Things to Do in Wales: A Green Traveler’s Guide
Wales is a stunning destination for eco-conscious travellers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a growing focus on sustainable tourism. From wildlife watching to exploring eco-friendly communities, there are plenty of things to do in Wales that align with responsible travel. Whether you’re looking to witness dolphins in Cardigan Bay or stay at a sustainable eco-village like Llanfyllin Ecovillage, Wales provides a range of green travel options. This guide highlights the best eco-friendly attractions, wildlife experiences, and opportunities to buy local products while supporting sustainable tourism in Wales
Dan-yr-Ogof Caves in the Brecon Beacons are a real gem , and is among the largest cave systems in Europe. Visitors can explore these stunning natural formations while learning about the importance of cave conservation. Fun fact: the caves were used as a filming location for the famous BBC series Doctor Who!
The WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, founded by Sir Peter Scott (yep, the son of famous explorer Robert Falcon Scott!), is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s not just about spotting birds, though — this place is all about protecting the environment and getting up close with one of the UK’s most important wetland habitats. Fun fact: Sir Peter Scott was also the guy who created the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and inspired David Attenborough so this place really has some serious conservation cred!
Head to the Rhayader Red Kite Feeding Station and watch in awe as the incredible red kites — the national birds of Wales — swoop down for food. It’s like nature’s own airshow! What’s even cooler is that this feeding station has played a huge role in the remarkable recovery of red kites in Wales, after their numbers almost disappeared in the 20th century. Fun fact: red kites are known for their graceful, forked tails, which help them glide effortlessly through the sky. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!
If you’re a marine life lover, the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is the place to be! This conservation hotspot is all about protecting dolphins, seals, and seabirds, and offers awesome wildlife watching tours. Plus, you can even get involved in beach clean-ups to help protect these amazing creatures. Fun fact: Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins — they’ve been known to swim right up to the shore! It’s a real chance to connect with nature and make a difference while having a blast.
If you’re a birdwatching fanatic, Skomer Island should be at the top of your bucket list! Picture this: huge colonies of adorable puffins and sleek Manx shearwaters hanging out in their natural habitat. It’s an absolute paradise for bird lovers! And here’s the cool part — despite puffins facing global population declines, this year, a record-breaking 43,626 puffinswere spotted on Skomer Island! Talk about a puffin party! According to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, this place is truly a seabird wonderland. You’ll get a front-row seat to one of nature’s most amazing spectacles.
The Glaslyn Osprey Centre in Snowdonia National Park is where the action’s at! This place is all about osprey conservation, and right now, it’s even more exciting because there are new osprey chicks! You can catch all the latest updates on these magnificent birds and witness their incredible comeback. Get ready to be amazed as you watch these majestic creatures soar high above, and who knows, you might even spot one of the fluffy little chicks making its first flight!
If you’re into eco-living and want to see sustainability in action, Lamas Ecovillage is your dream destination! This innovative community in Powys is all about green living — think renewable energy, organic farming, and eco-friendly architecture. You can wander around the village, dive into hands-on workshops, and get the full experience of living the sustainable life. It’s like stepping into a real-life green utopia where everything is designed to work with nature. Ready to roll up your sleeves and live sustainably for a day?
Ready to take a trip back in time? The Big Pit National Coal Museum is the place to go if you want to explore Wales’ industrial past with a modern twist. You’ll get the scoop on how coal shaped the country. The museum is committed to sustainable tourism and have solar panels installed .
Imagine sipping delicious organic wine at the first hotel in the UK to be nestled right on a vineyard — that’s Llanerch Vineyard for you! Owned by Ryan Davies, this place isn’t just about great wine; it’s all about sustainability. They’re big on eco-friendly viticulture and supporting the local community. Whether you’re a wine lover or an eco-conscious traveler, Llanerch is the perfect spot to kick back, learn about sustainable farming, and enjoy some of the best local wines. Cheers to green living and great grapes!
Wales’ extensive train network and rail passes provides a sustainable way to explore the country. With stunning routes like the Heart of Wales Line and the Cambrian Coast, trains offer a low-carbon alternative to driving.
From dolphin watching in Cardigan Bay to learning about sustainable living at Lamas Ecovillage, Wales offers an array of eco-friendly activities for the conscious traveler. By supporting local businesses and sustainable initiatives, you can enjoy the best of Wales’ natural beauty and help protect it for future generations. Check out our tours to find the perfect adventure, or get in touch for tailor-made itineraries designed around your interests. At Wales Trails, we’re proud to hold a Green Tourism Award and are committed to offering eco-conscious itineraries that let you experience the best of Wales while treading lightly on the planet.
