Sustainable Tourist Attractions in Wales

For a small country, Wales is packed with things to see and do including many natural wonders, making it a popular tourist destination. In fact, the Welsh Government has stated it wants to be a leader in sustainable tourism.  If you’re looking to discover this beautiful part of the world, in a way that respects and protects the natural environment, here are just a few of the sustainable tourist attractions on offer in Wales.

Glaslyn Nature Reserve

Made up of heathland and moorland, Glaslyn is Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s biggest nature reserve, and home to bird species such as the Red Grouse, Skylark and Golden Plover, as well as over 283 species of plant! Visitors can expect spectacular views all year round but particularly during the summer months when the cottongrass turns the reserve white, shortly followed by the beautiful purple blooms of the flowering heather.

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

Established back in 1996, the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre in the heart of New Quay is dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bay’s marine wildlife through education and research.

The bay is well-known as a haven for bottlenose dolphins, which can frequently be spotted in the harbour. The visitor centre showcases the local marine wildlife and is free to visit, with exhibits on dolphins, seals and sea birds, as well as highlighting issues such as pollution and fishing. You can also borrow a kit to explore the local rock pools, and a gift shop to pick up souvenirs.

Cardigan Bay is also the midpoint on the Wales Coast Path an 870-mile path stretching the full length of the Welsh coast, making it an excellent spot for walkers to stop off and admire the captivating views from the craggy clifftops.

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are a green haven of tranquillity just a few miles North of Cardiff’s city centre. This Victorian landmark encompasses 110 acres and boasts a brand-new visitor centre, café and activity hub.

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs is one of four protected green areas in Cardiff and home to wildlife including snakes, toads, otters and bats. The area includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for waxcap fungi and overwintering birds.

With watersports such as canoeing and paddle boarding, as well as nature trails, educational visits and circular walking paths, the site has something to offer everyone, and all located a stone’s throw from Central Cardiff.

Centre for Alternative Technology

Founded in the 70s on a disused quarry, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in mid-Wales started life as a community project and has grown into an educational charity to promote sustainability.

The centre, in Powys, isn’t currently open to the public for day visits but does still offer a range of residential courses covering topics such as environmentally friendly building techniques, woodland management, and organic gardening. Plus, the centre has its own postgraduate school offering courses in sustainability and holds open days throughout the year for graduates interested in studying at CAT.

Image: ©Lisa Baker – Views from the Centre for Alternative Technology.  All rights reserved