Tastemakers Choice: South Wales
Every two years, Worldchefs’ member associations gather in cities around the globe to chart the future of food and drink at Worldchefs Congress. Together, leadership from culinary associations representing 110 countries come together to vote on key industry issues, including the location of upcoming Congresses.
Tastemakers from every continent decide on a location to host the leading event for the world’s culinary community, choosing from top destinations. And for 2026, they chose South Wales.
Why? With its rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality, a landscape of rugged coastlines and castles, and ancient traditions coupled with innovative solutions inspiring the future of food, let’s discover everything Wales has to offer.
Hwyl: Only in Wales
The Welsh word hwyl (pronounced ‘hoo-eel’) has no direct English, but it means a deep state of joy from being present in the moment.
Hywl is deeply rooted in Welsh culture. It can come from the adrenaline rush of a cold plunge or from a quiet retreat to rest, in a busy pub with friends or looking out at Roman ruins.
When you come for Worldchefs Congress 2026, experience hywl for yourself. Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your time in Wales.
City Standouts
With the 2026 Congress hosted in Newport, South Wales, you’ve got a strong starting point for your Welsh adventure. A small city that packs a big punch, Newport offers a lively cultural scene, rich history, and easy access to natural and cultural wonders across South Wales.
Start at the heartbeat of the city center, Newport Market, a traditional covered market where you’ll meet food & drink traders, sample Welsh classics under one roof, and find shopping stalls with something for everyone.
Wander through the walkable city center to admire public art installations, or for more art, head to the Newport Museum and Art Gallery, home to an incredible collection of classic and contemporary art, or the Riverfront Arts Centre on the River Usk for concerts and exhibitions.
For a spot of tea, make a trip to Tredegar House, one of the British Isle’s most significant late 17th-century houses, situated on 90 acres of beautiful gardens.
A quick coastal ride and you can explore Cardiff, too. Wales’ capital city is a place where old meets young, full of culture and heritage, from museums, places to catch a show or a gig, boutique shopping in Victorian arcades, and even Cardiff Castle, right in the center of the city.
Castle Craft
South Wales is spotted with castles, all just a short drive, tour, or bike ride away. Whether you’re in it for thousands of years of history, a look at elaborate artistry, or just an epic photoshoot, choose from over 30 castles to add to your itinerary.
Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, has just reopened after two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, featuring state-of-the-art digital exhibits to bring history to life. Caldicot Castle is rumored to be haunted, but it’s also one of the best places to view the Severn estuary, with 55 acres of gardens and country park.
Or if you’re looking for something to sweeten the deal, enjoy a history lesson and a tipple at the craft spirit distillery in Hensol Castle, where you can enjoy a G&T on arrival.
Nature NEXT DOOR
In South Wales, nature is never far away. Wander hiking trails for all levels, from forest to coast.
Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve has stunning nature walks and birdwatching, plus a café. If you’re looking for more coastal paths, the South Wales Coast and Severn Estuary path gives you 109 miles of incredible views through quiet fishing villages and nature reserves.
You can even find beachside saunas, and finish your walk with a wood-fired sauna after a cold dip.
If you want to combine the outing with history, check out the Celtic Trails – Three Castles Walk. If you like more structured gardens, there’s plenty to discover in South Wales, too. And for those looking for nature on the manicured grass of a luxury golf course, Celtic Manor Resort, is just a few minutes’ drive from Newport.
A FOODIE HAVEN
From Michelin stars to hidden gems, Wales’ food scene gives you a taste of the Welsh landscape and waters. There is so much to dig into, starting with local traditions of Welsh cheese, ales, cakes, and cawl, a traditional Welsh stew.
With so much to try, stay tuned for recommendations from Wales’ top chefs.
Pasture, Passion, Plate: Coming Together in Wales
When is the best time to visit Wales? May is one of the best months to visit, with warmer spring temperatures and more dry days, and without hordes of tourists. The countryside is blanketed in wildflowers, and the sea is welcoming enough for surfing, kayaking, and cold plunges.
In the middle of the month, combine work and play at with Worldchefs Congress 2026 in Newport. From 16 to 19 May 2026, celebrate ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate,’ with the beautiful backdrop of Welsh culture and country.
For a £200 discount, register by October 31 and enjoy early bird rates.
See you there, and cymru am byth (pronounced come-ree am-bith, meaning Wales Forever)!
Photos from Visit Wales.
