Explore Wales: The Ultimate Travel Guide

One of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, Wales is home to centuries-old castles, rugged coastlines and towering mountains. It’s a destination that’s well worth exploring, with the compact size of Wales making travel here easy and rewarding. 

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about exploring Wales, including the best time to visit and the top things to do. You’ll find a diverse range of accommodations online at Rentola Wales, a holiday rental platform that brings together stays across the country. There are centrally-located apartments in Cardiff and country estates in Snowdonia, as well as beach houses on the Pembrokeshire Coast. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll have the magnificent natural beauty and cultural riches of Wales right on your doorstep. 

Top things to do

Sightsee in Cardiff

Serving as the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a lively city that’s home to one of the best-preserved castles in the country. Browse the natural, historical and artistic exhibits at the National Museum Cardiff before gaining insight into Welsh culture at St. Fagans National Museum of History. Occupying the redeveloped former docklands are the restaurants, shops and attractions of Cardiff Bay. 

Discover Snowdonia National Park

Encompassing the highest peak in Wales, this sprawling park is one of the United Kingdom’s best hiking, mountain biking and climbing destinations. It’s traversed by more than 1,400 miles of trails, with the views from the 3,546-foot-high summit of Snowdon simply breathtaking. Several castles on the northern fringe of the park are now collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Explore Brecon Beacons National Park

Home to hidden caves, picturesque waterfalls and wild ponies, Brecon Beacons is a mountainous region that includes the 2,907-foot summit of Pen y Fan. In addition to mountain biking, horse riding and fishing, you can enjoy some of the United Kingdom’s best stargazing within the Dark Sky Reserve. On the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park is the Big Pit National Coal Museum, which showcases the country’s industrial past. 

Hike the Pembrokeshire Coast

Hugging a peninsula that juts into the Irish Sea, this magnificent stretch of coastline is protected within its own national park. In addition to its stunning beaches and rolling countryside, you’ll find idyllic fishing villages and resort towns on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. The town of Pembroke is famed for its riverside castle, which dates back to medieval times. 

Visit the bookstores of Hay-on-Wye

Renowned for its literary scene, Hay-on-Wye is a charming town that’s home to more than two dozen bookstores. Spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets and browsing the bounty of good reads to take with you on your travels through Wales. Hay-on-Wye is particularly lively during its annual festival, which attracts some of the world’s leading authors. 

Escape to the Isle of Anglesey

Located just off the northwest coast of Wales, this enchanting island is home to blissful beaches, quaint fishing villages and ancient sites. It is connected to the mainland via the 1818-built Menai Suspension Bridge and boasts a 13th-century castle built as part of Edward I’s campaign to conquer the north. Magnificent views across the island are on offer from the South Stack Lighthouse. 

Best time to visit Wales

Wales is renowned for its abundant rainfall, which is why the country is so lush and green. For the driest days and mildest temperatures, it’s best to visit between April and September, although you should come prepared for wet weather throughout the year. 

While the summer months (June, July and August ) have the longest daylight hours for hiking and enjoying the beaches, winter (December, January and February) sees very short days. It’s worth keeping in mind that summertime is the most popular time to visit Wales and accommodation prices increase with the demand. 

Money

As with the rest of the United Kingdom, Wales uses Pound Sterling (£), with 100 pence in every pound. Most businesses will accept credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted), although it’s a good idea to carry some cash for minor expenses. ATMs that accept international cards are readily available in most cities and towns.

Power

Wales uses Type G power plugs (three square pins), with the standard voltage being 230 V and the frequency 50Hz. Be sure to pack a power adapter that will enable you to use your appliances and devices while visiting the country. 

Getting around

As Wales is a relatively small country (20,779 km²), it’s easy and affordable to get around. Trains connect from major cities across the United Kingdom to Cardiff, from where you can continue exploring the country by bus. More convenient, however, is hiring a car to get around, which will give you the freedom to explore beyond the towns to discover the country’s magnificent national parks. Driving conditions in Wales are generally good, with well-maintained roads that are easy to navigate with the help of a GPS.