What to do in Wales

Visit Snowdonia National Park to hike up snow-capped mountains and across untamed coasts. Walk through wild woodlands alongside bubbling rivers. Explore ancient castles and underground caverns. Relax in some of the most picturesque towns in Wales.

While all of these beaches are worth exploring, it’s Harbour Beach, at the rear of the harbour, which offers the best protection from the wind and must be considered one of the most child-friendly beach destinations in Pembrokeshire. Recently named the finest beach in Europe, Harbour won out over competitors from Portugal, Croatia and Italy. Considered the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire’s tourism portfolio, it’s postcard-perfect, if a little crowded during peak season.

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.

Caught between the rugged mountains of the Snowdonia National Park on one side, and the mouth of the river, this long stretch of sand offers the perfect location for family picnics, long contemplative walks or a variety of watersports. Even Wordsworth sung the beaches praises: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival,’ the poet wrote.

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.

Escape to the islands, beaches, cafés and heritage attractions of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The park, situated in the southwest corner of Wales, is a popular destination with families heading to the beach, walkers seeking a scenic challenge and photographers wanting to capture the rugged natural beauty of the region. Stay in one of the charming towns located in the sprawling park and go on excursions around the coastline to see different parts of this picturesque area.

Mumbles Pier is a wooden walkway of fun family activities that juts out into the Bristol Channel. It is among the oldest and most famous landmarks in Swansea. Relax on a bench on the pier at sunset to see the changing hues of the sky against the rock formations on this craggy coastline.