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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 website. Nicely, that’s about to alter.
Wales is a spectacular nation with quite a bit to supply and its comparatively small measurement means which you could see quite a bit in a 1-week highway journey. On this information we’re going to share our thought of the proper Wales highway journey you probably have 7 to 10 days.
This itinerary features a little little bit of every little thing Wales has to supply, which incorporates gorgeous coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural sights, and extra. The itinerary was designed to present you a style of the very best of Wales and consists of every little thing from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.
Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this highway journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and in addition supply recommendations on the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to after all alter it the way you need.
Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different standard highway 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 put up, you’ll be able to set off in your very personal Welsh highway journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you might need.
How Lengthy to Highway Journey in Wales?
Wales isn’t an enormous nation, however there’s a big quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a highway journey masking part of the nation can be three to 5 days. For those who don’t have a whole lot 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 advocate at the least 7 – 10 days.
The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day highway journey, however after all you’ll be able to alter it based mostly in your pursuits and time. If in case you have extra time, there may be at all times extra to see and we’d advocate spending longer in every space of curiosity.
How you can 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 that will additionally embody England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s straightforward to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.
Once more, we’d advocate at the least 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and for those who solely have 3 to five days we’d simply stick with specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.
However ideally you’ll have at the least 5 to 7 days to commit to Wales if you wish to see quite a few its highlights lined on this itinerary.
In case you are following our 2 week UK itinerary, you’ll be able to add time in Wales. Round day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d begin this Wales itinerary and observe Days 1 by way of 8 after which head north to Chester after which up in direction of Manchster.
See our detailed UK itinerary information for extra info 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 may think about becoming a member of up excursions reminiscent of with native tour firm Rabbie’swhere you’ll be able to take a collection of excursions exploring completely different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.
What’s the Greatest Solution to Get Round in Wales?
There are a number of completely different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nevertheless, because the title of this put up suggests, my really useful approach to journey round Wales is by automotive.
There are an ideal many sights and sights in Wales that may actually solely be visited in a automobile as there’s no public transport to achieve them. Assume distant castles, far-flung stretches of shoreline, and so forth.
The highway journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automotive. For those who don’t have your individual automotive, we’d extremely advocate choosing up a automotive rental, or think about becoming a member of a tour.
Because it’s less expensive to choose up and drop off a automotive in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the very best location to begin and finish this journey. Cardiff could be simply reached by rail and coach from places across the UK.
On a latest journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as that they had a location close to Cardiff’s important prepare station, which made choose up and drop off straightforward. Nevertheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a worth comparability service like Rental Automobiles or Uncover Automobiles, to see if there’s a greater choice in your journey.
For those who would like to not drive, then we’d as an alternative counsel trying into taking a tour of Wales. These could be achieved as non-public excursions or you’ll be able to be a part of a bunch tour and the excursions.
Excursions of Wales
For those who like the thought of visiting Wales however would relatively not drive, then your best choice is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, most of the sights and sights are a bit off the crushed observe and aren’t nicely served by public transport.
There are nonetheless some wonderful excursions we are able to advocate. While none of them will precisely mirror our recommended Wales highway journey itinerary, a whole lot of them do embody at the least a few of the important sights we cowl.
You may be a part of a guided tour or you probably have a much bigger finances or a big group, you may additionally think about a personal tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.
Some we propose are as follows:
- This 5 day highway journey with Rabbies can be our first choose of accessible excursions. We’ve taken an ideal many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy a whole lot of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia all the way down to south west Wales.
- This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an identical path to our recommended Wales itinerary, and consists of time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Fortress, 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 Fortress, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. If in case you have extra time, it’s also possible to 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 Fortress, Harlech Fortress, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion. If in case you have extra time, it’s also possible to do their North Wales tour.
There are after all extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a spread of operators on TourRadar which can allow you to kind and filter by length, locations visited and worth.
10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary
Okay, let’s get on with this highway journey round Wales! The rationale we are saying this highway 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 at the least two days. Nevertheless, you probably have much less time or would relatively simply hit the highway and never give attention to metropolis sights, you could choose to give attention to the highway journey part of this itinerary relatively than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!
Jess and I did this actual highway journey, with two full days in Cardiff after which eight days on the highway round Wales. We began and led to Cardiff. It was an excellent journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.
Components of this highway journey observe the Wales Method driving tour routes (you’ll be able to see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to spotlight a few of the finest surroundings and sights that Wales has to supply.
They embody The Cambrian Method, The Coastal Method, and The North Wales Method. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes utilizing our itinerary however now we have adjusted it to additionally embody a lot of my different favourite sights and sights.
Observe that this itinerary covers a whole lot of floor and every day has quite a few recommended sights. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to alter it to swimsuit what you actually wish to see and do relatively than making an attempt to do completely every little thing.
If you’d like a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending at the least 2 nights at every location. You could possibly simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to loosen up and see issues extra slowly.
Day 1 – Cardiff
Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is simple to get to from places across the UK and overseas, with rail, highway, and air hyperlinks that can allow you to get right here in the best way that most closely fits your journey.
We’d counsel that in your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. The vast majority of sights within the metropolis centre are straightforward 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 can 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 wonderful approach 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 advocate popping throughout the highway to the Cardiff Market. This can be a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover quite a lot of outlets promoting all method of products.
There are additionally meals stalls right here in case you are hungry.
From Cardiff Market, proceed north to Cardiff Fortress, your subsequent cease for the day.
On this highway journey, you’ll see fairly a number of castles. Wales has a panorama that lends itself to constructing castles, and a historical past of princes and wars that required these defensive buildings. Actually there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do must be selective through which castles you select to go to.
Nevertheless, we’d argue that you simply’re not going to see something fairly like Cardiff Fortress anyplace else in your Welsh highway journey.
Cardiff Fortress takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by way of the ages. There was some type of fortified development right here because the Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. Actually, a part of the previous Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.
Nevertheless, the massive stone preserve atop the hill that can 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 varied intervals in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a huge clock tower and gorgeous interiors.
There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Fortress, together with varied excursions and reveals that vary from world conflict two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d advocate planning on spending at the least two or three hours right here as there may be heaps to see right here.
You may stroll by way of the grounds of Cardiff Fortress totally free, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the reveals you’ll need to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is nicely value it in our opinion.
Relying on how your day goes you should still have time for an additional sight. In that case, we’d counsel strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This massive free museum (donations welcome) has reveals of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an effective approach to end off your first day in Wales.
Day 1 Highlights: Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Market, Cardiff Fortress, Nationwide Museum of Cardiff
Day 1 Driving Distance: 0 miles
Day 1 Driving Time: 0 hours
Day 1 Lodging: In your first night time we’d advocate staying in central Cardiff. This can be handy for sightseeing, in addition to for consuming out. Listed below are some recommended choices to think about:
- Metropolis Heart house – This can be a beautiful house simply minutes stroll from the town middle and prepare station. We’ve stayed right here and may advocate 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 ideal location with air conditioned rooms, restaurant and bar. We’ve stayed at quite a few Indigo branded accommodations and at all times had an excellent expertise.
- Clayton Lodge Cardiff – a nicely reviewed resort subsequent to the prepare station with clear and comfy rooms
- Parador 44 – a stupendous upmarket boutique B&B fashion resort with its personal backyard proper within the middle of Cardiff
Day 2 – Cardiff
For those who’d choose to move out of city at present you’ll be able to after all try this, and spend extra time on the highway. Nevertheless, assuming you wish to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to advocate you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.
Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you received’t have seen the water but as the town middle space is a couple of mile away. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to 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 instances an hour and the journey is just some minutes. Alternatively, you may choose to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which may even carry you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.
At Cardiff Bay there may be lots 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 dwell performances of every little thing from music to bounce. There are additionally outlets, bars, and cafes on website, and it’s value popping inside to see if there are any short-term reveals happening whenever you go to.
From right here you’ll be able to stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known youngsters’s books writer who was born in Cardiff (books embody Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, James and the Big Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to varied festivals, festivals, and dwell music performances.
You’ll now be close to the waterline. For those who head east, you’ll first cross the Pierhead constructing, an enormous crimson brick constructing with a clock tower which is difficult to overlook. That is residence to a museum the place you’ll be able to be taught in regards to the historical past of Wales.
Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, residence of the Welsh parliament. This can be a putting fashionable constructing which you’ll go to in case you are excited about studying in regards to the means of democracy in Wales. There are additionally typically exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s nicely value taking a cease right here.
From the Senedd, you’ll be able to 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 affords a restaurant, beautiful 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 best way to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineties which created this beautiful harbour space.
From right here, relatively than stroll all the best way again, you’ll be able to as an alternative hop on a ship that can take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly wish to verify the working timetables prematurely, which you are able to do right here. You may ebook tickets on-line prematurely right here.
In fact, as an alternative of (or in addition to!) strolling all the best way to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the realm across the Senedd, referred to as 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’ll be able to 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 it will probably be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.
It’s truly one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character anyplace on the planet, so value a number of 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 youngsters, then this paid attraction will certainly preserve them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on reveals to see, contact, and discover.
That looks like sufficient in your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless lots to see together with extra museums and loads of outlets. Cardiff can also be residence to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.
There are additionally a lot of different venues across the metropolis for dwell music and leisure if that’s one thing you have an interest in. On a latest go to to Cardiff we loved watching a dwell efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.
And naturally there are a whole lot of pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff. For those who’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!
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 highway! In case you are choosing up a rental automotive, you’ll wish to ebook this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day at present.
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.
This can be a good free out of doors museum which options over forty unique buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and offers you an actual perception into how Welsh individuals have lived, labored, realized, and performed over time.
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 dwell workshops and demonstrations of conventional expertise and crafts like ironmongery and farming.
It’s a giant website with quite a bit to see, so we’d advocate planning on spending at the least 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 website with a modest payment for parking.
From Cardiff you’ll proceed to move west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.
The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to observe the M4 round Swansea, which is what we’d advocate you do. In fact, for those who would like a extra scenic route be at liberty to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply concentrate on timing as you will have quite a bit to see at present.
Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Fortress, 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 encircling panorama and the citadel itself are nicely well worth the effort.
Fairly a little bit of the citadel survives, together with most of the towers, partitions and preserve. There are info panels on website and there’s a wonderful cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as nicely. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on website.
The Fortress does have an entry payment. It’s managed by Cadw, a department of the Welsh Authorities answerable for preservation of historic websites in Wales.
Cadw affords an annual membership, which provides you free entry to all of the Cadw places, amongst different advantages.
Numerous the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be lined by the membership and for those who go to the vast majority of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should buy this on-line right here, or in individual at most Cadw websites.
We expect 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 following cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr website. That is truly two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Fortress, discovered round a mile aside.
If the climate is nice, we are able to extremely advocate taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Fortress. There are some actually beautiful strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their method by way of lovely mature woodlands.
You may as well go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry payment (free for Nationwide Belief members). There’s paid parking on website (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 additional to see on the best way, and you actually love castles, be at liberty to detour to Laugharne Fortress, though we really feel you could have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to loosen up by this level.
Tenby is a well-liked and picturesque seaside city with colourful homes forming a line above the massive seaside and curved harbour. There are many locations to eat, store ,and keep. In case you are not too drained, we’d advocate a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Fortress and a stroll on the seaside.
In fact, it’s also possible to do this stuff on the morning of your fourth day as nicely. And that’s the tip of your first day on the highway!
Day 3 Highlights: St. Fagan’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past, Castell Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr Fortress, 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 whole lot of wonderful choices to select from in Tenby and close by, and the city additionally has many good eating choices. Lodging choices we advocate are:
- Beachcomber B&B – 5 minutes stroll from the centre of Tenby and the seaside, this very nicely rated household run B&B affords comfy rooms and a very good breakfast
- The Strathmore – this nicely rated household run B&B is near Tenby’s south seaside and 5 minutes stroll from the city centre. Snug rooms embody a continental breakfast or breakfast bap.
- Coach Visitor Home – a really nicely 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 affords 12 attractive 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, residence to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a surprising coastal Nationwide Park.
Let’s get going.
From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew Fortress & Tidal Mill. Because the title suggests, right here you’re going to seek out two sights in a single place.
The primary is Carew Fortress, 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 location 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 facility of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s not working however it’s open for excursions.
As you’ll be able to see there may be lots to see and do right here, so I’d counsel allocating at the least 90 minutes – 2 hours in your go to. There’s free parking on website and a payment for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or every other membership program that we’re conscious of.
From Carew Fortress you will have a number of choices, all of which contain visiting the Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park stretches throughout the Pembrokeshire coast and affords dramatic clifftop strolling, splendid sea vistas, and wildlife recognizing alternatives.
One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew Fortress, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The automotive 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 (normally August by way of January).
For those who’d prefer 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’ll see instructions right here.
Another choice for those who’d choose to spend extra time on the seaside can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. This can be a standard 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 wish to go to the location 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 automotive park right here in addition to parking alongside the highway.
There are after all many different walks that you might do at present as you head in direction of St. David’s, and you’ll see a full choice right here.
My private favorite, and the one I might advocate, is the Marloes Peninsula stroll. That is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Fortress, relying on what you select to go to at present.
The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the attractive Marloes peninsula. The stroll is basically flat with just some 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 ideal many sea birds.
There have been additionally attractive coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in complete with a lot of photograph stops and was nicely 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 night time. Positively spend a while exploring the city, both this night or on the morning of Day 5.
You’ll discover a beautiful previous cathedral, in addition to varied galleries and outlets. The town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.
For those who nonetheless wish 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 known as.
One other close by attraction is the gorgeous seaside 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 ideal pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can also be a preferred choice for pub meals.
We’d advocate asking your native lodging supplier for suggestions as they’ll know the very best native choices open throughout your go to.
Day 4 Highlights: Carew Fortress & 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 spread of lodging choices in addition to quite a few pubs and eating places for meals. We advocate the next choices:
- 4 Winds B&B – it is a beautiful B&B simply 5 minutes stroll from the centre of St. David’s. Proprietor Nikki could be very pleasant, breakfast is superb and there are beautiful views. We’ve stayed right here and had a stunning night time’s sleep.
- Glendower B&B – a nicely reviewed B&B just some minutes stroll from the town middle. Breakfast is included.
- St. David’s Cross Lodge – a preferred conventional resort proper within the metropolis middle that includes a restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included.
- Twr y Felin Lodge – a really nicely reviewed centrally positioned 4* resort with a restaurant, room service, and breakfast.
- Crug Glass Nation Home – a stupendous 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 also be out there.
Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth
Immediately you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s lots to see alongside the best way, together with historic burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife middle, lovely seashores, and extra.
We’d counsel choosing some sights that sound essentially the most fascinating to you from our solutions as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or think about doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every little thing. For those who decide to try this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.
After ending up any sightseeing or memento purchasing in St. David’s, observe 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 rigorously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the highway and entry is free. Simply bear in mind that there the parking spot is kind of small and the highway right here is kind of slim.
From Pentre Ifan, return to the principle highway. In case you are excited about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly think about 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 website you’ll find quite a few costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how individuals lived right here in the course of the Iron Age.
Now, proceed on in direction of Cardigan. There are a number of sights you may think about stopping at, relying in your pursuits.
Nature lovers will probably wish to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive middle, varied trails, and chicken watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.
A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Heart is Cilgerran Fortress. This Norman age citadel initially dates from 1108, though the construction at present largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is nicely value a go to.
Free for CADW and Nationwide Belief members, small payment in any other case. There’s no parking on website, observe indicators to the automotive park. We parked in Cilgerran Decrease automotive park from the place there’s a stunning stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the citadel.
We’d additionally advocate stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Fortress right here is nicely value a go to for a small payment.
You may truly keep in a single day right here, which now we have achieved, and it has an excellent cafe on website as nicely. If in case you have extra time, or just wish to alter your schedule, it makes for an excellent in a single day keep choice.
From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll at present, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive park at Mwnt head seaside (payment) and you’ll go to fairly Holy Cross Church. There’s additionally a brief path up the hill right here which affords good views of the coast.
Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embody Penbryn Seashore and the beautiful 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. This can be a beautiful Georgian villa which additionally affords strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard residence to varied 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 night time. This can be a mid-size coastal city which is understood for its college. There are additionally quite a few wonderful sights within the city itself which you’ll both go to at present or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.
We’d undoubtedly advocate 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 kinds of issues, masking native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations really useful).
We are able to additionally advocate the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway on the north finish of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying individuals up and all the way 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 beautiful views of the bay and city under.
A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Fortress in the midst of city can also be nicely 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 Fortress, Cardigan Fortress, 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 whole lot of lodging choices, many alongside the seaside entrance. Some choices we advocate embody:
- Llwynygog Visitor Home – an ideal worth centrally positioned family-run guesthouses providing rooms with shared or non-public bogs. Observe breakfast isn’t out there.
- Bodalwyn Visitor Home – a centrally positioned 4* guesthouse a brief stroll from the seaside. All rooms are en-suite. Observe breakfast isn’t out there.
- Richmond Lodge – this seafront resort affords attractive views throughout Cardigan Bay from some rooms. A superb breakfast is included. We’ve stayed right here and had a stunning night time’s keep.
- The Glengower – discovered proper on the seaside, it is a conventional pub with en-suite rooms, a few of which provide spectacular sea views. Breakfast is included.
- Townhouse No.1 – a classy boutique resort in a refurbished Edwardian property with beautiful en-suite rooms in addition to two flats. There’s a kitchen with snacks and drinks out there, however no breakfast choice.
Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
Immediately you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices at present for issues to do which can depend upon whether or not you wish to do a mountain hike or not. Or for those who’d choose wildlife watching and coastal cities as an alternative.
You can begin the day by ending any exploration that you simply didn’t get spherical to in Aberystwyth. In your method out of city we are able to extremely advocate dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.
This big constructing has some wonderful reveals together with an interactive archive of TV and audio footage, shows of uncommon books, and extra. Free to go to with parking on website.
Now, you could determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.
If you wish to hike up a mountain at present, 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 might say that it is a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd facet as I like to recommend. Nevertheless, it’s actually value it you probably have the time and bodily capability to take action.
It’s doable to do that largely as a loop stroll, ascending up one facet of the lake after which again down the opposite. The paths are nicely marked however we’d advocate bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain mountain climbing circumstances. You’ll additionally need to concentrate on the climate and forecast as you’ll wish to skip this in dangerous climate circumstances.
You may see an summary 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 stage and the way typically you cease.
In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you might do as an alternative. In case you are on the lookout for a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, think about 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.
For those who would relatively not deal with a giant hike at present (there can be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are a whole lot of choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.
We’d counsel choosing these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices out there as you received’t have the ability to match every little thing in.
First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you’ll be able to stroll alongside. In case you are fortunate, you may be on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.
This can be a beautiful 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 beautiful walks by way of the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.
There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to find out about what you might be prone to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate to spend round an hour right here for those who 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 selection of data panels to clarify what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however nicely value it. There’s additionally a pleasant waterfall right here.
The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will wish to make a cease at close by RSPB Ynys-hir. This reserve has a variety of habitats, from woodland to saltmarsh to grassland.
Which means there’s a vastly various vary of wildlife that calls the reserve residence. There’s a small payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.
One other wildlife middle you could think about visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. This can be a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can also be residence to the Dyfi Osprey Venture. There’s a small payment to go to.
Persevering with up the A487 you’ll come to the city of Machynlleth. There are a selection of cafes and eating places right here in addition to a fairly city clock and city middle. There’s additionally a free museum of contemporary artwork right here.
North of Machynlleth are two standard sights. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you’ll be able to be taught all about different power choices, sustainability, and extra.
One other standard choice, particularly with households, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Present in a former slate mine, it is a guided story telling tour which takes you thru the story of King Arthur. It’s a whole lot of enjoyable however make sure to gown warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft middle on website right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.
Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll cross by way of the city of Dolgellau, the place we advocate driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.
This has a stunning sandy seaside and is a good 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 residence to the spectacular Harlech Fortress, 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 most interesting examples of late thirteenth century army structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely advocate 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 night time, 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 Fortress
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’ve gotten many choices within the Porthmadog space, some on the town after which extra within the surrounding space. Some choices we advocate embody 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 wonderful on-site restaurant and good worth rooms. We’ve stayed right here and may undoubtedly advocate each the restaurant and the lodging. Breakfast is offered.
- Royal Sportsman Lodge – discovered within the middle of Porthmadog just some moments from the Ffestiniog Railway, this nicely rated resort affords en-suite rooms and an excellent on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
- Tudor Lodge – minutes stroll from the Ffestiniog Railway this nicely rated family-run guesthouse supply en-sute accommdation with breakfast included.
- Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – if you wish to spoil your self, then you definately may think about staying in Portmeirion Village itself. Various rooms can be found throughout the location, together with in a citadel, and there are additionally varied eating places to select from. A good 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 ideal base for mountain climbing Snowdon. There’s a bar and on-site restaurant, and the meal we had once we stayed right here was wonderful.
Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon
My important suggestion at present is to take one of many scenic slim gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you’ll simply loosen up 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 the planet.
Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is truly operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise could be very related. The principle distinction is the route.
This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the best way to Caernarfon, and it’s also possible to do a visit to and from the beautiful village of Beddgelert on this prepare.
There’s no “finest” choice actually, 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, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can also be nicely value it.
Whichever journey you select, we advocate reserving prematurely on the official web site right here, because the route could be very standard and may promote out.
One other standard attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be think about is Portmeirion Village. This can be 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 chance of rain, you may even suppose you will have left Wales totally.
While it is a standard attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t totally fall for it. It was a reasonably dear place to go to, and apart from trying on the buildings, having fun with the views, and dropping into the outlets, there wasn’t an enormous quantity to do.
In fact, everybody may have a unique expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you’ll be able to stroll that are good, however a few of these had been closed once we visited and it rained a lot of our go to. So I feel the climate actually put a damper on our go to.
I feel the expertise at Portmerion Village is finest on a pleasant sunny day and for those who spend the night time. There are a number of varieties of lodging right here and close by for those who determine to remain the night time.
Relying on what you will have chosen to do at present, 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 highway journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.
This affords attractive shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an illustration, you’ll be able to go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Fortress, 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 principle attraction right here is the gorgeous Caernarfon Fortress which you must undoubtedly go to you probably have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!
This can be a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey fashion citadel. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry payment.
Relying in your schedule you could have to do that on the next day.
Day 7 Highlights: Slim gauge railway journey, Llŷn Peninsula, Criccieth Fortress
Day 7 Driving Distance: ~ 60 miles
Day 7 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 7 Lodging: In a single day at (or close to) Caernarfon. In fact, you might additionally base your self in Porthmadog or one other location for nights 6 and seven for those who’d choose to not preserve packing and unpacking. Nevertheless, for those who select to remain in Caernarfon, we propose the next choices:
- Totters Hostel – this centrally positioned hostel affords rooms with shared or non-public bogs and breakfast is included.
- Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse – this nicely reviewed centrally positioned resort has a bar and cafe, and a mixture of shared or non-public bogs. 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 offered.
- The Black Boy Inn – a beautiful sixteenth century teaching inn discovered inside the town partitions, this is likely one of the oldest inns nonetheless working in North Wales. There’s an excellent restaurant and bar on website, and a spread of en-suite rooms to select from. Breakfast is offered.
- Plas Dinas Nation Home – simply 10 minutes drive from Caernarfon, this attractive 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
To your eighth day you once more have a lot of choices, because the northern a part of Wales has an enormous quantity to supply.
One very fashionable choice is after all to deal with the best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You’ve gotten a few choices for going to the summit.
First, and most clearly maybe, you’ll be able to stroll. There are at least six routes to select from, and you’ll see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the preferred because it’s thought to be the best, 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 a number of different walkers, even when the summit is busy.
Whichever route you select, it would be best to enable between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health stage. So that you’ll wish to principally plan your full day round your hike as you received’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can probably be exhausted after your hike.
Observe that the automotive parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. You’ll want to verify forward.
So do make sure to plan forward in case you are contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll must make sure to pack accordingly for a mountain hike, know which route you wish to do, and plan head for parking. You additionally wish to begin early to make sure you get a parking spot and are again earlier than sunset.
Lastly, make sure to verify the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate circumstances could make these paths very harmful. You’ll wish to keep away from this hike in dangerous climate.
The opposite approach to get to the highest of Snowdon is to take the prepare. Sure, there’s a prepare that can take you to the highest of the mountain.
The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking individuals to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its an exquisite approach to attain the highest, with epic views all the best way up.
This can be a paid service, and you’ll select to go a technique or return. If you wish to do that we strongly advocate reserving tickets prematurely because it’s a very fashionable service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.
For this one you’ll be able to park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a selection of automotive 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 choice if you wish to match extra in at present.
Talking of which, there may be lots 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 advocate visiting the superb 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 individuals right here for a whole lot of years.
Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover reveals masking all features of slate mining in addition to dwell demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.
We are able to additionally extremely advocate heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two standard sights right here that we advocate. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is residence to the longest railway station signal on the planet.
The signal, which reads Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, means “The Church of St Mary in a hole of white hazel, close to to a speedy whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church close to to a crimson cave”.
The signal title was totally 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 wonderful and large memento retailer right here the place you should buy all method of issues.
The opposite attraction we advocate visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular thirteenth century Beaumaris Fortress.
This splendidly symmetrical citadel is surrounded on most sides by a water stuffed moat. Apparently, the citadel was by no means truly accomplished, however there may be nonetheless lots 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 a bit shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we’d advocate the hike to Aber Falls. That is roughly a 4 mile spherical journey hike on pretty stage terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Your reward for the hassle is the gorgeous 120 foot excessive Aber Falls. There’s paid parking on the stroll begin level.
One other good waterfall which is simply off the highway 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 residence to a surprising citadel, which can also be value visiting though we’d counsel most likely shortlisting a number of castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!
Conwy Fortress is free to CADW members and there’s a payment for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the midst of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you’ll be able to simply stroll right here from many of the city automotive parks.
That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. For those who go to, we extremely advocate climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the very best views.
Lastly, in a single day in Conwy. Once more, you may want to maneuver some sightseeing to Day 9 relying in your schedule.
Day 8 Highlights: Snowdon, Nationwide Slate Museum, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll signal, Beaumaris Fortress, Aber Falls, Conwy Fortress
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 might select one location for nights 6 by way of 8. For those who select to base your self in Conwy, we advocate the next:
- YHA Conwy – simply 10 minutes stroll from the centre of Conwy, this nicely rated hostel affords nice worth rooms, some with non-public bogs. A big buffet breakfast is offered, 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 nicely 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 Fortress. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is offered.
- The Erskine Arms – 5 minutes stroll from Conwy centre, this Georgian teaching inn affords 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 alternative facet of the river to the city centre, this resort affords en-suite rooms, some with attractive sea views. There’s an on-site restaurant and breakfast is included.
Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
Immediately it’s time to begin heading again down south to finish our loop of Wales. Heading again to Cardiff by way of 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 wish to try Penrhyn Fortress and Backyard for instance.
Now you will have two completely different route choices at present, the primary is heading alongside the northern shoreline and the second is following an inland route south.
Each routes have you ever spend the night time in Hay-on-Wye. Each routes are nice and I’d try the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.
For those who determine to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease can be Rhuddlan Fortress. 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 automotive park will reward you with a fairly view of a stunning little waterfall.
The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we advocate is St Winefride’s Nicely & Shrine, a website which has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1300 years. It’s additionally distinctive in that it’s the one pilgrimage website within the UK that was capable of proceed working even in the course of the Reformation.
The nicely itself is discovered on the location the place St. Winefride was mentioned to have been decapitated after which introduced again to life. There’s a pool right here which is open at particular instances of the day for individuals to wash in.
It’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on website as nicely the place you’ll be able to find out about St. Winefride. A small payment applies for visiting.
Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we advocate earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Fortress. 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 way of by way of Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown till you attain Hay on Wye.
This northern shoreline route takes about 3 hours with out stops. This may undoubtedly be faster than the route under, even when elements of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.
A second choice is to move south straight, skipping the northern shoreline and as an alternative visiting extra of jap Wales. Highlights alongside this route embody 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 all the way 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’ll be able to peruse all method of unique merchandise that will make for a wonderful memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as nicely.
We’d additionally extremely advocate speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automotive park the place you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 automotive park to the location. Extra info on the official CADW website right here. It’s free to go to.
Persevering with on, one other good cease at present is the Elan Valley. This seventy sq. mile space covers a spread of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which kind 5 lakes. These lakes present consuming water for the town of Birmingham.
There’s a customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to be taught all in regards to 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 middle.
Nevertheless, it’s also possible to stroll or drive to quite a few viewpoints for those who choose. Observe the customer middle 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 can be spending the night time. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is legendary for its bookshops.
There are over twenty bookshops within the city masking just about each style and elegance of literature, and each new and used books can be found.
We extremely advocate 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 night time.
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 a number of choices to select from in and across the village. We advocate the next:
- The Previous Black Lion – voted finest pub within the county, this lovely seventeenth century inn has a wonderful on-site restaurant and comfy en-suite rooms. We had a stunning meal right here and an excellent night time’s relaxation. Breakfast is offered.
- Seven Stars – this guesthouse is present in a sixteenth century constructing and now options eight beautiful 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 offered.
- Baskerville Home – discovered a couple of minutes drive exterior Hay on Wye, this guesthouse affords comfy en-suite rooms with breakfast included.
Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff
We’ve reached the ultimate day of your Welsh highway journey! Immediately you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you’ll be able to drop off your rental automotive (if wanted) after which journey onwards.
How your day at present appears will after all rely in your schedule. If in case you have an early prepare or flight, then it would be best to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.
Nevertheless, you probably have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the best way.
First, head straight south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 yr previous spoil 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 location 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 location 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’ll be able to go to for those who want to pay your respects.
Lastly, if you need to see one other citadel, we are able to extremely advocate dropping by Caerphilly Fortress as you come 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 Fortress.
Masking 30 acres, the location options big defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread of water defenses. It’s actually a website to behold, and a very good approach to end off your Welsh highway journey. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.
Now, on to Cardiff the place this highway journey wraps up! If in case you have extra time in Cardiff, you’ll be able to 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 Fortress
Day 10 Driving Distance: ~ 65 miles
Day 10 Driving Time: ~ 2 hours
Day 10 Lodging: You may keep one other night time 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 will help you visualise the place you’ll be going. You may 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 summary 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 highway journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally needed to share some extra assets we predict may enable you with planning this and future journeys within the UK.
- For those who’re on the lookout for extra highway journey inspiration within the UK, try our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
- For those who’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 the very best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
- We’ve a two week UK highway journey itinerary and a one week UK highway journey itinerary
- We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
- For those who’re not aware of driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful suggestions.
- We’ve guides to many cities within the UK you’ll be able to 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, recommendations on a weekend in York, recommendations on Visiting Oxford on a Day Journey, and issues to do in Cambridge to get began
- For those who’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 protected travels!
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