Cycling, Castles and Outdoor Adventures: Wales Prepares for a Busy 2027

When you think of Wales you probably picture rolling green hills, mist‑shrouded castles and, of course, the occasional sheep. Yet, as Clare Dwight, senior tourism marketing manager at Visit Wales, reminded us at the World Travel Market in London, there’s a lot more happening under those Welsh drapes – especially in 2027.

“We’re still a bit of a hidden gem,” she said with a smile, “but the appeal is huge – rich history, vibrant culture and landscapes that keep changing colour with the seasons.” It’s a sentiment that rings true whether you’re a hardcore cyclist eyeing the Tour de France Grand Départ or someone just after a quiet stroll among ancient stone walls.

Speaking of the Tour, the race will kick off in Welsh‑soil on 4 July, stretching from Welshpool all the way down to Cardiff. That’s not just a day‑long spectacle for pro riders; it’s a catalyst for the whole country to showcase its bike‑friendly side. In fact, the Welsh government has dubbed 2027 a “Year of Cycling”. Expect a shiny new interactive map that points out everything from family‑friendly off‑road tracks to the steep climbs that Tour legends love to conquer.

And don’t worry if you’re not into climbing a mountain on two wheels. There are gentle, flat routes like the 21‑km Tywi Valley Path in Carmarthenshire – perfect for a relaxed weekend ride, a picnic by the river and perhaps a stop at a local pub for a bowl of cawl or a freshly baked Welsh cake. The idea is to let visitors mix a bike ride with a castle tour, a museum visit or simply a pause to savour the view and a glass of locally brewed ale.

Beyond bicycles, 2027 packs a varied sports agenda. The Senior Open – a men’s professional golf tournament for players over 50 – will be staged at the historic Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, while Cardiff becomes the temporary home of EuroGames, Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ multi‑sport festival, marking its first ever UK appearance.

Wales also leans into its burgeoning pop‑culture side. In the north‑west town of Wrexham, the Hollywood sparkle that arrived when Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the local football club is still glowing. The town’s new Football Museum of Wales, opened last September, curates the story of Welsh football alongside the industrial heritage of the area – a must‑see for anyone who’s followed the “Welcome to Wrexham” series.

All of this buzz isn’t meant to be a summer‑only affair. As Dwight stressed, the attractions – castles, museums, festivals – stay open year‑round. Spring brings daffodils, summer dazzles with bluebells, autumn paints the woodlands in gold, and winter wraps towns in cosy Christmas fairs, crackling fires and a warm pub atmosphere.

So whether you’re planning a high‑octane bike holiday, a leisurely castle‑hopping itinerary, or simply a trip to see why a small town in Wales has become a Hollywood footnote, 2027 is shaping up to be a year you won’t want to miss.