29 Things to Do in Wales – A Local’s List
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Nature & Adventure | Family-Friendly | Towns & Cities | Relaxing Leisure | Podcast
There is so much to do in Wales, from soaking up beautiful nature in a national park to jumping on a trampoline underground! You certainly won’t run out of things to do in this small country, but its good to do some forward planning so you don’t miss one of the many hidden gems.
As a local, I will share with you some of my top recommendations to help you plan your trip. From the best family-friendly attractions and coolest nature and adventure activities, to my favourite relaxing leisure activities. Make sure to bookmark my guide to where to stay in Wales while you’re here!
Ready for some Welsh travel inspiration? Let’s Go!
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Best Things to Do in Wales
Visit a Castle
Step back in time in one of Wales’ hundreds of spectacular castles.
🌐 Website
Per square mile, there are more castles in Wales than in any other country in Europe. You can’t go to ‘The Land of Castles’ without visiting one!
You can visit castles with fairytale-like turrets like Castell Coch, castles with formidable defences like Caerphilly Castle and castles with spectacular views like Dolbadarn Castle. There are hundreds of castles, and each one has its own history and character!
I love Conwy Castle in North Wales because of the architecture and views. Conwy Castle, together with Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle, is a World Heritage Site. Many sites host family-friendly activities during school holidays.
👉 Many castles in Wales are looked after by ‘Cadw’. Travel on a ‘Transport for Wales’ train to a Cadw site and show your train ticket to get 2-for-1 entry! Or consider becoming a Cadw member for reduced or free entry to many sites for a small annual fee.
Portmeirion Village
Get your camera ready for this picturesque Italianate-style village on the stunning coast in North Wales.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm daily (Summer), 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (Winter) | Entrance: £20, adults, £13 children aged 5-15
Portmeirion is a taste of the Mediterranean on the Welsh coast. I love the colourful buildings and relaxing atmosphere in the Central Piazza! Portmeirion Village and Gardens is set in beautiful scenery on the Dwyryd Estuary near Porthmadog, and is one of Wales’ premier visitor attractions.
You can spend time exploring the folly village, visiting its cafes and shops, and walking in the woodlands and by the coast.
Buy a day ticket online in advance. To have a special night’s stay and see the village as the sun sets, book a room in Portmeirion Village and Castell Deudraeth.
National Museums
See Wales’ fascinating history come to life in interactive museums that keep the whole family entertained.
🌐 Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: Free, Donations
There are seven National Museums in Wales, spanning the country’s long history from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages to the present day.
My favourite museum is St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff. St Fagans is an open-air museum with over 40 original historic buildings, indoor exhibitions and a working farm.
All of the National Museums are free to enter and are a great destination on a rainy (or sunny!) day. They are very engaging, have friendly staff and run special events throughout the year.
For more museum inspiration, check out my article on the best museums in Wales.
👉 Make sure you go to the National Waterfront Museum if you visit Swansea, Wales’ second biggest city!
Blaenavon Industrial Landscapes
A designated World Heritage Site, Blaenavon is packed with attractions and set in unique scenery shaped by mankind.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Vary | Entrance: Free, Donations
The Blaenavon Industrial Landscapes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Wales shaped by the iron and coal industries. You can visit a former mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum and the ruins of one of the most important iron producers in the world at Blaenavon Ironworks.
You can explore the area on foot, by bike or on the Blaenavon Heritage Railway!
I recommend travelling here by car and starting your trip at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, where you can find out about the area.
Narrow Gauge and Miniature Steam Train Rides
Take in spectacular scenery from the comfort of one of Wales’ many charming vintage railways.
Travelling on a vintage railway is one of the best ways to enjoy the breathtaking scenery without moving a muscle! People of all ages will be smitten with the characterful locomotives and in awe of the views.
You can choose from many incredible rides. Why not explore Eryri (Snowdonia) on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway? Or travel around the largest natural lake in Wales on Bala Lake Railway? One of my favourites is the Vale of Rheidol railway from Aberystwyth. This heritage railway winds through the luscious Rheidol Valley to the mysterious Devil’s Bridge.
Zip World
Fancy soaring up to 125 mph over an old slate quarry? Go on the world’s fastest zipline and other adrenaline-fuelled activities in these outdoor adventure parks!
🌐 Website | Hours: Vary | Entrance: Varies
Zip World offers a variety of adventures and activities across its unique outdoor adventure parks. The famous adventure ‘Velocity’ sees thrill-seekers soar over an old slate quarry up to 125 mph on the world’s fastest zip wire.
You can also play golf underground, go on a tour of a slate quarry, and bounce on a network of underground trampolines in an old mine at ‘Bounce Below’.
There are multiple Zip World parks in Wales, two of which are set in ‘The Slate Landscapes of Northwest Wales’, a World Heritage Site.
Adventurous people of all ages will find something they love here. Height and weight restrictions apply for many of the activities and I recommend booking in advance.
Eryri National Park
Explore dramatic landscapes, charming towns, and Welsh folklore in Wales’ largest national park.
📍 Google Maps | Website |👉 Book a full-day best of Snowdonia day tour
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is an earthly paradise. The country’s largest national park is home to Wales’ highest mountain Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) and 9 mountain ranges. There are spectacular waterfalls like Swallow Falls, and lakes and rivers.
People who love outdoor adventure can hike, climb, mountain bike, and surf in the stunning scenery.
You can also explore picturesque small villages such as Beddgelert, a place famed for its legend. To visit Beddgelert and other beautiful destinations with a knowledgeable local expert, book this full-day best of Snowdonia day tour with raving reviews.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Take in fresh mountain air whilst exploring 520 square miles of gorgeous national park!
📍 Google Maps | Website
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park stretches between Mid Wales and South Wales. The protected area includes Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark, four mountain ranges, and over 2000 miles of public footpaths.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities. From hiking to climbing, horse-riding to mountain biking, and caving to stargazing!
For a less active day, potter around the charming town of Abergavenny. You’ll find lovely places to eat and drink in the town and the surrounding area. Check out the award-winning ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ and Michelin-star restaurant ‘The Walnut Tree’.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
Travel by boat across the highest aqueduct in the world, deep in the River Dee Valley.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Canoe Aqueduct tour, Llangollen
The iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stands 38.4 metres high in the Dee Valley, North East Wales.
The 11-mile site has canals, aqueducts, tunnels and viaducts in beautiful countryside. The most popular thing to do here is to cross the Aqueduct by boat, either on a barge or canoe. This half-day Canoe Aqueduct tour has you covered – it’s limited to a small group, has incredible reviews and is run by knowledgeable guides.
And if you’re afraid of heights, stick to walking on ground level and taking in the views!
Nature & Adventure Activities
National Botanical Garden of Wales
Surround yourself with stunning flora and fauna, from the exotic Dragon Tree to native Red Kites.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (Summer opening), 10 am – 4 pm (Winter opening) | Entrance: £19 adults, £10 aged 2 – 17
There are over 500 acres to explore in the National Botanic Garden. You can visit the parkland, the Waun Las Nature Reserve, and the landscaped gardens. The iconic Great Glasshouse is home to plants from six areas of the world. The gardens are in Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin), and travelling by car is easiest.
Tickets to the gardens include entrance to the British Bird of Prey Centre, which focuses solely on native species. I recommend paying the small additional fee to see a flying display!
Visit a Waterfall
Feel refreshed and awe-struck at one of Wales’ many waterfalls.
👉 Book a guided hike to the amazing six Brecon Beacons waterfalls
Hiking to waterfalls in Wales is one of my favourite things to do! I love visiting Waterfall Country in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. It is hard to travel there by public transport and is suited to confident hikers. If you’re hoping to visit from Cardiff, this guided hike to the Brecon Beacons waterfalls will cover your transport and show you the best sights!
Some other personal waterfall highlights are the Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls, which you can access from the Vale of Rheidol steam train, and Swallow Falls in Eryri.
Be careful around the waterfalls as paths are often slippery and a bit treacherous, and swimming in them is not a good idea.
The Wales Coast Path (Llwybr Arfordir Cymru)
Hike around the entire coastline of Wales on an 870-mile-long route through secluded beaches, coastal cities and rugged coast.
🌐 Website
The Wales Coast Path is one of the few continuous paths in the world that follows a country’s coast. The stunning coastline stretches from Chepstow to Chester. The Welsh coast is home to incredible beaches, coves, cliffs, animals and birds.
Keen hikers looking for a challenge can complete the 870-mile-long route, or one of its seven sections, in one go. There are plenty of seaview campsites, cosy cottages and eateries along the way. I enjoy just going on short walks for a few hours on the Wales Coast Path, particularly in Pembrokeshire!
The Offa’s Dyke Path
Transverse the Wales-England border on this 177-mile trail through historic towns and spectacular scenery.
🌐 Website
King Offa ordered the construction of a dyke in the 8th century, probably to separate kingdoms in what is now England and Wales. Hikers on the popular 177-mile-long Offa’s Dyke Path follow much of this dyke and criss-cross the border over 20 times.
You can walk from Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow to Prestatyn on this trail in one go or sections. Or simply pick a short section to walk for leisure on a day trip! I recommend the section of the Offa’s Dyke Path in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Wales.
Go to a Beach
Get some sea air whilst watching or catching the waves at one of Wales’ glorious beaches!
Wales has over 150 beaches boasting incredible views, wildlife and seaside activities. You can explore rock pools at Ogmore-by-Sea, look out for dolphins in Cardigan Bay or go to the amusement arcades at Barmouth Beach. You’ll find a beach that floats your boat!
One of my favourite beaches is Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula. It is often voted as the best beach in Wales and is popular for surfing.
👉 Do your research before heading to a beach! Check the weather forecast and tide times, available parking, facilities and accessibility. Keep in mind that dogs aren’t permitted on some beaches during the summer.
Go on a Boat Trip
Explore beyond the mainland and discover more of Wales’ spectacular coast by sea.
Wales has a spectacular coastline, and as well as exploring it by foot on The Wales Coast Path, I recommend heading out to sea on a boat trip. There are over 50 islands along the Welsh coastline, and lots of incredible wildlife.
Boat trips to Ramsey Island and Skomer off St David’s are a great choice for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. Ramsey is home to endangered species of birds like the Chough and Skomer is famous for its Puffin colony. This is season- and weather-dependent, and I recommend booking in advance.
I love going on boat trips in Cardiff, and a boat trip to explore Ynys Enlli in North Wales is firmly on my Welsh bucket list.
BikePark Wales
Experience the Welsh countryside on two wheels on some of the UK’s best mountain bike trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 01685 709450 | Website | Hours: Varies throughout the year | Entrance: Varies
BikePark Wales is a mountain biking centre in South Wales with the most diverse selection of all-weather mountain bike trails in the UK. The 40+ trails cater to everyone with an appetite for mountain biking, from beginners to pro riders.
You can book different packages online. There are options to hire bikes and equipment, and cycle with an experienced guide. Consider booking the uplift so you can save your energy for cycling downhill!
Family-Friendly Attractions
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Prepare to be amazed at the awe-inspiring cave systems of ‘Dan y Ogof’ and the thousands of delicate stalactites in ‘Cathedral Cave’.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 01639 730 284 | Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: £21.95 adults, £16.95 aged 3-16
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is an incredible place! You can explore Dan yr Ogof, a 17-kilometre-long cave system, and Cathedral Cave, a spectacularly atmospheric place.
The site has many attractions, including one of the world’s largest award-winning dinosaur parks. Don’t miss Mr Morgan’s Victorian farm, where you can meet goats and alpacas!
This award-winning attraction is one of the best all-weather and family-friendly things to do. Book online and travel by car or check Traveline Cymru for options by bus.
Visit a Historical Site
Delve into thousands of years of Welsh history at one of the country’s precious historical sites.
There are so many incredible historical sites to explore, from monasteries to Neolithic standing stones, Roman ruins to Chambered Tombs. The sight of Tintern Abbey, an 18th Century Cistercian Abbey, never ceases to amaze me!
I recommend looking at Cadw’s website for inspiration and to find a site that takes your interest. Whilst visiting one of the amazing castles in Wales is a must, be sure to check out some of the other historical sites too.
The Royal Mint Experience
Visit a money factory in this unique attraction near Cardiff.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: £17.50 adults, £13 aged 5 – 15
The Royal Mint Experience is a family-friendly activity and suitable for rainy days! Learn about the Royal Mint, the world’s largest export mint, and its 1,100 years of history in this visitor centre and museum. Check out rare coins and medals in six different zones across the exhibition.
The Royal Mint Experience offers a range of tours and experiences, including striking your own coin and afternoon tea. I recommend buying a guided tour so you can set foot on the money factory floor!
The Royal Mint Experience is in Rhondda Cynon Taff, just 20 minutes from Cardiff by car.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
This much-loved and award-winning attraction is fun for all the family.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 01834 812731 | Website | Hours: Varies throughout the year | Entrance: £28 adults, £26 aged 2-15, family tickets available
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is a great choice for families looking for a fun day out, come rain or shine. You can see the only Giraffes in Wales, ride on a vintage fairground, meet farm animals, check out indoor and outdoor play areas…and much more!
Folly Farm is a popular family attraction in West Wales and it can get busy, so book in advance to avoid disappointment (and to get a discount!).
It’s best reached by car, but you could stay in the holiday park in a range of accommodation options, including glamping and luxury lodges.
Great Orme
Ascend this impressive limestone headland by cable car, historic tramway, or on foot. You’ll be treated to magnificent views and activities!
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Great Orme headland is a limestone rock that rises 679 ft out of the sea near the popular seaside resort town of Llandudno. The best way to climb the ‘Sea Monster’ (as the Vikings called it) is on the historic tramway or iconic cable car.
On the headland, you can visit the Great Orme copper mines which date back to the bronze age, play areas, an Iron Age Fort and a 6th century Church. On sunny days, enjoy the panoramic views across Conwy Estuary, Anglesey and the Irish Sea.
Towns & Cities
Cardiff
The Welsh Capital is home to iconic landmarks, a stunning waterfront, amazing eateries…and more!
📍 Google Maps | Website
Cardiff, the Welsh capital, has something for everyone and will keep you entertained. There are lots of amazing things to do in Cardiff! You can explore thousands of years of history in Cardiff Castle and visit iconic landmarks in Cardiff Bay such as the Millennium Centre. I love walking and cycling around the city, especially from the seaside to Bute Park in the city centre.
Head to the restaurants in Mermaid Quay for a seaview bite to eat, or check out one of the award-winning independent restaurants in the city centre.
Barry Island (Ynys y Barri)
Head to the beach and hop on the funfair at this beloved destination in Wales.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book the official Gavin and Stacey tour
Barry Island is a seaside resort with something for everyone. You can relax on Whitmore Bay, a large sandy beach, or wander along the promenade past the colourful beach huts. Thrill-seekers and children will love Barry Island Pleasure Park, a nearby amusement park.
Barry Island is often known for being the setting for the hit British sitcom ‘Gavin and Stacey’. Take the official Gavin and Stacey tour to see filming locations and hear behind-the-scenes stories.
Barry Island is half an hour from Cardiff by train or can be reached by bus or car.
St Davids (Tyddewi)
Visit Britain’s smallest city and explore an ancient cathedral settlement and the Pembrokeshire Coast.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour
St Davids is full of gems! Britain’s smallest city is home to the magnificent St David’s Cathedral which dates back fourteen centuries.
I recommend looking around Goat Street Gallery and trying local and foraged ingredients in The Really Wild Emporium. Don’t miss the St Davids Comedy Walking Tour, a quirky activity that’s fun for the whole family.
St Davids is in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and close to some of Wales’ most popular beaches such as Whitesands. You can visit St Non’s Chapel, the reputed birthplace of St David, the Patron Saint of Wales, on the stunning coastline.
Machynlleth
This quirky market town in the stunning Dyfi Valley is home to several incredible attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Machynlleth is a small town in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in Mid Wales and is referred to as ‘the ancient capital of Wales’. You can visit Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament House, one of Wales’ most important historic buildings. Check out MOMA Machynlleth art gallery to admire contemporary Welsh culture and arts.
Near Machynlleth is The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), a world-renowned eco-centre. CAT is a great day out for the family and will leave you inspired.
Hay-on-Wye
Step foot in the postcard-perfect ‘Town of Books’, nestled in hills by the mighty River Wye.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Hay-on-Wye is a charming market town on the Wales-England border in Powys. Hay-on-Wye has over twenty bookshops, including ‘Literature Laboratory’, and is known as the ‘Town of Books’.
I always enjoy a trip to Hay and wandering around the shops, cafes and – if you visit on a Thursday – the local market. There are also lots of nearby walking routes, including the Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk.
Don’t miss the world-famous literature and arts festival ‘Hay Festival’ if you’re visiting in May/June.
Relaxing Leisure Activities
Spa Day
Pamper yourself and unwind in a spa with gorgeous surroundings.
Many spas in Wales offer top-quality facilities and treatments in stunning settings. This is one of the more luxurious things to do and is a great choice for couples or friends.
I had an unforgettable spa day at The Cliff Hotel and Spa last year, which is set on cliffs overlooking the Pembrokeshire coastline. You might also like The Quay Hotel and Spa, a luxury spa with views of Conwy Estuary in North Wales.
Try Welsh Food and Drinks
Treat your tastebuds and indulge in the Welsh food and drink scene across the country.
Welsh food is delicious! We have many traditional dishes, including Welsh Cakes, Bara Brith (a tea bread with dried fruit), Welsh Rarebit (a cheesy toast) and Laverbread (a seaweed dish). You can find Welsh food and drink, and high-quality, local ingredients in many restaurants nationwide.
There are over 30 vineyards in Wales, around 90 breweries and several distilleries. Why not visit one of them? For example, if you’re visiting Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, you could pop into Penderyn Distillery, the home of award-winning Welsh whiskey.
Spend the Evening at a Theatre
Soak up some culture in one of Wales’ wonderful theatres, waiting to entertain you.
A trip to a local theatre is a great thing to do in many Welsh towns and cities. The buildings themselves are often worth a visit alone, and you’re bound to find something you enjoy in the range of shows and performances available.
My favourite theatres are The Savoy in Monmouth, Wales’ oldest theatre, The Millennium Centre in Cardiff and The Globe at Hay-on-Wye. Wherever you choose to stay in Wales, check out the local arts centres and theatres and consider spending an evening at one!
Want More? Listen to My Wales Podcast Episode!
If you liked this post, you’ll love my Wales episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Wales”).
I talk about my favorite things to do in Wales at minute mark 18:41.
The host, Betty, and I also discussed where to stay in Wales (04:07), my favorite coastal towns (09:47), tips for traveling on a budget (10:49), why more people should visit Wales (02:22) and all the other common questions about travel to Wales.
Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Wales.
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Wales offers an incredible variety of things to do! I hope you’re excited about your trip and feel inspired to get planning. I’d be happy to answer your questions and hear your experiences in the comments!
