In addition to our 650 miles of National Trails and 732 miles of coastline, Wales is a land of castles, which stand in majestic celebration of some of the most skilful craftsmanship and medieval military architecture in Europe.  In fact, we’ve got more of them per square mile than any other country in Europe – 641 altogether.

Wales owes many of its most spectacular castles to King Edward I.  The breathtaking achievements of his reign, in organisational and architectural skill, far surpassed anything hitherto attempted in the British Isles and four – Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris – of the castles which he commissioned have been justly awarded World Heritage status.

Even after 700 years you can still appreciate the tremendous sophistication of design – most notably, the concentric circle layout that was put into these castles, and is probably one of the reasons that they have survived as well as they did.

In South Wales Caerphilly Castle is one of the finest examples of Norman military architecture still standing.  It was built on three islands and covers 30 acres and when reflected in the still waters of its great lake the castle still presents an awe-inspiring vision.

In Mid Wales it is well worth taking time out from hiking in the Brecon Beacons or a visit to a Red Kite centre to stroll around the National Trust’s Powis Castle and Gardens which although more modern in structure is no less impressive.

Wales also has a rich industrial heritage, that is very much part of Wales’ identity.  Nowhere speaks more resonantly of this industrial past than Big Pit: National Mining Museum of Wales, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage site at Blaenafon.  The museum recently claimed the £100,000 Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year.  It offers a truly unique experience, allowing the visitor to go 300 feet underground – guided by an ex-miner – to see what life at the coalface was really like; whilst on the surface, ordinary colliery buildings house exhibitions and displays.

Cardiff, who’s own history is closely tied to South Wales Industrial Heritage, is this year celebrating its century as a city and fifty years as capital, and there is a full schedule of events planned to commemorate this.

History of a more rural flavour is served up at the Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans near Cardiff (which like the Big Pit is part of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, and as such offers free entry to all comers).  Traditional rural Welsh buildings have been brought to St Fagans from all over Wales and painstakingly recreated allowing the visitor to encounter 500 years worth of changing culture over the course of an afternoon, simply by strolling around the beautiful grounds and gardens.  There are also museum displays and the chance to watch craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills.

Wales’ cultural heritage is also rich in fine poetry and famous voices – a visit to Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse at Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, where he wrote many of his works, is a must for poetry fans and will provide an atmospheric insight into the celebrated poet.

There are legends and many sites of interest relating to King Arthur and the wizard, Merlin, whilst the Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire – also a great place for a picnic – are said to be the source of the bluestone megaliths used to form the inner circle of Stonehenge.