A 7 to 10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary with Map

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

Wales is a spectacular nation with lots to supply and its comparatively small dimension means which you could see lots 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 every part 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 most effective of Wales and consists of every part 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 supply tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you possibly can in fact modify it the way you need.

Personally, we expect Wales has surroundings to rival different widespread highway journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we are going to allow you to determine if that’s the case as you learn the information.

By the tip of this submit, you’ll be able to set off in your very personal Welsh highway journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you may need.

How Lengthy to Street Journey in Wales?

Wales just isn’t an enormous nation, however there’s a enormous quantity to see. We’d say that the minimal period of time for a highway journey overlaying part of the nation can be three to 5 days. In case you don’t have quite a 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 suggest at the least 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day highway journey, however in fact you possibly can modify 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 suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

Easy methods to Embrace 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 when you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply follow specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have at the least 5 to 7 days to dedicate to Wales if you wish to see quite a lot of its highlights lined 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 via 8 after which head north to Chester after which up in direction of Manchster.

See our detailed UK itinerary information for extra data on that.

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

 

What’s the Finest Strategy to Get Round in Wales?

There are a number of totally different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nonetheless, because the title of this submit suggests, my really helpful approach to journey round Wales is by automotive.

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

The highway journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automotive. In case you don’t have your personal automotive, we’d extremely suggest selecting up a automotive rental, or contemplate becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s more economical to select up and drop off a automotive in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the most effective location to begin and finish this journey. Cardiff will 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 they’d a location close to Cardiff’s fundamental prepare station, which made choose up and drop off simple. Nonetheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a value comparability service like Rental Vehicles or Uncover Vehicles, to see if there’s a greater choice on your journey.

In case you would like to not drive, then we’d as a substitute counsel wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These will be executed as non-public excursions or you possibly can be part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

In case you like the concept of visiting Wales however would reasonably not drive, then your only option is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, lots of the sights and points of interest are a bit off the crushed observe and aren’t effectively served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we will suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our recommended Wales highway journey itinerary, quite a lot of them do embrace at the least among the fundamental points of interest we cowl.

You may be part of a guided tour or when you’ve got an even bigger funds or a big group, you may also contemplate a personal tour. The longer Wales excursions usually 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 a terrific many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy quite a 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 the same path to our recommended Wales itinerary, and consists of time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Citadel, St. Davids, Tenby, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and focuses on the highlights of south Wales, together with Carreg Cennen Citadel, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. If in case you have extra time, you may as well do their North Wales tour.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It consists of Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Citadel, Harlech Citadel, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.

There are in fact extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a variety of operators on TourRadar which can allow you to type and filter by period, locations visited and value.

 

 

10 Day Wales Street 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 first.

The Welsh capital metropolis has lots 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. Nonetheless, when you’ve got much less time or would reasonably simply hit the highway and never give attention to metropolis points of interest, you might favor to give attention to the highway journey part of this itinerary reasonably 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 a superb journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.

Elements of this highway journey observe the Wales Method driving tour routes (you possibly can see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on among the finest surroundings and points of interest that Wales has to supply.

They embrace The Cambrian Method, The Coastal Method, and The North Wales Method. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes utilizing our itinerary however we have now adjusted it to additionally embrace a lot of my different favourite sights and points of interest.

Notice that this itinerary covers quite a lot of floor and every day has quite a lot of recommended points of interest. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to modify it to go well with what you actually need to see and do reasonably than attempting to do completely every part.

In order for you a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending at the least 2 nights at every location. You might simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to chill out and see issues extra slowly.

 

Day 1 – Cardiff

Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is simple 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 on 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 should take care of navigation and discovering parking.

In your first day within the metropolis, our really helpful 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 approach to orient your self to town and stand up to hurry with its historical past. It’s considered one of our favorite museums in Cardiff.

Subsequent, we’d suggest popping throughout the highway to the Cardiff Market. It is 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 Citadel, your subsequent cease for the day.

On this highway journey, you’re going to 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 have to be selective wherein castles you select to go to.

Nonetheless, we’d argue that you simply’re not going to see something fairly like Cardiff Citadel anyplace else in your Welsh highway journey.

Cardiff Citadel takes you on a journey of chateau constructing via the ages. There was some type of fortified building 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.

Nonetheless, 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 varied 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 Citadel, together with varied excursions and displays that vary from world struggle 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 may stroll via the grounds of Cardiff Citadel without cost, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you have to to pay for a ticket. The ticket value is effectively value it in our opinion.

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

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

In case you’d favor to move out of city right this moment you possibly can in fact do this, and spend extra time on the highway. Nonetheless, 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 gained’t have seen the water but as town middle space is a few mile away. Nonetheless, you possibly can simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus journey.

The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay space 4 or 5 occasions an hour and the journey is just some minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly favor to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which may also convey you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there may be a lot 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 every part from music to bop. There are additionally outlets, bars, and cafes on web site, and it’s value popping inside to see if there are any momentary displays happening if you go to.

From right here you possibly can stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known kids’s books creator who was born in Cardiff (books embrace Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit, James and the Big 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. In case you head east, you’ll first move the Pierhead constructing, an enormous pink brick constructing with a clock tower which is difficult to overlook. That is house to a museum the place you possibly can study in regards to the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, house of the Welsh parliament. It is a hanging fashionable constructing which you’ll go to in case you are concerned about studying in regards to the strategy of democracy in Wales. There are additionally usually exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s effectively 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 provides 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 beautiful 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, reasonably 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 positively need to test the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You may e-book tickets on-line upfront right here.

In fact, 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, often known 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 excursions of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different points of interest within the space. First is the reasonably eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not aware of 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 really one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character anyplace on this 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. If you’re visiting Wales with youngsters, 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 seems like sufficient on your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless a lot to see together with extra museums and loads of outlets. Cardiff can be house to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.

There are additionally numerous 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 quite a lot of pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff. In case you’re into historic pubs, among 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 chew to eat!

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

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

Your first cease for the day is simply outdoors of Cardiff, the St. Fagan’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cardiff.

It is 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 provides you with 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 abilities and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s a giant web site with lots 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 payment for parking.

From Cardiff you’re going to 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 suggest you do. In fact, when you would like a extra scenic route be happy to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply concentrate on timing as you’ve lots to see right this moment.

Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Citadel, 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 effectively definitely worth the effort.

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

The Citadel 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 provides an annual membership, which provides you free entry to all of the Cadw places, amongst different advantages.

Lots of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be lined by the membership and when you go to the vast majority of them you’ll positively avoid wasting cash. You should buy this on-line right here, or in individual at most Cadw websites.

We predict that is very a lot value it and we at all times get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.

From Castell Carreg it’s a 20 minute drive to the subsequent cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr web site. That is really two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Citadel, discovered round a mile aside.

If the climate is nice, we will extremely suggest taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Citadel. There are some actually beautiful strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their method via lovely mature woodlands.

You may also go to Newton Home itself in fact, which has a separate entry payment (free for Nationwide Belief members). There may be paid parking on web site (additionally free to Nationwide Belief members).

It’s round an hour’s drive to the final cease of the day, the lovable seaside city of Tenby. In order for you one thing additional to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Citadel, though we really feel you’ll have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to chill out by this level.

Tenby is a well-liked and picturesque seaside city with colourful homes forming a line above the big seaside 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 Citadel and a stroll on the seaside.

In fact, you may as well do this stuff on the morning of your fourth day as effectively. And that’s the tip of your first day on the highway!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

At present you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, house to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a shocking coastal Nationwide Park.

Let’s get going.

From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew Citadel & Tidal Mill. Because the title suggests, right here you’re going to seek out two points of interest in a single place.

The primary is Carew Citadel, 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 ability of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s now not working however it’s open for excursions.

As you possibly can see there may be a lot to see and do right here, so I’d counsel allocating at the least 90 minutes – 2 hours on your go to. There may be free parking on web site and a payment for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or every other membership program that we’re conscious of.

From Carew Citadel you’ve a number of choices, all of which contain visiting the Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park stretches throughout the Pembrokeshire coast and provides dramatic clifftop strolling, splendid sea vistas, and wildlife recognizing alternatives.

One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew Citadel, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The 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 a superb place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (often August via January).

In case you’d wish to take a hike right here, there’s a beautiful stroll alongside the coast to St. Govan’s Chapel. It’s a 6.3 mile stroll, and you may see instructions right here.

An alternative choice when you’d favor to spend extra time on the seaside can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. It is a widespread 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 films will certainly need 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 in fact many different walks that you would do right this moment as you head in direction of St. David’s, and you may see a full choice right here.

My private favorite, and the one I’d suggest, is the Marloes Peninsula stroll. That is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Citadel, relying on what you select to go to right this moment.

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 just some gradients to sort out. 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 terrific 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 numerous picture stops and was effectively definitely 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 evening. 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 varied galleries and outlets. Town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.

In case you nonetheless need to discover, then we’d counsel strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Effectively, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom town is known as.

One other close by attraction is the beautiful seaside 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 terrific pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can be a preferred choice for pub meals.

We’d suggest asking your native lodging supplier for suggestions as they’ll know the most effective native choices open throughout your go to.

 

 

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

At present you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s a lot to see alongside the way in which, together with historical burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife middle, lovely seashores, and extra.

We’d counsel selecting some sights that sound probably the most fascinating to you from our options as there may be positively extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or contemplate doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every part. In case you choose to do this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.

After ending up any sightseeing or memento buying 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 12 months outdated 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 sort of small and the highway right here is sort of slender.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary highway. If you’re concerned about studying about life within the Stone Age, then positively contemplate a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction includes a sequence of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On web site you can see quite a lot 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 number of sights you would possibly contemplate stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will seemingly need to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive middle, varied trails, and chook watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. A great location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Middle is Cilgerran Citadel. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction right this moment largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is effectively value a go to.

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

We’d additionally suggest stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Citadel right here is effectively value a go to for a small payment.

You may really keep in a single day right here, which we have now executed, and it has a superb cafe on web site as effectively. If in case you have extra time, or just need to modify your schedule, it makes for a superb in a single day keep choice.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll right this moment, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive park at Mwnt head seaside (payment) and you may go to fairly Holy Cross Church. There’s additionally a brief path up the hill right here which provides good views of the coast.

Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embrace Penbryn Seashore and the gorgeous seaside fishing village of New Quay.

New Quay is an effective location for taking seal-watching boat journeys, in addition to to select up a sizzling plate of fish and chips.

Simply past New Quay you can see the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a beautiful Georgian villa which additionally provides strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard house to varied Welsh breeds of livestock. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for Nationwide belief members.

Lastly, proceed on up the coast to Aberystwyth, the place you’ll spend the evening. It is a mid-size coastal city which is understood for its college. There are additionally quite a lot of glorious points of interest within the city itself which you’ll both go to right this moment or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

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

The museum has shows on all kinds of issues, overlaying native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations really helpful).

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 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 beneath.

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

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

At present you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices right this moment for issues to do which can rely upon whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or when you’d favor 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 method out of city we will extremely suggest dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.

This enormous 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 might want to determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain right this moment, 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 considered one of my favorite hikes in Wales, with views from the highest throughout the entire of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, together with the shoreline, Snowdon itself, the Mawddach Valley and extra.

I’d say that it is a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, 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 effectively marked however we’d suggest bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain mountaineering situations. You’ll additionally need to pay attention to the climate and forecast as you’ll need to skip this in unhealthy climate situations.

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 usually you cease.

In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you would do as a substitute. If you’re in search of a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, contemplate the Dôl Idris path which is an all-abilities path that’s a few 1.25 km (0.77 miles) lengthy and is paved in order that it may be accessed by wheelchair customers and people with pushchairs.

In case you would reasonably not sort out a giant hike right this moment (there will probably be extra alternatives in a while within the itinerary!), then there are quite a lot of choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel selecting these choices which attraction most to you from the choices out there as you gained’t be capable of match every part 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 could be on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

It is 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 via the dunes, that are among the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you possibly can find out about what you might be more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate to spend round an hour right here when you do the round dune stroll.

From Ynyslas head again to the A487 and proceed north. We’d counsel a fast cease on the Dyfi Furnace (right here on Google Maps), an outdated charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

It’s free to go to and there are a variety of data panels to elucidate what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however effectively value it. There’s additionally a pleasant waterfall right here.

The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will need to make a cease at close by RSPB Ynys-hir. This reserve has a variety of habitats, from woodland to saltmarsh to grassland.

Which means there’s a vastly numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve house. There’s a small payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle you might contemplate visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. It is a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can be house 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 variety 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 widespread points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Various Expertise, the place you possibly can study all about various vitality choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other widespread 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 quite a lot of enjoyable however make sure you costume warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft middle on web site right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.

Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll move via 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 beautiful 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 house to the spectacular Harlech Citadel, 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 best examples of late thirteenth century army structure in Europe. So we will extremely suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a payment to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

From Harlech it’s a brief drive to your vacation spot for the evening, the city of Porthmadog.

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My fundamental suggestion right this moment is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply chill out and let the surroundings roll on by.

There are two railway routes to select from, each of which function from Porthmadog. There’s the Ffestiniog Railway, a 13.5 mile lengthy route which runs from Porthmadog to the city of Blaenau Ffestiniog. That is the oldest surviving railway firm on this planet.

Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is really operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise could be very related. The primary distinction is the route.

This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and you may as well do a visit to and from the gorgeous 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 be effectively value it.

Whichever journey you select, we suggest reserving upfront on the official web site right here, because the route could be very widespread and might promote out.

One other widespread attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be contemplate is Portmeirion Village. It is a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and 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 chance of rain, you would possibly even assume you’ve left Wales totally.

While it is a widespread attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t totally fall for it. It was a reasonably expensive place to go to, and aside from wanting on the buildings, having fun with the views, and dropping into the outlets, there wasn’t an enormous quantity to do.

In fact, everybody could 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 believe the climate actually put a damper on our go to.

I believe the expertise at Portmerion Village is finest on a pleasant sunny day and when you spend the evening. There are a number of kinds of lodging right here and close by when you determine to remain the evening.

Relying on what you’ve chosen to do right this moment, you might or could not have extra time to spare. If you’re in search of extra to do, then I’d counsel taking a highway journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This provides beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. For example, you possibly can go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Citadel, and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s additionally a beautiful free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

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

It is a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey type fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry payment.

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

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

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

One very talked-about choice is in fact to sort out the very 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 possibly can stroll. There are a minimum of six routes to select from, and you may see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the preferred because it’s thought to be the simplest, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

My private favorite routes are the quieter Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu paths. I’ve executed 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 need to mainly plan your full day round your hike as you gained’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can seemingly be exhausted after your hike.

Notice that the automotive parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. You should definitely test forward.

So do make sure you plan forward in case you are contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll have to make sure you pack accordingly for a mountain hike, know which route you need to do, and plan head for parking. You additionally need to begin early to make sure you get a parking spot and are again earlier than sunset.

Lastly, make sure you test the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate situations could make these paths very harmful. You’ll need to keep away from this hike in unhealthy climate.

The opposite approach 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 approach to attain the highest, with epic views all the way in which up.

It is a paid service, and you may select to go a technique or return. If you wish to do that we strongly suggest reserving tickets upfront because it’s a very talked-about service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.

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 variety of automotive parks a brief stroll away in Llanberis.

In comparison with a Snowden hike which usually 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 a superb choice if you wish to match extra in right this moment.

Talking of which, there may be a lot extra to see and do within the space, whether or not or not you select to ascend Snowdon.

First, in Llanberis we will extremely suggest visiting the wonderful and free Nationwide Slate Museum. This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has formed the panorama and the approach to life of the individuals right here for a whole bunch of years.

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays overlaying all facets 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 widespread points of interest right here that we suggest. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is house to the longest railway station signal on this planet.

The signal, which reads Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, means “The Church of St Mary in a hole of white hazel, close to to a fast whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church close to to a pink cave”.

The signal 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 big memento retailer right here the place you should buy all method of issues.

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

This splendidly symmetrical fortress is surrounded on most sides by a water crammed moat. Curiously, the fortress was by no means really accomplished, however there may be nonetheless a lot 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 suggest 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 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 picture 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 house to a shocking fortress, which can 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 Citadel is free to CADW members and there’s a payment for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you possibly can 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. In case you go to, we extremely suggest climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the most effective 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

At present 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 you go to any points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will seemingly need to take a look at Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.

Now you’ve two totally different route choices right this moment, the primary is heading alongside the northern shoreline and the second is following an inland route south.

Each routes have you ever spend the evening in Hay-on-Wye. Each routes are nice and I’d take a look at the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.

In case you determine to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease will probably be Rhuddlan Citadel. That is one other of Edward I’s castles, which dates from 1277.

From Rhuddlan it’s a brief drive to Rhaeadr Dyserth Waterfall, the place a minute’s stroll from the automotive park will reward you with a fairly view of a beautiful little waterfall.

The following cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest is St Winefride’s Effectively & 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 in a position to proceed working even through the Reformation.

The effectively 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 effectively the place you possibly can find out about St. Winefride. A small payment applies for visiting.

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we suggest earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Citadel. That is noteworthy as being the closest 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’ll head south passing via via Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown till you attain Hay on Wye.

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

A second choice is to move south immediately, skipping the northern shoreline and as a substitute visiting extra of jap 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 might make for a wonderful memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as effectively.

We’d additionally extremely suggest speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automotive 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 automotive park to the location. Extra data on the official CADW web site right here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease right this moment is the Elan Valley. This seventy sq. mile space covers a variety of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which type 5 lakes. These lakes present ingesting water for town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer middle right here the place you possibly can study all in regards to the space. The most well-liked activitiy right here is to cycle across the reseviors on the Elan Valley Path. Bikes can be found for rent on the customer middle.

Nonetheless, you may as well stroll or drive to quite a lot of viewpoints when you favor. Notice the customer middle 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 may be spending the evening. 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 overlaying 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 delivering for the evening.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

Now we have reached the ultimate day of your Welsh highway journey! At present you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you possibly can drop off your rental automotive (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day right this moment seems will in fact 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.

Nonetheless, when you’ve got time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the way in which.

First, head immediately south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 12 months outdated break was as soon as one of many best medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an finish to the monasteries. At present the location is free to go to.

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you’ve a few choices. First, you might choose 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 kids and 28 adults. There’s a transferring memorial you possibly can go to when you want to pay your respects.

Lastly, if you need to see one other fortress, we will extremely suggest dropping by Caerphilly Citadel as you come back to Cardiff. This thirteenth century medieval fortress was the biggest in Wales, and in reality is the second largest within the UK, second solely to Windsor Citadel.

Overlaying 30 acres, the location options enormous defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a variety of water defenses. It’s really a web site 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 possibly can go and go to any of the points of interest you didn’t have time to go to at first of your journey.

 

Map of Wales Street 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 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 make it easier to with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• In case you’re in search of extra highway journey inspiration within the UK, take a look at our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
• In case you’re heading to Scotland, take a look at 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 most effective day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• Now we have a two week UK highway journey itinerary and a one week UK highway journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• In case you’re not aware of driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful suggestions.
• Now we have guides to many cities within the UK you possibly can take a look at! See our guides to issues to do in Manchester,  issues to do in Stratford upon Avon,  issues to do in Bristol,  issues to do in Portsmouth, tips about a weekend in York, tips about Visiting Oxford on a Day Journey, and issues to do in Cambridge to get began
• In case you’re in search of a guidebook on your journey, take a look at the Tough Information 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 protected travels!