Often overlooked in comparison to England and Scotland, Wales actually packs a hell of a lot of beauty into a relatively small mass of land with sprawling mountain ranges, lush green valleys, rugged coastline, gorgeously preserved castles and postcard-pretty market towns. We feel Wales doesn’t receive half the amount of attention it deserves, and once you’ve seen our list for the best and most beautiful places to visit in Wales, we think you’ll also agree…
1. Snowdonia National Park – one of the best and most famously stunning places to explore in Wales
Home to the biggest mountain in Wales and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, Snowdonia National Park is a hugely popular holiday spot and a big draw for adventurous types.
Boulder-strewn summits, stark mountain ranges, and serene lakes make up much of the landscape, making it a popular destination for walkers, climbers and mountain bikers. Make sure you include a visit to one of our favourite spots, Llanberis Pass (where twin lakes cut through a vast mountain range) and if you’re fit enough, also consider tackling all 3,560 feet of glorious Mount Snowdon.
2. Pembrokeshire Coast – one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world
The county of Pembrokeshire is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Wales. Its craggy and dramatic coastline imprints itself in the hearts of anyone who goes there and we love how uncrowded this places feels, even at high season. Rugged cliffs, a naturally beautiful coastline and more than seventy sweeping beaches calling this place home.
Highlights include gorgeously preserved conservation areas, a National Park and excellent hiking trails which will take you close to medieval castles and towns, secret coves, Napoleonic forts and postcard-pretty ports.
3. Brecon Beacons – a sprawling mountain range and national park and easily one of the best places to visit in Wales
This is a famously beautiful, heather-clad mountain range in South Wales which has a protected status. A popular activity and holiday spot, it attracts plenty of visitors to its excellent walking, mountain biking and horse riding trails. Scenery includes thick forests, grassy hills, waterfalls, peaceful reservoirs and South Wales’ highest mountain – Pen y Fan.
Also expect a handful of characterful towns dotted with the odd Michelin-starred restaurant or a gourmet farmer’s market.
4. Mumbles – a cosy but cosmopolitan fishing village which is an underrated beauty spot in South Wales
Catherine Zeta-Jone’s home town and one of Dylan Thomas’ many stomping grounds is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. It’s a super cute historic seaside retreat dotted with gourmet restaurants and quaint teashops and just happens to be newly fashionable with travellers-in-the know.
The town stretches along the shoreline at the southern end of Swansea Bay – a place which has now been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Expect award-winning beaches, spectacular sunsets and miles of the unspoiled countryside just waiting to be explored.
5. Betws y Coed – one of the prettiest villages to visit in North Wales which is also a gateway to Snowdonia National Park
A beautiful yet bustling village which tourists seem to love but they never spoil. It’s actually a gateway village to one of the most stunning and beautiful places in Wales, Snowdonia National Park.
It also happens to be one of the prettiest villages in Wales and is nestled snuggly in a valley near the point where the River Conwy is met by both the River Llugwy and the River Lledr. As well as being home to a number of independent shops selling crafts, clothing, gifts, and local homemade produce it’s also a hub for mountain biking due to its pristine and unspoiled surroundings. Just up the road is the Marin Route, a fabulous mountain bike trail that will take you through the stunning peaks and pines of Gwydir Forest.
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