Wales is located in Southwest Great Britain and is renowned for its mountainous national parks, rugged coastline, and green and lush hills. While English is spoken in Wales, there is also a distinctive Welsh language spoken by the locals. Celtic culture is also evident. Among the best destinations is the Snowdonia National Park in the northwest, with its glacial landforms, hiking trails, and lakes. There is also a railway running up to the peak of Snowdon. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is located on the coast. The city offers a lively nightlife as well as historical buildings like the Gothic medieval castle. Get to know the country better by trying out some of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Wales. Scroll below to view our top picks.
1. Visit Barry Island and the set of "Gavin and Stacey" (from USD 43.0)
Fans of the television series “Gavin and Stacey” will appreciate this behind-the-scenes tour on Barry Island. Visitors get the chance to ride in “Dave’s Coach,” the bus used in the series, and to explore Stacey’s hometown of Barry, visiting the various key filming spots along the way. Head to the Barry amusement arcade and pose in Nessa’s chair for a photo, then head to Stacey’s house to find out info about the major characters, including actors James Corden and Ruth Jones.
Barry Island 'Gavin and Stacey' TV Locations Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
2. Enjoy an action-packed day at Margam Park
Posted by Margam Country Park on Sunday, 2 July 2017
Margam Country Park (also known as Parc Gwledig Margam Country Park) is a large estate in Margam, Wales, around a 2-mi (3.2-km) drive from Port Talbot. The property was once home to the Mansel Talbot family and is now administered by the local council. There is a castle to visit, beautiful gardens, an orangery, a farm trail, and a narrow-gauge railway to ride.
Margam Country Park
Address: Neath Port Talbot, Wales, UK
Website: Margam Country Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Have fun on the rides at the Oakwood Theme Park
The Oakwood Theme Park offers a range of exciting rides to suit everyone. Their pride and joy is Megafobia, a fast running wooden rollercoaster. Vertigo is the tallest sky-swing in the UK, only for those with no fear of heights. Witch Hunt is a new, seasonal attraction where you enter a maze and try to escape the Witch. Family rides include The Creepy Crawler which is an over-size Grasshopper train heading through a twisty and bumpy terrain. Try out Moon Landing – a spinning disk with outward-facing seats.
Oakwood Theme Park
Address: Canaston Bridge, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Website: Oakwood Theme Park
Opening hours: Varies (see website)
Price: Various: Day Pass, Season Pass and Annual Passes available from the website.
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4. Learn how to surf at Llangennith Surf School
Located at beautiful, 3 mi (4.8 km) Llangennith Beach in South Wales, the Llangennith Surf School is in the heart of the Gower. There is always a chilled out vibe and friendly crowd, making the beach the perfect place to learn how to surf and have fun. Fully qualified coaches and lifeguard staff are on duty to ensure a unique and safe surfing experience.
Llangennith Surf School
Address: Llangennith, South Wales
Website: Llangennith Surf School
Opening hours: Varies (see website)
Price: Varies
5. Go mountain biking or hiking in Coed Llandegla
Take your mountain bike and a tasty picnic and head into Coed Llandegla Forest in Wrexham, Wales. Alternatively, jog or stroll the hiking trails through the trees. Spot the wildlife and birds in the surrounding trees and generally chill out in nature. There are four trails to explore, giving a chance to come back and explore a new area each year.
Coed Llandegla Forest
Address: Ruthin Rd, Llandegla, Wrexham, Wales
Website: Coed Llandegla Forest
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Try a rock jump into the water at Abereiddy Beach
Abereiddy Beach is located in Pembrokeshire and features dark sand and pebbles due to the surrounding slate. Blue Lagoon gets its name from the deep blue color the slate adds to the water. There is a small harbor to the north of the beach. Visitors should be aware there are strong currents at Abereiddy beach. However, despite the strong currents, this is a popular place for climbing along the cliffs at sea level and leaping into the sea from the rocks. There are also a number of ruined cottages on the site to explore.
Abereiddy Beach
Address: Abereiddy Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Website: Abereiddy Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Enjoy a day out at Oxwich Beach
Located on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea, South Wales, Oxwich is a village with a pretty beach and bay. Take a picnic and relax on the sand. Enjoy surfing in Oxwich Bay or climb the dunes and visit the salt marsh. There are a number of shops and cafes close to the beach. You can also explore Oxwich Castle close by. Though not an official castle, the house is built in the ideal spot overlooking a wooded headline above Oxwich Bay.
Oxwich Beach and Oxwich Castle
Address: Oxwich Castle, Oxwich, Swansea, South Wales
Website: Oxwich Castle
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Varies
8. Visit the lake and gardens at Cardiff's Roath Park
Roath Park is a classic Victorian park in the center of Cardiff. The park has many historic and horticultural attractions, with several different environments within it. A lake was created and a lighthouse which contains a scale model of the “Terra Nova” ship sailed by Captain Scott to the Antarctic from Cardiff in 1910 was built. Among the different habitats, the lake is a wintering and breeding place for a variety of birds, including mallard ducks, cormorants and herons, which nest on islands within the lake. There are several beautiful floral displays and a Victorian glass house which houses tropical plants, terrapins, and koi carp.
Roath Park
Address: 68 Lake Rd E, Cardiff, Wales
Website: Roath Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Visit the spectacular waterfalls of the Neath Valley
The Neath Valley Waterfalls were originally used for washing wool but now the falls are one of the best sights to visit along the Four Falls Walks in Cwm Porth, Ystradfellte in Aberdare, Wales. Head down the trail to visit all the waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing picnic along the way among the stunning scenery.
Neath Valley Waterfalls
Address: Cwm Porth, Ystradfellte, Aberdare, Wales
Website: Neath Valley Waterfalls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Take a Hop-On Hop-Off tour of Cardiff, Wales (from USD 21.0)
Hop on the tourist bus in Cardiff for a full, sightseeing tour, hopping on and off the bus wherever you please. Ride inside or, weather permitting, on the open deck of the bus as you head to Cardiff Castle, Techniquest, and the Millennium Stadium. The bus pass is valid for 24 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore your favorite attractions.
City Sightseeing Cardiff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Duration: 55 minutes
See Wales at its best this summer
Whether touring the cities, heading into nature or having fun at an exciting theme park, make sure you experience some of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Wales.
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