Wales

look. It s also where you can see Mount Snowdon, the 1,070 metre high mountain that Sir Edmund Hilary trained on for his Everest climb. Take the easy way up on a little steam train, where you can enjoy the wild mountain scenery as you climb and spectacular sweeping views from the summit. There are many tales of King Arthur, Merlin, giants and monsters associated with this magical area and once you visit it, you will understand why. More angular in shape, the Breacon Beacons is another picturesque National Park with lots of walking trails and much quieter than Snowdonia though arguably, not as spectacular. For a totally different National Park, visit the Pembrokeshire Coast. The coastal path winds for 300 km from Amroth to St Dogmael s. Following precarious cliff-top routes, in spring you ll find the trails covered in flora to add to the area s beauty.

See the castles of Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy or the nearby Bodnant Garden just south of Conwy, considered one of the finest in Britain. Visit the small town of Llangollen during July for the International Eisteddfod where you can hear Welsh choirs and see Welsh folk dancing. Witness the feat in engineering that is the Pontcysllte Aqueduct. Work began on it in 1795; its highest point is nearly 40 metres above the river below and it spans the valley for more than 300 metres. Visit the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey in the picturesque Wye Valley a medieval Cistercian abbey that was founded in 1131.

Explore the home of Dylan Thomas in the coastal city of Swansea. Stroll along the sweeping waterfront of Swansea Bay at sunset; visit the Swansea Market and sample local delicacies such as cockles and laverbread; see The Dylan Thomas Centre, a permanent exhibition celebrating the life of the literary giant; wander through the pretty Clyne Gardens, particularly known for its collection of Rhododendrons and rare species of plants; spend the day at Margam County Park with the magnificent Margam Castle, the superbly ornamental Orangery, the Deer Park with some 400 deer and an adventure playground and Fairytale Land.

A little further along you ll find the dramatic landscape of the Gower Peninsula including the spectacular Three Cliff Bay, where you can take a 20 minute walk to discover its real beauty; and the sweeping Rhossili Bay with the surfers beach, Llangennith Beach. The Gower Peninsula begins at the cosy and cosmopolitan village of Mumbles where shops, restaurants and pubs hug the coast of Swansea Bay. See the lighthouse built in 1794, walk along the Victorian Pier or visit Oystermouth Castle, picturesquely perched on top of a hill with fabulous views out to sea. It s also a great place for foodies, with locally caught oysters and world-class ice-cream a popular option for visitors.