A guest-post from my friends at Sykes Cottages in Wales…
If you’re planning a trip to the UK, the usual haunts of London, Bath and York are bound to rank top of your wish list – but head west and cross the border to Wales and you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained from culture to beaches and great food.
Castles aplenty
Not known as the ‘Land of Castles’ for nothing, Wales is home to an astounding 400 castles, said to be one of the finest collections of medieval buildings in Europe.
Start in Cardiff where the city’s skyline is dominated by the imposing castle and where 2000 years of history is regularly brought to life by dramatic re-enactments. Further north in Gwynedd, the castles of King Edward have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include the unfinished masterpiece in Beaumaris and one of the best surviving examples of a medieval castle in Conwy.
Take a camera and make the most of the great photo opportunities.
Beaches to die for
The beaches in Wales are the country’s best-kept secret and the Pembrokeshire coastline is one of the most stunning spots on the coast.
Surfing in this part of Wales comes a close second to Newquay in Cornwall, guaranteeing great waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. Try Newgale beach or Abereiddy for consistently good surf.
Coasteering is another fantastic way to explore this beautiful coastline; don a wetsuit and look forward to cliff jumping, rock climbing and wild swimming – the best way bar none to get your adrenaline racing!
Or, if you’d rather keep two feet on dry land, try a walk along the coastal path or tackle Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak for stunning views across the Irish Sea.
Food to savour
The UK as a whole may not have the best reputation when it comes to food but there are plenty of culinary gems waiting to be discovered in Wales.
Start your day with a traditional Welsh breakfast – all the usual suspects with the addition of fried laverbread (a type of edible seaweed) and cockles. There are also plenty of sweet treats for afternoon tea, from Welsh cakes sprinkled with sugar, bara brith spread with butter and Aberffraw biscuits from the Isle of Anglesey.
Lush rolling fields and abundant seas also mean you’ll be spoilt for choice at dinner time with Black Mountains beef, Caerphilly cheese and freshly caught fish and seafood readily available – delicious!
What better way to spend a holiday in Wales than getting a real taste for this beautiful country?
Definitely going to share this article! As a Conwy local I love hearing how much people love the town and castle.
Other fabulous coastal areas: Gower Peninsula (especially Rhossili Beach/Worms Head), Llyn Peninsula.
As a born and bred Welsh girl I thoroughly agree, they can come advertise on my site!