Welsh Escape: 10 Reasons to head back to Wales this Spring and Summer

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, Wales is gearing up for an exciting season filled with outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a reason to reconnect with Wales or just want to immerse yourself in some summer fun, here are ten reasons Wales should be at the top of your list this Spring and Summer season…

Depot in the Castle – Cardiff Castle

A festival in a castle? That’s right! On 26th July, our beloved Cardiff Castle turns into a musical hotspot - Depot in the Castle offers a unique experience where music lovers can enjoy their favourite artists, surrounded by the summer sun in a truly magical location.

Depot is renowned locally for hosting some of Cardiff’s most exciting events, and Depot in the Castle is no exception. It has a reputation for bringing an impressive line-up of artists to Cardiff. This year’s headliners include Jess Glynne, Sigma, Kate Nash and Professor Green. The festival is family-friendly, making it a great choice for festival-goers of all ages. 

Hikes in the Brecon Beacons

Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure this summer? Of course, no top destination list would be complete without a nod to our world-beating Bannau Brycheiniog National Park - a name that musters up a lot of ‘hiraeth’ (remember Michael Sheen’s video?). Breathtaking landscapes and scenic trails offer some of the best hiking experiences in the UK. 

 Standing at 886 meters, Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales, and for those who’ve never pilgrimaged up this hiking superstar of South Wales it truly does offer some of the most stunning views in our fair country. For nature lovers, the Four Waterfalls Walk takes you through ancient woodlands, leading to four spectacular waterfalls, including the magical Sgwd yr Eira!

 Focus Festival – Wrexham

One of the UK’s most unique festivals, FOCUS Wales brings together rising stars and industry professionals for a three-day celebration of music, arts, and culture. Taking place during the 8th to 10th May, FOCUS Wales has built quite a reputation for giving a stage to up-and-coming artists from Wales and beyond. 

With over 250 live acts performing across multiple stages, this festival is a fantastic opportunity to discover the next big thing in music before it hits the mainstream. Artists this year include Sprints, Nova Twins and Gruff Rhys performing music from genres that range from indie and rock to electronic and folk. 

Foodies Festival – Bute Park, Cardiff

Food lovers, mark your calendars! Foodies Festival 2025 returns to Cardiff’s Bute Park from May 9th to 11th, bringing a weekend of top-tier cuisine, live music, and family fun. Foodies Festival always delivers when it comes to culinary talent. Expect to see top chefs from MasterChef UK, Great British Bake Off, and Michelin-star restaurants showcasing their skills in live cooking demonstrations.

Alongside the food, it is also a weekend full of music entertainment. This year’s music line-up includes hits from Scouting for Girls, The Wanted, and Peter Andre. 

Hay Festival - Hay-on-Wye

If you love literature, arts, and culture, then the iconic Hay Festival is an unmissable event. The spring festival is held annually (this year from 22nd May to June the 1st) in the charming Welsh border town of Hay-on-Wye, an 11-day family-friendly celebration and exploration of books and ideas that brings together some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers.

 Hay Festival is famous for its star-studded lineup of award-winning authors, poets, and public figures. This year’s festival line-up includes Stephen Fry, Ruth Jones and James Corden, plus Jameela Jamil and Grayson Perry. From inspiring talks, book signings, and discussions with brilliant minds, Hay is a must-visit this spring.

If you can’t make it back this year - Hay Festival is global and hosts several other festivals all over the world throughout the year and much of its content is available to access online on demand. 

Connect with Hay Festival Via GlobalWelsh >>

Wales Harp Festival - Caernarfon

For lovers of traditional Welsh music and culture, the Wales Harp Festival in Caernarfon, North Wales, is a must-visit event. Held annually at the Galeri Arts Centre, this festival is a celebration of the Welsh harp, an instrument rooted deeply in the country’s musical heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned harpist, an aspiring musician, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful music, here’s why you should attend this extraordinary festival.

Wales Airshow - Swansea

This two-day aerial extravaganza over Swansea Bay is the perfect reason to visit Wales. Taking place on the 5th and 6th July, this free, family-friendly event offers aerial displays and stunts from talented professionals alongside stunning coastal views right in the heart of Swansea Bay. 

The event is one of the biggest and most exciting Air shows in Wales, featuring aerobatics, fast jets, and vintage aircraft soaring over the Swansea coastline. You can expect to see teams like the Red Arrows performing their signature stunts, as well as RAF Typhoons, Spitfires, and even civilian stunt pilots. 

Green Man Festival – Brecon Beacons

A must-visit for every folk and indie music lover, the world over. If you’re looking for an unforgettable event set against the most spectacular backdrop (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park near Crickhowell), the Green Man Festival is the one for you. Taking place on the 14th-17th August, Green Man is a cultural and artistic haven that embraces a diverse line-up of artists, spanning from genres of indie and folk to rock and electronic. Artists headlining this year include Irish hip-hop band ‘Knee Cap’ and the Welsh electronic music group ‘Underworld’.

How many festivals offer stunning views of the hills, forest, starry night skies and a world-class line up of music and activities for all the family? Our guess, none. So, if you’re looking for a festival that combines world-class music with nature, then the Green Man Festival is for you.

Gower Cheese and Cider Festival - Gower

As if any of us need an excuse to head down the Gower. But if Cheese and Cider is your idea of a match made in heaven, what better justification? Taking place between the 16th and 18th of May, the Gower Cheese and Cider Festival is a celebration of all things artisan cheese, local cider, and live music. A perfect summer escapade, offering a true taste of Wales. 

It is no secret that Wales is known for its incredible local produce, and the Gower Cheese and Cider Festival is the ultimate showcase. You’ll find a selection of award-winning cheeses from Welsh dairy farms, alongside handcrafted, traditional ciders. The weekend offers live demonstrations, talks and tastings from experts, giving you a chance to discover and learn the secrets behind Wales’s favourite foods and drinks.

Big Love Festival - Usk

Fairly new to the festival scene, Big Love Festival returns to Usk, Monmouthshire, from July 17th to 20th, offering a vibrant mix of music and arts across six stages. With a welcoming, community feel, it’s perfect for both seasoned festival-goers and first-timers.

The festival is known for its diverse artists and lineups, allowing you to rave with high-energy DJs or chill during live acoustic sets. The festival prides itself on showcasing both local talent and international acts, mixing familiar favourites and exciting new music. If you’re looking for a weekend full of music, arts, fun, and friendship, Big Love Festival in Usk is the place to be this July.

Far from an exhaustive list, but certainly some key highlights to kit you out with enough excuses to head back to Wales this spring or summer. Whilst we can’t always promise sun, we can certainly promise stunning landscapes, world-class festivals, and uniquely Welsh cultural experiences for all. And I think we can all agree that Wales is, in fact, the perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway. So, pack your bags and get reconnecting with the motherland this spring/summer. 

P.S. If you can’t make it back, why not share this article with your friends and family and give them some reasons to check out Wales!