(Image Source: Pixabay)
Although it is part of the United Kingdom, the scenic country of Wales is often overlooked in favor of Scotland or the big city of London when travelers are planning a vacation. However, doing so would be a mistake. Beautifully restored gardens, castles overlooking rocky cliffs, and wide variety of outdoor activities await those who plan on stopping in this seaside country. While natural attractions are typically considered to be part of the country’s appeal, any of the following small towns are well worth a stop when one is exploring the region.
Conwy (Image Source: Wikipedia)
Conwy. Located in Northern Wales near Snowdonia National Park, this walled medieval city is small enough to traverse by foot. It also has a large number of historical buildings and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Major attractions include the city’s castle and the Plas Mawr, a fully restored home dating back to Elizabethan times. With a combination ticket, adult admission to both places is only £7. Visitors can also take a walk around the city’s ramparts for free. As is the case with any seaside town in the United Kingdoms, there are plenty of tasty fish and chips shops in town for guests to enjoy. Conwy is easily accessible via public transport from either the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Aberystwyth (Image Source: Flickr)
Aberystwyth. This small college town in central Wales can be reached using various forms of public transport and can be easily navigated on foot post arrival. While the scenic sunset views over the bay are obviously a draw, travelers should also be sure to check out the extensive National Library and castle ruins during their stay. Boat trips and organized watersports are also popular pastimes in the area. Those visiting the town should not miss hiking Cadair Idris, a picturesque mountain found nearby that is a destination in its own right. Due to the college town atmosphere in Aberystwyth, travelers won’t be able to go very far without stumbling over one of the 60 plus local pubs. However, if wild parties aren’t your cup of tea, you will need to be sure that your trip plans don’t coincide with the local Carnage festival that takes place in town twice a year.
Tenby (Image Source: Wikipedia)
Tenby. This gorgeous seaside town is located in the southern portion of Wales. Tenby is well-known for the pastel hued houses that line its shores. Cobbled streets and sandy beaches further add to the place’s undeniable charm. During the high season, the town is a popular tourist attraction but this is somewhat mitigated by the fact that cars are not allowed within the city limits in the summer and the residents have done their best to keep commercialism at bay. Like the other two places mentioned in this article, visitors can easily get around the city on foot. Swimming and hiking are popular pastimes in the area. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s coastal trail is another noteworthy local attraction that visitors may wish to investigate. The path is well signposted so that even amateur hikers are unlikely to become lost. Meanwhile, those that have tired of town might want to take a ferry ride (£10 for adults) out to Caldey Island to see the Cistern monastery that is found there.
(Image Source: Pixabay)
Sources: Rough Guides; Wiki Travel
