Top 10 Things to do in Wales
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Things to do in Wales
Welcome to Wales, the land of dragons and breath-taking landscapes! This beautiful country is known for its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning scenery. If you’re planning a trip to Wales anytime soon, then get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we take you through the top 10 things to do in this magical place. From exploring ancient bridges to watching puffins on an island sanctuary, there’s something for everyone in this list. So, pack your bags and let’s dive into the best experiences that Wales has to offer!
1. Cardiff Bay
Located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, Cardiff Bay is an iconic destination that should be on everyone’s to-do list. This bustling waterfront area offers a perfect blend of old and new architecture, with its historic buildings standing tall alongside modern structures.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade and take in the stunning views of the bay. You can even hop on a boat tour to explore the surrounding areas from a different perspective. Stop by Mermaid Quay for some shopping or indulge in delectable food at one of many renowned restaurants here.
If you’re interested in history, visit The Senedd – Welsh National Assembly building or Techniquest Science Discovery Centre with its interactive exhibits! And if you’re looking for entertainment options, then head over to Wales Millennium Centre where you can catch world-class performances.
Cardiff Bay has something for everyone – whether it’s taking leisurely walks or exploring local culture and cuisine – so don’t miss out on this must-visit attraction when traveling to Wales!
2. Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium is one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks. Situated in the heart of Cardiff, it has played host to countless memorable sporting events and concerts over the years.
Originally built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the stadium has since gone on to become a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting everything from football matches to major music festivals.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric, with crowds numbering up to 74,500 making for an unforgettable experience. The retractable roof means that events can take place come rain or shine – which in Wales is always a bonus!
What’s more, visitors can also take guided tours of the facility and learn about its fascinating history. From standing pitch side to exploring behind-the-scenes areas normally off-limits to fans, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
Whether you’re a sports fan or simply looking for something unique and exciting to do during your time in Wales, a visit to Principality Stadium should definitely be on your list!
3. Devil’s Bridge
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales is Devil’s Bridge, located in Ceredigion. The site comprises a series of striking waterfalls and a historic bridge that dates back to the 11th century.
Visitors can explore the falls by taking one of several walking trails through lush forested areas. Each trail offers its own unique view of the cascading water and surrounding natural beauty.
The name “Devil’s Bridge” comes from an old Welsh legend which tells of how the devil himself built the bridge as part of a deal with a local farmer. According to folklore, it was impossible for humans to build such an impressive structure without supernatural help.
In addition to exploring the falls and bridge, visitors can also visit a small town nearby where they will find quaint shops selling locally made crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re looking for adventure, be sure not to miss Devil’s Bridge when visiting Wales!
4. Folly Farm
Folly Farm is one of the top attractions in Wales that offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. The farm has a wide range of animals, including rare breeds and exotic species from around the world.
One of the main highlights at Folly Farm is its award-winning zoo, which features over 100 different species. Visitors can get up close to giraffes, rhinos, lions and penguins. The zoo also has indoor exhibits where you can observe meerkats and snakes.
In addition to the animals, Folly Farm also boasts an impressive playground area with giant slides, climbing frames and bouncy castles that kids will love. There are plenty of rides too such as dodgems cars and rollercoaster rides.
Aside from these attractions inside the park there are more things to enjoy outside it like walking trails leading through beautiful woodland areas or taking part in tractor tours around the farm to see how crops are grown on site while learning about sustainable farming practices.
All in all, Folly Farm is an exciting day out for families looking for fun activities that combine education with entertainment!
5. Wales Millennium Centre
The Wales Millennium Centre is an iconic landmark in Cardiff Bay that serves as a performing arts centre. The building’s exterior design is impressive, with two large metal shells representing the country’s mining and maritime heritage.
Inside the centre, visitors can catch world-class performances ranging from theatre to opera and musicals. With multiple stages available, there is always something happening at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Apart from its performance spaces, the centre also has galleries showcasing art exhibitions and installations throughout the year. Visitors can browse through these exhibits for free before or after shows.
For those interested in learning more about music production or theatrical performances behind-the-scenes, tours of the facility are available on select days. These tours provide an inside look into how productions come to life on stage.
Visiting the Wales Millennium Centre should be on every traveller’s top ten things to experience in Wales list!
6. Roath Park
Roath Park is a stunning public park located in Cardiff, Wales. It covers an area of 130 acres and offers visitors various recreational activities. The park was inaugurated in 1894 with the aim to provide a green space for the residents of Cardiff.
One of the most significant features of Roath Park is its stunning lake, which is home to numerous species of waterfowl and fishes. Visitors can hire rowing boats or pedalos from the boating station and explore the serene lake on their own pace.
The park also includes several gardens such as rose garden, herbaceous border, and dahlia walk that are well-maintained throughout the year. Moreover, there’s an impressive glasshouse within the premises known as ‘Tropical House,’ showcasing exotic plants from around the world.
For fitness enthusiasts, Roath Park has a running track that winds around its circumference. Additionally, there are tennis courts available for hire for anyone looking to indulge in some sports activity.
Roath Park is perfect for those seeking peaceful surroundings amidst nature while enjoying several outdoor activities at once!
7. South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction when exploring Wales. Located on the western edge of Holy Island, this stunning lighthouse has been guiding ships for over 200 years. The lighthouse stands tall at 91 feet and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
To reach South Stack Lighthouse, visitors need to travel down a steep set of stairs that leads to a suspension bridge which overlooks the cliffs below. It’s an exhilarating experience as you cross the bridge with strong winds blowing around you. Once across, visitors can take in breath-taking views of Ireland and Snowdonia.
The lighthouse itself dates back to 1809 and was built by Trinity House to aid navigation through Anglesey’s treacherous seas. Today it serves as one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Aside from its historical significance, South Stack Lighthouse is also home to many species of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes. Visitors often spot these birds nesting on nearby cliffs or flying around the lighthouse.
Visiting South Stack Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your trip to Wales!
8. Skomer Island
Located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Skomer Island is a nature reserve and wildlife haven that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its stunning coastline, unspoiled beaches, and diverse fauna and flora, Skomer Island offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions of this island is its puffin population. During the breeding season (from April to July), thousands of these colourful birds flock to the island’s cliffs to mate and raise their young. Visitors can get up close with these adorable seabirds for some great photo opportunities.
Aside from puffins, Skomer Island is also home to other bird species like guillemots, razorbills, gulls and fulmars. Seals can also be spotted lounging on rocks along the shoreline. In addition to wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can explore different parts of the island via walking trails that take you through heathland covered in wildflowers.
Skomer Island has limited visitor access so it’s best to plan ahead if you want to visit during peak season or weekends. It’s definitely worth making arrangements as experiencing this unique natural environment first-hand will surely stay with you forever!
9. Great Orme
Great Orme is a prominent headland located in Llandudno, North Wales. This limestone landform has an impressive height of 207 meters above sea level, providing the visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park.
There are various ways to explore this natural wonder; one option is taking a tram ride that goes all the way up to the summit. The exciting experience allows you to witness wildlife, including mountain goats and rabbits along with breath-taking views all around.
At Great Orme’s peak lies a Bronze Age mine where tourists can learn about ancient mining techniques and take part in gold panning activities. Also, there are hiking trails for those who prefer exploring at their own pace.
Moreover, Great Orme offers exciting outdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing and abseiling. These thrilling experiences allow you to test your limits while enjoying magnificent views from atop.
In addition to its natural beauty, Great Orme also features Victorian-era gardens with beautiful flora species from across the world which makes it perfect for nature lovers.
Great Orme provides visitors with an unforgettable experience by showcasing its sheer natural beauty combined with adventurous activities that cater for everyone’s interests.
10. Techniquest
Techniquest is a science discovery centre located in Cardiff Bay, Wales. It offers interactive exhibits and activities that teach visitors about science in an entertaining and educational way.
The centre houses a number of permanent exhibits which are designed to spark curiosity and encourage experimentation. Visitors can explore topics from space to robotics and engineering. There are also interactive shows, demonstrations and workshops available throughout the day.
In addition to its educational exhibits, Techniquest also has an impressive planetarium which takes visitors on a virtual tour of the night sky. For those seeking more thrills, there’s a state-of-the-art 4D cinema which simulates various real-world experiences such as roller coaster rides!
Techniquest is an ideal destination for families looking for fun activities that combine education with entertainment. With something for all ages, it’s worth adding this unique attraction to your list when visiting Wales!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly attraction that combines fun with education, then Techniquest in Cardiff is worth checking out. This science discovery centre has over 120 hands-on exhibits, covering topics like light and sound waves, electricity and magnetism, human biology and more.
So there you have it – our top 10 things to do in Wales! Whether you’re visiting from overseas or are a local looking for some inspiration on how to spend your weekends or holidays, we hope this list has given you some ideas. There really is so much beauty and adventure waiting to be discovered in Wales – what are you waiting for?