• FAVE badge

25 Places In Wales You Won't Believe Are Real

It's like Narnia, Middle-earth, and Wonderland wrapped in a fairytale.

1. The Fairy Glen, Conwy.

As well as its beauty, this atmospheric gorge is a protected wildlife site and has a large population of rare ferns and lichens. It's not hard to see where its name comes from.

More information here.

2. Castell Coch, Cardiff.

Overlooking the village of Tongwynlais, this Disney-esque revival castle was rebuilt in the 19th-century – a whole 500 years after its destruction.

More information here.

3. Portmeirion, Gwynedd.

The setting of TV classic The Prisoner, you'd be forgiven for thinking this quirky village was actually situated along the Italian coast.

More information here.

4. Dan-Yr-Ogof, Powys.

Escape the world above and go deep underground with a visit to Dan-Yr-Ogof's hauntingly beautiful showcaves.

More information here.

5. Porth Wen Brickworks, Anglesey.

Operating between 1850 and 1914, the abandoned Porth Wen Brick Works now serve as a fascinating piece of industrial history.

More information here.

6. Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire.

Situated off the beautiful coast of Pembrokeshire, Skomer Island is a natural haven for wildlife – most notably puffins.

More information here.

7. Powis Castle, Powys.

Originally built as a medieval fortress, this French and Italian inspired castle is home to a world-famous garden.

More information here.

8. Dinorwic Quarry, Gwynedd.

Dinorwic quarry stands frozen in time as an atmospheric relic of Wales' once thriving slate industry.

More information here.

9. Black Mountains, Powys.

This gorgeous mountain range is the most Westerly of the Brecon Beacons National Park uplands and stretches from Ammanford in the south-west to Sennybridge in the north-east.

More information here.

10. Llandudno North Shore, Conwy.

Llandudno's principal beach, the award wining North Shore contains a distinctive, 2,295 ft long Victorian pier

More information here.

11. Hay-on-Wye, Powys.

A small market town in Powys, Hay-on-Wye is often referred to as "the town of books", and with over a dozen bookshops and its well-known literary festival, it's not hard to see why.

More information here.

12. Llyn Y Fan, Carmarthenshire.

Steeped in Welsh legend, this stunning lake is the location of one of Wales' best known folk stories: The Lady of the Lake.

More information here.

13. Llanrwst, Conwy.

Home to the flowering 15th century cottage Ty Hwnt i'r Bont (House Beyond the Bridge), this small Welsh town is steeped in natural beauty, well beyond its famous bridge.

More information here.

14. St Fagans, Cardiff.

The village of St Fagans is home to St Fagans National History Museum, an open-air museum chronicling the lifestyle, culture, and architectural history of Wales and its people.

More information here.

15. Margam Castle, Neath Port Talbot.

With its spectacular staircase and sprawling courtyards, this Tudor Gothic mansion is a must see for all lovers of good architecture.

More information here.

16. National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire.

The National Botanical Garden of Wales serves as both a visitor attraction and a centre for botanical research and conservation. As well as scenes of natural beauty, the garden features the scene-stealing, world's largest single-span glasshouse.

More information here.

17. Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire.

Tintern Abbey dates back to the 12th century, and is said to have inspired poems by William Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson and Allen Ginsberg, as well as at least one painting by J. M. W. Turner.

More information here.

18. South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey.

Surrounded by the turbulent sea, the charming lighthouse of South Stack Rock still operates to this day, almost 200 years since its erection.

More information here.

19. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire.

More information here.

For a breathtaking view, fresh air, and maybe even a swim, the blue lagoon in Pembrokeshire is the perfect location. The lagoon's water gets its distinctive colour from the slate cliffs that surround it.

20. Plas Cadnant, Anglesey.

Anglesey's Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens were a secret for more than 70 years. Having been restored to their former glory, the gardens are now open to the public, so anyone can enjoy their magical landscapes.

More information here.

21. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys.

Pistyll Rhaeadr holds the distinction of being the highest waterfall in England and Wales. Unsurprisingly, the waterfall is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

More information here.

22. St Govans Chapel, Pembrokeshire.

St Govans Chapel dates back to the 14th century and is named after the hermit and saint who is said to have lived on the area many centuries earlier.

More information here.

23. Rhossili Bay Beach, Swansea.

There's no need to head to Spain during the Summer when there's spectacular beaches like Rhossili Bay lining the Welsh coastline.

More information here.

24. Elegug Stacks, Pembrokeshire.

Rising steeply from the sea, these pillars of rock were once part of the mainland. Elegug os the Welsh word for guillemot – the species of birds that have made the rocks their home.

More information here.

25. Mount Snowdon, Gwynedd.

The highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon is worth the strenuous 3,560ft ascent for the views alone.

More information here.