Wales
Destinations in Wales
Regions
Attractions in Wales
Discover the History of Wales With a Coastal Adventure
Along the Welsh coast, you can immerse yourself in history. Whether behind the walls of ancient castles, cathedrals and stately homes or in the footsteps of pirates: here myths and legends are brought back to life. Numerous pretty towns, Victorian seaside resorts and small fishing ports lie along the coast. There are excellent restaurants, cosy cafés and pubs along the harbours and promenades.
Fifty islands lie around the coast of Wales. There is the largest island Anglesey in the north, in Welsh Ynys Môn, which is considered the island of the Druids and the mother of Wales, or the enchanted little Caldey Island in Pembrokeshire, where monks still live today. And then there are the many small islets that are home to seabirds and seals.
Photo: Joe Hayhurst, CC BY, flickr.com
Walking in Wales: Experience Wales On Foot
Walking is very popular in Wales and there is almost no better way to explore this extremely varied landscape on different routes and walks. The Offa's Dyke Path is a beautiful long-distance walk and runs from north to south across the country. In the Wye Valley William Woodsworth already admired the "wooded mountainsides, high cliffs and idyllic green landscapes."
And as the ultimate coastal hiking trail, the Wales Coast Path circles the entire Welsh coast for a total of 1400 km (870 mi). It is the first continuous coastal path of its kind in the world and leaves a very special impression of the country on walkers.
Absolute seclusion can also be found in Wales. In the lush green mountain ranges of the Cambrian Mountains in central Wales, with their gloomy bogs, lakes and huge reservoirs, visitors are often accompanied only by the rare red kites circling above their heads.
Experience the Legends and Myths of Welsh History
In Wales, it is easy to imagine the countless stories of druids, castles and adventures that still exist today. Welsh culture is manifested in the varied landscape and the oldest spoken language in Europe, Welsh. The seven national museums in the country (free admission) offer a hands-on experience of Welsh history - such as the impressive Big Pit Mining Museum (a former coal mine), the Waterfront Museum in Swansea, the Cardiff National Museum or St Fagans, one of the finest open-air museums in Europe.
From the smallest cottage, the oldest inn, and the most unusual wall to the railway station with the longest name in Europe, Wales has many special places and monuments steeped in history. Of course, the more than 600 castles and fortifications also play a decisive role in the history of the region. They are, like Powis Castle in Central Wales, mostly witnesses of the long-lasting border disputes between Wales and England.