The 16 best things to do outdoors in Wales

With the May Bank Holiday weekend set to be a scorcher in Wales, there is no better way than spending your time outdoors.

Let’s face it, we live in a beautiful country filled with castles, award-winning beaches and the tastiest of ice-creams.

There are always plenty of events and family activities to get involved in every single week, so the moment our very own ‘Derek the Weatherman’ predicts a glimpse of sunshine, we head straight outdoors.

#Wales bank holiday weekend:

Low cloud & mist in the south and west on Saturday with spots of drizzle.

Otherwise dry, settled and warmer with high pressure.

Some fine sunny spells on Sunday Monday.

Some coasts cooler with a breeze off the sea.

Sea surface temp 8 or 9°C pic.twitter.com/Oh9y4baNwO

— Derek Brockway – weatherman (@DerekTheWeather) May 2, 2018

So, whether you’re planning to head West this weekend or exploring mountainous terrain in Snowdonia, we have pulled together our top picks of the best things to do in Wales (outdoors, of course).

1. Walk the Wales coastal path

   With 870-miles of Welsh coastline from Chepstow in Monmouthshire, in the south, to Queensferry in Flintshire, in the North, there is no better way to explore Wales this weekend – http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/

2. Dolphin watching in New Quay

   

   Go dolphin watching at one of Ceredigion’s stunning seaside locations and get up close and personal with some of Wales’ most loved sea-life.

3. Hike up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons

   If you love walking, Wales and the great outdoors, there is no better way to start the day than a walk to the top of one of Wales’ highest peaks.

4. Turn this weekend into an outdoors adventure

   

   Forget walking Wales, how about climbing Wales instead? RipNRock in Swansea provide a range of outdoor activities for families and adrenaline junkies alike, all with a stunning Welsh backdrop.

5. Explore the countryside on horseback

   

   Explore the beautiful Welsh countryside and go trekking in the black mountains with The Grange.

6. Go on an epic fishing trip

   

   From tiddlers to sharks, why not have a go at sea fishing off the beautiful Welsh coastline, offering fun for all of the family.

7. Explore the best of the Gower

   

   There is no better way to explore the Gower coastline than by boat. Gower Coast Adventures provide guided boat tours and incredible wildlife trips along the Gower peninsula.

8. Fancy travelling by canoe instead?

   

   Discover the beauty of the River Wye, which offers 100-miles of uninterrupted travel via canoe. Plan your journey and hire a canoe here – http://www.canoehire.co.uk
   

9. Visit one of Wales’ many castles

   Wales is often referred to the castles capital of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. 100 of the original 600 castles still exist in Wales either as ruins or fully restored, so there is plenty to choose from.

10. Explore the hidden gardens of the National Trust

    

    Possibly one of Wales’ best kept secrets is the array of blossoming hidden gardens at National Trust properties such as Dyffryn and Bodnant Gardens. Visit the National Trust website to find out what’s on this Spring – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/spring-gardens-in-wales

11. A trip to Tenby Lifeboat Station

    

    Tenby in itself is a wonderful place to visit, but there is more to the town than just sand, sea and ice-cream. On your next trip to the town, don’t forget to stop by the lifeboat station, which is housed inside a modern slipway station, situated on the north side of Castle Hill. Visit the public gallery and find out more about the incredible work of the RLNI.

12. Honey ice-cream in Aberaeron

     If you’re looking to cool off in the weekend sunshine, we can personally recommend the ice-cream served at Aberaeron’s Hive. Yum, yum!

13. Visit the 10th best zoo in the World

    

    Folly Farm has been voted the 10th best zoo in the World by TripAdvisor and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in Wales. Buy your tickets online before you go and save 15% – https://www.folly-farm.co.uk
    

14. Or how something more wild at Oakwood?

    

    Visit Wales’ biggest theme park – home to Megafobia, Speed and Dahland. Perfect for thrillseekers and families of all ages. Save 10% off the gate price by booking tickets online – http://oakwoodthemepark.co.uk/

15. Walk the Newport transporter bridge

    

    Climb the 270 steps needed and walk across the Newport transporter bridge for stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. Remember though, it’s not as easy as it looks – http://www.newport.gov.uk/heritage/Transporter-Bridge/Visit.aspx
    

16. Visit the best beach in Wales

    Visit the best beach in Wales and 3rd best in the UK – Rhossili, South Gower Coast
    Top tip – arrive early and bring a packed lunch!