As Kate and William head to Wales: 5 places you need to visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales are going on a Welsh royal visit – Imy Brighty-Potts picks out the best places to put on your bucket list.

The couple visited Cardiff Castle with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in June (Ashley Crowden/PA)

After the death of the Queen and the end of the period of national mourning, the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to visit the nation for their first official visit since taking up their new titles.

William and Kate will spend the day travelling around the country, first visiting Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, then going on to Swansea in South West Wales.

As the new Prince and Princess, the royal couple had promised to visit at the earliest opportunity to begin “deepening the trust and respect” they have with the Welsh people.

The last time the couple took a trip to Cardiff Castle in June, where rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert were taking place.

Here are some of the most breathtaking spots every visitor must see…

1. The Gower Peninsula, Swansea

Three Cliffs Bay is just one of the stunning beaches on the peninsula (Alamy/PA)

The Gower Peninsula became the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. With beautiful sandy beaches and waves made for surfing, Llangennith Sands, Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili Bay are particularly popular places to visit.

The 19-mile-long peninsula is a great spot for a hike, and the broad cliffs are popular with climbers.

2. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

The beach could be in the Caribbean (Alamy/PA)

Sand dunes and pine trees come together to form one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. With no facilities, it may feel a bit remote and unwelcoming – but the simplicity and beauty of this place is worth a visit.

3. Pen-y-fan, Powys

The mountain is often snowy, but provides stunning views (Alamy/PA)

The highest peak in South Wales, Pen-y-fan is an incredible hiking destination in the Brecon Beacons.

The weather can be unpredictable, but the breathtaking views are worth it. Depending on your fitness level, you should be able to climb the peak in two to three hours each way.

4. Devil’s Bridge Falls, Aberystwyth

A steam engine train is a nice way to take a trip back in time (Alamy/PA)

Devil’s Bridge and the falls surrounding it have plenty of popular nature trails to pick from. To really feel like you’re travelling back in time, take the 12-mile trip on the steam train from Aberystwyth.

5. Portmeirion, Gwynedd

You could be fooled into thinking you’re in Italy, but it’s actually Wales (Alamy/PA)

A replica Italian town is not what you expect to find, but there it is in all its glory.

Built between 1925 and 1975, the village is located on the estuary of the River Dwyryd. Portmeirion has served as the location for numerous films and television shows over the years, and is the perfect place for a UK getaway that feels further afield.