Things to see and do United Kingdom

From the impressive 13th century castle built by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, there are only two massive round towers left overlooking a gorge on the Teifi River. In 1215, the castle had been taken by Llywelyn the Great. Its superb location inspired many artists, including Turner in 1799. Cilgerran Castle offers very beautiful views when you climb up the tower, very easily accessible. Beautiful walks lead to the river from the castle. In summer, some activities are offered for children.

These two superb lakes, surrounded by mountains, are today a meeting place for trout fishermen. It's also an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The views from this 250-meter-high site are spectacular. This particularly beautiful site is now managed by the National Trust. The National Trust is a British charity dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the country's heritage. Today, it owns 250,000 hectares of land, 1,200 km of sides and 300 historic monuments.

Gold was found here by the Romans as early as the 6th century BC, and the mine remained in operation until the 19th century! A visitor centre, created by the National Trust, provides information on the techniques used by the Romans to extract the precious mineral from the rock and on the particular geology of the site, which has been declared of scientific interest. Accompanied by a guide, you can then discover the interior of the mines in the galleries dug by hand! This site is also magnificently located: there are splendid views over the Cothi valley.

Aberystwyth, Wales' first university city, has a recognised university, which opened in 1872 in a former seaside hotel. It was the first British university to accept women, and also the first in the world to open a faculty dedicated to international politics. It ranks fourth in the United Kingdom for the quality of its teaching. It is divided into several buildings and 18 departments. The most impressive is undoubtedly the one built facing the sea.

The city's School of Fine Arts is located in a superb Edwardian period classified building overlooking Cardigan Bay. It houses a museum open to the public with an impressive collection: there is an important collection of engravings, from the 15th century to the present day, drawings, watercolours and paintings by European artists. The museum also acquired two collections of photographs. The programming is always excellent. We recommend it to you!

The former chapel houses a museum of modern art whose purpose is to showcase the work of current Welsh painters through a series of temporary exhibitions. Every August, the Tabernacl Art Competition takes place, during which a prize is awarded to the best artists. Their paintings are then exhibited and sold. The building also houses concert halls, where the village's annual music festival takes place (usually in mid-August). Many events organized around art in general: books, music...

The Ynys-hir Nature Reserve belongs to the R.S.P.B. (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). 800 hectares of nature entirely devoted to the development of fauna and flora. What you see will of course depend a lot on the seasons. Spring is perhaps the ideal time, when the reserve is lined with flowers and the birdsong fills the air. Information is given on the birds present according to the seasons (with a photo to identify them). Feel free to bring a pair of binoculars with you!

Located on a former mine, the Alternative Technology Centre attracts convinced eco-lovers and curious people by the thousands every year. Originally, the C.A.T. was a community of idealists who decided to live in self-sufficiency. To do this, they had to produce their own electricity, recycle their waste, not use fertilizers, etc. The goal: to minimize its environmental impact. The experience almost immediately attracted the curiosity of ecologists from all over the world. More than 30 years after the foundation of this community, some of the idealists of the time still live at the C.A.T.

From now on, the Centre's vocation is to explain the basics of sustainable development by exposing the different ways of using renewable resources: the sun, wind, water; the funicular that runs on water provides an excellent illustration. The C.A.T. also tries to go further in its approach to promoting renewable energies: it offers, for example, courses explaining how to build a straw-based house or how to build panels using old radiators to heat water and your home... During these courses, you can be housed in the "eco-cabins" on site. You can also taste the specialities of the vegetarian tea room or buy organic products. It is really an exciting and worthwhile visit, to better understand the climate emergency and the challenges of global warming.

It is impossible not to notice this building, exuberant with its round towers with pointed roofs, elaborate windows, balconies and arches.

In 1864, when the city of Aberystwyth was connected to the national railway network, Thomas Savin bought the building and transformed it into a hotel. He asked the architect J.P. Seddon to give this Victorian building a more "Gothic Revival" look. Take the time to enter and discover the pretty circular balcony and the carved wooden ceiling. This strange architecture is a very successful mix of styles

A visit to the National Library of Wales is a must for anyone interested in the country's history. The oldest manuscript in Welsh, the Black Book of Carmarthen, is on display. The library also holds the only copy of the first book printed in Welsh, Yn y lhyvyr hwnn, dating from 1546. As you can see, the library houses a priceless heritage of Welsh and Celtic literary treasures.

On the A542, north of Llangollen, the road climbs up the green hillsides to the highest point at Horseshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant in Welsh) at 417 metres above sea level, from where there is a magnificent view over the valley. At the top of the hill is The Ponderosa restaurant, open daily. From the car park, beacons mark the start of a 14km hike to Offa's Dyke Path, through the Dee Valley. It takes about six hours to walk around. We can stop at the restaurant or, in the summer, take the opportunity to have a picnic.

It is the largest camera obscura (darkroom) in the world. This Victorian period attraction has since benefited from technical advances in optics and allows a much clearer vision than it was at its origins. Today, more than 1,000 m² of landscapes are visible, and this in a very precise and detailed way. An impressive optical experience. To get there, you take a funicular to reach the hill. In the end, in addition to the camera obscura, we enjoy a superb view of the city of Aberystwyth.

Opened in 1896 to take tourists to the Luna Park amusement park, which was located at the top of the hill, the funicular now leads to a giant optical instrument, the camera obscura, accessible to the public, to the Y Consti restaurant and above all to a magnificent panorama. This 237-metre funicular line is one of the longest in the British Isles. Clearly an must if you are visiting Aberystwyth or nearby! Frequent departures but remember to check the dates and schedules carefully, especially in winter.

This entertaining and popular museum exhibits objects relating to everyday life in the 1900s. A section devoted to arts and crafts features watchmaking and silversmithing tools, among others.

Upstairs are landscape paintings and genre scenes depicting the lives of farmers and fishermen in the Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay areas. The Bowen Gallery is devoted to the archaeology and geological formations of Cardigan Bay. Also on display are artefacts from excavations in the area, dating back to the Neolithic period.

It is a large and pleasant building, on several floors, where films are shown, shows are staged... Two contemporary art galleries present exhibitions all year round; one is exclusively reserved for photography. In another space, you can also discover the excellent collection of ceramics belonging to the university. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere, a British literature library and the surrounding park are just some of the reasons to visit. There is also a cafeteria on site.

This is a real contemporary art gallery with quality artists and a demanding program. The exhibition spaces are spacious and include paintings, videos and installations..

The gallery also has a friendly café, whose bay windows overlooking the hills are worth a look. At lunchtime, we serve baked potatoes, salads, quiches, tapas... And to combine the pleasures, we also find a good selection of beers and wines.

Built in 1260 atop a ridge, on the site of an ancient Norman fort, during the reign of Edward ^I, it's a beautiful castle to visit, quite unlike the fortified castles of the west or the ruins of the south. Originally built for military purposes to control the border with England, the castle has been a pleasure residence for several centuries. Powis Castle is in excellent condition, having been transformed into a grand Elizabethan manor house in 1587 by Sir Edward Herbert, first Lord of Cherbury.

Emblematic decor of Powis Castle. Measuring some 8,500 square meters, the Italianate terraced gardens are as impressive as the castle itself, and have hardly changed since the ^17th century. Among the most famous in Britain, these gardens are also among the few masterpieces of the period that have not been altered by the unusual landscape designer Capability Brown. Take the time to stroll through them.

Some of the trees here are almost seventeen metres tall. A thought for the gardeners who trim the hedges every year on a large cherry picker!

In the former billiard room. And don't forget to take time to explore the Clive Museum, with its fine collections by Robert Clive (1725-1774), son of the infamous "Clive of India", and its art objects from Karnataka in India.
Numerous events (temporary exhibitions, workshops) are organized. Don't hesitate to check the agenda in advance via their website.

Fauconnerie in operation since 2000 and which attracts many nature and animal lovers every year. After being familiar with birds of prey and falcons of all kinds, departure to fly and recover birds. Possibility to leave for a half-day or take a two-hour walk for more reasonable prices. Beautiful birds of prey, incredibly domesticated. A great opportunity to discover the intelligence of these birds! Photo workshops can be organized, prices on request.

Robert Owen is a particularly interesting political figure. He was not only a theorist, but also had the opportunity to put his ideas into practice in the factory he managed himself! This boss, anxious to ensure a better living environment for his workers by offering them evening classes and daycare for their children during the work, is really an historical exception! One can read the newspaper articles of the time, expressing the establishment's disdain for its work. A film recounts the life of this boss like no other.

The museum is housed in a large 19th century house. This weaving workshop was subdivided into six different dwellings where the employees' families were housed. This building is visited to discover the history of the wool industry, a major activity in Newtown in the 19th century. In some rooms, scenes with mannequins in costume and period utensils recompose the domestic interiors of the houses. In other rooms, garment workshops are completely reconstructed, with their large wooden weaving machines

A small documentary film showcases the history of dams and tanks. It also presents the richness of the valley fauna. The permanent exhibition provides additional information on both subjects.

Centre of the red kite, a threatened species of bird of prey that has returned in force in recent years. The farmer, a great lover of these falcons, feeds them every day at 3pm in summer and 2pm in winter. Hidden in wooden shelters, they are seen turning and hitting the prey in a red flash. It is a privilege to attend the meal! And the farmer's passion and sympathy allow us to learn more about these birds. And for photography lovers, it's an opportunity to make beautiful images!

The oldest pieces date back to 1792, it is an amazing journey that this museum offers us. What we also discover is the portrait of a pioneer of distribution: Henry Walter Smith, creator of the WHSmith bookstore, took up the challenge of delivering newspapers on time! There are miniatures of delivery cars and horse-drawn carts with the company's slogan "First with the news". There is also an original kiosk on wheels from the 1950s, which was used in railway stations to sell magazines.

In the shadow of the castle, no fewer than three bridges span the estuary of the River Conwy and are well worth a visit.

The first is the Conwy Suspension Bridge. This is the oldest suspension bridge, built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, a Scottish architect and civil engineer who built many bridges and roads throughout the UK. Its suspension is made of wrought-iron chains, crossing the River Conwy. It is one of the world's first road suspension bridges. Its purpose was to provide a route for stagecoaches on their way to Holyhead. Telford's idea was also to harmonize the towers supporting the bridge with those of the nearby castle!

You can walk on this elegant footbridge, now reserved for pedestrians, which is part of Britain's cultural heritage due to its complex structure and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Conwy Railway Bridge. The second is the covered tube bridge, built in 1848 and reserved for trains on the Llandudno-Bangor line. Another monument to the industrial revolution, this railway bridge was built by a certain Robert Stephenson, the originator of the steam train.

Modern Conwy Bridge. Modern road bridge carrying the A547, used from 1958 to relieve traffic congestion.

Most impressive of all is the fact that there is a fourth road into Conwy. But this one's underground, submerged beneath the river!

These three bridges make for a pleasant stroll along the River Conwy!

Once you reach the lighthouse (Ynys Lawd in Welsh), the first thing you do is feel like you are at the end of the world, looking out over the Irish Sea. It is then possible to explore the interior of the building: visit the engine room, climb the lighthouse... One room has been converted into a didactic museum, which provides information on the island's fauna, flora and geology. Images of seabirds, taken by a camera fixed on a cliff on the island, are broadcast. It is also the occasion for a nice walk around the lighthouse, even if it is closed.

The smallest house in the country catches the eye with its bright red color. It dates back to the ^14th century and was inhabited until May 1900 by a fisherman measuring 1.80 meters! He was evicted after the house was declared uninhabitable due to its small size. He decided to go and measure small houses in the UK. By the end of his journey, he had proof that his was the smallest. It has since been listed in the Guinness Book of Records!

A natural reserve on the banks of the Conwy estuary, south of the Stephenson Railway Bridge, with magnificent views of Snowdonia and the castle. The marked paths make it possible to observe a wide variety of wildlife thanks to hidden places at strategic locations.

A large merchant house dating from 1577, topped by a tower from which you can see the whole town. This is one of the finest and rarest examples of Elizabethan urban housing.

Inside, the decoration is extremely meticulous. The period furnishings are full of surprises, including a bread-and-cheese cabinet that doubled as a closet for punished children. The fireplaces, whose lintels are carved with symbols of the English monarchy: the letters E and R for "Elizabeth Regina", or the portcullis, emblem of the British Parliament.

Don't miss Aberconwy House, the town's oldest merchant house dating back to the early ^14th century. Inside, rooms have been reconstructed to depict daily life in different periods of history. The little medieval house has seen it all in seven centuries: it has been a bakery, an antique store, a captain's house and even a hotel. It has also survived numerous disasters and a few fires. The tour is very instructive and well done for children, who won't get bored.

In the 1900 s, this was the terminus of the cable cable (submarine cable) to Ireland, hence the name of the bay! Here is the paradise of surfers. Very popular sandy beach located in a sheltered cove.

Bodnant Garden was born in 1874 out of the McLaren family's passion for plants. May, June and July are the best months to stroll through these 32 hectares of garden, when rhododendrons and shrubs are in bloom. It's one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. The corolla shades have been carefully harmonized. Perfectly maintained, it is the English garden par excellence. The most famous part is its 55 m long plant gallery, exclusively composed of cytises. In autumn, the landscape changes tone, the atmosphere becomes unreal and magical.

The Ruthin Centre for the Applied Arts (Centre for the Applied Arts) is one of the most renowned in the country. It shows excellent work by craftsmen whose mastery of traditional processes is used to create pieces of innovative design that are completely contemporary. The materials are multiple: ceramics, textiles, glass, wood... On the Internet, you have access to the program and the next exhibitions. They are varied and very tasty! There is also a café on site where you can simply have a drink on the terrace or a bite to eat.

To get there, park at Bwlch-Pen-Barras, on the B5429 from Ruthin. The top of Denbighshire's highest hill can be reached in a leisurely 45-minute walk - a popular spot with walkers (accessible to everyone). Here stand the ruins of the Jubilee Tower, built in 1810 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. On a clear day, the view is unobstructed and you can see as far as Liverpool. In autumn, when the heather turns purple, Moel Famau and the Clywd Hills are magnificent.

The former prison of Ruthin has been transformed into this excellent museum which relates the living conditions of the prisoners who stayed there until its closure at the beginning of the 19th century. The construction of individual cells in 1866, as well as the obligation to work, were supposed to lead to the improvement of detention conditions. The audio commentary and panels explain the link between poverty and incarceration during the Victorian era. Very good and informative visit, very well adapted for everyone!

Formed over 300 million years ago. Saint Tudno built the first cell of his monastery here in the ^6th century. And it was the Vikings who gave it its name, Orme: "worm" or "sea serpent", derived from Old Norse. But it was not until the late ^19th century that the rock really became a tourist destination.

Since then, a tramway has been built, as well as a cable car and a large modern complex (Summit Complex), with cafés, restaurants and stores at its summit. Unfortunately, this complex has greatly distorted the site.

But if you step away from the hustle and bustle, you'll discover a natural environment rich in history, stone circles and prehistoric remains. Another surprise awaits you at the summit: the herd of Angora goats with their long, curved horns.

By car. Just follow the Marine Drive road. 6 km from the pier; toll: £3.50 in summer from 9am to 8pm and in winter from 9am to 4pm.

Streetcar (www.greatormetramway.co.uk). Departs every 20 minutes from Victoria Station - Church Walks. Open from 10am to 6pm April to September, until 5pm in October. Return adult fare: £11.50, children aged 3 to 16: £8.65

In service since 1902, this tramway offers a pleasant ride through the city. You can admire Llandudno's oldest houses at your leisure. There's a stop at the tiny Half Way Station platform, from where passengers can either continue on foot or board the second streetcar to the top.

The church of Llanrhaeadr is a church that should not be missed. It's a real gem hidden in this little hamlet. There are multicoloured stained glass windows, including those in the wing, the famous "Jesse Windows", which tell the story of Jesus' lineage through Jesse, David's father. Then, a little further on, we see the Virgin and Child, surrounded by twenty-one of their ancestors, whose names are inscribed on the sides in Latin, who illuminate with a thousand lights the interior of the church dated 1533. Don't hesitate to walk around, either.

Around the bend of a small path, in the enchanting setting of the Berwyn Mountains, lies the first of Wales' "Seven Wonders". It's an impressive 80-meter-high waterfall, the highest in the UK. A footpath takes you to the top of the falls in around twenty minutes. The Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall is also the starting point for several walks of varying difficulty and distance. Don't miss this majestic natural spectacle!

Built at the request of Edward ^I in 1282 by Henry de Lacy, one of his chief commanders during his conquest of Wales. It was built in two parts, the second of which began in 1294. Today, the grandiose ruins of a ^13th-century fortified castle remain, including three connecting towers (similar to those of Caernafon Castle), atop a hill near Denbigh. We particularly recommend the 1 km walk along the ramparts, dating from 1282: the architecture is impressive and the views fabulous.

In a sumptuous castle, built in 1460 by Humphreys family in Anglesey, in the heart of a beautiful park, a part of the collection of paintings from the National Portrait Gallery in London, pieces of furniture from the Victoria & Albert Museum, and sculptures from the Royal Academy of Arts are exhibited in. An irresistible program for art lovers.

Set in 1910, the gardens also promise a great deal of aesthetic pleasure; Very pleasant for picnic in fine weather.

Begun in the ^13th century, the Anglican cathedral of St. Asaph(Eglwys Gadeiriol Llanelwy in Welsh)as we see it today was built, for the most part, between 1284 and 1392. The reconstruction of the building was partly financed by donations from pilgrims who came in great numbers to worship at this popular site, whose origins are not well known. Stained-glass windows in the north wing illustrate the legend written by the monk Jocelyn, the only "explanation" of the origins of this ^12th-century shrine. Depicted are Saint Kentigern, whose miracle was to discover a gold ring lost by the queen in a salmon he caught, and Saint Asaph. The latter's miracle is said to have been to carry hot iron in his cloak at St. Kentigern's behest, for want of any other means: neither the cloak nor his skin burned.

Literature and legends have always accompanied the history of this church, whose bishops were also eminent men of letters. In 1152, Geoffrey de Monmouth, author of theHistory of the Kings of England, an important work of medieval literature and a benchmark of classical British literature, became bishop of this diocese, followed by William Morgan, translator of the Bible into Welsh! In fact, it was Geoffrey of Monmouth (1100-1154) who gave King Arthur a prominent place in his main work. It was from this point onwards that the character's appeal to European literature and culture began.

Great Orme Mines is an opportunity to visit a vast cave housing old copper mines already exploited by our prehistoric ancestors. The mines have been exploited for more than 1,000 years, and the legacy left by the miners is immense. Great Orme Mines is the only Bronze Age mine open to the public in Europe. The guided tour (45 minutes) takes you through a maze of underground galleries and the Visitor Centre explores the history and archaeology of the site. Exciting and informative.

Over 3 500 websites on Wales, its history, economy and practical information.

The portal of French chain Travel offers several online reports on Wales.

Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park is located along the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. Declared a national park in 1952, it is the only one in the UK whose protection was motivated primarily by the beauty of its coastline. With a surface area of 629 km², the park offers magnificent seascapes, spectacular cliffs and charming beaches. You can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking and wildlife observation. It is close to the town of Milford Haven, which offers accommodation and catering facilities for visitors.

A major permanent exhibition centre on the life and work of Dylan Thomas, considered in the United Kingdom to be one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, particularly in Anglo-Saxon literature. Letters, films, explanatory panels provide more information about the famous Welsh writer. Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea in 1914 and died in New York in 1953. His best-known poem is And Death Shall Have no Dominion. It is even said that Bob Dylan changed his name (born Robert Zimmerman) in homage to this poet!

The Egypt Center boasts a fascinating collection of jewelry, statues and pottery from the age of the Pharaohs. The collection is complemented by a team of friendly volunteers who will let you touch some of the museum's pieces or show you how to make a mummy... Exciting! On Saturdays, the museum is run by young volunteers aged between 10 and 18. They're the ones who run the whole museum, from the cash desk to the gift store, and give you explanations about the display cases... Amazing!

A centre entirely dedicated to environmental issues with an organic garden, temporary exhibitions, a cafeteria using fair trade products and a 100% ecological shop. In short, a mine of information and products to test! It is recommended for young and old alike. The centre really deserves a detour as it is so necessary, exciting and informative. They also organize work-shops and events to learn and develop skills and knowledge. Their philosophy: small action, big change!

The building was built as an extension of a former warehouse. Interactive audiovisual devices attractively present archives on the city's maritime past. Its large industrial port attracted a number of talents from fields as varied as crafts, engineering, medicine and the arts. We discover optical and navigational instruments, as well as old cameras and medical tools.

The oldest museum in Wales. A fascinating walk through the ages in six galleries, from geological to historical. Among the highlights are a fine collection of ^18th- and ^19th-century ceramics, objects from the Welsh countryside, paintings of the town and surrounding area, fish skeletons and an Egyptian mummy! There are also workshops (usually free of charge), film screenings, guided tours and temporary exhibitions. Check their website for all the latest news.

For a stroll among the tropical flora, welcome to the Plantasia canopy. A pyramid-shaped greenhouse that includes 5,000 different plants, mini waterfalls, all of which are also frequented by small friendly animals. For example, there are Argentine parakeets: larger and more colourful than standard parakeets, they make huge nests with several entrances! Caimans, snakes, as well as various insects and spiders. New inhabitants have recently joined the greenhouse: Tamarin monkeys from Colombia!