Latest news with #VisitWales
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Rundown' UK seaside resort unveils £10.8m to bring it back to life
A popular seaside town stung by negative reviews of being 'tatty and rundown' has almost finished its huge £10.8million refurb plan to bring the resort back to life A snubbed seaside resort described by visitors as 'tatty and rundown' has unveiled ambitious plans to come roaring back to life. Situated in the centre of the dramatic Ceredigion coastline in Wales, Aberystwyth (also known as Aber) has been a popular holiday destination for decades. Famed for its crescent-shaped beach, historic pier, and pastel-coloured homes, the town - in theory - ticks all the must-haves for any successful coastal resort. In the summer, the promenade sees music, choirs, and other performances liven up the street, while Constitution Hill, snuggled at the quieter northern end of the Promenade, features a cliff railway with the largest camera obscura in the world. "On clear days, the beach offers wonderful views of North Wales, including the peaks of the Llyn Peninsular and Snowdonia," Visit Wales states. However, just like many seaside towns up and down the nation - Aber has struggled keeping its pristine reputation. Just three weeks ago, one traveller left a scathing review of the town's seafront on Trip Advisor - stating he was 'really disappointed and pretty disgusted too'. "Very difficult to find parking and the seafront and town streets were filthy," the user wrote. "I have honestly never seen so much dog poo on the pavements anywhere in the whole of Britain." Older reviews from 2023 describe the town as 'drab, grey, and run down' while other say it's not somewhere you should go 'out of your way' to visit. But, last year, Aberystwyth started revamping the promenade as part of a £10.8 million investment funded by the UK Government. Work started on October 9, 2024, and has already seen new lighting foundations along the promenade as well as the installation of a slate poem celebrating the town's 'deep connection with the sea, history, and community spirit'. Other works include kerb-line replacements, creating more parking spaces, and widening the promenade between the Hut and Castle Point. "The road and widened footways along the promenade opened to the public on December 20, 2024, meeting the goal of completion before Christmas," the council stated. "Remaining tasks, including cobble-effect surfacing for table tops, bollard reinstatement, and street furniture installation, will be addressed later." £43 million is also being pumped into restoring Old College, a Victorian university building which was gutted by a fire which killed three people. Upon completion, it is expected to attract 200,000 visitors a year and become a centre for 'learning, heritage, culture and enterprise' as well as homing a four-star hotel. Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said the revitalisation of the promenade and the development of the Old College are 'pivotal projects' for the town's future. "Thanks to UK Government funding, we are seeing the physical and economic transformation of our town, enhancing opportunities for residents and visitors alike," he added. Dame Nia Griffith MP also welcomed the investment plans, arguing the UK government is 'committed to investing' in Wales. "Projects like the Old College and the improvements to Aberystwyth Promenade are crucial for driving local economic prosperity and creating spaces that benefit the whole community," she added. Visiting Aberystwyth - everything you need to know Located some 238 miles from London, getting to Aber from the Big Smoke takes around five and a half hours in the car. However, you can slash 45 minutes off the journey by taking the train - which will usually include a stopover in Birmingham. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £31.50. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, June 20-22) at the Starling Cloud Hotel will set you back £239. This is based on two adults sharing a Standard Double Room. If you're looking for a more luxurious stay - check out the five-star Awel Mor Holiday Apartments. Here, a three-bed apartment with a sea view will cost £690 on the exact same dates. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh seaside town with charming candy-coloured houses voted one of the best
Welsh seaside town with charming candy-coloured houses voted one of the best With gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming pastel homes, it's no surprise that this Pembrokeshire spot was named as one of the very finest Tenby in Pembrokeshire boasts so much to see and do (Image: new zealand transition via Getty Images ) Tucked away on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast lies Tenby, hailed by Visit Wales as "one of Wales' top seaside towns". With its white sandy beaches and inviting turquoise waters, the town's most iconic sight is undoubtedly the vibrant array of multi-coloured houses. Perched atop the cliffs, these pastel-painted homes offer breathtaking views over the sea. Come summertime, the beach transforms into a magnet for holidaymakers, complete with all the seaside essentials: squawking seagulls, bright sticks of rock, classic fish and chips, a bustling beachfront, and the sight of boats gently swaying in the harbour. READ MORE: Full list of Welsh beaches with Blue Flag status in 2025 The heart of Tenby is its harbour, instantly recognisable from countless images and postcards, full of charming candy-coloured Victorian buildings. Here, visitors can fish, embark on boat trips to the serene Caldey Island, or simply bask on the golden sands, reports the Express. Nestled at the core of the coastline, Tenby Harbour Beach is surrounded by an array of pubs, eateries, chip shops, and cafés. Article continues below Tenby is known for its beautiful pasted houses (Image: Getty Images ) While summer sees sunbathers and sandcastle enthusiasts flock to the shore, winter welcomes dog walkers to enjoy the open sands. Tenby boasts three splendid beaches: the quaint Castle Beach, the bigger North Beach which both attract families year-round, and South Beach, the largest of the trio. A mere 20-minute boat ride away lies Caldey Island, a tranquil haven boasting its own small beach. Caldey Island is a must-visit if you're in the area (Image: Getty Images/VisitBritain RM ) The island, managed by a community of Cistercian monks, welcomes visitors on summer weekdays and Saturdays. Regular boat services depart from Tenby Harbour. Article continues below For those seeking some physical activity, Tenby offers splendid coastal walks just a stone's throw away. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, stretching 4.5 miles, is among the most favoured routes. From Monkstone Point's headland, walkers can expect to see some breathtaking views. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Wales May half term 2025: Family events at Cadw sites
Cadw has launched a programme of events for May half term. The events will run from May 25 to June 2. Here is a list of some of the events that will be taking place. Chepstow Castle Bingo (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) This will take place from May 24 to June 1 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Visitors can explore the historic grounds of Chepstow Castle and search for clues in this family-friendly bingo challenge. William Marshal's Visit to Tintern Abbey (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) This will take place from May 24 to May 26 from 10.30am to 4pm. People can step back in time and meet William Marshal, one of the greatest knights of medieval Wales and the patron and benefactor of Tintern Abbey. Family Crafts Day at Caerwent Roman Town (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) This will take place on May 29 from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. People can get creative at Caerwent Roman Town for hands-on craft activities inspired by the location's rich history. Once a Romanised market town, Caerwent evidences how Wales was once such an important site for that empire. Booking is required. Medieval Murder Mystery at Raglan Castle (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) This will take place from May 25 to May 26 from 11am to 3.30pm. People can uncover secrets and solve a chilling crime in this immersive Medieval Murder Mystery at one of Wales' mightiest castles. Step into the shoes of a detective as you question characters, gather clues, and piece together the truth. Juggling Jim's Jester School and Arming the Knight at Chepstow Castle (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) Other events across Cadw's historic locations include Juggling Jim's Jester School at Chepstow Castle on May 31 and June 1and Arming the Knight, also at Chepstow Castle on May 24 and 25, where attendees can learn about Edward III, his armour and weapons, the wars in France, and their impact on life in the castle. Caerleon Roman Baths Floralia Trail (Image: Visit Wales Image Centre) There will also be a Floralia Trail, celebrating Flora the Roman Goddess of flowers, throughout half term at Caerleon Roman Baths. Normal admission will apply, and there will be no additional charges for the trail. Celtic and Roman herbs talk in Caerwent Roman Town (Image: Google Maps) Elsewhere, Caerwent Roman Town will host an introduction to Celtic and Roman herbs where folklorist and historian Val Williams will lead a talk about the herbs used by our Celtic ancestors and their ancient uses. Tickets are £20 per person by prior booking only. Light refreshments included. The half day course will take place in the Visitor Centre on Caerwent Road, near Pound Lane. Falconry Day at Raglan Castle (Image: Cadw Photographic Library) Raglan Castle will host a Falconry Day, with Raptor Wales flying their birds of prey. It will take place on May 28 between 11am and 4pm. Tintern Abbey talk on Monks Tintern Abbey will host Cistercian monk Brother Thomas, who will give a fascinating insight into life as a monk in the Abbey. As the cellarer of Tintern Abbey, Brother Thomas will be able to share all there is to know about the workings of the abbey, his fellow monks, the lay brothers and other 'less religious' people. You will learn about the daily life of the monks at the abbey, including their monastic duties, hygiene and eating habits, as well as the numerous religious services they would have to attend throughout the day. The event will be held on May 31 from 10:30am to 4:30pm. You do not need to book in advance. For those looking to take advantage of the events available during May half term, a Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales' rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership. A selection of Cadw's most fascinating historic places – including Valle Crucis Abbey, Castell Cilgerran and Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber – will also be open for guided tours throughout the summer. Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said: "Our lively schedule of events across May half term will hopefully inspire pride in Welsh heritage, spark curiosity and offer fun for all ages. "It's an opportunity for families to get out and learn about the rich history that makes Wales so unique. "Children go free with any adult membership offering great value to keep the whole family entertained over the holidays and throughout the year." To find out more, visit the Cadw website.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
When it comes to tourism, wet weather is the least of Wales's worries
If you've ever been swallowed whole by a cloud while hiking in the brooding peaks of Snowdonia, been thumped by slanting, pellet-like rain and Atlantic winds so strong they threaten to toss you off the cliff edge on the west coast, or driven along a single-track lane in relentless rain, windscreen wipers frantically competing with the heavens, you'll know that it never rains in Wales but it pours. Or, as they say in Welsh: 'Mae hi'n bwrw hen wragedd a ffyn' ('It's raining old women and walking sticks'). The rain in Wales might be a cliché, but it's a cliché with more than a grain of truth – downpours can be spectacular in this green and glorious land. Pretty much anyone who has ever holidayed in Wales has a rainy-day tale to tell. And, as locals tell you, no umbrella (however sturdy) or waterproof jacket can ever stop a good drenching at, so you might as well just embrace it. Trouble is, not everyone agrees. The summer of 2024 was wet. So wet, in fact, that in a Visit Wales survey, 55 per cent cited the weather for a 40 per cent year-on-year slump in visitor numbers. As a result, the government stumped up a £1 million weather-proofing fund, enabling owners of small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism industry to apply for grants of up to £20,000 for everything from visitor shelters to canopies, mudproof car parks and sustainable drainage. This is part of a wider scheme to promote Wales as a year-round destination and extend a warm croeso (welcome) no matter the season or weather. According to cabinet secretary Rebecca Evans: 'These grants will help our tourism attractions become more resilient, extend their season and improve the visitor experience, supporting both the businesses and the wider Welsh economy.' But on the ground, many businesses are worried that the £1 million fund won't be the game-changer in boosting visitor numbers that businesses are hoping for. Though a welly-booted foot in the right direction, they believe the sum is just a drop in the ocean – insufficient to have a real and lasting impact on the industry. So what else can be done? Sing about the country's charms Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives and what brings people to Wales in the first place – its wild, glacier-sculpted beauty, its outdoor adventures, its millennia-spanning history, its low-beamed pubs filled with real ales and roaring fires (perfect for when it buckets down). Wales is a land of fantasy backdrops. Movie tourism is booming and gives exposure to millions, and film directors can't get enough of the country's rugged looks, castles and dragons, as seen in the likes of HBO's House of the Dragon. Tours, themed itineraries, maps and apps could give tourists from overseas fresh incentive to visit and mean big bucks for Wales. Adventure tourism is huge and Wales is ripe with potential, with vast moors, craggy peaks and the magnificent 860-mile Wales Coast Path skimming the country's entire coastline – a world first. Snowdonia is right up there with extreme sports hubs like New Zealand's Queenstown – there's trekking, rock climbing, caving, kayaking, ziplining in an enormous slate quarry, the lot. Pembrokeshire is the birthplace of coasteering, has beaches to rival Cornwall and prehistoric stones that are the precursor of Stonehenge. And you'll never get closer to puffins than on Skomer Island. The food scene has gone through the roof (hello, two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir). Nowhere on earth has more castles per square mile. King Arthur legends abound. And Wales glitters with some of the world's starriest night skies, with three International Dark Sky Places and Europe's first Dark Sky Sanctuary, Ynys Enlli, or Bardsey Island). It's all here but let's make more of it, shout louder about it, create bespoke packages and themed road trips – offer visitors an easy road in. Improve infrastructure Forget the rain, let's arrive first. Things have been looking up for Cardiff Airport recently, with new routes and more flights, but the airport still lags behind on a national level, with 881,000 passengers in 2024 versus Bristol's 10 million, Edinburgh's 15.8 million and Heathrow's record-breaking 83.9 million. Increased investment could attract more airlines still, opening Wales up to the wider world. Behind the wheel, it can take three to four hours to drive from south to north, not because of the distance, but because of the roads over hill, moor and valley. If you have limitless time, the single-tracks are charming, but not everyone wants to move at tractor pace. Investment, an eye on a greener future (more EV charging points) and clever marketing to show off the beauty of the backroads is needed. Public transport could do with a push, too. Travelling from South Wales to Snowdonia often involves going through England, with a change in Shrewsbury or Chester. Bus services can be patchy and, in remote reaches, non-existent. Underfunding means services are often axed. Transport for Wales' Explore Wales Pass isn't as handy as it could be: available for four days in an eight-day period. With an improved network, Wales could offer incentives for travelling by public transport, taking note of great-value passes like Germany's Deutschland Ticket, covering the entire network for €58 a month. Ditch the tourism tax There has been much talk about the tourist tax, or visitor levy, in the offing, which is expected to be introduced in 2027. Applying to overnight stays, the fee is expected to be £1.25 per person per night in B&Bs and hotels, £0.75 in campgrounds and hostels. Even babies and toddlers won't be exempt. This money is supposed to generate revenue to feed into the tourism industry. But many businesses are disgruntled and believe it's a bad move, pointing out that such taxes often apply in areas of overtourism. Wales isn't Venice or Santorini – it needs to encourage more people to visit, so surely introducing a fee to do so will be off-putting? Maybe. But perhaps the deciding point is how Wales manages the tax, showing the tangible benefits. Countries like Austria, Germany and Switzerland do this brilliantly well, with visitor taxes equalling guest passes that entitle visitors to everything from free guided hikes and public transport to hefty discounts on everything from local attractions to next-big-thing wellness activities like – who knows? – rain bathing.
Time Out
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Wales is spending £1 million on shelters to protect tourists from rain
Wales is gorgeous. Its sprawling beaches, spectacular mountains, fascinating castles and fantastic food scene are all reasons that it should be on your travel radar. But there might just be one thing that's putting you off – the rain. According to the Welsh government, tourism brings £3.8 billion to the country's economy each year. That being said, data from VisitWales revealed that 55 percent of Welsh businesses blamed bad weather for a drop in visitor numbers last summer. But now, the Senedd has come up with a way to tackle that. Last week, the Welsh government announced that it would be launching a £1 million weather-proofing grant scheme. What does that involve, exactly? Basically, it'll offer business money to invest in stuff canopies, rain shelters for queues and ticket offices and improved car park surfaces so that they can welcome visitors come rain or shine. The scheme will run until 2026, with grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000. To be eligible, businesses must be micro, small or medium-sized, be accredited visitor attractions under the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme and have been running at least one year as a limited company, partnership, sole trader or social enterprise. Rebecca Evans, the Welsh cabinet secretary responsible for tourism, said: 'As the weather, which has carved out our impressive landscapes throughout history, becomes more and more unpredictable, it has been identified as the single biggest factor affecting visitor numbers to Welsh attractions. 'Poor weather can stop them operating as normal, impact on the experience and has the potential to discourage visits in the first place. That's why we have listened to the concerns of people working in the tourism attraction sector and launched this fund, helping them prepare for increasingly variable weather patterns.' Time Out in Wales best beaches, best places to visit, best things to do and the best of its capital city.
