Wales is one of those places people don’t always plan for, then end up loving. It’s green, rugged, full of castles, and easy to reach from almost anywhere in the UK. If you’re flying in from abroad, a few simple tips will make your visit smoother.
- Choose Your Season
Spring through early autumn is best. Long days, plenty of festivals, and fewer weather issues. Winter isn’t freezing, but it can be wet and grey. You’ll spend more time indoors if that’s when you go.
- Expect Changeable Weather
Locals joke about seeing four seasons in a single day. They’re not wrong. Even in July you’ll get sudden showers. Carry a light rain jacket and good shoes. Umbrellas can be useful, but not so much in coastal winds.
- Look Past Cardiff
Cardiff has a castle, a stadium, and a lively waterfront. It has plenty to do, but Wales is bigger than its capital. North has Snowdonia with mountain hikes. Mid-Wales is quiet countryside. The southwest coast has long sandy beaches where sheep sometimes wander right down to the water.
- Try Some Welsh
You don’t need fluency. Just a few words. Signs are in both Welsh and English, and hearing locals switch between the two is part of the charm. “Diolch” (thank you) goes a long way. Kids often love practicing it too.
- Stay Connected While You Explore
Wi-Fi in cafés works fine in cities but disappears in the hills. Roaming with your home plan will burn through money quickly. A straightforward fix is setting up an eSIM for your UK travel before you leave. That way you’ll land ready to use maps, message home, or book tickets without searching for a connection.
- Think About Transport
Public transport is decent between bigger towns. Buses cover villages, but not always often. Miss one and you could be waiting a while. Renting a car opens things up, though the roads are narrow and sheep wander across without warning.
- Castles Everywhere
There are castles almost everywhere you look. Some are free, some ask for tickets. Budget for a few of the big ones because they’re worth it. The views from the towers can be incredible.
- Food’s Better Than You Expect
Welsh cakes show up in nearly every bakery. They’re simple but addictive. Lamb is common, stews are hearty, and coastal towns do fresh fish well. Local cheese is also excellent, worth picking up at a farmers’ market.
- Respect the Countryside
Trails cut through farmland. Close gates, don’t chase sheep, and carry your rubbish out. It’s basic stuff, but locals care about the land and expect visitors to do the same.
- Slow Down
Distances look short on a map. They’re not. Winding roads, photo stops, and sudden rain slow everything down. Plan less in a day and you’ll enjoy it more.
Final Thoughts
Wales is small but packed with surprises. One day you’re climbing a mountain, the next you’re on a beach, and later you’re in a tiny village pub. You’ll probably wish you’d booked more time, most people do.
