Monuments to visit Wales

Built between 1820 and 1830 by the miners with money from the slate quarries, for the benefit of their boss George Dawkins-Pennant, this small palace with its 300 rooms is considered by the Welsh as a mark of oppression of the rich English bosses. Nevertheless, just for the size of the castle and its excellent state of preservation, a visit is well worthwhile. It is also possible to visit only those gardens that are worth the detour, especially in winter when the castle is closed. Or the summer if you want to cut back a little bit.

North of Lamphey, (Llandyfái in Welsh); you can visit the ruins of Bishop's Palace (Lamphey Palace), dating from the 13th century, which was used as a second residence by the bishops of St. David's. Ruins with the appearance of a crypt, lost in the green moss and mist.... which testify to the opulence in which these holy men lived. It is a very beautiful visit, both for the ruins and for the environment in which they are located, which offers a very special atmosphere. And in addition, admission is free.

The castle tour is well organized and includes an explanatory brochure. This is one of the strangest and most fascinating castles in the south of the country. Built between 1280 and 1310, it was considerably enlarged in the ^15th century, as evidenced by its Tudor-style windows. The cashier at the entrance is sure to tell you about the many visitors who have seen the ghosts of Sir Roland Rhys, one of the castle's tenants, and his monkey, come to haunt the northwest tower where they lived.

It is one of the castles built by the Normans in the south of the country. The fortification built on the top of a hill was naturally protected by water. This impregnable fortress never fell under Welsh control and so Pembroke won the title of capital of Little England beyond Wales. Today, the castle still has an impressive atmosphere. The towers are intact - especially the one where Henry VII was born in 1457 - and we pass from large rooms, to oak beams, to dark and biscornus corridors..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It's a handsome ^17th-century red-brick manor house, once home to the wealthy Morgan family. Move from room to room to discover, through reconstructions of interiors and genre scenes, what life might have been like for a bourgeois family of the time and its servants. Don't miss the gilded salon and the cedar cabinet with its fragrant panelling. You can visit the vast 36-hectare gardens, some of whose original features are still visible, such as geometric flowerbeds and a superb wrought-iron gate.

In 1799, fourteen locks were built on the banks of the Brecon Canal to link Newport to the vast mineral transport network. Today, this work of hydraulic engineering is the subject of a rehabilitation plan. The reservoirs and former locks, now overgrown with vegetation, are lined with trees and green spaces. People come here for picnics and walks. A visitor center tells us more about the history of this transportation route.

A bridge leads to the imposing fortress surrounded by water. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it impresses by its volume, its thick walls, its massive towers. This masterpiece of masonry has all the characteristics that can be expected of a medieval fortress. Built on a superb natural site, from the heights of the castle you can contemplate the surrounding landscape. It is probably the most spectacular and best preserved of the "Three Castles" (White, Skenfrith and Grosmont), whose threatening profile can be seen from the outset on the horizon.

Despite the assaults of the civil war against which the castle had to resist, its ruins remain impressive. And yet, he had to manage to endure a ten-week siege! The main entrance is imposing, with its semi-hexagonal towers with projecting edges, set like crowns of stones at their top.

To the left of the entrance, the Great Tower, a building by William ap Thomas, is considered a masterpiece of defensive innovation. It was Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, who began to give the castle its palace character.

Overlooking the marshes, Weobley Castle (pronounced "web-lee") offers superb views: the Llanrhid salt flats and the Loughor estuary. Before accessing it, don't forget to pay for your ticket in the house opposite. Contrary to its name, Weobley Castle was a fortified mansion, a residence of the De La Bere family, built in the 14th century (1304-1327), and not a castle with a defensive purpose. It was attacked and severely damaged at the beginning of the 15th century by Owain's forces at Glyndŵr (be careful, last access 30 minutes before closing).

This handsome red-brick Gothic building was built in 1897. It became the administrative center of the Port of Cardiff in 1947. Since 2010, it has been a venue for events and conferences open to the public. It's also a museum, providing an insight into the history of the country and Cardiff Bay. From the golden age of its port, linked to iron ore and coal exports in the ^19th century, through the crises of the 1920s and 1950s, to the revival of the city since the 1980s.

The neo-Gothic castle we can admire today was built in the ^19th century, but Margam Castle has a history of over 900 years behind it, and was originally a Cistercian monastery. Renovated in the ^19th century for the Talbot family, who occupied it for several generations, it is now a popular place to visit. The park is one of the region's must-see attractions, with lakes, waterfalls, greenhouses and even an orange grove, as well as a wide range of year-round activities.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council offers an interesting tour to discover the most sumptuous houses in Penarth. It was north of the city, between Penarth Marina and Windsor Road, that wealthy owners took advantage of the city's heights by building large residences facing the waterfront.

From Beach Road, you can join the itinerary from Kymin Terrace, where you can see sumptuous Victorian properties.

Higher up, on Clive Crescent, is Osborne House, a large red brick house flanked by round towers with a pointed roof. On the right is a park, from which you have a beautiful view over the sea and the two islands Flat and Steep Holm.

We continue towards St. Augustin Church. The polychrome interior of the church is superb and original. It was the architect William Butterfield, then very popular in the 19th century, who created this bold and contrasting mix of stones in various colours. From the picturesque cemetery, there is an interesting panoramic view of Cardiff Bay.

The route then suggests continuing to Penarth Marina, but the interest of the buildings is less on this last part of the route. It is better to then go down directly to the centre.

Another interesting tour through the city is the Penarth Woman's Trail, which showcases 15 places of interest, women who have had an impact on the region through their accomplishment and commitment. A great opportunity to discover 15 local personalities.

It was one of the castles built by Edward I. Only the towers of the far north and south and some remains of the walls remain of the old fortress. The ruins are open-air, scattered on a green platform overlooking the sea. At the centre of this ensemble is the Gorsedd Stones Circle, where the opening ceremonies of Eisteddfod, a national festival of traditional Welsh singers and storytellers, took place. The thirteen erected stones each represent a county in Wales

Also known as Alisby Castle - probably the former governor of the castle - there is not much left of Crickhowell Castle, built in the 13th century to guard the Usk Valley. On a small hill overlooking the village, the ruins are nevertheless charming to see. The chance of conservation has made it the very aesthetic equivalent of outdoor sculptures, which the assault of wild vegetation has finished beautifying. However, if you are in the area, don't forget to take a look around, we will quickly take a look around.

This perfectly renovated ^17th-century manor house is well worth a visit. Set in the heart of Dinefwr Park, the Gothic facade you can admire today dates back to the ^19th century. Home to several generations of descendants of Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth in the ^12th century, it is now open to the public. You can explore the elegant rooms or stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens. With interactive exhibits and guides, you can learn more about the family's past and its influence on the region's history.

Although in ruins, Carreg Cennen Castle still boasts numerous passageways and rooms, as well as the remains of towers and ramparts. As much for its historical interest as for its strategic location on a sheer cliff overlooking the surrounding Brecon Beacons park, the castle is well worth a visit. At the far end of the inner courtyard, on the left, don't miss the passageway to the cellars, which will take you deep into the castle, to the passages dug into the rock and said to be haunted.

This ferry bridge, theonly one of its kind in Great Britain, was inaugurated in 1906. Its particular metal structure is explained by the fact that, since the banks of the Usk River are very low, the construction of a standard bridge would have made it impossible for boats to pass through. Towers 75 metres high have therefore been built and instead of crossing the bridge by rolling or walking, we drive on a platform dragged underneath the bridge structure! It can support a maximum of six cars at a time and 120 passengers.

The "Fortress of the Crows" is a ruined prehistoric fort, perched at 266 meters. There is not much to see from the castle but the view is superb and the place is full of legends. According to these legends, the fortress was built by one of Queen Corwena's twin sons, Bran, after his brother Beli moved to London, and the Queen to another city. Legend has it that the name Bran was actually a code name of the Princes of Arthur for the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail would be, therefore, buried in the foundations of Dinas Bran!

The architecture of this concert hall is unprecedented, with its combination of metal, wood, glass and slate. Its façade is composed of words, in Welsh on the left (" Creu Gwir Fel Gwydr O Ffwrnais Awen ") and English on the right (" In These Stones Horizons Sing "), forming a verse written for the occasion by Gwyneth Lewis, the great Welsh poet born in Cardiff in 1959. To give you an idea of the translation, it would be "In these stones, horizons sing". Featuring a vast auditorium with ideal acoustics, it can accommodate both opera and theater.

From the small village of Penmaen, reported from the parking lot, a circuit lets you browse a set of archaeological sites between Three Cliffs Bay Bay and Oxwich Bay: medieval church, iron age burial rooms, and ruins of a late th century Norman castle, Pennard Castle. The location of this castle perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the beach of Three Cliffs Bay is impressive and the panorama deserves the ascent!

The doors open, and you're transported back to the prison world of the ^19th century: instruments of torture, prisoners' names engraved on the walls, remind us of the fate of these men who weren't always dangerous criminals. In 1840, Gaynor Jones was sentenced to a month's hard labor for stealing some milk. The women prisoners, separated from the men, did the cooking and were sometimes allowed to cradle their children born within the walls... We stroll through the rooms, witness to gloomy anecdotes.

The medieval castle offers a splendid view of the bay. It was built in the 12th century by Henri de Beaumont, Duke of Gower. As his main residence was built on the current Swansea site, Oystermouth Castle was in fact primarily intended to expand the northwestern surveillance field. The strange appearance of the main façade comes from the absence of the two towers that should have flanked its entrance; they were never built. Even when closed, the castle and park are still worth a look.

Built in 1897, the pretty Pier was a place of relaxation for Victorian and Edwardian society. You can walk on the footbridge above the sea or stop in the café of the kiosk at the summer tone. Behind the Pier is a tiny little beach that overlooks two small islets of rock, the famous "Mumbles". The lighthouse is on one of them and the other rocky promontory, accessible at low tide, is a delight for fishermen and the curious..

Very pleasant visit in a very different castle. We are here in a beautiful house built in 1300, on the model of Beaumaris, but whose interior dates mainly from the 18th century (rich furniture, majestic staircase, Mortlake tapestries ...). The building is still partly inhabited by the Myddelton family since 1595, when their ancestor bought the castle for £5,000.

Don't miss the superb park, a small jewel of English gardens, laid out at the end of the 18th century by a great British landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

Last castle of the Iron Ring, the iron belt erected by Edward I of England to contain the Welsh, it is not completely finished but very well preserved.

Begun in 1295, it uses the technique of "walls within walls" - to make it even more invincible although it has never known a battle. It therefore combines double enclosure structures, typical of the 13th century, with a central plan. Enjoy a walk on the walls to soak up the atmosphere and admire the view from its superb position overlooking the Menai Strait.

The site is dated around 2500 BC. Arthur's Stone, a former burial chamber, is a fifteen-ton stone that rests on six others. However, before 1693, this rock was much larger, until an incident broke it and dropped more than ten tons. Mystery still reigns around this event. Countless legends exist, including that of King Arthur, who, embarrassed by a stone in his shoe, threw it away with force. He fell eleven kilometres further on, on Cefn Bryn, having accumulated magical powers during his flight.

Internationally renowned artist for his breathtaking anamorphoses in situ, Felice Varini invites us to experience it at the site of the Cardiff Bay Dam. First, we notice, in various places, thin segments of yellow paint. Seen from a certain angle (it is up to you to find out which one!), these scattered fragments are then recomposed in the form of three interlocking circles, called "Three Ellispes for Three Locks". This Swiss artist has also worked extensively in France, from the gardens of the Château de Versailles to Marseille.

Senedd (pronounced "Senn-eth") is the seat of the National Assembly for Wales. The National Assembly was formed in 1999, following the 1997 referendum on devolution. In 1997, more than 50% of voters were in favor, whereas in 1979, 80% voted no in the same referendum. This second vote represents a significant milestone in the centuries-old history ofdevolution .

Since its inauguration in 2006, it has become one of the country's most symbolic buildings. It is a model of ecology and transparency, designed by architect Richard Rogers. It features glass walls and a focus on renewable energies. For example, ventilation is natural, and rainwater is recycled to supply the toilets. Its magnificent wooden roof, reminiscent of the movement of waves, is made from red cedar from the sustainably managed forests of British Columbia, and South Wales steel.

The galleries (on the first floor) are open to the public: you can attend a plenary session attended by the Assembly's sixty members. Don't worry, headphones are available to listen to the English translation of any debate in Welsh. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Welsh politics!

From 1999 to the opening of the Senedd in 2006, plenary sessions of the Assembly were held at Crickhowell House (behind the Senedd).

Classy!^18th-century manor house, owned by the Marquis of Anglesey, on the shores of Menai Strait. 700 years of history in one place. Inside, Gothic-style hall, paintings, trompe-l'oeil, frescoes, etc., as well as a military museum. This elegant residence offers a magnificent view of Snowdonia. If the castle is closed, don't hesitate to take a tour of the grounds and gardens. There's also a café on site.

From Llandeilo, you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle (approx. 2 km from the town center, leaving your car in the parking lot and completing the journey on foot). Overlooking the River Tywi, you'll discover the remains of the great hall, residential apartments, square towers and ramparts characteristic of the place and of Welsh medieval architecture. The parkland you walk through to reach the castle also holds many secrets, and don't hesitate to pass through the deer park on the way.

Also known as Fawr Bridge - or sometimes "Shaking Bridge" - Three Arched Bridge, this three-arched bridge dates from the 17th century. It was completed with additional work in 1636. It overlooks the River Conwy and is believed to be the work of the famous English architect and town planner Inigo Jones (1573-1652), although this attribution has never really been proven. It leads to Tu Hwnt i'r Bont, a beautifully restored 15th century house, which now serves as a tea room. The opportunity for a nice walk.

The National Assembly for Wales, also known as the Senedd Cymru, is the unicameral parliament of Wales. Located in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, it was created in 1999 following a referendum on devolution. The Welsh Parliament has the power to legislate in certain areas, set taxes and control the Welsh Government. The National Assembly for Wales building is open to the public and can be visited. It is located in the Cardiff Bay district, close to many other tourist attractions. Visitors can discover the building's modern architecture and learn more about the workings of the Welsh Parliament through interactive exhibits. Guided tours are also available for those wishing to learn more about the history and role of the National Assembly for Wales. A visit to the National Assembly for Wales is an excellent opportunity to discover Welsh politics and culture.

Carreg Cennen Castle is located in the village of Trap, four miles south of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is situated near the Afon Cennen and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy panoramic views from the ramparts. There's also a gift store and tea room on site. Admission is £5.50 for adults, £4.50 for over-60s, £3.50 for concessions and £16.00 for a family ticket. The rest of the site is free to visit. The castle is open all year round, with the exception of Christmas.