Whether it’s a prime spot for your favourite activity or somewhere to take that holiday-defining picture, everyone loves a spectacular location. Nor is Wales short of beautiful places, from manmade to natural wonders. Cast your eyes across the heights of Snowdonia or parts of the Wye Valley, for example, and you have locations to rival the beauty of Iceland or rural France. Here are ten places that would grace any road trip or short break in Wales, from famous locations to unsung gems:
1. Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake at sunset. Photo Credit: Jim Monk
The largest natural lake in South Wales has just about everything you’d want for a day out. Fabulous views, activities galore and plenty of space for a picnic or even a spot of summer camping. Why is it so seldom mentioned in the tourist guides? Beats us, but it’s a stunning spot, not to mention an absolute must for anyone who loves kayaking or canoeing. See http://www.llangorselake.co.uk/
2. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is only an hour and a half from Bristol, but with such epic scenery you might think you were in Middle Earth. Not that it’s all about big skies and bits of rock; the area is fantastic for mountain biking, wildlife watching, crafts and so much more besides. See http://www.breconbeacons.org for enough ideas to fill a dozen holidays.
3.The Wye Valley
The River Wye is superb for wild swimming, fishing, or just idling. Photo Credit: matthewleesdixon
If it was in southern France, your friends would all be raving about the rich scenery and seclusion of this beautiful area! It’s fantastic for wild swimming in the summer, not to mention some of the best coarse and fly fishing in Britain (try www.wyeuskfoundation.org). Travel further along its course and you’ll also find cultured towns such as Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye, also well worth a stop.
4. The Montgomery Canal
If you're lucky, you may hear the plop of a water vole. Photo Credit: Neil Aldridge
It’s an unorthodox and off the radar choice, but we’re calling it. There is something so classically British about a narrowboat canal; and some of our Welsh waters are among the most idyllic you’ll find in the UK. Great walks and wildlife galore on the “Monty” make it a genuine unsung treasure, and your next sighting could be anything from a classic painted barge to a kingfisher. Welshpool provides easy access and the Powysland Museum and Montgomery Canal Centre.
5. Elan Valley
The Claerwan Reservoir and dam is located in the Elan Valley. Photo Credit: Bridgendboy
We make no apologies for featuring this area yet again in the blog, because it’s fantastic. Granted, the lakes here are manmade reservoirs; but they are beautiful, peaceful and fascinating. The excellent Elan Valley Centre is always a hub of great activities and events too. See http://www.elanvalley.org.uk
6. Eryi National Park
Yr Wydffa (Snowdon Peak) at sunrise. Photo Credit: Dmytro Abroskin
With waterfalls, craggy heights and space galore to roam, Snowdonia is quite simply a rambler’s paradise. It’s also unpredictable and often misty or wet, but to the true outdoor lover, this only adds to the charm. Find a wealth of locations to visit, activities and recommended walks at: www.visitsnowdonia.info
7. Portmeirion
The colourful village of Portmeirion was inspired by Italy. Photo Credit: Edward Hylan
This outrageously pretty and unusual village is well worth the trek through Snowdonia National Park. Colourful to the point of almost being otherworldly, you could think you were in rural Italy. Which was exactly the aim of designer Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who oversaw the development of this elegant spot in the surprisingly recent years of the 1920s onwards.
8. Tenby
An aerial view of Tenby. Photo Credit: WhitcombeRD
Could this be the prettiest coastal town in Wales? With its multicoloured patchwork of houses, pretty harbour and giant sandy beaches, it has to be right up there. Ancient walls, wildflowers and cobbled streets are all part of the charm of the place, which has a wonderfully crazy history too. It’s no wonder famous writer Roald Dahl held the place with such affection after happy family holidays here. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is also nearby, to add a wilder, more secluded beauty to the mix.
9. Caernarfon Town and Castle
Caernarfon is one of North Wales's most stunning places to visit. Photo Credit: Alexey_Fedoren
North Wales is probably even more unsung than the south, with too many glorious locations to mention. Among the finest Welsh castles you'll find, though, is Caernarfon, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a real fairytale setting on the coast, it is something else, while there are other suitably quirky attractions locally too. See http://www.caernarfon.com
10. The Gower Peninsula & The Mumbles
Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower Peninsula. Photo Credit: acceleratorhams
From miles of unspoiled coastline to the more manmade fun at The Mumbles, this whole area has similar characteristics to Cornwall or Brittany, yet with only a tiny fraction of the crowds (just don’t tell everyone!). Great for walking and wildlife spotting, with a healthy population of seals always popular with visitors. Grey seals are commonly seen around Worm's Head and the Mumbles coast.
Did you know that in 1956, The Gower Peninsula was named the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
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