Written by one of our young people!

Going on a quick trip, weekend away, or even a more extended holiday can be a great way to support your mental health and well-being. It can be something that you do by yourself or in the company of your family or friends. Sometimes, we can let our lives get so busy that we forget to take time for ourselves, to unwind and clear our minds of any stresses that day-to-day life can bring. 

When we think of our next holiday, our minds jump to the many destinations we can visit abroad. We can often overlook the beautiful places that offer entertainment and an incredible journey right outside our doorstep.  

In this article, I’ve compiled a small list of places that you can visit, here in our beautiful Wales, where you can not only learn more about the fantastic Welsh history that surrounds us but also ensure that you, your family or friends can have fun on your next getaway.  

North Wales

(Photo taken from the internet)

Llandudno Have you ever been interested in seeing herds of wild Kashmiri goats, that originally descended from a pair gifted to Lord Mostyn by Queen Victoria herself? Then Visiting Llandudno might be just the place for you. Here, these goats are known for often roaming the main streets, but naturally, that is not all this wonderful little town has to offer. 

This is the place where you can also find the world’s largest prehistoric copper mine, which was uncovered in 1987. Since then, mining engineers, cavers and archaeologists have been uncovering more and more of the extensive tunnels network, some of which are said to have been mined over 3,500 years ago. 

You can take a walk down Llandudno Pier and enjoy the sea breeze, enjoy the West shore beach where Alice Liddell, who heard tales that later on become the story of Alice in Wonderland, spent her childhood summer holidays or take part in a Victorian-themed 3-day carnival that is held every year during the May bank holiday. 

(Photo taken from the internet)

Portmeirion Built between 1925 and 1975 and designed in a style inspired by a style of an Italian village, Portmeirion offers architectural heritage, much historical importance and beautiful sub-tropical gardens.  

For years, Portmeirion has been used to shoot exterior scenes that often depict the village as an exotic European location for different shows, including Doctor Who, Citizen Smith and cold Feet, among many others. 

The village also has a deep connection with The Beatles. Their manager, Brian Epstein, would often visit Portmeirion, along with Paul McCartney. George Harrison even spent and celebrated his 50th birthday in this exact place back in 1993.  

The musician Jools Holland was so impressed with Portmeirion that he in fact had his studio and other buildings built to a design inspired by it back in Blackheath. 

If nature is more of your scene then The Gwyllt, a ten-hectare woodland, offers sights of beautiful trees and exotic plants, such as camellias, rhododendrons and magnolia that grow wild and bring fresh colours with each passing season. 

As a tourist destination, Portmeirion truly has much to offer from fantastic sites to Italian foods, galleries and more. No matter the weather, you are sure to enjoy your visit to this wonderful place in North Wales.  

South Wales

Caerphilly Castle Built in the 13th century by Lord Gilbert de Clare, it is the largest castle in Wales, and second only to Windsor in the whole of Britain. The castle’s creation was inspired by the rise of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, who in fact tried to destroy the castle two times before it was even completed. 

Boasting an all-around moat, a leaning tower wonkier than that of Pisa and a legend of the Green Lady who hunts the grounds, this is one visit you definitely want to add to your list of adventures.  

On occasions, you may also stumble upon the amazing smoke-breathing dragon sculptures, Dewi and Dwynwen, that were created in celebrations of St. David’s Day and sometimes make appearances on the castle’s grounds. 

When you’re done exploring Caerphilly castle, you can visit Coffi Vista, a cafe in Caerphilly Visitors Centre, which offers the opportunity to have lunch or a hot drink while overlooking the castle and trying some of the famous Caerphilly cheese. 

(Photo taken from the internet)

Llanhyfryddawelllehynafolybarcudprindanfygythiadtrienusyrhafnauole – Don’t let the name of this remote beauty spot put you off just yet. To protest again the creation of a wind farm, the people of Llanfynydd attempted to change the name of their village to Llanhyfryddawelllehynafolybarcudprindanfygythiadtrienusyrhafnauole, which roughly translates to “a quiet beautiful village, a historic place with rare kite under threat from wretched blades”.  

While the change of the name only lasted a week, it beat the well-known Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwchllantysiliogogogoch, which can be found in North Wales, by eight characters.  

It’s also the place where you can find the Llanfynydd Parish Church, a building dedicated to St Egwad, who was a 7th-century bishop in Wales. A part of this church, the tower, dates from about 1400, with additions being made in the 16th century and further restorations being done in 1861. 

West Wales 

(Photo taken from the internet)

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path If you’re someone who enjoys a good hike, this might be just the right challenge for you. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186-mile (299 km) long walking route, that was established in 1970, beginning in Amorth (South end) and ending in St. Dogmaels (North end). The path then joins with the Ceredigion Coastal Path that continues North.  

During this walk, you will have the opportunity to pass a total of 58 beaches and 14 harbours, reaching the highest point found in Pen yr afr, Cemaes Head, at 574 feet (175m), as well as the lowest point found in Sandy Haven near Milford Haven, at just 6 feet (2m) above low water. It took 17 years, over 100 footbridges and 479 stiles to complete the path. 

This path will also take you through/near 44 different towns, villages and/or spots. You are guaranteed to be busy with this many sites to see and places to visit. It does, however, take at least 12-14 days for standard fitness walkers or up to 18 days for more relaxed walkers to complete. So, we suggest breaking the journey down into sections, bringing some good walking shoes with you and plenty of water if you decide to attempt this adventure! 

St. David’s Cathedral Why not take a break from the Coastal Path when you’ve reached St.Davids, Haverfordwest and visit St. David’s Cathedral? The creation of the present Cathedral began in 1181 with its completion ending in the mid-13th century. It is a place with a deep history relating to Dewi Sant, the Patron Saint of Wales.  

At St. Davids’s Cathedral, you can find a library that holds many collections which once belonged to Deans, Bishops and Clergy, some of which date all the way back to the 16th century. You can also explore the Treasury, which holds collections that showcase the rich religion and scholarly of Wales’ past, or St. David’s Shrine, which has held a great focus on devotion and pilgrimage for centuries. 

Whether you plan to explore St. David’s Cathedral alone or as part of a guided tour, you are bound to discover many new things from this beautiful place and take a trip back through history to learn the history of Dewi Sant and his life.