Despite its close proximity to England, Wales has nevertheless maintained an independent spirit, a culture and even a language. North Wales is mostly mountainous and Snowdonia National Park is awe inspiring. The Island of Anglesey and the Gower Peninsula near Swansea have beautiful beaches, and the resort town of Llandudno is charming. Central Wales has the lovely university town of Aberystwyth with a fine seafront promenade and Britain's longest Cliff Railway. South Wales is home to the lively capital city of Cardiff, like many Welsh towns it has a Castle. Be sure to take in a Rugby match and hike the rugged coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.