England’s diminutive western neighbor, Wales, packs a lot into its relatively small land area—more than 600 castles and three very popular national parks, for a start. Then there’s the Celtic culture, picture-perfect fishing villages, gorgeous beaches, and historic relics that reflect centuries of history and tension with England. Many travelers come to Wales to enjoy the great outdoors, from the surf, beaches, and coastal walks of the Pembrokeshire Coast to the hills of the Brecon Beacons and the peaks of Snowdonia.
Wales is a popular destination for outdoor activities, so summer is an ideal time to come, with temperatures warming to 70°F (21°C) and good conditions for hiking and spending time on the beaches. Winters tend to be cold, averaging around 32°F (0°C), but this still can be a pleasant time to visit cities such as Cardiff and Swansea, and cultural attractions such as Tintern Abbey or Caernarfon Castle look especially pretty shrouded in fog.
Trains and buses can get you around most of Wales’ larger towns and cities, but having your own transportation will be helpful for visiting small villages and rural areas. Trains travel along the north and south coasts, but the routes cut inland away from the western coast, and tickets are relatively expensive. Bus companies operate services to smaller towns, but be aware that timetables are limited on weekends.
Many travelers come to Wales for the outdoor activities, including some that are much less common in neighboring England. Experienced and budding surfers should head to the Gower Peninsula, near Swansea, which has some excellent surf breaks—including some suitable for beginners. Coasteering is an adventure sport that was developed in Wales and is a combination of mountaineering, cliff jumping, caving, and canyoning. Adventurous travelers can try it at its birthplace, the Pembrokeshire Coast.
