Travel guide – key attractions
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Overview
The Brecon Beacons National Park is only half an hours drive north from Cardiff and comprises four mountain ranges and an interesting terrain of old mining valleys, bare escarpments and sprawling sheep farms. Most visitors are walkers heading for Offa's Dyke Path, which passes along the eastern border, or the Taff Trail, heading south from Brecon. Offa's Path runs through the Black Mountains, which boasts spectacular views including sights such as the ruins of Llanthony Priory, the River Honddu and the pretty church at Patrishow. The highest point in the Black mountains is Waun Fach and the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons is Pen-y-Fan. Don't be surprised if you bump into groups of soldiers in the park - this is a major army exercise area and a main training ground for the SAS who you might see bounding up the mountains, doing the Fan Dance. Around the park are the historic market towns of Brecon Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, a fascinating little town with Norman and Jacobean ruins and the world's largest selection of second-hand book shops - 30 of them.
Situated in North Wales, across the Menai Strait from the Isle of Anglesey, is Caernarfon, dominated by the walls of its 13th-century castle. It was here that, in 1969, Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is probably most noted for the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllantysiliogogogoch, which has the longest place name in the United Kingdom. The name, when translated into English, means "The church of St. Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church by the red cave". The island was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic activity in Britain and many Neolithic ruins remain. Many people rush through Anglesey, on their way to catch the Irish ferries at Holyhead, and miss out on its spectacular coastal scenery of sandy coves and rocky headlands.
Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Bay Area, a massive new commercial development with striking modern architecture and modern art. Other popular attractions in Cardiff include Cardiff Castle, The National Museum and Gallery and the Millennium Stadium - the new home of Welsh Rugby Union.
Located in the southwest corner of Wales the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history (open every day between 10am to 4pm). Just South of the Park is the city St David's, which is actually little larger than your average village. The cathedral is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome.
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park after the Lake District, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. While Snowdonia is a Mecca for hikers and climbers, there is plenty to explore including lakes, waterfalls, glacial valleys, as well as forts, railways and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also takes the public on tours through its cavernous slate mines.
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