Things to do in Wales
Our top recommendations for alternative things to do in Wales, for all ages
Besides beautiful beaches, mammoth mountains and wonderful walks, Wales has some weird and wonderful attractions, suitable for people of all ages. Our local team have scoured this nation to recommend to you some of Wales’ best attractions and we have compiled them into this guide to, hopefully, give you some holiday-inspiration!
Pembrokeshire
Folly Farm Adventure Park
Folly Farm Adventure Park is the definition of fun for all the family. With a zoo, barn animals and kid’s playground, Folly Farm has its fair share of furry friends. You can even meet and feed their famous sloths! The farm is located in Tenby and easy to get to by car.
Tenby Boat Trips
Boat Trips around the Tenby Islands are another popular attraction in this part of Pembrokeshire. Get a little wave from the grey seals who live here whilst taking in the history of the isles from your local tour guide. Perhaps the most interesting site here is the small stone chapel on St Catherine’s Island, which is rumoured to have been used as a fort during the Battle of Hastings. You can enter the chapel for a small fee but the island is only accessible during low tide.
Oakwood Theme Park
Oakwood Theme Park is Wales’ biggest theme park and is roughly 45 minutes from Swansea and just 20 minutes from Tenby. With plenty of rollercoasters, log flumes, rides, arcades, cafes and general fun, this a great one for little and big kids alike.
South Wales
National Showcaves Centre
Dan yr Ogof Caves, also known as the National Showcaves Centre is a truly magical experience. Located in the Brecon Beacons, the showcaves are open all year round for tours that allow you to explore Wales’ underground world. There is also a dinosaur trail at the caves which proves popular with little ones year upon year.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Torfaen (just north of Newport) is one of the country’s most popular free attractions. Here you can learn all about the industry that defined South Wales for so many years. The Underground Tour does cost an additional small fee of £5, but is arguably the most fascinating part of the museum experience and an essential for those who really want to get stuck in.
National Botanic Garden
The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthen is the country’s most visited garden and is truly sensational. With over 560 acres of gardens and countryside, and over 8,000 varieties of plant species, the gardens really are a feast for the eyes! They also host various events throughout the year, including craft demonstrations and kids activity days.
North Wales
Penderyn Distillery
Penderyn Distillery, world-famous for producing Welsh Whiskey, has a second distillery in Llandudno, aside from their original one in the Brecon Beacons. Fans of the brown liquor can book a tour of the site for £12 per person and will be treated to a small tasting session at the end. For those who don’t drink but are still interested in Penderyn (or designated drivers), the distillery offers homemade chocolates as an alternative.
Zip World
We’ve already mentioned ZipWorld in our National Parks guide but we thought we would add here that there are plenty of other attractions at ZipWorld aside from the infamous world’s longest zipline. Slate Caverns in North Wales also offers a deep mine tour and ‘Bounce Below’ - a network of nets that essentially forms a huge underground trampoline!
Railway Museum
Calling all trainspotters, Conwy Valley Railway Museum is the place for you. This locally run museum has its very own miniature railway, exhibitions, miniature railway shop and a cafe in a disused buffet cart.
