Last month I took a sleeper train for the first time.
21.07.2023 - 07:46 / roughguides.com
Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Wales you need to include in your trip? Read on to make sure you don't miss out on these big ones, taken straight from our travel guide. Also, check out this quick video summary.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Wales , your essential guide for visiting Wales .
One of North Wales’s finest walled medieval towns, Conwy contains over two hundred listed buildings within its tight grid.
Edward the First chose a strategic knoll at the mouth of the Conwy River for the site of Conwy Castle. It was built in just five years by James of St George. Overlooked by a low hill, the castle appears less easily defensible than others along the coast. However, James constructed eight massive towers in a rectangle around two wards separated by a drawbridge and portcullis.
Climbing onto the ramparts, you can look down onto something unique among the Iron Ring fortresses, a roofless but largely intact interior. The outer ward’s 130-foot-long Great Hall and the King’s Apartments are well preserved, but the only part of the castle to have kept its roof is the Chapel Tower.
Conwy’s river and town walls meet beside the boats at Conwy Quay. It’s a popular spot on sunny days, with kids dangling crabbing lines, adults sipping beers outside the Liverpool Arms and everyone eating locally made ice cream from Parisella’s kiosk.
Find accommodation options near the Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle © Richard Hayman/Shutterstock
Hiking the dominant mountain of southern Snowdonia, Cadair Idris, a magnificent beast chock-full of classic glacial features, is one of the most exciting things to do in Wales.
In recognition of the region’s scientific importance, as well as its scenic and recreational appeal, Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 as Wales’ first national park. Covering 823 square miles of northwest Wales it runs all the way from Conwy to Aberdyfi, encompassing the Rhinogs, Cadair Idris and 23 miles of the Cambrian coast.
Jagged mountains predominate. However, the harsh lines are tempered by broadleaf lowland woods around calm glacial lakes, waterfalls tumbling from hanging valleys and complex coastal dune systems. You won’t find wilderness, however: sheep and cattle farming supports many of the people who live in the park and fourteen million people come here each year to tramp almost two thousand miles of designated paths.
Our Snowdonia National Park travel guide will help you fully experience the majestic beauty of the region.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Snowdonia
View from Cadair Idris (Penygader or Cader Idris) mountain: lake Llyn y Gader, and Irish sea at the horizon © sosn-a/Shutterstock
Spending three wonderful days of
Last month I took a sleeper train for the first time.
Green fields and hills give Ireland its “Emerald Isle” nickname. But with nearly 2,000 miles of coastline, rivers, and lakes, the island nation is also awash in blue. Rounding out all that unspoiled nature are ancient castles, historic villages, and pubs alive with traditional music. Here’s the best way to experience this colorful corner of Europe.
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
After taking annual vacations to Europe for over a decade, I followed my dream and moved abroad right after my 32nd birthday. I initially did a six-month stay in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2020.
Munich is a fantastic place to visit with kids. The ample greenery and great public transport system make the city feel relaxed and accessible, despite its size.
There are many things to do in Colombo because of its diversity, nice beaches, and its history. In the past, it was ruled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and then the British who all left their mark on the city, which now combines with the vibrant independence of the Sri Lankan people. Beaches Mount Lav
There are few tourism destinations out there that have avoided the scourge of high-rise condos, Quarter Pounders, and traffic lights. And if that destination happens to be our planet at its most beautiful? Forget about it.
Yorkshire, it has been said, is “a country in a county”. The very name brings countless images to mind – wild moors, medieval cities, vast steelworks and more. This diversity is part of the county’s appeal. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Yorkshire.
Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Scotland you need to include in your trip? Read on to make sure you don't miss out on these big ones, taken straight from our travel guide.
Wales-bound hikers invariably make a beeline for Snowdon, Britain’s highest mountain outside of Scotland. But with annual visitor numbers cresting the 600,000 mark, and the Snowdonia Society raising concerns last year about the negative effects on the peak and its paths, it could be high time to turn elsewhere for a weekend of walking.
Landscapes of wild and enigmatic beauty, imbued with a sense of myth and ancient history. Dense forests and forbidding mountains, lonely lochs and rivers at almost every turn – and craggy coastlines revealing stunning beaches to rival any in the Caribbean. An unparalleled playground for outdoorsy types, opportunities for adventures are endless. The Scottish Highlands and islands may be officially part of Britain, but they are a world apart.
Whether you fancy a fun-packed family break or a back-to-nature adventure, holidays in England's Devon deliver it all. Travellers of all ages will find rewarding things to do — from finding fossils to roaming many of the beautiful national parks. England's glorious southwest has a lot to offer, and Devon is the perfect place for an unforgettable staycation. Here is our list of the best things to do in Devon.