Hand made chocolates

Wales is a captivating part of Britain not to be missed, and once there, you will find a warm welcome awaits you. Rich in history and culture, steeped in myth and legend, as much an experience as it is a place. Oh, and there are hundreds of castles and some really fantastic scenery, too. So when you next visit Britain, go a little further … and visit Wales. You are practically there already!

Experience a fascinating ancient language, more than 600 castles, the largest Impressionist art collection outside of Paris and a landscape just calling out to be explored. In a word, Wales is a land that inspires. Artists, poets and painters have been inspired by Wales for centuries. Now it is your turn!

Take a dip in the rapids of Wales' city living: visit cool Cardiff, friendly Swansea or the Welsh gateway city, Newport. Or slow it down in St Davids, the city no bigger than a village.

Reach the summit of Snowdon Mountain and you are standing at the highest point in England and Wales. Located at the heart of Snowdonia, one of the three National Parks, the views on the way up are just as breathtaking whether you hike up or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, recently won a beauty contest for Britain's best beach. In fact, Wales has got a 750-mile coastline and more top-rated beaches than anywhere else in Britain.

You will find hundreds of castles to explore in Wales as well as ancient cathedrals, abbeys and mysterious standing stones. If you have an appetite for history, Wales is a feast.

Wildlife thrives in the Welsh countryside and around the Welsh coastline. Dolphins and seals, butterflies and nocturnal badgers, warblers, kingfishers and the graceful red kite all call Wales their home.

Take time to go fishing, paddle a canoe or just enjoy cooling your feet in one of our fast-moving, crystal clear rivers. The Elan Valley is a wonderland of moorland, rivers, woodland, bogs and reservoirs.

Just about every hill, valley and stream in Wales has a legend to go with it. After you have heard the stories, it is fun to search out the settings. Listening to a Welsh Male Voice choir is a unique and moving experience. Most choirs welcome visitors to rehearsals, which are often as stirring and enjoyable as full-scale concerts - plus, you can see what goes on behind the scenes.

Welsh chefs are now recognized as some of the best in the world. Their "secret weapon" is the incredible range of local ingredients they have to choose from - classic cheeses, ultrafresh seafood and excellent meat.

The Welsh people love to chat with new friends so take time to visit the pub, market, tearoom or village shop. Enjoy a warm Welsh welcome: "Croeso"!