Tourist Attractions & Monuments Wales

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!

In a majestic building with a magnificent glass roof, there is a collection of paintings and sculptures, including a selection of 20th century works, porcelain from Swansea and China... The gallery is a partner of the Tate of London and a section of the building is dedicated to temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The museum sometimes brings in works by major masters. The gallery also has an excellent bookstore where you can find art books, recent publications and journals of architecture, fashion or design.

A majestic, well-preserved fortified castle built around 1140 in the purest Norman style, its ruins overlooking the bay will transport even the most unimaginative into the realm of cloak-and-dagger fiction. For several centuries, it was the property of the Anglo-Norman de Barri family, and is now often used as a film set. Beautiful gardens surround the château, and make a fine picnic spot. Please note, however, that it is closed for private events (calendar on website).

Facing the Taf River, Laugharne Castle is a medieval castle built at the beginning of the 12th century, then transformed into a luxurious Elizabethan mansion by Sir John Perrot, the supposed illegitimate son of Henry VIII and half brother of Elizabeth ^I. In 1644, during the Civil War, the castle was taken by Cromwell's supporters. Today, it is nothing more than romantic ruins surrounded by secular cedars. But it is a pleasant visit that offers a beautiful view as it overlooks the estuary of the Taf River. Be careful, it's closed in the winter.

On the way, we pass in front of the boathouse where Dylan Thomas wrote. You will discover a bazaar of feathers and books, unchanged since his death. The Welsh poet and writer has made a profound contribution to the enrichment of the English language. In the house, suspended as if on stilts above the estuary, we can hear the poems recited by Dylan Thomas that were broadcast on the radio. A video retraces the artist's life by giving a voice to various authors. From the tea room tables, you can spend hours contemplating the view of the estuary.

The museum opened its doors in 1878. It includes the social and maritime history of Pembrokeshire as well as information on the geology and archaeology of the region. Another gallery is dedicated to the works of Augustus Jones and his sister Gwen, painters of the early 20th century. Gwen pursued her painting career in Paris where she was also Rodin's model. She painted still lifes, self-portraits, in a style influenced by Parisian avant-garde movements.

1.5 km from the coast, the island of Caldey welcomed Celtic monks in the 6th century, replaced in the 12th century by Benedictines of St. Dogmaels who founded a priory there, then it was bought by Cistercians. The few monks who live there today, known as Trappists, follow very strict rules: seven prayers a day!

On the island, you can visit the Saint-David chapel and the monastery, but above all a very old Celtic cross on which is an inscription in ogham, an old Irish alphabet from the 6th century.

It is an amazing landscape that forms the national nature reserve of Oxwich Burrows, a large expanse of salt marshes near Penrice Castle, a th century castle where you can stroll through the gardens and around the lake.

The center is home to a mill dating back to the ^12th century and a weaving loom still in operation! There's also a store selling handcrafted woodwork and pottery, a puppet theater, a wildlife park, Wales' smallest cinema and a tearoom. The Gower Heritage Centre organizes numerous events for the whole family throughout the year, so take a look at the calendar of events on their website. Futé: you can try your hand at pottery, bake your own bread, try your hand at blacksmithing...

Walking leads to bois and leads to an exceptional point of view on Three Cliffs Bay, Bristol Channel and the north coast of Devon, the English district.

This museum provides information on the activities of a former coal mine that closed in 1970. It is plunged into near darkness that we discover photographs and documents of the period, tools and objects related to the daily life of the mine staged in an original way. A tunnel has been built, in which one gets an idea of the working environment of the miners. From the visitor centre, circular walks through the forest start.

Celtic and old stone lovers cannot miss this museum, which is exclusively dedicated to them. It is located in a wing of the Cistercian abbey of Margam, built in 1147. There are engraved stones from the 6th century, pre-Christian sculptures and ornate crosses from the 10th and 11th centuries. There are also pieces from the medieval period, including the carved effigy of a knight. Attention, for visits from October to March, it is only on reservation on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A first breathtaking hike to Mumbles, for a glimpse of the beauty of the Gower cliffs. The circuit takes us on a coastal path, whose climbs are in some places a little steep. The gradual ascent, above the sea, causes an intoxicating sensation. We climb up the hillside, with the sea as far as the eye can see and the quiet spectacle of white sailboats splitting the waters. It is then possible to reach Swansea by bus (^nos. 2A and 2B). The stop is at the corner of Plunch Lane and Mumbles Road.

Lovers of green spaces won't want to miss the National Botanic Garden of Wales, opened in 2000, which tops the list of Britain's most beautiful gardens and is one of Welsh tourism's most popular destinations.

Its themed orchards and 8,000 plants, including rare and even endangered species, as well as those resurrected from gardens of the past, will delight even those without a green thumb!

For more than 800 years, the market has been a friendly and essential part of Carmarthen's local life. There are local products, crafts, second-hand books, spices, antiques, a little of everything... As well as the traditional stalls of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meat and fish... Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays (also outside). The Farmer's Market is held every first Friday of the month. Stands for eating on site and a coffee: Beth's Cafe, open every day from 8am to 4pm.

This charming little Victorian gallery is only related to Turner by name! The exhibition focuses exclusively on photography by contemporary Welsh and international artists. Founded in 1978, Ffotogallery is the national development agency for photography in Wales. If you are in the area, it is a very nice visit to make and an opportunity to discover new Welsh or other talents. The list of planned exhibitions is available on their website.

A medieval village has been reconstituted on an ancient site. Houses and gardens have been built entirely in the spirit of the period. Craftsmen, gardeners and farmers in period costume go about their work as if nothing had happened... Here we are, telescoped back into the Middle Ages, in a village built within a sumptuous park. What's more, it's punctuated by large lakes and woods, making it an ideal place for walks and picnics.

The coastal path is reached by going to Lifeboat Station at the end of the esplanade. Then we go up Cliff Hill to the Cliff Walk Play Area parking lot. On site, there is a snack bar, a children's playground and a miniature golf course.The long strip of grass over the sea is much appreciated by families who organize picnics there. Then continue on Whitcliffe Drive to the gate that marks the entrance to a narrow path winding over the sea. In summer, you can count on the wild blackberries to enhance the walk, enjoy it! The trail then descends to a white pebble beach, from where you can see Flat Holm Island, with its lighthouse, and its neighbour Steep Holm Island. Named by the Vikings because of their form, the first belongs to South Wales County and the second to the English Somerset County.

Going towards Lavernock Point, you reach a large sandy beach with interesting geological formations. Erosion has created natural steps and paving stones in some areas. Views of the Bristol Channel and the English Somerset coast led Sisley to paint paintings at this particular location, which can be seen at the National Museum in Cardiff. (Alfred Silsey is a French painter born in 1839 and died in 1899.) It was also from Lavernock Point that Marconi sent a radio signal over the sea in 1897 to Flat Holm. A world first! In short, a beautiful walk awaits you there!

The history of the inhabitants of the Torfaen Valley, in rural life completely around by the opening of mines, is told through an audiovisual device. Objects are exhibited: pieces produced by local industries and artisans, th and th-century ceramics, furniture. There are also a variety of rooms related to domestic life, education, recreation and transportation in the Victorian era. It is a real, friendly and very diverse people's museum.

This museum is dedicated to the history of the town. A series of watercolors depicts Chepstow's major architectural and technical developments. It also tells the story of transport, the construction of the bridge and the railroad. The history of the house, which was used as a hospital during the war, is also told, followed by that of the inhabitants, through an exhibition of everyday objects and accessories relating to work, leisure and fashion. Upstairs, paintings, engravings and drawings of the town from the ^18th and ^19th centuries.

This volunteer-managed museum is located next to the ruins of the castle built in the 11th century. It tells the story of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, from the first militia established in 1539 to the creation of the regiment within the British regular army (of which it is now the main reserve regiment). This regiment acquired its first Royal and 1804 title and the second in 1877. Photos, illustrations, medals, weapons and military uniforms relating to various historical battles form the main part of the exhibition. Archaeological finds illustrate the early defences of Monmouth and a small section deals with Henry V, the winner of Azincourt (Agincourt in English), born in Monmouth Castle in 1387.

Monmouth's Tourist Information Centre, located in the Shire Hall, is a point of reference for visitors to this charming Welsh town. Whether you're looking for information on local attractions, upcoming events, accommodation or restaurants, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the tourist office are on hand to answer all your questions.