12 Breathtaking Places In Wales You Need To Visit

    Go west.

    Ailbhe Malone
    by Ailbhe Malone

    BuzzFeed Staff, UK

    BuzzFeed via Wikipedia Commons

    1. If you're arty, visit Portmeirion.

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    Where to stay: The historic Hotel Portmeirion has hosted guests such as H.G. Wells and George Bernard Shaw.

    What to do: Visit in September and catch Festival Number 6 - this year's line up includes Beck and the Pet Shop Boys, or just explore the multicoloured village.

    2. If the sea is calling you, visit Llandudno.

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    Where to stay: The National Trust has this adorable cottage in the grounds of Bodysgallen Hall, which sleeps 4 and allows dogs.

    What to do: Take in the gorgeous coastline - you could even drive along the coast to Talacre Beach. Or visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

    3. If you're a festival goer, visit Crickhowell.

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    Where to stay: The Bear Hotel is cosy and well-located.

    What to do: Pop by in August for Green Man Festival - Beirut and Neutral Milk Hotel are playing this year. Or, explore the Brecon Beacons.

    4. If you're an island lover, visit Anglesey.

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    Where to stay: This cottage sleeps two, and offers views over Snowdonia, and also allows dogs to stay.

    What to do: Aside from the beaches, you could visit Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens. Or, if you're a Wills and Kate fan, you could try and seek out their newlywed cottage.

    5. If you're a bookworm, visit Hay-on-Wye.

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    Where to stay: The Byre is a pretty bolthole, not too far from the village. They'll also greet you with tea and homemade cakes.

    What to do: There's the Hay Festival of course, and over 30 bookshops to visit. Perfect for bookworms.

    6. If you want to relax, visit Llandrindod Wells.

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    Where to stay: Indulge in the spa at a this hotel, if you want to splash the cash.

    What to do: A Victorian town, with an alternative lifestyle twist. Visit in August to take part in their annual Victorian Festival.

    7. If you're travelling with kids, visit Tenby.

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    Where to stay: Rumours holiday rental in Saundersfoot comes highly recommended, and comes complete with a heated pool.

    What to do: If you're travelling with a family, you could visit Heatherton World of Activities, or chill out by one of the beautiful beaches.

    8. If you're outdoorsy, visit Beddgelert.

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    Where to stay: For the real deal, go camping in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.

    What to do: Enjoy Snowdonia National Park, including the Aberglaslyn Pass and the Nant Gwynant valley.

    9. If you're a Romantic, visit Tintern.

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    Where to stay: The Tintern Old Rectory B'n'B dates from the 1800s, and has a useful repository of walks.

    What to do: Follow in Wordsworth's steps and pay a trip to Tintern Abbey.

    10. If you want breath-taking landscapes, visit Llandeilo.

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    Where to stay: This boutique hotel is in a Grade II listed building.

    What to do: Visit the National Botanic Garden, or take in Carreg Cennen Castle.

    11. If you wish to be at one with nature, visit Betws-y-Coed.

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    Where to stay: If you'd like to stay somewhere tucked away, try this National Trust cottage, with views over Moel Siabod.

    What to do: Betws-y-Coed isn't known as the Gateway to Snowdonia for nothing. Incredible, breathtaking mountain views and hikes.

    12. If you want drama, visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

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    Where to stay: You have plenty of options, but this B'n'B in St Dogmaels is affordable. And The Priory Hotel in Newport dates back to 1180, and has some design features from that time still intact.

    What to do: Take it all in.