A 7 to 10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary with Map

Regardless of being born in Wales and spending a few years residing within the nation, I haven’t as but shared any content material about Wales on this web site. Effectively, that’s about to alter.

Wales is a spectacular nation with so much to supply and its comparatively small measurement means that you may see so much in a 1-week highway journey. On this information we’re going to share our thought of the right Wales highway journey when you’ve got 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary features a little little bit of all the pieces Wales has to supply, which incorporates beautiful coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural points of interest, and extra. The itinerary was designed to provide you a style of the very best of Wales and contains all the pieces 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 likewise provide recommendations on the place to remain, and what to eat. However you possibly can after all regulate it the way you need.

Personally, we expect Wales has surroundings to rival different in style highway journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we’ll allow you to resolve 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 highway journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you might need.

How Lengthy to Street Journey in Wales?

Wales isn’t an enormous nation, however there’s a big quantity to see. We’d say that the minimal period of time for a highway journey protecting part of the nation can be three to 5 days. If you happen to don’t have numerous time we’d maybe counsel focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

If you wish to see extra of what’s on provide, and discover the nation from prime to backside, then we’d suggest at the least 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day highway journey, however after all you possibly can regulate it based mostly in your pursuits and time. If in case you have extra time, there may be all the time extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

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 at the least 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and in the event you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply persist with specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have at the least 5 to 7 days to dedicate to Wales if you wish to see plenty of its highlights coated on this itinerary.

If you’re following our 2 week UK itinerary, you possibly can add time in Wales. Round day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d begin this Wales itinerary and observe Days 1 by 8 after which head north to Chester after which up in direction of Manchster.

See our detailed UK itinerary guide for extra info on that.

If you’re additionally wanting to go to different components of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly take into account becoming a member of up excursions equivalent to with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you possibly can take a sequence of excursions exploring totally different components of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

What’s the Greatest Solution to Get Round in Wales?

There are a couple of totally different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nevertheless, because the title of this publish suggests, my beneficial method to journey round Wales is by automobile.

There are a fantastic many sights and points of interest in Wales that may actually solely be visited in a automobile as there’s no public transport to achieve them. Suppose distant castles, far-flung stretches of shoreline, and so forth.

The highway journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automobile. If you happen to don’t have your individual automobile, we’d extremely suggest selecting up a automobile rental, or take into account becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s more economical to select up and drop off a automobile 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 automobile from Enterprise as that they had a location close to Cardiff’s primary prepare station, which made decide up and drop off simple. Nevertheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a worth comparability service like Rental Cars or Discover Cars, to see if there’s a greater possibility in your journey.

If you happen to would favor to not drive, then we might as a substitute counsel wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These could be performed as non-public excursions or you possibly can be a part of a bunch tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

If you happen to like the concept of visiting Wales however would moderately not drive, then the best choice is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, lots of the sights and points of interest are a little bit off the crushed monitor and aren’t properly served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we are able to suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our steered Wales highway journey itinerary, numerous them do embrace at the least among the primary points of interest we cowl.

You possibly can be a part of a guided tour or when you’ve got a much bigger funds or a big group, you may additionally take into account a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions usually depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we advise are as follows:

• This 5 day road trip with Rabbies can be our first decide of accessible excursions. We’ve taken a fantastic many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy numerous 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 steered Wales itinerary, and contains 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 contains 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 selection from a range of operators on TourRadar which is able to allow you to type and filter by length, locations visited and worth.

 

 

10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary

Okay, let’s get on with this highway journey round Wales! The explanation we are saying this highway journey is 7 – 10 days is as a result of I’ve added a few days in Cardiff originally.

The Welsh capital metropolis has so much to supply, from glorious museums to fortress ruins and sporting points of interest.

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill at the least two days. Nevertheless, when you’ve got much less time or would moderately simply hit the highway and never deal with metropolis points of interest, chances are you’ll desire to deal with the highway journey part of this itinerary moderately 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.

Elements of this highway journey observe the Wales Approach driving tour routes (you possibly can see more about those here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on among the greatest surroundings and points of interest 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 adjusted it to additionally embrace a lot of my different favourite sights and points of interest.

Be aware that this itinerary covers numerous floor and every day has plenty of steered points of interest. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to regulate it to swimsuit what you actually wish to see and do moderately than making an attempt to do completely all the pieces.

If you would 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 calm down 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 places across the UK and overseas, with rail, highway, 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 points of interest within the metropolis centre are simple to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise in opposition to driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll must take care of navigation and discovering parking.

In your first day within the metropolis, our beneficial first cease can be the Museum of Cardiff.

This glorious free museum tells the story of town over the centuries, from the Neolithic interval to the current day. It’s a wonderful method to orient your self to town and stand up to hurry with its historical past. It’s one in all our favorite museums in Cardiff.

Subsequent, we’d suggest 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 a wide range 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 Castle, your subsequent cease for the day.

On this highway journey, you’ll see fairly a couple 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 wherein 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 the ages. There was some type of fortified development right here for the reason that Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. Actually, a part of the outdated Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

Nevertheless, the big stone preserve atop the hill that may catch your eye as you stroll in dates from the twelfth century.

Round the remainder of fortress grounds you’ll discover a vary of buildings from numerous intervals in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a large clock tower and beautiful interiors.

There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Fortress, together with numerous excursions and displays that vary from world conflict two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d suggest planning on spending at the least two or three hours right here as there may be heaps to see right here.

You possibly can stroll by the grounds of Cardiff Fortress without cost, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you have to to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is properly value it in our opinion.

Relying on how your day goes you should still have time for an additional sight. If that’s the case, we’d counsel strolling over to the National Museum Cardiff. This huge free museum (donations welcome) has displays of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an effective method to end off your first day in Wales.

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

If you happen to’d desire to go out of city at this time you possibly can after all do this, and spend extra time on the highway. Nevertheless, assuming you wish 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 received’t have seen the water but as town heart space is a couple of mile away. Nevertheless, you possibly can simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus trip.

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 convey you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there may be lots to see. First, you’ll seemingly see the big 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 all the pieces 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 short-term displays occurring whenever you go to.

From right here you possibly can stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known youngsters’s books creator who was born in Cardiff (books embrace Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit, James and the Large Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza usually performs host to varied festivals, festivals, and dwell music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. If you happen to head east, you’ll first move the Pierhead building, an enormous purple brick constructing with a clock tower which is tough to overlook. That is residence to a museum the place you possibly can study concerning the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd building, residence of the Welsh parliament. This can be a putting fashionable constructing which you’ll be able to go to if you’re enthusiastic about studying concerning the means of democracy in Wales. There are additionally usually exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s properly value taking a cease right here.

From the Senedd, you possibly can 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, 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 definitely a stunning stroll all the way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineteen Nineties which created this beautiful harbour space.

From right here, moderately than stroll all the way in which again, you possibly can as a substitute hop on a ship that may take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly wish to verify the working timetables prematurely, which you are able to do here. You possibly can book tickets online in advance here.

After all, as a substitute of (or in addition to!) strolling all the way in which to the barrage you possibly can 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 possibly can take boat tours of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different points of interest within the space. First is the moderately eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not accustomed to the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this can seemingly be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.

It’s truly one of the largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character anyplace on this planet, so value a couple of moments of your time!

The opposite attraction within the space is Techniquest, which is a family-friendly science museum. If you’re 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 lots to see together with extra museums and loads of retailers. Cardiff can be residence to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.

There are additionally a number 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 numerous pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff. If you happen to’re into historic pubs, among the oldest in Cardiff are The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff Cottage, The Goat Main, and The Nice Western. So you’ll have no scarcity of locations to go for a drink or a chunk to eat!

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

It’s time to hit the highway! If you’re selecting up a rental automobile, you’ll wish to e-book this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day at this time.

Your first cease for the day is simply exterior of Cardiff, the St. Fagan’s National Museum of History. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cardiff.

This can be a sensible free outside museum which options over forty unique buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and provides you with an actual perception into how Welsh individuals have lived, labored, discovered, and performed over time.

There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, nearly all of which you’ll be able to go inside and discover. It’s additionally a residing museum, with dwell workshops and demonstrations of conventional abilities and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s an enormous web site with so much to see, so we’d suggest 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 sizzling drinks. There’s a big carpark on web site with a modest charge for parking.

From Cardiff you’ll proceed to go 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 might suggest you do. After all, in the event you would favor a extra scenic route be happy to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you’ve so much to see at this time.

Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Fortress, is a dramatically positioned crumbling fortress which dates from the early 14th century. There’s a little bit of an uphill stroll to get to the fortress, however we’d say the views of the encircling panorama and the fortress itself are properly well worth the effort.

Fairly a little bit of the fortress survives, together with lots of the towers, partitions and preserve. There are info panels on web site and there’s a wonderful cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as properly. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on web site.

The Fortress does have an entry charge. It’s managed by Cadw, a department of the Welsh Authorities liable for preservation of historic websites in Wales.

Cadw gives an annual membership, which supplies you free entry to all of the Cadw places, amongst different advantages.

Quite a lot of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be coated by the membership and in the event you go to nearly all of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should purchase this online here, or in individual at most Cadw websites.

We predict that is very a lot value it and we all the time 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 National Trust Dinefwr site. 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 sweet, we are able to extremely suggest 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 manner by lovely mature woodlands.

You may as well go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry charge (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 would like one thing additional to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Castle, though we really feel you’ll have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to calm down by this level.

Tenby is a well-liked and picturesque seaside city with colourful homes forming a line above the big seashore and curved harbour. There are many locations to eat, store ,and keep. If you’re not too drained, we’d suggest a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Fortress and a stroll on the seashore.

After all, it’s also possible to do these items on the morning of your fourth day as properly. And that’s the tip of your first day on the highway!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Right now you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, residence 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 Castle & Tidal Mill. Because the title suggests, right here you’re going to seek out two points of interest in a single place.

The primary is Carew Fortress, a fortress 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 possibly can 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 may be free parking on web site and a charge for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or some other membership program that we’re conscious of.

From Carew Fortress you’ve a couple of 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 Fortress, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark 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 a superb place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (normally August by January).

If you happen to’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 here.

An alternative choice in the event you’d desire to spend extra time on the seashore can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seashore. This can be a in style 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 automobile park right here in addition to parking alongside the highway.

There are after all many different walks that you can do at this time as you head in direction of St. David’s, and you may see a full choice here.

My private favorite, and the one I might suggest, is the Marloes Peninsula walk. 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 this time.

The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the beautiful Marloes peninsula. The stroll is essentially 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 glorious wildlife recognizing alternatives. We noticed numerous seals and seal pups in addition to a fantastic 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 a number of photograph stops and was properly well worth the effort.

From Marloes, one other hour’s drive will convey you to the tiny metropolis of St. David’s the place you’ll spend the night time. Undoubtedly spend a while exploring the city, both this night or on the morning of Day 5.

You’ll discover a beautiful outdated cathedral, in addition to numerous galleries and retailers. The town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.

If you happen to nonetheless wish to discover, then we’d counsel strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Well, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom town is called.

One other close by attraction is the beautiful seashore of Whitesands, which makes for a superb place to observe the sundown.

For meals, there are many good eating choices on the town, from eating places to pubs. We’ve had a fantastic 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 ideas as they’ll know the very best native choices open throughout your go to.

 

 

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

Right now you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s lots 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 selecting some sights that sound essentially the most attention-grabbing to you from our solutions as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or take into account doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see all the pieces. If you happen to decide to do this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.

After ending up any sightseeing or memento procuring 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 outdated tomb has a 16.5ft capstone fastidiously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the highway and entry is free. Simply remember that there the parking spot is kind of small and the highway right here is kind of slender.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary highway. If you’re enthusiastic about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly take into account a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction contains a sequence of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On web site you will see plenty of costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how individuals lived right here through the Iron Age.

Now, proceed on in direction of Cardigan. There are a couple of sights you would possibly take into account stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will seemingly wish to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive heart, numerous trails, and chook watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small charge for parking. A superb location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Heart is Cilgerran Castle. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction at this time largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is properly value a go to.

Free for CADW and Nationwide Belief members, small charge in any other case. There’s no parking on web site, observe indicators to the automobile park. We parked in Cilgerran Lower car park from the place there’s a stunning stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the fortress.

We’d additionally suggest stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Fortress right here is properly value a go to for a small charge.

You possibly can truly stay overnight here, which we’ve performed, and it has a superb cafe on web site as properly. If in case you have extra time, or just wish to regulate your schedule, it makes for a superb in a single day keep possibility.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you need to take a stroll at this time, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automobile park at Mwnt head seashore (charge) 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 Seaside 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 select up a sizzling plate of fish and chips.

Simply past New Quay you will see the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. This can be a beautiful Georgian villa which additionally gives strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard residence to varied Welsh breeds of cattle. There’s a charge 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 plenty of glorious points of interest within the city itself which you’ll be able to both go to at this time or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

We’d undoubtedly suggest visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum. That is positioned in a preserved Edwardian period theatre, which makes for fairly a novel museum location!

The museum has shows on all types of issues, protecting native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations beneficial).

We are able to additionally suggest 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 charge to make use of it, we’d counsel taking the railway up after which strolling down for beautiful views of the bay and city beneath.

A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Castle in the midst of city can be properly value a couple of minutes of your time. It’s free to go to.

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Right now you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices at this time for issues to do which is able to rely upon whether or not you wish to do a mountain hike or not. Or in the event you’d desire wildlife watching and coastal cities as a substitute.

You can begin the day by ending any exploration that you simply didn’t get spherical to in Aberystwyth. In your manner out of city we are able to extremely suggest dropping in on the National Library of Wales.

This big constructing has some glorious 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, you could resolve between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain at this time, our advice 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 this can be a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nevertheless, it’s actually value it when you’ve got the time and bodily capability to take action.

It’s potential to do that largely as a loop stroll, ascending up one aspect of the lake after which again down the opposite. The paths are properly marked however we might suggest bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain climbing circumstances. You’ll additionally need to pay attention to the climate and forecast as you’ll wish to skip this in unhealthy climate circumstances.

You possibly can see an summary of the Minffordd trail here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Anticipate the entire hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health degree and the way usually you cease.

After all there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you can do as a substitute. If you’re searching for a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, take into account 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.

If you happen to would moderately not deal with an enormous hike at this time (there might be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are numerous choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel selecting these choices which attraction most to you from the choices accessible as you received’t have the ability to match all the pieces in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you possibly can stroll alongside. If you’re fortunate, you is likely to 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 National Nature Reserve.

Right here there are some beautiful walks by the dunes, that are among the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer heart right here the place you possibly can study 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 in the event 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 (here on Google Maps), an outdated charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

It’s free to go to and there are a selection of knowledge panels to elucidate what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however properly 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.

Meaning there’s a massively numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve residence. There’s a small charge to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife heart chances are you’ll take into account visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. This can be a nature reserve and wildlife heart which can be residence to the Dyfi Osprey Challenge. There’s a small charge 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 reasonably city clock and city heart. There’s additionally a free museum of modern art right here.

North of Machynlleth are two in style points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Alternative Technology, the place you possibly can study all about different power choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other in style 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 numerous enjoyable however make sure you gown 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 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 residence to the spectacular Harlech Castle, a mighty thirteenth century fortress constructed by Edward I throughout his invasion of Wales.

This fortress, 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 suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a charge 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 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My primary advice at this time is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These provide spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply calm down 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 truly operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise may be very related. The principle distinction is the route.

This 25 mile stretch of monitor goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and it’s also possible to do a visit to and from the gorgeous village of Beddgelert on this prepare.

There’s no “greatest” possibility actually, each trains provide 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 be properly value it.

Whichever journey you select, we suggest reserving prematurely on the official website here, because the route may be very in style and might promote out.

One other in style attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be take into account is Portmeirion Village. This can be a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and significantly the city of Portofino in Italy.

It’s definitely 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’ve left Wales fully.

While this can be a in style attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t fully fall for it. It was a reasonably expensive place to go to, and apart 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 can have a unique expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you possibly can stroll that are good, however a few of these have 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 greatest on a pleasant sunny day and in the event you spend the night time. There are a number of varieties of lodging right here and close by in the event you resolve to remain the night time.

Relying on what you’ve chosen to do at this time, chances are you’ll or could not have extra time to spare. If you’re searching for extra to do, then I’d counsel taking a highway journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This gives beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an illustration, you possibly can go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Castle, and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s additionally a stunning free art gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

Lastly, head to Caernarfon the place you’ll in a single day. The principle attraction right here is the beautiful Caernarfon Castle which it is best to undoubtedly go to when you’ve got time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!

This can be a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey fashion fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry charge.

Relying in your schedule you’ll have to do that on the next day.

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

On your eighth day you once more have a number of choices, because the northern a part of Wales has an enormous quantity to supply.

One very talked-about possibility is after all to deal with the best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You could have a few choices for going to the summit.

First, and most clearly maybe, you possibly can stroll. There are a minimum of six routes to select from, and you may see all of them outlined here. The Llanberis path tends to be the most well-liked because it’s considered the best, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

My private favorite routes are the quieter Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu paths. I’ve performed these paths and solely handed a couple of different walkers, even when the summit is busy.

Whichever route you select, it would be best to permit between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health degree. 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 seemingly 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. Make sure to verify forward.

So do make sure you plan forward if you’re contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll have to make sure you 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 you verify the native climate forecast from the Met Office earlier than your hike as climate circumstances could make these paths very harmful. You’ll wish to keep away from this hike in unhealthy climate.

The opposite method 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 individuals to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its an exquisite method to attain the highest, with epic views all the way in which up.

This can be a paid service, and you may select to go a method or return. If you wish to do that we strongly suggest reserving tickets prematurely because it’s a very talked-about service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway website.

For this one you possibly can park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a selection 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 trip is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s a superb possibility if you wish to match extra in at this time.

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 suggest visiting the wonderful and free National 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 displays protecting all points of slate mining in addition to dwell demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We are able to additionally extremely suggest heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two in style points of interest right here that we suggest. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is residence 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 speedy whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church close to to a purple cave”.

The signal title was fully 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 big souvenir store here the place you should purchase all method of issues.

The opposite attraction we suggest visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular thirteenth century Beaumaris Castle.

This splendidly symmetrical fortress is surrounded on most sides by a water crammed moat. Apparently, the fortress 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 charge.

Lastly, if you need to do a stroll however would favor one thing a little bit 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 highway and requires solely a really temporary stroll are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the photograph beneath. 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 shocking fortress, which can be value visiting though we’d counsel most likely shortlisting a couple of castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Castle is free to CADW members and there’s a charge for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the midst of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you possibly can simply stroll right here from many of the city automobile parks.

That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. If you happen to go to, we extremely suggest climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the very 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 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

Right now 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 points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will seemingly wish to take a look at Penrhyn Castle and Garden for instance.

Now you’ve two totally different route choices at this time, 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 take a look at the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.

If you happen to resolve to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease might be Rhuddlan Castle. 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 reasonably view of a stunning little waterfall.

The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest is St Winefride’s Well & 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 through the Reformation.

The properly 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 occasions of the day for individuals to wash in.

It’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on web site as properly the place you possibly can study St. Winefride. A small charge applies for visiting.

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we suggest earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Castle. That is noteworthy as being the closest fortress to the English border, and subsequently the primary to be constructed throughout Edward I’s marketing campaign in opposition to the Welsh. Free to go to.

From Flint, you’d head south passing by by Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown till you attain Hay on Wye.

This northern shoreline route takes about 3 hours with out stops. It will undoubtedly be faster than the route beneath, even when components of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.

A second possibility is to go south straight, skipping the northern shoreline and as a substitute 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 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 possibly can peruse all method of unique merchandise that will make for a wonderful memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as properly.

We’d additionally extremely suggest speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automobile park the place you possibly can see what stays of the attractive outdated stone bridge which crosses the river right here, Pont Minllyn.

Now proceed south in direction of Llandiloes. A short detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you possibly can 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 location. Extra info on the official CADW site here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease at this time 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 town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer heart right here the place you possibly can 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 at the visitor center.

Nevertheless, it’s also possible to stroll or drive to plenty of viewpoints in the event you desire. Be aware the customer heart is free to go to however there’s a cost for parking.

Lastly, proceed on to the attractive city of Hay-on-Wye the place you’ll 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 protecting 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 night time.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We now have reached the ultimate day of your Welsh highway journey! Right now you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you possibly can drop off your rental automobile (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day at this time seems 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, when you’ve got time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the way in which.

First, head straight south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 yr outdated destroy was as soon as one of many biggest medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an end to the monasteries. Right now the location is free to go to.

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you’ve a few choices. First, chances are you’ll decide to go to the previous coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the location of the tragic Aberfan disaster in 1966, when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 youngsters and 28 adults. There’s a shifting memorial you possibly can go to in the event you want to pay your respects.

Lastly, if you need to see one other fortress, we are able to extremely suggest dropping by Caerphilly Castle as you come to Cardiff. This thirteenth century medieval fortress was the most important in Wales, and actually is the second largest within the UK, second solely to Windsor Fortress.

Protecting 30 acres, the location options big defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a variety of water defenses. It’s really a web site to behold, and a very good method to end off your Welsh highway journey. There’s a charge 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 possibly can go and go to any of the points of interest you didn’t have time to go to originally of your journey.

 

Map of Wales Street 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 here, which incorporates all of the highlights in addition to lodging listings.

 

Wales Street 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 wished to share some extra assets we expect would possibly show you how to with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• If you happen to’re searching for extra highway journey inspiration within the UK, take a look at our North Coast 500 planning guide and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
• If you happen to’re heading to Scotland, take a look at our 2 day Edinburgh itinerary, our Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary, our information to the best day trips from Glasgow, our information to things to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the best day trips from Aberdeen, and our information to the very best day trips from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We now have a two week UK road trip itinerary and a one week UK road trip itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• If you happen to’re not accustomed to driving within the UK, see my guide to driving in the UK for useful ideas.
• We now have guides to many cities within the UK you possibly can take a look at! See our guides to things to do in Manchester,  things to do in Stratford upon Avon,  things to do in Bristol,  things to do in Portsmouth, recommendations on a weekend in York, recommendations on Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip, and things to do in Cambridge to get began
• If you happen to’re searching for a guidebook in your journey, take a look at the Rough Guide to Wales

And that’s it! Have you ever ever visited Wales? Do you’ve something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback beneath, and secure travels!