Check out a newer 2020 version of this post on my new blog: 6 Reasons To Visit Wales In Fall
In 2016 I decided to visit Wales over Columbus Day. I had been to Wales for a few days on our first trip to the UK, but I knew that I wanted to explore more of this place filled with legends and castles. I had read mixed reviews on if fall was the ideal time to travel to Wales. It seemed the weather was going to be the biggest obstacle and we really weren’t sure what we were in for. In the end, the weather was perfect and I could not have gone at a better time!
Conway Castle
I visited so many castles on this trip to Wales and there were none that were overly busy. With the exception of Caernarfon Castle because I just so happened to visit during the Weeping Window installation. I was so bummed that I missed the one at the Tower of London and was so excited when I found out we were in the right place at the right time! I got Tintern Abbey completely to myself and it was amazing.
Caerphilly Castle
After my first visit to Wales and doing a bit of research, I was expecting rain. I even bought a cute new raincoat for the trip but I never even had to take it out of my bag. There were a few cloudy days but I never even saw a drop of rain during this trip. I know that the weather in Wales can be unpredictable and this may just have been luck but the weather was great. It was cool but not freezing cold (it was freezing cold when I went in late April/early May). I’m talking clear blue skies and big white puffy clouds most days.
Dolbadarn Castle
Tourist season is over by this time so you have your pick of hotels, BNB’s or my personal preference, Air BNB’s. I stayed at a really great place in Wales. You also don’t have to deal with long lines at more touristy attractions, i.e. castles, abbeys or even the cog railroad at Snowdonia. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of people traveling to Wales in October it’s just not as crowded as it would be in the summer months. So take advantage!!
Tintern Abbey
Thanks greatly to number 4 on this list (because tourist season is over) you won’t find many other tourists. In my opinion, this gives you more of an authentic experience. This can be both good and bad. It’s great for the most part but when it comes to driving on some of the dicey-er back roads you don’t get the privilege of locals just assuming you are some tourists. The Welsh as people are incredibly welcoming and friendly. So getting that authentic experience is a perfect reason to visit Wales in the fall.
I know, you may be thinking, there are fall colors in Wales? I’ll admit, I didn’t think Wales would have much in the way of fall foliage. And to be honest, coming from a place like New England that is famous for foliage, it’s not the same kind. However, there is more fall color then you would imagine! If you are looking for fall colors in Wales one place, in particular, comes to mind, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearoom it is beyond beautiful in the fall.
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearoom
Okay, this one goes for any time of the year but…Wales isn’t overly touristy in the first place. I will be the first to admit that Wales was never on my travel list. It was never even on my radar until I started studying European History. I became incredibly interested in medieval history and British history and then there she was…Wales. I think it often gets overlooked because of the more touristy neighbors England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearoom
When I got my first chance to go to the UK, I knew that I wanted to explore some of the impressive 600+ castles. It is so much more than castles though, Wales is a land of legends and stunning scenery. It is a place that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. At the risk of sounding corny – it’s pure magic.
It’s actually the Mr’s favorite place that we’ve been so far. To read more about why he loves Wales and some of our other favorite places.
To read about my favorite castles in Wales click here.
And to see more photos of the stunning castles of Wales click here.
