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GENERAL Info
Temperature: Live Forecast
Population: 2 924 100
Time Zone: GMT Winter , GMT + 1 Summer Driving side: Drivers drive on the left side of the road.
Languages: Welsh , English
Religion: Roman Catholic 66% , Muslim 2.5% , Other 5% , Unaffiliated 26%
Emergency #: Police: 999
Ambulance: 999
Fire Brigade: 999
Operator: 100
Enquiries: 192
TOP DESTINATIONS
Cardiff – Even though the city was only proclaimed as the Welsh capital half a century ago, Cardiff is now head and shoulders above its rivals and is a truly international city. Sights include the majestic Cardiff Castle and some excellent museums. There are hundreds of pubs to choose from as well as some excellent restaurants and nightspots.
Caernarfon Castle – The mightiest of all Edward I’s Welsh castles. This is a very impressive structure with its wall-walks and turrets – it offers breathtaking views of the town.
St David’s Cathedral – Named after the patron saint of Wales, this beautiful cathedral is set in a small town that has drawn admirers for over one thousand years.
Blaenafon – In this town you will find a deep mine museum, where you're kitted out with lamp, helmet and very heavy battery pack and lowered three hundred feet into the labyrinth of shafts and coal faces for a guided tour.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Snowdonia – This is one of Britain's grandest national parks, occupying a large part of northwest Wales; it is focused on the Snowdon massif.
Cycling – This has become increasingly popular and is a great way to see the countryside. Certain towns have shops that will rent bicycles.
Walking – Wales has some excellent trails for walking and if you are into this sort of thing it is a good idea to get an Ordnance Survey (OS) map, which is exceptionally helpful.
BEACHES
Saundersfoot – A really popular little seaside harbour town in southwest Wales. The beach is sandy and the sea is safe and clean for swimming. The town is noted for its pubs, clubs restaurants and wine bars.
Porthcawl – Includes Coney beach with a fairground, candyfloss, amusement arcades and donkey rides. There is a popular surfing beach to the west called Rest Bay.
Barry Island – Originally an island, this sandy beach is now joined to the mainland by a causeway. There is a wide promenade, a fair and an amusement arcade here as well.
Penarth – Called the garden by the sea, this is one of the last beaches in south Wales that still has Victorian pier.
MOVING AROUND
Cardiff-Wales International airport is the only major airport in the country with scheduled services from some northern European capitals and some British regional destinations. There are two train lines, one in the north running from Chester in England to the ferry station at Holyhead. The southern line extends from London to the ferry station at Fishguard and incorporates the main towns of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. Busses are the best form of transport for anywhere not served by rail. There are many car rental agencies but this is an expensive option in comparison to other forms of transport.
NATIONAL FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
Swansea Beer Festival – Mid April
Europa Caerdydd – Mid May. Four days of street entertainment and fireworks in Cardiff.
Cardiff Street Festival – July/Aug.
Brecon Jazz Festival – Mid Aug
Swansea Festival of Music & the Arts - Oct
New Year’s Day – Jan 1
St David’s Day – March 1 (Not a holiday)
Good Friday – March/AprilEaster Sunday – March/April
Easter Monday – March/April
May Bank Holiday – May 3
Bank Holiday – May 31
Summer Bank Holiday – Aug 30
Christmas – Dec 25
Boxing Day – Dec 26
Essential
Tips for Holidays in Wales | Holidays
in Cardiff | Welsh
Food and Drink | Neath
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The
City by The Sea - Swansea
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