One of the biggest misconceptions about the United Kingdom is that the only destination worth seeing there is London. But outside of the English capital, there are endless other towns and cities, and three other countries, that also make up the U.K. and are definitely worth visiting. Wales happens to be one of the most underrated destinations in Britain and there are plenty of reasons why you should add it to your itinerary. Read on to find out why you should visit Wales instead of the overrated cities in the United Kingdom on your next trip.
The National Parks Are Outstanding
One of the main reasons why Wales should be on your bucket list is because the landscape is spectacular. There are several stunning national parks in the country that draw visitors from all over the world who come to explore the outstanding scenery. Snowdonia National Park is undeniably the most famous and is a must-visit for any lover of nature or outdoor enthusiast. An ideal location for camping, the park stretches across 827 square miles where you’ll find mountains, moors, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to mighty Mount Snowdon, which is the highest peak in Wales.
Walkers and hikers also love exploring the Brecon Beacons, a park filled with fascinating rock formations, crumbling castles, waterfalls, mountains, and woodland. And if that weren’t enough, there’s also the Pembrokeshire Coast, the first British national park to consist entirely of coastal landscapes. Here, you’ll find lagoons, idyllic lighthouses, more than 50 beaches, and plenty of glimpses of marine and birdlife.
You’ll Never Run Out Of Castles To Explore
Another reason why everyone should visit Wales at least once in their lives is the opportunity to discover a plethora of medieval castles. There are 600 castles in the country so if you consider yourself a history fan, you’ll never run out of new grounds to explore.
One of the most popular, Cardiff Castle, lies conveniently in the capital city and should definitely appear on your bucket list. There are 2,000 years of history waiting to be discovered at the castle, which was built in the 11th century by the Normans. Before its construction, a Roman fort dating back to the third century stood in its place. On the grounds, you’ll find the remains of a Roman wall, underground tunnels that once served as wartime shelters, the Norman keep, and the historic castle apartments, plus a slew of other interesting attractions.
Other castles to check out in Wales include Chepstow castle, which is said to be the oldest in the country, and Caerphilly Castle, which lies just outside of Cardiff and is the second-largest castle in the United Kingdom, after England’s Windsor Castle.
There Are Fewer Tourists And Friendly Locals
A good reason to visit Wales on your next trip to Britain is that there are far fewer tourists than you’ll find at other hotspots throughout the United Kingdom. If you’re sick of the crowds in London and Edinburgh, escape to Wales for some peace and quiet. While the country’s most famous landmarks and the capital city of Cardiff still attract plenty of people, the vibe still tends to be relatively quiet and relaxed.
The locals in Wales are known for being friendly and welcoming of tourists. Those who live in tourist hotspots can understandably get annoyed when they constantly have to deal with foreigners, but you don’t really see that in Wales. These are some of the world’s friendliest people!
Welsh Culture Is Beautiful And Unique
Although Wales is one of four countries in the United Kingdom, it has its own culture and is completely unique. One of the best things about visiting Wales is getting the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture marked by fascinating folklore, song and dance, a preserved historic language, and delicious food, all of which are under-explored.
Along with checking out the famous landmarks and the stunning landscapes in Wales, be sure to spend time getting to know a few locals and learning about their culture, customs, and history.
Listen to stories about dragons, hear some Welsh songs, and be sure to sample a Welsh rarebit at least once!