Reasons to visit Wales

There are so many outdoor things to do right across Wales it is quite hard to contain our reasons to visit Wales into a manageable list!

Wales has often been described to me, by people that have visited, as a hidden gem. It is not always given the credibility it deserves but once discovered people return again and again.

We go to Wales every single summer and every time we drive there I am blown away by the beauty of the hills and the valleys we encounter along the way.  Just absolutely stunning. We all breathe easier in Wales. We have stayed by the coast in Llandudno and we have camped under the stars in Ruthin. This year we are pondering taking a cottage because Wales truly has so much to offer and we know there are endless places to explore.

Let me share with you our Welsh wishlist and our reasons to visit Wales Summer 2019

So here are a few of my highlights, some events, some places to visit and some activities to try.

Visit Portmeirion

On the north-west coast of Wales, you will find the magical looking village of Portmeirion. It was built to replicate Itlay and it is colourful and exotic looking and so quirky. Famed for its beautiful pottery and designs it is definitely worth a visit and for photographers, it is an absolute treat. Portmeirion Village is open daily and has two hotels,  historic cottages, sandy beaches, gorgeous garden stylish shops, award-winning restaurants, and an Italian ice cream parlour.

Cardiff castle

Cardiff castle has a 2000-year-old history and you can visit the ruins and the restored house and learn all about it. The Castle is located right in the centre of Cardiff and is surrounded by a beautiful parkland perfect for a picnic.

Coed y Brenin Forest Park

Situated in Gwynedd in North Wales Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a beautiful wooded valley filled with waterfalls and gorgeous trails to explore. You can hire bikes here and there are trails of various distances.  There is a lovely little tea room too for when you need to rest your legs!

Caswell Bay

There are 44 Blue Flag beaches in Wales – isn’t that amazing? It is of course hugely attractive to surfers and you can have a look here at some of the top surf spots in Wales.

Caswell Bay, close to Swansea on the Gower peninsula is popular with beginner surfers and families as it has shallow waves and a beautiful sandy beach. It also has a little surf shop where you can hire everything that you need too. Perfect.

Green Man Festival

Oh, how we fancy going to this festival! The Green Man Festival takes place in the Brecon Beacons and runs between the 15th – 18th August 2019. It the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales and as well as music there is drama, literature, poetry, science, art, comedy and dance with absolutely loads on for kids too.  It sounds just amazing and great fun for the whole family too.

Snowdonia

Even if climbing Mount Snowdon is a step (or thousands of steps ) too far then Snowdonia national park is still well worth visiting. It has beautiful wildlife, tumbling rivers, soaring mountains and lush valleys. A lovely place to hike or drive through and explore and an absolute must for bird lovers as rare birds abound in these parts.

National Eisteddfod

The 2019 Eisteddfod will be held in Llanrwst, Conwy County. It is a festival of Wales and a celebration of its language and culture. It takes place over 8 days at the start of August and it has stalls and shops, food, music, arts and crafts, design and architecture.

Kayak with  the Dolphins in Pembrokeshire National Park

For animal lovers, this would just be the BEST of adventures. You can take a kayak out onto the bay and spot the seals, dolphins and puffins that live on and around Skomer Island. How amazing would that be! Definitely a unique and heartwarming experience.

So, so much more…..

On top of these fabulous places to visit and things to do there are many a seaside and fishing village to explore. There is the centre of alternative technology to visit, castles galore and rolling hills and valleys and waterfalls aplenty. There are wonderful football and rugby matches to watch. You can go on Dr Who walking tours, sightseeing bus rides and visit some amazing churches,

It truly is a place of contrast and history, poetry and art. It has beautiful national parks and amazing coastal paths. Wales has it all and has absolutely something for everyone.

Wales Cottage Holidays

When it comes to finding a great place to stay in Wales then I suggest you do take a look at Wales Cottage Holidays. They are a real find and I think you will love what they have to offer you.