Cruise Port of Call Wales

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Holyhead, An Opportunity To Explore Wales

Holyhead Port, Wales is a commercial and ferry port located in the town of Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey. It is the second busiest ferry port in the UK, and features regular sailings to ports in Eastern Ireland.

Wales itself is a beautiful place with a rich and complex history that dates back to prehistoric times. There are discoveries of a Neanderthal presence over 200,000 years ago. It has been inhabited by various Celtic tribes, was invaded by the Romans, and later was conquered by England’s King Edward I becoming part of the Kingdom of England. Today Wales is an independent country still holding onto its own language but is part of the United Kingdom. It has its own government, the National Assembly for Wales. Wales has a total area of 8,018 square miles making it smaller than New Hampshire with a population of approximately 3.15 million people.

Where Your Ship Docks

Cruise ships dock at a working pier in Holyhead Port. It is separated from the town by a long bridge and causeway with the distance into town of about a half mile. Holyhead is a small working town with only a couple of sights of interest. One is an interesting maritime museum about a mile from town center and the other is a coastal walking trail. This port is mainly a good opportunity to tour out into Wales.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This is a working industrial port without a cruise ship terminal. Disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway design and a steep ramp or even stairs can be encountered. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a difficult time disembarking. Getting into town is a considerable distance but there may be shuttle busses running.

Transportation

Because of the distances involved getting out into the Welsh countryside it is probably a good idea to look into available tours. Should you prefer to strike out on your own there are Hertz and Enterprise car rental agencies located near to port entrance.

Currency

Wales uses the English Pound and some merchants may accept Euros but don’t rely on it. Credit cards are welcome and there are ATMs available.

Attractions

Wales itself is characterized by rugged mountains, large tracts of beautiful forest and a number of popular attractions that include:

Caernarfon Castle is a significant historical landmark in Welsh history. It was built by King Edward I of England in the 13th century as part of his conquest of Wales. The castle served as a symbol of English dominance over Wales and was used as a seat of government for the region.

In 1969, Caernarfon Castle was the site of the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales, which was seen by some as a symbol of Welsh resistance to English rule. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe and is an important part of Welsh cultural heritage.

Betws-y-Coed is a popular destination town in North Wales known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Part of the appeal is that it’s geographically near Snowdonia National Park. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy in the village itself. Explore the stunning Swallow Falls, take a hike in the Gwydir Forest Park, or go on a zip line adventure at Zip World Forest.

The town of Betws-y-Coed

Snowdonia National Park – This is a stunning national park with rocky mountains, lakes, and forests. It’s a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and outdoor activities.

Cardiff Castle – This is a medieval castle located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It’s a popular tourist attraction and offers guided tours.

Conwy Castle – This is another medieval castle located in the town of Conwy in North Wales. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive fortifications.

Brecon Beacons National Park – A beautiful national park in Wales, known for its rolling hills, waterfalls, and scenic views.

St. David’s Cathedral – This is a stunning cathedral located in the city of St. David’s in South Wales. It’s a popular tourist attraction and is known for its beautiful architecture and history.