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. Properly, that’s about to alter.

Wales is a spectacular nation with rather a lot to supply and its comparatively small dimension means that you would be able to see rather a lot in a 1-week highway journey. On this information we’re going to share our concept of the proper Wales highway journey when you’ve got 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary features a little little bit of all the things Wales has to supply, which incorporates gorgeous coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural sights, and extra. The itinerary was designed to offer you a style of the very best of Wales and consists of all the things 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 recommendations on the place to remain, and what to eat. However you possibly can after all modify it the way you need.

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

By the top 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 will not be an enormous nation, however there’s a large quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a highway journey masking part of the nation could be three to 5 days. If you happen to don’t have loads of time we’d maybe counsel focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

If you wish to see extra of what’s on supply, and discover the nation from prime to backside, then we’d advocate no less than 7 – 10 days.

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

 

The best way 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 straightforward to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.

Once more, we’d advocate no less than 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and should 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 no less than 5 to 7 days to commit to Wales if you wish to see a variety 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 by 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 elements of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly think about becoming a member of up excursions similar to with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you possibly can take a collection of excursions exploring totally different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

What’s the Finest Solution 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. Nevertheless, because the title of this publish suggests, my really useful strategy to journey round Wales is by automobile.

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

The highway journey we’ve put collectively relies on you having a automobile. If you happen to don’t have your personal automobile, we’d extremely advocate choosing up a automobile rental, or think about becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s less expensive to choose up and drop off a automobile in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the very best location to start out and finish this journey. Cardiff might be simply reached by rail and coach from places across the UK.

On a current journey to Wales we rented a automobile from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s important prepare station, which made choose up and drop off straightforward. Nevertheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a worth comparability service like Rental Vehicles or Uncover Vehicles, to see if there’s a greater choice on your journey.

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

 

Excursions of Wales

If you happen to like the thought of visiting Wales however would somewhat not drive, then the best choice is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, most of the sights and sights are somewhat off the overwhelmed observe and aren’t effectively served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we are able to advocate. While none of them will precisely mirror our recommended Wales highway journey itinerary, loads of them do embrace no less than among the important sights we cowl.

You may be part of a guided tour or when you’ve got an even bigger price range or a big group, you may also think about a non-public 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 could be our first choose of obtainable excursions. We’ve taken an incredible many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy loads of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia right down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an analogous path to our 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. You probably 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 after all extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a spread of operators on TourRadar which is able to allow you to kind 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 rather a lot to supply, from glorious museums to fortress ruins and sporting sights.

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill no less than two days. Nevertheless, when you’ve got much less time or would somewhat simply hit the highway and never deal with metropolis sights, you could choose to deal with the highway journey part of this itinerary somewhat than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

Jess and I did this precise highway journey, with two full days in Cardiff after which eight days on the highway round Wales. We began and resulted in Cardiff. It was an excellent journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.

Components 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 spotlight among the greatest surroundings and sights 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 sights.

Notice that this itinerary covers loads of floor and every day has a variety of recommended sights. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to modify it to swimsuit what you actually wish to see and do somewhat than attempting to do completely all the things.

If you’d like a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending no less than 2 nights at every location. You could possibly simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to chill out and see issues extra slowly.

 

Day 1 – Cardiff

Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is straightforward to get to from 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. The vast majority of sights within the metropolis centre are straightforward to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise in opposition to driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll need to cope with navigation and discovering parking.

In your first day within the metropolis, our really useful first cease could be the Museum of Cardiff.

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

Subsequent, we’d advocate popping throughout the highway to the Cardiff Market. It is a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover a wide range 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 constructions. Actually there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do have to be selective wherein castles you select to go to.

Nevertheless, we’d argue that you just’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 by the ages. There was some kind of fortified building right here for the reason that Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. Actually, a part of the previous Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

Nevertheless, the massive stone hold 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 durations in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a large clock tower and gorgeous interiors.

There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Citadel, together with varied excursions and displays that vary from world warfare two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d advocate planning on spending no less than two or three hours right here as there may be tons to see right here.

You may stroll by the grounds of Cardiff Citadel free of charge, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you’ll need to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is effectively price it in our opinion.

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

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

If you happen to’d choose to move out of city at present 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 advocate you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you gained’t have seen the water but as the town heart space is a few mile away. Nevertheless, 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 instances an hour and the journey is just some minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly choose 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 loads to see. First, you’ll probably see the massive Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to come back to see reside performances of all the things from music to bop. There are additionally outlets, bars, and cafes on web site, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any short-term displays happening once you go to.

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

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

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, residence of the Welsh parliament. It is a putting fashionable constructing which you’ll go to in case you are fascinated about studying concerning the strategy of democracy in Wales. There are additionally usually exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s effectively price 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 affords a restaurant, beautiful views of the Bay, and an artwork gallery.

It’s as much as you if you wish to proceed at this level. The path continues for miles alongside the bay and if it’s a pleasant day it’s 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, somewhat 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 test the working timetables prematurely, which you are able to do right here. You may e-book tickets on-line prematurely right 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, generally known as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to search 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 sights within the space. First is the somewhat eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not conversant in the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this can probably be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.

It’s truly one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character anyplace on the earth, so price 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 hold them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.

That appears like sufficient on your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless loads to see together with extra museums and loads of outlets. Cardiff can also be residence to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.

There are additionally numerous different venues across the metropolis for reside music and leisure if that’s one thing you have an interest in. On a current go to to Cardiff we loved watching a reside efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.

And naturally there are loads of 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 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 choosing 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 present.

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 authentic buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and offers you an actual perception into how Welsh folks have lived, labored, discovered, and performed through the years.

There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, the vast majority of which you’ll go inside and discover. It’s additionally a residing museum, with reside workshops and demonstrations of conventional abilities and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s an enormous web site with rather a lot to see, so we’d advocate planning on spending no less than 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’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 advocate you do. After all, should 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 may have rather a lot to see at present.

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 encompassing panorama and the fortress itself are effectively definitely worth the effort.

Fairly a little bit of the fortress survives, together with most of the towers, partitions and hold. 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 charge. It’s managed by Cadw, a department of the Welsh Authorities liable for preservation of historic websites in Wales.

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

A whole lot of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be lined by the membership and should you go to the vast majority of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should purchase this on-line right here, or in particular person at most Cadw websites.

We predict that is very a lot price 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 subsequent cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr web site. That is truly two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Citadel, discovered round a mile aside.

If the climate is sweet, we are able to extremely advocate 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 means by stunning mature woodlands.

You may also 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’d like 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 could have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to chill out by this level.

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

After all, you may as well do these items on the morning of your fourth day as effectively. And that’s the top 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, residence to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a surprising coastal Nationwide Park.

Let’s get going.

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

The primary is Carew Citadel, a fortress which dates from the Norman conquest of Britain within the eleventh century. Over time it has had many updates and enhancements, with the ultimate addition being an Elizabethan manor home within the sixteenth century! That makes this fairly the distinctive location to go to in Wales.

The second attraction on the positioning is the Carew Tidal Mill, which is the one restored tidal mill in Wales. This dates from the nineteenth century, and when in operation it used the ability of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s not working however it’s open for excursions.

As you possibly can see there may be loads to see and do right here, so I’d counsel allocating no less than 90 minutes – 2 hours on your go to. There may be free parking on web site and a charge for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or another membership program that we’re conscious of.

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

One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew Citadel, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The automobile park (free) is simply a few hundred metres from the cliff prime stroll, and there are nice views of some rock stacks in addition to a rock arch right here.

That is additionally place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (often 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 right here.

Another choice should you’d choose to spend extra time on the seaside could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. It is a common 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 wish to go to the positioning of Dobby’s Grave. There’s a mound of rocks right here which followers have written tributes on, which makes for a pleasant image. There’s a small automobile park right here in addition to parking alongside the highway.

There are after all many different walks that you may do at present 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 might advocate, 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 at present.

The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the beautiful Marloes peninsula. The stroll is basically flat with just some gradients to deal with. There’s a car-park at Marloes Sands (paid).

This stroll was my favorite of all of the walks we did on this space as a result of it provided such spectacular views, in addition to some glorious wildlife recognizing alternatives. We noticed numerous seals and seal pups in addition to an incredible many sea birds.

There have been additionally beautiful coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in whole 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 previous cathedral, in addition to varied galleries and outlets. 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 Properly, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom the town is called.

One other close by attraction is the gorgeous seaside of Whitesands, which makes for place to observe the sundown.

For meals, there are many good eating choices on the town, from eating places to pubs. We’ve had an incredible pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can also be a well-liked choice for pub meals.

We’d advocate 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

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

We’d counsel choosing some sights that sound essentially the most attention-grabbing to you from our ideas as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or think about doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see all the things. If you happen to choose to try this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.

After ending up any sightseeing or memento purchasing in St. David’s, observe the A487 for about 45 minutes, simply previous Fishguard. The primary cease for the day is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber.

This 5,000 yr previous tomb has a 16.5ft capstone 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 fascinated about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly think about a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction includes a collection of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On web site one can find a variety of costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how folks lived right here throughout the Iron Age.

Now, proceed on in direction of Cardigan. There are a number of sights you would possibly think about stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will probably wish to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive heart, varied trails, and hen 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 Citadel. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction at present largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is effectively price 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 Decrease automobile park from the place there’s a stunning stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the fortress.

We’d additionally advocate stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Citadel right here is effectively price a go to for a small charge.

You may truly keep in a single day right here, which we have now performed, and it has cafe on web site as effectively. You probably have extra time, or just wish to modify your schedule, it makes for in a single day keep choice.

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

Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north 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 choose up a sizzling plate of fish and chips.

Simply past New Quay one can find the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a beautiful Georgian villa which additionally affords strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard residence to numerous 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 evening. It is a mid-size coastal city which is thought for its college. There are additionally a variety of glorious sights within the city itself which you’ll both go to at present or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

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

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

We will additionally advocate the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway on the north finish of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying folks up and right down to the clifftop viewpoint since 1896.

There’s a 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 under.

A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Citadel in the course of city can also be effectively price 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 at present for issues to do which is able to depend upon whether or not you wish to do a mountain hike or not. Or should you’d choose wildlife watching and coastal cities as a substitute.

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

This large 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 must determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain at present, 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 certainly 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 might say that it is a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nevertheless, it’s actually price it when you’ve got the time and bodily capability to take action.

It’s doable 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 advocate bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain 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 may see an outline of the Minffordd path right here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Anticipate the full hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health stage and the way usually you cease.

After all there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you may do as a substitute. If you’re in search of a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, think about 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.

If you happen to would somewhat not deal with an enormous hike at present (there shall be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are loads of choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel choosing these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices obtainable as you gained’t have the ability to match all the things in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s an extended 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.

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 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 find out about what you’re more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate to spend round an hour right here should you do the round dune stroll.

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

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

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

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

One other wildlife heart you could think about visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. It is a nature reserve and wildlife heart which can also be residence to the Dyfi Osprey Venture. 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 fairly city clock and city heart. There’s additionally a free museum of contemporary artwork right here.

North of Machynlleth are two common sights. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you possibly can study all about different power choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other common 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 loads of enjoyable however make sure to 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 cross by the city of Dolgellau, the place we advocate driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

This has a stunning sandy seaside and is a good spot to cease for an ice cream or fish and chips.

Proceed up the coast and also you’ll come to the city of Harlech. That is residence to the spectacular Harlech 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 most interesting examples of late thirteenth century navy structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely advocate a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a 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 evening, the city of Porthmadog.

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My important advice at present 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 the earth.

Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is truly operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise may be very comparable. 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 “greatest” choice actually, each trains supply nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can also be effectively price it.

Whichever journey you select, we advocate reserving prematurely on the official web site right here, because the route may be very common and may promote out.

One other common attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be think about is Portmeirion Village. It is a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and notably the city of Portofino in Italy.

It’s 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 may have left Wales solely.

While it is a common attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t solely fall for it. It was a reasonably dear 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.

After all, 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 had 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 greatest on a pleasant sunny day and should you spend the evening. There are a number of sorts of lodging right here and close by should you determine to remain the evening.

Relying on what you may have chosen to do at present, you could 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 affords beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an 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 stunning free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

Lastly, head to Caernarfon the place you’ll in a single day. The primary attraction right here is the gorgeous Caernarfon Citadel which you must undoubtedly 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 fashion fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry charge.

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

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

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

One very fashionable choice is after all to deal with the very best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You’ve got a few choices for going to the summit.

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

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

Whichever route you select, you’ll want to permit between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health stage. So that you’ll wish to principally plan your full day round your hike as you gained’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can probably be exhausted after your hike.

Notice that the automobile parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. Be sure you test forward.

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

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

The opposite strategy to get to the highest of Snowdon is to take the prepare. Sure, there’s a prepare that may take you to the highest of the mountain.

The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking folks to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its an exquisite strategy to attain the highest, with epic views all the way in which up.

It is a paid service, and you may select to go a method or return. If you wish to do that we strongly advocate reserving tickets prematurely because it’s a very fashionable service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.

For this one you 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 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 choice if you wish to match extra in at present.

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

First, in Llanberis we are able to extremely advocate visiting the wonderful and free Nationwide Slate Museum. This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has formed the panorama and the life-style of the folks right here for lots of of years.

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays masking all elements of slate mining in addition to reside demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We will additionally extremely advocate heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two common sights right here that we advocate. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is residence to the longest railway station signal on the earth.

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

The signal title was solely invented to draw vacationers within the 1860s, and has been a well-liked customer attraction ever since. So clearly that was a profitable plan!

It’s free to go to, and there’s a wonderful and large memento retailer right here the place you should purchase all method of issues.

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

This splendidly symmetrical fortress is surrounded on most sides by a water stuffed moat. Curiously, the fortress was by no means truly accomplished, however there may be nonetheless loads to see and do. Free for CADW members, in any other case there’s a charge.

Lastly, if you want to do a stroll however would like one thing somewhat shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we’d advocate the hike to Aber Falls. That is roughly a 4 mile spherical journey hike on pretty stage terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Your reward for the trouble is the gorgeous 120 foot excessive Aber Falls. There’s paid parking on the stroll begin level.

One other good waterfall which is simply off the highway and requires solely a really transient stroll are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the picture under. So it’s as much as you what you select to do.

You’re going to complete your day with an in a single day within the seaside city of Conwy. That is additionally residence to a surprising fortress, which can also be price 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 charge 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 a lot 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 advocate 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

At present it’s time to start out 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, ensure you go to any sights you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will probably wish to take a look at Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.

Now you may have two totally different route choices at present, the primary is heading alongside the northern shoreline and the second is following an inland route south.

Each routes have you ever spend the 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.

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

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

The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we advocate is St Winefride’s Properly & 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 throughout the Reformation.

The effectively itself is discovered on the location the place St. Winefride was stated to have been decapitated after which introduced again to life. There’s a pool right here which is open at particular instances of the day for folks to wash in.

It’s stated to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on web site as effectively the place you possibly can find out about St. Winefride. A small charge applies for visiting.

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we advocate 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’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 under, even when elements 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 japanese Wales. Highlights alongside this route embrace Merion Mill, Pont Minllyn, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, and the Elan Valley. This route takes about 3.5 hours to drive with out stops.

For the inland route, head from Conwy right down to Dolgellau, then out to Minllyn on the A470.

At Minllyn, take a break at Merion Mill, a wool crafting mill the place you possibly can peruse all method of authentic merchandise that may make for a wonderful memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as effectively.

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

Now proceed south in direction of Llandiloes. A short detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you possibly can see the stays of this former lead mining group.

There are additionally strolling trails within the space if you wish to stretch your legs. Free parking, and it’s simply a few minutes’ stroll from the automobile park to the positioning. Extra data on the official CADW web site right here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease at present is the Elan Valley. This seventy sq. mile space covers a spread of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which kind 5 lakes. These lakes present consuming water for the town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer heart right here the place you possibly can study all concerning 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 heart.

Nevertheless, you may as well stroll or drive to a variety of viewpoints should you choose. Notice the customer heart is free to go to however there’s a cost for parking.

Lastly, proceed on to the gorgeous city of Hay-on-Wye the place you may be spending the evening. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is legendary for its bookshops.

There are over twenty bookshops within the city masking just about each style and magnificence of literature, and each new and used books can be found.

We extremely advocate taking a while to wander the city and go to a few of these bookshops earlier than discovering a pleasant spot for dinner and handing over for the evening.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We’ve 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 automobile (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day at present seems to be will after all rely in your schedule. You probably have an early prepare or flight, then you’ll want 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 immediately south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 yr previous spoil was as soon as one of many best medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an finish to the monasteries. At present the positioning is free to go to.

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you may have a few choices. First, you could choose to go to the previous coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the positioning of the tragic Aberfan catastrophe in 1966, when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 youngsters and 28 adults. There’s a shifting memorial you possibly can go to should you want to pay your respects.

Lastly, if you want to see one other fortress, we are able to extremely advocate dropping by Caerphilly Citadel as you come back 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 Citadel.

Protecting 30 acres, the positioning options large defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread of water defenses. It’s really a web site to behold, and a very good strategy 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! You probably have extra time in Cardiff, you possibly can go and go to any of the sights 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 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 outline of the itinerary for reference.

• Day 1: Cardiff
• Day 2: Cardiff
• Day 3: Cardiff to Tenby
• Day 4: Tenby to St. David’s
• Day 5: St. David’s to Aberystwyth
• Day 6: Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
• Day 7: Porthmadog to Caernarfon
• Day 8: Caernarfon to Conwy
• Day 9: Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
• Day 10: Hay on Wye to Cardiff

 

Additional Studying

And that’s it for our detailed Wales highway journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally needed to share some extra assets we expect would possibly make it easier to with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• If you happen to’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
• 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 greatest day journeys from Glasgow, our information to issues to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the greatest day journeys from Aberdeen, and our information to the very best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We’ve a two week UK highway journey itinerary and a one week UK highway journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• If you happen to’re not conversant in driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful ideas.
• We’ve 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, recommendations on a weekend in York, recommendations on Visiting Oxford on a Day Journey, and issues to do in Cambridge to get began
• If you happen to’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 may have something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback under, and protected travels!