Things To Do In Wales In Winter
Wales is home to some of the most beautiful, and varied, landscape you’ll see. From rolling hills to stunning mountains to gorgeous sandy beaches, Wales really does have it all. Furthermore, Wales is a destination you can visit all year round and have a wonderful time, not just in the summer months.
In this post we’ll go over the best things to do in Wales in winter.
Things To Do In Wales In Winter
Rafting in Cardiff Bay
Stargazing
Husky rides and sledding
Visit Rhossili Bay
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Rafting in Cardiff Bay
Head to Cardiff International White Water for an adrenaline packed day out! This rafting centre has an action packed, man-made course for you to enjoy. All equipment is provided as well as a safety brief before you hit the water. There are also family rafting sessions available, with slower water speeds. You don’t have to be an expert either to enjoy this, the CIWW can cater for all experience levels. Plus, the water is slightly warmer than it would be if you were out on the river so it will be a more pleasant experience for newbies!
It costs £60pp for a 2 hour session and all sessions must be booked in advance on their website. There are other activities available such as paddle boarding and surfing. For those that prefer to stay dry, they also have an air trail, an obstacle course built above the rafting centre. This costs £12pp.
Stargazing
One thing winter does bring with it is clear, cold evenings. That doesn’t sound like a good thing, right? Well it does if you want to do some stargazing! Wales has the highest percentage of land protected by dark skies status in the world, so you’re in the right place to see stars, galaxies and even comets. This definitely makes it one of the best things to do in Wales in winter.
Wales has 3 International Dark Sky Places, The Brecon Beacons National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and The Elan Valley Estate. In addition, a separate initiative called the Dark Sky Discovery Partnership highlights the best places for stargazing across the UK, as advised by national and local astronomy and environmental organisations. Wales alone has over 30 locations on that list, including top spots like Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, and Llangaffo village on the isle of Anglesey.
So wrap up warm, grab a thermos of hot chocolate and head to one these spots for an unforgettable evening. There are companies, such as Dark Sky Telescope Hire, who offer stargazing experiences with an experienced astronomer so you can learn about the incredible night sky and what lies beyond it.
Husky rides and sledding
Ever dreamed of going sledding with Huskies? Well at Mynydd Sleddog Adventures, you can. It is Wales’ first and only outdoor activity provider, offering husky rides and sleddog experiences in the breathtaking forest trails of Bwlch Hafod Einion near Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir, in North Wales.
Lovingly run by Joe and Mark, Mynydd Sleddog Adventures can’t wait to welcome you and share their experience and adventures with you! You can book on their website, plus find answers to any questions you may have.
Visit Rhossili Bay
Rhossili Bay in Wales has one of the most popular beaches along the Gower and is a popular spot with tourists, especially in the summer. But many locals believe its the winter when this area truly comes alive. And there is nothing quite as refreshing as a winter walk along the beach to really blow the cobwebs away.
Rhossili Bay was named the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956 and its been lovingly protected ever since. When you visit, it will be easy to see why. A bracing walk along the cliff tops, soaking in the beautiful vista, will take your breath away (possibly quite literally!).
A visit in winter will be much quieter than visiting in the summer months plus it’s said that the sunsets in winter are some of the best, making it one of the top things to do in Wales in winter. Finish of your day with a visit to the local pub, or perhaps one of the coffee shops in the village.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
These slate mines, located in Blaenau Ffestiniog, have been worked since 1863. They offer 2 different tours, both of which are underground, making this a great day out no matter the weather.
There are two different tours, The Deep Mine Tour and The Miners' Tramway Tour. The deep mine tour takes you deep underground where you’ll be guided, on foot, through sequences of sound and light. You’ll see the underground lake and learn about a typical slate miner’s life.
On the tramway tour, you’ll ride on a train into a mesmerising network of cathedral-height, manmade chambers. On this guided tour, you will learn all about the skills it takes to extract slate while experiencing what mining conditions were like bath then through sight and sound.
One of the tours costs £8 per adult and £6.90 for children. If you do both tours, its £14.90 per adult and £11.10 for children. There is a cafe onsite as well as free parking.
Undoubtedly Wales is a beautiful destination to visit in summer but is just as enthralling, and probably even more vibrant, in winter. There are so many other things to do aside from these awesome activities including winter sports, walks and many, many cosy pubs and cafes to visit for some winter comfort food.
Wrap Up And Check The Weather
The weather in Wales can be unpredictable all year round but one thing you can be sure of, winters in Wales are mostly cold and wet. Whilst there is a lot of fun to be had in Wales in winter, you should always check the weather forecast before heading out and dress appropriately. Layers for the cold and a decent waterproof coat and walking boots should see you right!
If you have visited Wales recently, let us know what you thought of this beautiful country and feel free to share any suggestions in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Welsh adventure
