Wales attracts tourism with its stunning landscape, a wealth of history, and a huge number of imposing castles. Yet behind the spectacular scenery and the ancient fortress walls hides the simple warmth of the Welsh people, whose pride in their Celtic heritage is only exceeded by the love they feel for their homeland.
Things to know before visit Wales
Wales has a temperate climate with rains at almost all times. The summer months lies between June and August and they are also the driest months. Winter is between November and March where the temperatures could go down to zero degree Celsius.
An island in Wales, Anglesey is renowned for its beaches and some ancient monuments. The island can be reached by a 19th-century Menai Suspension bridge taking visitors to Beaumaris, a medieval town. A must visit in this town is the castle with its concrete fortifications and a moat and the Victorian punishment cells with an original tread wheel. Other attractions include; Plas Newydd mansion, the Bryn Celli Ddu, a Neolithic burial chamber and Oriel Ynys Mon museum and gallery, showcasing the island’s cultural history.
Located in the county of Gwynedd, Snowdonia consists of 14 majestic peaks, the most famous being Snowdon at 3,546 feet. While in this region a trip to the Snowdonia National Park is a must. It has many hiking and trekking trails. .
Located in the mountain region of Brecon Beacons in South Wales, the national park is a hiker’s paradise. Majority of the mountains are higher than 1,000 feet and are named after the red sandstone that makes them look like the beacons of light that were use to warn of invaders in the past. Visitors should explore the caves and waterfalls in the region and also a coal mine at the Big Pit National Coal Museum.
The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is an ancient port city and has a fine blend of modern features such as 74,200-seat Millennium sports stadium, the futuristic Wales Millennium Centre for performing arts as well as traditional monuments like the Cardiff Castle, a 11th-century castle giving visitors a good introduction to Welsh history and the National Museum Cardiff renowned for its Roman pottery and gold jewelry from the Bronze era.
An ancient town steeped in history, Conwy is located on the Conwy Estuary near the Snowdonia forests. The towering dark-stoned fortress of Conwy Castle gives a regal backdrop to the town. The views from the battlements gives a great panoramic view of the castle’s Great Hall and towers surrounding the town. Another must-do in Conwy is the church of St. Mary’s renowned for its 15th-century screens and Byzantine processional cross.
Travel Advisory: For the latest information and advice on safety and entry requirements please consult your travel agent well in advance of your departure and visit the following government website:
Department of Foreign affairs and trade www.dfat.gov.au
Smart Traveler website www.smartraveler.gov.au
Electricity: While traveling to Wales it is advisable to carry an international power plug adapter with multiple plug configurations. The standard voltage is at 230V. The standard sockets are square, three-pronged ones.