Cardiff

Situated right in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion, and a Norman keep, which in turn was built over a Roman fort. Cardiff Castle stands as witness to more than 2,000 years of history. Roman soldiers and knights have lived in the castle, and the wealthy Bute family resided in it from early 19th century up until 1947. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens, and Italian and Arabian decor. The Essential Ticket includes access to a selection of the lavish Castle Apartments, the Norman Keep, the Battlement Walk, the Wartime Shelters, the Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, the Interpretation Centre (including a film show), and an audio guide in multiple languages. The Premium Ticket offers all this plus a 45-minute guided tour with an expert guide, and access to some additional rooms in the castle. People of all ages will enjoy exploring the castle complex. As one of the top tourist attractions in Wales, it's definitely worth a visit for anybody in the city with an interest in history.

Address : Castle Street

Website : www.cardiffcastle.com

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the UK government, Gower is home to some of the most popular holiday destinations in Wales, including the resort towns of Swansea, Mumbles, Rhossili, and Llangennith. Though it's just 16 by seven miles (26 by 11km) in size, the area has a large concentration of Blue Flag beaches, including Bracelet Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon, and the Swansea Marina. Mumbles is a lovely resort village beautifully located beneath pine-forested slopes overlooking Swansea Bay, which is fast-becoming one of the United Kingdom's favourite seaside getaway destinations. It has a range of excellent seafront pubs and restaurants, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Mumbles is home to some great cultural sights, such as the ruins of Oystermouth Castle, a historic lighthouse, and the pretty Mumbles Pier. The real allure of Mumbles remains its sheer natural beauty, with the sunlight reflected by the bay illuminating the age-old stone buildings that surround the water. The Gower Peninsula also contains a number of historical attractions, including the island of Burry Holms, which has been inhabited since the Iron Age; Cefn Bryn, home to Arthur's Stone; Giant's Grave, a prehistoric burial chamber containing 4,500-year-old skeletons; and the Norman castle ruins at Threecliff Bay. All things considered, the main reason to holiday in Gower is its natural splendour, beyond the beaches and the cities you'll find many miles of pretty walking trails, flowering gardens, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife.

The Llandaff Cathedral, located on the western edge of Cardiff, is one of Wales' premier sights, not to be missed by visitors to the Welsh capital. Situated in what used to be the tiny village of Llandaff, the area surrounding the cathedral still retains a village-like feel, with stone-and-timber buildings and narrow and crooked lanes. Constructed in the 12th century on the site of an earlier church - of which, a pre-Norman Celtic cross is all that remains - the Llandaff Cathedral boasts some of the greatest medieval art to be found in all of Wales. Suffering extensive damage during Nazi bomb raids in World War II, the cathedral was restored and received two modern additions: the Welsh Regiment Chapel, and the striking Jacob Epstein sculpture Christ in Majesty. The sculpture, made of aluminium and suspended from a concrete arch that dominates the cathedral's nave divides opinion between those who find it arresting and those who find it garish and out of place. Head to the Llandaff Cathedral and see the interesting work for yourself, before relaxing in the tranquil public gardens that surround this significant religious site.

Address : Cathedral Road

Website : www.llandaffcathedral.org.uk

Located in the southwest corner of Wales just a short drive from Cardiff, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves, and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks, including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones, and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets, and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring, when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting if only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history. Just south of the park is the city of St David's, which is actually only a little larger than your average village. The cathedral found there is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome.

Website : www.visitpembrokeshire.com

This open-air museum, located in St Fagans, chronicles the historical lifestyle, architecture, and cultural heritage of the people of Wales. St Fagans National History Museum is one of Europe's leading open-air museums, and the most popular heritage attraction in Wales. The 16th-century manor house in which the museum stands bears testament to the magnificent heritage of the Welsh, and the museum features more than 40 original historic buildings, moved from various parts of Wales and erected to show how the people of Wales have lived over the last five centuries. Among these are houses, a farm, a school, a chapel, and a splendid Workmen's Institute. Donated to the Welsh by the Earl of Plymouth, the museum first opened in 1948 and to this day, the original strain of native livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and the musical Welsh language proudly heard in the air. Artisans bring the museum to life by demonstrating their traditional skills and techniques for visitors, and often selling their crafts. There are also many events and traditional festivals, with folk music and dancing showcased to the delight of visitors. St Fagans National History Museum is a must-see attraction for any traveller interested in Welsh culture and history.

Address : St Fagans, Cardiff

Website : www.museumwales.ac.uk

Nicknamed 'The Armadillo', this performing arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and dance recitals, stand-up comedy, and musicals. Known as one of the world's iconic performing arts venues, it features a world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours, and exhibitions for visitors to get an overall vision of the best of the arts world in Wales. The centre stages all the most popular and famous shows performed in London and all over the world, with classic favourites like Cats, West Side Story, Wicked, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert frequently performed, alongside the best in contemporary Welsh, British, and international entertainment. Guided tours of the centre are available, allowing guests to check out the dressing rooms, marvel at the sheer size of the stage, and find out what lies beneath the mystical inscription. There is also a wonderful restaurant, a coffee shop, an ice-cream parlour, and some theatre bars to enjoy. The theatre is wonderfully accessible for wheelchairs. Even if you are not lucky enough to be seeing a show, the Wales Millennium Centre is worth a visit to enjoy the architecture, exhibitions, and free performances.

Address : Bute Place, Cardiff

Website : www.wmc.org.uk