The 18 most bucket-list-worthy things to do in Wales

Where is it? Yr Wyddfa, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

What is it? The highest mountain in Wales and the busiest in the UK

Why go? Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon in English) takes anywhere between five and seven hours depending on the route taken, but the 1,085-metre peak offers the most magnificent views in all of Wales. Heading this way in winter is a no-no, but the mountain gets plenty busy through spring, summer and autumn, with more than half a million hikers dragging themselves up to the top every year. Those worried about fitness issues can take the quaint train – an hour-long ride to the top that offers plenty of gorgeous views along the way.

Where is it? Hay-on-Wye, Monmouthshire

What is it? A small market town in mid Wales known for its love of all things literature. 

Why go? There are few things more comforting than the dusty atmosphere of an old bookshop, and the small town of Hay-on-Wye is famous for the things. Known colloquially as the ‘town of books’, Hay has more than two dozen bookshops dotted around its streets plus the world-famous Hay Book Festival in May and June. When it comes to literary tourism in the UK, Hay-on-Wye is a real bucket-list spot.

Don’t miss: The town’s specialist bookshops Gay On Wye (for LGBTQ+ lit), Murder and Mayhem (for fans of the crime and horror genre) and the Poetry Bookshop. 

Where is it? Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Machynlleth

What is it? Ynyshir constantly ranks next to (if not above) the big guns of the UK’s culinary world. It’s the only venue in Wales to boast two Michelin stars and is considered one of the UK’s best restaurants.

Why go? This is not a dining experience for the faint of heart, or anyone on a budget. From £365, guests are served around 30 Welsh/Japanese inspired courses across five hours, accompanied by pumping techno music. A warning: this place is categorically ’not suitable for those with food allergies, intolerances, and dislikes’.

Where is it? Portmeirion, Gwynedd

What is it? A tourist village designed and built in the style of rural Italy

Why go? There’s nowhere quite like Portmeirion. Designed and constructed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this small village is as cute as it gets, with gorgeous architecture and movie-set style waiting around every corner. Williams-Ellis made it clear that his desire was to bring the atmosphere of the Mediterranean to North Wales, and most will agree that he succeeded. The village is best visited by car, although Minffordd railway station is just over a mile away.

What is it? Two world renowned and critically acclaimed music festivals on Welsh country estates. 

Why go? Dance until dawn underneath breathtaking scenery. Green Man Festival at Glasusk Estate in the south is considered a mini-Glastonbury and an undderrated jewel in the UK’s festival calendar. Gottwood Festival in Gottwood Estate in the north of the country is a more intimate affair championing electronic music and underground artists. 

📍 Discover more of the best music festivals in the UK

Where is it? Gower Peninsula, Swansea

What is it? A three-mile stretch of golden sand and coastline that runs as far as the eye can see, pun possibly intended.

Why go? Rhossili Bay is a constant contender when judging the best beach in Wales, as well as perpetually featuring in the top ten UK-wide. Besides its award-winning beauty, nearby pubs like The King’s Head and Worm’s Head offer some of the best pub grub around – with a side of beautiful beer-garden views. It's also a fave among surfers. The best thing? It’s dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join in the sandy fun too. 

📍 Discover more of the best beaches in the UK