Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff

The Llandaff Cathedral, located on the western edge of Cardiff, is one of Wales' premier sights, not to be missed by visitors to the Welsh capital. Situated in what used to be the tiny village of Llandaff, the area surrounding the cathedral still retains a village-like feel, with stone-and-timber buildings and narrow, crooked lanes providing excellent photo fodder. The cathedral itself has a long and interesting history. Constructed in the 12th century on the site of an earlier church - of which, a pre-Norman Celtic cross is all that remains - the Llandaff Cathedral boasts, in the form of its west front, some of the greatest medieval art to be found in all of Wales. Suffering extensive damage during Nazi bomb raids in World War II, the cathedral was restored and received two modern additions - the Welsh Regiment Chapel, and the striking Jacob Epstein sculpture Christ in Majesty. The sculpture, made of aluminium and suspended from a concrete arch that dominates the cathedral's nave, is a controversial piece, dividing opinion between those who find it arresting, and those who find it garish and out of place. Head to the Llandaff Cathedral and see the interesting work for yourself, before relaxing in the tranquil public gardens that surround this significant religious site.

Getting There:
Route 25, 33, 33A or 62 from Cardiff Central Railway/Bus Station

Opening Times:
Open to visitors from 7am to 7pm daily (times may vary), and for guided tours between 10am and 1pm from Monday to Friday

Admission:
Free admission

Tintern Abbey, Brecon Beacons

Famous Tintern Abbey, a monastery established by William Marshal ('the greatest knight that ever lived') to give thanks to God after surviving a narrow escape at sea, is one of the most inspiring and enduring tourist sights that Wales has to offer. The abbey, whose first inhabitants were Cistercian monks, dates from the early 13th century and has been well preserved, affording visitors great views of its majestically-ruined nave, chancel, tower, cloister and chapel. Even more beautiful, is the grounds on which Tintern Abbey is located - an Elysian area of green fields, craggy, moss-strewn hills, and a stone bridge that leads across an inlet from the sea. Gorgeous Tintern Abbey has a long history of inspiring works of art, from paintings by William Turner to poems by William Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson and even Allen Ginsberg. Located a mere stone's throw from the English border, Tintern Abbey makes a wonderful first stop on a memorable sightseeing tour of Wales.

Opening Times:
Open daily between mid-May and mid-Oct from 10am to 6pm

Admission:
£1.80

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion and a Norman keep, which in turn was built over a Roman fort standing guard over on a cliff above Cardiff. The city itself may have only been there for about a hundred years, but Cardiff Castle dates back over 2,000 years. Roman soldiers and knights have lived in the castle, and the wealthy Bute family have resided in it since the 19th century. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian décor. Guided tours are available. Family friendly visits are also available to those with young children.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9am to 6pm (March to October); and 9am to 5pm (November to February)

Admission:
£11 (adults); £8.50 (children). Concessions available

Caernarfon, Northern Wales

Situated in North Wales, across the Menai Strait from the Isle of Anglesey, is Caernarfon, dominated by the walls of its 13th-century castle. It was here that, in 1969, Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is probably most noted for the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllantysiliogogogoch, which has the longest place name in the United Kingdom. The name, when translated into English, means 'The church of St. Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church by the red cave'. The island was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic activity in Britain and many Neolithic ruins remain. Many people rush through Anglesey, on their way to catch the Irish ferries at Holyhead, and miss out on its spectacular coastal scenery of sandy coves and rocky headlands.

Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons

Culturally-minded visitors to the UK are urged to visit Hay-on-Wye, a charming market-town located within the boundaries of Brecon Beacons National Park. Widely referred to as the 'Town of Books', Hay-on-Wye is the bibliophile's equivalent of Mecca - featuring more than 30 second-hand bookstores, many of which stock collector's items and hard-to-find rarities. Hay-on-Wye hosts the annual Hay Festival, one of the biggest literary festivals on the planet, drawing crowds in excess of 80,000 people, who come to attend lectures and readings given by the world's most eminent writers. There is more to Hay-on-Wye than simply books, however - the town also boasts lovely architecture, a celebrated collection of quaint pubs and restaurants, the fascinating ruins of two Norman-built castles, and a popular Thursday Market, where all manner of things can be bought, from antiques to hand-made cheeses. For mature visitors to the UK looking for a memorable cultural experience, a visit to Hay-on-Wye is an absolute must.

Snowdonia National Park, Northern Wales

Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the Lake District, and boasts rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. While Snowdonia is a haven for hikers and climbers, there is plenty else to explore including lakes, waterfalls and glacial valleys, as well as forts, railways and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also offers tours through its cavernous slate mines.

Admission:
Free

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cardiff

Located in the southwest corner of Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks, including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring, when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting if only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history (open every day for visitors between 10am to 4pm). Just South of the Park is the city of St David's, which is actually only a little larger than your average village. The cathedral found there is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome.

Portmeirion, Northern Wales

The village of Portmeirion in Northern Wales is as charming as they come, with rows of cottages and pretty trails winding through the woods. Portmeirion was designed by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, and is now run by a charitable trust more as a tourist attraction than a residential village. Its quaint demeanor has attracted film crews, and the 1960s cult TV programme The Prisonerwas filmed there, among others. Small enough to see on foot, there are manicured gardens and a beach, as well as a few souvenir shops and a restaurant, ice cream shop, and pizzeria to enjoy.

Opening Times:
Open for visitors from 9.30am to 7.30pm daily

Admission:
Adults £9, children £6. Concessions are available.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Nicknamed 'the Armadillo', this arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and dance recitals, stand-up comedy and musicals. Known as one of the world's iconic arts and cultural destinations, it features a world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours, exhibitions and a choice of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy with an overall vision to bring the best of the arts world to Wales. Guided tours of the centre are available where guests can check out the dressing rooms, marvel at the sheer size of the stage, and find out what lies beneath the mystical inscription.

Opening Times:
Hour-long guided tours are available daily.

Admission:
Guided tours: £5.50 (adults)

St. Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff

This open-air museum located in St Fagans chronicles the historical lifestyle, architecture and cultural heritage of the people of Wales, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The 16th-century manor house in which the museum stands bears testament to the magnificent heritage of the Welsh, and the museum features more than 40 original buildings, moved from various parts of Wales and erected to show how the people of Wales have lived over the last 500 years. Among these are houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute. Donated to the Welsh by the Earl of Plymouth, the museum first opened in 1948 and to this day, the original strain of native livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and strains of Welsh language proudly heard in the air.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Admission:
Free

Techniquest, Cardiff

This fascinating hands-on science museum is a must for those who are young at heart, perpetually intrigued and amazed by the power of science. Techniquest was voted 'Europe's best science centre' in an industry survey, and it continues to thrill all those who visit with its puzzles, gadgets and structures on display. The Science Theatre and Planetarium are popular stops for most who come to Techniquest for the day, while younger visitors will love the children's educational programs, laboratories and workshops on offer.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm (weekdays), and 10am to 5pm (weekends)

Admission:
£7 (adults), £5 (children). Concessions are available

Mumbles, Swansea

Mumbles - a lovely resort village beautifully located beneath pine-forested slopes overlooking Swansea Bay - is fast-becoming one of the United Kingdom's favourite seaside getaway destinations. With a history that dates back to the 12th century and a range of excellent seafront pubs and restaurants, Mumbles exudes a charm that must be experienced to be believed. Mumbles is home to some great cultural sights, such as the ruins of Oystermouth Castle, a historic lighthouse and the pretty Mumbles Pier; and has had its fair share of famous residents over the years, including Dylan Thomas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bonnie Tyler and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Yet, despite these attractions, the real allure of Mumbles remains intangible - something to do with the quality of the sunlight reflected by the bay, illuminating the age-old stone buildings that surround the water, and filling visitors with a serene feeling, as though intoxicated by the sheer natural beauty of the place. Mumbles is also within easy reach of some of the UK's best beaches, such as Rhossili, once called 'the supermodel of British beaches' by The Independent.

Dan-yr-Ogof Caves, Brecon Beacons

One of many cave systems in Brecon Beacons National Park, the Dan-yr-Ogof Caves are an 11 mile (17km) cave complex located about 15 miles (24km) southwest of Brecon. Only the first portion of the system is open to the public, but the spectacular limestone rock formations of the three available caves, the Dan yr Ogof Showcave, the Cathedral Showcave and the Bone Cave, should not be missed. Formed 315 million years ago, the formations include vertical stalagtites and stalagmites, and also rare helectites, which grow sideways. The nearby National Showcaves Centre for Wales has a dinosaur park with more than 50 life-size statues, an Iron Age farm, and a museum.

Opening Times:
Open between 31 March and 4 November, from 10am to 3pm daily

Admission:
£13.50 (adults), £7.50 (children)