Great days out in Wales

With an ever-growing range of travel destinations at our fingertips, it’s often easy to overlook some of the treasures on our own doorstep.

And Wales has to be the pick of the bunch. It’s got everything you need in a relatively small area from magnificent mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and a real sense of local culture.

So here are some choice locations for a quick visit to Wales.

Llandudno

 

This glorious seaside town is well worth a visit just about anytime of year. With its beautiful, broad bay and elegant Victorian seafront architecture, it’s the true jewel of the North Wales coast.

Also worth a visit whilst you’re in the area is a vintage tram ride up the Great Orme – the impressive limestone headland that overlooks Llandudno.

Not only are there astonishing views, but there’s a handily placed café, restaurant and gift shop at the top too!

Porthmadog

Just tucked under the beautiful Llyn peninsula is the snug little town of Porthmadog that is the perfect starting point for making some surprising discoveries in this enigmatic little area.

There are some great sandy beaches nearby at Nefyn and Pwllheli, and also some magnificent historic castles such as Harlech Castle that overlooks the Irish Sea from a very dramatic cliff-top location.

But what is really worth a trek is the mysterious and charming Portmeirion village that is packed full of botanical gardens, beautifully painted houses and was even used as the set for the hit TV series The Prisoner!

Brecon Beacons

If you want to get away from it all, then head to the Brecon Beacons National Park. This packs in spectacular scenery with glorious hills and valleys, and also has some great arts and crafts events held the year round.

Plus it’s also handily located for some great days out including the famous Chepstow horseracing track. Although the Welsh Grand National isn’t held at this circuit until December, you can still get some horse racing action at the nearby Cheltenham festival very soon!

Ffestiniog railway

And finally, a special mention must be made to the incredible Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway.

This magical piece of engineering takes a long and arduous train journey through some beautiful Welsh woodland, before it takes you into the mountains where you’ll finally get to reach the summit of Mount Snowdon – the highest peak in the whole of Wales – all from the comfort of your railway carriage!