Wales, UK

Beaumaris Castle is often called Britain’s most technically perfect castle due to its perfect symmetry and classic proportions. Built using limestone and sandstone between 1295 and 1330, the castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the castle and the surrounding lands to truly appreciate the last work of the English monarch Edward I. Beaumaris Castle was state of the art for the late 13th century and many have compared its construction at that time to an event as hi-tech as a spaceship landing today. Visitors will be able to learn a lot about the history of the castle, which includes being taken by Welsh forces and the role it played during the English Civil War.

Castle St, Beaumaris LL58 8AP, UK, Phone: +44-12-48-81-03-61

The Big Pit National Coal Museum was established in 1983 and can be found in Blaenavon, Wales. The industrial heritage museum is dedicated to preserving the Welsh heritage of coal mining and is housed on what was once an actual working coal mine for a hundred years. Visitors can get a real underground experience at the museum while also exploring the mining galleries and the machinery and tools that were used in the coal mine. There are many events held at the museum throughout the year, and visitors can partake in experiences such as the Father’s Day FEASTival or toddler story and rhyme time.

Blaenafon, Pontypool NP4 9XP, UK, Phone: +44-30-01-11-23-33

Situated near the Carneddau mountain range and Conwy Valley, Bodnant Garden comprises 80 acres of terraces, shrubs, hillsides, and plants from around the world. The garden was founded in 1874 by Henry Davis Pochin and thrived under five generations of the same family. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds throughout the year as there is something thriving no matter the season. Exotic plants such as the fire bush from the Andes and the blue poppy from the Himalayas are housed in the garden alongside national collections of magnolia and Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion Trees. The flora and fauna, along with the stunning view offered, makes Bodnant Garden one of the best attractions to spend a day enjoying nature.

Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay LL28 5RE, UK, Phone: +44-14-92-65-04-60

Caernarfon Castle, popularly known as Carnarvon Castle, is a medieval fortress built by Edward I of England in 1283. Visitors can explore the remaining walls and the surrounding town, which once was the administrative center of North Wales. The UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the most impressive castles in Wales with its polygonal towers and color-coded stone work. Visitors can attend one of the many events held at the castle throughout the year; some of these include the Hijinx Unity Art Festival and the Legend of King Arthur, where visitors can spend the day listening to historic stories and taking part in the Round Table and other Arthurian games.

Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY, UK, Phone: +44-12-86-67-76-17

Caerphilly Castle was built in the 13th century and is famed for the extensive artificial lakes that surround it, the large gatehouses, and for introducing concentric castle defenses. The medieval fortification was built by the 7th Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare. The castle holds the title of being the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain. Visitors can explore the stone behemoth and take some amazing photographs of it and its watery surroundings. There are many events hosted at the castle, such as Medieval Day, when visitors of all ages can learn sword skills and archery, watch a weapons show, and participate in various other games.

Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD, UK

The original structure of Cardiff Castle was built in the late 11th century and holds over 2,000 years of history. The castle is one of Wales’ most popular attractions and visitors can choose from a range of tours to explore its various aspects. The 50-minute House Tour is a popular option as expert guides take visitors through some of the castle’s highly decorated rooms such as the Winter Smoking Room, Lord Bute’s Bedroom, and the Roof Top Garden. In these rooms, visitors will come across rich murals, stained glass and marble creations, elaborate wood carvings, and décor, all of which combine to tell a fairytale.

Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK, Phone: +44-29-20-87-81-00

From afar, Castell Coch looks very much like a castle from a fairytale; so much so that visitors almost expect a princess to look out from one of the tower windows. The castle that stands here now was funded by John Crichton-Stuart, who wanted to use Castell Coch as a summer retreat from his main residence, Cardiff Castle. Though it was intended to be used infrequently, visitors will see that not much has been spared in terms of the castle’s grandiose architecture and decor. Visitors will be able to explore the castle, learn about its history, and have a refreshing snack in the tea room. Events, such as the Festival of Archaeology, a Victorian high tea, and Halloween Nights, held throughout the year.

Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7JS, UK, Phone: +44-29-20-81-01-01

Castell Dinas Bran, often called Crow Castle, is a 12th-century medieval castle built on the site of the Iron Age hillfort and various other prior structures. To explore the castle’s ruins, visitors must climb a summit to get to the castle grounds. There are many myths and legends associated with the castle, which visitors can learn all about during their climb. Once there, visitors will be able to see the ruins and remains of the Welsh D-Tower, the main hall, the postern gate, as well as the foundations of the north gatehouse tower. Visitors will also enjoy the panoramic views of their surroundings from the castle ruins.

Llangollen LL20 8DY, UK

Conwy Castle was built in the 1280s as part of a bigger project to create a walled town of Conwy. The medieval fortification played an important part in several wars, including the English Civil War. Presently, the castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe. The surviving fortification is extremely well preserved and visitors can see various aspects of it, such as its high towers, curtain walls, and its distinctive elongated shape from the outside. Inside, visitors will be able to see the great hall, chambers, a royal chapel, and much more.

Rose Hill St, Conwy LL32 8AY, UK

Visitors can climb aboard the Great Orme Tramway and go on a breathtaking journey from Victoria Station to the summit of the Great Orme headland. The Great Orme is Britain's only cable-hauled street tramway, while also being one of the oldest surviving trams in the whole world. There’s a halfway station for visitors to stop and discover the history of the tramway, which opened in 1902. Visitors will also be able to explore the engineering aspects of this fascinating method of transportation. Once at the summit, visitors will see some amazing views, and on clear days can see as far as Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno LL30 2NB, UK, Phone: +44-14-92-57-78-77