Wales is such an underrated country to visit. Check out all the most beautiful Instagram-worthy destinations in Wales.
Cardiff
The capital city of Wales is a great place to start your Instagram journey in Wales. Being a coastal town, it was one of the most relaxing cities to walk around in and offers so many wonderful photo ops! The first Instagram-worthy spot is at Cardiff Castle. Explore the castle grounds and even climb the castle to learn almost 2,000 years’ worth of the castle’s history! Tickets do need to be purchased in order to enter. It is 12.50 pounds to enter (or around $17 US dollars). And it is open all year round, 7 days a week. (With the exception of December 25, 26, and January 1).
After you have filled up your camera with stunning photos; enjoy a picnic lunch, right behind the Castle in Bute Park. Walk along the river Taff, stop by the Summerhouse Café, and try to spot the Gorsedd Stone Circle. Each of these spots is the perfect opportunity to grab a few extra photos for your Instagram!
Another great Instagram location is the City Center! With all the stunning flags on display, it is not something you want to miss. The City Center is also a great place to shop. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the many, many shops!
Mount Snowden, North Wales
If you are looking for an epic Instagram picture with a story on how to get there to boot. Then a trip to the top of Mount Snowdon should be top of your list when you visit North Wales
Located in the Snowdonia National Park, Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. As a result, the views from the top are magnificent. Many people chose to take the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway all the way to the top. Because the station in itself is a brilliant photo opportunity with the steam train pulling into the station as you wait. The platform will give you some fantastic pictures. But you do have to be fast or you may miss your ride.
Some people choose to hike to the summit.
This is a huge effort, taking between 5 and 7 hours. It is not recommended for people who are not used to hiking in these conditions. However, people who are able to hike to the summit; are blessed with some of the most beautiful views over the stunning Welsh landscape.
Once at the summit there is the Summit Visitor center for you to freshen up. You can also get a snack before setting off up to the Cairn for even more stunning views. The Cairn is set up on a rocky mound. So you do need to be careful getting your pictures when you are up there.
It can become crowded and busy with people from the train. They only had a 30 minute stop before the train departs for the journey back down the mountain. On a clear day, you can get some amazing pictures of the valley below and see for miles. It is said sometimes you can see all the way to Ireland! Once you have caught the train back to the station you can wander the town on Llanberis. And find more amazing places to add to your Instagram feed.
Recommended by: Bec at Wyld Family Travel
Caerphilly Castle
If you are looking for a great Instagram spot in Wales, head for Caerphilly Castle. Located just 30 minutes north of Cardiff, this castle is the second largest in Great Britain after Windsor. And is a great place for some Instagram-worthy shots. Caerphilly can be reached by car or train. Alighting at the town of the same name and taking the short 10 minutes’ walk from the station.
As Caerphilly Castle is a Cadw site there is an entrance fee, but it is worth it. From outside the castle, you can get some great shots of the exterior. From across the moat water behind the castle and close to the Court House Inn. Inside there are a few places not to miss. Firstly, at the Dragons Lair, where Dewi and Dwynwen reside with their baby dragons.
Close by is the Leaning Tower of Caerphilly with its knight helping to hold it up. This tower actually leans to a great degree than the one in Pisa. Inside, so long as a wedding is not taking place; you could pretend you are King and Queen in the Great Hall. And behind the castle is Gilbert’s Maze. Caerphilly is not only a great Instagram spot but also a great castle to visit.
Recommended by: Cath at Wales with Kids Wales with Kids
Strumble Head Lighthouse
Strumble Head is a remote headland in Pembrokeshire which has a stunning lighthouse on an offshore island. It is reached by taking the A487 from Fishguard. And following the narrow and winding coastal path through Tresinwen out to the lighthouse.
Unlike other Instagram locations, the chances are; you will have this one to yourself and can visit at any time without restrictions. If you visit at night or during a storm, be aware that the cliffs are sheer. And there are no safety barriers.
The road leads directly to a parking area. From here you have a range of options for getting the perfect shot. The best place is to follow the grassy path down to the concrete observatory. From here there are views along to the lighthouse. This is protected from the weather and has large open windows. That make the perfect frame for a photograph of the lighthouse.
If you are more energetic then there are paths that follow the coast along the headland. And in the late summer, these are deep yellow with gorse. And purple from the heather which can make for the perfect Instagram photo.
The area faces northwest so it is great for the perfect sunset shot. And is known for its clear skies that turn a perfect pastel shade; after the sun has dipped below the horizon.
Recommended by: Suzanne at Meandering Wild
Tenby
The charming coastal town of Tenby is situated in Pembrokeshire on the southern coast of Wales. Tenby is famous for its historic town walls dating back to the 13th century that lines its coast, excellent Tenby Museum – the oldest independent museum in Wales and gorgeous wide beaches.
While Tenby has many cute places to take Instagramable photos, the small marina behind Castle Beach is the best spot! The marina is super picturesque and surrounded by colorful townhouses. The best time to take the photo is late morning when the sun is on the east shining directly on the townhouse bringing more colors. Go down to the beach where various small boats are docked on the water providing an exciting background for the photo. Other places in Tenby that can give some more great opportunities for Instagram photos include the Castle Beach in the late afternoon during the golden hour, the view of St Catherine’s Island, and from the ruins of the Tenby Castle.
Tenby is situated 5 hours drive from London. The best way to get to Tenby is by car. However, it is also possible to get there by train. Take a train from London Paddington Station with changes in Swansea and Carmarthen.
Recommended by: Mal at Raw Mal Roams
Brecon Beacons National Park
Just north of the capital city of Cardiff is one of the three national parks in Wales – Brecon Beacons National Park. Here you can drive through beautiful mountain ranges and stop at gorgeous overlooks! Stop and take the time to soak in the beauty of the country as well as snap a few photos! One thing you can count on seeing at Brecon Beacons National Park is the free-ranging sheep and wild horses! Some were a bit shy, but others did not seem to mind how close we got and even nudged us for some snacks or extra scratches. Please respect the animals as they are still wild, but don’t forget to get that camera out!
After soaking in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, journey towards Brecon Town to find a bite to eat. There are several options to choose from, Brecon Tap (great pies!), Chang Thai Cuisine (unexpectantly good in Wales), Easts of Brecon (homemade goods), or Café (great sandwiches & burgers). If you have some free time after you eat, stop by the Brecon Cathedral. Any foodie bloggers out there? I highly recommend stopping here to get that delicious food content!
If you haven’t gotten enough Instagram-worthy photos of the Brecon Beacons. Stop by the Libanus Visitor Center. Here, you have the option of doing some souvenir shopping, resting in one of their lawn chairs, or having some lovely afternoon tea. From the terrace, there are good views of the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan and, Corn Du! And of course, more photo opportunities!
Pembrokeshire
Tenby is a popular seaside town and one of the best Pembrokeshire places in West Wales. Tenby has many great spots for photos for Instagram including the beaches, Caldey Island, castle walls, and arcades but the very best spot is the colored houses of Tenby.
To find the coloured houses, head to Tenby centre and head straight to Tenby harbour where you’ll see a small beach, lots of boats, Caldey Island in the distance and tour operators for trips. If you look to both your left and right, there are lined coloured houses. You have a few options for good photo opportunities: a great spot would be to stand to the left of the harbour and looking over the small beach with the coloured houses behind and going down to the beach and having the coloured houses behind you.
There are no wait times or permissions and it’s free to visit. The best time to get your photo would be the golden hour before sunset especially on a nice day because the rainbow houses glisten in those rays!
Recommended by: Shireen at The Happy Days Travels.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is located on the amazing coast of North Wales. King Edward built Conwy Castle as part of his ring of castle in the north that was designed to subdue and intimidate the welsh people during the English occupation of the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Conway Castle sits on the bank of Conwy Bay dominating the surrounding landscape Constructed between 1283 and 1289 at the huge cost of 15000 pounds the castle today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The things that strike you about Conwy Castle and its enormous defensive walls that stretch all the way around the village of Conwy allowing visitors to get some amazing shots of the castle. The best vantage points are at the front from what was the draw bridge and from one of the towers inside. The best way to access Conwy castle is via the A55 highway from north England or by train to Llandudno
Recommended by: Mark at Wyld Family Travel
Hay-on-Wye
One of the best photo spots in Wales is the town of Hay-on-Wye, just across the border from England. Known as the “Town of Books,” Hay-on-Wye is home to at least 20 bookshops, including regularly used bookstores and niche shops that focus on poetry or murder mysteries. The most Instagrammable of these is the Castle Honesty Bookshop, an open-air set of stalls just across from Hay Castle. With rows of books and a pretty house in the background, it makes for the perfect Instagram setting.
Make sure to spend some time browsing their collection after you snap a photo! If you find a book you like, pay for it by dropping your money into the box – it’s all done on the honesty system (hence the name). Another top contender is Addyman’s Books, which has beautiful – and sometimes funky – décor. There are other pretty spots around Hay-on-Wye, too – the town has plenty of other bookshops, charming corners, and antique shops to discover as you wander around.
The Warren, about a 15-minute walk from a town near the River Wye, is a beautiful meadow and a designated Site of Scientific Interest (SSI). It also provides an idyllic countryside background for photos. Whether you visit for the bookshops or a wander around the town, don’t miss Hay-on-Wye in Wales!
Recommended by: Maja at Away with Maja
Portmeirion
Portmeirion, North Wales, is an exclusive village that transfers you to another realm. Visualize yourself trekking through the Snowdonia National Park one minute and arriving at vibrant Mediterranean heaven the next. Located on the Northwest coast it can be reached easily from all over Wales and if you’re driving you have the benefit of free parking. If you’re looking for Instagram-able photos you won’t be disappointed.
Best of all, you’ll encounter most of them when you’re naturally discovering the best things to do in Portmeirion. The pastel-colored houses of the village itself make wonderful photos that most people wouldn’t guess are even taken in Wales. Take a walk through the woodlands which will be vibrant in spring, summer, and autumn, or even great for eerie shots in winter, particularly if you head to the Pet Cemetery!
Panoramic views from the top of the cliffs will give you mountainous landscapes and stunning coastal scenes. Make your way to the estuary so you can see the sea, sand, and small coves up close and personal. There are also other quirky features such as a ship and lighthouse when you take the coastal trail back towards the village. Best of all, although Portmeirion is popular, it doesn’t get crowded so it is unlikely that you will need to queue for a specific shot.
Recommended by: Kerry at VeggTravel
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