The Best Things to Do in Wales

The Best Things to Do in Wales

The picturesque country of Wales is brimming with things to do. From river rafting down Olympic-grade water rapids to mountain biking along the country’s newest off-road biking route, there’s always an exciting adventure to get up to in this picturesque part of the UK.

One of the best things about visiting Wales is that, in addition to the wide range of activities available, everything is located pretty close together. This means you can squeeze more into your trip – like going from hiking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain, to a swim in the sea, all on the same day.

In this article, we share the best things to do in Wales to help you plan the perfect, action-packed adventure to this beautiful corner of the world.

Hit the Hiking Trails 

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

We can’t talk about the best things to do in Wales without mentioning hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.  This famous region is home to Wales’ fourth and latest UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the tallest mountain in the country, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). 

People travel from all over to tackle this legendary peak. As such a big name in the walking world, conquering  Yr Wyddfa is definitely one of the best-known things to do in North Wales. But with over 600,000 visitors a year on this one mountain, and the entire breathtaking Eryri National Park at your fingertips with its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, wild forests and impressive mountainscapes, it’s a great idea to set aside time to veer off the beaten track. 

Discover some of the park’s other areas beyond Yr Wyddfa and explore its stunning lakes and mountain passes, on the Hiking in Snowdonia itinerary. 

If you’re up for a challenge, try the 14 Peaks Experience—climbing 14 mountains that are each at least 3,000 feet high. Also known as the iconic Welsh 3000s route, this is no easy feat, but it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in North Wales for adults.

Offa’s Dyke Path

Hiking Offa’s Dyke Path is another of the best things to do in north Wales. The 285 km long walking trail takes you along the length of the Welsh-English border, providing sensational natural scenery along the way. It’s said that the total ascent along the entire route is the equivalent of climbing Everest!

The path also has a fascinating history. It is named after Offa, the King of a warrior tribe from central England between AD 747 to 796. While England and Wales were in conflict at the border, he seized power and constructed one of the most remarkable structures in the UK: an earth wall, or dyke, from sea to sea.

Today, it’s a fantastic hiking destination, offering not just a rich heritage but also stunning scenery. The trail takes you through riverside meadows, beautiful valleys and limestone crags. If you don’t have time to hike the entire path, you can break it up into sections.

Our Offa Dyke’s Path South trip covers the southern stretch of this historic trail, passing mediaeval abbeys, enchanting castles and charming towns. We also offer an Offa Dyke’s Path North itinerary, which takes you on an exciting journey from Welshpool to Prestatyn Beach, through epic landscapes, limestone quarries and the impressive Llangollen Canal & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cambrian Way

Trekking the Cambrian Way is one of the best things to do in Wales. This coast-to-coast trail takes you through some of the most rugged and unspoiled landscapes in the country from south to north, showcasing sparkling lakes and historic castles along the way.

The full hike is 479 km long and typically takes about three weeks to complete. However, if you’re short on time, you can easily tackle just a section of the trail. Each part offers its own unique views and experiences, so you can still enjoy a taste of the adventure even if you can’t commit to the whole route.

Go Biking and Cycling 

Traws Eryri

For the ultimate mountain biking adventure, check out the Trawys Eryri (Trans Snowdonia), Wales’ newest MTB (mountain biking) trail. The incredible route takes you on an epic 225 km journey along off-road trails from Machynlleth to Conwy, passing the most striking mountain ranges in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park en route. 

You’ll also get the chance to skirt along deep-sided valleys and discover some of the park’s least explored forests. All in all, the journey involves pedalling up the equivalent of Wales’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), over four times!

If you’re an experienced mountain biker looking for cool things to do in Wales, it’s hard to top this route. Our Traws Eryri Mountain Biking trip is led by a local expert and includes luggage transfers between stops.

South Wales Coastal Cycling Route

Explore the South Coast of Wales, where you’ll find stunning coves, pristine shores, and charming towns. With so many bike-friendly routes and beautiful outdoor scenery, cycling is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty.

Our self-guided South Wales Coastal Cycle Route takes you along peaceful back lanes and off-road paths from Swansea to St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, exploring the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula, dramatic cliffs, and charming Welsh market towns along the way. The route provides plenty of interesting places to stop and explore along the way and typically takes about six days to complete, with your luggage transferred to each new accommodation so you can simply focus on enjoying the ride.

Go On A Water-Based Adventure 

Coasteering

Coasteering is one of the most exciting things to do in Wales, and with its rugged coastline, it’s the perfect place for it—after all, it’s where the sport was invented! You’ll scramble along the rocky coastline, leap from cliffs into the sea below, swim across inlets and be swirled around by the waves before you climb out to do it all again! Coasteering is an incredible way to traverse the beautiful coastline, exploring caves and discovering rock pool wildlife as you catch your breath.

One of the top spots for coasteering in Wales is the spectacular coastline of Anglesey. This picturesque island is renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs, rocky and sandy shores and deep blue waters, making it an ideal location for watersports. You can discover Anglesey’s striking shoreline for yourself on an Adventure Activity Holiday in Wales.

St Davids Peninsula in Pembrokeshire is another great place for coasteering in Wales. Serving up pretty coastal scenery alongside adventure, this exhilarating activity is easily one of the best things to do in Wales.

River Bugging

River bugging is one of the top things to do in North Wales for families. The whitewater sport sees you float – or zoom – along river rapids on an individual inflatable raft, providing adrenaline-pumping fun for kids and adults alike.  If you’re keen to try river bugging during your holiday in Wales, the River Dee in Llangollen is an excellent place to head.

The river strikes the perfect balance between adventure and peaceful floating. You’ll start by plunging headfirst through rapids, then enjoy a calmer stretch where you can relax, float, and take in the riverbank wildlife, before being swept along another rapid. 

If you’re tempted, our 36-hour Adventure trip takes you river-bugging along these wild waters, while also introducing you to the legendary valleys and mountains of North Wales. 

Wild Swimming

With its beautiful coastline, islands, and lakes, Wales is excellent for wild swimming. The inland waters and lagoons are especially great if you’re visiting with younger children who aren’t quite ready for the waves.

Pen-Ffordd-Goch Pond (The Keeper’s Pond) in Monmouthshire is a wonderful place for a relaxing dip. Situated on a hill above Blaenavon in south Wales, you’ll not only be treated to pristine, clean waters but also incredible views over the wild countryside.

Llyn Padarn in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is another super spot for wild swimming. This stunning lake, formed by glaciers, stretches over 3 km and reaches a maximum depth of 28m. Tranquil and scenic, swimming in Llyn Padarn is one of the most peaceful things to do in Wales.

Whitewater Rafting

Did you know North Wales has some of the fastest whitewater in the country? Check it out for yourself by whitewater rafting along its rivers. Tryweryn is an amazing place to do this as it boasts Olympic-grade white water thanks to its regular dam release.

You’ll be racing down the rushing waters, ticking off one of the most fun things to do in North Wales for adults. If you’re travelling with children or just prefer calmer waters, the River Dee in Llangollen is a great family-friendly alternative for rafting. While the rapids are gentler, they’re still exciting and far from placid.

Zooming along these waters is one of the most fun things to do in Wales with kids. 

Canyoning

Canyoning is another must-try activity in Wales. You’ll get to explore wild gorges, wade through rivers, climb over rocks and swim in pools. Eryri (Snowdonia) is ideal for canyoning, with its rugged landscape and tumbling waterfalls.

Llangollen is also excellent. Here you will find enchanting river gorges and incredible natural slides. Both locations offer a mix of adrenaline and spectacular scenery, promising a fantastic canyoning adventure in Wales.

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is another super thing to do in Wales. St Davids and Anglesey are both brilliant spots to do this. You can paddle along clear waters, get up close to the cliffs and see a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The rugged coastline and hidden coves make it an ideal adventure for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

On our Adventure South Wales itinerary, perfect for private groups and teenage families, you can go sea kayaking and check off many more of the best things to do in South Wales, including gorge walking, abseiling, and hiking.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

For a more relaxing activity, try stand-up paddle boarding. Balancing on the placid waters while moving at the speed of your own paddle is one of the most relaxing things to do in Wales. 

If you want to do some paddle boarding, the lakes of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and the Menai Strait between Anglesey and the mainland are two of the best places to do it.

Discover the Up-And-Coming Food Scene

Go On A Salt Tour

Wales is famous for its salt, particularly Halen Môn, the world-renowned sea salt from Anglesey. Celebrated as one of the best salts globally, it has been featured at Royal Weddings, the London Olympics, in top UK restaurants and even served to former US President Barack Obama.

To experience this iconic seasoning firsthand, take a tour of the Halen Môn factory. With a friendly guide, you’ll explore the rich history and culture of salt in the area and discover what makes Halen Môn so unique.

Have A Traditional Meal In A Cosy Countryside Inn

You might be surprised, but one of the best things to do in Wales for couples and families alike is simply visiting a cosy inn for a meal. The country boasts a fantastic pub scene with charming hideaways that are perfect for relaxing and recuperating after a day of exploring or warming up during the cooler months of Autumn or Winter. 

These cosy inns also often serve up delicious local dishes, such as Welsh rarebit (cheese on toast), cockles, cawl (a hearty lamb stew) and bara birth (fruit bread). The Mulberry Inn is one of our favourites. This quintessential countryside pub can be found in the picturesque village of Llwynmawr in the stunning Ceiriog Valley of North Wales and is host to our popular Mindful Walking weekends.

It is complete with an 18th-century bar, roaring fire and extensive drinks list including hand-drawn local ales. 

Aber Falls Distillery 

If the weather takes a turn during your holiday, don’t worry— visiting Aber Falls Distillery is one of the best to do when it rains in North Wales. The famous distillery is located between Eryri and the Menai Strait and produces some of the most incredible single malt whisky in the country. 

You can take a tour and learn all about the production of the whisky, along with the distillery’s award-winning gins and liqueurs. You’ll then be invited to sample some for yourself. 

Summary

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Wales for families, friends, couples or solo travellers, there is certainly no shortage of exciting things to get up to in this country. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-racing adventure, escape into nature or explore its up-and-coming food scene, there is something for everyone in this wonderful corner of the UK.

Wanting to tick off the best things to do in Wales?  We have a brilliant range of self-guided and small group walking and trail running tours on offer in Wales. Get in touch now to start planning your unforgettable Welsh adventure!