celebrate music, culture, and the great outdoors. In early August, Between the Trees, set in the ancient woodland of Merthyr Mawr, blends live music with nature, science, and storytelling - offering a truly immersive experience in a coastal forest setting.

Other festival highlights in the summer months include the eclectic Green Man Festival in the Bannau Brycheiniog, the joyous family-friendly Fforest Gather festival in Cardigan, and the original off-grid Green Gathering festival in Chepstow. Plus the standout event, the The National Eisteddfod of Wales, a celebration of Welsh language, music, and arts, taking place in 2026 in Pembrokeshire.

Festivals are a great way to enjoy the landscape, connect with local culture, and make the most of the outdoors. For more inspiration, explore the full range of music and culture festivals in Wales.

With our wide, shallow beaches and shimmering lakes, Wales is a great place to get on a board. Stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is one of the fastest growing watersports - probably because it's far easier to get to grips with than surfing! Discover these standout places to stand up paddleboard in Wales.

If surfing is more your thing, there are lots of places to learn to surf in Wales. Pembrokeshire, Gower and the Llŷn Peninsula offer wide beaches, with easy regular surf. You can book lessons year-round at numerous certified surf schools. 

If standing up to paddle seems like hard work, then feel free to sit down! Whether it's a family canoe on a mountain lake, a pulse-racing descent on a whitewater raft or a wild kayak across a pristine estuary, there's plenty to keep you busy. 

Discover the top spots for canoeing and kayaking in Wales.

Of course you don't need to be on a board to enjoy some watery adventures. Hiking through ancient valleys is given an extra twist if you're kitted out to get wet! Gorge walking (or canyoning) involves scrambling, abseiling and swimming your way deep into unexplored terrain. You'll see parts of Wales few get to see: Eryri (Snowdonia) is a great place to try gorge walking.

Wales is the spiritual home of coasteering - which is the seaborne equivalent of gorge walking. Pull on a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet, gloves and boots and your guide will show you how to jump, scramble and swim around the coastline.

It is essential that you do these activities with a qualified guide.

People all over the country are discovering the invigorating delights of open water swimming. Sure it can be chilly, but that's the appeal - that jolt of cold is just the tonic for getting your endorphins rushing and your pulse pumping. Discover locations to go open water and wild swimming in Wales.

Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool. Unseen currents, cold water and waves make it much more challenging. Join a local club or learn from experts before taking the plunge - we always recommend using a guide or swimming with a club in open water. Read more top tips on how to swim safely.

Fancy a stroll? The Wales Coast Path stretches 870 miles along the entire coastline of Wales. Whether tackled in one epic journey or enjoyed in shorter, scenic sections, it provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and take in the ever-changing coastal views along the way.

We have more than 20,000 miles of public footpaths to explore and our three National Parks; Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), and the Pembrokeshire Coast, are packed with stunning routes for all abilities.

Wales is also home to two other National Trails: Offa’s Dyke Path, tracing the historic border with England, and Glyndŵr’s Way, which winds through the peaceful Mid Wales countryside. Together, they offer unforgettable ways to experience the beauty and diversity of Wales on foot.

Read more about walking in Wales.

With peaceful rivers like the Teifi in Carmarthenshire and the Tywi in West Wales, carp-rich lakes, and pike-filled reservoirs, fishing in Wales is a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel the hwyl that comes from being immersed in the great outdoors. You don't need to be an experienced angler - just bring your sense of adventure and enjoy the calm, scenic surroundings.

And don't forgoet those 750 miles of coastline with lots of spots to fish from the shore. During the summer months, small boat trips and charters are available for brilliant days out for all the family too.

Self catering accommodation options allow you to schedule your holiday day your way. Stock up on tasty local produce like crumbly cheeses, tasty lamb, fresh fruit and fragrant honey and after enjoying time outdoors in the fresh air together you can cwtsh up for a quiet night in.

Choose from a holiday cottage, a campsite or a caravan park, there's are so many options.
Search for accommodation providers.

In summer months there are campsites in every corner of Wales, offering peace and tranquillity with miles of countryside or coastline outside your tent flap. If you're planning on camping in Wales, make sure you book a site in advance to avoid disappointment. 

With your own log burner inside a funky cabin or sturdy yurt, a bit of wind and rain won't bother you. There all kinds of cool glamping and camping options in Wales and many stay open year round. Fans of sustainable holidays particularly love them as lots are eco-friendly and off-grid. We've rounded up some of the most stunning glamping spots in Wales.

If you're the proud owner of a campervan or caravan, then Wales is a great place for a getaway. With mystical mountains, rolling hills and crashing breakers as standard when it comes to scenery, the view from the windows won't be too shabby either. Unsurprisingly, Wales is very popular for motorhome and caravan holidays, so please book in advance and don't park anywhere other than an officially designated site.

When it comes to self catering cottages and apartments, you're spoilt for choice in Wales. There are plenty of cosy cottages where you can curl up in front of a log fire after a day stomping across the Welsh countryside.

If you prefer to let someone else do the cooking, there are boutique boltholes, world class international hotels and cosy B&Bs to welcome you. Search for accommodation for your next holiday.

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.

• Follow these tips from the RNLI for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
• Visit AdventureSmart.uk for further information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.