10 unmissable attractions in Wales

Wales is a lyrical land of myths and legends renowned for song, sweeping mountainous landscapes and cities that are steeped in culture as well as offering modern attractions. Here are some ideas to get your itinerary under way.

1. Newport Transporter Bridge

Dominating the Newport skyline since 1906, the city’s iconic symbol reopens in 2024. The Newport Transporter Bridge was originally built to take workers to and from Lysaght’s steelworks across the River Usk. Groups will be able to follow in their footsteps by climbing to the top of the walkway, 180 feet above the water, and taking a ride to the other side. The eagerly awaited restoration also includes a new visitor centre, café and shop.

2. Hay Castle

One of the great surviving medieval defence structures on the border of England and Wales, Hay Castle in Powys has opened to the public for the first time in its 900-year history.

Following a decade-long £5 million restoration project, groups can uncover the castle’s past through fascinating displays and interactive technology. The viewing platform at the top of the tower provides stunning views of the Wye Valley and borders. Private group tours of the castle are available.

3. BBC Cymru Wales’ tours

Embark on an exciting behind the scenes tour at the BBC’s newest and most advanced studios. Marking the recent centenary of the BBC broadcasting in Wales, BBC Cymru launched the award-winning visits at its broadcasting centre in Cardiff’s Central Square where there are easy drop-off and pick-up points. Discover the secrets of making programmes in the state-of-the-art news, sport and radio studios. As a working broadcast building, no two tours are the same so it will be a one-off experience. 

4. Penderyn Distillery

The home of Welsh whisky has expanded to open a new distillery in Llandudno and another at Swansea’s historic Hafod Morfa copperworks site; once the world’s largest copper works and undergoing a multi-million pound regeneration.

Distilling in Wales was a lost art, but in the 1990s Penderyn set up the first Welsh distillery in over a century. Along with the company’s headquarters in the Brecon Beacons, all sites include an exhibition area, shop and offer discounted group tours.

5. The Royal Mint Experience

It’s all about the money at this unique attraction 20 minutes outside Cardiff, where groups can even strike their own coin.

The Royal Mint moved to Wales in the run up to decimalisation and the visitor experience covers the 1,100-year history of the mint that not only makes UK coins but has produced money and medals for 100 countries worldwide. GTOs can book combined tickets with nearby attractions including Rhondda Heritage Park and Hensol Castle Distillery.

6. Wales by Trails

Visit Wales has launched a campaign to encourage visitors to enjoy the delights of the many walking trails. Dedicated walking groups might like to tackle a stretch of the epic Wales Coast Path that wraps around the entire coastline, or the route snaking to the summit of Snowdon, the country’s highest peak. Alternatively, the new downloadable collection of Elan Valley walking trails’ features 12 walks from short strolls to longer hikes in the picturesque and sparsely populated Cambrian Mountains.

7. Vale of Rheidol Railway

After a group welcome and being waved off, take a nostalgic steam train journey on the scenic 12-mile route through woodlands and meadows set against rugged mountain scenery.

There is coach parking at both Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge stations, and the latter is gateway to the beautiful namesake waterfalls where there are also special rates for groups. The railway is opening a new steam engine museum in one of the former engine sheds and a new café.

8. Museum of Land Speed

The thrilling history of speed has been revived on Pendine Sands with the opening of a new attraction. Replacing the building that closed in 2018, the Museum of Land Speed spans records set by Sir Malcolm Campbell in Blue Bird in the 1920s to actor Idris Elba taking on Campbell’s ‘Flying Mile’ time in a Bentley Continental GT Speed in 2015. Exhilarating interactive displays enable groups to experience what it feels like to race along the sands.

9. Anglo Welsh

Boating company Anglo Welsh has added the newly refurbished 48-passenger Little Star narrowboat to its fleet.

It offers memorable trips across the UNESCO-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which at 1,007 feet long and 126 feet high is Britain’s longest and highest aqueduct. Experience amazing views across the Dee Valley while listening to a commentary about the Llangollen Canal and aqueduct which took ten years to build. GTOs can arrange bespoke tours and refreshments, including cream teas.

10. Llancaiach Fawr Manor

The manor is staffed by professional historic interpreters, dressed in hand stitched 17th century clothing who use accurate speech of the time to bring history to life. They share their tales of ordinary people who are living through extraordinary times, set amidst the turmoil of the Civil War period in 1645. Storytelling and taking visitors on a time travelling journey is at the heart of the visitor experience at the south Wales attraction.