Ty Afon Jay

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary sits between Caehopkin and Abercraf in Powys. It began as a hill farm and grew into a final home for unwanted primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, capuchins and marmosets. Its first chimpanzees arrived in 1999, when seven were taken in from Penscynor Wildlife Park after it closed.

Carreg Cennen Castle stands on a high rocky outcrop above the River Cennen, near the village of Trap and four miles south east of Llandeilo. It sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park and is cared for by Cadw. The castle you see today was probably built by John Giffard and his son after Edward I's conquest of Wales.

Tip: The castle is reached by a steep climb up the hill from Castell Farm, near the car park, so wear sensible footwear.

The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea's Maritime Quarter tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales over the last 300 years. It is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, housed in an original listed warehouse linked to an ultra-modern slate and glass building.

Tip: There's no dedicated car park, but several pay and display car parks are a short walk away. For satnav, the museum's site suggests postcode SA1 3ST.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is in Llanarthney, in the River Tywi valley. It is both a visitor attraction and a centre for botanical research and conservation. The centrepiece is the Great Glasshouse, the world's largest single-span glasshouse at 110 m long and 60 m wide. It stands virtually on the site of Cockerell's mansion, the new Middleton Hall.

Tip: Look out across the restored eastern view towards Paxton's Tower, which was designed to be seen from the mansion's east side.

Swansea Museum is the oldest museum in Wales, opened in 1841 in a Grade II* listed neo-classical building in the Maritime Quarter. Its six galleries hold objects from Swansea, Wales and the wider world, with everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh kitchen. Temporary exhibitions change through the year, so there is usually something different to see.

Tip: Parking at the museum is limited to a few free spaces, so the City Gates NCP or East Burrows Road car parks, both about a 4-minute walk away, are a good fallback.

Carmarthen Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in the county town of Carmarthen, on a high terrace overlooking the tidal River Towy. It began as an early 1100s timber motte and bailey, was rebuilt in stone and was captured, destroyed and rebuilt many times. Owain Glyndŵr took it in 1405, and Henry VII's father, Edmund Tudor, died here as a prisoner in 1456.

Oystermouth Castle is a Norman stone castle in the village of Mumbles, overlooking Swansea Bay on the east side of the Gower Peninsula. It dates back to the 12th century, and the de Braose family rebuilt it in stone as a comfortable residence, with a high curtain wall, a chapel and three-storey living quarters with fireplaces.

Tip: There is no parking at the castle. Try the car parks on Mumbles Road, or the Underhill car parks at the top of the village, which are a 5 to 10 minute walk. Check the Swansea Council visiting page for current opening and guided tour times.

Margam Castle is a Grade I listed country house near Port Talbot. Thomas Hopper designed it in the Tudor Revival style for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, and it took five years to build. It stands in Margam Country Park, the former estate, which is also Grade I listed on the Cadw/ICOMOS register of historic parks and gardens in Wales.