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. Properly, that’s about to vary.

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

This itinerary features a little little bit of every thing Wales has to supply, which incorporates beautiful coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural points of interest, and extra. The itinerary was designed to offer you a style of the most effective of Wales and contains every thing from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.

Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this street journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and likewise provide recommendations on the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to after all regulate it the way you need.

Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different widespread street journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we are going to allow you to resolve 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 street 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 big quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a street journey overlaying part of the nation can be three to 5 days. For those who don’t have numerous time we’d maybe recommend focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

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

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day street journey, however after all you’ll be able to regulate it primarily based in your pursuits and time. When you have extra time, there may be at all times extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

Learn how 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 embody England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s straightforward 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 if you happen to solely have 3 to five days we’d simply persist with specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

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

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

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

If you’re additionally wanting to go to different components of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you may take into account becoming a member of up excursions reminiscent of with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you’ll be able to take a collection of excursions exploring completely different components of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

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

There are a number of completely different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nonetheless, because the title of this publish suggests, my really useful strategy to journey round Wales is by automobile.

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

The street journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automobile. For those who don’t have your personal automobile, we’d extremely suggest selecting up a automobile rental, or take into account becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s more economical to choose up and drop off a automobile in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the most effective location to begin and finish this journey. Cardiff could be simply reached by rail and coach from areas across the UK.

On a latest journey to Wales we rented a automobile from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s fundamental prepare station, which made choose up and drop off straightforward. Nonetheless, we’d typically first suggest utilizing a worth comparability service like Uncover Automobiles, which compares costs throughout quite a lot of suppliers, to see if there’s a greater choice to your journey.

For those who would favor to not drive, then we might as an alternative recommend wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These could be achieved as personal excursions or you’ll be able to be part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

For those who like the thought of visiting Wales however would slightly not drive, then the best choice is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, most of the sights and points of interest are a little bit off the overwhelmed observe and aren’t nicely served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some wonderful excursions we are able to suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our instructed Wales street journey itinerary, numerous them do embody at the least a few of the fundamental points of interest we cowl.

You possibly can be part of a guided tour or when you have a much bigger price range or a big group, you may also take into account a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we recommend are as follows:

• This 5 day street 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 numerous the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia right down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows the same path to our instructed Wales itinerary, and contains time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Citadel, St. Davids, Tenby, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and focuses on the highlights of south Wales, together with Carreg Cennen Citadel, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. When you have extra time, you may as well do their North Wales tour.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It contains Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Citadel, Harlech Citadel, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.

There are after all extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a variety of operators on TourRadar which is able to allow you to kind and filter by period, locations visited and worth.

 

 

10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary

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

The Welsh capital metropolis has loads to supply, from wonderful museums to citadel ruins and sporting points of interest.

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill at the least two days. Nonetheless, when you have much less time or would slightly simply hit the street and never concentrate on metropolis points of interest, it’s possible you’ll want to concentrate on the street journey part of this itinerary slightly than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

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

Components of this street journey observe the Wales Means driving tour routes (you’ll be able to see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on a few of the greatest surroundings and points of interest that Wales has to supply.

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

Word that this itinerary covers numerous floor and every day has quite a lot of instructed points of interest. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to regulate it to go well with what you actually need to see and do slightly than making an attempt to do completely every thing.

If you need a extra slower paced journey, we’d recommend seeing much less every day and spending at the least 2 nights at every location. You could possibly simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to loosen up and see issues extra slowly.

 

Day 1 – Cardiff

Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is simple to get to from areas across the UK and overseas, with rail, street, and air hyperlinks that can allow you to get right here in the best way that most accurately fits your journey.

We’d recommend that to your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. The vast majority of points of interest within the metropolis centre are straightforward to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise towards driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll should cope with navigation and discovering parking.

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

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

Subsequent, we’d suggest popping throughout the street to the Cardiff Market. It is a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover quite a lot of retailers promoting all method of products.

There are additionally meals stalls right here in case you are hungry.

From Cardiff Market, proceed north to Cardiff Citadel, your subsequent cease for the day.

On this street journey, you’ll see fairly a number of castles. Wales has a panorama that lends itself to constructing castles, and a historical past of princes and wars that required these defensive constructions. The truth is there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do should be selective through which castles you select to go to.

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

Cardiff Citadel takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by means of the ages. There was some form of fortified building right here for the reason that Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. The truth is, a part of the outdated Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

Nonetheless, the massive stone preserve atop the hill that can catch your eye as you stroll in dates from the twelfth century.

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

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

You possibly can stroll by means of the grounds of Cardiff Citadel without spending a dime, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you’ll need to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is nicely price it in our opinion.

Relying on how your day goes you should still have time for one more sight. In that case, we’d recommend 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

For those who’d want to go out of city right now you’ll be able to after all try this, and spend extra time on the street. Nonetheless, assuming you want to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to suggest you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

Cardiff is situated on the Bristol Channel, though you received’t have seen the water but as the town middle space is a couple of mile away. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus experience.

The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay space 4 or 5 occasions an hour and the journey is only a few minutes. Alternatively, you may want to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which may also deliver 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 possible see the massive Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to return to see stay performances of every thing from music to bop. There are additionally retailers, bars, and cafes on web site, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any short-term displays occurring whenever you go to.

From right here you’ll be able to stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known youngsters’s books writer who was born in Cardiff (books embody Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, James and the Large Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to varied gala’s, festivals, and stay music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. For those who head east, you’ll first cross the Pierhead constructing, an enormous crimson brick constructing with a clock tower which is difficult to overlook. That is dwelling to a museum the place you’ll be able to study concerning the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, dwelling of the Welsh parliament. It is a placing trendy constructing which you’ll go to in case you are excited by studying concerning the strategy of democracy in Wales. There are additionally typically exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s nicely price taking a cease right here.

From the Senedd, you’ll be able to proceed alongside the coastal path to the east on the Cardiff Bay path stroll. There are numerous highlights alongside the route, together with the Norwegian Church Arts Centre which affords a restaurant, pretty views of the Bay, and an artwork gallery.

It’s as much as you if you wish to proceed at this level. The path continues for miles alongside the bay and if it’s a pleasant day it’s definitely a beautiful stroll all the best way to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineteen Nineties which created this pretty harbour space.

From right here, slightly than stroll all the best way again, you’ll be able to as an alternative hop on a ship that can take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly need to test the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You possibly can e book tickets on-line upfront right here.

After all, as an alternative of (or in addition to!) strolling all the best way to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the realm across the Senedd, often known as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to search out all method of retailers and eating places, in addition to a ship quay the place you’ll be able to take boat excursions of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different points of interest within the space. First is the slightly eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not conversant in the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then it will possible 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 this planet, 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 children, then this paid attraction will certainly preserve them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.

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

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

And naturally there are numerous pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff.

For those who’re into historic pubs, a few of the oldest in Cardiff are The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff Cottage, The Goat Main, and The Nice Western. So you should have no scarcity of locations to go for a drink or a chunk to eat!

Talking of meals, if you wish to strive some conventional Welsh dishes reminiscent of Lamb Cawl or Welsh rarebit, The Welsh Home in Cardiff is a favorite of ours. They often have quite a lot of conventional dishes on the menu, and the costs are additionally affordable.

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

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

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 sensible free outside museum which options over forty authentic buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and provides you with an actual perception into how Welsh folks have lived, labored, discovered, 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 stay workshops and demonstrations of conventional abilities and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s a giant web site with loads 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’ll proceed to go west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.

The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to observe the M4 round Swansea, which is what we might suggest you do. After all, if you happen to would favor a extra scenic route be at liberty to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you might have loads to see right now.

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

Fairly a little bit of the citadel survives, together with most of the towers, partitions and preserve. There are info panels on web site and there’s a wonderful cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as nicely. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on 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 affords an annual membership, which supplies you free entry to all of the Cadw areas, amongst different advantages.

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

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

From Castell Carreg it’s a 20 minute drive to the following cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr 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 suggest taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Citadel. There are some actually pretty strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their manner by means of lovely mature woodlands.

You may also go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry payment (free for Nationwide Belief members). There’s 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 need one thing additional to see on the best way, and you actually love castles, be at liberty to detour to Laugharne Citadel, though we really feel you’ll have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to loosen up by this level.

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

After all, you may as well do these items on the morning of your fourth day as nicely. And that’s the top of your first day on the street!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

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

Let’s get going.

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

The primary is Carew Citadel, a citadel 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’ll be able to see there may be a lot to see and do right here, so I’d recommend allocating at the least 90 minutes – 2 hours to your go to. There’s free parking on web site and a payment for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or some other membership program that we’re conscious of.

From Carew Citadel you might 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 means of January).

For those who’d prefer 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’ll see instructions right here.

An alternative choice if you happen to’d want to spend extra time on the seashore can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seashore. 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 positioning of Dobby’s Grave. There’s a mound of rocks right here which followers have written tributes on, which makes for a pleasant image. There’s a small automobile park right here in addition to parking alongside the street.

There are after all many different walks that you might do right now as you head in the direction of St. David’s, and you’ll 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 now.

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

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

There have been additionally attractive coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in whole with a number of picture stops and was nicely definitely worth the effort.

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

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

For those who nonetheless need to discover, then we’d recommend 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 beautiful seashore 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 a terrific pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can also be a preferred choice for pub meals.

We’d suggest asking your native lodging supplier for ideas 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 best way, together with historical burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife middle, lovely seashores, and extra.

We’d recommend selecting some sights that sound probably the most fascinating to you from our recommendations as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or take into account doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every thing. For those who choose to try this, we’d recommend 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 outdated tomb has a 16.5ft capstone fastidiously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the street and entry is free. Simply bear in mind that there the parking spot is kind of small and the street right here is kind of slim.

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

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

Now, proceed on in the direction of Cardigan. There are a number of sights you may take into account stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will possible need to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive middle, numerous trails, and chicken watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. An excellent location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Heart is Cilgerran Citadel. This Norman age citadel initially dates from 1108, though the construction right now largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is nicely price 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 automobile park. We parked in Cilgerran Decrease automobile park from the place there’s a beautiful stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the citadel.

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

You possibly can truly keep in a single day right here, which we’ve got achieved, and it has cafe on web site as nicely. When you have extra time, or just need to regulate your schedule, it makes for in a single day keep choice.

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

Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embody Penbryn Seaside and the beautiful seaside fishing village of New Quay.

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

Simply past New Quay you can find the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a pretty Georgian villa which additionally affords strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard dwelling 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 thought for its college. There are additionally quite a lot of wonderful points of interest within the city itself which you’ll both go to right now or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

We’d undoubtedly suggest visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum. That is situated in a preserved Edwardian period theatre, which makes for fairly a singular 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 useful).

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

There’s a payment to make use of it, we’d recommend taking the railway up after which strolling down for pretty views of the bay and city under.

A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Citadel in the midst of city can also be nicely 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 right now for issues to do which is able to rely on whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or if you happen to’d want wildlife watching and coastal cities as an alternative.

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

This big constructing has some wonderful displays together with an interactive archive of TV and audio footage, shows of uncommon books, and extra. Free to go to with parking on web site.

Now, you must resolve between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain right now, our advice is to drive an hour or so north to the Dôl Idris carpark subsequent to Minffordd. From right here there’s a spectacular stroll up Cadair Idris.

That is one in every 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 facet as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, it’s actually price it when you have the time and bodily capability to take action.

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

You possibly can see an summary of the Minffordd path right here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Count on the overall hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health degree and the way typically you cease.

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

For those who would slightly not deal with a giant hike right now (there can be extra alternatives in a while within the itinerary!), then there are numerous choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d recommend selecting these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices accessible as you received’t be capable to match every thing in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you’ll be able to stroll alongside. If you’re fortunate, you is perhaps on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

It is a pretty tiny museum devoted to the historical past of the railway, recreating the station because it was within the early 1900s. It’s free to go to.

From Borth, drive a few miles additional up the B4353 alongside the coast, and take the turning for Ynyslas Customer Centre, which is a part of the Dyfi Nationwide Nature Reserve.

Right here there are some pretty walks by means of the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to study what you might be prone to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Count on to spend round an hour right here if you happen to do the round dune stroll.

From Ynyslas head again to the A487 and proceed north. We’d recommend 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 selection of data panels to clarify what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however nicely price 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 massively numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve dwelling. There’s a small payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle it’s possible you’ll take into account visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. It is a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can also be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Venture. There’s a small payment to go to.

Persevering with up the A487 you’ll come to the city of Machynlleth. There are a selection of cafes and eating places right here in addition to a reasonably city clock and city middle. There’s additionally a free museum of recent artwork right here.

North of Machynlleth are two widespread points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Different Know-how, the place you’ll be able to study all about different power 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 numerous enjoyable however make sure to 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 cross by means of the city of Dolgellau, the place we suggest driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

This has a beautiful sandy seashore 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 dwelling to the spectacular Harlech Citadel, a mighty thirteenth century fortress constructed by Edward I throughout his invasion of Wales.

This citadel, together with Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon castles, is rated by UNESCO to be one of many most interesting examples of late thirteenth century navy structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a payment to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

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

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My fundamental advice right now is to take one of many scenic slim gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These provide spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you’ll simply loosen up and let the surroundings roll on by.

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

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

This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the best way to Caernarfon, and you may as well do a visit to and from the beautiful village of Beddgelert on this prepare.

There’s no “greatest” choice actually, each trains provide nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can also be nicely price 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 take into account 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 likelihood of rain, you may even assume you might have left Wales completely.

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

After all, everybody can have a distinct expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you’ll be able to stroll that are good, however a few of these had been closed after we visited and it rained a lot of our go to. So I believe the climate actually put a damper on our go to.

I believe the expertise at Portmerion Village is greatest on a pleasant sunny day and if you happen to spend the evening. There are a number of sorts of lodging right here and close by if you happen to resolve to remain the evening.

Relying on what you might have chosen to do right now, it’s possible you’ll or could not have extra time to spare. If you’re in search of extra to do, then I’d recommend taking a street journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This affords attractive shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. For example, you’ll be able to 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 must undoubtedly go to when you have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!

It is a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey fashion citadel. 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

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

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

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

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

Whichever route you select, it would be best to enable between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health degree. So that you’ll need to mainly plan your full day round your hike as you received’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can possible be exhausted after your hike.

Word that the automobile parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. Make sure to test forward.

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

Lastly, 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 need to keep away from this hike in dangerous climate.

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

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

It is a paid service, and you’ll select to go a method or return. If you wish to do that we strongly suggest reserving tickets upfront because it’s a extremely popular service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.

For this one you’ll be able to park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a selection of 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 experience is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s choice if you wish to match extra in right now.

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 are able to extremely suggest visiting the wonderful and free Nationwide Slate Museum. This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has formed the panorama and the approach to life of the folks right here for tons of of years.

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays overlaying all facets of slate mining in addition to stay demonstrations of assorted slate mining processes.

We will 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 dwelling to the longest railway station signal on this planet.

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

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

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

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

This splendidly symmetrical citadel is surrounded on most sides by a water crammed moat. Apparently, the citadel was by no means truly 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 want to do a stroll however would favor one thing a little bit shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we might suggest the hike to Aber Falls. That is roughly a 4 mile spherical journey hike on pretty degree terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.

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

One other good waterfall which is simply off the street 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 dwelling to a shocking citadel, which can also be price visiting though we’d recommend in all probability 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 midst of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you’ll be able to simply stroll right here from many of the city automobile parks.

That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. For those who 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 may 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 through Hay-on-Wye.

Earlier than you set off, be sure to go to any points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will possible need to take a look at Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.

Now you might have two completely different route choices right now, 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.

For those who resolve to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease can 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 reasonably view of a beautiful little waterfall.

The following cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest 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 in the course of the Reformation.

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

It’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on web site as nicely the place you’ll be able to study St. Winefride. A small payment applies for visiting.

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

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

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

A second choice is to go south immediately, skipping the northern shoreline and as an alternative visiting extra of japanese Wales. Highlights alongside this route embody Merion Mill, Pont Minllyn, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, and the Elan Valley. This route takes about 3.5 hours to drive with out stops.

For the inland route, head from Conwy 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’ll be able to peruse all method of authentic merchandise that will make for a wonderful memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as nicely.

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

Now proceed south in the direction of Llandiloes. A quick detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you’ll be able to see the stays of this former lead mining neighborhood.

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

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

There’s a customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to study all concerning the space. The preferred activitiy right here is to cycle across the reseviors on the Elan Valley Path. Bikes can be found for rent on the customer middle.

Nonetheless, you may as well stroll or drive to quite a lot of viewpoints if you happen to want. Word 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’ll 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 elegance of literature, and each new and used books can be found.

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

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We’ve reached the ultimate day of your Welsh street journey! At present you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you’ll be able to drop off your rental automobile (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day right now appears to be like will after all rely in your schedule. When 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 have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the best way.

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

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you might have a few choices. First, it’s possible you’ll 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 transferring memorial you’ll be able to go to if you happen to want to pay your respects.

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

Overlaying 30 acres, the positioning options big defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a variety of water defenses. It’s really a web site to behold, and a very good strategy to end off your Welsh street journey. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this street journey wraps up! When you have extra time in Cardiff, you’ll be able to go and go to any of the points of interest you didn’t have time to go to firstly 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 possibly can see a full model of this map on Google Maps right here, which incorporates all of the highlights in addition to lodging listings.

 

Wales 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 street journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally needed to share some extra sources we predict may show you how to with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• For those who’re in search of extra street journey inspiration within the UK, take a look at our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
• For those who’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 most effective day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We’ve a two week UK street journey itinerary and a one week UK street journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• For those who’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’ll be able to 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
• For those who’re in search of a guidebook to your journey, take a look at the Tough Information to Wales

And that’s it! Have you ever ever visited Wales? Do you might have something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback under, and protected travels!