Europe's Castle Mecca Hides on This Popular Isle

The names of villages are like secret passwords—if you can pronounce them.

A country with a hamlet calledLlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogochis bound to be a fascinating destination . Wales may feel like a tuck away place , but those in the know have long broadcasted the country ’s on the face of it hidden idyllic landscapes . The Dark Knight Risesplaced Batman ’s fabricated cave behind the very literal Henrhyd Falls . TheDoctor Whospin - offTorchwoodwas so popular that even eleven years after going off air , you’re able to still see a shrine to secondary character Ianto Jones in Cardiff ’s Mermaid Quay . And Netflix hitSex Educationfilms in the village of Chepstow . ( Yes , you could go chew the fat the corner memory , or the bridgework where Adam and Eric broke up . )

And yet , Wales still feels like a secret . around the size of New Jersey , the country sit like a midget , almost - draw a blank corner of a well - jaw island . A mere two - hr train ride fromLondon , Wales sees only 3 % of allvisitors to the UK — and hey , that ’s the loss of the other 97 % holidaymaker .

These narrow commonwealth lanes — where cars have to pull over to let an oncoming neighbor passing play — are quite literally less travel . Not to mention Wales has more palace than any other country in the world . Whether you ’re looking to hunt for medieval ghost , gainsay your adrenal system with guided adventures , try a tinny toast dish called Welsh rarebit ( which moderate exactly zero hare ) , or just sit and sip while gazing out at incredible sea drop-off , have we got the destination for you . Hoist your dragon signal flag and read on to start design your Welsh vacation .

Wales

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Let’s refresh that bucket list.

Stroll the castle grounds

There ’s a reason theCastleoften tops lists of things to do in Cardiff . Namely — it ’s gorgeous . Located in the city center ( or via a £ 5 boat drive from Cardiff Bay ) , it ’s a low - dedication misstep that take you back 2,000 years in meter . ( Pro - crest : grab a pastry dough from the nearbyFriends in Kneedbakeshop to snack on while you explore . ) The curtilage and beleaguer green — which have been used as a set forDoctor Who , Sherlock , andTorchwood — are spare to chit-chat and make for stunning photos during cherry efflorescence season in early spring . Play your own Easter ball hunting by walking along the park rampart , which are populated by an ark ’s worth of animal by sculptor Thomas Nicholls .

For next level - castling huntsman , there are plenty more to research . You could almost literally just throw a pin in the mapping and start driving , but for the ultimate Edwardian chronicle lesson , visit the UNESCO - listed foursome of castles : Conwy , Harlech , Caernarfon , andBeaumaris . Built by Edward the First during his encroachment , there ’s enough here to fire all yourLord of the Ringsfantasies .

Jump off a cliff

Seriously — go chute off a cliff . wheal ’ 870 miles of furrowed coastline is sartor - made for boot seekers . Just keep in mind , this is an activity best done with an experient template and proper equipment . irrespective of whether you ’re taking the plunge in Pembrokeshire or Tenby , be sure to go with a group , lest you hit a tilt along these bouldery shores without the direction of someone who knows where those underwater mines respite . Popular guides includeAdventure in Wales , Tenby Adventure , andBearded Men Adventures .

Falling from not bad altitude not your handbag ? weal offers plenty of other options for mystify in touch with nature . Get wet in Llangollen , a region in North Wales known for its ashen - water system rafting . Hit upBikePark Wales , a installation in Merthyr Tydfil that has positioned itself as the ultimate ski resort - similar facility for mountain bike buff . Or give your adrenaline a rest , lace up your hike boots , and walk the six mile ( 10 kilometer ) Sgwd Isaf Clun - Gwyn loop to see four faerie - tale - worthy waterfalls .

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Sip pints and gin

trusted , gin might not be the first thing that comes to head if you ’re after a Welsh tipple . Rest assured , pints - in - the - gin mill finish is alive and well , and along with breweries likeKingstone , you ’ll never run out of Wales ’ favorite drink . But for the latest trending experience , try out the country ’s growing craft flavour scene .

Since launching in 2019,Silver Circle Distillery , has helped redefine the country ’s liquor reputation , with its herb - inhale cotton gin and award - winning Aquavit . Join them at their Monmouthshire - based distillery ( mighty up the street from severalSex Educationfilming location ) to find fault up a bottle , tour the distillery , or have a sip while enjoy the area ’s cartoonishly - green hills . If you ’re ready to take your cotton gin enchantment to the next level , they also propose “ Make Your Own Gin ” classes at their Chepstow - located savouring elbow room .

Sleep like royalty

evidently , you do n’t need an self-justification to reserve a overnice hotel elbow room , but when we ’re talking estates and castles as the places to stay , the history in Wales makes it almost obligatory to just go that extra level when booking lodging . kip in history atRoch Castle , a 12th century rook turned five asterisk hotel and spa locate in Roch , Haverfordwest . Live your country estate fantasies ( which — bonus — come with a free Welsh breakfast ) atPenally Abbeyin Tenby , Pembrokeshire . Or enjoy metropolis life in Cardiff’sParkgate Hotel , a former post office that now house an upscale spa and hotel with room designed to reflect the orbit ’s computer architecture .

If you ’re looking to spend less , the good news is you do n’t have to sacrifice civilisation for affordability . No matter where you are in the nation , if you ’re looking for a more budget - favorable option , deal a taphouse room . locate in the back or side of pubs , these low - key hotel rooms tend to be chintzy and cozier than their hotel equivalent . They ’re legit tap house , like for travelers in the quondam Day , to rest your weary heading after a twenty-four hour period of magical journeying .

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