Steeped in legend and blessed with stunning scenery, Wales is the perfect place to relax and unwind. As Welsh poet William Henry Davies once wrote: ‘What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare...’
3 places to soak up history
All the National Museums of Wales are free. Our favourites are:
St Fagans, Cardiff
A fabulous open-air museum with 40 original buildings from different periods in Welsh history. Call 0300 111 2333
SAT NAV: CF5 6XB
National roman legion museum, Newport
Explore life in a far-flung outpost of the mighty Roman Empire. Call 0300 111 2333
SAT NAV: NP18 1AE
Big pit Coal museum, Blaenafon
Includes an underground tour to see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Call 0300 111 2333
SAT NAV: NP4 9XP (To discover other Welsh museums visit https://museum.wales)
Stargazers
Snowdonia is now an official International Dark Sky Reserve Stay, so why not stay until evening and take advantage of the lack of light pollution to stargaze? The North Wales Astronomy Society have a great list of stargazing events in North Wales. Visit www.northwalesastro.co.uk
Coastal breath takers
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes in some of the most breathtaking coastline in the UK. The route has everything from steep limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, beaches, estuaries and flooded glacial valleys. We’re not suggesting you complete all 186-miles but our favourites include the following:
Freshwater West
A wide, sandy beach surrounded by dunes. Film fans may recognise the view from Ridley Scott's Robin Hood or Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where it was used as the backdrop for Shell Cottage. The two car parks are small but free. At the south car park, grab lunch at The Café Mor streetfood van. Call 0791 919 2771
SAT NAV: SA71 5AH
Broad Haven South beach
Explore the boulders and ‘island’ on the west side to discover caves and springs. For wheelchair access, park in Bosherston village and take a picturesque one-mile walk across board walks over the lily ponds. Well worth it!
SAT NAV: SA71 5DR
Abercastle Harbour
Best viewed from the Pembrokeshire coast path, you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the view. Park on the road, or walk down from Trefin (which has a lovely café), two miles away.
SAT NAV: SA62 5HJ
Detour to nearby St David’s to visit the cathedral, built in 1181 on the site reputed to be that of St David's 6th Century monastic settlement, with beautiful oak and painted ceilings, extraordinary sloping floors and wonderful restored cloisters. Call 01437 720202
SAT NAV: SA62 6RH
Perfect picnic location
There are many beautiful places to enjoy an autumnal picnic but one of our favourites is by Llyn Geirionydd, in the Conwy valley. Flanked by Gwydyr Forest and the Carneddau mountain range, it captures the very best of North Wales.
SAT NAV: LL27 0YX
Walk an Arthurian legend
Llyn Y Fan Fach, is steeped in folklore (including the Lady Of The Lake legend) and has an other-worldly quality. A four-mile circular walk will take you up along the river then head down for a bite to eat in the excellent Neuadd Fawr Arms in nearby Llandovery. Call 0155 072 1644
SAT NAV: SA19 9UN
Alice in Wonderland trail
Follow the white rabbit and explore Llandudno by discovering 55 bronze-cast rabbit footprints to uncover the connections with Alice Liddell (the real Alice) who lived in the resort in the 1860s. Begin at the library.
SAT NAV: LL30 2RP
Penllergare Valley Woods, Swansea
Volunteers are gently restoring the Penllergare Estate to its former glory but meanwhile you can explore its 12km of woodland walks, lakeside strolls and gardens. Call 01792 344224
SAT NAV: SA4 9GJ
Chasing Waterfalls
One of the Seven Wonders of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr, OswestryPistyll Rhaeadr, Oswestry, is a few miles from the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym- Mochnant in Powys. At 240ft high it is the UK’s tallest single drop waterfall. It’s also a great place to explore the Berwyn Mountains. Look out for the busy little café nearby. There is a charge for the nearby car park but if you travel by foot it’s free to visit.
SAT NAV: SY10 0BZ
Up the Khyber
There are many paths up Snowdon but seasoned walkers can follow in the footsteps of Sid James and Kenneth Williams and walk the Watkin Path where Carry On Up The Khyber was filmed!
SAT NAV: LL55 4NQ
Open doors
Thanks to the Open Doors Days scheme, a variety of buildings and heritage sites waive entrance fees in September. To find out more, visit www.cadw.gov.wales