Wales: the Year of Croeso and top events for groups

Visit Wales’ head of marketing Lucy von Weber explains why Wales has much to offer for groups in search of something a bit different.

Lucy von Weber is head of marketing for Visit Wales

Lucy von Weber.

2025 will mark the Year of Croeso (welcome) in Wales as we celebrate and encourage visitors from across the world to explore the things that make us uniquely Welsh and find their moment of hwyl (the Welsh word for joy and fun) - things that can only be experienced in Wales – from culture and language to our huge range of iconic attractions, accommodation, events and activities.

A visit to a castle is a must. Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech castles have UNESCO World Heritage Status. Enhancements at Caerphilly Castle, set for summer 2026, will improve visitor experiences. Other UNESCO sites include Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, and the Slate Landscape of North West Wales.

National Botanic Garden of Wales is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with events, special programmes, tours and activities planned.

Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales, with seven locations, showcases Welsh history and global artefacts. The Vulcan Hotel at St Fagans National Museum of History has been rebuilt as it was in 1915. Groups can pre-book tables with a beer flight from Glamorgan Brewing Co. The National Slate Museum will reopen in 2026 with an enhanced experience.

The Royal Mint Experience

Source: Alistair Heap/PA Wire

The Royal Mint Experience has achieved coach-friendly status.

Recent attractions to achieve coach friendly status include The Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum.

Wrexham has gained more attention recently thanks to Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who became city ambassadors after purchasing Wrexham AFC. This city is notable for being the birthplace of the Football Association of Wales in 1876 and a Football Museum for Wales and Wrexham Museum are due to open in 2026.

National Botanic Garden of Wales is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with events, special programmes, tours and activities planned.

Loving Welsh Food has launched a ‘Castles and Cuisine’ coach tour including Cardiff Castle, Fonmon Castle and lunch at the Welsh House with a local ale or cider, local dishes and an afternoon tea.

Aerial view of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen in northeast Wales

Source: ING Image

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In Neath Port Talbot there will be events in 2025 to mark the Richard Burton Centenary. The Richard Burton Trails are also being re-imagined, launching in early 2025.

Recent hotel refurbishments in Wales include Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre Country Club, Hotel Wrexham (formerly Holt Lodge Hotel), and The Inn Collection Group’s Swallow Falls Inn in Betws-y-Coed. The Brecon Castle Hotel will reopen in spring 2025 after a £3m transformation. The Beaches Hotel has unveiled a new spa and the Vale Resort spa has been refurbished.

Ty Newport, with 146 rooms, is a new hotel by The Celtic Collection. Old College Aberystwyth plans to open in spring 2026 as a mixed-use centre, including a 4-star hotel with 31 rooms. The Parkway Hotel & Spa will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Lucy von Weber,
Head of Marketing, Visit Wales

For more information visit www.traveltrade.visitwales.com.