When the word Wales is mentioned, people’s minds instantly flicker to images of sheep and valleys, they can’t help but imagine the moors and valleys with sheep grazing happily on the land. As well as incredible scenery, beautiful scenery and wildlife, Wales has a lot to offer! With the exciting and bustling cities of Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, St. David’s and Bangor, it’s impossible to say that Wales isn’t a hive of activity. Although some areas are sparsely populated and rural, much of Wales has a busy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. A truly diverse and cultural country, Wales has something for absolutely everyone.
Wales attracts all kinds of tourists; those fascinated by the country’s history and culture, those who like quiet hills and those drawn to bustling cities, as well as families who want to experience all of these things. Many of the tourists are understandably in awe of Welsh history, with myths and legends like Saint George and the Dragon and tales of small Welsh towns and villages. There are many stories in Wales of monsters, mountains and ancient people; all of which are sure to be of interest to parents and their children. People who are fond of Welsh history are highly recommended to visit the National History Museum in St. Fagan. Rather than a standard museum where a collection of exhibits are displayed in one historic building, St. Fagan’s has a large number of buildings from across history spread over a large area. From Celtic cottages to Victorian mining cabins and even the ‘House of the Future’, the museum offers a fascinating insight into Welsh property through time. All buildings are open and visitors can walk through the properties; that really relive the past.
There are many attractions that thousands of families see each year, such as the Oakwood theme park. With one attraction, ‘Megaphobia’, which has been voted the best attraction in the UK and third best in the world, Oakwood happily and easily competes with its English and global rivals. In addition to the massive, adrenaline-pumping rides, Oakwood also offers rides that those who don’t like roller coasters will love! Other popular family attractions in Wales include Adventures Outdoor Activity Centre, The LC – Waterpark and Leisure Complex and PARC – All Weather Play. In addition to these, there are many great companies that offer great value, family outing days; including efforts in Quads, in Castles and in circuits of activities.
Wales can offer people a relaxing and peaceful retreat, where people can forget about stress and just have a good time in the countryside. Many outdoor adventurers love the challenge of climbing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Visitors also love the rolling Welsh Hills, or moors as they are known in Wales. On holiday in Wales, people often love the peace of the environment and visit again as Wales seems to offer a unique atmosphere which helps people to fully relax. Other natural attractions within Wales are the beaches; Pendine Sands is a 7 mile stretch of sandy coastline, with dunes and a refreshing sea. The other elements of Wales that add to the peace and calm are the cities and towns; with a friendly air, most make tourists feel at home immediately. The small walled town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, with its colorful houses and small streets, offers an idyllic retreat for city dwellers, a world apart from the busy and bustling streets of any British city.
Clearly, there is more to Wales than just the stereotypical sheep and valleys! Wales is home to many different attractions for every person. Wales can not only offer the relaxing outdoor holiday most people would expect, but it is also perfect for families, historians, adventure seekers and people fascinated by nature. A genuinely great and interesting country that gives people the chance to get out of England for very little money, Wales is a great holiday destination. Immerse yourself in a totally different culture, with road signs, place names and many other words, all in a different language; Welsh. It seems silly to allow stereotypes to cloud our vision and spend more money on holidays elsewhere just because people think Wales has little to offer, quite the contrary, Wales offers more than anywhere else!
