Caernarvon Castle is one of the most stunning fortresses in Europe. Situated on a peninsula and surrounded by the waters of the Menai Strait, the castle is a symbol of Wales' resistance to English rule.

According to the plan of King Edward I, Caernarvon was to become an impregnable residence of the King of Wales and his family. To ensure maximum security, 9 towers were erected, gates and outer walls were fortified, the thickness of which in some places reaches 6 meters.

Despite numerous restorations and rebuildings, the castle has been perfectly preserved. Today it is open to visitors all year round. Carnarvon has become a must-see for tourists. In addition, local authorities use it for various colorful festivals.

Coordinates: 53.13978300,-4.27693000

Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle, located in the town of the same name on the north coast of Wales, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive European castles. Built by Edward the First at the end of the thirteenth century for a fabulous sum of fifteen thousand pounds, it served as an important defensive point in a number of medieval wars.

The majestic gray sandstone castle is built on a hill above the city. The square space of the castle is divided into inner and outer courtyards, guarded by eight massive towers over twenty meters high. The western (main) and eastern (overlooking the river) gates of the castle are additionally protected by barbicans. Together with the castle, city walls were built, fortified with twenty-one towers.

Conwy Castle is well preserved and today is open to tourists. From the towers of the castle, you can look out over the city below and the mouth of the Conway River.

Coordinates: 53.27997000,-3.82583000

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Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium was built and opened in the center of Cardiff in 1999 - just before the dawn of the new millennium, which gave it its name. But, of course, the main reason for the opening of the stadium was not this at all, but the Rugby World Cup. The huge structure of the stadium can accommodate about 74,000 spectators, but practice has shown that this number can reach 80,000.

The stadium design was developed by a team of architects led by Rod Sherd. In practice, they got a record-breaking building in several respects at once. It is the first stadium in the UK to have a fully retractable roof, and the second largest stadium in the world to have such a roof system. In addition, Millennium broke the world record for the largest indoor stadium with natural turf. The retractable roof that cost the builders so much and made the stadium a record holder is an invaluable convenience that protects players, fans and artists from any bad weather.

The stadium is owned by Millennium PLC, which in turn is part of the Welsh Rugby Union. This national stadium of Wales, the main home arena of its national team, is widely used not only for matches of the national football and rugby teams, but also for concerts of world stars and international matches.

When no events are being held at the stadium, it can be visited by tourists who wish to view this gigantic building from the inside.

Coordinates: 51.47805600,-3.18250000

Beaumaris Castle was the last castle of the famous "iron ring", with which the English king Edward I forged Wales, who did not want to submit. The castle was built on the Menai Strait, which separates the island of Anglesey from the rest of North Wales. The name of the castle was given by the surrounding landscape and in French means a beautiful swamp.

Beaumaris Castle, like other iron ring castles, was built by Edward's court architect known as Master James of Saint George. Beaumaris was built near the sea, its moat was previously connected to the strait, so that ships could approach the castle itself. The gate and the moat were guarded by massive gate towers. The double ring of high walls, the inner ones higher than the outer ones, was also protected by many towers. Unfortunately, the castle was never completed, becoming a wonderful symbol of the complete subjugation of Wales.

A small town of the same name arose near the walls of the castle. Having examined the castle, take a walk along its quiet, uncrowded streets. The city has preserved the building of a medieval prison, an old church, a Victorian embankment, as well as a medieval shop that now sells antiques.

Coordinates: 53.26482800,-4.08975800

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest castles located in South Wales. The castle rightfully deserves the title of one of the most beautiful castles of the Middle Ages.

The castle was built in 1268-1271 by Lord Gilbert de Claire to protect his own territories. Since 1283, the castle lost its important defensive significance and was abandoned. It began to crumble and fall into decay. Three generations of the marquesses of Bute tried to revive it by restoring individual elements of the architecture. The castle has a peculiarity - the slope of the south-east tower, which occurred in the 17th century during the Civil War.

The castle has many internal and wall passages that help you quickly move from one part to another. The outer courtyard of the castle is framed by a crenellated wall with ledges at the corners and donjons for entry, which provide a good view of the territory outside the castle. Exhibitions are located in the towers of the castle today. The official apartments and the Great Hall, which was restored in the 19th century, are on the south side of the courtyard.

The castle is now run by the Welsh Historic Buildings Protection Agency Kadu and is considered a unique example of 13th-century wartime architecture.

Coordinates: 51.57602900,-3.22036700

Harlech Castle

Harlech is a magnificent old castle by the sea, towering on a rocky cliff. Like many castles in Wales, it was built by the architect James of St. George on the orders of the English King Edward, who conquered this proud land.

The architecture of the castle is of great interest to fans of military history. The entrance to Harlech is protected by drop bars. There are towers at the corners of the castle, which offer a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The secret passages in Harlech are very carefully thought out. One of them allowed during the siege to freely receive ammunition and provisions from the sea.

During its history, the castle was besieged many times. The last fighting here was fought during the Civil War, when the royalist troops, entrenched in the castle, repelled the attacks of parliamentary troops.

Harlech is mentioned in many Celtic legends and tales, in particular, in the legend of Branwen.

Since 1986, Harlech Castle has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For tourists, entertainment events are held weekly on its territory - for example, tournaments of historical fencing and medieval dances.

Coordinates: 52.86000400,-4.10919900

cardiff castle

Cardiff Castle crosses out all the usual ideas about medieval castles. Firstly, the castle is located right in the center of the city and is its heart. Secondly, Cardiff today is not ruins, but a perfectly preserved castle that welcomes everyone.

During its history of 2,000 years, the castle was both a rooming house and a court - until, finally, the authorities took it under their guardianship and turned it into a cultural heritage and pride of Wales.

At the entrance, you are greeted by beautifully restored massive gates, which are already setting tourists up for a meeting with the Middle Ages. In a comprehensive tour, you are invited to watch a short film about the history of the castle, visit the castle itself with chambers, see the bomb shelter and the military museum.

The interior decoration of the castle amazes the layman. Rich woodwork with skillful carvings, colorful stained-glass windows, a rich library. Many tourists say that Cardiff Castle has the most amazing interiors they have ever seen.

But the Clock Tower is rightfully considered the pearl of the castle. It is colorfully decorated with paintings and small figures that personify the sun and planets.

Aesthetic pleasure is delivered not only by internal luxury, but also by the surrounding areas. There is a garden with a large collection of Mediterranean plants. And proud peacocks walk around the garden itself, which are fed by visitors.

Coordinates: 51.48141800,-3.18076200

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Cathedral of Saint David

The beginning of the history of the cathedral is the distant XII century, when Bishop Bernard ordered the construction of a cathedral in honor of St. David. David was famous for bringing Christianity to the lands of the Vikings and the Normans and its spread, after which he was elevated to the rank of saints by the church.

The relics of David were placed in the built cathedral, and two pilgrimages to them were equated to one visit to Rome. After that, believers from all over the world began to gather to the relics of the saint.

The cathedral itself is made in a fairly calm manner, without frills and chic. From the inside, it is decorated with wood and stone carvings, numerous stained-glass scenes.

St. David's Cathedral is not only the religious center of Wales, but also cultural: every year a classical music festival is held here, which gathers many people from all over the world.

Coordinates: 51.88206400,-5.26832800

The most popular attractions in Wales with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Wales on our website.

More attractions in Wales

The Principality of Wales is one of the four administrative parts of Great Britain. In ancient times, the commonwealth of the Celtic kingdoms was located on its territory. Architectural monuments of those times can still be found in Wales today.

Located in the south-west of Great Britain, the principality is distinguished by amazing picturesqueness and a mild, travel-friendly climate. A characteristic feature of Wales are the numerous medieval castles that appeared here in the 13th century during the establishment of English rule.

The tiny towns and villages of Wales retain the spirit of both medieval and Victorian England. Numerous national parks and gardens offer tourists the beauty of local nature and culture.

The mountain landscapes of the Principality allow for active sports such as rock climbing and mountain biking. Surfing and windsurfing are popular in the Gower Peninsula area. Popular in the UK, golf is also in demand in Wales, where there are over two hundred playing fields. Dance and song festivals are often held in the principality.

There are eighteen national restaurants in the capital of Wales - Cardiff. Local cuisine is represented by tender lamb, spicy cheeses and fresh seafood.

The best way to travel around Wales is by train. Old steam locomotives and narrow gauge trains allow you to see the Principality in all its landscape splendor.

Popular hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Wales?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. Powys Castle and Garden

The majestic dark pink castle of Powys, built in Wales about a thousand years ago, is famous throughout England not only for its ghost of the “Lady in Black”, but also for its picturesque Italian-style garden. Terraces carved into the rock, hedgerows, moss-covered trees, an apple orchard and a tropical greenhouse make up a worthy setting for a medieval structure.

2. St. David's Cathedral

St. Davids Cathedral was founded in 1181. The architectural appearance of the building was formed over several centuries. In the 13th century, the Cathedral of St. David suffered significant damage after an earthquake, in the middle of the 14th century, an episcopal palace was added to it, and at the beginning of the 16th, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared.

3. Park Bute

Located on the two banks of the River Tuff, the city park of the capital of Wales - Cardiff was founded in 1873 as a garden area of ​​the local castle, owned by the Marquesses of Bute. The main attractions of the park are the ruins of the monastery, the Lit mill and the local Arboretum. The recreation area is decorated with wooden, stone and metal sculptures.

4. Conwy

The northern Welsh city with a population of fifteen thousand people is rich in historical sights. It houses the medieval castle of the same name, built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the monastery of Aberconwy, residential buildings of the 14th-16th centuries and the smallest house in England, measuring 3.05 x 1.8 meters.

5. Llandudno

Founded at the end of the 13th century at the base of the Kreidin peninsula, the city in the 60s of the 19th century received the status of a seaside resort. This was facilitated by a significant restructuring of Llandudno, carried out by the architect J. Felton. At the best resort in Wales, you can not only relax, but also visit the Museum of the history of the city, as well as plunge into the fairy tale about “Alice in Wonderland” that came out from here.

6. Portmeirion Tourist Village

The original Italian-style village was created by architect C. Williams-Ellis on the site of a former foundry in the 1920s. Most of Portmeirion's buildings have an unusual 'folly' look. They mainly house hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

7. Cardiff National Museum

Founded in 1912, the Cardiff National Museum is part of the larger National Museum of Wales, opened five years earlier. Museum collections, which include exhibits of an archaeological, botanical, geological and artistic nature, are located in the Cardiff Central Library building.

8. Pontkysillte Aqueduct

Located in the northeast of Wales, the navigable aqueduct of Pontkisillte was built at the beginning of the 19th century by engineer T. Telford. It was no coincidence that Walter Scott spoke of him as “the most beautiful work of art”: the grandiose structure is still the longest and highest aqueduct in all of Great Britain.

9. Bay and beach of Rossili

The picturesque Welsh Gulf of Rossili and the beach of the same name located within its borders is one of the ten best holiday destinations in the world. Romantic rocks, clear water, hospitable people and an unusual holiday house, which was once the residence of the parish priest, make the rest here truly unforgettable.

10. Isle of Anglesey

The favorite vacation spot of Prince William and Duchess Catherine is located near the northwest coast of Wales. Anglesey is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The first people settled on the island nine thousand years ago. Traces of their stay in the form of stone monuments are still found on Anglesey today.

11. Cardiff Castle

Built about two thousand years ago on the site of the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress, the castle has long been used for city needs - at first as a fort, then as a judicial institution. Over time, Cardiff came into the use of the Marquesses of Bute. Today the castle houses the Historical and Archaeological Museum.

12. Trail along Vala Offa

The two hundred and seventy-kilometer trail that runs along the Offa Wall, which has been the conditional border between Wales and England for about a thousand years, is an excellent entertainment for tourists who love hiking. It takes an average of eleven days to overcome it. The route runs through the picturesque Welsh landscapes.

13. St. Fagans National Historic Site

Opened in 1948 on the grounds of St. Fagans Castle, the Cardiff Open Air Museum acquaints tourists with the cultural and architectural history of Wales from the time of the ancient Celts to the present day. Here you can see round Celtic houses and medieval chapels, the building of the classic English post office and the most ordinary pigsty.

14. Cape Great Orme

Cape Great Orme rises above the city of Llandudno. You can climb it on a tram departing from the outskirts of the city; go down - by cable car or on foot. Cape Great Orme offers a picturesque view of the city embankment and the bay. On the hills there is the Museum of Local Lore and the Open Air Museum, formed on the basis of ancient mines.

15. Snowdonia National Park

One hundred lakes, ninety mountain peaks, a huge number of beaches and moorlands, located in the north of Wales, make up one huge Snowdonia National Park. The remains of Roman fortifications and medieval castles attract lovers of antiquity, mountain ranges and lakes - fans of outdoor activities.

16. Cardiff Bay

Until the Second World War, Cardiff Bay was used exclusively for industrial purposes - for the export of coal mined in the South Valley. In 1999, it was modernized and turned into an entertainment area, surrounded by a twelve-kilometer embankment with shopping malls, bars and restaurants. Water sports can be practiced in the waters of Cardiff Bay.

17. Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Lighthouses is a unique national park that includes not only natural, but also architectural sights of Wales. On its territory, located on four mountain ranges, there are mountain rivers and waterfalls, forest valleys and moorlands, tiny cities and ancient villages, Bronze Age relics and Celtic menhirs.

18. Caernarvon Castle

Built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the castle was conceived as a symbol of English rule over Wales. Massive walls, built in the shape of an irregular figure eight, and polygonal towers were crowned with statues of eagles and contained multi-colored stripes. Only the outer parts of Carnarvon have survived to this day, only the foundation has remained of the internal components.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Located in the west of Wales, the National Park was opened in 1952. Today, on its territory, covered with wooded estuaries and rocky cliffs, there are several independent national and marine reserves. The beaches of Pembrokeshire Coast annually receive the most prestigious awards as the cleanest and most suitable for recreation.

20. Bodnant Garden

The family residence of Lord Aberconway was surrounded by a chic garden back in 1875. Since 1949, the flowering area has been protected by the National Trust. The upper part of the Boudnat has the appearance of Italian terraces, the lower one consists of intricate paths and thickets of exotic and European fruit and berry plants and flowers.

You already have some idea of ​​Wales. Today we will take a closer look at its sights and some traditions. Mother Nature has created a country unlike any other, full of majesty and beauty, and people have added millions of tales of druids, castles and battles. The monuments of history and traditions of Wales that have survived to this day arouse a burning interest among tourists who want to visit the places of famous battles and great events.

There is only one large city in Wales, and that is its capital, Cardiff. Being a university city, Cardiff is not very popular among tourists, because. cannot offer many tourist attractions, although it is interesting for everyone to explore its surroundings. However, the city has art galleries, museums, historical monuments, but it only takes a day or two to see everything.

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King Arthur and his knights, as well as the sorcerer Merlin, are undoubtedly the main "celebrities" of Wales. Today, the State Library houses a collection of Arthurian writings, numbering 2,000 volumes! The fame of the most prominent king of Wales was reflected literally in everything, even in the names of cities. The name Arthur itself contains the Welsh word 'arth', which means "bear". On the Gower peninsula stands Arthur's Stone, which is said to have been an obstacle in his way to participate in the Battle of Camlann in 539. The king threw a stone over his shoulder, and it fell seven miles near Reynoldston.

The most majestic castle in the entire United Kingdom, built in 1283, Caernarfon Castle, the place of awarding the title of all the princes of Wales, enjoys great popularity. There are many siege towers in the castle, which, together with the fortification ramparts of the castle, create amazing views of the surrounding area. The traces of time have left their mark on Caernarfon Castle and parts of it have been destroyed, but it is still worth seeing. The city of Caernarvon itself is a good opportunity to get into the Snowdonia National Park and see the medieval city of Conwy (Conwy) against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Snowdonia, where the fortress of Edward I is the main attraction.

Other interesting and popular cities are Conwy, Brecknock, Hay-on-Wye and Abergaveny. Hay-on-Wye (known as the "Town of Books") is the most eccentric and strange city in Wales, while Brecknock is an old market town and Abergaveny is the gateway to Wales.

The almost legendary resorts of Wales are very popular with tourists, among which Llandudno is the most famous. It was here that the real Alice Liddell from Lewis Carroll's Alice Through the Looking-Glass spent many holidays.

The town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, once an important center for slate mining, is today famous for its railway, founded in 1832, which passes through picturesque places: through beautiful mountains, a lake and mysterious caves all the way, as well as through Snowdonia National Park, which makes traveling by train just amazing and gives tourists a lot of emotions. The city itself is also a historical site and really worth a visit.

Snowdonia National Park is the most beautiful in all of the UK. Located in North Wales, it is famous for its cliffs, thundering waterfalls and rocky peaks. In second place is the Brecknock National Park with a wide variety of landscapes from swampy terrain to mountain peaks.

Particularly notable in the British Isles is Offa's Dyke, 176 miles long, stretching along the entire border between Wales and England. According to tradition, it was built in the 8th century by Offa himself, King of Mercia, probably more to mark the border than to protect it, and in places it is replaced by rivers, forests or mountains.

Another attraction of Wales is the beautiful Cathedral of St. David in the small town of the same name, which sounds Tyddewi in Welsh. Built between 1180 and 1522 of stone, the cathedral was extensively renovated in the last century. Even today, with its wobbly floor the result of an earthquake, its Norman nave and monarch's chamber are of great tourist interest, and the cathedral itself is home to an annual music festival. Also, not far from the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, also worth a visit.

The Welsh simply adore various decorative items, and it is one of their traditions to take at least decorative spoons (lovespoons), which the Welsh simply adore. Carved spoons began to be made in the 17th century, and each design was a kind of message to the person to whom they were intended. For example, when a young man wished to show his love, he began to carve a spoon, the patterns of which symbolized his intentions towards the woman he loved. If a woman accepted the love of a boyfriend, she hung a spoon on the kitchen wall. Today, spoons are very popular and are used as decorations during celebrations such as births, christenings, weddings, anniversaries, and retirements. "A lovespoon" is a wonderful souvenir, without which no tourist leaves Wales.

One of the well-known ornaments, preserved from the time of the Druids, is a horse's head, decorated with mistletoe, ivy and colorful bells. The Celts once dressed up a horse's head on a large stick and danced around it to celebrate the end of winter, and years later the horse's head on a stick became a child's toy. Mistletoe is a special treat in Wales. Once upon a time, the Celts believed that it was a magical tree, and if you hang its branch over the door, the house will be protected from storms, and if it is above the crib, it will protect the child. Love will come to the one who enters a house smelling of mistletoe. Mistletoe is a tree that symbolizes peace, and once upon a time, enemies meeting under the mistletoe were not supposed to fight, but rather embrace. Thanks to the Welsh, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe still exists in the world today.

No trip is complete if it does not include a trip to a local canteen or cafe to taste truly Welsh food in the best traditions - first of all, bara brith - muffins, with dried fruits, the famous Glamorgan sausage, which is made from cheese, eggs , herbs, milk, topped with bread crumbs, Welsh rarebit (cheese toast), lamb stew, fresh seafood, wine and whiskey.

As a general rule, most UK tourists spend most of their time in England, with occasional visits to other parts of the UK. However, to me, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and, of course, Wales have their own distinctive features worthy of the attention of tourists.

Wales is characterized by moderately mountainous terrain that forms vast national parks. The largest and most famous of them are the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia, we will talk about them in more detail below. Wales also gained its fame due to the large number of surviving castles. Yes, yes, not only Scotland is famous for its ancient castles, Wales is in no way inferior in this regard. Wales is a mixture of rocky wastelands, sandy northern coasts, small cozy towns and a large number of architectural structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Still doubting whether you need to go to Wales? Then we talk about each attraction in more detail.

Brecon Beacons National Park

The park was founded around the Brecon town of the same name in south Wales. The name of the park is translated as "Brecon lighthouses", and the lighthouses mean the mountains, which make up most of the terrain. But do not think that when you come to the Brecon Beacons, you will see only stone deserts. The park is also famous for other natural attractions such as waterfalls (the highest of which reaches 27 meters) and caves, valleys and ruins of ancient castles and monasteries, lakes and gorges.

Another interesting feature of the Brecon Beacons is the surprisingly clear sky (there are practically no industrial plants and factories in Wales). It is believed that at night you can see a real starfall here.

Most of the rocks are red sandstone, which has a rich brownish-cherry color, giving the area an unusual "Martian" look. The most popular hiking trails are those leading to Pen Y Fan Peak (the highest mountain peak, reaching 826 meters), to the “black” mountain (the mountain got its name because of the glacial activity that was once here, leaving several mountain lakes) and to the waterfall Sgwd yr Eira, which has shallow caves behind it, so that it can be viewed from all sides.

Don't forget to also visit the many small romantic towns and villages you meet along the way, as they have managed to maintain a unique Welsh flavor, little has changed in terms of architecture over the years, and you will also have a chance to hear real Welsh speech. Such interesting places include Abergavenny, Brecon, Crickhowell, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llangadoug and others.

Phil Dolby/flickr

Pembrokeshire National Park

Pembrokeshire Park is located on the coast of Wales and this is its main feature. The main landscapes are interspersed with steep rocky formations extending into the sea to sandy deserted beaches, somewhat reminiscent of the dunes of the Curonian Spit. In addition to part of the mainland coast, the park also includes the islands - Coldy, Grassholm, Ramsay, Skokholm and Skomer. Here you can see not only rare species of birds, but also, for example, fur seal rookeries.

Of the must-see places, one can note the smallest town in the UK, St. David, Milford Harbor, which is considered the deepest natural bay in the world, Ceibwr Bay, which has unique rocky cliffs formed here back in the Ice Age. Of course, walking along the sandy shores and a trip to one of the reserve islands of the park will give you great pleasure.

By the way, Pembrokeshire Park is considered the oldest in the UK, it was formed in 1952, the very first in the country. Initially, the park included only the coast, but then some other lands, as well as islands, were also included here. The famous trail along the coast of Wales is still very popular today, because it is an opportunity to see the spacious sandy beaches and steep cliffs, hills and valleys, the unique flora and fauna of the area.

Moving along the coast, be prepared for the fact that at any moment the wind can increase and it can begin to rain, this is due to the unstable climate in Wales, however, in general, the weather here is still quite mild. But waterproof shoes and raincoats will definitely not be superfluous. Many of the beaches on the coast are marked with blue flags, which means that the beaches here are the cleanest in the world. This is especially true for the beaches of St. David, Newgale and Broad Haven.

David Evans/flickr

snowdonia national park

Snowdonia is one of the most popular parks in the UK. The place is especially in demand among rock climbers and hikers, since the terrain here is mostly mountainous. The most beautiful and famous peaks are Snowdon (after whom the park was named), Glideray and Carnedy. By the way, in order to climb to the top of Snowdon, it is not at all necessary to have climbing skills, because. there is a funicular. Often this territory of North Wales is compared with the small Alps, the nature here is so picturesque.

Snowdonia is not only mountains, but also lakes, waterfalls, castles and a tourist railway - all this makes the place unusual and fabulous, somewhat reminiscent of the landscapes of the film "The Lord of the Rings". Snowdonia offers rock climbing, hiking, kayaking and other outdoor sports. Among other things, the park is also home to numerous species of birds, some of which can only be found here. Just think, such rare species of birds as buzzards, peregrine falcons, finches, jays and many others flock here. Among the animals there are bats, red squirrels, badgers, ferrets and other animals. By the way, part of the park overlooks the coast of the Irish Sea, so you can also meet seals, dolphins and even turtles here.

Be sure to take a ride on the tourist railway. The trip will take only 2.5 hours, and the impressions will remain for a long time. The road is open from May to October and includes an ascent to Snowdon Peak. Some of the other peaks of Snowdonia also have their own railways with tourist routes that are no less mesmerizing in their views.

Of the castles, Dolbadarn, Dollvidelan, Harleck, Conwy and some others are especially popular. All of them have retained their original appearance and have a rich history.

Prashant Ram/flickr

Castles of North Wales

Among the sights of Wales preserved castles and fortresses is the pearl of the region. In total, about 12 structures have survived in North Wales, some of them have been preserved in an almost untouched form, some of them have only majestic ruins. If you decide to drive through all the surviving objects, then here is a complete list for you:

Beaumaris - located on the island of Anglesey, translated from French as "beautiful swamp", included in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

Denby - only ruins have survived to this day, it was once part of the defensive ring of King Edward I;

Dolviddelan - the castle dates back to 1200. buildings, the tower has survived to this day;

Dolbadarn - built in the 13th century, only the castle tower has survived;

Kaergurl - the building also belongs to the end of the 12th century, today only fragments of the fortress wall remain;

Conway - The castle was built at the end of the 12th century, since then it has undergone many sieges and wars, but has survived to this day in good condition, towers and fortress walls have been preserved;

Cricket - only separate fortifications remained from the castle, but the picturesque location on a hill washed by the sea makes the place unusually romantic;

Caernarfon - the castle is located on the coast of North Wales near the island of Anglesey, perfectly preserved to this day;

Rudlan is another castle from the 12th century, only fragments have survived to this day, including a tower and walls;

Flint - Flint Castle once served as a citadel, now preserved only in fragments;

Harleck - the castle has a typical concentric shape, perfectly preserved to this day and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites;

Chirk is the most well-kept of all the castles, has its own English garden and park, which also deserve the attention of tourists.

Patana Rattananavathong/flickr

Cardiff, the capital of Wales

Cardiff is considered the main city and heart of Wales. It is located in the very south, at the confluence of three rivers at once. Many sights, both historical and modern, have been preserved in Cardiff, so almost any tourist will find a place according to their interests.

So, be sure to visit Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Bay, Llandaff Cathedral, city parks, the Cardiff National Museum or one of the many festivals and events taking place in Cardiff constantly throughout the year.

The center of Cardiff is quite compact, so it is most convenient to get around here on foot, moving from one attraction to another. Getting to the main city of Wales is also not difficult, since there is a local airport, a railway station, and bus stations. Moving around Wales itself is most convenient on a rented car, since not all attractions in Wales are easily accessible by public transport.

You can rent a car in advance so that all the formalities are ready for your arrival. It is most convenient to use the services of international rental offices. You can check the cost of car rental on a search engine that can compare the offers of various companies offering car rental and show the most profitable options.

Fred Bigio/flickr

Practical and eventful travels for you!

Wales is a region in the UK. It is located in the south-west of Great Britain and borders on England by land - in the east, and through the Bristol Bay - in the south; in the west, the Strait of St. George separates Wales from Ireland, in the north, the shores of Wales are washed by the Irish Sea. Wales also includes the island of Anglesey off the southwest coast of Great Britain.

Wales is located on a peninsula in the west of the island of Great Britain. The total area of ​​the country is about 20,799 km². The length of the country from north to south is 274 km, from west to east - 97 km. Wales is bordered on the east by England, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The total length of the coastline is more than 1,200 km. There are several islands off the coast of Wales, the largest of which is Anglesey in the northwest.

The population and industrial production are concentrated mainly in the south of Wales, in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and surrounding areas. The northeast (Rexham area) is also relatively industrialized; the center and northwest are agricultural areas.

Most of the area of ​​Wales is occupied by mountains, especially in the north and in the center. They were formed during the last ice age, during the Devonian glaciation. The highest mountains are in Snowdonia (Yr Eryri). Mount Snowdon (1085 m above sea level) is the highest point in Wales. The mountain range in the center of Wales is called the Cumbrian Mountains. In the south are the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), relatively young compared to the Cumbrians and containing significant coal reserves. The Cambrian mountains gave their name to one of the periods of the Paleozoic - the Cambrian.

The modern frontier between England and Wales is highly arbitrary: it was broadly established in the sixteenth century, on the basis of fiefdoms. For about 64 kilometers, it follows Offa's Shaft quite closely. However, then it goes more bizarre: for example, it separates the village of Knighton in Powys from its railway station, makes the village of Church Stoke a virtual Welsh exclave in England, and passes right through the village of Llanimineh.

Approximately one fifth of the territory of Wales has the status of a National Park: rocky peaks and mirror-like surface of lakes, sandy bays and sea bays. At the foot of Mount Snowdonia, in Bryn Bras Castle, there is a park with waterfalls. The edge of the waterfalls is called the place of Vail of Neath, near the Brecon Beacons National Park.

There are more castles for every square kilometer than anywhere else in the world, from romantic ruins to majestic fortresses. The most famous castles built during the reign of the English king Edward I, who conquered Wales in the 13th century, make up the "defensive ring": Harlech Castle, towering on a cliff in the center of Wales, Conwy Castle, located at the mouth of the river and Bowmaris Castle on the island of Anglesey and of course the most impressive castle is Caernarfon. In 1969, this castle was the venue for the formal introduction of the Queen's son Charles to the title of Prince of Wales.

Current time in Cardiff:
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Political structure

Wales elects 18 members of the British House of Commons. The Secretary of State for Wales is one of the members of the government, endowed with broad administrative powers. He is responsible for the Welsh Office, which oversees local administration.

Wales is divided into 8 counties created by the 1972 law on the reorganization of local government. These new administrative divisions replaced 13 historic counties.

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Climate and weather in Wales

Wales is open to winds from the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate there is mainly maritime. On the western coast, up to 1270 mm of precipitation falls per year, and to the east of the mountains these figures are somewhat lower (up to 723 mm / year), and in the mountains themselves - higher (up to 2540 mm / year). The average temperature in July is 15.6°C, in January - 5.6°C.

The development of agriculture in Wales is limited due to the humid climate and the prevailing elevated terrain. The main industries are the breeding of sheep and cattle and the cultivation of fodder grasses. The moorlands are used as grazing grounds for numerous sheep, producing quality meat and coarse wool. The population of Wales is small and dispersed. In the valleys and coastal plains, sheep farming is giving way to dairy farming. Cereals and forage crops are usually grown there, and about ¼ of all arable land is used for oats, which are mainly fed to livestock. In the lower, wider parts of the valleys and on the coastal plains, mixed (non-specialized) agriculture is represented.

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culture

Language and religion

The Welsh language belongs to the family of Celtic languages ​​and is very closely related to Breton and Cornish. This is one of the most ancient languages ​​in Europe, it is the VI century. n. e. In poetry, a distinctive feature of the Welsh language is a special system based on alliteration, assonance and internal rhymes. The translation of the Bible in 1588 prevented the Welsh language from disintegrating into a number of dialects. The revival of Welsh literature in the 20th century. revived the cultural life of Wales, and the University of Wales develops and approves new standards for the Welsh language. In the development of a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, a national competition is held annually among poets, singers and musicians using this language. Folk dance and music festivals have been organized annually since 1947.

In the XX century. interest in religion in Wales waned. Separated from the state, the Anglican Church has six dioceses here. The largest of the Protestant churches is the Church of Wales. In 1916, the residence of a Roman Catholic archbishop was established in Cardiff, but the number of Catholics in Wales is small.

Attractions

Parks and recreation areas