23 Things to Do in Wales – A Local’s List

There is lots to do in Wales, from soaking up beautiful nature in a national park to riding a rollercoaster in a theme park! You certainly won’t run out of things to do in this small country, but you’ll have to whittle down your choices. 

I’m from Wales and have travelled a lot in my home country. I will let you in on firm family favourites like The National Showcaves for Wales, and personal highlights like the Vale of Rheidol Railway. 

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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 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. Or castles with formidable defences like Caerphilly Castle. Or 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. 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. 

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.

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: £18, adults, £11 children aged 5-15 

Portmeirion is a piece 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. Portmeirion 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.

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 29 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 four 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 (Snowdonia) 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 local expert, book this full-day best of Snowdonia day tour that allows you to go to spots larger groups aren’t able to visit.

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. 

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. 

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) 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’.

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. 

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! 

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 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. 

National Museums

See Wales’ fascinating history come to life in interactive museums which keep the whole family entertained.

🌐 Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: Free, Donations 

There are seven national museums across 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. I’m also a big fan of The National Slate Museum, by the Dinorwig Quarry in Llanberis. 

All of the national museums are free to enter and are a great destination on a rainy (or sunny!) day. They are all very engaging, have friendly staff and run special events throughout the year.

👉 Make sure you go to the National Waterfront Museum if you visit Swansea, Wales’ second biggest city!

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.

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.

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: £19.50 adults, £16 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 10 attractions in total, 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.

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. 

Try Welsh Food and Drinks

Treat your tastebuds and indulge in the Welsh food and drink scene across the country.

Welsh food is delicious! Traditional sweet dishes include Welsh Cakes and Bara Brith (a tea bread with dried fruit). Traditional savoury delights include 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. You’re sure to find something tasty to eat and drink on your trip! If you’re in Cardiff, make sure to stop by The Welsh House!

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 April – October, 10 am – 4 pm November – March | 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 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 extra to see a flying display!

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’. 

You’ll have a pleasant day wandering around the shops, cafes and – if you visit on a Thursday – the local market. There are 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. 

Oakwood Theme Park

From riding a rollercoaster with a beyond vertical drop to leisurely boating on a lake, Wales’ largest theme park has you covered!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 01834 815 170 | Website | Hours: Vary, Closed Mondays | Entrance: £44, adults, £34 aged 3-12

Oakwood Theme Park is a fun day out for all the family! Thrill-seekers will love Megafobia, Oakwood’s iconic wooden roller coaster! Children (and adults!) can enjoy family-friendly rides like ‘Treetops’, waterslides and other activities. 

Oakwood Theme Park is in the Pembrokeshire countryside and is best accessed by car. Pack a spare change of clothes in case you can’t resist the ride ‘Drenched’!

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. 

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 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. 

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 which has 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!

FAQs

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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. For more ideas within a few hours of Cardiff, check out my article on the best day trips from Cardiff. Have fun!

(Featured Image Credit: Lukasz Pajor / Shutterstock)