Wales
Dragons, dungeons, and mountain peaks πβ°οΈ
Wales packs a massive amount of adventure into a small country. It is defined by its distinct Celtic culture, bilingual road signs (English and Welsh), and a landscape that invites activity. Known as the βLand of Castlesβ, it has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, firing the imagination of any child interested in knights and dragons.
In the north, Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) is the adventure capital. Families can hike up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales, or take the historic steam train to the summit for the views without the sweat. The region has reinvented its industrial past into thrill-seeking attractions; Zip World offers experiences like βBounce Belowβ, a set of giant trampolines suspended in underground slate caverns, and the Forest Coaster, a gravity-driven sledge run through the trees.
The castles here are world-class UNESCO sites. Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle are immense fortresses with towers to climb and walls to walk. They are often less curated than English palaces, offering a raw, rugged feel that encourages exploration. On the island of Anglesey, families can visit Beaumaris Castle or take a boat trip to Puffin Island.
Pembrokeshire in the west is the UK's only coastal national park. It offers incredible beaches like Barafundle Bay and Whitesands, along with boat trips to Skomer Island to see puffins (in season). The coastline is dotted with colourful harbour towns like Tenby. In the south, the capital Cardiff is home to St Fagans National Museum of History, a vast open-air museum where families can walk into re-erected historic buildings from all over Wales. It is free and consistently voted one of the UKβs best museums.
For nature lovers, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) offer accessible mountain walks and waterfalls. The Four Waterfalls Walk allows you to walk behind a curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira. Wales is famously green for a reasonβit rains often! Packing good waterproofs is essential to enjoying the landscape, which looks majestic even in the mist.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers high-quality immersion in diverse landscapes from Snowdonia to Pembrokeshire, with major attractions like Zip World enhancing the natural experience.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Boasts an exceptional density of UNESCO-listed medieval castles and high-quality national museums that provide a distinct and authentic cultural identity.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
World-class hiking infrastructure via the Wales Coast Path and innovative adventure centers make this a strong destination for active, outdoor-focused families.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Celebrated routes such as The Cambrian Way offer spectacular landscapes and well-maintained roads ideal for discerning travelers seeking scenic drives.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features aesthetically world-class bays like Rhossili, but water temperatures remain significantly below international beach resort standards.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Specialized venues like Techniquest offer quality engagement for families, though they generally serve as secondary activities rather than primary travel motivators.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Hosts internationally significant cultural events like the Hay Festival, though the calendar is highly specific to a few peak months.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region features unique historic thermal sites like the Caerleon Roman Baths, providing a niche, heritage-focused relaxation experience.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Regional facilities like Oakwood and Blue Lagoon provide solid family entertainment but lack the scale and uniqueness of global benchmark parks.
Attractions (91 total)
Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
The largest aquarium in Wales, dedicated to native British marine life with over 40 species and an extensive seahorse breeding program.
Visit website βSea Trust Aquarium
Goodwick
An engaging coastal aquarium focused on local marine life and conservation, located in a scenic harbor setting within the Ocean Lab building.
Visit website βPlantasia Tropical Zoo
Swansea
A vibrant tropical oasis inside a glass pyramid, featuring a diverse range of exotic fish, reptiles, and a walk-through aquarium tunnel.
Visit website βBeach / Coastal Recreation Area
Barafundle Bay
Stackpole
Regularly voted one of Britain's best beaches, this secluded cove offers turquoise waters and golden sands accessible via a scenic cliff path.
Visit website βRhossili Bay
Rhossili
A world-renowned three-mile stretch of golden sand featuring the iconic Worm's Head headland and dramatic cliffside views.
Visit website βTenby North Beach
Tenby
A picturesque sandy beach framed by colorful harbor houses and the iconic Goskar Rock, perfect for family swimming.
Visit website βHarlech Beach
Harlech
A vast, dune-backed sandy expanse offering stunning views of the nearby medieval Harlech Castle and the mountains of Eryri.
Visit website βThree Cliffs Bay
Penmaen
A breathtaking coastline defined by its iconic trio of limestone peaks, extensive sand dunes, and meandering salt marshes.
Visit website βYnys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island)
Newborough
A narrow peninsula featuring historic lighthouses, Celtic ruins, and sweeping views of the Snowdonia mountains across the water.
Visit website βHistoric Town / Village / Cultural Area
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Blaenavon
An award-winning industrial heritage museum where visitors can go underground to experience the historic reality of a working coal mine.
Visit website βConwy Historic Town
Conwy
A remarkably well-preserved medieval walled town anchored by a UNESCO-listed castle and featuring the smallest house in Great Britain.
Visit website βPortmeirion Village
Minffordd
A whimsical, Mediterranean-style fantasy village on the Welsh coast featuring colorful architecture, exotic gardens, and scenic woodland trails.
Visit website βSt Davids Cathedral and Bishop's Palace
St Davids
The smallest city in Britain, known for its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and ancient ruins located in a beautiful coastal valley.
Visit website βSt Fagans National Museum of History
Cardiff
An immersive open-air museum where families can explore over 40 original historic buildings relocated from across Wales.
Visit website βTenby Town
Tenby
A picturesque seaside town with iconic colorful buildings, ancient medieval walls, and three sandy beaches popular with families.
Visit website βWater Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Blue Lagoon Water Park
Narberth
An eco-friendly indoor water park featuring wave machines, slides, and a lazy river set within a massive timber dome.
Visit website βLC Swansea
Swansea
Wales' largest indoor water park offering high-energy slides, a surf simulator, and an interactive pool for children.
Visit website βCardiff International Pool
Cardiff
A premier aquatic facility boasting an Olympic-standard pool alongside a fun leisure pool with slides and space bowls.
Visit website βLido Ponty - National Lido of Wales
Pontypridd
A beautifully restored historic outdoor lido offering three heated pools and a splash pad in a scenic park setting.
Visit website βBotanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Bodnant Garden
Tal-y-Cafn
A world-famous garden overlooking the Conwy Valley, known for its spectacular Laburnum Arch and diverse collection of rhododendrons.
Visit website βNational Botanic Garden of Wales
Llanarthne
Home to the world's largest single-span glasshouse, this garden features diverse plant collections and a dedicated bird of prey center.
Visit website βPowis Castle and Garden
Welshpool
Renowned for its dramatic 17th-century Italianate terraces and giant clipped yew hedges overlooking the Severn Valley.
Visit website βClyne Gardens
Swansea
Famous for its internationally acclaimed collection of rhododendrons and pieris, set within a lush coastal park overlooking Swansea Bay.
Visit website βDewstow Gardens & Grottoes
Caldicot
A unique labyrinth of subterranean grottoes, tunnels, and sunken gardens rediscovered in 2000, offering an adventurous walk for families.
Visit website βAberglasney Gardens
Llangathen
Often called one of Wales's finest gardens, it features a unique Elizabethan cloister garden and restored heritage architecture.
Visit website βDyffryn Gardens
St Nicholas
A grand Edwardian estate featuring a series of intimate garden rooms, a large glasshouse, and extensive arboretums.
Visit website βNatural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
Caerleon
Ancient Roman military bathhouse featuring one of the few surviving Roman 'natatio' (open-air swimming pools) in Europe. The site includes the remains of a frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium, showcasing advanced Roman hydraulic engineering and hypocaust heating systems.
Visit website βTaff's Well Thermal Spring
Taff's Well
18.9Β°C natural thermal spring, the only one of its kind in Wales. The water originates from deep Carboniferous Limestone aquifers. It is housed in a historic 19th-century red-brick well-house within a public park, once visited by Victorian tourists for its mineral properties.
St Winefride's Well
Holywell
10Β°C natural mineral spring and historic 15th-century bathhouse. Known as the 'Lourdes of Wales,' it features a Gothic star-shaped interior basin and an outdoor bathing pool. It is one of the oldest continuously visited pilgrimage sites in Britain, used for bathing for over 1,300 years.
Visit website βCastle / Palace / Historic Site
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon
A grand UNESCO World Heritage castle known for its unique polygonal towers and its historic role in royal investitures.
Visit website βCaerphilly Castle
Caerphilly
The largest castle in Wales, famous for its massive water defenses and a distinctive leaning tower caused by historical conflict.
Visit website βCardiff Castle
Cardiff
A diverse historic site in the city center blending Roman ruins, a medieval keep, and an opulent Victorian Gothic mansion.
Visit website βConwy Castle
Conwy
An exceptionally well-preserved medieval fortress featuring eight massive towers and walkable town walls with stunning estuary views.
Visit website βBeaumaris Castle
Beaumaris
A masterfully designed concentric castle on the Isle of Anglesey, often described as the most technically perfect in Britain.
Visit website βCastell Coch
Cardiff
A 19th-century fairytale-style castle nestled in woodland, renowned for its highly decorated interiors and conical red-roofed towers.
Visit website βHarlech Castle
Harlech
A dramatic cliff-top UNESCO fortress offering panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the peaks of Snowdonia.
Visit website βFarm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
Begelly
An award-winning attraction featuring a vintage funfair, a petting farm with traditional livestock, and a modern zoo with exotic animals.
Visit website βManor Wildlife Park
Tenby
A 'zoo of the future' focusing on immersive habitats where visitors can walk among lemurs, wallabies, and giant rabbits in a rural setting.
Visit website βBodafon Farm Park
Llandudno
A working farm in a seaside town featuring rare breeds, owls, and red deer, with views overlooking the Llandudno bay.
Visit website βCardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
Cardigan
A unique farm park situated on a dramatic headland where visitors can see farm animals and spot wild Atlantic grey seals off the coast.
Visit website βCantref Adventure Farm
Brecon
Set within the Brecon Beacons, this farm offers animal encounters, pony rides, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Visit website βCefn Mably Farm Park
Cardiff
A popular family destination featuring a large indoor play area, farm animal feeding, and a scenic miniature railway journey.
Visit website βArt Gallery / Fine Art Museum
National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff
This world-class museum houses Wales' national art collection, featuring one of Europe's best Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries.
Visit website βMOMA Machynlleth
Machynlleth
An intimate and highly regarded art center located in a former Victorian chapel, showcasing modern Welsh art and visiting exhibitions.
Visit website βGlynn Vivian Art Gallery
Swansea
A premier city gallery offering a diverse range of historic and contemporary art within a beautifully restored Edwardian building.
Visit website βMostyn
Llandudno
Housed in a stunning 19th-century building, this is Wales' leading contemporary art gallery featuring international exhibitions.
Visit website βNational Library of Wales (Gregynog Gallery)
Aberystwyth
Home to the Gregynog Gallery, this grand institution hosts major rotating exhibitions of national art and historical treasures.
Visit website βScience Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
National Waterfront Museum
Swansea
A high-tech facility in Swanseaβs Maritime Quarter exploring Welsh industrial and scientific innovation through interactive technology and historical artifacts.
Visit website βTechniquest
Cardiff
An iconic Cardiff Bay science centre offering over 100 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, and live science demonstrations for all ages.
Visit website βXplore! Science Discovery Centre
Wrexham
The premier science centre in North Wales, featuring themed zones and over 80 hands-on interactive exhibits designed for curious young minds.
Visit website βTheme Park / Amusement Park
Oakwood Theme Park
Narberth
Wales' largest theme park features the world-renowned Megafobia wooden roller coaster and a variety of family and thrill rides.
Visit website βBarry Island Pleasure Park
Barry
A historic seaside amusement park on the South Wales coast, offering classic fairground rides, arcades, and a large ferris wheel.
Visit website βHiking & Cycling Routes
Offa's Dyke Path
Chepstow
285km challenging 12-14 day National Trail following the 8th-century earthwork border between Wales and England with 9,000m elevation gain. Route traverses the Black Mountains and Shropshire Hills.
Visit website βPembrokeshire Coast Path
St Dogmaels
299km moderate-challenging 12-15 day National Trail with 11,000m total ascent. Famous for dramatic volcanic headlands, sandy beaches, and sea stacks. Part of the wider Wales Coast Path.
Visit website βPyg Track to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Llanberis
11km challenging 5-7 hour day hike with 723m elevation gain. One of the most scenic routes to the summit of Wales' highest peak, starting from Pen-y-Pass. Features steep rocky steps and views of Llyn Llydaw.
Visit website βWales Coast Path
Chepstow
1,400km challenging 60-90 day long-distance trail following the entire coastline of Wales with over 20,000m total elevation gain. The world's first continuous path along a national coast. Camping and B&B options available along the route.
Visit website βThe Taff Trail
Cardiff
88km moderate 1-2 day cycle or walking route from Cardiff Bay to Brecon with 600m elevation gain. Primarily traffic-free paths following the River Taff. Bike rental: Cardiff Cycle Tours (cardiffcycletours.com).
Visit website βTrans-Cambrian Way
Knighton
160km expert 3-day mountain bike crossing of Wales from the English border to the Irish Sea with 3,500m elevation gain. Remote moorlands and technical descents. Bike rental: Beics Betws (beicsbetws.com).
Visit website βLΓ΄n Las Cymru (National Cycle Route 8)
Cardiff
400km challenging 4-7 day cycle tour crossing the heart of Wales with 5,000m elevation gain. Features quiet lanes and old railway paths. Bike rental: Cardiff Cycle Tours (cardiffcycletours.com).
Visit website βPen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge
Libanus
14km challenging 5-6 hour circular day hike with 800m elevation gain. Covers the highest peaks in southern Britain (Bannau Brycheiniog), including Corn Du and Pen y Fan. Starts from Taf Fechan Forest or Pont ar Daf.
Visit website βNatural Feature / Scenic Site
Pen y Fan
Brecon
The highest peak in South Wales features a distinctive flat top and accessible trails that offer families sweeping views of the national park.
Visit website βSnowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Llanberis
The highest peak in Wales offers breathtaking mountain views and a unique mountain railway experience perfect for family adventurers.
Visit website βDevil's Bridge Falls
Aberystwyth
A world-famous tourist attraction featuring three stacked bridges and a spectacular nature trail through a deep wooded gorge.
Visit website βElan Valley Dams
Rhayader
A spectacular landscape of Victorian dams and reservoirs that combine architectural grandeur with rugged natural beauty for cycling and walking.
Visit website βPistyll Rhaeadr
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
One of the tallest waterfalls in the UK, this spectacular site provides a peaceful setting for families to enjoy nature's power and beauty.
Visit website βSouth Stack Cliffs
Holyhead
A dramatic coastal reserve featuring steep granite cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins.
Visit website βThe Great Orme
Llandudno
A massive limestone headland rising from the sea, offering families scenic tram rides, prehistoric copper mines, and panoramic ocean views.
Visit website βLandmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Llangollen
A pioneering masterpiece of engineering known as the 'stream in the sky,' where families can walk across high above the River Dee.
Visit website βSt David's Cathedral
St Davids
A majestic 12th-century cathedral built from purple sandstone, located in the United Kingdom's smallest city.
Visit website βRoad Trips & Scenic Drives
The Cambrian Way
Cardiff
300km paved north-south route (3-5 days) traversing the mountainous spine of Wales. Key highlights include the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), the Elan Valley reservoirs, and the high peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Visit website βThe Coastal Way
St Davids
290km paved route (4-6 days) following the entire sweep of Cardigan Bay. Highlights include the UK's smallest city St Davids, the harbor town of Aberaeron, Harlech Castle, and the Italianate village of Portmeirion.
Visit website βThe North Wales Way
Queensferry
120km paved east-west route (1-2 days) following an ancient trading route. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage castles of Conwy and Caernarfon, the Victorian pier at Llandudno, and the island of Anglesey.
Visit website βElan Valley Estate Drive
Rhayader
A 15-30km paved loop or out-and-back drive through the 'Welsh Lake District'. Highlights include a series of Victorian dams and reservoirs surrounded by oak woodlands and open hills.
Visit website βBlack Mountain Pass (A4069)
Upper Brynamman
32km paved scenic mountain road (1 hour) famous for its hairpins and switchbacks. Known globally as a premier driving road, it offers vast views across the Tywi Valley and the Brecon Beacons.
Visit website βLlanberis Pass (A4086)
Llanberis
15km paved mountain pass (30 minutes) through a glaciated valley in Eryri (Snowdonia). It sits between the massifs of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Glyder Fach, featuring sheer rock faces and dramatic boulders.
Visit website βSnowdonia 360
Circular
580km paved loop (3-5 days) encompassing the best of North West Wales. It covers the LlΕ·n Peninsula, Anglesey, and the heart of the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range.
Visit website βZoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Colwyn Bay
Families can explore a diverse range of animals from snow leopards to penguins while enjoying stunning panoramic views over the North Wales coast.
Visit website βPlantasia
Swansea
This indoor tropical zoo offers an immersive rainforest experience where families can see crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic insects regardless of the weather.
Visit website βWWT Llanelli
Llanelli
A perfect day out for families to explore tranquil wetlands, hand-feed rare birds, and enjoy outdoor play areas in a beautiful coastal setting.
Visit website βNational Park / Nature Reserve
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Llanberis
The highest mountain in Wales offers breathtaking views and several hiking trails for families to explore the heart of Snowdonia National Park.
Visit website βYnys Llanddwyn
Newborough
A mystical tidal island featuring a historic lighthouse and ruins, surrounded by sandy beaches and the pine forests of Newborough Warren.
Visit website βElan Valley
Rhayader
Known for its stunning Victorian dams and reservoirs, this area offers beautiful walks and wildlife spotting in a tranquil mountain landscape.
Visit website βSkomer Island
Marloes
A world-renowned island nature reserve famous for its massive puffin colonies and diverse marine wildlife accessible by boat from the mainland.
Visit website βAdventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Zip World Llechwedd
Blaenau Ffestiniog
A unique adventure destination featuring underground giant trampolines in cavernous slate mines and historic deep mine tours.
Visit website βZip World Penrhyn Quarry
Bethesda
Home to the world's fastest zip line, this site offers high-speed aerial adventures over a stunning turquoise slate quarry lake.
Visit website βHeatherton World of Activities
Tenby
A diverse multi-activity park offering everything from archery and go-karts to high-ropes and escape rooms in Pembrokeshire.
Visit website βGreenwood Family Park
Y Felinheli
An award-winning eco-friendly attraction famous for its people-powered roller coaster and sustainable woodland play areas.
Visit website βNational White Water Centre
Bala
The UK's premier white water rafting destination, utilizing the natural, dam-released rapids of the River Tryweryn.
Visit website βZip World Fforest
Betws-y-Coed
A woodland adventure park nestled in the Conwy Valley featuring a mountain coaster, treetop nets, and high-rope courses.
Visit website βMajor International Festival / Cultural Event
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Llangollen
Early July, 6-day international music and dance competition promoting world peace, 50,000 visitors and 4,000 performers from over 50 countries, features daily competitions, outdoor stages, and evening concerts in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Visit website βHay Festival
Hay-on-Wye
Late May - early June, 11-day world-renowned literary and arts festival, approximately 100,000 annual visitors, features talks by global authors, Nobel laureates, and scientists, with dedicated 'Hay Days' children's programming and craft workshops.
Visit website β