Wales in Style is an online guide to the treasures that make Wales a truly memorable place to visit.
Tags: Activities, Adventure, Brecon Beacons, Caernarfon, Caerphilly Castle, castle, family, Instagram, Lake Vyrnwy, landscape, Legendary, National Park, photography, Portmeirion, Smallest city, Snowdonia, St David's, Wales, Walking, Walks, Year of Legends
There are many reasons to visit Wales, the land of song, scenery and (occasionally) sunshine. But whatever the weather the Welsh landscape is a wonder to behold. Here are just seven wonders of Wales that everyone should visit.
1. Snowdonia
The rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park, in northwest Wales, brings to mind the landscape of Middle Earth from the Lord of the Rings. The focal point of the region is Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands. This dreamy photo illustrates why Snowdonia is such a beautiful place to visit both in summer and winter.
Credit: @visitwales
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRL9S3BjFkS/?taken-by=visitwales&hl=en
2. St David’s Cathedral
This majestic cathedral is located in St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. Not only is the area beautiful, it also holds a rich history. So highly regarded was the area as a holy place, even William the Conqueror visited St Davids to pray.
Credit: @sprice_94
http://www.pictaram.com/user/sprice_94/1426845613
3. Brecon Beacons
Located in South Wales, this beautiful mountain range and National Park is not only visited by people seeking out stunning views, it is also used for a range of different activities, from mountain climbing to military training.
Credit: @paterpoet
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4. Caerphilly Castle
This medieval castle is located in the town of Caerphilly in south Wales. Constructed in the 13th century it has witnessed many battles over the centuries but is still remarkably well preserved today. As well as a popular tourist attraction and wedding venue it has even been a filming location for the popular British television show Doctor Who.
Credit: @business.wales
http://www.imgrum.org/media/1300018126205528628_1960563049
5. Lake Vyrnwy
This beautiful reservoir in Powys, Mid Wales was built in the 1880s. Its stone-built dam was the first of its kind in the world. Today, tourists visit this stunning place partly because of its award-winning sculpture trail, which started in 1995. It is also popular for a range of recreational activities, including sailing, rock climbing, cycling, walking, horse riding and hiking. It also used to be the home to the tallest tree in the UK until storms took its toll. Now another tree in the same area has taken the title of being the tallest tree in Wales.
Credit: @robert_wyn
https://twitter.com/lakevyrnwyhotel
6. Caernarfon Castle
This is another medieval fortress located in Caernarfon, in Gwynedd, northwest Wales. This World Heritage Site has a rich history. Created by King Edward I, it is considered one of the most impressive castles in Wales. Sitting on the shores of the Menai Strait with views across to Anglesey, visitors to Caernarfon will never short of things to see.
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7. Portmeirion
This is a well-known tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the 1900s it is an Italian style village. Many writers and television producers have been inspired by this stunning town, and it provided the backdrop for the classic 1960s series The Prisoner.
Credit: @visitwales
https://www.instagram.com/p/1qErZTHRn2/?hl=en&taken-by=visitwales
These are just seven of Wales’ wonders, but there are many, many more to be found across the length and breadth of this beautiful country. Why not visit and discover a few for yourself?
Tags: Activities, Adventure, family fun, Hiking, Walking, Walks
Glamorgan Heritage Coastline
Less than 30 minutes from Cardiff is 14 miles of beautiful coastal path stretching from the seaside town of Porthcawl to Aberthaw. The route is home to a number of heritage sights and conservation areas, including Ogmore Castle and the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, where a thriving collection of flowers and plant life can be found.
STAY: The Great House in Bridgend
Wye Valley – Abergavenny to Little Skirrid
The Wye Valley is full of forests and castles and starting in the town of Abergavenny, this 3.4 mile route will take you across Monmouthshire’s countryside with views of the Black Mountains. Once you reach the peak of Skirrid Fawr you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of southeast Wales and central England. Make sure you visit the Skirrid Mountain Inn while you’re there – said to be Wales’ oldest inn and steeped in spooky tales of legend and myth.
STAY: Llansantfraed Court
Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons
Just 45 minutes drive from Wales’ capital sits the highest peak in the south of Great Britain, Pen-y-Fan. Although climbing it might sound like a daunting prospect, a moderate stroll up the mountain’s wide and well-paved pathway only takes around 90 minutes from The Storey Arms car park on the A470 route towards Brecon. On a clear day, the summit views over South and Mid Wales are simply breath-taking.
STAY: Gliffaes Country House Hotel
Cwm Clydach, Swansea
When you think of Swansea and the Gower, you might immediately imagine the beautiful sandy coastline, but there’s actually much to offer beyond the coast and into the surrounding unspoilt countryside. Cwm Clydach is a circular walk of nine miles in total alongside the Lower Clydach River, but visiting walkers can choose any portion of the route, all of which provides clear views of the Brecon Beacons.
STAY: Fairyhill Hotel
Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol
Take a peaceful stroll through the vines of a working vineyard just outside Cardiff. This sheltered spot is only minutes from the M4, but the surrounding woodland blocks off all the disturbances of urban life, and offers visitors a real tranquil escape. Guests at the vineyard can try a taste of the very local wine, and enjoy top quality food at the hotel’s renowned bistro.