Best National Trust Attractions in Wales

National Trust in Wales is nothing like what you would have imagined. From shimmering coasts to imposing castles, poignant gardens to mesmerising mountains, National trust attractions in Wales is something to add to your bucket list.

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Wales is one of the most underrated corners of Britain. How many first timers who travel to UK have visited Wales? Hardly any! However, the truth is, Wales is truly a treasure trove when it comes to coastal walks and outdoor adventures.

Not to forget the rich history they hold.  With a celebrated past and mesmerising nature, visiting Wales is a compelling choice. Each of the National Trust in Wales are truly hidden gems waiting to be explored.

In short, whether it is the castle, garden, woodland or coast, there are remarkable landscape that adds beauty to this country.

Read more: Best National Trust Attractions in England

Interesting Facts about Wales

꧁• There are about 600 castles in Wales, highest number of castles per square mile than anywhere in the world.

꧁• Second longest place name in the world is a Welsh village Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (try pronouncing it..ha ha)

꧁• Smallest House in Britain is located in Conwy, Wales

꧁• Mount Everest is named after a Welshman Sir George Everest

꧁• Famous children books author Roald Dahl was born in Cardiff.

꧁• Menai Bridge that connects Isle of Anglesey to Wales was the first suspension bridge in the world

꧁• St.Davids in Pembrokeshire is the smallest city in UK.

꧁• There are more sheep than humans in Wales

꧁• The length of Wales’ coast spans about 1,370 miles, out of which 870 miles are part of Wales Coastal Path Walk.

꧁• The equal to symbol (=) was invented by Robert Recorde, who was a Welsh Mathematician.

Read More: Best National Trust Attractions in Scotland

Best National Trust Places in Wales

If you are looking for travel ideas or weekend getaways in Wales, this post will be a perfect guide to help you plan the journey. In this post, we are bringing you some of the stunning National Trust Attractions in Wales. Poignant gardens, stunning castles, mesmerising mountains or gorgeous coastal routes – you’ve got it all! 

National Trust Wales Map

National Trust in North Wales

1. Bodnant Gardens

Bodnant Gardens is one of the top attractions located on the North Coast of Wales. This National Trust site is located close to Conwy town and can easily accessed from Colwyn Bay. The Gardens were started by the Pochin in the late 1800s and they acquired plants from around the globe thanks to explorers such as Wilson, Forest and Comber. 

Since 1949 the National Trust in Wales has been caring for, maintaining and improving the Bodnant Gardens for generations of visitors. Some of the more unique plants on display are Blue Poppy from the Himalayas, the Fire Bush of the Andes and a number of unique hybrids grown only at Bodnant. 

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The garden starts gently slopping downhill and then dramatically falls into a gully with a stream and a waterfall. The garden is 32 hectares (80 acres) and filled with manicured lawns and grand, flower-filled terrace and a manor house.

Well established paths allow you to explore the garden area and into a forest with ancient trees and a bustling broke running through it. You can sit enjoy a coffee and cake by the stream and admire the beautifully built terraces.

Explored by Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Click here to book your stay in Conwy

2. Chirk Castle

Throughout the rolling green fields of Wales, you will see relics of the past. Old, fallen castles that have not been able to stand the test of time.

These castles have seen war, invasion, hope and families but their time as grand homes are long over. One castle where you can still see all of this in its glory is Chirk Castle.

Sitting grandly on top of a small hill, Chirk Castle is one of the beautiful National Trust castles in Wales that is worth visiting. This grand castle is still fully furnished and loved by generations.

After you have purchased your tickets or used your National Trust entry pass you can take a walk through the lush green forest up to the large, heavy wooden doors that lead into the Castles courtyard. Vines cover some of the walls of the castle in the courtyard and there is a small garden but it is inside the castle where you get to be amazed.

The inside of Chirk Castle takes you back in time with intricate hand made tapestries that cover the walls. Wooden furniture handcrafted decorates most of the rooms and the paintings depict a time that is hard to imagine.

In certain rooms, you will find National Trust guides who are happy to talk to you about the history of some of the piece in there and some of the stories they can tell are astonishing.

If you do visit Chirk Castle take your time to savour the visit, by having an amazing afternoon or morning tea made in the National Trust kitchen in the castle. Sitting out in the courtyard you can really let your imagination run wild.

Explored by Bec from Travels in Gippsland

Click here to book your stay in Wrexham

3. Llyn Peninsula

Known as Snowdon’s Arm, Llun Peninsula is 30 mile stretch of complete package with stunning beaches, hidden coves, seaside villages and rich culture and heritage.  The coast is also a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of clean beaches peppered in this peninsula, making it a stunning beach holiday destination in summer. While this part of Wales is still a popular tourist spot among locals, not many holiday makers visit the place. Llyn Peninsula is truly a paradise for travellers with gorgeous beaches and family friendly resorts.

Visit Bardsey Island, also known as Isle of 20000 saints, which was part of the Welsh pilgrim route centuries back, and these saints were believed to be buried here.

Bardsey Island is also a natural reserve and known for wildlife spotting and natural scenery. You can spot seals, dolphins, puffins and as many as 350 species that are recorded to be seen in the island. A 20 minute ferry from Aberdaron takes you to this island paradise.

Porthinllaen is another postcard perfect seaside hamlet and must visit place if you are travelling in Llyn peninsula. Ty Coch is the famous pub in the beach, not to be missed! Both the village and its beach are owned by National trust, and visitors can access them only by foot. Alternatively, explore the seaside towns Criccieth, Abersoch, Pwllheli and you won’t be disappointed.

Click here to book your stay in Caernarfon

4. Powys Castle and Gardens

Yet another National trust castle to visit in Wales is Powys Castle & Gardens. Located in mid-Wales near Welshpool, this medieval castle and country mansion is a must-visit. Dating from the late 13^th century, this castle was built by a Welsh prince following the end of the Welsh Wars.

Powys Castle & Gardens (to give it its Welsh name) is still occupied by the 6^th Earl of Powis and is not only a castle but an estate with formal and informal gardens, a deer park, woods and lakes and is home to a museum of colonial artefacts from India.

Visitors can tour parts of the castle, with volunteers on hand to answer questions and give information about each room. However, as the Herbert family are still in residence, there are certain private rooms of the castle which are closed to the public and pictures inside the castle are not permitted.

However, you can still get a feel for life in the castle. Outside, visitors can enjoy the castle gardens, woods and deer park and walk around a tranquil lake.

Powis Castle is best reached by car, although there are bus services to and from Welshpool which pass within 1 mile of the castle. Facilities include a tea room, museums, garden shop, ice cream van in summer, free on-site parking and toilets.

Dogs are permitted on a leash in the car park and courtyard only. Powis Castle is not very wheelchair or buggy friendly but is still one of the best Welsh castles to visit with kids.

Explored by Cath from Passports and Adventures

Click here to book your stay in Welshpool

5. South Snowdonia

Often travellers visit Snowdonia Mountain and be done with it. But the national park in itself is a treasure trove dotted with interesting walks, hikes and hidden waterfalls. South Snowdonia, in particular is breathtaking, and certainly deserves a mention in our list. 

For walking enthusiasts, we recommend taking the 2.9 mile Llyn Ogwen circular walk, which is relatively less strenuous, and takes you around the lake, leaving you with scintillating landscape.

Similarly, you can walk along River Gamlen that takes you through Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls (known as Black falls in English) and around Coed Ganllwyd natural reserve. Likewise, you may also want to consider some of the walks around Mawddach Estuary. 

A hike to the top of Cader Idris, Snowdon’s popular counterpart in Southern Snowdonia is a must. There are three recommended routes to the summit, and all the three are hard hikes taking 5 to 6 hours. that includes hiking the boulders, rocky patch and steep climbs.

Explore Dolgellau town that sits beneath Cader Idris, which is also a perfect base to explore South Snowdonia mountains and coast. 

Click here to book your stay in Dolgellau

National Trust in Pembrokeshire

National Trust sites in Pembrokeshire definitely deserve some attention in our list. They are some of the best kept secrets of Coastal Wales.  Having spent considerable time in Pembrokeshire, here are some of our top picks of National trust worth visiting in Pembrokeshire. 

6. Marloes Peninsula

Marloes peninsula is truly a hidden gem tucked in the west coast of Pembrokeshire. With plethora of coastal walking routes, golden sandy beaches and wildlife watching, you are in for an adventure.

Marloes Sands is a stunning beach which is also a starting point for many interesting walks, the most popular being Marloes sand and mere walk. This is a short 1 mile walk begins from national trust car park and ends in Marloes Mere, a birdwatching centre with hides offering stunning views of Marloes bay, Gateholm and Skomer islands. 

For a longer hike, take the walk towards Martin’s Haven.  This is a 4 mile circular route that begins from Marloes Sands car park and passing through the Iron Age fort,

Marloes deer park, woolsack point, old coastguard’s hut and through Martin’s Haven, and finishing back in Marloes Sands. Martin Haven Beach is where you take the boat ride to reach Skomer Island.

Click here to book your stay in Marloe

7. Stackpole

Stackpole is yet another hidden gem in the Pembrokeshire, known for its award winning sandy beaches, woodland walks, stunning fresh water lakes adoring water lilies, cliffs and a lot more. Due to its rich and diverse landscape, Stackpole also boasts of incredible wildlife. This is also home to largest colony of horseshoe bats.

The history of Stackpole isn’t any less either. Stackpole church dates back to 13th century and remains to be one of the well preserved architecture in South Wales. When you are in Stackpole, it is impossible to not to visit Bosherston Lakes and Broad Haven Beach, both of which are widely popular among the tourists.

Bosherston Lakes (also known as lily ponds) are man made lakes built by the Cawdors between 1780 and 1860. Today, it’s a spot for family friendly walks and home to a host of species like otters, water birds and bats.

You can take a short walk around the lakes, or do a 6 mile loop through Stackpole Wildlife reserve, which also takes you through the coastal path, passing through woods, cliffs, hidden coves and two of the stunning beaches that Stackpole is known for – Barafundle bay and Broad Haven beach.  You can begin this walk either from Bosherston pond car park or Stackpole quay car park.

Click here to book your stay in Pembroke

8. St. David’s Peninsula

St.David’s peninsula is one of the prettiest part of Pembrokeshire, with deep culture and heritage dating back to 4000 years ago. Stretching over 50 miles from St.Bridges Bay to Fishguard, St.Davi’d Peninsula is a must visit National Trust in Wales.

St.David is the smallest city in terms of population and urban area in United Kingdom, located along the River Alun. The city got its name after Saint David, a Wales Patron Saint, whose resting place is in the city.

Discover the 12th century St.Davids Cathedral, an iconic landmark with historical importance. Not far from here is Bishop’s Palace, a gothic ruin and a great photoshop.

You can drive to St.David’s Head or walk the 6km trail that begins and ends at Whitesands Beach. Alternatively, you can take the boat trips to explore the surrounding islands.

Drive to Strumble Head Lighthouse, where you can also spot seals and porpoises. And don’t miss to visit Fishguard, a picturesque coastal town and also a perfect base if you want to explore the region further more.

Click here to book your stay in St.Davids

National Trust in South Wales

9. Aberdulais Falls

Aberdulais waterfalls sits on River Dulais situated at the village Aberdulais in the county borough of Neath Port Talbot. The river plunges over beds of hard sandstone rocks forming this gorgeous Aberdulais Falls, which is also home to Europe’s largest electricity-generating water wheel. The wheel that stands today is a modern version and is a testimony of 400 year old technology.

There are many walking trails around the falls, the most famous being Craig Gwladys walk that takes you through Craig Gwladys Country Park, and then passing along Neath Canal. This is a 4 mile loop, easy to walk and takes roughly 2 hours to complete the trail. Tennant Canal also runs parallel to this, offering short walk alternatives.

Gnoll Estate Country Park, a 240 acre woodland is also not too far from the waterfalls car park. Take a walk to Mosshouse Wood Reservoir or visit the two duck ponds, or picnic inside the park. A visit to Gnoll Estate country park is a perfect choice to spend the day close with nature.

Click here to book your stay in Neath or Port Talbot

10. Brecon Beacons

If you’re looking for National Trust properties in Wales, don’t forget to add the Brecon Beacons to your Wales road trip. Brecon Beacons is one of the three National Parks in Wales, and offers plenty of outdoor adventures.

It’s easy to forget this spectacular area because it’s a park, not a place, but there is so much to do here. Even better, you don’t need to necessarily be a member of the National Trust to visit- it’s open to all.

If you do hike here, try the Beacons Horseshoe ridge walk which will take you up to the summit of Pen-Y-Fan. From there you will have a 360-degree view on the Cwm Llwch valley. 

Another option is to go waterfalls hunting. One of the best walks is the 4 waterfall walk, culminating in the spectacular Sgwd yr Eira, which you can walk behind! 

Having said that, if you want breathtaking waterfalls, head to the showcaves- Dan yr Ogf. The waterfall in the largest cavern is incredible. There are also life-sized dinosaurs and other caves which kids and adults alike will love.

Explored by Kat from Wandering Bird

Click here to book your stay in Brecon

11. Dolaucothi Gold Mines

If you happen to be in South Wales, around Carmarthenshire, add Dolaucothi Gold Mines to your itinerary. A perfect choice if the weather isn’t perfect, these unique gold mines are set in the hillside of Cambrian mountains. What’s more unique about these mines, you may ask?

Gold mining activity in this area began during the Roman era AD74. And for 2000 years, the left behind roman tradition of gold mining methods were in use, until 19th and early 20th century. Take a guided tour underground, find out the harsh environment that pertained while finding gold and machineries used then. The tour involves steep slopes and steps, so be prepared.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines are a perfect family day out. Although do note, there is a height restriction for the underground tour, and children below 1 metre height are restricted. The estate stretches over 2000 acres and provides ample walking trails as well.

Click here to book your stay in Carmarthen

12. Pen y Fan – one of the most visited National Trust in Wales

One of the best things you can do is to hike the National Trust walking trail up Pen y Fan. It is the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons at 886m above sea level. While there are four different ways to reach the top, the easiest route is a 6.4km round trip leaving from the Post ar Daf car park.

Luckily, the National Trust does a lot of work preventing erosion and maintaining the footpaths. This is because Pen y Fan’s scenery is truly spectacular and as a result attracts a large number of hikers each year.

Arguably, it is one of the most popular walks you can do in Wales and hikes climb to the summit to take a well-deserved picture with the Bronze Age cairn. It is also popular for charity walks because it is challenging but accessible for people of varying fitness levels.

If you blessed with good weather and visit on a clear day, you can see dramatic views of South & Mid Wales and Southwest of England. However, the weather can change very quickly and it is recommended that you check the forecast carefully and do not leave the path. After the hike, stay in the small market town of Brecon and have a hearty pub meal to end your day! 

Recommended by Rachel from Average Lives

Click here to book your stay in Brecon

13. Rhossili and South Gower Coast

It would be a shame if we left out Rhossili and Gower Peninsula when we are talking about the gorgeous landscapes of National Trust in Wales.

Rhossili village is located on the southwest of Gower Peninsula, and is part of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.   Enjoy the 3 mile long Rhossili bay and its pristine waters. You can surf, swim.

Take the cliff walk towards Worms Head, the westerly point in Gower Peninsula. To access Worm’s Head on foot, you need to cross the causeway that remains low tide only for 2.5 hours. The walk begins from National Trust Car park in Rhossili village, and you walk towards Rhossili bay to descent to the causeway.

In summer, Rhossili is very popular or their Sunflower Fields on The Vile, that is maintained by National Trust. 400000 sunflowers are planted in an effort of conservation project that attracts people across UK. Best time to visit the fields is between late July to early September.

Click here to book your stay in Rhossili

To conclude, I would just say one thing. If you are looking to spend quality time with family, a romantic getaway with your partner, indulge in outdoor adventures, or take the kids on a day out, National Trust places in Wales are a perfect choice.

For instance, a place like Dolaucothi Mines are best place to visit on a rainy day and are educational tours for kids to understand the history of these mines.

Similarly the castles and gardens are perfect for a day out. Not to forget the coastline where you can hopelessly be lost in the nature.

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