Diversity is the perfect word to describe this small country which offers Celtic culture, and a wealth of riches to explore. In Cardiff, the capital, there’s a refined coastal city vibe with a notable nightlife scene and a medieval castle featuring ornate Gothic Revival interiors. Castles abound in Wales, with plenty of opportunities to brush up on the types of fortresses built long ago—like the 13th-century Caerphilly Castle, the largest in the nation. It was one of the earliest examples to use lakes, draw bridges and a series of circular fortifications for defense. These days the landscape is more suited to hikers than invaders, with a scenic trail that runs the length of country’s rugged coast. Mountainous national parks, and sparkling lakes also provide convincing reasons to experience the great outdoors. In the northwest, Snowdonia National Park has lakes, glacial landforms, hiking trails and even a railway that traverses the mountain peak.
