8 Overlooked Towns In Wales Worth Visiting
When traveling through Wales, visitors should consider the towns that are often overlooked. The lesser-known towns offer many of the same things as other Welsh towns, like coastal locations with views of the sea, waterfalls, and trails bringing trekkers to plenty of emerald hills and trails through lush forests. Tywyn and Welshpool have historic railway rides. Holyhead allows access to walk out onto the sea for almost two miles. Knighton has a large dragon tooth sculpture. So take the excursion to at least one of these towns below that represent Welsh beauty and history but also have sights and activities not found everywhere.
Holyhead
This coastal port town is at the northwestern top of Wales on the Isle of Anglesey. Holyhead has many attractions because of its proximity to the sea. The Holyhead Maritime Museum is in a restored lifeboat house and provides the history of the area's sea life. Hear stories of shipwrecks, see models of ships, and take a break at the café that overlooks the ocean. Next to the museum is Holyhead Breakwater, a stone walkway constructed starting in 1847 that is almost two miles long. It has a lighthouse at the end and gives views of Ireland on a clear day. This distinctive walk goes out onto the Irish Sea and surrounds visitors with water. Near the breakwater is Langdons Restaurant and Bar. Here guests can look at the ocean and eat the cuisine from it. The menu features sea bream, prawns, mussels. For art culture, go to the Ucheldre Center, which has exhibitions of modern sculpture, classical paintings, and rotating displays of local and international artists. Shows include theater, opera, and a variety of music from classical orchestras, modern bands, and DJ sets.
Tywyn
Travel further down on Wales' western coast to Tywyn. The boardwalk and sandy beach offer views of a sea that is sometimes calm or sometimes churning with whitewater waves. In town is the historic Talyllyn Railway, where passengers can ride the steam train from 1866 that goes through untouched landscapes with wildflowers and hills covered with trees. The journey might have travelers thinking they are Harry Potter on the way to Hogwarts. The Tywyn Wharf station has the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum that shares Britain's history of smaller railways going back 200 years. Displays include locomotives and a collection of old tickets. One stop on the train ride is Dolgoch Falls Waterfall Park in Snowdonia National Park. There are three waterfalls that are part of the Nant Dol-Góch stream. The falls cascade between green mossy rocks before spilling into calm pools. Walk along the stream through meadows and go into the caves. There is also parking nearby for those who want to reach the falls by car. For a sweet treat head to Holgates Ice Cream Shop. Local honey and dairy are two best-known Welsh foods, so combine both and try the shop's honey ice cream.
Fishguard
Stay along the sea and go to the southwestern coast to find Fishguard. On top of Castle Point overlooking Fishguard Harbor and the coast is the 18th century Fishguard Fort that was abandoned in the 19th century. It was built to guard the town after an American pirate attack and then became a center for local military. Touring the fort will reveal cannons, the remaining wall entrance, and ammunition storerooms. Along the sea is the easygoing, two-hour Marine Walk. Paved trails lined with flowers, bushes, and trees will present views of boats resting in the harbor and the Preseli Mountains nearby. Get even closer to the sea with fishing trips that take off from the harbor and go along the coast or onto the deep sea. Discover more of Fishguard's land and hike the Carn Fran Trail that starts at Fishguard Fort and goes 150 meters above sea level. Hikers will see the sea, cliffs, and the town from a distance, all which will light up with the glow of the sunset if hiking during that time. To get a taste of traditional Welsh cuisine, eat at The Royal Oak. The menu includes Glamorgan sausage, a Welsh vegetarian sausage made from cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs.
Newcastle Emlyn
The River Teifi runs through this town in southwest Wales that is about 25 miles east of Fishguard. On the river are the remains of the 14th century Newcastle Emlyn Castle. This stone castle was once occupied by Welsh royal house members and was also a military post before being blown up in the 17th century. Some walls and parts of the gate remain. Walking along the River Teifi banks will show the river going down falls and through green forests. The next town west of Newcastle Emlyn is Cenarth, where the river here reveals the Welsh tradition of salmon fishing using nets with a single-oared boat called coracles made of bent sticks and animal skins. If visiting during Newcastle Emlyn during the summer, try to catch the annual Newcastle Dragon Festival that honors the legend of the dragon that was defeated in town. There are medieval costumes and shows, food, and an enormous dragon sculpture. The Bunch of Grapes pub and restaurant dates to the 17th century, and guests here can enjoy local ales and classic British treats like sticky toffee pudding.
Llandovery
Journey east to discover Llandovery on the River Towy. The Llandovery Castle has ruins of a 12th century castle constructed by the Normans. Standing on a rock near the castle is the Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan Memorial, which honors a local 14th century landowner who was killed for his support of the Welsh rebellion. This steel sculpture is a cloaked figure in armor and a helmet with a sword, shield, spear. Those who love church history and architecture would appreciate the Church of St Dingat, which has a 13th-14th century nave and altar area and a 15th century tower. Llandovery also has the 19th century gothic-style Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel with stained glass and pointed towers.
To see some of central Wales' landscape go to the Cwm Rhaeadr Forest in the Tywi Valley. The forest is teeming with fir trees, conifers, other native trees, and a waterfall. Brecon Beacons National Park has gentle trails with green hills, valleys, and higher, rugged peaks. Among the town's environment emerges the Dolauhirion Bridge, an 18th century stone bridge over River Towy that is still in use today for transportation. It makes for a memorable sight during the warmer months when surrounded by green vegetation. If visiting Llandovery during April through October and on the first Saturday of the month, go to the town's farmer's market to sample fresh and local ingredients, as the market features food and produce all within 25 miles of Llandovery.
Kidwelly
Proceed to the southern Wales coast on Bristol Channel to an ideal town for lovers of castles. Kidwelly Castle on River Gwendraeth was once a Norman castle constructed of wood during 12th century before being reconstructed of stone during the 13th century. Still standing are the chapel, kitchen, towers, and south gate. Kidwelly is a good base to visit more castles, as the 12th century Castell Llansteffan on Carmarthen Bay is just four miles from town, while the 13th century Laugharne Castle with its 19th century manicured gardens is seven miles from town. 10 miles away from Kidwelly is Weobley Castle with its views of the Gower Peninsula's coast.
Kidwelly's coastal location gives the opportunity to go to Cefn Sidan Sands, eight miles of sandy beach with the sea on one side and dunes on the other. Stay for sunset as the sky and sand light up with different colors. Next to the beach is Pembrey Country Park, where hikers and cyclists can traverse the green trails lined with tall trees and grassy hills along the sands. For refreshments have classic British afternoon tea at Smallholding Secrets Feed, which also allows visitors to pet the farm's free-range goats, alpacas, and pigs.
Knighton
Head inland and up to the central eastern border of England to this town that began in 13th century as a market town. The Knighton Circular Walks show off the region's environment. These walks can go up to 11 miles and go along the Teme Valley and through farmland with views of Radnorshire Hills, estate houses, and a railway viaduct. Nature trails through town show tall, slender trees lining trails in woodlands, open land with green hills, St Edwards Church, and the town's clock tower. Knighton is also the beginning of the 177-mile-long Offa's Dyke Path, consisting of 80 miles of a dyke that was constructed under the rule of a late 8th century king of Mercia.
Only three miles in on Offa's Dyke Path from Knighton is Knucklas Viaduct, a 19th century stone viaduct that looks right out of ancient Rome. Near the viaduct was once the location of the 13th century Knucklas Castle, which is now marked with a dragon tooth sculpture. Other points of interest along the path are the River Teme, forests, open hills, and towns with their own castles and churches. Knighton Museum gives a snapshot of the town's social history with displays of older everyday items, such as typewriters, a piano, children's toys, washboards, medical equipment, and kitchen tools. Visitors are encouraged to touch the objects, bringing them even closer to the town's heritage.
Welshpool
Welshpool is also on the border of England and about 29 miles north of Knighton. The town possesses the grand medieval Powis Castle and Garden. Once a fortress from the 13th century, it belonged to different noble families starting in the 16th century until finally being donated to the National Trust. The castle is decorated in the Elizabethan and Edwardian period styles, with rooms containing oil paintings, luxurious carpets, and ornate woodwork. The gardens are decorated with rose beds, apple trees, flowers, trees, and have 17th century Italianate terraces and a view of Severn Valley. Hop on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway's original train cars from 1902 that make the ride a moving museum. The train navigates through steep hills and valleys, forests, fields, and farmland while passengers can enjoy cakes and drinks. The Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve is known for bird watching, with migrations of unusual birds in spring and autumn. Severn Farm Nature Reserve in town has boardwalks on wetlands that reveal dragonflies, frogs, and birds breeding along the pond in spring and summer. Welsh lamb is a specialty food of Wales, and visitors can find it on the menu at The Goat Hotel, The Horseshoes Inn, and The Lion Hotel.
The Quieter Side of Wales
These overlooked towns are smaller and quieter than bigger cities in Wales, but they still show off the culture, history, and beautiful Welsh environment and landscape. They give visitors the chance to try Welsh cuisines and see castles in both ruined and pristine condition. Uncrowded beaches and peaceful forests await guests. Even farm animals want a chance to meet visitors. These Welsh towns anticipate the arrival of those who want to appreciate what the towns want to share.
