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When you imagine your next trip ‘across the pond’, over a pint of beer, you probably think of London.
But far beyond the bright red double-decker buses and movie-famous landmarks that steal the spotlight, there lies a range of worthwhile getaways across Britain.
And one country in particular is no longer solely dependent on summer holidaymakers for a coastal tourism boom – it has quietly become a year-round escapebut rarely gets the attention it deserves.
Home to some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, perhaps its most distinctive culture thanks to its own language, and much tastier prices and food options than the usual bangers and mash, and tourist trap fare, Wales feels like the last frontier for travelers to explore.
Wales is a whale of a destination ���
One of Britain’s most extensive regions doesn’t fit the name ‘a’ slice of paradise’ – it’s just too big.
The “Land of Song”, as it is known, is bursting with culture and history, and most importantly for spring/summer travellers, an incredible coastline that you don’t necessarily imagine when going off-road in Britain.
But that’s the appeal; discover more of Britain beyond the dreamscape of London, where your bank balance runs out faster than your glass Tetleys.
Wales is one of the oldest parts of modern-day United Kingdom, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, while the modern devolved parliament only arrived in the late 20th century.
However, history is only the tipping point. Wales isn’t just an addition to a weekend getaway from London; it’s a bona fide holiday destination that offers more options than you might imagine.
There are countless charming villages, fascinating cultural delights and world-class beaches that have kept locals on the lips of London’s throngs of tourists and the few notable coastal areas that outsiders may know about.
- Admission requirements: The entry requirements for Great Britain have recently changed with a new ETA protocol. Be sure to check the latest information here (and beware of Britain’s lesser-known customs protocol).
- Safety: The United Kingdom is currently classified as Level 2 (the second lowest level issued by the US Department of State). See what local travelers are saying about safety in Great Britain on our safety index.
Culture shock: legendary castles, vibrant villages and a living indigenous language
Look, we get it: understanding local language in cities like London, Edinburgh and Belfast is hard enough, but in certain parts of Wales you’ll need Google Translate in case you’re welcomed into a café with: “Hello, beth hoffech chi?”
Yes, good luck…
It’s estimated almost 20% of the population still speaks Welsh according to the official census across Wales.
Some of the most common areas where traditions have been etched in time include Ceredigion, Anglesey and Caernarfon, located on the awe-inspiring Gwynedd coast.
But don’t worry: like the rest of Britain, English is widely spoken.
It won’t be very challenging to navigate some of Wales’ most famous attractions, such as historic castles, during your trip Caernarfon Castle And Conwy Castleor crossing cozy, colorful villages like the lifelike postcard of Portmeirion.
Wales is Britain’s unsung beach destination
The coastline of Wales is so vast that you will have a hard time not to find your own blissful oasis with very few footprints in the sand – some of which, like Tenby, are some of the The whitest sand in Britain.
That said, to help tackle this huge part of the British landscape, we’ve narrowed down an endless list of options to the three most beautiful destinations in the region – and this stunning trio rivals any other beach destination in Britain, whether it’s local favorite Blackpool or the hidden gems on the back pages of travel guidebooks.
Wales’ top 3 beach destinations:
- Rhossili Bay –
Once crowned Voted the third best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor, this is the showstopper! It’s spacious, wild and dramatic, with towering coastal scenery that makes it feel grander than an average beach day. - Llanddwyn –
Depart from Anglesey with sweeping dunes, a picturesque lighthouse and postcard-worthy views towards Snowdonia. Llanddwyn has that windswept, mythical beauty that seems straight out of a storybook and radiates romance and edge-of-the-world vibes - Tenby –
Tenby stands out because it’s not just about the beach itself. You get beautiful sand, the added bonus of a colorful, pastel cityscape and blue water. It is easily one of the best beach destinations in Wales, above all second to none Castle beach that lives up to its name.
