The Most Beautiful Places to See in Wales

 Officially, Wales is a part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain. The reality is that this heaven on earth is its own little kingdom, full of breathtaking places. Wales is about 170 miles (270 km) north–south and 60 miles (97 km) east–west, it has over 1,680 miles (2,700 km) of coastline and is largely covered with mountains.

Although Wales closely shares its political and social history with the rest of Great Britain, the country has retained a distinct cultural identity and history. This makes a visit to Wales feel like something you have never experienced before, and it's well worth your time to come by and have a look...

The Dan yr Ogof cave system

The meaning of the name is "under the cave” and it is an eleven miles (18 KM) long cave system. It is one of the largest "tourist friendly" caves in Europe and is full of stalactite and other beautiful rock features.

Caerphilly Castle

This medieval fortification in South Wales was constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century. It is surrounded by extensive artificial lakes, considered by historian Allen Brown to be "the most elaborate water defenses in all Britain". It occupies around 30 acres (120,000 m²) and is the second largest castle in Britain.

Pontarfynach

The meaning of the name is “the bridge on the monk”. The bridge is unusual in that three separate bridges were each built, one atop the other. The most recently built is an iron bridge (1901), which was built over a stone bridge (1753), which was built when the original bridge was thought to be unstable. The builders of the 1753 bridge used the original bridge (built 1075–1200) to support scaffolding during construction.

Pistyll Rhaeadr

“Spring of the waterfall” is located a few miles from the village of Llanrhaeadr - ym - Mochnant in Powys. The cliff face, over which the water falls, is 240 feet tall, and it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, with its water falling down like thin, beautiful threads of silk.

Gelert’s grave

Gelert is the name of a legendary dog associated with the village of Beddgelert. The story of Gelert is a variation on the well-worn "Faithful Hound" folk-tale, which lives on as an urban legend. To honor his loyalty, two slate memorials were built next to his grave mound, one in Welsh and the other in English.

Llyn Llydaw

Beaumaris Castle

Located on the Isle of Anglesey in Beaumaris, this seven-hundred-year-old castle is incredibly preserved for its age, especially given the fact that it was never really completed. By the year 1330, a total of £15,000 had been spent on making it, a huge sum for the period, but the castle was still incomplete and left the way it was.

Chepstow Castle

Conwy Lake

This is the source of the River Conwy, which flows north into Conwy Bay. It is an amazingly peaceful area with no near towns. The lands around the lake are farmlands open to the general public by power of the right of public access to the wilderness.

Turf Lake

This beautiful lake is located next to the small village of Rhyd Ddu, on the foothills of the mighty Snowdon mountain. If you want to find a place to take a picture that will define what Wales is like, this is a pretty good choice.

Elan Valley

The Elan Valley Trail is a popular destination for cyclists as it sits in the heart of the Welsh Lake District. With over 80% of the valley designated as conservation grounds, it is famous for its picturesque scenery.

Criccieth Castle

Located in Gwynedd, this castle is maintained by CADW (the environment service of the Welsh Government) and includes exhibits and information on Welsh castles and life in the country during their time.  The castle was set on fire in 1404 and some stones still show the scorch marks.

Tryfan and Llyn Ogwen

The “Three Peaks” and “Ogwen Lake” are located in North Wales and are a dream come true for any fisherman in Wales. The lake is very shallow, with a maximum depth of a little over 3 meters (9ft), and full of excellent trout.

The lighthouse of Ynys Llanddwyn

Llanddwyn Island is a tidal island, it remains attached to the mainland for the most part, but is detached during the highest tdies, so there is still a need for the lighthouse. It provides fantastic views of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula, not to mention the lighthouse itself.

Castell Coch

In English, it is called the Red Castle, and it was built during the 19th century on the remains of a 13th century establishment. It has a very impressive medieval appearance, working portcullis and a drawbridge. It has been described as "the most spectacular example of translation from High Gothic architecture into High Victorian.

South Stack Lighthouse

The South Stack Lighthouse has warned passing ships of the treacherous rock below since 1809, and continues to do so today. The lighthouse is open seasonally, and visitors can climb to the top to see the engine room and the wonderful panoramic view.

Three Cliffs Bay

Declared by the BBC as Britain's best beach, Three Cliffs Bay is perfect for both swimmers and rock climbers, thanks to its many limestone rock formations.  Pennard Castle, which sits on high ground near the main beach, is associated with local legends of fairies.

River Dee

The River Dee forms part of the Welsh-English border, it rises in Snowdonia, Wales and flows east to Chester. The river has many beautiful bridges and picture-perfect little towns and villages along its route.

Dolbadarn Castle

Dolbadarn Castle is a fortification built during the early 13th century, at the base of the Llanberis Pass, in North Wales. The castle was used as a manor house for some years, before falling into ruin, but today it is a well-managed tourist attraction.

Craig yr Aderyn

“Bird’s Rock” is a hill rising to a height of over 250 meters (820 ft) above sea level on the south bank of the River Dysynni, in north-west Wales. It is named after the large number of birds, such as the Great Cormorant, that nest on the peak. According to local tradition, there were two castle watchtowers on the end of the rock and watchmen would raise red flags in case of danger.

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

This was once the longest cliff railway in the British Isles, surpassed in length only by the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Opened in 1896 at 778 feet (237 m) in length, it was the longest funicular railway built in the Britain. The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular.