From stunning castles and bridges to breathtaking mountains and valleys, there’s no shortage of things to do in Wales. It might be small in size, but it’s home to countless historical places just waiting to be discovered.
Here are a few of Wales’s heritage sites that aren’t to be missed on your travels.
snowdonia national park
Photo by Neil Mark Thomas on Unsplash
Home to Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales, Snowdonia National Park truly is a place like no other. An astounding total of 823 square miles, it offers gorgeous coastal walks, native woodlands, mountain ranges and so much more.
As you explore the park, you’ll find the remains of its industrial history hidden amongst the landscape. From industrial mines and quarries to historical railways, Snowdonia’s heritage is as iconic as its scenery and wildlife.
During your time there, you might also choose to visit Yr Wyddfa, the park’s most popular and highest peak of Mount Snowdon. Here, you’ll pass by Welsh mountain farms, see rare species of wildlife and take in the breathtaking views which stretch as far as Ireland on a clear day. It truly is an unforgettable experience. Stay overnight at Pale Hall, a restored country house on the edge of the park, to soak up the landscape in comfort.
conwy castle
There’s no shortage of castles in Wales. With around six hundred castles to its name, it’s no wonder the country has been nicknamed the ‘Castle Capital of the world’.
Although every castle has its own unique heritage, Conwy Castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture that’s not to be missed. Described as ‘one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe’ by the Welsh Historic Trust, it was built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century. It’s open to the public throughout the year, although viewing times change each season.
The castle is flanked on each side by a twenty-one-metre-high tower and surrounded by an impressively tall curtain wall. To fully experience its grandeur, you can climb the castle stairs and take in the astounding views from the battlements. From here, you’ll be able to observe the local town and coastline, watching as tiny sailboats and pedestrians pass by below.
Now that you’ve seen one of Wales’s grandest castles, you might decide to stop by the UK’s smallest house. This little marvel can be found by Conway’s quayside at the end of a set of terrace houses.
anglesey island
Photo by Neil Mark Thomas on Unsplash
A picturesque island off the northwest coast of Wales, Anglesey is a wonderful place to visit. Connected to mainland Wales by the Menai Bridge, the world’s first modern suspension bridge which opened in 1826, its attractions include local beaches, farmer’s markets, beautiful gardens and gorgeous coastlines.
Whilst staying on the island, you’ll find that most of its inhabitants speak Welsh both at home and amongst the community. The Welsh language has been used in Anglesey for more than two thousand years, making this little island an important force in preserving Wales’s mother tongue.
If you’re a bird lover, the 400-step cliffside walk to Anglesey’s South Stack lighthouse is a worthwhile adventure. Here, you’ll be able to look out for puffins, guillemots and razorbills as you take in the amazing sea views. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pair of Choughs, an incredibly rare breed of bird that calls the island home.
devil’s bridge falls
Photo by Lisa Baker on Unsplash
Situated twelve miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth, Devil’s Bridge Falls is a stunning natural attraction. Since the 18th Century, thousands of visitors have travelled to see the falls, including the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Inspired by this unique piece of Welsh history, he went on to write a poem titled ‘To the Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge’.
You might be wondering where the name ‘Devil’s Bridge’ came from. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil in exchange for the soul of the first person who walked across it when he made a bargain with a little old lady. The rest of the tale will be discovered as you climb the bridge.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs during your visit, you can take your pick of the local nature trails. Although these walks certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted, the views truly are something to behold and showcase the 300ft Mynach waterfalls in all their glory. If you’re feeling brave, you might even go down the flight of one hundred steps.
strata florida abbey
Peter Broster, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Strata Florida Abbey, which translates into Latin as ‘Vale of Flowers’ is a medieval abbey that’s been standing by the river Tiefi since 1201. Known locally as ‘Ystrad Fflur’, the abbey has been the burial ground for Welsh princes, and even the Welsh poet Dafydd Ap Gwilym.
Where once the abbey stretched across 126 acres of land, it’s now an important source of archaeological remains and a thriving tourist attraction.
Following the dissolution of monasteries in 1539, the abbey site was taken over by the Stedman family, who set up their home on the grounds. After this period, the Arch family turned the area into a farm.
In 1919, Strata Florida Abbey was named a protected monument and taken under the care of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. It’s a fascinating and educational place to visit, with so much history to be discovered. You’ll find plenty to explore, with nearby walks into the woodland and throughout the abbey grounds.
abergavenny
Photo by Beth Jnr on Unsplash
Named as one of Condé Nast Travellers’ top ten places to visit in the UK in 2021, this quaint market town isn’t to be missed. Whatever your interests, there’s plenty to see and do, with the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, the gorgeous Goytre Wharf and even the Sugar Loaf Mountain to climb.
Abergavenny certainly isn’t a stranger to culture. There’s so much to explore in this town, including the local castle and museum, historic market hall, St Mary’s priory church and even the nearby Brecon Beacons National Park.
The town was originally the site of Gobannium, a Roman fort which guarded the area between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. It’s a key piece of Wales’s history which you can learn more about in Abergavenny’s museum, which is situated on the grounds of Abergavenny Castle.
Base yourself at the Angel Hotel Abergavenny, a Georgian coaching inn on the high street, or head west into the hills to stay at The Felin Fach Griffin for easy access to the wider Brecon Beacons.
Ready to create your dream Welsh holiday? There’s so much to explore. Discover our curated Signature Wales tour for a perfectly planned journey through the country’s highlights, or browse our comprehensive Wales destination guide for more inspiration and travel tips to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
