Regardless of being born in Wales and spending a few years dwelling within the nation, I haven’t as but shared any content material about Wales on this web site. Nicely, that’s about to vary.
Wales is a spectacular nation with quite a bit to supply and its comparatively small dimension means you can see quite a bit in a 1-week street journey. On this information we’re going to share our thought of the right Wales street journey when you have 7 to 10 days.
This itinerary features a little little bit of every thing Wales has to supply, which incorporates beautiful coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural sights, and extra. The itinerary was designed to provide you a style of one of the best of Wales and consists of every thing from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.
Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this street journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and in addition supply tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you may after all regulate it the way you need.
Personally, we expect Wales has surroundings to rival different well-liked street journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we’ll allow you to determine if that’s the case as you learn the information.
By the tip of this publish, you’ll be able to set off in your very personal Welsh street journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you may need.
How Lengthy to Highway Journey in Wales?
Wales will not be an enormous nation, however there’s a enormous quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a street journey masking part of the nation could be three to 5 days. In case you don’t have a variety of time we’d maybe counsel focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.
If you wish to see extra of what’s on supply, and discover the nation from prime to backside, then we’d suggest a minimum of 7 – 10 days.
The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day street journey, however after all you may regulate it based mostly in your pursuits and time. When you have extra time, there may be at all times extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.
Methods to Embody Wales as A part of a Longer UK journey?
Many individuals are visiting Wales as a part of an extended tour of Nice Britain which will additionally embrace England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s simple to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.
Once more, we’d suggest a minimum of 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and when you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply follow specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.
However ideally you’ll have a minimum of 5 to 7 days to commit to Wales if you wish to see various its highlights lined on this itinerary.
In case you are following our 2 week UK itinerary, you may add time in Wales. Round day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d begin this Wales itinerary and comply with Days 1 by means of 8 after which head north to Chester after which up in direction of Manchster.
See our detailed UK itinerary information for extra data on that.
In case you are additionally wanting to go to different elements of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly contemplate becoming a member of up excursions reminiscent of with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you may take a collection of excursions exploring totally different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.
What’s the Finest Method to Get Round in Wales?
There are just a few totally different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nonetheless, because the title of this publish suggests, my really useful option to journey round Wales is by automobile.
There are an excellent many sights and sights in Wales that may actually solely be visited in a car as there’s no public transport to achieve them. Suppose distant castles, far-flung stretches of shoreline, and so forth.
The street journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automobile. In case you don’t have your personal automobile, we’d extremely suggest choosing up a automobile rental, or contemplate becoming a member of a tour.
Because it’s more economical to choose up and drop off a automobile in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as one of the best location to start out and finish this journey. Cardiff will be simply reached by rail and coach from areas across the UK.
On a latest journey to Wales we rented a automobile from Enterprise as that they had a location close to Cardiff’s predominant prepare station, which made choose up and drop off simple. Nonetheless, we’d typically first suggest utilizing a value comparability service like Uncover Automobiles, which compares costs throughout various suppliers, to see if there’s a greater possibility in your journey.
In case you would like to not drive, then we might as an alternative counsel wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These will be achieved as personal excursions or you may be a part of a bunch tour and the excursions.
Excursions of Wales
In case you like the concept of visiting Wales however would relatively not drive, then your only option is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, lots of the sights and sights are somewhat off the overwhelmed observe and aren’t effectively served by public transport.
There are nevertheless some wonderful excursions we are able to suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our urged Wales street journey itinerary, a variety of them do embrace a minimum of a few of the predominant sights we cowl.
You possibly can be a part of a guided tour or when you have an even bigger price range or a big group, you may additionally contemplate a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.
Some we propose are as follows:
- This 5 day street journey with Rabbies could be our first choose of accessible excursions. We’ve taken an excellent many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy a variety of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia right down to south west Wales.
- This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an analogous path to our urged Wales itinerary, and consists of time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Citadel, St. Davids, Tenby, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park.
- This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and focuses on the highlights of south Wales, together with Carreg Cennen Citadel, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. When you have extra time, you may also do their North Wales tour.
- This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It consists of Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Citadel, Harlech Citadel, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.
There are after all extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a variety of operators on TourRadar which can allow you to type and filter by period, locations visited and value.
10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary
Okay, let’s get on with this street journey round Wales! The explanation we are saying this street journey is 7 – 10 days is as a result of I’ve added a few days in Cardiff at the start.
The Welsh capital metropolis has quite a bit to supply, from wonderful museums to citadel ruins and sporting sights.
There’s actually sufficient right here to fill a minimum of two days. Nonetheless, when you have much less time or would relatively simply hit the street and never give attention to metropolis sights, you could desire to give attention to the street journey part of this itinerary relatively than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!
Jess and I did this actual street journey, with two full days in Cardiff after which eight days on the street round Wales. We began and resulted in Cardiff. It was an excellent journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.
Elements of this street journey comply with the Wales Approach driving tour routes (you may see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on a few of the finest surroundings and sights that Wales has to supply.
They embrace The Cambrian Approach, The Coastal Approach, and The North Wales Approach. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes utilizing our itinerary however we’ve got adjusted it to additionally embrace a lot of my different favourite sights and sights.
Be aware that this itinerary covers a variety of floor and every day has various urged sights. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to regulate it to go well with what you actually need to see and do relatively than making an attempt to do completely every thing.
If you’d like a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending a minimum of 2 nights at every location. You could possibly simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to chill out and see issues extra slowly.
Day 1 – Cardiff
Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is straightforward to get to from areas across the UK and overseas, with rail, street, and air hyperlinks that may allow you to get right here in the way in which that most accurately fits your journey.
We’d counsel that in your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. Nearly all of sights within the metropolis centre are simple to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise towards driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll should cope with navigation and discovering parking.
In your first day within the metropolis, our really useful first cease could be the Museum of Cardiff.
This wonderful free museum tells the story of the town over the centuries, from the Neolithic interval to the current day. It’s a superb option to orient your self to the town and rise up to hurry with its historical past. It’s one in all our favorite museums in Cardiff.
Subsequent, we’d suggest popping throughout the street to the Cardiff Market. It is a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover quite a lot of retailers promoting all method of products.
There are additionally meals stalls right here if you’re hungry.
From Cardiff Market, proceed north to Cardiff Citadel, your subsequent cease for the day.
On this street journey, you will see fairly just a few castles. Wales has a panorama that lends itself to constructing castles, and a historical past of princes and wars that required these defensive buildings. The truth is there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do must be selective by which castles you select to go to.
Nonetheless, we’d argue that you just’re not going to see something fairly like Cardiff Citadel wherever else in your Welsh street journey.
Cardiff Citadel takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by means of the ages. There was some type of fortified development right here because the Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. The truth is, a part of the previous Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.
Nonetheless, the massive stone preserve atop the hill that may catch your eye as you stroll in dates from the twelfth century.
Round the remainder of citadel grounds you’ll discover a vary of buildings from numerous durations in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a huge clock tower and beautiful interiors.
There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Citadel, together with numerous excursions and displays that vary from world struggle two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d suggest planning on spending a minimum of two or three hours right here as there may be tons to see right here.
You possibly can stroll by means of the grounds of Cardiff Citadel totally free, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you’ll need to pay for a ticket. The ticket value is effectively value it in our opinion.
Relying on how your day goes you should still have time for one more sight. In that case, we’d counsel strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This massive free museum (donations welcome) has displays of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an effective option to end off your first day in Wales.
Day 1 Highlights: Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Market, Cardiff Citadel, Nationwide Museum of Cardiff
Day 1 Driving Distance: 0 miles
Day 1 Driving Time: 0 hours
Day 1 Lodging: In your first evening we’d suggest staying in central Cardiff. This will likely be handy for sightseeing, in addition to for consuming out. Listed below are some urged choices to contemplate:
- Metropolis Middle residence – It is a pretty residence simply minutes stroll from the town heart and prepare station. We’ve stayed right here and may suggest it.
- Sleeperz Lodge Cardiff – an excellent worth centrally positioned resort providing air conditioned rooms, restaurant, and bar
- Lodge Indigo Cardiff – a pleasant resort in an excellent location with air conditioned rooms, restaurant and bar. We’ve got stayed at various Indigo branded accommodations and at all times had an excellent expertise.
- Clayton Lodge Cardiff – a effectively reviewed resort subsequent to the prepare station with clear and cozy rooms
- Parador 44 – a ravishing upmarket boutique B&B type resort with its personal backyard proper within the heart of Cardiff
Day 2 – Cardiff
In case you’d desire to move out of city immediately you may after all try this, and spend extra time on the street. Nonetheless, assuming you want to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to suggest you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.
Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you gained’t have seen the water but as the town heart space is a couple of mile away. Nonetheless, you may simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus journey.
The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay space 4 or 5 occasions an hour and the journey is only a few minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly desire to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which will even carry you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.
At Cardiff Bay there may be loads to see. First, you’ll probably see the massive Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to come back to see reside performances of every thing from music to bounce. There are additionally retailers, bars, and cafes on web site, and it’s value popping inside to see if there are any momentary displays occurring once you go to.
From right here you may stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known youngsters’s books writer who was born in Cardiff (books embrace Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit, James and the Large Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to numerous gala’s, festivals, and reside music performances.
You’ll now be close to the waterline. In case you head east, you’ll first move the Pierhead constructing, an enormous pink brick constructing with a clock tower which is tough to overlook. That is dwelling to a museum the place you may study concerning the historical past of Wales.
Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, dwelling of the Welsh parliament. It is a placing fashionable constructing which you’ll go to if you’re considering studying concerning the technique of democracy in Wales. There are additionally typically exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s effectively value taking a cease right here.
From the Senedd, you may proceed alongside the coastal path to the east on the Cardiff Bay path stroll. There are numerous highlights alongside the route, together with the Norwegian Church Arts Centre which gives a restaurant, pretty views of the Bay, and an artwork gallery.
It’s as much as you if you wish to proceed at this level. The path continues for miles alongside the bay and if it’s a pleasant day it’s actually a stunning stroll all the way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineties which created this pretty harbour space.
From right here, relatively than stroll all the way in which again, you may as an alternative hop on a ship that may take you again to the Quay space. You’ll positively need to verify the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You possibly can ebook tickets on-line upfront right here.
After all, as an alternative of (or in addition to!) strolling all the way in which to the barrage you may discover the world across the Senedd, often called Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to seek out all method of outlets and eating places, in addition to a ship quay the place you may take boat excursions of Cardiff Bay.
There are additionally a few different sights within the space. First is the relatively eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. In case you are not aware of the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this may probably be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.
It’s really one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character wherever on this planet, so value just a few moments of your time!
The opposite attraction within the space is Techniquest, which is a family-friendly science museum. In case you are visiting Wales with children, then this paid attraction will certainly preserve them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.
That appears like sufficient in your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless loads to see together with extra museums and loads of retailers. Cardiff can be dwelling to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.
There are additionally plenty of different venues across the metropolis for reside music and leisure if that’s one thing you have an interest in. On a latest go to to Cardiff we loved watching a reside efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.
And naturally there are a variety of pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff.
In case you’re into historic pubs, a few of the oldest in Cardiff are The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff Cottage, The Goat Main, and The Nice Western. So you should have no scarcity of locations to go for a drink or a chunk to eat!
Talking of meals, if you wish to strive some conventional Welsh dishes reminiscent of Lamb Cawl or Welsh rarebit, The Welsh Home in Cardiff is a favorite of ours. They often have various conventional dishes on the menu, and the costs are additionally cheap.
Day 2 Highlights: Cardiff Bay, Wales Millenium Centre, Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Bay boat tour / stroll, Techniquest
Day 2 Driving Distance: 0 miles
Day 2 Driving Time: 0 hours
Day 2 Lodging: In a single day in Cardiff (similar as Day 1)
Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby
It’s time to hit the street! In case you are choosing up a rental automobile, you’ll need to ebook this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day immediately.
Your first cease for the day is simply exterior of Cardiff, the St. Fagan’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cardiff.
It is a sensible free outside museum which options over forty authentic buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and gives you an actual perception into how Welsh folks have lived, labored, realized, and performed through the years.
There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, the vast majority of which you’ll go inside and discover. It’s additionally a dwelling museum, with reside workshops and demonstrations of conventional abilities and crafts like ironmongery and farming.
It’s an enormous web site with quite a bit to see, so we’d suggest planning on spending a minimum of 90 minutes to 2 hours right here. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site which serves good meals in addition to espresso and different scorching drinks. There’s a big carpark on web site with a modest payment for parking.
From Cardiff you will proceed to move west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.
The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to comply with the M4 round Swansea, which is what we might suggest you do. After all, when you would like a extra scenic route be happy to comply with the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you will have quite a bit to see immediately.
Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Citadel, is a dramatically positioned crumbling citadel which dates from the early 14th century. There’s a little bit of an uphill stroll to get to the citadel, however we’d say the views of the encompassing panorama and the citadel itself are effectively well worth the effort.
Fairly a little bit of the citadel survives, together with lots of the towers, partitions and preserve. There are data panels on web site and there’s a superb cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as effectively. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on web site.
Cadw gives an annual membership, which supplies you free entry to all of the Cadw areas, amongst different advantages.
Quite a lot of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be lined by the membership and when you go to the vast majority of them you’ll positively avoid wasting cash. You should purchase this on-line right here, or in particular person at most Cadw websites.
We predict that is very a lot value it and we at all times get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.
From Castell Carreg it’s a 20 minute drive to the subsequent cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr web site. That is really two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Citadel, discovered round a mile aside.
If the climate is nice, we are able to extremely suggest taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Citadel. There are some actually pretty strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their approach by means of lovely mature woodlands.
You can too go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry payment (free for Nationwide Belief members). There may be paid parking on web site (additionally free to Nationwide Belief members).
It’s round an hour’s drive to the final cease of the day, the lovable seaside city of Tenby. If you’d like one thing further to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Citadel, though we really feel you might have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to chill out by this level.
Tenby is a well-liked and picturesque seaside city with colourful homes forming a line above the massive seashore and curved harbour. There are many locations to eat, store ,and keep. In case you are not too drained, we’d suggest a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Citadel and a stroll on the seashore.
After all, you may also do these items on the morning of your fourth day as effectively. And that’s the tip of your first day on the street!
Day 3 Highlights: St. Fagan’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past, Castell Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr Citadel, Tenby
Day 3 Driving Distance: 110 miles
Day 3 Driving Time: 2.5 hours
Day 3 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Tenby. There are a variety of wonderful choices to select from in Tenby and close by, and the city additionally has many good eating choices. Lodging choices we suggest are:
- Beachcomber B&B – 5 minutes stroll from the centre of Tenby and the seashore, this very effectively rated household run B&B gives comfy rooms and a very good breakfast
- The Strathmore – this effectively rated household run B&B is near Tenby’s south seashore and 5 minutes stroll from the city centre. Comfy rooms embrace a continental breakfast or breakfast bap.
- Coach Visitor Home – a really effectively rated fashionable household enjoyable B&B simply minutes stroll from Tenby’s seashores and sights. Breakfast is included.
- Trefloyne Manor – 5 minutes drive from Tenby, this lovely previous manor home gives 12 beautiful rooms with en-suite amenities. There’s an on-site restaurant, breakfast is included and there’s even an on-site 18 gap golf course
Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s
Immediately you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, dwelling to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a shocking coastal Nationwide Park.
Let’s get going.
From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew Citadel & Tidal Mill. Because the identify suggests, right here you’re going to seek out two sights in a single place.
The primary is Carew Citadel, a citadel which dates from the Norman conquest of Britain within the eleventh century. Through the years it has had many updates and enhancements, with the ultimate addition being an Elizabethan manor home within the sixteenth century! That makes this fairly the distinctive location to go to in Wales.
The second attraction on the positioning is the Carew Tidal Mill, which is the one restored tidal mill in Wales. This dates from the nineteenth century, and when in operation it used the ability of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s not working however it’s open for excursions.
As you may see there may be loads to see and do right here, so I’d counsel allocating a minimum of 90 minutes – 2 hours in your go to. There may be free parking on web site and a payment for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or another membership program that we’re conscious of.
From Carew Citadel you will have just a few choices, all of which contain visiting the Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park stretches throughout the Pembrokeshire coast and gives dramatic clifftop strolling, splendid sea vistas, and wildlife recognizing alternatives.
One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew Citadel, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The automobile park (free) is simply a few hundred metres from the cliff prime stroll, and there are nice views of some rock stacks in addition to a rock arch right here.
That is additionally an excellent place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (often August by means of January).
In case you’d wish to take a hike right here, there’s a stunning stroll alongside the coast to St. Govan’s Chapel. It’s a 6.3 mile stroll, and you may see instructions right here.
Another choice when you’d desire to spend extra time on the seashore could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seashore. It is a well-liked browsing spot the place you’ll discover a lengthy stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.
It’s additionally a Harry Potter filming location – followers of the flicks will certainly need to go to the positioning of Dobby’s Grave. There’s a mound of rocks right here which followers have written tributes on, which makes for a pleasant image. There’s a small automobile park right here in addition to parking alongside the street.
There are after all many different walks that you may do immediately as you head in direction of St. David’s, and you may see a full choice right here.
My private favorite, and the one I’d suggest, is the Marloes Peninsula stroll. That is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Citadel, relying on what you select to go to immediately.
The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the beautiful Marloes peninsula. The stroll is basically flat with only a few gradients to deal with. There’s a car-park at Marloes Sands (paid).
This stroll was my favorite of all of the walks we did on this space as a result of it supplied such spectacular views, in addition to some wonderful wildlife recognizing alternatives. We noticed numerous seals and seal pups in addition to an excellent many sea birds.
There have been additionally beautiful coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in complete with plenty of photograph stops and was effectively well worth the effort.
From Marloes, one other hour’s drive will carry you to the tiny metropolis of St. David’s the place you’ll spend the evening. Positively spend a while exploring the city, both this night or on the morning of Day 5.
You’ll discover a pretty previous cathedral, in addition to numerous galleries and retailers. The town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.
In case you nonetheless need to discover, then we’d counsel strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Nicely, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom the town is called.
One other close by attraction is the beautiful seashore of Whitesands, which makes for an excellent place to observe the sundown.
For meals, there are many good eating choices on the town, from eating places to pubs. We’ve had an excellent pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can be a preferred possibility for pub meals.
We’d suggest asking your native lodging supplier for suggestions as they’ll know one of the best native choices open throughout your go to.
Day 4 Highlights: Carew Citadel & Tidal Mill, Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks, St. David’s sights
Day 4 Driving Distance: ~ 70 miles
Day 4 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 4 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) St. David’s. This lovely little metropolis has a variety of lodging choices in addition to various pubs and eating places for meals. We suggest the next choices:
- 4 Winds B&B – this can be a pretty B&B simply 5 minutes stroll from the centre of St. David’s. Proprietor Nikki could be very pleasant, breakfast is great and there are pretty views. We’ve stayed right here and had a stunning evening’s sleep.
- Glendower B&B – a effectively reviewed B&B only a few minutes stroll from the town heart. Breakfast is included.
- St. David’s Cross Lodge – a preferred conventional resort proper within the metropolis heart that includes a restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included.
- Twr y Felin Lodge – a really effectively reviewed centrally positioned 4* resort with a restaurant, room service, and breakfast.
- Crug Glass Nation Home – a ravishing nation home resort present in a twelfth century farmhouse on a 600 acre working farm. 8 minutes drive from St. David’s. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, and breakfast can be obtainable.
Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth
Immediately you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s loads to see alongside the way in which, together with historic burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife heart, lovely seashores, and extra.
We’d counsel choosing some sights that sound probably the most fascinating to you from our options as there may be positively extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or contemplate doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every thing. In case you decide to try this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.
After ending up any sightseeing or memento buying in St. David’s, comply with the A487 for about 45 minutes, simply previous Fishguard. The primary cease for the day is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber.
This 5,000 yr previous tomb has a 16.5ft capstone fastidiously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the street and entry is free. Simply remember that there the parking spot is kind of small and the street right here is kind of slender.
From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary street. In case you are considering studying about life within the Stone Age, then positively contemplate a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.
This attraction contains a collection of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On web site you’ll find various costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how folks lived right here in the course of the Iron Age.
Now, proceed on in direction of Cardigan. There are just a few sights you would possibly contemplate stopping at, relying in your pursuits.
Nature lovers will probably need to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive heart, numerous trails, and hen watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. A very good location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.
A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Middle is Cilgerran Citadel. This Norman age citadel initially dates from 1108, though the construction immediately largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is effectively value a go to.
Free for CADW and Nationwide Belief members, small payment in any other case. There’s no parking on web site, comply with indicators to the automobile park. We parked in Cilgerran Decrease automobile park from the place there’s a stunning stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the citadel.
We’d additionally suggest stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Citadel right here is effectively value a go to for a small payment.
You possibly can really keep in a single day right here, which we’ve got achieved, and it has an excellent cafe on web site as effectively. When you have extra time, or just need to regulate your schedule, it makes for an excellent in a single day keep possibility.
From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you need to take a stroll immediately, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automobile park at Mwnt head seashore (payment) and you may go to fairly Holy Cross Church. There’s additionally a brief path up the hill right here which gives good views of the coast.
Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embrace Penbryn Seashore and the gorgeous seaside fishing village of New Quay.
New Quay is an effective location for taking seal-watching boat journeys, in addition to to choose up a scorching plate of fish and chips.
Simply past New Quay you’ll find the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a pretty Georgian villa which additionally gives strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard dwelling to numerous Welsh breeds of cattle. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for Nationwide belief members.
Lastly, proceed on up the coast to Aberystwyth, the place you’ll spend the evening. It is a mid-size coastal city which is understood for its college. There are additionally various wonderful sights within the city itself which you’ll both go to immediately or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.
We’d positively suggest visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum. That is positioned in a preserved Edwardian period theatre, which makes for fairly a singular museum location!
The museum has shows on all types of issues, masking native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations really useful).
We will additionally suggest the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway on the north finish of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying folks up and right down to the clifftop viewpoint since 1896.
There’s a payment to make use of it, we’d counsel taking the railway up after which strolling down for pretty views of the bay and city under.
A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Citadel in the course of city can be effectively value a couple of minutes of your time. It’s free to go to.
Day 5 Highlights: Pentre Ifan burial chamber, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Citadel, Cardigan Citadel, Holy Cross Church, New Quay, Aberystwyth websites
Day 5 Driving Distance: ~80 miles
Day 5 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 5 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Aberystwyth. The city has a variety of lodging choices, many alongside the seashore entrance. Some choices we suggest embrace:
- Llwynygog Visitor Home – an excellent worth centrally positioned family-run guesthouses providing rooms with shared or personal loos. Be aware breakfast will not be obtainable.
- Bodalwyn Visitor Home – a centrally positioned 4* guesthouse a brief stroll from the seashore. All rooms are en-suite. Be aware breakfast will not be obtainable.
- Richmond Lodge – this seafront resort gives beautiful views throughout Cardigan Bay from some rooms. A wonderful breakfast is included. We’ve got stayed right here and had a stunning evening’s keep.
- The Glengower – discovered proper on the seashore, this can be a conventional pub with en-suite rooms, a few of which provide spectacular sea views. Breakfast is included.
- Townhouse No.1 – a trendy boutique resort in a refurbished Edwardian property with pretty en-suite rooms in addition to two flats. There’s a kitchen with snacks and drinks obtainable, however no breakfast possibility.
Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
Immediately you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices immediately for issues to do which can depend upon whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or when you’d desire wildlife watching and coastal cities as an alternative.
You can begin the day by ending any exploration that you just didn’t get spherical to in Aberystwyth. In your approach out of city we are able to extremely suggest dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.
This enormous constructing has some wonderful displays together with an interactive archive of TV and audio footage, shows of uncommon books, and extra. Free to go to with parking on web site.
Now, it is advisable to determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.
If you wish to hike up a mountain immediately, our suggestion is to drive an hour or so north to the Dôl Idris carpark subsequent to Minffordd. From right here there’s a spectacular stroll up Cadair Idris.
That is one in all my favorite hikes in Wales, with views from the highest throughout the entire of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, together with the shoreline, Snowdon itself, the Mawddach Valley and extra.
I’d say that this can be a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd facet as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, it’s actually value it when you have the time and bodily capability to take action.
It’s potential to do that largely as a loop stroll, ascending up one facet of the lake after which again down the opposite. The paths are effectively marked however we might suggest bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain climbing situations. You’ll additionally need to concentrate on the climate and forecast as you’ll need to skip this in unhealthy climate situations.
You possibly can see an outline of the Minffordd path right here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Anticipate the overall hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health degree and the way typically you cease.
After all there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you may do as an alternative. In case you are on the lookout for a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, contemplate the Dôl Idris path which is an all-abilities path that’s a couple of 1.25 km (0.77 miles) lengthy and is paved in order that it may be accessed by wheelchair customers and people with pushchairs.
In case you would relatively not deal with an enormous hike immediately (there will likely be extra alternatives in a while within the itinerary!), then there are a variety of choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.
We’d counsel choosing these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices obtainable as you gained’t be capable of match every thing in.
First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you may stroll alongside. In case you are fortunate, you is likely to be on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.
It is a pretty tiny museum devoted to the historical past of the railway, recreating the station because it was within the early 1900s. It’s free to go to.
From Borth, drive a few miles additional up the B4353 alongside the coast, and take the turning for Ynyslas Customer Centre, which is a part of the Dyfi Nationwide Nature Reserve.
Right here there are some pretty walks by means of the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.
There’s additionally a pleasant customer heart right here the place you may find out about what you might be more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate to spend round an hour right here when you do the round dune stroll.
From Ynyslas head again to the A487 and proceed north. We’d counsel a fast cease on the Dyfi Furnace (right here on Google Maps), an previous charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.
It’s free to go to and there are a variety of knowledge panels to clarify what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however effectively value it. There’s additionally a pleasant waterfall right here.
The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will need to make a cease at close by RSPB Ynys-hir. This reserve has a variety of habitats, from woodland to saltmarsh to grassland.
Meaning there’s a massively numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve dwelling. There’s a small payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.
One other wildlife heart you could contemplate visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. It is a nature reserve and wildlife heart which can be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Undertaking. There’s a small payment to go to.
Persevering with up the A487 you’ll come to the city of Machynlleth. There are a variety of cafes and eating places right here in addition to a fairly city clock and city heart. There’s additionally a free museum of contemporary artwork right here.
North of Machynlleth are two well-liked sights. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you may study all about various power choices, sustainability, and extra.
One other well-liked possibility, particularly with households, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Present in a former slate mine, this can be a guided story telling tour which takes you thru the story of King Arthur. It’s a variety of enjoyable however remember to costume warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft heart on web site right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.
Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll move by means of the city of Dolgellau, the place we suggest driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.
This has a stunning sandy seashore and is a superb spot to cease for an ice cream or fish and chips.
Proceed up the coast and also you’ll come to the city of Harlech. That is dwelling to the spectacular Harlech Citadel, a mighty thirteenth century fortress constructed by Edward I throughout his invasion of Wales.
This citadel, together with Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon castles, is rated by UNESCO to be one of many best examples of late thirteenth century army structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a payment to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.
From Harlech it’s a brief drive to your vacation spot for the evening, the city of Porthmadog.
Day 6 Highlights: Cadair Idris hike, Borth Station Museum, Dyfi Nationwide Nature Reserve, Dyfi Furnace, RSPB Ynys-hir, Centre for Various Know-how, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Harlech Citadel
Day 6 Driving Distance: ~ 65 miles
Day 6 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 6 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Porthmadog. You will have many choices within the Porthmadog space, some on the town after which extra within the surrounding space. Some choices we suggest embrace the next:
- The Golden Fleece Inn – this 4 star inn is within the village of Tremadog, a couple of 5 minute drive from Porthmadog itself. It has a superb on-site restaurant and good worth rooms. We’ve stayed right here and may positively suggest each the restaurant and the lodging. Breakfast is out there.
- Royal Sportsman Lodge – discovered within the heart of Porthmadog only a few moments from the Ffestiniog Railway, this effectively rated resort gives en-suite rooms and an excellent on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
- Tudor Lodge – minutes stroll from the Ffestiniog Railway this effectively rated family-run guesthouse supply en-sute accommdation with breakfast included.
- Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – if you wish to spoil your self, you then would possibly contemplate staying in Portmeirion Village itself. A lot of rooms can be found throughout the positioning, together with in a citadel, and there are additionally numerous eating places to select from. An effective way to expertise Portmeririon.
- Sygun Fawr Nation Home – Discovered round 20 minutes from Porthmadog within the peaceable village of Beddgelert, this nation home resort makes an excellent base for climbing Snowdon. There’s a bar and on-site restaurant, and the meal we had after we stayed right here was wonderful.
Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon
My predominant suggestion immediately is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply chill out and let the surroundings roll on by.
There are two railway routes to select from, each of which function from Porthmadog. There’s the Ffestiniog Railway, a 13.5 mile lengthy route which runs from Porthmadog to the city of Blaenau Ffestiniog. That is the oldest surviving railway firm on this planet.
Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is really operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise could be very related. The primary distinction is the route.
This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and you may also do a visit to and from the gorgeous village of Beddgelert on this prepare.
There’s no “finest” possibility truthfully, each trains supply nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nevertheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can be effectively value it.
Whichever journey you select, we suggest reserving upfront on the official web site right here, because the route could be very well-liked and may promote out.
One other well-liked attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be contemplate is Portmeirion Village. It is a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and notably the city of Portofino in Italy.
It’s actually an uncommon attraction, as you wander previous colourful homes with ornate designs. If not for the Welsh mountains within the background and the upper likelihood of rain, you would possibly even suppose you will have left Wales completely.
While this can be a well-liked attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t completely fall for it. It was a reasonably expensive place to go to, and aside from wanting on the buildings, having fun with the views, and dropping into the retailers, there wasn’t an enormous quantity to do.
After all, everybody may have a special expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you may stroll that are good, however a few of these had been closed after we visited and it rained a lot of our go to. So I believe the climate actually put a damper on our go to.
I believe the expertise at Portmerion Village is finest on a pleasant sunny day and when you spend the evening. There are a number of varieties of lodging right here and close by when you determine to remain the evening.
Relying on what you will have chosen to do immediately, you could or could not have extra time to spare. In case you are on the lookout for extra to do, then I’d counsel taking a street journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.
This gives beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. For example, you may go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Citadel, and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s additionally a stunning free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.
Lastly, head to Caernarfon the place you’ll in a single day. The primary attraction right here is the beautiful Caernarfon Citadel which it’s best to positively go to when you have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!
It is a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey type citadel. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry payment.
Relying in your schedule you might have to do that on the next day.
Day 7 Highlights: Slender gauge railway journey, Llŷn Peninsula, Criccieth Citadel
Day 7 Driving Distance: ~ 60 miles
Day 7 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 7 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Caernarfon. After all, you may additionally base your self in Porthmadog or one other location for nights 6 and seven when you’d desire to not preserve packing and unpacking. Nonetheless, when you select to remain in Caernarfon, we propose the next choices:
- Totters Hostel – this centrally positioned hostel gives rooms with shared or personal loos and breakfast is included.
- Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse – this effectively reviewed centrally positioned resort has a bar and cafe, and a mixture of shared or personal loos. Breakfast is included.
- Ty Castell – a centrally positioned 4* resort providing en-suite rooms. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, and breakfast is out there.
- The Black Boy Inn – a beautiful sixteenth century teaching inn discovered inside the town partitions, this is among the oldest inns nonetheless working in North Wales. There’s an excellent restaurant and bar on web site, and a variety of en-suite rooms to select from. Breakfast is out there.
- Plas Dinas Nation Home – simply 10 minutes drive from Caernarfon, this beautiful nation home resort was as soon as the house of Lord Snowdon. Immediately it has an award-winning restaurant and gorgeously furnished en-suite rooms. Breakfast included.
Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy
On your eighth day you once more have plenty of choices, because the northern a part of Wales has an enormous quantity to supply.
One very fashionable possibility is after all to deal with the very best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You will have a few choices for going to the summit.
First, and most clearly maybe, you may stroll. There are at least six routes to select from, and you may see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the most well-liked because it’s considered the simplest, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.
My private favorite routes are the quieter Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu paths. I’ve achieved these paths and solely handed just a few different walkers, even when the summit is busy.
Whichever route you select, you’ll want to permit between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health degree. So that you’ll need to mainly plan your full day round your hike as you gained’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can probably be exhausted after your hike.
Be aware that the automobile parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. You’ll want to verify forward.
So do remember to plan forward if you’re contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll have to remember to pack accordingly for a mountain hike, know which route you need to do, and plan head for parking. You additionally need to begin early to make sure you get a parking spot and are again earlier than sunset.
Lastly, remember to verify the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate situations could make these paths very harmful. You’ll need to keep away from this hike in unhealthy climate.
The opposite option to get to the highest of Snowdon is to take the prepare. Sure, there’s a prepare that may take you to the highest of the mountain.
The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking folks to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its a beautiful option to attain the highest, with epic views all the way in which up.
It is a paid service, and you may select to go a method or return. If you wish to do that we strongly suggest reserving tickets upfront because it’s a very fashionable service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.
For this one you may park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a variety of automobile parks a brief stroll away in Llanberis.
In comparison with a Snowden hike which generally takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey prepare journey is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s an excellent possibility if you wish to match extra in immediately.
Talking of which, there may be loads extra to see and do within the space, whether or not or not you select to ascend Snowdon.
First, in Llanberis we are able to extremely suggest visiting the wonderful and free Nationwide Slate Museum. This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has formed the panorama and the life-style of the folks right here for tons of of years.
Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays masking all points of slate mining in addition to reside demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.
We will additionally extremely suggest heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two well-liked sights right here that we suggest. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is dwelling to the longest railway station signal on this planet.
The signal, which reads Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, means “The Church of St Mary in a hole of white hazel, close to to a fast whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church close to to a pink cave”.
The signal identify was completely invented to draw vacationers within the 1860s, and has been a preferred customer attraction ever since. So clearly that was a profitable plan!
It’s free to go to, and there’s a superb and big memento retailer right here the place you should buy all method of issues.
The opposite attraction we suggest visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular thirteenth century Beaumaris Citadel.
This splendidly symmetrical citadel is surrounded on most sides by a water crammed moat. Curiously, the citadel was by no means really accomplished, however there may be nonetheless loads to see and do. Free for CADW members, in any other case there’s a payment.
Lastly, if you need to do a stroll however would like one thing somewhat shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we might suggest the hike to Aber Falls. That is roughly a 4 mile spherical journey hike on pretty degree terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Your reward for the trouble is the beautiful 120 foot excessive Aber Falls. There’s paid parking on the stroll begin level.
One other good waterfall which is simply off the street and requires solely a really transient stroll are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the photograph under. So it’s as much as you what you select to do.
You’re going to complete your day with an in a single day within the seaside city of Conwy. That is additionally dwelling to a shocking citadel, which can be value visiting though we’d counsel in all probability shortlisting just a few castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!
Conwy Citadel is free to CADW members and there’s a payment for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you may simply stroll right here from a lot of the city automobile parks.
That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. In case you go to, we extremely suggest climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for one of the best views.
Lastly, in a single day in Conwy. Once more, you would possibly want to maneuver some sightseeing to Day 9 relying in your schedule.
Day 8 Highlights: Snowdon, Nationwide Slate Museum, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll signal, Beaumaris Citadel, Aber Falls, Conwy Citadel
Day 8 Driving Distance: ~ 30 miles
Day 8 Driving Time: ~ 1 hour
Day 8 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Conwy. Once more, this a part of the journey nonetheless has you exploring the northwestern space of Wales, so you may select one location for nights 6 by means of 8. In case you select to base your self in Conwy, we suggest the next:
- YHA Conwy – simply 10 minutes stroll from the centre of Conwy, this effectively rated hostel gives nice worth rooms, some with personal loos. A big buffet breakfast is out there, and there’s additionally a kitchen for visitor use in addition to a laundry, bar and cafe.
- Quantity 18 – a really extremely rated household run mattress and breakfast simply 5 minutes stroll from the citadel. Rooms are all en-suite and breakfast is included.
- Bryn Derwen Visitor Home – a effectively rated centrally positioned household run guesthouse with en-suite rooms and breakfast included.
- Gwynfryn – this uncommon resort is present in a transformed chapel simply 300 metres from Conwy Citadel. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is out there.
- The Erskine Arms – 5 minutes stroll from Conwy centre, this Georgian teaching inn gives 10 en-suite rooms with breakfast included. There’s additionally a bar on-site serving good meals and drinks.
- The Quay Lodge and Spa – discovered within the marina on the other facet of the river to the city centre, this resort gives en-suite rooms, some with beautiful sea views. There’s an on-site restaurant and breakfast is included.
Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
Immediately it’s time to start out heading again down south to finish our loop of Wales. Heading again to Cardiff through Hay-on-Wye.
Earlier than you set off, be sure to go to any sights you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will probably need to try Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.
Now you will have two totally different route choices immediately, the primary is heading alongside the northern shoreline and the second is following an inland route south.
Each routes have you ever spend the evening in Hay-on-Wye. Each routes are nice and I’d try the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.
In case you determine to comply with the northern shoreline, then your first cease will likely be Rhuddlan Citadel. That is one other of Edward I’s castles, which dates from 1277.
From Rhuddlan it’s a brief drive to Rhaeadr Dyserth Waterfall, the place a minute’s stroll from the automobile park will reward you with a fairly view of a stunning little waterfall.
The following cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest is St Winefride’s Nicely & Shrine, a web site which has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1300 years. It’s additionally distinctive in that it’s the one pilgrimage web site within the UK that was capable of proceed working even in the course of the Reformation.
The effectively itself is discovered on the location the place St. Winefride was stated to have been decapitated after which introduced again to life. There’s a pool right here which is open at particular occasions of the day for folks to wash in.
It’s stated to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on web site as effectively the place you may find out about St. Winefride. A small payment applies for visiting.
Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we suggest earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Citadel. That is noteworthy as being the closest citadel to the English border, and subsequently the primary to be constructed throughout Edward I’s marketing campaign towards the Welsh. Free to go to.
From Flint, you’ll head south passing by means of by means of Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown till you attain Hay on Wye.
This northern shoreline route takes about 3 hours with out stops. This may positively be faster than the route under, even when elements of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.
A second possibility is to move south instantly, skipping the northern shoreline and as an alternative visiting extra of japanese Wales. Highlights alongside this route embrace Merion Mill, Pont Minllyn, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, and the Elan Valley. This route takes about 3.5 hours to drive with out stops.
For the inland route, head from Conwy right down to Dolgellau, then out to Minllyn on the A470.
At Minllyn, take a break at Merion Mill, a wool crafting mill the place you may peruse all method of authentic merchandise that may make for a superb memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as effectively.
We’d additionally extremely suggest speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automobile park the place you may see what stays of the gorgeous previous stone bridge which crosses the river right here, Pont Minllyn.
Now proceed south in direction of Llandiloes. A quick detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you may see the stays of this former lead mining neighborhood.
There are additionally strolling trails within the space if you wish to stretch your legs. Free parking, and it’s simply a few minutes’ stroll from the automobile park to the positioning. Extra data on the official CADW web site right here. It’s free to go to.
Persevering with on, one other good cease immediately is the Elan Valley. This seventy sq. mile space covers a variety of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which kind 5 lakes. These lakes present ingesting water for the town of Birmingham.
There’s a customer heart right here the place you may study all concerning the space. The preferred activitiy right here is to cycle across the reseviors on the Elan Valley Path. Bikes can be found for rent on the customer heart.
Nonetheless, you may also stroll or drive to various viewpoints when you desire. Be aware the customer heart is free to go to however there’s a cost for parking.
Lastly, proceed on to the gorgeous city of Hay-on-Wye the place you may be spending the evening. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is known for its bookshops.
There are over twenty bookshops within the city masking just about each style and magnificence of literature, and each new and used books can be found.
We extremely suggest taking a while to wander the city and go to a few of these bookshops earlier than discovering a pleasant spot for dinner and handing over for the evening.
Day 9 Highlights: Merion Mill, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, Elan Valley, Hay-on-Wye
Day 9 Driving Distance: ~ 140 miles
Day 9 Driving Time: ~ 3 – 3.5 hours relying on route
Day 9 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Hay-on-Wye. There are just a few choices to select from in and across the village. We suggest the next:
- The Outdated Black Lion – voted finest pub within the county, this lovely seventeenth century inn has a superb on-site restaurant and cozy en-suite rooms. We had a stunning meal right here and an excellent evening’s relaxation. Breakfast is out there.
- Seven Stars – this guesthouse is present in a sixteenth century constructing and now options eight pretty en-suite rooms. There’s additionally an indoor swimming pool and sauna. Breakfast is included.
- The Swan At Hay – this former Georgian teaching inn is now a 19 room resort with 2 bars and a eating room. Breakfast is out there.
- Baskerville Home – discovered a couple of minutes drive exterior Hay on Wye, this guesthouse gives comfy en-suite rooms with breakfast included.
Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff
We’ve got reached the ultimate day of your Welsh street journey! Immediately you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you may drop off your rental automobile (if wanted) after which journey onwards.
How your day immediately appears to be like will after all rely in your schedule. When you have an early prepare or flight, then you’ll want to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.
Nonetheless, when you have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the way in which.
First, head instantly south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 yr previous smash was as soon as one of many biggest medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an finish to the monasteries. Immediately the positioning is free to go to.
Persevering with on to Cardiff, you will have a few choices. First, you could decide to go to the previous coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the positioning of the tragic Aberfan catastrophe in 1966, when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 youngsters and 28 adults. There’s a transferring memorial you may go to when you want to pay your respects.
Lastly, if you need to see one other citadel, we are able to extremely suggest dropping by Caerphilly Citadel as you come back to Cardiff. This thirteenth century medieval fortress was the most important in Wales, and in reality is the second largest within the UK, second solely to Windsor Citadel.
Overlaying 30 acres, the positioning options enormous defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a variety of water defenses. It’s really a web site to behold, and a very good option to end off your Welsh street journey. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.
Now, on to Cardiff the place this street journey wraps up! When you have extra time in Cardiff, you may go and go to any of the sights you didn’t have time to go to at the start of your journey.
Day 10 Highlights: Llanthony Priory, Aberfan memorial, Caerphilly Citadel
Day 10 Driving Distance: ~ 65 miles
Day 10 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 10 Lodging: You possibly can keep one other evening in Cardiff if you want, or in your onward vacation spot.
Map of Wales Highway Journey Itinerary
Right here’s a map of the route that can assist you visualise the place you’ll be going. You possibly can see a full model of this map on Google Maps right here, which incorporates all of the highlights in addition to lodging listings.
Wales Highway Journey Itinerary Overview
Right here’s an outline of the itinerary for reference.
- Day 1: Cardiff
- Day 2: Cardiff
- Day 3: Cardiff to Tenby
- Day 4: Tenby to St. David’s
- Day 5: St. David’s to Aberystwyth
- Day 6: Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
- Day 7: Porthmadog to Caernarfon
- Day 8: Caernarfon to Conwy
- Day 9: Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
- Day 10: Hay on Wye to Cardiff
Additional Studying
And that’s it for our detailed Wales street journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally needed to share some extra assets we expect would possibly enable you with planning this and future journeys within the UK.
- In case you’re on the lookout for extra street journey inspiration within the UK, try our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
- In case you’re heading to Scotland, try our 2 day Edinburgh itinerary, our Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary, our information to the finest day journeys from Glasgow, our information to issues to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the finest day journeys from Aberdeen, and our information to one of the best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
- We’ve got a two week UK street journey itinerary and a one week UK street journey itinerary
- We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
- In case you’re not aware of driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful suggestions.
- We’ve got guides to many cities within the UK you may try! See our guides to issues to do in Manchester, issues to do in Stratford upon Avon, issues to do in Bristol, issues to do in Portsmouth, tips about a weekend in York, tips about Visiting Oxford on a Day Journey, and issues to do in Cambridge to get began
- In case you’re on the lookout for a guidebook in your journey, try the Tough Information to Wales
And that’s it! Have you ever ever visited Wales? Do you will have something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback under, and secure travels!