Discover Tailor-Made Wales Vacations

Weather in Wales is famously unpredictable, with locals joking that you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Packing layers is essential, along with a reliable rain jacket and umbrella. A light sweater is handy year-round, even in summer, while those comfortable with cooler days will find the castles atmospheric in any season.

Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the capital, reveals layers of history stretching back to 50 AD when it began as a Roman fort. Later expanded by Norman invaders in the 11th century, its grounds blend Roman remnants with medieval might. Conwy Castle on the north coast, built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, is a striking example of military architecture, with eight towers and walls that rise above sweeping views of mountains and sea. To the west, Pembroke Castle offers another imposing landmark, its six-metre-thick walls hinting at the siege weapons it once faced. Though gunpowder and cannons eventually transformed castle design, these fortresses still dominate the Welsh landscape with a sense of enduring power.

Exploring the castles of Wales is not just a journey into history but also an immersion into landscapes that are as wild as they are beautiful. Each visit connects past and present, with stone walls that have weathered centuries standing strong against the elements.

The Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, known as the “town of books,” is one of the most celebrated literary gatherings in the world. Writers, scientists, politicians, and thinkers gather here each year to exchange ideas and debate pressing global issues. Its reputation as the “Woodstock of the mind” reflects the lively intellectual atmosphere, with Stephen Fry serving as festival president. This spirit of creativity echoes the legacy of Welsh writers such as Dylan Thomas, whose evocative poetry captured his homeland, and Roald Dahl, born in Cardiff, whose whimsical tales often reflect the textures of Welsh life.

For something entirely different, the village of Portmeirion on the north-west coast transports visitors to a Mediterranean dreamscape. Designed as a miniature Italianate village, it sits beside the lush Y Gwyllt (gardens), where rare trees and plants such as redwoods, magnolias, and rhododendrons thrive. The manicured paths and wilder wooded corners invite both leisurely strolls and moments of forest bathing.

Another highlight is the Royal Welsh Show, held every July in Llanelwedd. Established in 1904, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, drawing over 200,000 visitors. Alongside its agricultural displays, the event features traditional music, regional food, and a warm sense of community.

Together, these cultural touchstones showcase Wales not only as a destination of castles and landscapes but also as a land of ideas, creativity, and shared traditions.

South Wales is home to some of the country’s best cideries. Gwynt y Ddraig in Pontypridd uses a mix of apple varieties to produce favourites such as Black Dragon, while Hallets Real Cider blends tradition with invention, their ruby-red Heartbreaker showcasing the distinctive Red Love apple. Ty Gwyn in Monmouthshire takes a sustainable, artisanal approach, ensuring their ciders are both authentic and environmentally conscious.

For beer lovers, Tiny Rebel Brewery in Newport has won acclaim with its award-winning Cwtch, while Cardiff’s Crafty Devil Brewing pairs creativity with humour, naming brews like Helles Bells and Headshrinker. Further north, Purple Moose in Snowdonia celebrates Welsh culture with Cwrw Eryri, a nod to the iconic mountain landscape and the Welsh language.

Pairing these drinks with Welsh cuisine is a delight. Cawl, a slow-cooked soup of meat and leeks, offers comfort after a day outdoors, while rarebit transforms simple bread into something rich with melted cheese, ale, and mustard. Vegetarians will savour Glamorgan sausages, crumbed and golden with Caerphilly cheese and leeks.

To round off an evening, Welsh spirits hold their own: Penderyn single malt whisky reflects craftsmanship, while Merlyn cream liqueur provides a smooth, indulgent finish. Whether in a pub, at a festival, or tucked into a farmhouse inn, the flavours of Wales tell a story best discovered sip by sip.

For hikers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most striking long-distance trails in Europe. Stretching over 300 kilometres, it guides walkers along dramatic headlands, sandy bays, and sea-swept cliffs. Starting at St. Dogmaels, travellers can savour views of Cardigan Bay before stopping at the Ferry Inn. Further along, the route from Newport to Abercastle winds through fishing villages, perfect for a cosy B&B stay and hearty meals at the historic Ship Inn. On reaching St. David’s Peninsula, sweeping beaches and the scent of wild herbs create moments of pure serenity.

Welsh identity is equally celebrated in its heritage and traditions. The dragon-adorned flag, the national symbols of the leek and daffodil, and the observance of St. David’s Day on 1 March reflect national pride. Music plays a central role, with instruments like the harp and crwth accompanying songs of longing, resilience, and joy. The stirring ballad of Harlech Castle exemplifies the nation’s enduring spirit.

Festivals breathe further life into Wales. The National Eisteddfod gathers poets, singers, and musicians for a grand celebration of language and performance, while the International Musical Eisteddfod in Llangollen welcomes artists from across the world. Together, these cultural gatherings highlight Wales as not only a country of natural beauty, but also one of music, storytelling, and heartfelt connection.