About Wales
Wales, the smallest of the three countries making up the island of Great Britain, has a lot to offer for a country that is around 180 miles long and 60 miles wide. A coastline approximately 1,680 miles long, offering the Wales Coast Path, the first continuous coastal path in the world when it opened in 2012. Often called the land of the castles, with over 600 you are never far from one. Known for its rich musical heritage, here you find the birthplace of the iconic male voice choir and home to the celebrated Eisteddfod festival.
The red dragon, Y Ddraig Goch, appears on the Welsh flag and is traced back to ancient mythology where dragons symbolized strength and protection. Wales is a bilingual country with the Welsh language being one of the oldest in Europe.
Things You Need to Know
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Wales:
Weather
Wales is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s essential to pack for all seasons. Even in summer, rain showers are common so bringing a waterproof jacket is a must! Winter can be chilly, especially in more rural areas, so pack warm clothing if you’re visiting during colder months.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and summer are ideal times to visit if you’re planning to explore the outdoors, especially festivals and hiking. The weather is still mild enough to visit in the fall and you’ll get to enjoy smaller crowds at the most popular attractions.
Getting Around
Like most of the UK, Wales is well-served by a public transport network, and it even has a train that runs to the top of its highest mountain! We recommend renting a car or a private driver tour if you plan to visit more rural locations.
Culture and Traditions
Wales is a country full of legendary myths and folklore and has a passion for music and poetry. The Welsh language is widely spoken in certain regions, and you’ll find bilingual road signs throughout the country, celebrating their native language! Be sure to try Welsh rarebit, laverbread, and locally produced cheeses, and if you’re visiting during the spring, don’t miss Eisteddfod, Wales’ national festival of music and literature.
Featured Welsh Destinations
Discover the best of Wales with our selection of featured destinations, each offering unique experience such as the medieval Cardiff Castle, the heart of Snowdonia National Park, and the coastal beauty of Pembrokeshire. Our completely customisable experiences ensure that there’s something for everyone visiting Wales.
Our Experiences
Covering vacations in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales we can create a tailor made package accommodating client interests, travel time available and budget. Each destination below contains several sample tours to inspire you. From self-drive to private-driver, 3-star to 5-star luxury, Best of Scotland Holidays can accommodate your needs.
Personalised Itinerary
Are you a history buff, nature lover, or a big foodie? We can customise your vacation based on your interests. Our sample experiences have been created to inspire you and show that we can accommodate everyone. However, if there’s something that you’ve always dreamed of doing, let us know and we will incorporate this into your completely personalised itinerary!
Get in TouchFeatured Welsh Blogs
The Road Less Travelled: Hiking Hidden Gems in the UK
Why Community Tourism Matters
The Great British Railway
FAQs
Before packing your bags, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents in order. All visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (like holidays) will need an Electronic Travel Authrorisation (ETA) – a digital approval to travel. Without and ETA you cannot travel to or transit through the UK.
UK Government website details.
The Republic of Ireland requires a separate visa to that of the UK.
Both the UK and Ireland have their own currencies – pounds sterling (£) in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and euros (€) for the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with the current exchange rates and consider carrying a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. Although cash and cards can both generally be used, there has been a rise in the number of vendors only taking cards, so useful to have access to both methods of payment.
It is certainly customary to tip in the UK however it very much depends on the service you are tipping. The following will give some guidance:
- Food and Drink – quite often a service charge of around 12.5% is added to your bill already, so you may wish to check this. If you have enjoyed your experience you could top this up to make 15 – 20% in total. For takeaway purchases a tip is generally not expected, however if this is delivered to your accommodation you wish to give the delivery person a small tip.
- Transport – tipping a taxi driver would be the norm, around 10% or rounding up the charge. For driver transfers around £5 – £10 per person and for full-day tours around £15 – £20 per person.
- Tour Directors / Guides – as with drivers for short, guided tours £5 – £10 per person, and for longer / day tours £15 – £20.
As a rule though, tip according to service received and how much you have enjoyed the experience and the person has added to that experience. Tipping does not require to be a given!
The weather in the UK and Ireland can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the potential of four seasons in one day! Pack layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of the season, it’s always wise to pack an extra sweater or jacket. When the sun does shine it can be glorious, but also hot, so be prepared with sun protection also. Make sure to bring plug adapters for your electrical devices and a reminder that the UK is 230v.
The British and Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals wherever you are. If you happen to find yourself on the island of Islay you will find all passing (local) vehicle drivers waving at you! When visiting religious landmarks or some historical sites, observe any rules or guidelines in place. For golfers note there may be a dress code in some of the private clubs, both for playing courses and visiting clubhouses.
For many visitors to the UK on a self-drive tour this will mean driving on the left (wrong!) side of the road, however it won’t take you long to get the hang of it. Some key items to remember:
- Speed is in mph not km/h.
- Make sure you have requested the correct car seats for any infants and children travelling with the party.
- The Drink Driving limit in the UK is very low, with Scotland having a zero-tolerance policy.
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-in-great-britain
Driving on the left – Road Safety Scotland
Before travelling, ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage that includes medical emergencies. Carry any necessary medications in hand luggage and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and healthcare facilities in the area. While the UK and Ireland are generally safe destinations, it’s always wise to exercise caution and stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas.
