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Places to visit in Wales in May offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a spring getaway.
As the countryside bursts into vibrant colors with blooming wildflowers, the rolling hills and coastline come alive with greenery. May is a fantastic time to explore Wales, with mild temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C, perfect for sightseeing and hiking. Whether you’re wandering through ancient castles, trekking in national parks, or enjoying coastal views, Wales’ tourist places list provides a refreshing escape from the ordinary.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Wales In May
Tourist places to visit in Wales in May promise historical wonders and outdoor adventures, making it the perfect destination for a rejuvenating spring holiday.
1. Cardiff Bay
Photo: Richard Szwejkowski / Wikimedia Commons
Cardiff Bay, a waterfront area in Wales, is a popular destination for entertainment, relaxation, and enjoyment. Formerly a tidal dockland, it has been redeveloped into a freshwater lake surrounded by restaurants and bars, particularly in Mermaid Quay. The Red Dragon Centre also offers dining and entertainment options. Cardiff Bay is home to landmarks like the Wales Millennium Centre and Techniquest, with easy access to Flat Holm island. Perfect as one of the places to visit in Wales, Cardiff Bay offers a unique atmosphere with attractions, events, bars and shops.
Location: Cardiff Bay, Wales
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 30 km
Nearest Railway Station: Cardiff Bay railway station
2. St Fagans National Museum Of History
Photo: John Cummings / Wikimedia Commons
St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum that brings Welsh history to life. It features over 40 re-erected buildings from various periods, including a Tudor merchant’s house, farms, a medieval prince’s hall, and a Victorian school. Visitors can explore these structures and witness demonstrations of traditional skills, offering a unique glimpse into Welsh life through the ages. The museum is set in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. It was named the United Kingdom’s favorite visitor attraction in 2011 and the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2019. With its historical significance and beautiful grounds, St Fagans is a must-visit and one of the best places to visit in Wales in May.
Location: St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 18 km
Nearest Railway Station: Waun-gron Park
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
3. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Photo: Ben Brooksbank / Wikimedia Commons
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, a 520-square-mile area, is a haven of natural beauty and historical significance. Designated in 1957, the park features diverse landscapes, including moorlands, mountains, and the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark. Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain at 886 meters, offers extensive views. The park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for stargazing. Activities include hiking, mountain biking on varied trails, and cave tours.
Location: Extends from Hay-on-Wye to Llandeilo, between Mid and South Wales
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 80 km
Nearest Railway Station: Brecon Mountain Railway
4. Hay-On-Wye
Photo: Immanuel Giel / Wikimedia Commons
Hay-on-Wye, or simply Hay, is a market town near the English border, known as the “Town of Books” for its numerous bookshops. It sits on the southeast bank of the River Wye, within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Hay hosts the annual Hay Festival, a major literary event that draws over 80,000 visitors for ten days at the end of May. Besides bookshops, Hay offers antique stores, art galleries, and Hay Castle. Hay-on-Wye is one of the best places to visit in Wales in May, with the Hay Festival and outdoor opportunities.
Location: Hay-on-Wye lies on the Welsh/English border
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 110 km
Nearest Railway Station: Hereford
5. Aberystwyth
Photo: Manfred Heyde / Wikimedia Commons
Aberystwyth, a popular seaside resort featuring a sweeping promenade that stretches from the harbor to Constitution Hill. The promenade is known for its impressive Victorian pier and other traditional attractions. Visitors can explore the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle and enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere. Aberystwyth’s North Beach is close to town and features golden sands, while South Beach offers surfing opportunities. Both beaches provide amazing views and access to the promenade. The town’s seaside charm and natural beauty make it one of the best places to visit in Wales in May.
Location: Aberystwyth, west coast of Wales
Nearest Airport: West Wales Airport, 56 km
Nearest Railway Station: Aberystwyth railway station
6. Conwy Castle
Photo: Andrew Woodvine / Wikimedia Commons
Conwy Castle, a medieval fortification in North Wales, was built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, it stands as one of the finest examples of military architecture from the 13th and 14th centuries. Constructed as part of a project to create a walled town, the castle features massive round towers and thick walls. Visitors can explore the castle walls for views of Conwy and Snowdonia, making it a significant landmark and one of the best places to visit in Wales in May.
Location: Rose Hill St, Conwy LL32 8AY, United Kingdom
Nearest Airport: Anglesey Airport, 52 km
Nearest Railway Station: Conwy (3-minute walk)
Entry fee: £11.90 for adults, £8.30 for students, £11.30 for seniors
Timings: 9.30 AM – 5 PM
7. Bluebell Woods
Photo: AndyScott / Wikimedia Commons
To witness the bluebells in bloom, plan your visits to Wales during April and May. Several locations offer stunning displays of these flowers, including the ancient North Wales forests of Coed Trellyniau and Coed y Felin, near the Afon Chwiler Valley. In South Wales, consider Brynna Woods and Llanharan Marsh Reserve, Castle Woods near Llandyfeisant and Dinefwr Castle, and Old Warren Hill. Coed Penglanowen reserve in the Nanteos area also features carpets of bluebells and anemones. Remember to stick to paths to protect these delicate, protected plants.
Location: Coed Cefn, Crickhowell.
Nearest Airport: Chester Hawarden Airport, 120 km
Entry Fee: Varies by attractions and activities
8. The Llŷn Peninsula
Photo: Chembeth / Wikimedia Commons
The Llŷn Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Wales in May. Also known as Pen Llŷn, it is a coastal area with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and a timeless feel. As a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it provides opportunities for watersports, including surfing at Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), and activities linked by the 91-mile Wales Coast Path. Visitors can explore Welsh history and culture at the Nant Gwrtheyrn Heritage Centre and the Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw gallery. Pwllheli, the peninsula’s unofficial capital, offers stores, markets, restaurants, and a modern marina.
Location: Gwynedd, Wales
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 290 km
Nearest Railway Station: Pwllheli railway station
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
9. The Heart Of Wales Line
Photo: Rosser1954 / Wikimedia Commons
The Heart of Wales Line offers a 121-mile train journey between Shrewsbury and Swansea. This railway is celebrated as one of Britain’s most beautiful rural routes, crossing impressive viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklas. The journey takes you through the Welsh Marches, past historic castles, idyllic villages, and Victorian spa towns, even crossing Offa’s Dyke. Along the route, you’ll pass through the Towy Valley and the uplands around the Mid Wales spa towns. Consider this line when looking for places to visit in Wales.
Nearest Railway Station: Cardiff Central train station, 15 km
Entry Fee: £45 for adults, £22.50 for children
10. The Wales Coast Path
Photo: Alex Liivet / Wikimedia Commons
The Wales Coast Path, or Llwybr Arfordir Cymru in Welsh, is an 870-mile (1,400 km) long footpath that traces the entire coastline of Wales. It was launched in 2012 and is the first dedicated coast path in the world to cover an entire country’s coastline. The path runs from the mouth of the River Dee in the north to Chepstow in the south. Along the way, it passes seaside towns, crosses the Menai Strait to Anglesey Island, and goes around the Llŷn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay. Walkers can experience solitude, beautiful scenery, Welsh history and culture, and abundant wildlife, making it one of the top places to visit in Wales.
Location: Cardiff Bay, Wales
Nearest Airport: Cardiff (CWL) Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Various stations along the path
Places to visit in Wales in May provide an enchanting mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. With comfortable spring temperatures, it’s the best time to explore everything from majestic mountains to charming coastal towns. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or history, tourist attractions in Wales in May offer something for every traveler. Make your trip hassle-free by booking a travel package with TripXL and experience the best places in Wales for a May trip with expertly curated itineraries. Start planning your unforgettable spring getaway today.
Cover Photo: Ian Cylkowski / Unsplash
