Porthmadog View Cottage

In this region of Wales, you’ll find its first national park: the Snowdonia National Park. 823 square miles of towering mountains and shimmering lakes, it can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast! Snowdon itself is an icon of Wales, alongside 13 other majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high, ideal for climbing and hiking! But if you’re not as fit as you used to be, worry not – the chilly peak of Snowdon is even accessible by train, so you can enjoy the breath-taking views whatever your level!

The town of Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon, offers all sorts of quaint shops and eateries like the Llanberis Art & Craft and Coffee Pot and fascinating attractions. There are water sports, climbing and cycling activities, as well as Llanberis Lake Railway, the National Slate Museum and the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, one of the largest Hydro-Electric power stations inside a mountain!

Wales is a small, mountainous peninsula to the west of England with just over 3 million people (less than a third of London!), yet more than 400 castles and three expansive national parks! With over 15 million visitors a year, there’s got to be something special that brings visitors back time after time!

Could it be the breath-taking scenery? The dazzling gardens? The easy-going and welcoming folk? Or even the heritage railways that never cease to pique one’s interest?

Our personal favourites are the three national parks: the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Snowdonia National Park and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Whether you’re into hill-walking, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, kayaking or climbing, or the rather more adventurous surfing, hang-gliding or even a go on the only four-person zip line in Europe, you’ll find your perfect spot amid the extraordinary natural landscapes of Wales’ most treasured parks.

With water to the north, south and east, Wales has rather more than its fair share of dramatic coastline, making for not only incredible scenery but also a superb beach holiday destination! The Pembrokeshire Peninsula which looks out over the Irish Sea promises rugged and steep limestone cliffs best enjoyed from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. Along the way, you will find enchanting villages, picturesque resort areas, idyllic fishing harbours, winding estuaries, and incredible, wide-open beaches

The Wales Coast Path traces the country's entire length, taking in perfect sandcastle-beaches and striking mountain passes weaving through the wilderness. The immense geological diversity can be enjoyed along with the extensive network of paths, while for some jaw-dropping architectural beauty, Caernarfon Castle and Caerphilly Castle are just two of the many sublime castles. While the utterly cosmopolitan Cardiff is brimming with splendid castles, arcades, and historical buildings, making it the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country!

Only two hours from London, getting into Wales is easy! Cardiff Airport, or one of the London airports when visiting South Wales. Other cities served by international airports in England which offer reasonable access to parts of Wales include Bristol (for south Wales), Birmingham (for mid-Wales), Liverpool and Manchester (for north Wales). Along the coastlines the roads are excellent, and there is an extensive train service throughout the country.

Read more about Snowdonia

While the image of lush valleys and a laid-back lifestyle are right at the heart of a holiday in Wales, don’t think stunning landscapes and a bit of relaxation are the only thing on offer in this beautiful country. Don’t believe us?

Check out our Wales travel guide – it’s full of handy hints, travel ideas and great stuff for families and groups of friends to do.

Download our Wales Travel Guide >>