Visit Wales in 2013 – 5 Things To Do
Situated within driving distance of Scotland and England and just a ferry trip from Dublin in Ireland, Wales is an excellent destination for a weekend break, family holiday or driving tour. I always recommend heading there for holidays and sometimes get strange looks but there is plenty to do and see and the people are really friendly. The countryside is amazing and the coast is simply stunning, with lots of interesting and exciting activities and sights to keep you busy. Here are a few things I have done and places I have been on holidays to Wales and I would recommend all of them!
1) National Parks
There are three National Parks in Wales, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons, and combined they make up approximately 20% of the country’s land mass. National Parks are created to protect the most beautiful and imposing landscapes in the UK so, needless to say, the Welsh National Parks boast some seriously stunning scenery. Walking, cycling, horse riding, watersports and wildlife watching are all on the cards in the National Parks so lovers of the great outdoors will be right at home.
2) North West Coast
The North West coast is one of the most rugged and naturally beautiful areas of Wales and there is plenty to see and do. Away from the larger seaside resorts there are plenty of charming coastal towns and villages, fantastic beaches and plenty of room for visitors. The North West coastline is also home to some of the best golf courses in Wales. I booked my last trip with Your Golf Travel and played, among others Royal St David’s and Nefyn & District which were both out of this world. Popular attractions such as the Welsh Highland Railway and Harlech Castle are also worth a visit.
3) Mountain Biking
With such a wealth of stunning natural countryside, Wales was always likely to be a haven for mountain bikers but in various parts of the country the sport has been embraced and supported to provide some of the best riding spots in the whole of the UK. DH and freeride hot spots and wild back country riding in the Black Mountains, Brecons and other beautiful areas are all on the cards in Wales with places like Afan Forest Park receiving particular praise, having featured on ‘What Mountain Bike’ magazine’s list of the 10 best places to ride before you die.
4) Diving
Wales is often mentioned as one of the best places to dive in the UK and offers a great variety of dive sites that allow divers of varying abilities to enjoy the coast’s sunken treasures. From open water diving at Skomer Island marine reserve in Pembrokeshire to wreck diving in search of the HMS Whirlwind in Aberporth, there is something to suit all tastes in the coastal waters of Wales.
5) Celtic Manor
The Welsh coastline may boast an endless supply of top class links courses but perhaps the most famous golf holiday destination in Wales is the amazing Celtic Manor Resort which lies slightly further inland, just North of Newport. Offering both four and five star accommodation options, a lavish spa and a great range of bars and restaurants, not to mention three championship golf courses including the Twenty Ten Course, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor is simply a must visit venue for any keen golfer. I have visited Celtic Manor on numerous occasions I book with Your Golf Travel. They have great customer service and really low prices so you can’t really go wrong!
photo credit: Vertigogen via photopin cc
photo credit: OneEighteen via photopin cc
