Must-visit attractions
If you're after landscapes that feel straight out of a fantasy epic, Wales serves up drama by the mountainful. The rugged Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is home to some of Britain's tallest peaks, while the brooding Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) boasts rolling hills, hidden waterfalls, and some of the country's best stargazing. There's more than just nature, too. The majestic Conwy Castle and its medieval walls that overlook the river are a sight to behold.
Diverse culture
The beguiling contrast of Wales' ancient traditions and modern multiculturalism will surprise you at every turn. The annual Eisteddfod festival showcases Welsh music, with everything from traditional harp music to local rock bands, while the melodic Welsh language—one of Europe's oldest—is proudly spoken throughout the country. It's not just Welsh either. These days, you'll hear nearly 100 languages spoken in Cardiff.
Food and drink
Discover why Welsh cuisine is having quite the moment. In Cardiff, talented chefs are transforming local ingredients into Michelin-starred masterpieces, while down on the Gower Peninsula, farm-to-table restaurants overlooking the sea give you a taste of Welsh classics such as salt-marsh lamb and the seaweed-based laverbread. Between marveulous meals, be sure to visit a traditional Welsh tea room for traditional bara brith fruit bread.
Where to stay
Wales' postcard-perfect towns overflow with distinct places to stay. Cardiff Bay's converted Victorian docks are now home to trendy arts venues, waterfront restaurants, and stylish boutique hotels. More coastal charm awaits around Tenby's harbor, where fishing boats rest on the golden-sand beach during low tide. Up north, Llandudno's seafront is pure Victorian splendor with seaside vibes.
Lesser-known gems
Tucked away on Wales' northern coast, Portmeirion village feels like you're on the Italian Riviera—but with a distinctly Welsh twist. This architectural fantasy, with its candy-colored buildings and ornate Baroque towers, is at its most enchanting at sunset. Down south, the Pembrokeshire Coast is riddled with hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and atmospheric coastal trails. A scenic walk through woodland and sand dunes leads you to Barafundle Bay, one of Britain's most pristine beaches.
Getting there and around
Despite its remote appeal, Wales is surprisingly well-connected. Cardiff is just two hours by train from London, while a vast rail network links major Welsh towns and cities throughout the country, from Swansea in the south to Bangor in the north. Cardiff International Airport receives flights from Europe, while, for transatlantic arrivals, London Heathrow is just three hours away by car, coach, and train.
From 8 January 2025, all non-European visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. Find out more information here on the rollout of the ETA and eligibility.
