There are so many amazing places to visit in Wales, it can be hard to know where to start. As a Welsh local, I’ve picked some of the best places to visit in Wales to help you!
I’m going to share with you popular destinations like Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. I’ll also share some lesser-known places, such as the abandoned village of Cwmorthin.
With so many great places to visit and loads of awesome things to do in Wales, you will have a fab trip!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
23 Best Places to Visit in Wales
Portmeirion
This postcard-perfect town brings a hint of the Mediterranean to Wales’ coast.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Portmeirion Hotels on Booking
Portmeirion is a private village with Italianate architecture in north Wales. Built on the banks of the Dwyryd Estuary, Portmeirion is surrounded by spectacular scenery.
There is something for everyone at Portmeirion, from having a game of giant chess in the Central Piazza to having a spa day.
You can either buy a day ticket to visit or have a luxurious stay in one of Portmeirion’s accommodation options. Portmeirion is walkable from the nearby town of Porthmadog or accessible by car or taxi.
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Explore dramatic landscapes and enchanting villages in the country’s largest national park.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Eryri Hotels on Expedia
Wales’ largest national park is home to incredible mountains, lakes, villages and coastline. With a total of 823 square miles to explore, Eryri will please thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.
Many visitors head to Wales’ highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), but there is so much more to see! Seasoned hikers could head up a lesser-known peak such as Y Garn.
I recommend visiting Betws-y-Coed, a charming village near great hikes and beautiful waterfalls.
Cardiff (Caerdydd)
The capital city of Wales has something for everyone from a spectacular castle to sporting events!
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Cardiff Hotels on Booking
Cardiffis the capital city of Wales. For a relatively small city, there are lots of amazing things to do in Cardiff.
You can’t miss the spectacular Cardiff Castle which is in the heart of the city! Other iconic attractions include the Millennium Centre and the Principality Stadium.
A visit to Cardiff isn’t complete without sampling some of the great food on offer in Cardiff restaurants. I especially recommend the Welsh House to try out some regional specialties.
As a major transport hub, Cardiff is easy to travel to and from with public transport.
Barry Island
Check out one of the most loved seaside destinations in South Wales.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Barry Hotels on Booking
Barry Island is a quintessential seaside destination in South Wales. It is fun for all the family at Barry Island Pleasure Park, where there are rides and arcades.
Barry Island has a long sandy beach and scenic coastal scenery. The flat promenade and beach wheelchairs to hire make it accessible for all. Barry Island is a short distance from Cardiff by public transport.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Look across the hills and up to the stars in this stunning national park.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in the Brecon Beacons on Booking
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park covers a 520-square-mile area. There are three mountain ranges as well as lakes, waterfalls, forests, and canals to visit. Bannau Brycheiniog is a paradise for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, horse riding, climbing and even paragliding!
You can easily visit the area for a less-active day too. Head to the picturesque town of Abergavenny to enjoy mountain views from a town, or go to a special stargazing spot at night!
Swansea (Abertawe)
Wales’ second largest city is a fun and scenic place to visit near some of Wales’ best beaches.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Swansea Hotels on Booking
Swansea is a vibrant coastal city with lots of great things to do for people of all ages and interests.
You can muse artifacts in the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea Marina or shop in the city centre. Visit the Dylan Thomas Theatre, dedicated to the legendary Welsh poet, for some culture. Swansea also has a buzzing nightlife scene and many eateries and bars.
Swansea is well-connected by public transport to other destinations in South Wales. Swansea is near some of the best beaches in Wales in the Gower Peninsula.
The Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd
These four spectacular castles in north Wales are some of the best in the country.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels in Gwynedd on Booking
The Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd are four castles in north Wales that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are some of the best castles in Wales. Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle, Beaumaris Castle and Caernarfon Castle are all spectacular. Each castle is in a stunning location!
Built by English King Edward I to suppress Welsh resistance, these castles tell important stories of Wales’ history.
I recommend a visit to at least one of these castles!
Zip World
Thrill seekers, get your adrenaline rush at one of Zip World’s unique adventures.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Zip World on Booking
Do you fancy flying on the world’s fastest zip wire? Velocity is an adventure at the Zip World Penrhyn Quarry Summit Site where thrill-seekers can soar up to 125 mph!
Alternatively, head underground at Zip World Llechwedd to go trampolining in an old mine or play underground golf!
Zip World has four unique outdoor adventure parks in Wales with a range of activities for people of all ages. Book in advance and double-check height and weight restrictions.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
Feast your eyes on this small town with the longest place name in Britain!
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is a small village with the longest place name in Britain and one of the longest in the world! Llanfair PG (as it’s known for short), is on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.
For most tourists, the highlight of the village is the train station and its long name sign!
Check out Llanfairpwllgwyngych’s website for tips on saying the name.
Aberystwyth
Visit this vibrant town in Mid Wales for sea air, culture, nightlife, and more!
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Aberystwyth Hotels on Booking
Aberystwyth is a coastal town in Mid Wales with many cool attractions. You can head up the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill for cracking coastal views and a visit to the famous Camera Obscura.
Aberystwyth is also home to the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Castle, a bustling town centre, and the Royal Pier.
Whether you want to party on the pier, relax on the beach, hit the shops, or soak up culture, Aberystwyth will tick your boxes.
Cwmorthin
Venture to this abandoned village hidden in the Welsh hills.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Cwmorthin on Booking
Cwmorthin is an abandoned village and former slate quarry with a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere. You’ll find dilapidated buildings, a beautiful lake and more slate than you’ve ever seen.
Whilst no one lives in the village anymore, apparently many ghosts still call it home!
Take care if visiting Cwmorthin and always stick to the main paths.
Tintern Abbey and The Wye Valley
Explore the iconic 12th-century Gothic Abbey and surrounding nature.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tintern Hotels on Booking
Tintern Abbey is an awe-inspiring place to visit in South Wales. The sight of the abbey’s beautiful Gothic architecture in the Wye Valley is pretty magical.
Tintern Abbey is on the bank of the River Wye in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For a spectacular view, hike up to the popular viewpoint, Devil’s Pulpit.
Nature lovers should take time to explore more of the Wye Valley.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Be greeted by breathtaking coastal scenery and gorgeous towns.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near the Pembrokeshire Coast on Booking
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of my favourite places to visit in Wales! I love walking along the dramatic coastline. Some of Wales’ best beaches are in Pembrokeshire, like Newgale Beach.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park also encompasses St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, and Tenby, one of Wales’ most loved towns. There’s plenty to see and do in the UK’s only truly coastal national park. You can go on boat trips, visit archaeological ruins, surf, or sunbath.
Great Orme
Catch a tram up this headland for spectacular views and several attractions.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Great Orme on Booking
Great Orme is a headland in North Wales by the popular seaside resort town of Llandudno. You can catch a tram or cable car up Great Orme, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views. A visit on a sunny day is preferable!
There are several family-friendly things to do and see on Great Orme. You can explore a prehistoric copper mine at Great Orme Mines and check out an Iron Age fort.
For nature lovers, Great Orme has lots of interesting geology, flora, and fauna.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
Travel by boat on one of the highest navigable aqueducts in the world.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Booking
Deep in the Dee Valley in north Wales stands the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The incredible engineering from over 200 years ago still carries boats along the canal, 38.4 metres above the river below.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a designated World Heritage Site. The 11-mile site has canals, aqueducts, tunnels, and viaducts in beautiful countryside.
You can go on a boat tour along the canal to see the scenery and cross Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. If you’re afraid of heights, stick to walking on ground level!
Discover industrial history and heritage in this unassuming town.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Blaenavon Hotels on Booking
The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is unique to South Wales and is a designated World Heritage Site.
To immerse yourself in this fascinating industrial history, you can visit many attractions. My favourite is Big Pit National Coal Museum, where you can take an underground tour. I also love the authentically furnished worker’s cottages at Blaenavon Ironworks.
There’s a lot to discover in and around Blaenavon. A visit to Blaenavon suits families, friends, and solo travelers alike.
Hay-on-Wye
The town of books is a charming place to visit and is the perfect literary getaway.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hay-on-Wye Hotels on Booking
Hay-on-Wye is a small town on the border of Wales and England. Hay-on-Wye is famous for its bookshops and annual literary festival Hay Festival. There are over 25 bookshops to peruse, including the legendary Richard Booth’s Bookshop.
Hay-on-Wye has a lovely selection of independent cafes, such as The Electric Coffee Shop. As well as being a leisurely place to visit, Hay-on-Wye is surrounded by beautiful countryside to explore.
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
A perfect family day out in Mid Wales with caves, alpacas, and dinosaurs!
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near the National Showcaves on Booking
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of the best places to visit for families, suitable in all weathers. There are three spectacular caves to explore including Dan yr Ogof, a 17-kilometre-long cave network.
You can see many more attractions here too. Take a look around the dinosaur park, meet some farm animals on Mr Morgan’s Victorian farm, and try your luck panning for gold.
You can also stay the night or take a ghost tour in the nearby Craig y Nos Castle. Make sure you book online and check travel arrangements in advance.
Ramsey Island
Pack your binoculars for a trip around this paradise for wildlife.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Ramsey Island on Booking
Ramsey Island is a Nature Reserve in Pembrokeshire with lots of wildlife. Ramsey Island is home to endangered species of birds like the Chough, and grey seals.
Keen birdwatchers and wildlife spotters will be in their element on and around Ramsey Island. There is also spectacular coastal scenery with some of the highest sea cliffs in Wales.
The best way to visit Ramsey Island is on a guided boat tour from the city of St David’s. Visits can only take place in certain seasons and weather conditions.
Machynlleth
A quirky town in Mid Wales with lots to see and do.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Machynlleth Hotels on Booking
Machynlleth is a cool market town in Mid Wales. You can check out contemporary art in MOMA Machynlleth and learn about Welsh history in Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament House. Head to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology for some eco-inspiration!
Machynlleth is in the stunning Dyfi Valley and near gorgeous countryside. Walk up an appetite then dine in the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir.
Caerleon
Step back in time in one of the furthest outposts of the Roman Empire.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Caerleon on Booking
Caerleon is on the River Usk in South Wales and was an important outpost of the Roman Empire.
History buffs and families will enjoy exploring the Roman museums, artifacts, and remains in Caerleon. Highlights are the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain and the National Roman Legion Museum.
There are regular family-friendly events throughout the year, especially during school holidays.
Traeth Porthor
Listen up, the sand on this rugged beach makes a unique whistling sound.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Traeth Porthor on Booking
Traeth Porthor, commonly known as Whistling Sands, is one of the most spectacular beaches on The Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales.
The rugged beach is a great place for watersports, such as surfing. Kids (and grown-ups alike!) will enjoy exploring the rockpools. The most unique thing about Porthor is the whistling sound the sand makes.
Why not visit some of the other beautiful beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula too while you’re here?
Penderyn Distillery
Take a tour around the home of award-winning Welsh whiskey.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Hotels near Penderyn Distillery on Booking
Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single-malt whiskies and spirits across three distilleries in Wales. The original distillery is in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Go on an hour-long tour to learn about how Penderyn whiskey is made, and what makes it so unique. You even get to taste some at the Tasting Bar!
Penderyn also runs informative and engaging masterclasses and special events.
A visit to Penderyn Distillery is great for friends, couples, or solo travelers looking for something unique.
FAQs About Places to Go in Wales
Where is the prettiest place to visit in Wales?
Portmeirion is the prettiest place to visit in Wales. Portmeirion is an Italianate private village in north Wales with beautiful architecture. Portmeirion is surrounded by stunning landscapes.
What is the most visited town in Wales?
Tenby is one of the most visited towns in Wales. Tenby is a popular coastal town in Pembrokeshire with lush beaches, colourful houses and many leisure activities.
Where can I go in a day in Wales?
You can visit many places in Wales in a day. Wales is a small country and it is easy to travel around, especially by car.
***
I hope you feel inspired after reading about the best places to visit in Wales! If you’re wondering when to visit, check out my article on the best time to visit Wales.
