We’re lucky here in the UK that we don’t really need to go traipsing half way around the world to experience some outstanding areas of natural beauty. Because we’re such a small island we’ve also got the added bonus of being able to get almost anywhere in a matter of hours rather than days. If you’re looking for a weekend break or a family holiday Wales promises to have anything you could want from a holiday.
With more than 640 castles ranging from ancient ruins to habitable dwellings and over 750 miles of ever changing coast there’s no way you could ever be bored. Whether you’re exploring an ancient ruin of a long forgotten castle or enjoying a few hours in one of Wales’s metropolitan cities you’re never far from the rich history this proud country has to offer. Gwlad hud a lledrith to the west of the country is still known as ‘the land of magic and enchantment’. Wales is even rumoured to be the birth place of legendary wizard Merlin who is said to have been born just outside of Carmarthen. These are the types of stories that are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.
The highest mountain in Wales is Snowdonia in the north of the country and makes the perfect day out if you’re looking to get a little exercise and see some stunning views. At over 1,000 metres above sea level this famous mountain is surprisingly easy to climb. If you have a good fitness level and you enjoy a challenge you might want to attempt the Watkins Path which is easily the steepest of the several paths you could take. If you want to try something a little more leisurely you could try the Llanberis Path which is definitely one of the longest walks to the peak.
As you work your way down Wales and head south you’ll notice the terrain gets softer and the landscape more open. If you have the time, travelling along the coast will offer some truly stunning scenery as the beaches range from serene and sandy to wild and angry. In the summer Wales offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK with miles and miles of unspoilt sandy beaches. If you prefer something more complex, several miles of the Welsh coast is ragged angry rocks being attacked by a savage sea. If you want to actually get out into the water you’ll find a rich selection of wildlife, including basking sharks, turtles, seals and dolphins. There are very few places in the UK that can claim to be home to a pod of dolphins but Cardigan Bay is one of them. If you prefer the water a little less alive you might want to try your hand at one of the numerous water sports on offer at various centres along the coast, from surfing to diving and windsurfing there’s lots for you to try your hand at.
If you want to discover some of the rich culture and history this small country has to offer you might want to try spending the afternoon exploring some of the many castles it has to offer. The largest castle in Wales is Caerphilly Castle which also happens to be the second largest castle in the UK. King Henry VII (father of King Henry VIII) was born and grew up in Pembroke Castle in the south of Wales. Both of these castles are open to the public and make a great day out.
Jack Norell is the SEM Manager for Holiday Rentals who offer an extensive selection of cottages to rent.
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