Discover the best things to do, places to stay and destinations across Wales for 2026

Wales has over 600 castles, three National Parks, 41 Blue Flag beaches and 870 miles of unbroken coastline — packed into a country roughly the size of New Jersey. Whether you are planning a family beach holiday in Pembrokeshire, a romantic cottage break in Eryri (Snowdonia) or a weekend exploring Cardiff’s food scene, this guide covers everything you need to make it happen.

We work with trusted partners including HolidayCottages.co.uk to help you find and book the perfect accommodation across every region of Wales

What’s New in Wales for 2026

Caerphilly Castle’s Digital Makeover

The largest castle in Wales has reopened with new immersive digital exhibits in the Great Hall and interactive experiences throughout the grounds. It is one of over 600 castles you can visit across the country.

Wrexham’s Football Museum

Opening June 2026, the new Wrexham Football Museum celebrates the town’s remarkable rise. Combined with the expanded Wrexham Museum and the TyPawb Arts Centre, the town is becoming one of Wales’ most exciting destinations.

Direct Flights from Toronto

WestJet launches a new Toronto-to-Cardiff route on 22 May 2026, opening Wales up to North American visitors for the first time with a direct transatlantic service.

Elan Valley’s New Planetarium

Already home to one of the world’s best dark sky reserves, the Elan Valley in Mid Wales now has a dedicated planetarium and upgraded visitor centre for stargazers and nature lovers.

Aberystwyth — UNESCO City of Literature

The seaside university town on Cardigan Bay has received UNESCO Creative Cities status, joining a global network of literary destinations. Combined with the National Library of Wales and a thriving arts scene, it is a must-visit for culture lovers.

Things to Do in Wales

From scaling the highest peaks in England and Wales to exploring castles older than most countries, there is something for every type of traveller here.

Castles and Heritage

 With more castles per square mile than anywhere in Europe, you could visit a different one every day for almost two years. The UNESCO-listed fortresses of Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech are the showpieces, but smaller gems like Carreg Cennen and Laugharne are equally rewarding. Some have been converted into hotels where you can sleep in a four-poster bed inside medieval walls.

Beaches and Coast

Wales has 41 Blue Flag beaches and some of the cleanest coastal water in Europe. Pembrokeshire, Gower and Anglesey offer the finest stretches of sand, while the entire 870-mile Wales Coast Path provides walking access to the whole shoreline. Surfers head to Llangennith and Newgale; families love Tenby and Barmouth.

Adventure and Outdoors

Zip World in North Wales is home to the fastest zip line in the world. Coasteering was invented in Pembrokeshire. The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) offer some of the best gorge walking and wild swimming in Britain. And Eryri (Snowdonia) has mountain trails for every ability, from the Llanberis Path to the knife-edge Crib Goch ridge.

Food and Drink

Wales has Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning whisky at Penderyn Distillery, vineyards producing internationally recognised wines, and a street food scene that is gaining a national reputation. Do not miss traditional Welsh cakes, a bowl of cawl on a cold day, or the seafood straight off the boats in Cardigan Bay.

Culture and Events

The National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s oldest and largest cultural festivals. The Hay Festival brings the world’s greatest writers to a tiny border town. Green Man is consistently rated one of the UK’s best music festivals. And Six Nations rugby at the Principality Stadium is an experience unlike anything else in sport.

Where to Go in Wales

Wales divides neatly into four regions, each with its own distinct character.

North Wales

Home to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the medieval walled town of Conwy, the Isle of Anglesey and the adventure capital of Zip World. The North is where you come for mountains, castles and adrenaline.

South Wales

Cardiff is the vibrant capital, with a castle in the city centre, world-class museums and a thriving food and nightlife scene. Beyond the city, the Brecon Beacons offer walking, stargazing and gorge adventures, while the Wye Valley is one of the most scenic corners of Britain.

West Wales

Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe, plus St Davids — the smallest city in Britain. Carmarthenshire and the Tywi Valley are Wales at its most rural and unspoilt.

Mid Wales

The least-visited region is also the most rewarding for those who like solitude. The Cambrian Mountains, Elan Valley reservoirs and the Ceredigion coast offer big landscapes with very few other people. Aberystwyth is its cultural hub.

Not sure where to start? Our guide to the most beautiful places in Wales covers the highlights across every region.

Places to Stay in Wales

Wales offers accommodation for every style and budget, from wild camping under dark skies to sleeping in a castle.

Self-catering cottages are the most popular choice for Wales holidays, offering privacy, space and value for families and groups. You will find everything from stone farmhouses in Snowdonia to modern coastal apartments with sea views. Many come with hot tubs, log burners and dog-friendly policies.

Browse holiday cottages with hot tubs

Hotels and Spa Retreats

From boutique townhouses in Cardiff to luxury spa hotels with thermal pools and mountain views, Wales has accommodation to match any occasion. Several of the country’s best hotels are set inside historic castles and country estates.

Camping and Glamping

Pitch a tent beside a Blue Flag beach, sleep in a glamping pod overlooking the Brecon Beacons, or go wild camping in the Cambrian Mountains. Wales has some of the best outdoor accommodation in the UK.

Farm Stays

Wake up to the sound of sheep, collect eggs for breakfast and let the children feed the animals. Farm stays are a uniquely Welsh experience, and several working farms across North and West Wales welcome overnight guests.

Holiday Ideas

Still deciding what kind of trip to take? Here are the most popular ways to experience Wales.

Family Holidays

Theme parks, castles, beaches and rainy-day attractions make Wales one of the best family destinations in Britain. Our guide covers activities for teenagers, younger children and toddlers.

Romantic Breaks

Hot tub cottages, candlelit castle dinners and coastal walks at sunset — Wales is full of romantic escapes for couples.

Road Trips

The Wales Way is a network of three epic driving routes that cover the entire country. Our road trip itinerary includes maps, suggested stops and overnight accommodation for every stage.

Short Breaks

Even a long weekend gives you enough time to explore one region in depth. Cardiff, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia are the most popular choices for 2–3 night escapes.

Weird and Wonderful

Dinosaur footprints on a beach, the longest place name in Europe, haunted castles and an underground trampoline — Wales has no shortage of unusual experiences.

Plan Your Trip

Getting to Wales

Cardiff Airport serves domestic and European routes, and the new WestJet Toronto service launches in May 2026. Major English airports (Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester) are all within 90 minutes of the Welsh border. Direct trains run from London Paddington to Cardiff (2 hours), Swansea (3 hours) and North Wales via Crewe. The M4 motorway connects London to South Wales, and the A55 links the North Wales coast to the English motorway network.

Getting Around

A car gives you the most flexibility, especially in rural areas. However, the Explore Wales rail pass offers unlimited travel on the Welsh rail network and is excellent value for visitors without a car. The Great Little Trains of Wales discount card covers heritage steam railways across the country. Our itinerary planning guide covers transport options in detail.

Best Time to Visit

Wales is a year-round destination. Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is peak season for beaches and festivals. Winter is ideal for cosy cottage breaks, stargazing and experiencing Welsh culture at its most authentic.

Budget Tips

Many of Wales’ best attractions are free, including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans and the beaches. A Cadw membership gives unlimited access to hundreds of castles and heritage sites. Booking accommodation midweek and outside school holidays can save 30–50% compared to peak-season weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Wales? Wales is a year-round destination. May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days for beaches and outdoor activities, while autumn and winter are ideal for cosy cottage breaks, stargazing and experiencing Welsh culture without the crowds. The shoulder months of May, June and September often provide the best combination of good weather and lower prices.

What is Wales best known for? Wales is famous for its 600+ castles (more per square mile than anywhere in Europe), three National Parks (Eryri/Snowdonia, Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast), 870 miles of coastline, 41 Blue Flag beaches, and rich cultural traditions including the Welsh language, rugby and the National Eisteddfod festival.

How many days do you need in Wales? A long weekend of 3–4 days is enough to explore one region such as Pembrokeshire or Snowdonia. For a comprehensive trip covering North, South and West Wales, plan for 7–10 days. Many visitors return multiple times to experience different regions and seasons.

Where should I stay in Wales? Wales offers holiday cottages, spa hotels, glamping pods, campsites, farm stays and even castle hotels. Eryri (Snowdonia) and Pembrokeshire are the most popular areas for holiday cottages, while Cardiff and Swansea offer city breaks. Most visitors choose self-catering cottages for flexibility and value.

Can I fly to Wales from outside the UK? Yes. Cardiff Airport serves international destinations, and from May 2026, WestJet launches a new direct Toronto-to-Cardiff route. Bristol Airport and Manchester Airport are also convenient gateways, both within 90 minutes of the Welsh border.

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