Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the things you need to know before you travel to Wales. Wales is a fantastic family travel destination that is often overlooked in favor of the nearby countries of England, Ireland, or Scotland. We love Wales, so we’re sharing some of our best Wales vacation tips with you.
A Wales Vacation is Outdoor-Focused
When you travel to Wales, you should plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Don’t expect a lot of urban attractions in Wales. Cardiff is a nice city to visit, but overall, you will spend most of your Wales vacation outdoors. Wales has several cool national parks, and so many outdoor areas to explore. Hiking and cycling are both very popular activities in Wales. Some of our favorite outdoor places in Wales include:
- Snowdonia National Park (an international Dark Sky Reserve)
- Brecon Beacons National Park
- Pembrokeshire Coast
Castles & Castles Ruins in Wales
In addition to beautiful outdoor spaces, Wales has a ton of castles and castle ruins. Wales is sometimes called the “castle capital of the world.” At one time, there were an estimated 600 castles in Wales. Today, about 100 of those remain, many of them in ruins. However, many Wales castles have been restored to their original glory.
Wales Weather
If there’s one drawback to visiting Wales, it’s the weather. It rains a lot in Wales. While it doesn’t rain constantly, chances are pretty good that you’ll have at least one rainy day on your Wales vacation. Make sure you bring good waterproof boots and a good rain jacket.
Where to Stay in Wales
With few cities of any size, you’re not going to find many large hotel chains in Wales. Most Wales accommodation is at a bed-and-breakfast, or home rentals through sites like Airbnb. There are also hostels in Wales if you are traveling on a tight budget. We rented a cottage just outside of town, where we had the amenities of home, with a quick drive into town if we needed anything.
Dining Out in Wales
You will likely eat at a pub or two when you are in Wales. When you order your food at the counter, make sure you know your table number, as they’ll need that to deliver your food. Just know that if you’re visiting Wales with kids, they won’t be allowed in the pubs after certain hours. The food in Wales is surprisingly good!
Getting Around Wales
There are some buses and trains to get around Wales, however, the best option is to have your own rental car. Given that Wales is not an “urban exploration” destination, you really want to have the flexibility of being able to go where you want and get out for a hike at your own leisure.
Driving on the Left in the UK & Ireland
Welsh Locals
We found the locals in Wales to be very friendly and open. They have a great sense of humor and often quizzed us on why we would choose to visit rainy Wales instead of someplace sunny and warm. The service was also good, so there aren’t really any concerns from that perspective.
Wales Travel Basics
Some additional things you should know before you visit Wales:
- Wales currency is the British Pound, the same as in England.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa or MasterCard
- Banks and grocery stores are your best spot for finding an ATM
- Most stores close by 6 pm, so get your shopping done early
- WiFi is widely available in most Wales accommodation and restaurants
- Cell coverage can be spotty in the countryside; make sure you have a GPS unit in your car for navigation
- Electrical outlets are the same as the rest of the UK, so you’ll need an adapter if you’re coming from the United States or elsewhere in Europe.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
We loved our Wales vacation, and encourage fellow travelers and nature lovers to visit Wales, too! Looking for more tips on Wales travel? Check out these other blog posts: