2017 visitwales.com This is Wales. 02–03 This is Wales Wales. visitwales.com Year of Legends 2017 04–37 38–81 82–91 This is Wales. Travel Handbook. Useful Information.

This is Wales. In 2017 we’re celebrating our epic But where to begin? To get you started, By this point in the magazine you’re past, present and future like never here are 20 places to visit in Wales in completely sold on Wales, right? 04 Land of Legends before, with attractions, events 2017. Think of it as a taster-menu of So you’re going to need some advice 08 Epic Thinking and activities at legendary locations towns and cities, and their surrounding on how to get here and finding your 12 Major Events across Wales. We’re immersing visitors areas, ranging from the wonderful Isle way around. Here’s all the essential 14 Castle Country in our epic story, and making new of Anglesey to the buzz and bustle info about our 13 distinct holiday areas, 16 Coast legendary experiences. This is our of Cardiff, Europe’s youngest capital travelling to / around Wales, and how 20 Time Travel Year of Legends. And while we’re city. In between, there’s enough coast, to make sure you’re booking the best 24 Big Country a land of castles and King Arthur, countryside and mountain to keep you accommodation. We’ll give you a crash 28 Food & Drink we’re also pretty nifty at high adventure exploring for... well, forever. course in our lovely Welsh language, 32 Events Diary and global events. Above all, Wales is We’ve suggested places to eat, and explain what all those names a great place to enjoy here and now. drink, play and stay, but there are many on the signposts actually mean. This year we’re creating new legends. others. Handily, they’re all on our website: And finally, you’ll be needing a map. Travel Handbook. Come and find yours. visitwales.com. Sorted.

This magazine is also available in Welsh and German. 38 Where to start... Visit Wales cannot guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information in this publication and hereby 40 Betws-y-Coed disclaim any responsibility for any error, omission 42 Beaumaris or misrepresentation. To the fullest extent permitted 44 Conwy by law all liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on the information 46 Blaenau Ffestiniog contained in this guide is excluded. You are advised 48 Abersoch to check all details and information with the business concerned before confirming a reservation. 50 Denbigh All rights reserved. Material in this publication must 52 Machynlleth not be reproduced in any form without permission 54 Aberystwyth from the copyright owners – please contact Visit Wales. Opinions expressed in This is Wales are not necessarily 56 Llandrindod Wells those of Visit Wales. 58 Cardigan

This is Wales is published by Visit Wales, the Tourism 60 St Davids and Marketing division of the Welsh Government 2016. 62 Tenby Visit Wales, Welsh Government, QED Centre, Main Avenue, 64 Laugharne Treforest Industrial Estate, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 5YR. 66 Llandeilo Print ISBN: 978-1-4734-7822-0 68 Brecon Digital ISBN: 978-1-4734-7821-3 Managing Editor: Iestyn George. 70 Abergavenny Editor: Charles Williams. 72 Merthyr Tydfil Contributors: Caroline Davies, Ben Miller, 74 Swansea Ceri Cunnington, Iwan Edwards, Rachel Atherton, Julia Horton-Powdrill, Luke Hemfrey, Anand George. 76 Cowbridge Designed by Departures. 78 Cardiff Printed by Deltor Communications Ltd. Photography: Crown copyright (2016) Visit Wales. Other photographic sources are credited throughout. Cover illustration: Tamer Koseli. Useful Information. We want people to have amazing experiences in Wales. If you’re heading for the hills, read up on local advice. 82 Meet our holiday areas If you’re hitting the beach, check the tides. If you’re clipping onto a 100mph (161km/h) zip wire, take advice from the 84 Getting to Wales instructors. They know their stuff. It’s common sense, really. 86 Getting around Wales So come and enjoy, stay safe… and #FindYourEpic. 88 Further information and FAQs 90 Map of Wales

This publication is also available in Braille, large-format print, and / or audio from Visit Wales. [email protected] Miner’s Track beside Llyn Llydaw, WG30055 Crown copyright 2017, Welsh Government Crib Goch, Snowdonia 04–05 This is Wales Wales. Yes, it’s is an ancient landscape, with history visitwales.com and myth wherever you look. It’s a land of majestic mountains and mighty skies, fringed with a famously beautiful coastline. We speak a language that’s a living link with King Arthur. But it’s also a land of epic thinking and high adventure. Everywhere you go, there are bright new ideas, in very old places.

Land of Legends.

Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy Image courtesy of Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. 06–07 This is Wales visitwales.com Land of Legends 01 Legends old and new. There are historical stories associated with just about every lake, rock and hill in Wales. There are modern Welsh legends too – people who have 03 enriched the world with invention and creativity. Here are just a few of our favourites.

The red dragon Carn Ingli

It’s everywhere you look in Wales: the red The ‘mountain of angels’ has panoramic dragon has been a symbol of Wales for views of both the Pembrokeshire coast and 2,000 years, the banner of Celtic tribes, Preseli Hills, from where the bluestones Welsh princes and Tudor kings. Legend that helped to build Stonehenge came. speaks of an epic battle between a red and white dragon beneath a castle, while Principality Stadium historians point to the Romans. Either way, it’s a very pretty flag. Okay, the stadium has been rebuilt. But THE RED 04 this is still the hallowed ground on which St Dwynwen Gareth Edwards scored THAT try for the DRAGON Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973, Princess Dwynwen was unlucky in and where Welsh football legend Ian Rush HAS BEEN A love, so became a nun and prayed for scored his iconic goal in 1991 when Wales young lovers to have better luck than beat World Champions Germany. she did. And so St Dwynwen became SYMBOL OF the Welsh patron saint of lovers, whose Modern greats day we honour every year on 25 January. WALES FOR Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey is Welsh men and women have made a magical spot where you can visit the a big impact on world culture. Actors 2,000 YEARS. beautiful ruins of Llanddwyn Church. like Richard Burton, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones, singers St David Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey, and Paralympic legend Dame Tanni St David’s Day, 1 March, is a big deal in Grey-Thompson. Literary giants Dylan Wales, and we celebrate our patron saint Thomas and Roald Dahl, fashion icon in school eisteddfodau, concerts and Laura Ashley, the philosopher Bertrand street parades. St David was a 5th-century Russell – and 16 signatories of the US bishop who founded the present-day Declaration of Independence were 02 05 cathedral in Pembrokeshire and several of Welsh descent. monasteries in Wales and Brittany. Legends in the making King Arthur A new generation of Welsh men and Legend has it that Arthur was a British women have taken to the global stage. warrior who fought the invading Saxons Actors Michael Sheen, Matthew Rhys, around AD500. Within a few hundred Ioan Gruffudd, Iwan Rheon and Erin years, he was being celebrated in Welsh Richards. Bryn Terfel, the finest bass poems and folk legends, acquiring a baritone of the modern era. Sports stars Owain Glyndŵr led a major supernatural sidekick, Merlin the wizard. like Gareth Bale, Jade Jones and Sir Dave rebellion in 1400–1415. Brailsford. The designer Bethan Gray Owain Glyndŵr and CERN physicist Lyn Evans. Experts in their field, every one. The warrior prince, immortalised in 01 Caerphilly Castle Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1, led the 02 Llanddwyn Island 03 Dame Shirley Bassey last major rebellion against the English 04 Designer Bethan Gray in the early 1400s, before mysteriously 05 Principality Stadium, Cardiff vanishing. Dame Shirley Bassey by Popperfoto / Getty Images. 08–09 This is Wales visitwales.com Take a piece of Wales, add a splash of imagination, and make something amazing. Where nature has given us mountains, cliffs and forests, we’ve made adventure playgrounds. There are ancient mazes, woodland music festivals, races up (and down) our tallest mountains… Our ideas get bigger and bolder every year. Now, people from all over the world come to fly along the world’s fastest zip wire over an old slate quarry and ride perfect waves down a Welsh valley. Here is a taster of the countless E pic adventures you can enjoy in Wales. Thinking.

01— 04— Zip World Bounce Below Ex-Royal Marine Commando Sean Taylor In a cathedral-sized slate cavern in and his team have created 11 adventures North Wales, three layers of bouncy in three wonderful locations in North cargo nets are connected by slides Wales, including the world’s fastest zip and ladders. It’s a magical experience. wire, which is also suitable for wheelchair zipworld.co.uk users by prior arrangement. zipworld.co.uk 05— Cardiff International White Water 02— Yes, we’ve got rapids on our rivers. Surf Snowdonia But these Olympic-standard ones Every minute, a perfect 6ft-high (2m) roar and tumble through the man-made wave barrels down a valley in Snowdonia. course in Cardiff Bay, which is ideal This used to be an old aluminium factory; for rafting and kayak adventures. now it’s a surfers’ paradise. ciww.com surfsnowdonia.co.uk

03— BikePark Wales We already had some of the world’s best mountain bike trails, and this park in the South Wales valleys is built by riders for riders, opening the sport to everyone from extreme to serene.

Zip World Titan, Blaenau Ffestiniog playgrounds. adventure Five bikeparkwales.com 10–11 This is Wales visitwales.com Epic Thinking 01 Adventures in Wales. Everyone’s idea of adventure is different, but you needn’t have the resting heart rate of an Olympic athlete to enjoy an adventure in Wales. Here is a small selection of the options for you to explore.

04

Brailsford Way Canyoning

Big Sir Dave Brailsford is a legend of British Gorge walking, gorge scrambling, cycling, and two stunning cycle routes, canyoning… whatever you call it, this adventures 50 and 75 miles long (80 and 121km), take is a fabulously fun way to explore our in all the sights of his native Snowdonia. mountain rivers. ‘Waterfall Country’ in beautiful visitsnowdonia.info in the Brecon Beacons is a great place to try it. places. Cliff camping breconbeacons.org This is wild camping at its wildest: spend Canoe safari the night on a portaledge, suspended in 05 mid-air, high on the sea cliffs of Anglesey. Britain doesn’t have a prettier river than gaiaadventures.co.uk the Wye, and the whole 100 miles (161km) from Glasbury to Chepstow is navigable – Welsh Highland Railway and a gentle 5.5-mile (8.9km) paddle around Hay-on-Wye is a perfect taster. The classiest way to travel through hay-on-wye.co.uk Snowdonia, up through the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass and into the foothills Coasteering of Snowdon itself. All trains come with wheelchair ramps as standard. This adventure sport was invented 02 03 festrail.co.uk here in Wales: it’s an exhilarating mix of swimming, scrambling and jumping Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the coast, notably at the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy. It’s open for all, The Llangollen Canal soars over Britain’s too: Celtic Quest can tailor an adventure biggest aqueduct. A UNESCO World to suit just about any learning and / or Heritage Site, there’s nothing between physical disability. you and the River Dee far below except visitpembrokeshire.com a great deal of fresh Welsh air. celticquestcoasteering.com pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk The Welsh Highland Railway Surfability UK is the UK’s longest heritage railway. Surfability’s mission is to make surfing fun and inclusive for people with disabilities. Their specially-adapted lessons can be held on the indoor wave 01 Cliff camping 02–03 Canoeing on the River Wye at Swansea’s LC2 leisure centre or out 04 Abereiddy on Gower’s beautiful beaches. 05 Surfability UK Cliff camping image courtesy of Gaia Adventures. surfabilityukcic.org 12–13 This is Wales visitwales.com Wales does events on a grand scale: global gatherings like the Ryder Cup, NATO Summit and Rugby World Cup, as well as regulars like Hay Festival, Green Man, Festival No.6 and the National Eisteddfod. We love sport, whether it’s an Ironman or Velothon, or international rugby in one of the world’s best stadiums. Here are a few 2017 highlights, including the world’s most watched annual sporting event: the UEFA Champions League Final.

25 May–4 June, Hay-on-Wye 26–30 July, Royal Porthcawl Hay Festival Senior Open Championship

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Hay The legends of golf compete for this gathers the world’s greatest writers and coveted trophy at one of our most thinkers, with 900+ events over 10 days. magnificent courses, with sea views There’s also great food and drink, lovely from every hole. scenery, and plenty of books, of course. europeantour.com/seniortour hayfestival.com Major 17–20 August, Crickhowell 3 June, Cardiff Green Man Festival UEFA Champions League Final Green Man’s gorgeous rural setting The biggest club match in world sport brings in 1,500 performers, with comes to our national stadium in Cardiff 24-hour events, comedy, poetry, for a spectacular weekend of football, literature, wildlife walks, and some of the fan zones, live entertainment and music. best music around, from cutting-edge Events. The 2016 / 17 UEFA Women’s Champions contemporary stars to venerable legends. League Final will also be played in Wales greenman.net for the first time, at Cardiff City Stadium, on 1 June. 3–10 September uefa.com Tour of Britain

9 July, Cardiff Britain’s premier cycling race comes to Velothon Wales Wales every year, usually for its toughest stages. The route isn’t confirmed yet, This fantastic sportive runs for 87 miles but hill climbs will certainly feature. (140km) through spectacular scenery, tourofbritain.co.uk where you’ll be cheered along closed roads right to the city-centre finish. 26–29 October There’s a 68-mile (110km) version Wales Rally GB which omits the hefty Tumble climb. velothon.ironman.com The British leg of the FIA World Rally Championship takes place over three thrilling days in some of Wales’ most stunning scenery.

Euro 2016 Homecoming, Cardiff audience. global a with events Welsh walesrallygb.com 14–15 This is Wales visitwales.com There are more castles per square mile in Wales than anywhere else on Earth. They come in all shapes, sizes, and states of repair. Some have been lived in continuously for a thousand years, others are tumbledown ruins in remote forests. Here is a selection of them, each with its own rich history and legends.

Castell Coch had its 01— 06— own vineyard until 1920. Caernarfon Criccieth Edward I began work on Caernarfon This is a perfect spot for a castle: Castle in the 1280s, and it was designed perched on a headland between to impress, with huge polygonal towers two beaches. The original was built and colour-coded bands of stone. It’s part by Llywelyn the Great, then added to of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that by Edward I, and finally set on fire by Castle includes Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech Owain Glyndŵr in his 1404 rebellion. castles, and the fortified town walls at Conwy and Caernarfon. 07— Raglan 02— Raglan is as much a palace as a fortress, Beaumaris and it’s full of Tudor mod-cons. These The most technically perfect castle days, it’s particularly good for events in Britain, even though Edward I never and activities. Country. quite got round to finishing it. The ingenious ‘walls within walls’ plan is still 08— mightily impressive today. Castell Coch These fairytale turrets were built on 03— ancient foundations in the 19th century Conwy by the Marquess of Bute as a rural retreat Another masterpiece by Edward I’s from his main residence, Cardiff Castle. builder, James of St George. The Gothic Revival interior is dazzling. The castle still utterly dominates the town, which has one of the finest 09— sets of town walls in Europe, with 21 Kidwelly towers and three gateways. Just outside the gatehouse is a memorial to Princess Gwenllian, killed leading an 04— army against the Normans in 1136. More Harlech recently, Kidwelly starred in the opening If the huge fortress looks slightly scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. marooned on its rocky plinth, that’s because the sea has retreated over 10— the last 700 years (handily, leaving Chirk Castle room for Royal St David’s, one of our Completed in 1310, this is the last Welsh best golf courses). castle from the reign of Edward I that’s still lived in today. The many splendours 05— from its 700-year history are set in lovely Caerphilly award-winning gardens. This biggest castle in Wales ticks all the boxes: mighty towers (with Cadw and the National Trust are a greater lean than Pisa), a Great Hall committed to providing full access and drawbridge, siege engines that for all abilities, wherever practical. actually work, all surrounded by cadw.gov.wales

Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey Castles. Welsh Ten elaborate water defences. nationaltrust.org.uk 16–17 This is Wales visitwales.com The 870-mile (1,400km) Wales Coast Path is the longest continuous coastal path in the world, running the entire length of our coastline. Every cove and clifftop comes with legends of pirates and smugglers, shipwrecks and saints, lost villages and sand-swamped castles – and around 230 beaches. Off the coast, 50 islands teem with birds, while the clear waters are home to seals, porpoises and the UK’s largest pod of bottlenose dolphins.

walescoastpath.gov.uk

Coast.

Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd 18–19 This is Wales visitwales.com Coast 01 A shore thing. Our beaches are among the cleanest and safest in the world, while our islands are places of natural wonder. This is just a flavour of the coastal wonders of Wales.

Porth Oer, Llŷn Peninsula Flat Holm Island, nr Cardiff 04 This crescent-shaped cove on the wild north It’s just five miles (8km) from Cardiff city coast of Llŷn is famous for its ‘whistling centre, but Flat Holm has been used by sands’, which squeak as you walk on them pirates, smugglers, miners and soldiers. (one of only two such beaches in Europe). Now it is a tranquil nature reserve (albeit visitsnowdonia.info with its own small pub, the Gull & Leek) for day-trips and overnight stays. Barafundle, Pembrokeshire flatholmisland.com

It’s a half-mile (800m) walk from Caldey Island, nr Tenby some of the Stackpole Quay to this perfect little bay, one of the prettiest in Wales. There’s Seabirds and Cistercian monks are the world’s something almost tropical about the main residents of this little island. Explore pristine stretch of sand, backed by dunes the wide expanse of sand at Priory Bay greatest and pine trees. and sample the perfume and other visitpembrokeshire.com aromatic delights sold by the monks. caldey-island.co.uk wildlife Rhossili, Gower Ramsey Island, nr St Davids sanctuaries. Rhossili has been named the best 05 beach in the UK, and often makes global The 400 foot-high (120m) cliffs are top-tens. The vast beach has its own the perfect place for seabirds in spring shipwreck, and the walk out to Worm’s and early summer, while autumn is best Head is an absolute classic. for seal pups. A boat trip takes you over visitswanseabay.com a white-water reef called The Bitches to a lovely 3.5-mile (5.6km) circular walk Mwnt, Ceredigion around the island. rspb.org.uk The beach at Mwnt is impossibly pretty, and if you climb the headland, past the Skomer Island, nr Broad Haven 02 03 06 ancient white-washed chapel, you may well spot seals, dolphins and porpoises. Together with its neighbour, Skokholm, discoverceredigion.co.uk these form the most significant single wildlife habitat in Wales, with Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey globally-important populations of Manx shearwaters and puffins. You can stay A walk out through a nature reserve leads overnight on both islands, or visit Skomer to the most wildly romantic spot in Wales, for the day. Utterly magical. a tidal island (rarely cut off) with its own welshwildlife.org lighthouse and shrine to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen. Bardsey Island, Llŷn Peninsula visitanglesey.co.uk The ‘Island of 20,000 saints’ has long Beach wheelchairs been a spiritual refuge, as well as a wildlife sanctuary for grey seals, puffins, Manx Pembrokeshire has 18 ‘easy access’ shearwaters and many others. It even has 01 Ramsey Island 02–03 Mwnt beaches for the less mobile, including six its own variety of apple, thought to date 04–05 Skomer Island with special beach wheelchairs for hire. back 1,000 years. 06 Caldey Island crossing pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk bardsey.org 20–21 This is Wales visitwales.com People have left their mark on the Welsh landscape since prehistory. Here is a small selection of the heritage sites dotted all over Wales – often in the prettiest places.

01— 06— Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire Erddig, nr Wrexham The only Iron Age village in Britain, Fascinating insights into the reconstructed on the exact site where our upstairs-downstairs life of an Celtic ancestors lived around 2,400 years 18th-century gentry family, ago. There are lots of hands-on activities along with a superb formal garden to try in a gorgeous National Park setting. and romantic landscape park. Time castellhenllys.com nationaltrust.org 02— 07— Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint Llanerchaeron, Aberaeron The Romans first mined here on an This delightful 18th-century Welsh gentry industrial scale 2,000 years ago. estate has a spectacular walled garden The mine closed in the 1930s, but and a passion for self-sufficient living visitors can still take an underground (and a farm shop for any surplus goodies). tour and have a bash at panning for gold. nationaltrust.org Travel. nationaltrust.org.uk 08— 03— St Davids Cathedral Copper Kingdom, Amlwch The HQ of our patron saint is built on The northernmost town in Wales was the site of a monastery he founded in the the hub of the copper industry, which 6th century. It’s a lovely place to visit at has left some pretty impressive remains, any time, and especially during the annual notably at the stunning moonscape of music festival in late May / early June. Parys Mountain. stdavidscathedral.org.uk copperkingdom.co.uk 09— 04— Tintern Abbey Blaenavon Ironworks This Cistercian masterpiece is the Once one of the biggest ironworks in best-preserved medieval abbey in the world, and now part of a UNESCO Wales. Its sheer beauty, and that of the World Heritage Site, Blaenavon Ironworks surrounding Wye Valley, has inspired combines hulking relics and restored poets and artists for centuries. cottages to give a vivid window into cadw.gov.wales the workers’ lives. cadw.gov.wales 10— St Winefride’s Well, Holywell 05— Pilgrims have taken the healing waters Plas Newydd, Llanfair PG here since the 12th century, and modern (short for Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych- pilgrims can still bathe in the well pool. wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch) The present shrine dates from the 16th This elegant house on the shores of the century, and a museum tells the (rather Menai Strait contains the largest collection grisly) story of how it sprang into being. of Rex Whistler’s works, a military saintwinefrideswell.com museum, and a fine spring garden.

St Fagans National History Museum , nr Cardiff masters. past Ten nationaltrust.org 22–23 This is Wales visitwales.com Time Travel National treasures. We’ve got a magnificent seven National Museums spread all over the country, covering every aspect of Welsh history in incredibly rich detail, as well 04 as world-class collections from Wales and around

A brief history of Welsh. the globe. What’s more, it’s free admission for all.

You’ll see and hear the Welsh language everywhere you go in Wales. It’s on all the road signs, and in every public building and supermarket. It’s the everyday language in shops, pubs and online, and in thousands of daily business and social interactions. So in many ways, Welsh is just an ordinary part of our daily lives. But it’s also a vital part of who we are as a people. The language is the key to our literature, history and sense of nationhood. It’s directly descended from the Brythonic tongue that was spoken by the 05 National Museum Cardiff National Slate Museum, Llanberis Celtic people who lived in Britain when the Romans arrived in AD43. One of Europe’s finest art collections The vast Dinorwig quarry’s Victorian Since then, the language has been takes a trip with dinosaurs, mammoths workshops tell the gripping story of how pushed to the western fringes of Britain by and thousands of animal and plant slate changed the landscape and people. successive invasions. In fact, the earliest Welsh species: a journey that takes you from the It’s largely staffed by ex-miners, who bring literature deals with King Arthur and battles Big Bang to the present day. Go before the the whole story vividly to life. against the Saxons. But the Welsh language end of February and you’ll catch the UK’s museum.wales/slate survived – and, thanks to Bishop William biggest art prize, Artes Mundi. Morgan’s translation of the Bible in 1588, museum.wales/cardiff National Roman Legion Museum, even thrived. The National Eisteddfod was Caerleon founded in 1861, followed by the University of Wales in 1893, the National Library of St Fagans National History Museum, Wales in 1911, Plaid Cymru (the Party of Wales) nr Cardiff In AD75, the Romans built a fortress that in 1925, and the Welsh Language Society would guard this region for 200 years. (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) in 1962. This fabulous open-air museum is Wales’ The ruins include Britain’s most complete Since 1999 we’ve had our own devolved most popular heritage attraction, featuring amphitheatre and the only Roman Welsh Government, and around 20% of the 40 original buildings relocated to 100 Legionary barracks on view in Europe. population speak Welsh – that’s around half woodland acres (40ha) in the grounds museum.wales/roman 01 a million people. of a 16th-century manor house. museum.wales/stfagans National Wool Museum, 02 03 06 Dre-fach Felindre National Waterfront Museum, Swansea There are three times as many sheep This hi-tech museum celebrates the as people in Wales, and this friendly mining, metal-working and transport museum, set in the old Cambrian Mills, technologies that changed the world, and tells the fascinating story of the Welsh showcases big new ideas on how Welsh wool industry from fleece to fabric. science is helping to shape the future. museum.wales/wool museum.wales/swansea

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon

A living, breathing tribute to the coal industry and the society it created. There’s lots to explore in the old colliery 01–03 St Fagans National History Museum 04 National Museum Cardiff buildings, and you can descend 295 foot All of our National Museums are 05 Artes Mundi, National Museum Cardiff (90m) underground with a real ex-miner. committed to providing full access 06 National Wool Museum museum.wales/bigpit for all abilities, wherever practical. 24–25 This is Wales visitwales.com We’re big on wide-open spaces. A fifth of the country is National Park land. We’ve got five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and great expanses of forest and woodland. There are two major mountain ranges – Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons – with several lesser (but no less beautiful) uplands, which fall away into broad river valleys. In other words, there are epic landscapes around every bend. Here’s a sample, just waiting for you to explore. Big

01— 04— Pen y Fan, nr Brecon Offa’s Dyke Trail The highest point in the Brecon Beacons, The Trail meanders along the entire which this year celebrates its 60th length of the Wales-England border, Country. birthday as a National Park. The beauty following the 8th-century Offa’s Dyke of Pen y Fan is that it’s easy to get to – earthwork for the middle 70 miles (113km). just 40 minutes from Cardiff – and easy nationaltrail.co.uk/offas-dyke-path enough for children to manage. It still feels like a proper mountain, though: there’s 05— a reason the SAS does their training here. The Cambrian Way breconbeacons.org A 291-mile (468km) stroll from Conwy to Cardiff, taking in the highest and 02— wildest parts of Wales, bagging all Tryfan, nr Capel Curig the biggest peaks along the way – Tryfan looks like a giant stegosaurus, its that’s around 50 mountains. spiny back rising dramatically from the side cambrianway.org.uk of the A5 in the Ogwen Valley. It’s a short, sharp scramble to the top, marked by two 06— massive stone pillars called Adam and Eve. Elan Valley, nr Rhayader eryri-npa.gov.uk The Elan Valley reservoirs were built by the Victorians to supply water to 03— the English Midlands, and they lie among Cader Idris, nr Dolgellau 72 square miles (116km square) of The ‘armchair’ of the legendary giant the least spoilt landscapes in Wales. Idris is a spectacular horseshoe around The nine-mile (14km) Elan Valley Trail the glacial lake of Llyn Cau, which allows good access for walkers, cyclists, is as good a place as any for a picnic horse-riders and wheelchairs. and a paddle on a fine day. elanvalley.org.uk

Elan Valley, Mid Wales walks. epic Six eryri-npa.gov.uk 26–27 This is Wales visitwales.com Big Country 01 Green spaces. So, how do you like your landscape? Raw and untamed, or gently enhanced by the gardener’s expert hand? Here are just a few 04 wild places and glorious gardens to enjoy.

You can’t improve on nature – 05 but National Botanic Garden of Wales, Abergwesyn, nr Tregaron Llanarthney sometimes This just could be Wales’ loneliest road: The Middleton estate had some of the a ribbon of tarmac runs from Llanwrtyd it’s fun finest landscape parks and water gardens Wells to Tregaron through a wild in Britain, set in one of our most beautiful landscape of moors, escarpment, pine to try. valleys. Today it’s a skilful blend of the forest and rippling streams. historic and ultra-modern, including the nationaltrust.org.uk world’s biggest single-span glasshouse. botanicgarden.wales Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Menai Bridge Colby Woodland Garden, nr Amroth This ‘lost’ 19th-century garden was 02 03 Set in a secret valley, this informal rescued in the 1990s, and its beautifully woodland garden is a terrific example restored treasures include a walled garden, of a gardener working to enhance what a secret valley garden with three waterfalls nature’s already provided. Remarkably, and a river, and a woodland garden with a century ago this wildlife haven used a ruined folly. to be a coal mine. plascadnant.co.uk nationaltrust.org.uk Arenig, nr Bala Bodnant Garden, nr Colwyn Bay This range is far less well-known than The National Botanic Garden of Wales Bodnant Hall comes with terraced gardens many of Snowdonia’s peaks, but has has 8,000 plant varieties. and informal lawns, while the lower a magnetic pull for those in the know. Dell is formed by the valley of the River In 1911 the artists Augustus John and Hiraethlyn and contains the fabulous wild James Dickson Innes fled London to garden. Family trails and regular events live and paint here for a few years, keep children amused, and the estate creating an extraordinary body of work. cottages have been transformed into visitbala.org.uk 01–02 Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens stylish holiday lets. 03–05 Bodnant Garden bodnantgarden.co.uk 28–29 This is Wales At its best, Welsh food is simple: first-rate visitwales.com ingredients, cooked with skill by passionate people. We’re justly famous for lamb, but there’s also Welsh Black beef, champion cheeses, and great seafood from our winding coastline. Family recipes for cawl are passed down through generations, but we also devour new influences, brew great beer, and make award-winning wine (yes, really).

Food & Drink.

Crispy Welsh lamb 30–31 This is Wales visitwales.com Food & Drink 01 A flavour of Wales. Here’s a selection of the rich and varied gastronomic experiences that make the most of our abundant natural resources.

The seven stars Still here

We’re rather proud that the 2017 Michelin Welsh distilleries were drummed out by Guide has honoured a record seven Welsh non-conformist religious fervour in the restaurants with stars. It’s not all about 19th century, and have only sneaked back winning gongs, of course. But these seven in the 21st. The leading light is Penderyn stars do say something about the vibrant Distillery, which makes terrific whisky 04 health of our culinary scene. And they are in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. all, in their own way, utterly wonderful. welsh-whisky.co.uk viamichelin.co.uk Seaweed, eat weed Wright’s Food Emporium, Llanarthney The best Laverbread – that’s seaweed, cooked A temple to all things edible, imbibable to a green-black paste – is an unlikely home-grown and, above all, delicious. Wright’s is national breakfast dish, but we love it. a top-notch café and deli, with a strong It also features strongly on the menu at ingredients, showing of natural wines. The regular Café Môr, a charming shack on Freshwater guest-chef nights are legendary. West beach. Lobster roll, anyone? cooked wrightsfood.co.uk beachfood.co.uk simply and Rhug Estate, Corwen Take your pick 05 Lord Newborough’s organic lamb Wales is a really good place for foragers. with passion. and beef grace the plates of the world’s We’ve got all the right habitats (coast, best restaurants. His herd of bison began forests, unspoilt countryside) and loads as a ruse to lure passers-by into the of enthusiastic people to teach you. palatial farm shop (but they also make originaloutdoors.co.uk splendid burgers). wildpickings.co.uk rhug.co.uk Pembrokeshire Fish Week Say cheese Held annually on the cusp of June / July, 02 03 06 Turophiles (that’s cheese-lovers) are this whopper of a festival has more than spoilt for choice, but may care to start 250 events celebrating the county’s great with Caws Cenarth’s creamy Perl Wen seafood and beautiful coastline. and blue-veined Perl Las, before moving pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk on to Caws Teifi’s pungent Celtic Promise, Britain’s most highly-awarded cheese. Sparkling performance cawscenarth.co.uk teificheese.co.uk Yes, the climate can be a challenge. But in a good year, Welsh vineyards can Iechyd da!* produce genuinely classy wines. Ancre Hill Estate make a really good Pinot Noir in Most pubs now stock at least one beer, Monmouthshire – and their 2008 vintage cider or perry that was brewed around won best sparkling wine in the world in the corner (possibly in a shed). Gwaun Italy’s Bollicine del Mondo competition. Valley, Kite, Gower, Pipes, Crafty Devil, ancrehillestates.co.uk 01–02 Coastal Foraging Tiny Rebel, Bluestone, Purple Moose, 03 Baked Golden Cenarth cheese 04 Catch of the day Hallets, Gwynt y Ddraig, Morfa Nefyn… 05 Wright’s Food Emporium consult your friendly local barperson for 06 Pipes brewery further details. (*Cheers!) 32–33 This is Wales 25 January MARCH 28–30 April April (date tbc) 11–13 May Dydd Santes Dwynwen Machynlleth Comedy Festival Hay Dark Skies Festival, Hay-on-Wye FOCUS Wales, Wrexham St Dwynwen’s Day is the special day for 1 March The festival has a friendly, homespun There are just 11 International Dark Sky The seventh annual festival for new bands, Welsh lovers, named after our patron St David’s Day feel, but also attracts the biggest stars in Reserves in the world, and two of them – with a side-order of comedy and film. saint of love, Dwynwen. She was a We celebrate our Patron Saint’s day with British comedy. The 2016 line-up featured Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Last year it drew more than 7,000 people Events Diary 2017. 5th-century princess who fell in love a big parade through Cardiff, and there the likes of Stewart Lee, Rob Newman Beacons National Park – are in Wales. to see 200+ bands in several venues. with the wrong chap, and ended up living are several similar events in Aberystwyth, and Josh Widdicombe – but also lots of Light pollution is carefully controlled to focuswales.com Joining in with our a pious life as a nun on Llanddwyn Island, Wrexham and Llandudno. Blend into the new talent. Top comedy and cutting-edge reveal celestial bodies at their sparkliest. Year of Legends praying that other lovers have better luck crowds by wearing a leek and / or daffodil. performance in a beautiful setting. darkskiesfestival.org 13 May than she did. In her honour, cards are stdavidsday.org machcomedyfest.co.uk Welsh Three Peaks Challenge celebrations is just exchanged, and longing glances are cast MAY A tough tour of the iconic peaks of one of the many over candle-lit dinners. 10 March 28 April–1 May Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen y Fan, RBS 6 Nations: Wales v Ireland, Cardiff Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza 1 May with transport in between, and all in marks to make in January–26 February Friday night fixtures aren’t everyone’s A Victorian street fair with old-time Calan Mai less than 24 hours. They also run the your diary for the Artes Mundi, Cardiff cup of tea (or Guinness). But Cardiff is rides and stalls, steam engines, street The Celts celebrated 1 May as an same event on 19 August and 7 October. The UK’s leading international still the best city for a cracking night out, entertainers, marching bands and ysbrydnos (or ‘spirit night’), when threepeakschallenge.uk/ 12 months ahead. contemporary art prize brings together punctuated by 80 minutes of frantic a daily street parade with revellers the veil between the human and spirit welsh-three-peaks-challenge a major biennial exhibition of the world’s Celt-on-Celt rugby action. dressed in period costume. worlds was at its thinnest. These days, most celebrated contemporary artists. principalitystadium.wales victorian-extravaganza.com it brings folk musicians out to haunt 14 May Check out the The shortlist of six artists was selected local pubs. Dylan Day website for more: from over 700 nominations from 90 APRIL visitwales.com An international day to celebrate the countries, and the winner (announced poet Dylan Thomas, held on the date visitwales.com on 26 January 2017) takes away £40,000, 7–9 April 1–31 May Under Milk Wood was first read on stage the UK’s largest art cash prize. RHS Cardiff Flower Show Diffusion, Cardiff in New York in 1953. There’ll be special Between them, the artists tackle the The Royal Horticultural Society welcomes The Cardiff International Festival of events all over Wales and the world. big global issues of migration, technology, spring and kick-starts the gardening Photography has a month of exhibitions, literaturewales.org ecology, capitalism and politics, in season in Cardiff for its first major discussions, screenings, performances fascinating and mind-bending exhibitions outdoor show of the year. and events. 20–21 May split over two locations, the National rhs.org.uk diffusionfestival.org Snowdonia Slateman Triathlon, Llanberis Museum Cardiff and Chapter. A swim surrounded by mountains, If you’ll permit us a little local bias, 7–9 April 5 May–4 June a bike ride around Snowdonia and we love Bedwyr Williams’s Tyrrau Mawr, The Laugharne Weekend Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye a run through an awesome slate quarry. a huge digital projection that imagines Like the town itself, this is a quirkily President Bill Clinton got it right when There are Sprint and Full courses... a mad new city around the Snowdonia brilliant festival. Imagine being in the he described Hay as ‘the Woodstock of or do both to become a Slateman Savage. mountain of Cader Idris. pub when all the coolest cult novelists, the mind’. It’s an incredible gathering of snowdoniaslateman.com artesmundi.org musicians, thinkers and controversialists the world’s greatest writers and thinkers, turn up at the same time. 29 April–1 May with 900+ events over the 10 days, 22–30 May JANUARY FEBRUARY thelaugharneweekend.com Llangollen Walking Festival featuring politicians and poets, scientists Aberystwyth Cycle Festival Offering short, medium and long walks and comedians, novelists and musicians, Watch the pros on- and off-road, or 1 January 11 February 8 April–3 September with professional guides who’ll share economists and ecologists, all coming experience the beautiful undiscovered New Year’s Day Swim RBS 6 Nations: Wales v England, Cardiff Gillian Ayres, Cardiff local history, heritage and folk tales in together to kick around big ideas that lanes of Ceredigion on the Welsh Wild This New Year, we resolve to get our Let’s be honest. This is still the Big One A major exhibition at the National spectacular landscapes. will change the way you think forever. West Sportive, which has four routes kit off and jump in the sea, for charity. for a lot of Welsh rugby fans. Eddie Jones Museum Cardiff, celebrating the bold llangollenwalkingfestival.co.uk The format couldn’t be simpler: you turn ranging from the easy to the rock-hard. The Saundersfoot event is big on fancy has brought an admirable streak of and colourful work of one of Britain’s up in a big tent and listen, and then ask abercyclefest.com dress, while Barry Islanders tend to favour ruthlessness to England, so this should most renowned abstract artists. 29 April–25 June them questions. the less-is-more dress code. Brrrr. be a humdinger. This is the largest exhibition of Ayres’ Frank Brangwyn, Swansea There’s also great food and drink, 28 May saundersfootnyds.co.uk principalitystadium.wales work ever seen in the UK. Sir Frank was a painter, engraver, lovely scenery – and plenty of books, Welsh Open Stoneskimming facebook.com/ museum.wales/cardiff illustrator and progressive designer. of course. This year celebrates the Championships BarryIslandNewYearDaySwim A major collection is being shown festival’s 30th birthday, so it promises The ancient art of bouncing stones as 22–23 April at the National Waterfront Museum. to be better than ever. far as possible across water. The official 14 January Wonderwool, Builth Wells museum.wales/swansea hayfestival.com world record is 88 skips. Beat that. World MTB Chariot Racing The annual wool and natural fibre green-events.co.uk Championships & Saturnalia Real Ale extravaganza bursts at the seams with April (date tbc) Ramble, Llanwrtyd Wells stalls, exhibitions, daily demonstrations Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival 28–29 May Saturnalia was the Romans’ big winter and have-a-go sessions. After the rip-roaring success of Roald Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival bash. The Welsh version involves racing wonderwoolwales.co.uk Dahl’s City of the Unexpected in 2016, Over 100 food and drink exhibitors, food chariots, powered by a pair of mountain children’s literature will be centre-stage in demonstrations and music, all in the Vale bikers, who are in turn fuelled by beer. The Principality Stadium Cardiff again, with two weekends of events. of Glamorgan’s boutique market town. green-events.co.uk seats 74,500 spectators. cardiff-events.com cowbridgefoodanddrink.org 29 May–3 June 5–25 June 11–18 June 25 June 22 July July (date tbc) Urdd Eisteddfod, near Bridgend International cricket, Cardiff BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Cardiff Triathlon British Speedway Grand Prix, Cardiff Tafwyl, Cardiff The youth movement Urdd Gobaith The SWALEC Stadium has become This glorious week of classical music The barrage across Cardiff Bay forms the There are 23 heats of action-packed, A festival where Welsh speakers go Cymru was founded in 1922 to help a favourite destination for cricket fans. is aimed at opera and concert singers perfect sporting amphitheatre for a tri. wheel-to-wheel motorcycle racing with to enjoy gigs, comedy, films, sports, children learn and socialise in the Welsh This year we’re co-hosting the One Day at the start of their careers, and it has There are Olympic, Sprint and Super-Sprint an unrivalled atmosphere at one of the literature, plays and kids’ events. It’s language. Its annual Eisteddfod, one of International (ODI) tournament, in which propelled the likes of Karita Mattila, distances for the athletes, and the finest stadiums in the UK. vacating its usual Cardiff Castle location, Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, the world’s top eight ODI teams slog Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bryn Terfel, organisers dish out free cowbells to principalitystadium.wales so see the website for updates. attracts 100,000 visitors to watch 15,000 it out for the ICC Champions Trophy. Anja Harteros and Jamie Barton spectators to add a bit of auditory support. tafwyl.org kids compete in song, dance and drama. On 5 June there’s England v New Zealand, on to global fame. cardiff-tri.com 24–27 July urdd.cymru New Zealand v Bangladesh on 9 June, bbc.co.uk Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells August Sri Lanka v Pakistan on 12 June, and 28 June–2 July You don’t have to be Welsh (or royal, May (date tbc) the first semi-final on 14 June. Then 16 June–2 July Hijinx Unity Festival, Cardiff or even a farmer) to enjoy Europe’s 1–2 August Abergavenny Steam Rally on 25 June it’s the NatWest IT20 match Gregynog Festival, nr Newtown A big annual showcase of inclusive and biggest agricultural show. It’s a fantastic Wales National Airshow, Swansea Shiny engines, buffed to gleaming between England and South Africa. It began as a country house party in disability arts – theatre, dance, music, assembly of livestock and machinery, The Red Arrows are just one of the perfection. The relentless thrust of icc-cricket.com 1933, and has grown into one of the best family shows, comedy. Moreover, it’s with craft stalls and food halls, highlights of this free annual airshow, pistons, the ecstatic hiss of steam. tickets.glamorgancricket.com classical festivals in Britain. It’s notably simply fantastic entertainment, held at competitions and displays. And if you which offers everyone perfect views Dungarees and flat cap, worn with no hint strong on early music, and has premiered venues like the Wales Millennium Centre want to see what 15,000 young farmers from the beach at Swansea Bay. of irony. An oily rag, tucked insouciantly 8–11 June new pieces by major composers. and the terrific pub-theatre, Porter’s. look like after three days’ solid partying, walesnationalairshow.com into a rear pocket. Marvellous. Gottwood, Anglesey gregynogfestival.org hijinx.org.uk/unity head immediately to the YFC Young abergavennysteamrally.co.uk This independent and very intimate People’s Village, where rural Wales’ 4–12 August underground electronic music and arts 17 June–3 September July liveliest party is in full swing. National Eisteddfod of Wales, May (date tbc) festival describes itself as ‘a mystical little Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait, rwas.wales Bodedern, Anglesey Red Bull Hardline, Dinas Mawddwy party hidden in the middle of the woods’. Cardiff 3–9 July Wales’ biggest arts festival is also its This is the toughest downhill mountain gottwood.co.uk Agatha Christie’s story is a moving Llangollen International Musical 26–30 July oldest, tracing its roots back to the year bike race in the world, as top riders tackle tale with unexpected twists, which you Eisteddfod The Senior Open Championship, 1176. It’s an eclectic mix of old and new, a hellish four-minute descent in the 9–11 June might expect from her well-known fiction. Every summer since 1947 Llangollen has Royal Porthcawl and a celebration of Wales’ culture heavenly surroundings of the Snowdonia All Wales Boat Show, Conwy Her fascinating story will be told at the staged one of the world’s most inspirational The legends of golf compete for this and language. The main pavilion hosts National Park. Three days of water-based fun at National Museum Cardiff, using material cultural festivals. Around 4,000 coveted trophy at one of our most competitions in music, poetry and redbull.com Conwy Quay Marina. You can watch the from her family archive, including some performers and 50,000 visitors converge magnificent courses, with sea views drama, while the Maes is where you’ll demonstrations, or buy that luxury motor donated by her Welsh grandson. on the town to sing and dance in a unique from every hole. find hundreds of trade stands and stalls. JUNE cruiser you so richly deserve. museum.wales/cardiff combination of competition, performance, europeantour.com/seniortour This year marks the centenary of allwalesboatshow.com and international peace and friendship. royalporthcawl.com the famous 1917 Eisteddfod of the Black 1 June 25 June–3 July international-eisteddfod.co.uk Chair. When the Chair for best poet was UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, 10–11 June Pembrokeshire Fish Week 29–30 July announced in the crowded pavilion, Cardiff Man v Horse, Llanwrtyd Wells Pembrokeshire’s glorious 186-mile 6–9 July Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale nobody came forward; the winner Ellis The zenith of women’s European It began as a pub debate: which is faster (300km) coastline has fantastic North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy No festival rocks harder than this Evans (known by his bardic name of Hedd football, played in Wales for the first time, over mountain terrain – man or horse? fish, crustaceans and molluscs. This Pass me my banjo, Mary-Lou. I’m off to bargain-value bash, which assembles Wyn) had been killed on the battlefield in at Cardiff City Stadium. The top Welsh In the 36 years they’ve been racing, man week-long, county-wide celebration Conwy to enjoy top US and European legendary metal warriors in this old France. The Chair was draped in a black team, Cardiff Metropolitan Ladies AFC, has beaten horse just twice. The horses features lots of great food, and includes bluegrass bands, concerts and workshops, steel-making town. Yes, Saxon are sheet, and became a symbol of the young didn’t make it through the Group stages are quite pleased, having put up with a whole host of fish-related activities Appalachian dance displays. still going. Yes, they’ll be headlining. men who fought and died in the First but, at the time of writing, Manchester years of ‘why the long face?’ jokes. such as fishing trips, masterclasses, northwalesbluegrass.co.uk And yes, they still wear those trousers. World War. This year, Hedd Wyn is being City and title holders Lyon are still in green-events.co.uk walks, forages and picnics. steelhousefestival.com remembered in special events across Wales. the hunt for glory. pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk 9 July eisteddfod.org.uk uefa.com 11 June Velothon Wales, Cardiff July–August (school holidays) Snowdonia Etape Eryri, Caernarfon This fantastic sportive runs for 140km Cardiff Bay Beach, Cardiff 3 June This fabulous sportive takes in some (87 miles) or 110km (68 miles) if you Every summer, Roald Dahl Plass UEFA Champions League Final, of the best cycling roads anywhere don’t like big climbs, through spectacular (the big public space in front of the Cardiff in the world. There are five courses, scenery, where you’ll be cheered along Wales Millennium Centre) is turned into In terms of global viewers, this is the ranging from the six-mile (10km) family closed roads by locals. a bustling beach, complete with funfair biggest sporting event ever to be staged route to the frankly insane 226-mile velothon.ironman.com and traditional seaside attractions. in Wales, as the best teams in Europe (654km) Xtreme, Europe’s longest cardiffbaybeach.co.uk compete for club football’s most glittering one-day sportive. 15–30 July prize. The match itself is the centrepiece etapeeryri.com Festival of Archaeology July (date tbc) of a festival of football, offering Cardiff Our heritage custodians Cadw are Llandeilo Jazz Festival a chance to show the world’s sports fans looking after the Welsh side of this major A weekend festival of jazz, blues and just what a first-rate destination UK-wide event, so look out for lots of soul, usually held in early July, served our capital city is, and what a brilliant special events in their historic sites. with lashings of local Evan Evans ale. national stadium we have. Pembrokeshire Fish Week courtesy of Warren Orchard. cadw.gov.wales jazzatllandeilo.co.uk uefa.com Hedd Wyn courtesy of Yr Ysgwrn. archaeologyfestival.org.uk 7–9 August 19 August September 10 September October November Long Course Weekend, Tenby Race the Train, Tywyn Ironman Wales, Tenby This three-day event is one of the A 14-mile (22km) dash through fields, 1–30 September This is one of the toughest events in the 1 October November–January toughest triathlons around. Friday is woodlands and quiet byways, with the Cadw Open Doors Ironman calendar. The sea may be flat Cardiff Half Marathon Cardiff Winter Wonderland Swim Day, followed by Cycle Day and then added challenge of beating the Talyllyn For one month a year, Wales’ historic (well, usually) but the hilly bike ride and This is Wales’ largest road race and Ice-skating and rides, mulled wine Run Day. You can mix ‘n’ match events steam train as it chuffs alongside you. places allow you to delve a little deeper, run are a major challenge. multi-charity fundraising event, with and roasted chestnuts, and all kinds (and tackle shorter courses), but for the The train usually takes around 1hr 48min, open hidden doors, see what’s behind the eu.ironman.com around 22,000 runners. The record of feel-good festivities in Cardiff’s 700 elite athletes who do the full monty, to give you an idea of pace. scenes (and sometimes get in free). time of 61:51, set by Kenya’s Loitarakwai civic centre. it’s going to be a long, hard weekend. racethetrain.com cadw.gov.wales/opendoors 15–17 September Lengurisi, is your target. cardiffwinterwonderland.com longcourseweekend.com The Good Life Experience, Hawarden cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk 25–28 August 2 September The singer, presenter and polymath November–January 11–13 August Extreme Sailing, Cardiff Bay Wales v Austria, Cardiff Cerys Matthews is one of the brains 9 October Christmas in Cardiff Brecon Jazz The world’s top sailing teams battle it out After the sheer joy of Euro 2016, behind this festival, which puts mindless Wales v Ireland, Cardiff Lots of events fall under the Christmas in To give you an idea of the calibre of in the perfect amphitheatre of Cardiff the quest to reach a football World Cup materialism to one side, and embraces The last Group D football qualifier, with Cardiff banner, from panto to ballet. Santa acts at this top jazz festival, Dr John, Bay. It’s the perfect place to watch these gets serious: we drew 2-2 in the away the simple pleasures of the things that the glittering prize of a place in the 2018 advises checking the website for details. Burt Bacharach and Gregory Porter mighty catamarans go through their leg of this Group D qualifier in Vienna. really matter: family, friends, the great FIFA World Cup. No pressure, then. cardiff-events.com have starred in recent years. It’s under considerable paces. faw.cymru outdoors, books, proper food and drink, faw.cymru new management in 2017, so check the extremesailingseries.com laughter, poetry, campfires, and music November–January website for updates. 3–10 September that comes from the soul. All the things 10–15 October Waterfront Winterland, Swansea jazzfestival2017.com 27 August Tour of Britain that don’t cost a great deal but that Iris Prize Festival, Cardiff Museum Park is transformed, complete World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Britain’s premier cycling race comes to make life richer, more rewarding and This six-day celebration of LGBT film with ice rink and funfair, into Waterfront 17–20 August Llanwrtyd Wells Wales every year, usually for its toughest better fun. includes screenings of the 35 short films Winterland. Try saying it really quickly Green Man Festival, Crickhowell We like the way they think in Llanwrtyd stages. The route isn’t confirmed yet, thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk competing for the Iris Prize and the 15 after a few mulled wines. For a lot of us, Green Man is an Wells. How do you drum up trade to but hill climbs will certainly feature. short films competing for the Best British waterfrontwinterland.com unmissable fixture in the summer a small rural village? Easy. Dig a 197 foot tourofbritain.co.uk 22–24 September Iris Prize. calendar. We take the kids, meet (60m) trench in a peat bog, and invite Porthcawl Elvis Festival irisprize.org December up with old friends, make new ones, competitors from around the world to 7–10 September Thousands of Elvis fans descend on amble around with a beer in hand, come and swim in it. Festival No.6, Portmeirion the seaside town for a unique celebration 20–22 October Santa Steam Specials and discover our new favourite band. green-events.co.uk There’s no better festival setting in the of The King. The big events happen in Sŵn Festival, Cardiff There are 11 steam railways in the Great This year marks Green Man’s world than Portmeirion. The beautiful the Grand Pavilion, with lots of other This guerrilla music festival takes over Little Trains fleet, and most run Santa 15th birthday, and as always there’s 28–30 August Italianate village is a surreal enough place free shows in The Hi Tide, and another just about every available venue in Cardiff, Specials during the Christmas season. an incredibly diverse line-up of acts, The Big Cheese®, Caerphilly at any time, but when you add the likes 20 venues form the Fringe Festival. to showcase raw musical talent in intimate greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk ranging from acoustic folk to zillion-BMP Set around one of Europe’s largest of Grace Jones, Bastille, the Pet Shop elvies.co.uk spaces. It’s loosely based on SXSW in electronica, as well as comedy, poetry, castles, The Big Cheese® is an Boys and Hot Chip into the mix… it’s Texas, and designed to unearth the next Christmas markets wildlife walks, science and literature. extravaganza of street entertainers, just a magical event, in a magical place. September (date tbc) generation of performers. There are excellent Christmas markets With 1,500 performers in 10 areas, living history, music, dance, funfair, folk festivalnumber6.com Abergavenny Food Festival swnfest.com in many Welsh towns, including big ‘uns this could just be the perfect festival dancing, falconry and fire eating. We like Created by two local farmers in 1999, at Blackwood, Wrexham and Caerphilly. for everyone. Oh, and the food and the registered trademark thing, by the this major food event now attracts 26–29 October Dates aren’t confirmed yet, so check drink are terrific, too. way, Caerphilly. Very professional. 30,000 visitors to enjoy the best in Welsh, Wales Rally GB the websites: greenman.net visitcaerphilly.com British and international food and drink. The British leg of the FIA World Rally visitcaerphilly.com abergavennyfoodfestival.com Championship takes place over three wrexham.com August (date tbc) thrilling days in some of Wales’ most RawFfest, Newport September (date tbc) stunning scenery. Seasonal swims Live music, theatre shows, art, Beaumaris Food Festival walesrallygb.com It’s time to work off the estimated six film-making... all of it by and for Against the backdrop of the 12th-century billion calories you’ve consumed over young people aged 14 to 25. Beaumaris Castle, the ‘Town Green’ 27 October–9 November the festive period, by going for an rawffest.wales is dotted with marquees and gazebos, Dylan Thomas Festival, Swansea admittedly chilly dip in the sea. There’s offering the best of Welsh produce and A two-week literature festival that a Christmas Day swim at Porthcawl, August (date tbc) international street food. starts on Dylan’s birthday and finishes and Boxing Day dips at Pembrey Country Pride Cymru, Cardiff beaumarisfoodfestival.co.uk on the date of his death. Park, Tenby and Llandudno. The biggest and best LGBT bash in the dylanthomas.com Welsh calendar has to find a temporary 31 December new home this year (because of the Nos Galan Road Races, Mountain Ash aftermath of the UEFA Champions The annual race commemorates the League Final). When details are known, 18th-century Welsh runner Guto Nyth it’ll be on their website. One thing’s for Brân, who was so quick, he could blow certain: it’s bound to be a great party. out his bedroom candle and be under pridecymru.co.uk Portmeirion was the setting for the the covers before it was dark. Image courtesy of Green Man Festival. cult 1960s TV series, The Prisoner. nosgalan.co.uk 38–39 This is Wales We’ve bombarded you with great stuff and now you’re thinking ‘Where do I start?’ To help you, here’s a snapshot of great spots to explore in Wales. With many more, make these 20 the starting point of your great Welsh adventure. Make sure you visit our website for even more information and inspiration on where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in Wales. visitwales.com

Travel Handbook. 40–41 Gateway to the Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is fast becoming the adventure activity centre of the UK. There’s lots to see and do in the surrounding area – sturdy footwear, a camera and a healthy appetite will come in handy.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitsnowdonia.info

Eat / Drink Stay Play

Betws-y-Coed. Olif Aberconwy House Zip World Fforest Generally, people don’t visit Wales for A 5-star Victorian bed and breakfast Take a zip line journey 60 feet (18m) up the Spanish cuisine, but Olif is not your in a quiet location close to the centre through the forest canopy or a 100-foot average tapas bar. This is tapas with of Betws-y-Coed, with fantastic views (30m) freefall from Plummet Tower. Welsh ingredients. The only food that of the Llugwy and Conwy Valleys. For that additional adrenalin fix you can hasn’t been sourced locally are the olives. aberconwy-house.co.uk climb aboard Skyride, Europe’s highest olif-betws.co.uk giant swing. Penmachno Hall zipworld.co.uk Hangin’ Pizzeria If Betws-y-Coed is ‘Adventure Central’, Apart from the fact their pizzas are well the village of Penmachno, 4 miles (6km) Go Below worth breaking any diet for, they donate away, is definitely the ‘Chill-out Zone’. Abseil, zip line, scramble, traverse, a percentage of their profits to charities This former rectory was awarded a Visit boat and climb your way around the helping orangutans and great apes. Wales Gold Award in 2016, which makes abandoned mines of Snowdonia with hanginpizzeria.co.uk it the best of the best. Go Below, encountering lakes, caverns penmachnohall.co.uk and forgotten mining machinery as Pete’s Eats, Llanberis you go. Server of (reputedly) the best chip butties Tan y Foel Country House go-below.co.uk around, along with pint mugs of tea, Maria and Chris, owners of this this café is a mecca for climbers and 16th-century country guesthouse, Walking in Snowdonia outdoor enthusiasts to meet and share take pride in combining luxurious Gwydyr Forest Park covers a 28 square information about the area. boutique-style accommodation mile (73 square km) area surrounding petes-eats.co.uk with exceptional levels of service. Betws-y-Coed. Waymarked walking trails Great breakfast comes as standard. allow visitors to explore the lakes, forests tyfhotel.co.uk and mountains and learn more about the area’s lead and zinc mining history. eryri-npa.gov.uk

GATEWAY TO SNOWDONIA. Snowdonia National Park 42–43 It’s worth visiting Beaumaris just for its mighty castle, but it’s also a great base from which to explore Anglesey, the largest island in Wales. The 125 mile (200km) Anglesey Coast Path offers historical, natural and culinary adventures.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitanglesey.co.uk Beaumaris.

Eat / Drink Stay Play

Sosban & The Old Butchers, The Windmill South Stack, Holyhead Menai Bridge If you stay in a windmill, spectacular A spectacular cliff and heathland One of Wales’ seven Michelin-starred views are a given. You can see Beaumaris, seascape. Enjoy a close-up view onto restaurants, the food at the Sosban & the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia a wonderful cliff-side nesting colony. The Old Butchers is so good they don’t mountains from one side, and the Irish Watch guillemots, razorbills and puffins need a menu, choosing to serve the Sea, Puffin Island, the Great Orme and all raising their young, while live webcam best local produce available that day. the Isle of Man from the other. pictures give you an even closer view of sosbanandtheoldbutchers.com whitebeachholiday.co.uk the nests. rspb.org.uk The Marram Grass Café, Newborough Château Rhianfa, Menai Bridge It once was a chicken shed, but The scenery of the Loire Valley in France RibRide Adventure Boat Tours, now this utterly charming restaurant, inspired Sir John Hay Williams, Baronet Menai Bridge which featured in the Waitrose of Bodelwyddan, to build the Château Ride a RIB on the Menai Strait or go on Good Food Guide 2016, uses the in 1849, as a gift for his wife Lady Sarah. a Bear Grylls boat tour to the islands and . best of Anglesey and Welsh produce, Perched on the edge of the Menai Strait, high cliffs of the north Anglesey coast. practising nose-to-tail butchery it has 30 luxury rooms and provides The boat skippers are your guides to the ensuring minimal waste. a gourmet dining experience. natural history of Anglesey. themarramgrass.com chateaurhianfa.co.uk ribride.co.uk awaits

Sea Shanty Café, Trearddur Bay Wonderfully Wild Anglesey Riding Centre, Dwyran A great café, restaurant and ice-cream Glamping comes to Anglesey. Each of With five miles (8km) of private and parlour just behind the dunes of the four lodges offers all of the comfort bridleways set within Anglesey’s Area of Trearddur Bay beach. It’s worth going in and style expected of a luxury camping Outstanding Natural Beauty and running r L

e just to look at the memorabilia, jars upon holiday, while allowing you, your friends alongside the beautiful Menai Strait,

h jars of beach finds and beautiful boats. and family to get closer to nature and you’d be hard-pressed to find horse seashantycafe.co.uk explore the countryside. riding in more beautiful surroundings. wonderfullywild.co.uk angleseyridingcentre.co.uk not

A The Marram Grass Café, Newborough 44–45 The mighty castle and town walls of Conwy are perhaps the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe. Despite (or perhaps because of) its fortifications, Conwy is a warm and welcoming place to eat, drink and explore the North Wales coast and Vale of Conwy. Conwy. There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitllandudno.org.uk

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Bryn Williams at Porth Eiras, Colwyn Bay Castle Hotel Aberconwy House Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea A Grade I-listed building on the site of a A high street hidden gem. and dinner, and just a stone’s throw from 12th-century Cistercian abbey on Conwy’s This medieval merchant’s house the sea and beach of Porth Eirias. A big, main high street. Book early – it’s popular. is the only one in Conwy to survive open space with an easy, informal mood. castlewales.co.uk six centuries of turbulent history. portheirias.com nationaltrust.org.uk/aberconwy-house Groes Inn Signatures This independent hotel and restaurant Royal Cambrian Academy . Aberconwy Resort and Spa on the Conwy has rustic soul covered. It’s blessed with North Wales was home to the first e

r coast boasts Jimmy and Louise Williams’ stunning views of the Conwy Estuary, artists’ colony in the UK and the RCA was Signatures restaurant. It specialises award-winning dining, a good bar and established as a result. Its list of members lo in modern British cuisine and has been 14 handsome bedrooms. reads like a Who’s Who of art in Wales

xp listed in the Michelin Guide for the last groesinn.com and its exhibitions feature both historical e

five years. and contemporary work. darwinescapes.co.uk Escape B&B, Llandudno rcaconwy.org to Forget everything you know about dodgy e The Albion Pub seaside bed and breakfasts. With room Conwy Golf Club c Regarded as one of the finest examples names like Urban Cool, Calm & Light Conwy is a classic links course, and

la of a 1920s public house in Britain, and Retro Red, it’s pretty obvious that the first in Wales to have the honour

p The Albion is a collaboration between this B&B by the sea is more than fit for of hosting a qualifying event for The four local breweries and has a wonderful 21st-century purposes. Open Championship. In 2020 it hosts

ing buzz to it, drawing a diverse and friendly escapebandb.co.uk the Curtis Cup, the biggest team trophy

m mix of locals and visitors. for women amateur golfers. o albionalehouse.weebly.com conwygolfclub.com c wel

A Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay 46–47 Blaenau Ffestiniog offers visitors a range There are so many places in Wales that have inspired and influenced me. It feels of activities from walking to fishing, climbing as though I would be betraying a lover or to caving, and kayaking to mountain biking. a best friend if I were to choose one over another. However, Blaenau Ffestiniog It hass an illustrious past, too: its historic slate and the surrounding area has had a huge mines made it ‘the town that roofed the world’. influence on me and my healthy outlook on life. It has all the ingredients of the perfect ‘Bara Brith’ – an unnatural beauty, mixed with a compelling history, diverse cultures colliding and an underground vibrancy that is completely unlike anywhere else on the planet. As John Davies, the late Welsh historian, once said to me: ‘Blaenau Ffestiniog. Bonkers but never boring.’

There are many more places to explore in Wales, Ceri Cunnington make sure you go online for information and inspiration: Co-founder of Antur Stiniog visitwales.com | visitsnowdonia.info and lead singer of Brython Shag

Eat / Drink Stay Play

CellB Cae’r Blaidd Antur Stiniog You’d be hard-pressed to find a more If you’re in need of relaxation, The former Llechwedd slate quarry quirky café bar than CellB. It’s located this chilled country house, set in in Blaenau Ffestiniog is a dramatic in the old police station and court house, peaceful woodland and gardens with backdrop to the town. Generations just off the main street. It’s also home panoramic views over the Vale of of people have worked hard and played to Blaenau Ffestiniog’s first cinema Ffestiniog and the Moelwyn Mountain hard here; the singletrack mountain

Blaenau Ffestiniog.Blaenau in 40 years. range, could be just the prescription. bike trails at Antur Stiniog are the cellb.org caerblaidd.com embodiment of that way of life. anturstiniog.com Hebog, Beddgelert Bryn Elltyd Upmarket café by day, sleek bistro by It’s surprising what you can find Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways night. Emlyn and Nici will make you the 700 feet (213m) up a Welsh mountain. People go to the ends of the earth most welcome of guests. The Welsh Like an award-winning eco guesthouse, to experience a great railway journey. .

e Rarebit comes very highly recommended. that’s 100% carbon neutral, with all There are two awaiting you in the Heart hebog-beddgelert.co.uk energy coming from renewables – of Snowdonia. The Ffestiniog and Welsh

ur including energy for the sauna, biomass Highland Railways stretch over 40 miles Y Manod heating system, wi-fi and electric car (64km) of magnificent landscape and

ent A traditional miners’ tavern on the charge points! steam engine romance. v outskirts of town. Stripped wooden ecoguesthouse.co.uk festrail.co.uk beams and slate feature fireplaces all ad add to the cosy atmosphere and a warm Tyddyn Du Farm, Gellilydan Portmeirion welcome is always guaranteed. Ideal family accommodation on a working The dream-like village on a gorgeous

and Facebook: Y Manod Hotel farm, inviting visitors to wander among estuary, with views across to the

y the animals in the pet fields, get involved mountains of Snowdonia. Unsurprisingly,

r with animal feeding and help to collect it’s one of Wales’ best-loved places to eggs for breakfast. visit, chosen by Trip Advisor as the most snowdonia-farm-holidays-wales.co.uk colourful place in the UK.

Histo Antur Stiniog portmeirion-village.com 48–49 A popular spot for sailing and watersports, Abersoch attracts an eclectic mix of visitors drawn by the promise of coastal adventure. Fine beaches run along the picturesque Tremadog Bay on the Llŷn Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitsnowdonia.info Abersoch.

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The Coconut Kitchen Venetia Abersoch Sailing School Having started cooking Thai cuisine from Venetia is a balance of old and new, This family-run business, based on a trailer pitched in a field, Preechaya and a beautiful Victorian villa restored Abersoch main beach, offers a whole Paul’s business expanded to permanent into a haven of contemporary luxury. range of activities including sailing, premises in 2007, and in 2015 it was The emphasis is on pasta and seafood, powerboating, paddle boarding, named Best Oriental Restaurant in Wales. with the restaurant menu influenced kayaking, pedalos, ringo rides and Buy a bottle of one of their own sauces to by owner Marco’s Italian roots and yachting experiences. recreate the great flavours back at home. passion for fishing. abersochsailingschool.co.uk thecoconutkitchen.co.uk venetiawales.com Nant Gwrtheyrn Plas Bodegroes, Pwllheli Graeanfryn Farm Holiday Park, An abandoned quarrying village In the 30 years since Plas Bodegroes Morfa Nefyn in a stunning coastal spot on the Llŷn first opened, the food, wine and service Just outside Morfa Nefyn, the beautiful Peninsula, the Nant has been transformed in the restaurant have gained the highest Graeanfryn Farm house has four into a Welsh Language and Heritage

. accolades from many of the leading spacious guest rooms. Breakfasts Centre, with 24 beautifully-renovated e guides, including Good Food Guide UK involve goose and duck eggs from workers’ cottages. r Restaurant of the Year. owner Jan Harrison’s smallholding. nantgwrtheyrn.org bodegroes.co.uk For the more independently-spirited, there are 40 camping pitches available. Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog galo

Cadwaladers campingnorthwales.co.uk This very unique art gallery is situated Cadwaladers’ vanilla ice cream was in Llanbedrog. The impressive Grade II ts

r originally made in the window of their Gwesty Tŷ Newydd, Aberdaron Gothic Victorian mansion is the perfect

o Criccieth café. Nowadays they make Situated in the picturesque and historic place to view some of Wales’ best p too much ice cream to make it in the village of Aberdaron, the hotel directly contemporary art. s

r shop window but it’s still made in Wales, overlooks the bay and sandy beach, one oriel.org.uk to a closely-guarded secret recipe. of the finest and safest beaches on the

ate cadwaladers.co.uk Llŷn Peninsula.

W Abersoch beach gwesty-tynewydd.co.uk 50–51 There are more listed buildings (255) in Denbigh When I grew up, all I could see from my bedroom window was the outline than any other town in Wales, and it’s a lot more of the Clwydian Range, a chain of 20 peaceful since the English and Welsh stopped hills running from Llandegla to Prestatyn. It gave me a huge appetite for exploring fighting bitterly for control of it. It has been a the area, which has been with me flourishing market town since Elizabethan times, throughout my life. I tell friends who visit to bring their and is a great base-camp for the Clwydian Range. walking boots and their bikes. If it’s sunny we’ll go on an adventure. If it’s raining hard, we’ll go to the pub. Whatever you do there’s a distinct Clwydian flavour to it all. It’s a bit like hearing a piece of music you recognise but can’t remember its name. It’s comforting and familiar, but you can’t quite put your finger on why.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, Iwan Edwards

Denbigh. make sure you go online for information and inspiration: Community officer for the visitwales.com | northeastwales.co.uk North Wales Wildlife Trust

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The Glass Onion Café Manorhaus Ruthin Llyn Brenig, Cerrigydrudion This buzzing little eatery is just off the This Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse The windy conditions make the lake High Street, popular with locals and is a 5-star restaurant with rooms in the perfect for sailing and it’s the UK’s highest visitors alike. The café’s name comes centre of town. The restaurant has been freshwater sailing venue. It’s also one from a Beatles track on the White Album. listed in the Michelin Guide every year of the best top-of-the-water fisheries in glassonioncafe.co.uk since 2010. the UK, having hosted a number of major manorhausruthin.com fly fishing championships. Tyddyn Llan, Llandrillo llyn-brenig.co.uk This gorgeous country house Clwydian Wigwams, Ruthin restaurant-with-rooms has the best Situated on a working beef and sheep Moel Famau Country Park of Welsh produce, but doesn’t hesitate farm with the Clwydian Range as a At 1,818 feet (554m), Moel Famau –

. to scour the wider world for the very backdrop, these cosy wigwams give you which means ‘Mother Mountain’ finest seasonal ingredients. One of Wales’ the ‘glamping’ experience – camping in Welsh – is the highest summit seven Michelin-starred restaurants. with many of the comforts of home. in the Clwydian Range. Topped by the tyddynllan.co.uk wigwamholidays.com Jubilee Tower, this iconic local landmark town is visible for many miles around.

et The Hand at Llanarmon Castle House Bed and Breakfast clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk Head Chef Grant Mullholland has been This 5-star bed and breakfast offers rk awarded an AA Rosette for culinary guests informal luxury and wonderful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen a excellence and an AA Eggcup for views of the Clwydian Range. Dare you cross the highest aqueduct m outstanding breakfasts. Portions are Constructed as a gentleman’s residence in Britain at 126 feet (38m)? You can walk generous, produce is local and the in 1720, it was once visited by former across this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ing cooking is fresh and flavoursome. Prime Minister David Lloyd George. or save your legs and take a leisurely boat. h thehandhotel.co.uk castlehousebandb.co.uk But don’t forget your camera – the views is are something else.

ur pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk lo

F Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen 52–53 The weekly Wednesday market in Machynlleth Riding in the Dyfi area makes me feel like I am completely connected with dates back to a Royal Charter issued in 1291. the land. One minute you’re smashing ©Fjona Black. In ‘Mach’ (as it’s referred to), you’ll meet people down a gnarly, eye-watering downhill, rocks flying off your tyres and your heart who are passionate about art, nature, wholesome pounding, literally bubbling with the food and sustainable living. excitement. The next you’re hurtling onto a path bathed in sunlight, with foxgloves fighting for space, bees lazily floating around, a stream trickling below mossy banks, the smell of pine and red kites circling high above. The contrast is startling. I can’t help but be grateful for the opportunity to experience our home country as it always has been – and having a bloody good time doing it! This is why I love mountain biking in Wales.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, Rachel Atherton make sure you go online for information and inspiration: Word champion visitwales.com | midwalesmyway.com mountain biker

Eat / Drink Stay Play Machynlleth. Wynnstay The Old Rectory on the Lake, Tal-y-llyn Centre for Alternative Technology Good food at the Wynnstay starts You might never get used to the A pioneering eco-centre with interactive with ingredients. Welsh, where possible, breath-taking view from the Old Rectory. displays showcasing the power of wind, and ideally all from within 50 miles Sitting on the slopes of Cader Idris, water and the sun. It also demonstrates (80km) of the kitchen door. Chef Gareth guests open the blinds to see the glacial working examples of sustainable living Johns follows the Slow Food manifesto lake of Tal-y-llyn and imposing crags and encourages people to make green of ‘Good, Clean and Fair’. stretching out before them. living a part of their everyday lives. . wynnstay.wales rectoryonthelake.co.uk cat.org.uk

ing Number Twenty One Ynyshir Hall, Eglwys Fach King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris v Located in the heart of the town and You might expect this luxurious country An underground storytelling adventure li run by a passionate young foodie couple, hotel to serve traditional haute cuisine; where a magical waterfall is a gateway

le the food is imaginative, the service in fact, the taster menus are delightfully to the Dark Ages and a time of myth,

b is friendly, children are welcome and playful, mixing local and international legend and King Arthur himself. nothing seems like too much trouble. flavours with panache and humour. kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk numbertwentyone.co.uk One of Wales’ seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Cader Idris staina Gwesty Glan yr Afon / ynyshirhall.co.uk For grandeur and rugged beauty, few u

s Riverside Hotel Pennal locations can equal the National Nature

r A family-run country pub in the southern Glandyfi Castle Reserve at Cader Idris. Local folklore fringes of the Snowdonia National Park, A Grade II-listed Regency Gothic revival describes Idris as a giant who lived on fo

where everyone is welcome whether it castle set high above the Dyfi Estuary this magnificent mountain; its Welsh be for a quick lunchtime pint, or a family with dramatic views of the estuary and name means ‘Chair of Idris’. gathering for dinner in the restaurant. sea beyond. Despite the grand setting, naturalresources.wales riversidehotel-pennal.co.uk there are no pretensions of grandeur, just a warm welcome. assion glandyficastle.co.uk

A p Ynyshir Hall 54–55 Aberystwyth has a vibrant student population of over 10,000, which gives the place a unique buzz. It’s the ideal base for further exploration of the ©Warren Orchard. ©Warren Cambrian Mountains, the surrounding countryside and the vast sweep of Cardigan Bay.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | discoverceredigion.wales

Eat / Drink Stay Play Aberystwyth. Baravin Gwesty Cymru Vale of Rheidol Railway In a splendid position on Aber’s With eight stylish rooms and an Sit back, relax and let the train take the seafront, this easy-going contemporary award-winning restaurant, Gwesty Cymru strain as you go on a nostalgic journey eatery turns out pizza, pasta and other is situated in the centre of Aberystwyth’s through some of Wales’ most spectacular locally-sourced delights. Great Victorian promenade, overlooking scenery, including Devil’s Bridge Falls. atmosphere. Cardigan Bay. A contemporary Welsh rheidolrailway.co.uk baravin.co.uk cultural experience. gwestycymru.com Aberystwyth Arts Centre Y Ffarmers The award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Y Ffarmers is a country pub that’s Nanteos Centre is one of the UK’s largest arts a regular fixture in the Good Food Guide An ancient wooden drinking vessel, centres. Part of Aberystwyth University, in the pretty village of Llanfihangel called The Nanteos Cup, is rumoured to it is recognised as a ‘national flagship for y Creuddyn, near Aberystwyth. Chef be The Holy Grail. It’s a major episode in the arts’, attracting over 700,000 visitors Rhodri Edwards and his team focus the award-winning Georgian mansion’s a year. on making the most of the excellent colourful history that you can explore aberystwythartscentre.co.uk local produce. further, as you relax in luxurious country yffarmers.co.uk surroundings. Bwlch Nant yr Arian nanteos.com The Visitor Centre has commanding Treehouse views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian A characterful organic food shop and Tynrhyd Retreat, Pontarfynach Mountains. A range of waymarked trails restaurant, with a bicycle delivery service, The clue is in the name. A secluded for walkers, mountain bikers, runners

buzz. no less. The food is fresh, locally sourced holiday barn within easy reach of the and horse riders start here. Coincide and caters for all dietary requirements. Cambrian Mountains and the coast. your visit with the daily feeding sessions treehousewales.co.uk Plenty to do if you’re feeling active, of the majestic red kites, the national nothing but birdsong to disturb you bird of Wales.

oastal if you’re not. naturalresources.wales tynrhyd.com

A c Aberystwyth seafront 56–57 The Romans were drawn to Llandrindod Wells by its natural springs, which also made it a fashionable resort during the 19th century. Llandod (as it’s known locally) enjoys a strategic central location that brings vast swathes of Mid Wales within easy reach.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | midwalesmyway.com

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Sugar & Spice Carlton Riverside, Llanwrtyd Wells Elan Valley This welcoming, imaginative bistro keeps Set in one of the town’s oldest buildings, Elan’s 70 square miles (181 square km) you guessing with themed dishes from this quirky restaurant-with-rooms of wildlife and adventure have Stone around the world. A vibrant antidote to combines top-notch dining and luxurious Age origins. Its night skies and after-dark predictable menus. comfort. habitats are world-renowned. sugarandspicebistro.co.uk carltonriverside.com elanvalley.org.uk Llandrindod Wells.

Herb Garden Café Nannerth Fawr Farm, Rhayader Abbey Cwm Hir Veggies love the café right by A cosy former granary is one Take a tour of this glorious Victorian Llandrindod Wells station, although charming option at this 200-acre (81ha) home, including thousands of astonishing the meat dishes are also excellent on farm – or try a loft, a Romany caravan collectables and views over a 12th-century

. a hugely diverse menu. or camping. abbey, where Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the herbgardencafe.co.uk nannerth.co.uk last sovereign ruler of Wales, is buried. abbeycwmhir.com

ales Old Vicarage, Dolfor Lake Country House Hotel,

W Numerous local suppliers – and the Llangammarch Wells Gigrin Farm, Rhayader vicarage’s own kitchen garden – help to Complete relaxation is the aim at this Excitement and a lot of noise can only id provide the sumptuous choices offered majestic country house and spa retreat. mean one thing: the awe-inspiring daily m by these award winners. Treat yourself to a full-scale pamper. red kite feeds at this friendly 200-acre

of theoldvicaragedolfor.co.uk lakecountryhouse.co.uk (81ha) farm. gigrin.co.uk esty j a m e

Th Elan Valley 58–59 At the mouth of the River Teifi,Cardigan marks the border between the counties of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Once the most important port in Wales, it offers plenty of natural wonder, and its unspoilt townscape and rich heritage provide a nostalgic backdrop to a thriving culture of arts and crafts, events and music festivals.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration:

Cardigan. visitwales.com | discoverceredigion.wales

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Pizzatipi Cardigan Castle Dolphin Spotting From a courtyard overlooking the With a colourful 900-year history, The mere sight of a dorsal fin will set the Teifi river, four brothers (and their Cardigan’s castle is best known as the heart racing. You’re likely to see Atlantic friends) serve delicious wood-fired venue for the first cultural Eisteddfod grey seals, too. pizzas, craft ales and wine. in 1176. baytoremember.co.uk pizzatipi.co.uk cardigancastle.com AFTS. Welsh Wildlife Centre

CR Vic North, Newport Fforest, Cilgerran Look out for the giant willow badger, This superb deli and café runs on A collection of unique accommodation kingfishers and, if you’re lucky, the passion. They also offer masterclasses – options, including cabins, bell tents centre’s resident water buffalo across your chance to learn the tricks behind and a Georgian farmhouse. Perfect four trails. the magic. for enjoying life’s simple pleasures. welshwildlife.org TS AND vicnorth.co.uk coldatnight.co.uk R Teifi Gorge St Dogmaels Local Producers Market Dolly the Circus Waggon From wooded estuaries to wild clifftops, The bustling weekly village market Laze in a renovated circus waggon with paddle along the stunning 12-mile (19km)

E OF A triumphed in the 2016 BBC Radio 4 a parlour, kitchen and bedroom, set next route from Cardigan to Aberporth on an Food and Farming Awards. to an 18th-century stone farmhouse. open canoe. UR stdogmaelsabbey.org.uk/ ffynnonf.co.uk ceredigioncoastpath.org.uk

LT producers_market CU ING V I HR

A T Fforest , Cilgerran 60–61 Britain’s smallest city, St Davids is a perfectly-formed I’m passionate about the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, every square inch home to enchanting history, incredible beaches of it, but there is one special place that and a vibrant community. This is the westernmost I love. It’s a place where I can sit quietly on the quay in the very early morning tip of Wales, from which Pembrokeshire’s magical when there is no-one else around. Later islands and St Bride’s Bay are within easy reach. in the day I can watch a leisurely bustle as the little watery valley, formed by glacial meltwater millions of years ago, becomes busy with kayaks, canoes and boats. I love the coastal flowers that burst into life around the harbour during spring and know that they will have given pleasure to generations before me. There is an old country saying, ‘Kissing’s in season when the gorse is in bloom.’ It seems to flower all year in Porthclais... wildaboutpembrokeshire.co.uk

There are many more places to explore in Wales, Julia Horton-Powdrill make sure you go online for information and inspiration: Wild food explorer and

St Davids. visitwales.com | visitpembrokeshire.com founder of the Really Wild Festival

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Cwtch Twr y Felin Hotel St Davids Cathedral This cosy restaurant has earned Wales’ first art hotel hosts 100 original The Pope once compared this cathedral dozens of awards since opening in works, luxury accommodation and fine to Rome’s holiest sites. Evensong and 2005. It’s a must-visit – advance booking dining within wandering distance of a fantastic summer classical music festival is always wise. Pembrokeshire’s best beaches. are highlights. cwtchrestaurant.co.uk twryfelinhotel.com stdavidscathedral.org.uk stdavidscathedralfestival.co.uk The Refectory at St Davids Caerfai Farm Few restaurants have as grandiose Relax and explore from these beautiful TYF Adventure a setting as the one neighbouring holiday cottages with their own gardens. Champions of life-long adventuring, the cathedral. The menu features The campsite leads directly onto the let this team of experts show you Pembrokeshire cheese and meats. Pembrokeshire Coast Path. the thrills of coasteering, kayaking, stdavidsrefectory.co.uk caerfaifarm.co.uk surfing and rockpool safari.

. tyf.com Cambrian Inn, Solva Trellyn Woodland Camping, Abercastle

ity With owners who are immensely ‘Cool camping’ is the calling card of Voyages of Discovery

c passionate about Pembrokeshire, this hugely popular site. Yurts, tipis and Meet dolphins, seals, puffins, this 16th-century venue has a reputation a geo-eco glamping dome are available. porpoises and seabirds on a glorious for wonderful food and beer. trellyn.co.uk boat trip around the caves and gorges thecambrianinn.co.uk of Ramsey Island.

allest ramseyisland.co.uk m s

s ’ itain r

B St Davids Coast 62–63 With glorious beaches, a warm atmosphere and fine Victorian houses painted in sugared-almond colours, Tenby is one of the prettiest and cosiest Welsh seaside towns, and a gateway to southern Pembrokeshire. The town’s Welsh name, Dinbych-y-pysgod (Little Fortress of the Fish), is a nod to the dainty harbour beside Castle Hill. Tenby.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitpembrokeshire.com

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Blue Ball St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot Tenby Museum Favoured by critics and food fans, Blue A clifftop hotel where you can luxuriate The fine location on the headland at Ball specialises in fish and smoked meat. in the outdoor infinity pool overlooking Castle Hill is perhaps the best of any A smart choice for Sunday lunch. Saundersfoot beach – heated to blood museum. There’s lots of local history, theblueballrestaurant.co.uk temperature whatever the weather. and it’s notably strong on fine art. . stbridesspahotel.com tenbymuseum.org.uk Coast Saundersfoot ses A multiple award-winning restaurant, Celtic Haven, Lydstep Heatherton World of Activities u including AA Restaurant of the Year in From cosy cottages for two to An epicentre of fun for all the family. o Wales, with superb views of the beach. a Manor House accommodating 12, Paintballing, go-karting, fishing, golf, h The food’s good too, with dishes ranging these self-catering getaways have indoor bowls and baseball are among

ed from local venison to chocolate lava. their origins in the 12th century. the options. coastsaundersfoot.co.uk celtichaven.co.uk heatherton.co.uk ur

Salt Cellar Trefloyne Manor Bosherston Lakes

olo The four friends running the Overlooking the golf course, Otters, wildfowl and dragonflies thrive in

c relatively new cellar have created Trefloyne’s family-run boutique this designated National Nature Reserve. a mouth-watering menu inspired by guesthouse offers award-winning The lakes are carpeted in lilies, at their the natural beauty of Wales. Deservedly stay-and-play accommodation with very best in late spring / early summer. ond awarded double AA Rosettes. a real sense of style and luxury. A magical place.

m thesaltcellartenby.co.uk trefloyne.com visitpembrokeshire.com al - ed r ga

Su Tenby seafront 64–65 If there’s a single person who sums up the Welsh creative spirit, it’s Dylan Thomas. If there’s a place, it’s Laugharne. Dylan’s old haunts are everywhere, alongside brilliant food and drink, superb places to stay and eye-catching scenery across the town and Carmarthenshire.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | discovercarmarthenshire.com Laugharne.

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Browns The Corran Dylan Thomas Boathouse Dylan Thomas drank in Browns and Featuring a cosy cottage, lavish great Peer into the Writing Shed at the gave its phone number as his. Its boutique barn and spa, the expanded Corran writer’s former home, which looks as bed and breakfast uses Welsh linen. is a treat for guests seeking luxury though he’s just popped out for a pint. browns.wales and relaxation. dylanthomasboathouse.com .

e thecorran.com r Cors Laugharne Castle e Set within a Victorian house and Jabajak, Llanboidy Visit this magnificent medieval castle h garden replete with modernist artworks, Jabajak is a 5-star restaurant with turned Tudor mansion to see where

yw Cors combines an atmospheric setting rooms and its very own vineyard located Dylan Thomas found the lyrical inspiration r with simple, beautiful food. in a former farmhouse, which has links to cure an episode of writer’s block. e

v thecors.co.uk to the White House and the second cadw.gov.wales e

president of the US, John Adams.

e Yr Hen Dafarn, Llansteffan jabajak.co.uk Tin Shed Experience r Specialising in locally-caught fish dishes, A team of volunteers care for fascinating a this gem’s exceptional quality of food Pendine Sands Holiday Park artefacts from the early 20th century in means it’s unlikely to remain a secret A toddle from the beach and this quirky 1940s museum.

nts for long. surrounded by countryside, this park tinshedexperience.co.uk u llansteffan.com/yrhendafarn will position you perfectly for exploring a Tenby and Laugharne. h parkdeanholidays.co.uk old

s ’

D ylan The Writing Shed, Dylan Thomas Boathouse 66–67 Llandeilo sits prettily on a hill overlooking one of the loveliest valleys in Wales. There are plenty of boutiques and cafés to graze, several annual festivals to enjoy, and it’s a short walk through a wooded nature reserve to Dinefwr Castle, an ancient royal capital. Courtesy Food Emporium. of Wright’s

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | discovercarmarthenshire.com Llandeilo.

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Ginhaus Deli The Cawdor Dryslwyn Castle Choosing from 250 different gins is This handsome coaching inn is the social Carreg Cennen is more spectacular, exhausting, so we tend to ask the friendly hub of Llandeilo, so you feel like you’re and Dinefwr is more historic. But staff to pick from that day’s specials staying in the thick of it. The food is we’ve got a soft spot for the ruins (and they haven’t let us down yet). very good, too (and this being farming of this 12th-century hilltop castle with The food is very superior café-deli fare. country, the portions are enormous). unforgettable views of the Tywi Valley . ginhaus.co.uk thecawdor.com below. As with so many of these ruins, e

r there’s a certain magic to Dryslwyn. i

h Wright’s Food Emporium, Llanarthney Llwyn Helyg cadw.gov.wales Imagine if all your home cooking turned Built from scratch in the heart of the out brilliantly, every time. This foodie Tywi Valley, this luxury country house has Aberglasney ens

h magnet is a lunchtime favourite, but they already won hatfuls of awards. They also Again, we’re rooting for the underdog. t do weekend suppers, and guest dinners hold music nights in the extraordinary The splendid National Botanic Garden r with big-name chefs. acoustics of their ‘Listening Room’. of Wales nearby is bigger, but this a wrightsfood.co.uk llwynhelygcountryhouse.co.uk beautifully restored 17th-century house

rm and Elizabethan promenade garden is Y Polyn, Nantgaredig The Castle, Llandovery where locals tend to revisit through the Ca No post-modern foamy nonsense here. This coaching inn, located in nearby changing seasons. Just beautiful produce cooked simply and Llandovery, has honest categories for its aberglasney.org of with respect, in a lovely old country pub. rooms (Good, Better and Best), while its ypolyn.co.uk menu champions the merits of authentic, Brechfa Forest

ital locally-sourced food. The mountain bike trails that charge

p castle-hotel-llandovery.co.uk through this huge forest are perfect for a all abilities, while the quiet lanes are ideal c for roadies. A post-ride pint at the Black Lion in Abergorlech is considered polite. mbwales.com

Cool Wright’s Food Emporium blion.co.uk 68–69 At the heart of the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park, the handsome market town of Brecon sits at the middle of three mountain ranges, which are perfect for mountain and waterfall walks, scenic drives, stargazing, and all kinds of family adventures. Courtesy of BeaconsBrecon National Park Authority. Brecon. There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | midwalesmyway.com

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Felinfach Griffin Peterstone Court Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal A cosy pub which is a good option Chic and distinctive, Peterstone A wildlife haven that is often voted for a gourmet pit-stop, with very tasty remains loyal to its Georgian heritage, Britain’s prettiest canal. Sail on food and warming log fires. but adds a relaxed style, funky details a narrowboat, small motorboat felinfachgriffin.co.uk and modern touches. or eco-friendly electric boat. peterstone-court.com canalrivertrust.org.uk

. Three Horseshoes In the perfect rural location, this Crai Valley Eco Lodges Pen y Fan well-established hostelry has been A stunning set of family-run self-catering The views from the highest peak in family run for 25 years, winning awards lodges set on a 330-acre (133ha) organic the Brecon Beacons National Park and town

along the way. beef and sheep farm. Ideally situated southern Britain are spectacular – with threehorseshoesgroesffordd.co.uk to enjoy leaping lambs, soaring red kites a range of routes suiting most walkers. et and views of the autumn harvest. breconbeacons.org rk Gurkha Corner craivalleyecolodges.co.uk a Few places rival Nepal for diverse Waterfall Country, nr Neath

m flavours, but working from a stone Gliffaes Country House Hotel, The majestic Waterfall Country has the a mortar, the chefs here capture that Crickhowell greatest concentration of cascades, caves

m in spicy style. Built in 1888, Gliffaes is a hidden secret, and gorges anywhere in Britain. Visit the

o gurkhacorner.co.uk with 33 secluded acres set between the Brecon Beacons’ tallest waterfall, Sgwd r Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. Henrhyd, which featured as the Bat Cave f gliffaeshotel.com in the movie The Dark Knight Rises.

es breconbeacons.org/waterfall-country ur ent v

ad Brecon Beacons National Park 70–71 In the south-east corner of the Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny is a market town with a tasty reputation. It holds one of the world’s best food festivals every September, and is the home of some of the country’s best restaurants. The lovely Monmouthshire countryside is a short hop away.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitmonmouthshire.com

Eat / Drink Stay Play Abergavenny. The Hardwick Angel Hotel Abergavenny Market Run by a husband-and-wife team, The award-winning Angel was a private The Victorian market hall on Cross Street the award-winning Hardwick’s menu home in the 1800s and a great coaching remains a hunting ground for items you specialises in seasonal and local produce. inn on the road to London. just don’t find in ordinary shops. You’ll be spoilt for choice. angelabergavenny.com Facebook: Abergavenny Market thehardwick.co.uk Llansantffraed Court Blaenavon Ironworks Clytha Arms Enjoy the charm of a bygone age and These famous ironworks, part of the From a quick pint to tasty tapas, this the comforts of home in a 20-acre (8ha) Blaenavon Industrial Landscape UNESCO long-established country pub offers setting of breathtaking natural splendour. World Heritage Site, were a milestone great food with open log fires and sofas. llch.co.uk in the Industrial Revolution story. clytha-arms.com Its beautiful cottages are furnished in The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell three time periods. Skirrid Mountain Inn A former coaching inn, the Bear’s warmth cadw.gov.wales/ Get the ‘great shiver’ (and sup a beer) and friendliness is a 500-year tradition. daysout/blaenavonironworks at Wales’ oldest and most haunted pub. Accommodation includes oak-beamed . It has stood for nine centuries. rooms and converted stables. Skirrid Fawr skirridmountaininn.co.uk bearhotel.co.uk Of the seven hills surrounding Abergavenny, this is the most rewarding for children. Follow the path to the tation ruined chapel.

pu nationaltrust.org.uk e r tasty

a The Hardwick 72–73 The story of Merthyr Tydfil is a tangled tale of romance, hard graft and grit. It’s named after the Welsh princess Tydfil, who was martyred here in the 5th century. By the mid-19th century it was the biggest town in Wales, its ironworks the driver of Wales’ industrial brute force. Nowadays it’s

©Patrick Olner, courtesy©Patrick ofOlner, Redhouse. perfectly positioned for long rambles, gritty cycling adventures and grand days out.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | thevalleys.co.uk

Eat / Drink Stay Play

Jol’s Nant Ddu Lodge BikePark Wales, Gethin Woods

Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr This hot ticket is a new venture for Treat yourself to a luxury spa in this Deemed the UK’s best bike park, head chef Jamie O’Leary, who was beautiful hotel set on the cusp of the this is a must-do for bikers at all levels. mentored by Stephen Terry at The Brecon Beacons – an ideal base for Expect the best jump trails, drop offs Hardwick in Abergavenny. Inspired a romantic or active weekend. and gnarly bits you so crave – or swap by the memory of his Merthyr-born nant-ddu-lodge.co.uk it all for a family-friendly loop instead. grandmother’s cooking, Jol’s is simple bikeparkwales.com and tasty food at its very best. Winchfawr Lodges jolsfoodco.co.uk Affordable luxury lodges well suited for Cyfarthfa Castle and Museum bikers and hikers alike. With BikePark Sample what life was like for the Plas Coffi Wales and the Taff Trail close by, this is Crawshay ironmasters at the grand old Adding some cool urban street style an ideal hub for both local attractions house. Spend a day rambling the site’s to Merthyr’s line-up of popular eateries, and longer, grittier adventures. galleries, museum and vast parklands – Plas Coffi is a friendly kitchen-restaurant winchfawrlodge.co.uk the play zone and miniature railway will

. specialising in rib-sticking classics and be popular with the little ones, too. wood-fired pizza. Arfryn House B&B cyfarthfa.com plascoffi.co.uk Situated opposite the Llwyn-On

ising reservoir, this cosy and friendly B&B Redhouse The Old Barn Tea Room, Pontsticill offers home-cooked breakfasts and The Old Town Hall in Merthyr has been Situated near the Pontsticill reservoir, a packed lunch if you need it for your reborn as the Redhouse. Built in 1896,

urpr this vintage 18th-century barn is day out. With Pen y Fan right on your this beautiful Grade II-listed red-brick s a popular spot for cream teas and doorstep you’d be silly to forget your building used to house the magistrates Sunday lunches. walking boots. court, council chamber and holding cells. Facebook: The Old Barn Tea Room arfrynhouse.com These days it’s home to a restaurant, ally theatre, gallery and a live music venue. c redhousecymru.com

Radi Redhouse 74–75 Swansea is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, I grew up in Porthcawl, but, as a young boy, I loved to visit Caswell Bay in the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, summer, with my bucket and spade. full of award-winning beaches, unspoilt countryside I liked low tide too when I could explore the caves as an exciting adventure. and fine dining. It’s a great area for walking, cycling, As a teenager, I was encouraged to watersports and golf, and the city has the oldest, try surfing lessons through a disability group, based at Caswell. I have high biggest (and possibly best) covered market in Wales. functioning autism – and, while I found it hard at first, I enjoyed the waves, which are nearly always present at Caswell. I enjoyed it so much that seven years on, I still go there every week. I surf all year round in all weathers, barring storm conditions, enjoying the natural surroundings and the other surfers’ company. If the sea is calm I can venture round to Brandy Cove to explore the big caves. It’s one of the reasons why I love Caswell and why it’s one of the best places to visit in Wales. surfabilityukcic.org

There are many more places to explore in Wales, Luke Hemfrey Surfer on the

Swansea. make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitswanseabay.com Gower Peninsula

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Morgans Hotel Fairyhill Three Cliffs Bay Welsh cakes, scones and champagne in Relax in an 18th-century luxury Experience the wild across the cliffs, a building established in 1902. The rooms escape with 24 acres (10ha) of lawns, beaches and dunes of one of the most are named after ships made in Swansea. woodland, streams and lakes, including photogenic parts of Gower’s Coast Path. morganshotel.co.uk a distinguished restaurant. visitswanseabay.com fairyhill.net

. Slice Gower Surf School Discover why the two chefs behind Patricks with Rooms Whether you’re experienced or la this intimate, popular restaurant Established in 1993, this family-run hotel a first-time surfer, this renowned u charmed the Michelin Guide and the and restaurant is a great spot from which school prides itself on inclusivity BBC’s Great British Menu. to enjoy Mumbles in comfort. and fun from its promenade hut. sliceswansea.co.uk patrickswithrooms.com gowersurfing.com

Penins King Arthur Hotel Scamperholidays National Waterfront Museum r Absorb the relaxed pub atmosphere In the heart of the glorious Gower Delve into the industrial and maritime and sample the seasonal menu at the Peninsula, these cosily-designed history of Wales, housed in the striking haunted house named after the nearby shepherd huts are great places to surroundings of a converted waterfront owe Arthur’s Stone. unwind. Go glamping in style. warehouse and a contemporary museum G

e kingarthurhotel.co.uk scamperholidays.co.uk space made of slate and glass.

h museum.wales/swansea t

to

ateway

G Llangennith, Gower Peninsula 76–77 Cowbridge is a small market town with impeccably good taste. Its roots lie as a Roman settlement and medieval walled town, but nowadays it’s a thriving mix of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs. It plays host to a popular food festival each year and its location near the Glamorgan Heritage Coast makes it an attractive choice for a break.

There are many more places to explore in Wales, make sure you go online for information and inspiration: visitwales.com | visitthevale.com Cowbridge.

Eat / Drink Stay Play

Hare and Hounds, Aberthin The Bear Cowbridge Physic Garden The Hare and Hounds itself may be A Cowbridge institution with bags of A restored 18th-century walled garden 300 years old, but its new Ale House / character and atmosphere. The Bear’s laid out in 12 sections surrounding Dining Room is a thing of beauty. history stretches back to the 12th century a fountain. Each section refers to the Everything here is made from scratch, and its oaky, flagstone-floored bar plays healing properties of each plant on from the sourdough bread to the host to both welly-clad farmers and chic a particular part of the body. cultured butter. champers-sippers. cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk hareandhoundsaberthin.com townandcountrycollective.co.uk Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol Arboreal Penfistla Barn Try a vineyard tour and tasting session,

. The owners have created an interesting Set in a countryside location near or bag a spot on one of TV chef Angela and inspiring environment to house Cowbridge, these pretty stone barns Grey’s short courses or pop-up suppers this award-winning town-centre eatery, cater to those looking for a slower pace at the cookery school. focusing on simple, honest food and of life. Expect rolling green hills all around llanerch-vineyard.co.uk Coast top-notch service. and a wood burner to keep you cosy. arboreal.uk.com Pretty much perfect. Nash Point penfistla.com Nash Point offers stunning views

itage The Market Place across the Glamorgan Heritage r Offering familiar favourites and Stockwood Mews Coastline. With craggy stones, rock

He inventive new twists, this inviting Right in the heart of Cowbridge, pools, a lighthouse and tumbling surf,

e restaurant occupies a house built the cottage and apartments offer this windswept spot is a true tonic

h on to medieval walls. History and a contemporary slice of country town for the soul. t

gastronomy, all under one roof. life. A stone’s throw from the local pubs valeofglamorgan.gov.uk e the-marketplace.co.uk and shops too. r visitthevale.com lo

Exp Nash Point, Vale of Glamorgan 78–79 Europe’s youngest capital city, Cardiff is also It seems like everything I do has something to do with food, so I naturally one of the easiest cities to enjoy. The compact think of Cardiff in terms of the places centre offers great shopping, dining and culture, to eat and drink. It’s a very sociable city and it seems like people enjoy with a rich history and regular sporting excitement having experiences that are different thrown in. It also has the lush Vale of Glamorgan to the ordinary. One of my favourite places is Cocorico and the fascinating ex-mining communities of the Patisserie. It’s run by Laurian, who came to Wales to support France in the 1999 Valleys right on the doorstep. Rugby World Cup and fell in love with the country. If you time your visit to Cardiff just right, you might catch Street Food Circus, a pop-up street food night market, which takes place from time-to-time. The food is great and the atmosphere is very special. It really shows the independent spirit of the city. purplepoppadom.com Cardiff. There are many more places to explore in Wales, Anand George make sure you go online for information and inspiration: Owner of the Purple Poppadom visitwales.com | visitcardiff.com restaurant, Cardiff

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Bar 44 Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd Porter’s The aroma of sherry casks and the It’s a short drive out of Cardiff to a pub A low-key gem, being just outside clean lines of a contemporary bar and in nearby Pontypridd, known fondly as the perimeter of the bar and restaurant restaurant. It’s a winning combination, ‘The Bunch’. The quality and consistency area of the city centre. You’ll find an as is Bar 44’s twist on modern, of the food is high and it recently won atmospheric meeting place for coffee Spanish tapas. a Best Sunday Lunch in Britain award. by day and a home of vibrant and diverse bar44.co.uk/cardiff bunchofgrapes.org.uk entertainment by night, including Wales’ first pub theatre. . La Cuina The Dead Canary porterscardiff.com

ity Delicious, authentic Catalan food. A speak-easy environment where you Owner and chef Montserrat founded can relax, enjoy the best cocktails Cardiff James Sommerin, Penarth c the restaurant in 2012 after spending has to offer and kick back to a soundtrack The eponymous chef has an 20 years teaching Spanish at Bristol of mellifluous jazz. astonishing gift for flavours (which ital and Cardiff universities. thedeadcanary.co.uk sounds obvious, but you’ll see what we p

a lacuina.co.uk mean when you eat there). The seafront Milgi setting in Penarth, a few miles from c Owners and sisters Gabrielle and Cardiff, is great, too. One of Wales’ Rebecca produce vegetarian dishes seven Michelin-starred restaurants. that are great on flavour and imagination. jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk

ngest The atmosphere is distinctly bohemian, u with a yurt out the back you can relax in. milgicardiff.com yo

s ’ e p o

Eur Y Senedd, Cardiff Bay 80–81 This is Wales Stay Play Travel Handbook Park Plaza Cardiff Castle Smack in the heart of the city. The castle you see today is a Roman fort, The New Theatre is a neighbour, an impressive Norman castle and an and the shopping area, Cardiff Castle extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy and Principality Stadium are all just palace. And those clever Romans had the a few minutes’ stroll away. foresight to make sure it was right in the parkplazacardiff.com heart of the city. cardiffcastle.com St David’s Hotel & Spa The most striking of Cardiff’s hotels, Wales Millennium Centre with its sail-like roof and uninterrupted An architectural masterpiece and ground-to-top-floor glass-fronted atrium. home to the Welsh National Opera and You might bump into the likes of Benedict the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Cumberbatch or Peter Capaldi, as the It also stages musicals, stand-up comedy, BBC’s drama village, Roath Lock, is just art exhibitions and fizzes with energy, down the road. particularly during school holidays. thestdavidshotel.com wmc.org.uk

Cardiff Caravan & Camping Bute Park Cardiff You won’t generally find a caravan Cardiff offers more green space per and camping site in most city centres, person than any of the other nine major has more but then Cardiff isn’t most city centres. cities in the UK. Bute Park is the ‘green’ Just over half-a-mile (800m) from the heart of Cardiff city centre, and at green space city centre, its beautiful parkland setting 138 acres (56ha – equivalent to 75 football means you’ll still feel like you’ve made pitches), it’s also one of the largest urban than any your escape. parks in Wales. other major cardiffcaravanpark.co.uk bute-park.com NosDa Principality Stadium UK city. ‘Nos da’ means ‘good night’ in Welsh One of Wales’ most iconic landmarks, and if you’re looking for a cheap sleep this is perhaps the most enjoyable sports in clean, comfortable surroundings, stadium in the world, with a perfect a bar and live music venue, and the city-centre location and an electric thrills of the city centre on your doorstep atmosphere beneath its huge sliding roof. then that’s exactly what you’ll get at this principalitystadium.wales friendly hostel. nosda.co.uk Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay is a diverse waterfront Cathedral 73 development built around a 494-acre 73 Cathedral Road is different to the other (200ha) freshwater lake. It’s a great spot, guesthouses on the same tree-lined full of dramatic architecture, including route into the city centre. Don’t just take the elegant Senedd building, home of the our word for it, let them collect you from National Assembly for Wales, the striking the station in their yellow Rolls Royce and Wales Millennium Centre and the lovely show you themselves. Norwegian Church, where writer Roald cathedral73.com Dahl and family would worship. cardiffbay.co.uk

Wales Millennium Centre and Pierhead, Cardiff Bay 82–83 This is Wales 01—The Isle of Anglesey 04—Snowdonia Mountains & Coast 07—Pembrokeshire – 11—Cardiff, Capital of Wales Useful Information Anglesey offers unparalleled beauty, An outdoor adventure playground Britain’s Only Coastal National Park The capital of Wales has unique amazing adventures, serious solitude that includes the Snowdonia National Rated by National Geographic magazine attractions, top-class entertainment, and a warm welcome. Easily accessible, Park, Llŷn Peninsula and the Cambrian experts as the second best coastline a wide range of accommodation this unique island, with its coastline, Coastline. Quality accommodation, in the world. With 186 miles (299km) to suit all needs and quality shopping Meet our holiday areas. varied beaches and historical towns attractions and activities – castles, of magnificent and varied coastline and with a difference. Cardiff Castle, make it a superb base for all the family. narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling, over 50 beaches, there’s plenty of space Principality Stadium, National Museum Wales is divided into 13 distinct areas, Those that have visited need not be told. walking, award-winning beaches, country for everyone. Choose between lively Cardiff and the Wales Millennium Centre each with its own individual character. They just return… parks, the Wales Coast Path, a World Tenby and Saundersfoot or peaceful combined with Cardiff Bay offer indoor +44 (0)1248 713 177 Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding St Davids and Newport. Perfect for and outdoor entertainment for everyone [email protected] Natural Beauty and the Heritage Coast. outdoor activities or just relaxing. all year round. visitanglesey.co.uk [email protected] visitpembrokeshire.com +44 (0)29 2087 3573 Llandudno facebook.com/visitanglesey visitsnowdonia.info [email protected] Holyhead Prestatyn 01 Beaumaris Colwyn Bay facebook.com/visitingsnowdonia 08—Carmarthenshire – visitcardiff.com Conwy Rhyl St Asaph 02—Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Twitter: @visit_snowdonia Carmarthen Bay Llangefni Bangor 02 Denbigh Legendary... in every sense of the Carmarthenshire stretches from 12—The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Llanberis 03 Mold word. Vibrant Llandudno, the Victorian 05—Mid Wales My Way Carmarthen Bay in the south to western & Countryside Caernarfon Betws-y-Coed Ruthin Wrexham seaside gem with a history that goes A huge outdoor playground made up Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains The dramatic Heritage Coast and popular 04 Blaenau Ffestiniog Llangollen back to the Bronze Age. World Heritage of the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the north, wondrous gardens, resorts of Barry Island and Porthcawl Criccieth Porthmadog Conwy with its rich maritime past. Dyfi Biosphere, Cambrian Mountains, awe-inspiring castles and Wales’ are fringed by lovely Vale and Bridgend Pwllheli Bala Waterfront adventure in Colwyn Bay. Lake Vyrnwy & the Berwyns and Offa’s longest beach, market towns brimming countryside and green hills. Discover the Abersoch Epic experiences in the stunning Country. National trails, waterfall walks with local produce and chic shopping. special character of an area steeped in Dolgellau landscape of the Conwy Valley and riverside rambles. Great cycle routes +44 (0)1267 231 557 history – and it’s close to Cardiff, Wales’ Barmouth Welshpool and Snowdonia. Year-round breaks, and proud partner of the Tour of Britain [email protected] cosmopolitan capital. Machynlleth filled with family fun, good food, cycle race. A packed events calendar discovercarmarthenshire.com +44 (0)1446 704 867 Tywyn great walking, world-class theatre includes the Royal Welsh Show, +44 (0)1656 815 332 Newtown and a full calendar of exciting events. Hay Festival, Machynlleth Comedy, 09—Swansea Bay – Swansea, [email protected] 05 +44 (0)1492 577 577 Green Man and Gregynog festivals. Mumbles, & Gower [email protected] Aberystwyth Llanidloes [email protected] Accommodation from quaint to quirky, Ready for a legendary holiday? visitthevale.com 06 visitllandudno.org.uk cosy to luxurious. Add independent Experience Wales’ Waterfront City bridgendbites.com Rhayader Presteigne Aberaeron facebook.com/VisitingLlandudno stores and galleries and locally sourced and the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Llandrindod Wells New Quay Twitter: @visit_llandudno mouth-watering cuisine to the mix to Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula. 13—Wye Valley & Vale of Usk Builth Wells Lampeter get a real flavour of ‘Mid Wales My Way’. Unwind on award-winning beaches and Fantastic scenery and high-quality food Cardigan Hay-on-Wye 03—North East Wales +44 (0)1874 622 485 explore unspoilt countryside – don’t and drink from the Brecon Beacons Fishguard Less than 20 minutes from Chester, tourism@powys.gov.uk forget your board, bike and boots! National Park to the Wye Valley Area 08 Llandovery Brecon we’re just a short journey from the North midwalesmyway.com Explore our castles, cairns and caves and of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore St Davids Llandeilo West of England and the West Midlands. facebook.com/midwalesmyway discover the stories behind the scenery. castles, Roman towns and beautiful 07 Abergavenny Carmarthen Ebbw Vale From the bustling shops and cultural Twitter: @MidWalesMyWay #LivetheLegend gardens; then take in award-winning Laugharne 10 Monmouth Haverfordwest 09 Merthyr Tydfil events of Wrexham to the culinary visitswanseabay.com vineyards, bustling market towns and Saundersfoot Llanelli Neath Pontypool Pembroke Tenby delights of the Mold Food and Drink 06—Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay & the Twitter: @visitswanseabay great local pubs. With the renowned Swansea Pontypridd 13 Chepstow Caerphilly Festival and the world-famous Llangollen Cambrian Mountains Newport and Abergavenny Food 11 Newport 12 Bridgend International Eisteddfod. The area Delve into the history and legends of 10—The Valleys – Festivals, celebrated restaurants and Porthcawl includes Rhyl, one of the best recognised Ceredigion and experience a thriving, Heart & Soul of Wales artisan producers, discover why this Penarth Cowbridge Barry British seaside resorts and the Clwydian contemporary cultural identity. Discover Castles filled with legendary tales, is the Food Capital of Wales. Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding the expansive landscapes of the gripping industrial champions who led the world +44 (0)1291 623772 Natural Beauty. We even have an TV thriller Hinterland / Y Gwyll. Search into the Industrial Revolution and social [email protected] 01 The Isle of Anglesey 11-mile-long (18km) World Heritage Site – our legendary landscapes for the Welsh activists who changed life for all – set visitmonmouthshire.com 02 Llandudno & Colwyn Bay the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal and Atlantis, the devil and the holy grail. Tackle in stunning scenery with breathtaking 03 North East Wales you can also walk the ancient Offa’s Dyke Ceredigion’s coast path from challenging views. The people of the Valleys are 04 Snowdonia Mountains & Coast path running through Chirk out to the hill fort climbs to gentle strolls along proud of their heritage, and love to 05 Mid Wales My Way coast at Prestatyn. Aberystwyth promenade. Take a dolphin welcome visitors who come for history, 06 Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay & the Cambrian Mountains +44 (0)1978 292 015 spotting boat trip, catch a wave (and adventures and a warm welcome. 07 Pembrokeshire – Britain’s only Coastal National Park [email protected] maybe a mackerel) or simply enjoy some Visit the Valleys this year and enjoy 08 Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Bay +44 (0) 1745 355 068 family fun at our Blue Flag beaches. the Heart and Soul of Wales. 09 Swansea Bay – Swansea, Mumbles & Gower [email protected] +44 (0)1970 612 125 +44 (0)29 2088 0011 Find out more by visiting 10 The Valleys – Heart & Soul of Wales northeastwales.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] visitwales.com/brochures to download 11 Cardiff – Capital of Wales discoverceredigion.wales thevalleys.co.uk as many brochures as you like or select 12 The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & Countryside facebook.com/discoverceredigion up to three for free postal delivery. 13 Wye Valley & Vale of Usk Twitter: @visitceredigion Alternatively call +44 (0)333 006 3001 84–85 This is Wales Useful Information

By Road By Air By Rail By Sea Mileage and journey times by car: In the UK, fast and frequent rail services Ferry crossings from Ireland to Wales: Getting to Wales. Birmingham – Aberystwyth run between London Paddington and Irish Ferries: irishferries.com Wales is easy to get to. It’s only a few hours 123 miles (198km), 2hrs 44mins Cardiff, taking just over two hours. Dublin Port to Holyhead Bath – Newport There is a half-hourly departure to Cardiff Journey time: 1hr 49mins (Fast ferry) by motorway from London. By train it’s 42 miles (68km), 52mins Central, with an hourly continuation to Journey time: 3hrs 15mins (Cruise ferry) even quicker – just two hours from London Canterbury – Cardiff Swansea and onward connections to Rosslare to Pembroke 214 miles (344km), 3hrs 51mins West Wales. Journey time: 4hrs (Cruise ferry) to Cardiff. It’s the same from Britain’s major Coventry – Barmouth airports with speedy road and rail links 138 miles (222km), 2hrs 56mins There are also direct trains from London Stena Line: stenaline.co.uk Exeter – Swansea Euston and Manchester to Llandudno, Dublin Port to Holyhead from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham 144 miles (232km), 2hrs 35mins Bangor and Holyhead; from Birmingham, Journey time: 3hrs 15mins (Superferry) Leeds – Llandudno Cardiff airport is situated in Rhoose, Shrewsbury and Crewe to the North Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Manchester. 126 miles (203km), 2hrs 31mins 12 miles (20km) south west of Cardiff. Wales coast and the Llŷn Peninsula; from Journey time: 2hrs 20mins (Fastcraft) London – Cardiff Buses, trains and taxis offer links to the Manchester and Shrewsbury to Newport; Rosslare to Fishguard 151 miles (243km), 2hrs 53mins city centre and surrounding area and car and from Portsmouth, Southampton and Journey time: 3hrs 30mins (Superferry) London – Tenby hire is available in the terminal building. Salisbury to Cardiff. 238 miles (383km), 4hrs 29mins The Cardiff Airport Express bus service Ferry crossings from mainland Europe Manchester – Caernarfon offers a direct link to the city centre From London Heathrow Airport, there’s to Great Britain: 105 miles (169km), 2hrs 19mins every 20 minutes. Citywing also operates a fast, direct rail service to Paddington, Brittany Ferries Nottingham – Swansea a direct flight to Anglesey from Cardiff, where you can change onto a direct brittany-ferries.co.uk 204 miles (328km), 3hrs 41mins enabling you to get to North Wales in train to Wales. From London Gatwick Condor Ferries Newcastle-upon-Tyne – Llandudno around 45 minutes. Airport, you can travel direct to London condorferries.co.uk 221 miles (356km), 4hrs 20mins Victoria, then take the Underground to DFDS Seaways Reading – Carmarthen For detailed information on flights Paddington or Euston to continue your dfdsseaways.co.uk 172 miles (277km), 3hrs 2mins and how to get to and from the airport journey. For general rail enquiries visit: LD Lines York – Welshpool by road, rail, bus and taxi go to: nationalrail.co.uk ldlines.co.uk 152 miles (245km), 3hrs 7mins cardiff-airport.com thetrainline.com P&O Edinburgh – Cardiff poferries.com 393 miles (632km), 7hrs 3mins Airlines from all over the world fly into Stena Line Glasgow – Aberystwyth the London airports, so check with stenaline.com 331 miles (533km), 6hrs 4mins your travel agent or tour operator to find the best option for your journey. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Holyhead Distance / times supplied by: Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool on Anglesey almost every week between theaa.com also have a number of international May and September. Cruise lines calling flights, and Bristol airport is very in include Crystal, Hapag Lloyd, Oceania, National Express provides a nationwide conveniently located for a trip to Wales. P&O, Silversea, Swan Hellenic, Thomson, network of express coach services linking Tui, Voyages of Discovery and Windstar. major towns and cities in Wales as well UK airports that offer easy access as the UK’s principal destinations. to Wales: For more information on getting to Wales Check out their website for special offers. Birmingham International Airport go to: visitwales.com/explore/travel-maps nationalexpress.com birminghamairport.co.uk Bristol Airport You can hop on and off the National bristolairport.co.uk Express network with a Brit Xplorer Liverpool John Lennon Airport pass. Passes can be purchased online at: liverpoolairport.com nationalexpress.com/ London Gatwick Airport waystosave/brit-xplorer.aspx gatwickairport.com London Heathrow Airport Megabus provides low cost intercity heathrowairport.com travel in the UK, with buses running from London Luton Airport a number of major UK cities to locations london-luton.co.uk in Wales. London Stansted Airport uk.megabus.com stanstedairport.com Manchester Airport Elan Valley manchesterairport.co.uk 86–87 This is Wales Useful Information

Getting around Wales. It’s easy to get around Wales by train, bus, car or even domestic flight. And if you’re keen to explore, you’ll find plenty of journeys that are wonderful experiences in their own right. We have some of the most scenic roads, railways and pathways in Britain.

By Road By Rail Discounted rail and bus travel The most scenic drives in Wales count Rail services run through the regions The Explore Wales Pass offers unlimited among the best in Britain. Some favourite of Wales – usually on highly scenic travel on all mainline rail services in routes with fantastic views include the routes such as the Cambrian Coast, Wales plus most scheduled bus services. A466 along the Wye Valley, the B4574 Conwy Valley and Heart of Wales lines. Holders will also benefit from discounted from Rhayader to the Vale of Rheidol, thecambrianline.co.uk entry to many tourist attractions and the A4069 across the Black Mountain scenicwales.co.uk selected accommodation. The Explore range, the A4086, A498 and A4085 heart-of-wales.co.uk Wales Pass (£99) allows four-day train around Snowdon and Marine Drive nationalrail.co.uk and eight-day bus travel. The Explore around Great Orme in Llandudno. arrivatrainswales.co.uk South Wales, North Wales and Mid Wales When you’re out and about Passes (£69 each) allow four-day train in the National Parks, use the convenient For pure pleasure why not take a ride and eight-day bus travel within each park and ride bus services designed to on some of the 14 narrow gauge and regional area. cut down on traffic: steam railways? Many are members There are also a number of Rovers pembrokeshire.gov.uk or gwynedd.gov.uk of the Great Little Trains of Wales. and Rangers tickets available, which all greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk offer unlimited train travel for one day National Express operates long-distance on specific areas of the Arriva Trains intercity coach services to many Additional Information Wales network. They can be purchased towns and cities throughout Wales. For up-to-date and reliable from the station booking office or on For more information and to plan your public transport information: board the train. journey go to: nationalexpress.com traveline-cymru.info arrivatrainswales.co.uk/explorewalespass For a handy route planner: Megabus runs a low-cost coach theaa.com or rac.co.uk For more information on service between Cwmbran, Newport, For information on UK getting around Wales: Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen and road regulations: visitwales.com/explore/travel-maps/ Pembroke Dock. uk.megabus.com gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code getting-around-wales Llyn Gwynant, Snowdonia 88–89 This is Wales Free brochures A sense of place How do I know I’m booking good quality Accessible Wales Travel agents and tour operators Useful Information Find out more about Wales by choosing Place names tell a story in Wales. You’ll accommodation? If you’re planning a holiday in Wales in the UK and Ireland. some of the FREE guides available. see the same words appear time and When choosing your holiday and have a mobility impairment To make it really easy to book your Check them out, and order or download again on our road signs, and they’ll always accommodation, look for the Cymru / or any other special requirements, holiday or short break in Wales you them from: visitwales.com/brochures tell you something of the local history or Wales quality mark of Wales’ official, then there are a number of ways to help could use a tour operator. There are a landscape. Two in particular appear very nationwide quality assessment scheme. you choose accommodation and activities number of UK and Irish companies who Other Visit Wales websites often: Llan indicates a church or parish, Visit Wales and the AA are the only that are suitable to your needs. offer Wales-based holidays. They often There are a number of other really useful usually followed by the name of the saint checking agents in Wales, checking Tourism for All is a free specialist have specialist knowledge of particular Visit Wales websites to get information to whom it’s dedicated, as in Llandudno: out over 5,000 properties. Both assess information service promoting accessible products and will be happy to help you on the different types of activities you the church of St Tudno. Aber means holiday accommodation to the same tourism. It offers free guidance on travel find the right holiday to suit your needs. can try on your holiday in Wales. the mouth or confluence of a river, as in criteria and award one to five stars, planning, transport, accommodation For companies go to: Aberaeron: the mouth of the river Aeron. based on the facilities and overall quality and booking: visitwales.com/touroperators Adventure: visitwales.co.uk/active of the experience. Also look out for tourismforall.org.uk Fishing: fishing.visitwales.com Here’s a list of common names that extra-special property that has Selling Wales to your clients Mountain Biking: mbwales.com to look out for on your travels: been awarded Visit Wales’ Gold Award, For the UK’s biggest directory of If you work in the leisure travel trade Walking: walking.visitwales.com Aber mouth / confluence of river given for exceptional standards of accessible accommodation and travel, or business tourism sectors, we have a Golf: golfasitshouldbe.com Afon river hospitality, comfort and food in serviced visit: openbritain.net dedicated website to help you sell Wales Betws chapel accommodation. to your clients and enhance existing tours For up-to-date information on short Blaen source of a stream For more information on For finding accessible places to Wales or help introduce Wales into UK breaks and longer holidays in Wales, Bryn hill accommodation in Wales, the Cymru / for all to enjoy in Wales, visit: programmes for the first time. There’s go to the official website: visitwales.com Bwlch a mountain pass Wales Quality Assessment scheme, accessiblecountryside.org.uk everything from great places to visit, Caer fort, fortified camp general grading information and how to get here, inspiring itinerary ideas, Mother Tongue Capel chapel star ratings go to: visitwales.com/ Where can I get local tourist operator and venue searches and the When the Romans arrived in Britain, Cas, castell castle holidayaccommodation information? latest product news where you can sign every person in what is now England Coed forest One of the simplest and quickest ways up to receive regular product updates. and Wales spoke the same language: Cwm valley I’d like to learn some Welsh of getting local information is by calling traveltrade.visitwales.com Welsh (or at least, British, the Celtic Din hill fort before my visit – where do I start? in to one of our Tourist Information language from which modern Welsh Dinas city Take a look at the following websites Centres. The staff are highly trained, Whilst every effort has been made is descended). Successive invasions Dyffryn valley to pick up some basics: have an excellent knowledge of the area to ensure accuracy in this publication, from mainland Europe drove the Eglwys church bbc.co.uk/learnwelsh and will be delighted to help you with Visit Wales can accept no liability for British language to the western edges Ffordd road s4c.co.uk/dysgwyr booking your accommodation, finding any errors, inaccuracies or omissions or of Britain, where it evolved into Welsh, Ffynnon spring saysomethingin.com/welsh places to eat, things to do, routes to take, for any matter in anyway arising out of Cornish and the now-extinct Cumbric. Glyn deep valley national and local events and obtaining the publication of the information. All The language also hopped across to Gwaun moorland If you’d like to learn Welsh in Wales, maps, guides and books. Normally, websites listed are checked at the time north-west France, where the Breton Hafod summer the Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language & offices are open between 10.00 and of going to press. However, Visit Wales language is still partly intelligible to Hendre winter farmstead Heritage Centre specialises in residential 17.00. For a list of Tourist Information cannot be held accountable for any Welsh speakers. Llan church, sacred enclosure courses for adults learning Welsh. Centres see: visitwales.com/contact/ change in the content of these websites. Nowadays Welsh is spoken by around Llyn lake nantgwrtheyrn.org touristinformation-centres visitwales.com a fifth of the population, especially in the Môr sea north and west of Wales, where it is many Mynydd mountain people’s everyday working language. Nant brook You’ll also hear quite a bit of Welsh in Newydd new major towns and cities like Cardiff, where Plas hall, mansion the government and all major public Pont bridge bodies are fully bilingual. So if you want Rhaeadr waterfall to know what our ancient British Traeth beach ancestors sounded like, just find your Tŷ house nearest Welsh speaker and say shwmae! Ynys island

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I I 2017 is Year of Legends in Wales. A celebration of ancient history and modern thinking. On your travels you may come across giants, poets, wizards and a fiery red dragon. Some of these characters will be thousands of years old. Others will be modern-day legends in the making. Let them lead you on an epic adventure.