Wales is a country that is part of the United Kindom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It had a population in 2011 of 3,064,000, and has a total area of 20,779 km2 (8,023 sq mi). Wales has over 1,200 km (750 mi) of coastline, and is largely mountainous, with its highest peaks in the north and central areas, including Snowdon , its highest summit. The country lies within the north temperate zone, and has a changeable, martitime climate. Wales is a generally mountainous country on the western side of central southern Great Britain. Much of Wales' diverse landscape is mountainous, particularly in the north and central regions. The highest mountains in Wales are in Snowdonia.Wales has three national parks : Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast. It has five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
These areas include Anglesey, the Clwydian Range , the Gower Peninsula and the Wye Valley. The Gower Peninsula was the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in 1956. Forty two percent of the coastline of South and West Wales is designated as Heritage Coast, with 13 specific designated strips of coastline maintained by the Countryside Council of Wales. There is a map of National parks in Wales.
Wales has many picturesque cities and towns. These nine are the most notable.
- Cardiff — the largest city and capital of Wales, and a major UK tourism centre.
- Swansea — Wales' city by the sea and second largest urban area, and gateway to the Gower.
- Aberystwyth — coastal town with large student population.
- Bangor — picturesque university town.
- Caernarfon — site of Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales' largest and best preserved castles.
- Conwy — medieval, fortified town with impressive castle and quaint shops.
- Hay-on-Wye — the "book capital" of the UK, home to the annual literary festival.
- Llandudno — largest seaside resort in North Wales.
- Tenby— medieval walled town and elegant seaside resort.
- Wrexham — largest town in North Wales.
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Cardiff Castle is a large castle whose foundations are based upon a Roman fort. In the nineteenth century, it was the one of the homes of the Marquis of Bute. The Norman fort in the centre, the Welsh regimental museum and and excavated Roman ruins are open, and tours of the Bute household are available. The Bute part of the castle is quite amazing. The interior was all done in the early 1900s in a very idiosyncratic and interesting style. There is barely an inch that is not adorned with some sort of artistic work. 
The Wales Millennium Centre. An outstanding piece of modern architecture, opened in 2004 by the Queen, the futuristic Wales Millennium Centre is host to opera, dance and West End musicals throughout the year, making it a must see for those who like theatre. Entry is free throughout the year. While entrance to the theatre is charged, free live performances take place in the foyer every lunchtime at 13:00 and before shows in the evening. It currently hosts the exhibition about Cardiff Bays development that used to be house in 'The Tube'.
☻Relax in Bute Park or in the grounds of the castle, for a break from the hustle of the city centre.
☻Visit Cardiff Bay a truly cosmopolitan experience full of restaurants, bars and cafes. A really good place for a 'passeggiata' on a Sunday afternoon. Boat rides in the Bay (permanently water-filled since the barrage was built), a few shops, and a children's playground at the far end (near the historic Norwegian church) along with beautiful views across to Penarth.
☻Walk along the bay from Mermaid quay to the barrage (near Penarth) to see for yourself how the water comes into the harbour from the sea. It is a lovely 2 km walk with the harbour on one side of the path and the sea on the other. Some stunning views, not to be missed. If you don't feel like walking you can hire a bicycle (you will come across the rental company on the way) or take a ride on the road train.
♥Swansea is a city on the South Wales coast. With a population approaching 250,000, it is the second largest city in Wales, and located on the beautiful Gower Peninsula - the United Kindom's first designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".
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Oystermouth Castle. The original castle was founded in the early 12th century by William de Londres of Ogmore and was constructed of ringwork and bailey. In the 13th century, the castle was the principle residence of the de Braoses, the lords of Gower (their other main residence was Swansea Castle), and most of the structure remaining today originates from this period. King Edward 1 is recorded to have visited the castle in December 1284. The present day remains are well preserved and the battlements offer commanding views over Swansea Bay. There is a small entry fee.
The Guildhall. This elegant building of white Portland stone has graced the city center's western approach since 1934. The main building only houses administrative offices and is of no interest to the casual visitor. However, Sir Frank Brangwyn's murals (originally intended for the House of Lords, but considered too frivolous) that grace the interior of the Brangwyn Hall are definitely worth viewing. The Brangwyn Hall is on the sea-facing side of the building and functions as the city's main concert and reception hall.
☻Bowls- Swansea Indoor Bowls Stadium. The Swansea Bowls stadium is an international standard indoor bowling stadium which hosts the Welsh International Open, part of the World Bowls Tour, annually. The stadium features 6 bowling rinks with a function room and a bar.
☻Cruises - The historic ship MV Balmoral runs day trips to Ilfracomble in North Devon and cruises around the Gower coast - summer only. The paddle steamer Waverley runs similar trips, but less frequently. Certain journies continue on to Lundy Island.
☻Cycling - The Jersey Marine and Fabian Way Trail traces the main road into the city center from the East - few special sites of interest, it passes the Jersey Marine Tower and offers views of the heavy industrial plants in Baglan Bay and Port Talbot.
♥Aberystwyth is in the county of Ceredigion, is a smallish town on the Ceredigipn Coast. It is home to one of the oldest parts of the University of Wales. It is also home to the National Library of Wales , one of the UK's few copyright libraries meaning it has the right to claim a copy of every book published in Britain, which also means that it has one of the highest figures for books per head of population in the world. Its other notable - and notorious - feature is the remarkable number of pubs in the town.
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Aberystwyth Arts Centre is the largest and busiest arts centre in Wales, boasting a theatre (312 seats), concert hall (900 seats), cinema (125 seats), studio (80 seats) and three wonderful gallery spaces. Has a programme of theatre and dance, live music, comedy, exhibitions and cinema. It also runs visual arts and perfoming arts courses for children and adults of all ages, as well as a dance school with over 500 students enrolled. Has a craftshop, a bookshop two cafes and a theatre bar.
The view over Cardigan Bay on a summer's evening can be quite stunning. It is the best thing to see in Aber. The best places to see the sunset are the long seafront Promenade, any of the beaches that takes your fancy, and the University plaza (and the Arts Centre cafe located above it).
The best thing to see in Abey.
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☻Watersports are another popular activity, but it's probably advisable to take part in organised outings as far as these go. The Irish Sea is famous for its undertow, and most years at least one foolhardy person gets sucked out to sea - usually after a drinking session.
☻If walking's your thing, then the countryside around Aber is beautiful. A popular walk is to Borth, about 5 miles up a hilly coastal path, which blessed with wonderful beaches. At the northern tip of Borth is Ynyslas, home to a nature reserve of sand dunes and a submerged forest. A short trip out of town by car or bus is Cadair Idris a popular hiking spot with spectacular view (if the weather is good).
☻There are also boat trips out into Cardigan Bay, where dolphins can be seen in the waters, and seals on the islands. These are seasonal, so check at the tourist information centre for latest times and prices. Sea Fishing excursions can also be arranged in the harbour, a great day out with all equipment included in the charter.
♥Llandudno is a Victorian-era seaside resort situated on the picturesque north coast of Wales. Once a favourite of Queen Victoria, Llandudno still retains an old-world charm that sets it aside from other British seaside resorts. Llandudno is set between the cities of Bangor and Chester and is easily accesible by road and rail.
Llandudno has the distinction of being the largest seaside resort in North Wales. It lies between two notable carboniferous headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme with the Irish Sea on one side and the estuary of the River Conwy on the other with sunset views of Puffin Island. It is these headlands and the two waterfronts, the North Shore and the West Shore, that give Llandudno its special appeal.
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Bronze Age Copper Mines. Recently discovered bronze age mines on the upper slopes of the Great Orme. Tours start off with a brief talk on the mine and seeing tools found in excavations, before heading down into the mines! Great fun and well worth a visit, although the tours aren't very long.
The Victorian Pier, the finest in Wales, second longest in Britain and one of a dwindling number of recreational piers in the country.
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☻Ride the traditional tram (built in 1902) to the summit of the Great Orme, enjoy the visitor centre and visit Randolf Turpin's Bar in the Summit Complex.
☻Go for walks over the Great Orme, perhaps visiting Saint Tudno's church
☻Walk, cycle, drive or ride a coach around the Marine Drive. There is a toll of £2.50 for cars but that includes free parking at the summit car park, which is reached by a side road via Saint Tudno's Church. The toll is generally not in place after 7PM.
☻Ride a donkey or just enjoy the sun on either of Llandudno's two beaches, North Beach and West Shore
♥Hay-on-Wye in Mid Wales, on the River Wye, very close to the English border and within the borders of the Brecon Beacons National Park. A "town of books", with at least 41 separate bookshops (mostly second-hand / antiquarian / collectors), Hay-on-Wye is probably best known as the location of a prestigious annual Hay Festival, sponsored by theGuardian newspaper.
See:
Hay Castle
Do:☻The Guardian Hay Festival. A literary festival, which Bill Clinton aptly described as 'The Woodstock for the Mind.
The best thing to see in Abey.
☻Watersports are another popular activity, but it's probably advisable to take part in organised outings as far as these go. The Irish Sea is famous for its undertow, and most years at least one foolhardy person gets sucked out to sea - usually after a drinking session.
☻If walking's your thing, then the countryside around Aber is beautiful. A popular walk is to Borth, about 5 miles up a hilly coastal path, which blessed with wonderful beaches. At the northern tip of Borth is Ynyslas, home to a nature reserve of sand dunes and a submerged forest. A short trip out of town by car or bus is Cadair Idris a popular hiking spot with spectacular view (if the weather is good).
☻There are also boat trips out into Cardigan Bay, where dolphins can be seen in the waters, and seals on the islands. These are seasonal, so check at the tourist information centre for latest times and prices. Sea Fishing excursions can also be arranged in the harbour, a great day out with all equipment included in the charter.
♥Llandudno is a Victorian-era seaside resort situated on the picturesque north coast of Wales. Once a favourite of Queen Victoria, Llandudno still retains an old-world charm that sets it aside from other British seaside resorts. Llandudno is set between the cities of Bangor and Chester and is easily accesible by road and rail.
Llandudno has the distinction of being the largest seaside resort in North Wales. It lies between two notable carboniferous headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme with the Irish Sea on one side and the estuary of the River Conwy on the other with sunset views of Puffin Island. It is these headlands and the two waterfronts, the North Shore and the West Shore, that give Llandudno its special appeal.
See:
Bronze Age Copper Mines. Recently discovered bronze age mines on the upper slopes of the Great Orme. Tours start off with a brief talk on the mine and seeing tools found in excavations, before heading down into the mines! Great fun and well worth a visit, although the tours aren't very long.The Victorian Pier, the finest in Wales, second longest in Britain and one of a dwindling number of recreational piers in the country.
Do:
☻Ride the traditional tram (built in 1902) to the summit of the Great Orme, enjoy the visitor centre and visit Randolf Turpin's Bar in the Summit Complex.
☻Go for walks over the Great Orme, perhaps visiting Saint Tudno's church
☻Walk, cycle, drive or ride a coach around the Marine Drive. There is a toll of £2.50 for cars but that includes free parking at the summit car park, which is reached by a side road via Saint Tudno's Church. The toll is generally not in place after 7PM.
☻Ride a donkey or just enjoy the sun on either of Llandudno's two beaches, North Beach and West Shore
♥Hay-on-Wye in Mid Wales, on the River Wye, very close to the English border and within the borders of the Brecon Beacons National Park. A "town of books", with at least 41 separate bookshops (mostly second-hand / antiquarian / collectors), Hay-on-Wye is probably best known as the location of a prestigious annual Hay Festival, sponsored by theGuardian newspaper.
See:
Do:☻The Guardian Hay Festival. A literary festival, which Bill Clinton aptly described as 'The Woodstock for the Mind.
