Wales Top Things To Do

Cardiff shopping spree
A morning's shop in Cardiff's attractive Victorian arcades is an easy way to lighten your pockets; grab some yummy titbits from Wally's Delicatessen in Royal Arcade, delve into the eclectic clothes shops in Castle Arcade and pick up some funky footwear in Buzz & Co in High Street Arcade.

Explore the Beacons
Breathe in the fresh air and green environs of south Wales' biggest inland draw: Brecon Beacons National Park (www.breconbeacons.org). Popular bases within the park are lively Brecon and market town of Abergavenny; the narrow-gauge Brecon Mountain Railway runs through the hills from Merthyr Tydfil. 

Bask at the beach
While away some sunny days on the beach at one of the numerous resorts lining the coast between Cardiff and Swansea, including Aberavon, Barry and Porthcawl. Others, further west along the Gower Peninsula, include Oxwich and Port Eynon.

Take a literary stroll
Follow a Dylan Thomas-themed walking trail through Swansea. The trail begins at the Dylan Thomas Centre (www.dylanthomas.com), and leads visitors around sites associated with the late Welsh poet and playwright. 
 
Hop on a train
Ride on a narrow-gauge steam railway (www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk). The Ffestiniog Railway passes through glorious scenery in the Snowdonia National Park, while the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway passes through gentler countryside close to the English border. Another, the Snowdon Mountain Railway (www.snowdonrailway.co.uk), climbs to the summit of Wales' highest peak.

Give it a try
There are hundreds of clubs around the country to try the Welsh national sport of Rugby Union (www.wru.co.uk). Take a tour of the home of Welsh Rugby Union, the imposing Millennium Stadium.

Boost your adrenaline
Wales' rocky landscape and tumbling waters are the ideal setting for high-thrill outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, abseiling and caving. For something a lot muddier try bog snorkeling: a unique event where participants race each other as they snorkel through swamps (www.bogsnorkelling.com).

Go Climbing
With its wealth of local crags and mountains, Wales is a climbing paradise. Learn at one of the mant indoor climbing centre and then put your new-found skills into practice on Snowdonia.

Welsh castles
With more castles than you can shake a stick at, Wales is a veritable feast of fortresses and turrets. From the impressive and imposing Cardiff Castle and the picturesque Beaumaris Castle to the haunted Bodelwyddan Castle and romantic Castell Coch, there is something for everyone.

Portmeirion Village
Explore the fascinating fantasy village that is the setting of TV's 'The Prisoner' and the one-time hotel housing writers such as George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells and Bertrand Russell.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.