Wales has a varied and dramatic landscape. Whilst stretching only 170 miles from north to south and 60 miles east to west, it is a country of amazing beauty and history. 3m people live in Wales, with the main population and industrial areas being in South Wales, where you’ll find Cardiff, the capital city.
You are never far from a mountain or the sea – so it’s no wonder walkers, cyclists, surfers and sailors love to come and visit. To the east is England – leaving three other sides of sea, with over 750 miles of coastline – Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay all have wonderful, clean beaches and some surprising marine life.
Many wild animals can be seen across Wales – dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, Atlantic grey seals and leatherback turtles are all regulary seen along the coast, with Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion areas of particular importance for bottle nosed dolphins.
Shaped by the last Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago, the landscape is mountainous, particularly in north and mid Wales. The highest mountains are in the dark and craggy Snowdonia range in the north, and include Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), which at 3,560 ft is the highest peak in Wales. As you travel south you will notice the landscape becomes much softer, though the hills remain of course. In mid Wales are the Cambrian Mountains and moving further south The Brecon Beacons (highest point Pen-y-Fan). South Wales, where the industrial revolution really took hold, has a very different feel from the rest of Wales, which is generally more rural. Here you will find the steep-sided valleys once home to our coal mines, carved up by rivers like the Rhondda, Taff, Rhymney and Cynon.
Brecon Beacons National Park
Cardiff Castle
One of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. During 2000 years of history, the Castle has been a Roman Garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed into a gothic fairytale fantasy.
Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB
02920 878100
Website
The Centre for Alternative Technology Visitor Centre
Nestled in the hillsides of Southern Snowdonia, the Centre is Europe´s leading environmental display centre. The seven-acre display site includes exciting interactive displays that demonstrate the incredible power of wind, water and sun and has working examples of environmentally responsible buildings, energy conservation, organic growing and composting. The Centre is a great place for children, packed full of interactive displays to keep little hands and feet busy for hours.
Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ
Website
Doctor Who Experience
Come face to face with the newest Doctor Who creatures and companions, featuring to name a few, the Sibylline Sisters, Cyberman,Clockwork man, Sontaran, the Hath and of course…beware of the Daleks!
Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
Website
The Dinosaur Park
Home to twenty two life size, animated dinosaurs, in a woodland setting. Other attractions, include a mini theatre with daily programmes, an adventure playground and Dino´s Play Den for younger children, a unique dinosaur-themed restaurant
Gumfreston, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 8RB
Website
Elan Valley Dams
The dams and reservoirs of the Elan Estate are situated within an area of outstanding scenic beauty. During the 19th century, at the time of the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham’s population grew rapidly.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HP
Website
The National Zoological Society of Wales
Set in North Wales, high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery, its beautiful gardens are home to this caring conservation zoo. Roam the wooded pathways, relax on the grassy slopes and spend a lovely day learning about many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world including Snow Leopards, Chimpanzees, Red Pandas and Sumatran Tigers!
Colwyn Bay, Conwy, North Wales, LL28 5UY
Website
WWT National Westland Centre Wales, Llanelli
Adults £7.30; children £3.95; family £20.75; daily, 9.30-5pm
01554 741087
www.wwt.org.uk
Llangollen Railway
A steam hauled Heritage Railway Line starting at Llangollen Station located beside the Dee River Bridge in Llangollen Town, and continuing for 7 ½ miles upstream, following the River Dee to the village of Carrog.
The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8SN
Website
Oakwood Theme Park
One of the UK´s top ten theme parks, Oakwood Park is one of Wales largest tourist attractions with over 60 rides and 400,000 visitors each year. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone from white knuckle rides including Megafobia or The Bounce to family favourites including The Pirate Ship and Treetops coaster.Try your hand at the grazy golf or the pedalos on the boating lake. For the smaller kids there is plenty of fun to be had in KidzWorld.
Canaston Bridge, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8DE
Website
Techniquest Glyndwr, Wrexham
Offering over 60 hands-on exhibits complemented by a varied programme of interactive shows, workshops and special events. The programme is designed to stimulate and motivate.
Techniquest Glyndwr, Plas Coch, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
01978 293400
Website
For more information on these and many, many more attractions in Wales, visit the following websites:
www.visitwales.co.uk
www.castlewales.com
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