Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Wales! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Wales, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Wales Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Wales for up to 6 months.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Wales currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
If you are not an EU citizen, you may need to apply for a VISA if you intend to travel to Wales. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe and the UK will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the UK as an EU resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. You can apply for one within your home country.
Wales Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Wales throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | 3° / 8° | 3° / 8° | 4° / 10° | 6° / 13° | 9° / 16° | 11° / 18° |
| Bangor | 4° / 7° | 3° / 7° | 4° / 9° | 6° / 11° | 8° / 14° | 11° / 16° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | 13° / 20° | 13° / 20° | 12° / 18° | 9° / 14° | 6° / 11° | 4° / 8° |
| Bangor | 13° / 18° | 13° / 18° | 11° / 16° | 9° / 13° | 6° / 10° | 4° / 8° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Wales is from April to June, when the weather is likely to be nicer and the crowds aren’t too busy. It’s a good time to explore the coastlines and see the local wildlife start to emerge. Do expect rain however!
Getting around in Wales
Children under 5 travel for free.
Trains
The main railway in Wales runs parallel to the South coast, stopping at Chepstow, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire. Branching lines also serve the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk.
The North Wales Coast Railway runs through Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor and Holyhead. It also branches off to Wrexham and Shotton.
You can also travel through Mid Wales on the Heart of Wales line from Shrewsbury to Llanelli and Swansea, the Cambrian line from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth, and the Conwy Valley line from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog through Snowdonia.
For tickets and timetables, visit the National Rail website.
Buses
There are plenty of bus services that operate in Wales, connecting villages with towns and cities. Board the bus through the front entrance and pay the driver for your ticket by cash or card. Depending on the bus, you will need to either exit by the front entrance again, or by a side entrance.
The TrawsCymru long distance buses are a great way to explore Wales, and you can buy a day ticket directly from the driver.
Taxis
Taxi fares vary wildly depending on where you are and the time of day or week it is, and in general are reasonably expensive. The majority of taxis will take card as well as cash, but always check with them before you set off. The easiest way to take a taxi is to either walk to a taxi rank, or contact a taxi company directly by app, online, or by phone. Uber is a popular option.
Bikes
By following the National Cycle Network, you can explore some of Wales’ most beautiful country lanes, disused railway lines and forest paths by bike. You can find all the available routes at sustrans.org.uk.
Luggage storage
There is no specific luggage storage at Cardiff Airport or the Central Station, however there are useful luggage storage solutions in Wales including Stasher, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Wales
What language is mainly spoken in Wales?
Welsh is the official language of Wales, but the main language spoken is English.
What is the main currency of Wales?
The currency of Wales is the Pound Sterling (£).
What is the emergency number in Wales?
If you need emergency services in Wales, you can dial 999 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, or the police. In a non-emergency, you can call 111 for health care, or 101 to report a crime.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Wales?
You will need a Type G system adapter for plugs in Wales. Wales operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Wales?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Wales.
Are public toilets free in Wales?
Generally, public toilets are free to use in Wales, but can sometimes cost a small charge around 20p. It’s worth carrying around a little pocket change just in case.
Is there free public wi-fi in Wales?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Wales. Look for it in places like stations, museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Wales?
Tipping isn’t expected in Wales, but if you feel you’ve had an exceptional service, a usual tip is around 10% of the total bill.
What is the drinking age in Wales?
The legal drinking age is 18 in Wales, although 16 and 17 year olds can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a restaurant or pub if accompanied and bought by an adult.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Wales?
The only dangerous animal in Wales is the adder, a venomous snake common throughout undergrowth and along the coast, however its bite is rarely fatal and is easily treated. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Wales? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in the British Isles!