Plan a trip to Wales

In the beginning of the 1800’s Wales became part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Fifty per cent of the population do speak Welsh but almost everyone speaks English, which makes getting around easy and pleasurable.  
For nature lovers who love to walk, hike, cycle there are so many options. There is The Wales Coast Path-the longest National Trail in the country, 3 national parks as well as 5 AONB’s (five areas of outstanding national beauty) – they are Anglesey, Clwydian Range, Dee Valley, Gower, Llyn Peninsula and Wye Valley. The Caves and many kinds of mines are hidden in the mountains and make this area a fascinating place to explore.
As well, there are more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the UK, four of which are on the UNESCO Heritage list.

Wales (Welsh: Cymru – pronounced comree) England and Scotland are the three countries that form Great Britain and with Northern Ireland form the United Kingdom. In 1707 Wales became part of the Kingdom of Great Britain and then the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801. You will have no problem communicating because almost everyone speaks English, but did you know that more than 50% of the population speak Welsh, which is a Celtic language. The Welsh flag is a unique one, depicting the Red Dragon of Wales. Many ask why; and the answer is that in the 4th century it was on the battle flags of the British who were warring in Rome and in the 5th century it was adopted by Welsh kings to prove their power and authority. Since the 9th century the dragon became a symbol of the royal dynasties of Wales. There is also The Flag of St. David (Dewi Sant) and The Owain Glyndwr Flag.

In the 13th century, Wales was conquered in the battle known as the Edwardian Conquest of Wales (1277 – 1283) with King Edward I on the throne and has since been an English territory.  Edward's son was born in Caernarfon Castle – the Royal fortress-palace which is on the banks of the river Seiont and together with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech are on the list of the World Heritage Site. Throughout the world it is known as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.  

Speaking of castles, Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the UK. There are castles as old as 1500 years, unfortunately some of them are no more than ruins, but once a castle – always a castle! 
Wales is still very much un-spoilt by hordes of tourists and is a nature gem. Wales has 5 "areas of outstanding national beauty” (AONB) and anywhere you are, you can find a trail and partake of outdoor activities like hiking, walking, cycling and horse-back riding as well as discover local wildlife. The Wales Coast Path, which is the longest National Trail in the country, was created in 2012.  The AONB parks are: Anglesey which is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (see below), Clwydian Range and Dee Valley and together with the three National Parks they form the only landscapes that have official protection in Wales. Then you also have Gower which is not an official hiking trail but is part of the 870-mile Welsh Coast Path and Llyn Peninsula and Wye Valley. 

The Snowdonia National Park (Eryri National Park) which lies northwest in Wales offers incredible views from the Snowdon Mountain to the sandy beaches of North Wales. Caves and many kinds of mines are hidden in the mountains and make this area a fascinating place to explore.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186 mile (299 km) long National Trail covering some of the most varied coastal scenery, including forests, bays, cliffs and the small islands close to the shore. It goes from St. Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south.
The third national park is Brecon Beacons, which connects the rural center of Wales with the industrial South Wales. The park includes moorlands, villages and towns, caves (some of the most important cave systems in Europe) endless green landscapes, lakes, castles and much, much more.

But Wales is more than nature. Cardiff, the Welsh capital sitting on the shores of the Bristol Channel leading to the Atlantic Ocean, was once a major port city and a center of coal export. A major tourist attraction, Cardiff Castle, which was constructed during the Roman era, dominates the city landscape. The castle also is used as a venue for live entertainment and theater performances. Cardiff is also known for its exciting nightlife and has a variety of clubs and pubs to match everyone’s taste, so save your energy for a night out on the town! Other attractions include the National Museum, a stroll along the docks and attending arts and theatre venues. Shopping in Cardiff is an experience, whether it is in shopping centers, boutique stores, indoor market or visiting the retail shops in the Victorian and Edwardian arcades. 

Then Then there is the town Llandudno with stunning beaches and on the north-west of the town is the Great Orme (Y Gogarth) which is mostly limestone headland (peninsula). You can walk, hike or take the tram which climbs up to the summit of the headland. Once there you will agree that it is definitely a “Kodak Moment” and on a clear day you can see the Isle of Man and Blackpool and the Lake District.

If you are interested in the industrial heritage of Wales, a visit to a mine is a must. Wales offers Coal, Copper and Slate old mines as visitor attractions. 

Need guidance? Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, or adventure – must-see attractions or off-the-beaten-track treasures – or some of each, Routeperfect.com is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation to Wales. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country your way.