Wonderful Wales is just two hours from London and welcomes visitors with its bubbly charm and hilly green plains. There are lots of things to do in Wales, from exploring the natural landscapes to taking in a concert or sporting event.
Will you be charmed by the spirit of Wales?
1. Visit the Millennium Stadium
This monument to international rugby and impressive icon of the 21st century opened in 1999 and is well worth a visit. Located in Cardiff, this stadium is home of the Wales national rugby team, but if you don't feel like surrounding yourself with screaming rugby fans, you can also watch a concert.
2. Try some bog snorkelling
How brave are you feeling? If the answer is "very", perhaps we should rephrase the question to "how crazy are you feeling?" Bog snorkelling at Llanwrtyd Wells, the (self-proclaimed) smallest town in the UK, gives you the chance to get wet and dirty in the famous Waen Rhydd Bog. Make friends and bond over a hobby that could turn addictive, and ensure you buy a lot more laundry detergent when you get home.
3. Coasteer the Welsh coast
Coasteering is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Wales, and if you're looking for action then sign yourself up for some fun working your way around a stunning coastline at sea level. To complete your journey, you may need to dive, jump, climb, scramble or swim. Your exploits will all seem worth it when you see the amazing Welsh scenery.
4. Climb Mount Snowdon
This might not be for everyone, but action lovers and fans of the great outdoors will relish the challenge to tackle at least some of magnificent Snowdonia National Park. Mount Snowdon is the largest mountain in Wales and resides in the country's largest national park, which boasts 100 lakes, 37 miles of gorgeous coastline, 90 mountain peaks, beaches and more.
5. Visit a national museum
Wales has an exciting and vibrant history, which you can explore with a few hours at the interesting Amgueddfa Cymru – the National Museum of Wales. It's free to enter too. At the National Coal Museum, travel down to 300 feet with a real miner, and at the National Roman Legion Museum, be wowed by the newest-looking ancient amphitheatre in Britain.
6. Head to a Welsh castle
There are over 600 castles in Wales, so take your pick! One of Britain's largest medieval fortresses is the fascinating Caerphilly Castle, which is extra exciting during the annual Big Cheese Festival, held in the castle grounds.
7. Discover Cardiff nightlife
If dancing the night away is your cup of tea, Cardiff's club scene is lively. And with 350 bars and pubs, it also has one of the best bar scenes in Britain. Head to St Mary Street, which is the heart of all good nightlife, and for pumping music venues, check out the area around Greyfriars Road. As well as R&B, house and dance you can also see a variety of great up-and-comers and big name bands.
8. Find nature at Glyncorrwg Ponds
There's an abundance of wildlife in Wales, so nature fans and lovers of the great outdoors will find peace, respite and plenty of photographic opportunities to see kites, pied flycatchers, sandpipers, buzzards, heron and dragonflies at the Glyncorrwg Ponds. If it’s flowers, flora and fauna in Wales you’re after, look out for purple loosestrife, primroses, meadow sweet and flag iris.
9. Take a stroll along a canal
The Swansea Canal was built between 1794 and 1798 and is a great place to take a stroll. As the first major structure in the valley, it ran 16 miles and served as a source of power, water and means of transport until 1931. If you feel like following the Swansea Canal along the Swansea Valley, put on your best walking shoes and wait for a sunny day.
10. Spot dolphins and porpoise
There are approximately 130 bottlenose dolphins living in Cardigan Bay, so if you feel Flipper calling, board a boat trip to see dolphins and porpoise all year round in Wales. Most trips leave New Quay on the west coast of Wales and last half a day. The pretty coastline between New Quay and Cardigan is host to an abundance of marine wildlife, including the friendly grey seals and sunfish in the summer.
