Discover the National Parks of Wales with iBestTravel
With medieval castles, mythical giants, mountains galore, and miles of heavenly coastline, Wales’ three national parks successfully seduce travelers who visit. Come summer, many Brits and savvy visitors make a beeline for the national parks’ jagged peaks and clear lakes.
Ready to experience the best of Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire’s coast, and the Brecon Beacons? Pack your boots, grab a map, and get exploring the national parks of Wales.
Snowdonia National Park
Wales’ biggest, oldest, and most famous national park, Snowdonia – also known as Eryri (Welsh for “highlands”) – is one of the UK’s top destinations for thrill-seekers. With soaring peaks, lush valleys, and an abundance of outdoor activity centers, it has something for everyone.
Mountains are what draw the masses here. Nine craggy ranges pepper the 823-sq-mile park, with 15 peaks surpassing 2950ft (900m). At 3560ft (1085m), Mt. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (and England too!), attracting more than half a million climbers each year. Other challenging hikes include Cader Idris at 2929ft (893m) and the boulder-topped Tryfan at 3011ft (918m).
If you prefer water sports to wind-whipped summits, try white-water rafting across Class IV rapids along the River Tryweryn, rent a standup paddleboard on Bala Lake, or head to Adventure Parc Snowdonia for a lesson in their inland surf lagoon.
The dramatic slate landscapes of North Wales gained Unesco World Heritage Status in 2021. You can visit the National Slate Museum in Llanberis or brave the 500ft descent into Llechwedd Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Families can enjoy the heritage railway and the Bounce Below subterranean trampoline park.
Brecon Beacons National Park
While it might not be the most dramatic of the Welsh national parks, the heather moorlands, flat-topped mountains, and wide-open skies of Brecon Beacons National Park have a unique charm. Spanning 520 sq miles, it is within easy reach of the country’s capital, Cardiff, yet feels blissfully remote, perfect for scenic road trips, unspoiled forests, stargazing, and unmissable hikes.
At 2906ft (886m), Pen-y-Fan is the Brecon Beacons’ highest peak. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of patchwork fields and neighboring mountains. Choose one of the longer routes from the north side to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends. Equally impressive walks include the Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr circular route, and the Four Falls Trail, which showcases highlights of “waterfall country,” including the famous Sgwd-yn-Eira (snow falls).
After hiking, visit the nearby Penderyn Distillery to warm up with some Welsh whisky and gin.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The small but mighty Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was designated specifically for its coastal treasures, featuring dazzling beaches, thriving wildlife, and historic seaside towns. Within the 612-sq-mile park, no spot is more than 10 miles from the sea.
Pembrokeshire is known for the sport of coasteering, where adventure tour operators will guide you along the craggy coast. Alternatively, tackle a section of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path for spectacular views of dramatic cliffs and secluded coves.
Pembrokeshire boasts more Blue Flag beaches than any other county in Wales. Choices include Broad Haven South, the surf beach of Freshwater West, Poppit Sands, and Whitesands Bay.
Save time for a trip to Skomer, a nature lover’s dream just a 15-minute boat ride from Martin’s Haven. The island hosts around 24,000 puffins from April to July, and in August and September, Atlantic grey seals come ashore to give birth to their pups.
Moreover, many seabirds, including huge numbers of Manx shearwaters, find sanctuary here. Spot dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks in the surrounding waters.
The park has numerous inland attractions too. Neolithic burial chamber Pentre Ifan is made of bluestone from the nearby Preseli Hills, the same type used for England’s Stonehenge. For an immersive look into the region’s history, head to Castell Henllys to experience Iron Age Celtic village life.
Visiting Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Popular harbor towns like Tenby and its quieter neighbor Saundersfoot are easily accessible. The charming city of St. Davids in the far west is a lovely base. If you prefer to wake up surrounded by nature, there are many woodland and cliff-top campsites available.
