1. The Castles and Town Walls of Edward I (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
As it's the year of Wales and Japan, you should definitely visit Conwy Castle, which is twinned with Himeji Castle, Hyogo. But while you're at it, why not extend your trip and visit the castles of Beaumaris and Harlech, as well as the castles and town walls of Caernarfon and Conwy? Together, these sites were added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1986 for their unique contribution as “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe”. Well worth a visit.
Visit our UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales | Visit Wales
2. Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
Any fans of Netflix’s The Witcher will spot a location they recognise at Three Cliffs Bay beach. Henry Cavill was seen filming what looked like a pivotal scene (no spoilers, we promise) at the beautiful Gower beach.
The Gower Peninsula | Explore Gower beaches | Visit Wales
3. Wye Valley
Another one for Netflix fans, this time for those fans of Sex Education. The stunning setting of the series includes Tintern, home to a storied abbey, in the luscious Wye Valley.
Must do in the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk | Visit Wales
Sex Education filming locations in Wales | Visit Wales
4. Principality Stadium, Cardiff
To get a glimpse of the Welsh rugby scene, head to the Principality Stadium. Located right in the heart of Wales’ capital city, it’s best experienced on a game day, when the streets are flooded with red shirts, faces donning dragon facepaint and the notorious rumble of the Welsh national anthem accompanied by the flames of the stadium torches. It's also home to a number of other large events and concerts (Taylor Swift, anyone?). If you really want to conquer the building, you can even climb to the top, walk and zipline along the roof, and abseil back down to safety. Truly epic.
About Principality Stadium | Visit Wales
5. Pembrokeshire National Park
Pembrokeshire’s National Park’s natural beauty is reason enough to visit, but the underground music and arts festival, Westival, gives you one more reason. With just 2,000 tickets on offer, it’s a smaller festival with a truly intimate setting for performances.
Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park | Visit Wales
6. Cilgerran
If you like your festivals bach (that’s Welsh for small), head to Fforest Gather festival, also in Pembrokeshire. In its eighth year, Fforest Gather is Wales' smallest festival, with only 200 tickets per week over two weeks. While it’s called a festival, consider it a family-friendly holiday of adventures, creativity, good people, good food and good times.
A fantastic feast at fforest Gather | Visit Wales
7. Ebbw Vale
For the rockers, there’s Steelhouse Festival, tucked away in the dramatic Welsh Valleys. Frequented by metal and rock enthusiasts from around the world, it's an incredible event.
Things to do in Blaenau Gwent |Visit Wales
8. Laugharne
Laugharne is the coastal town where Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas lived, inspiring his ‘play for voices’ Under Milk Wood. The boathouse- his former writing shed- is still open to visitors today. Discover the Laugharne Weekend, filled with comedy, music and talks. Highlights of this year’s line-up include writer Caitlin Moran and Welsh electro-pop musician Ani Glass.
The Laugharne Festival | Dylan Thomas | Visit Wales
Explore Dylan Thomas' Laugharne | West Wales | Visit Wales
9. Llangollen
Llangollen sits on the River Dee in Denbighshire and plays host to the annual Llangollen International Eisteddfodd festival. The festival features a unique combination of competition and performance and has come to be a symbol of international friendship. It’s a tradition that started in 1947 and the pinnacle of every competition is the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’, which determines the best overall choir of the event.
Llangollen overnight stay | North Wales | Visit Wales
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod | Visit Wales
10. Hay-on-Wye
Former US President Bill Clinton called it ‘Woodstock for the Mind’ and previous speakers at the Hay Festival include Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry and Desmond Tutu. Look out for 2025’s line-up announcement and head to the ‘town of books’ for the annual literary festival, held in May.
Hay Festival | Literature | Events | South Wales | Visit Wales
An insider’s guide to Hay-on-Wye | Visit Wales
11. Rhyl and Prestatyn
These seaside towns in North Wales are just a hop over from Manchester and Liverpool. If you’d like access to the fun but a quieter stay, you can get to Liverpool from Rhyl in an hour by car and less than two hours by train.
Family fun in Rhyl and Prestatyn | Visit Wales
12. Eryri (Snowdonia)
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles outside of the Scottish Highlands. Climbing it is a challenge in itself, but with big rewards at the top. For experienced mountain runners looking for an extra challenge, there’s the International Snowdon Race, covering 15km with a huge 994m elevation.
Guide to walking routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) | Visit Wales
13. Caernarfon Castle
King Charles’ coronation took place in Westminster Abbey in London. But before he became King he was Prince of Wales. His investiture took place in Caernarfon Castle in North Wales in 1969 when he was 20-years-old. Prince Charles spent ten weeks in the lead up to the ceremony learning the Welsh language at University College of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Military history of Caernarfon | Visit Wales
14. Manorbier Castle, Tenby
For those wanting to sleep in a fairytale castle by the sea, Manorbier Castle near Tenby on Wales’ west coast is now offering overnight stays in self-catering properties nestled within the walls of the Norman ruin.
Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park | Visit Wales
15. Keepers Pond, Blaenavon
Outdoor- or wild- swimming has seen a huge amount of growth over the past couple of years, with mental health benefits being credited for its popularity. Wales has some spectacular spots for wild swimming. Keepers Pond in Blaenavon is just one of them, with views of rolling hills while you swim.
Blaenavon's industrial landscape | Visit Wales
16. Ynyshir, Machynlleth
A Michelin dining experience like no other, partly because it involves travelling to the north-western coast of Wales to get there. Stay overnight in a room or tipi after enjoying this immersive culinary experience at one of the UK’s best restaurants (or team it up with the Machynlleth Comedy Festival in spring). Reservations for 2025 are open now!
Henry Widdicombe’s guide to Machynlleth | Visit Wales
17. Rhossili
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Rhossili Bay in the summer to take a picture-perfect photo in the beautiful sunflower fields there - and this year will be no exception. With eight acres of sunflower fields to explore, a “pick your own field” and on-site café, it’s a perfect daytrip. The Independent called Rhossili “the supermodel of British beaches” and its silky sands are worth a walk year-round.
Things to see and do in Swansea | Visit Wales
18. Gower Peninsula
The first place in the UK to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of five in Wales, Gower Peninsula is particularly adored by walkers, birdwatchers and surfers thanks to its wonderful cliff walks and hidden beaches.
The Gower Peninsula | Explore Gower beaches | Visit Wales
19. The Coastal Way Road Trip
This 180-mile route spans the entire length of Cardigan Bay, passing beaches, harbour towns and fishing villages where you can spot a variety of sea life. Starting at St. Davids, Britain’s smallest city, and ending at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula – you’re never far from the sea!
The Coastal Way | The Wales Way | Visit Wales
20. Portmeirion
This enchanting village is a snapshot of the Italian Riviera in Wales, with striking architecture and sub-tropical gardens, it is certainly one of the most unique places to visit in Wales.
Must do in Portmeirion, Wales | Visit Wales
21. Isle of Anglesey
Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ynys Môn boasts beautiful coastline and great forests. Home to internationally renowned Halen Môn sea salt and the town with the world's longest place name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.
Independent spirit: exploring Anglesey AONB | Visit Wales
22. Zip World, North and South Wales
For the thrill seekers out there, ZipWorld’s North Wales location has the world’s fastest zipline. If you prefer being a little closer to the ground, you can bounce on trampolines or play mini-golf in disused mines and caverns.
Zip World's North Wales adventures | Visit Wales
23. Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy
Formed from an old slate mine, the Blue Lagoon gets its name from the unique aqua blue hue to the water caused by the slate. Surrounded by beaches and rock, it’s a great spot for kayaking, coasteering, and of course taking a plunge into the beautiful (but cold) water.
Family activities and breaks in Pembrokeshire | Visit Wales
24. Bogsnorkelling, Llanwrtyd Wells
Fancy a 60-metre swim in a peat bog? Of course you do. Head to the small town Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales in August for a unique test of endurance - there’s a World Title up for grabs.
Bogsnorkelling: can you beat the bog? | Visit Wales
25. Wrexham
You’ve seen the documentary, now visit the home of the world’s third oldest football club. We can’t guarantee you’ll bump into Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but the town has newly become a city. One more reason to have your own Welcome to Wrexham.
Wrexham | North East Wales | Insider Guide | Visit Wales