10TH PLACE: BRECON BEACONS NATIONAPARK (PARC CENEDLAETHOL BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG)
The youngest of the three Welsh national parks, in addition to magnificent mountain peaks, has a special feature: The national center for show caves in Wales is located in the cave system of Dan yr Ogof. Here you can dive into the underworld and admire underground waterfalls, lakes or alabaster columns. For the children there is even a dinosaur park waiting for the little explorers for days.
9TH PLACE: ISLE OF ANGLESEY (YNYS MÔN)
Anglesey in northwest Wales is peppered with millennia-old megalithic structures and tombs from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. In the open countryside, they offer excellent, timeless photo opportunities. If you are looking for more superlatives, then visit the Victorian train station in the small community of Llanfairpwll¬gwyngyllgogery¬chwyrndrobwll¬llantysilio¬gogogoch. The village thus has the longest name in Europe.
8TH PLACE: CONWY
The small town is a prime example of an intact medieval cityscape. At its core are various buildings from the 15th century and also the smallest house in Great Britain. Most impressive, however, is the 13th century Conwy Castle. As in other cities, the castle and city formed a unit here, which is still enclosed today by the completely preserved defensive wall. The conclusion is formed by the three bridges over the River Conwy.
7TH PLACE: SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK (ERYRI)
For those who want it a little more rugged and wilder than the Brecon Beacons National Park, the national park around Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon, is recommended. A dense network of 2,380 km of public hiking trails runs through the majestic landscape. If the ascent to the summit is too strenuous for you, you can take Britain’s only cogwheel train up in comfort and style, just as it was 100 years ago.
6TH PLACE: HAY-ON-WYE
Attention bookworms! This small village right on the border with England is the world’s first and so far largest so-called “book village”. Here, in small, cozy half-timbered houses, there are over 40 second-hand bookshops that attract lovers of books and antiques from all over the world. Browse through the quaint shops and you might find a souvenir or two to take home.
5TH PLACE: CARDIFF (CAERDYDD)
Cardiff is the capital of Wales with a population of around 360,000 and is also the largest city in the region. Today it is a pulsating metropolis with mostly modern buildings and excellent shopping opportunities. The National Museum, housed in an imposing building, gives a great insight into the history of Wales. For a little break in the city, the nearby Blute Park along the Taff River is ideal.
4TH PLACE: LLANDRINDOD WELLS
Llandrindod Wells is a small health resort known for its springs. Today the place with its Victorian cityscape is known for its annual 2-day enduro race, which not only attracts motorbike fans. For trips between North and South Wales, we can recommend Llandrindod Wells as a place to stay.
3RD PLACE: PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT
This more than 200 year old aqueduct in the north of Wales, near Wrexham, is a technical masterpiece. Since 1805, the longest and highest navigable waterway in Great Britain, over 300 m in length, has spectacularly crossed the valley of the River Dee at a height of 40 m. Today you can experience the structure up close in horse-drawn boats or on your own with rental boats.
2ND PLACE: PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK (PARC CENEDLAETHOL ARFORDIR PENFRO)
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a haven for hikers and bird watchers. Especially on the Coastal Path, which almost always leads directly along the coastline, wonderful views of steep cliffs, long sandy beaches and small fishing villages are guaranteed. In the 13 information centers you can learn more about the nature and culture of this beautiful area.
1ST PLACE: TENBY (DINBYCH-Y-PYSGOD)
Speaking of long sandy beaches: In summer, the port and holiday resort of Tenby near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is highly recommended. With its small alleys, the colorful houses and breathtaking views of its house beaches, the place exudes a cozy atmosphere. Don’t forget your swimsuit, take a relaxing day at the beach and watch the magical game of ebb and flow.