A 7 to 10 Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary with Map – Finding the Universe

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 website. Properly, that’s about to vary.

Wales is a spectacular nation with loads to supply and its comparatively small dimension means you can see loads in a 1-week street journey. On this information we’re going to share our thought of the proper Wales street journey if in case you have 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary features a little little bit of every little thing Wales has to supply, which incorporates gorgeous coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural points of interest, and extra. The itinerary was designed to provide you a style of the most effective of Wales and contains every little 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 in addition provide tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to after all alter it the way you need.

Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different well-liked 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 tip of this put up, 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 Highway Journey in Wales?

Wales isn’t an enormous nation, however there’s a large quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a street journey protecting part of the nation could be three to 5 days. If you happen to don’t have quite a lot of 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 a minimum of 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 alter it primarily based in your pursuits and time. In case you have extra time, there may be at all times extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

How one can 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 that will additionally embody England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s simple to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.

Once more, we’d suggest a minimum of 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and in case 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 a minimum of 5 to 7 days to dedicate to Wales if you wish to see quite a few its highlights coated on this itinerary.

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

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

In case you are additionally wanting to go to different components of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly take into account becoming a member of up excursions resembling with native tour firm Rabbie’swhere you’ll be able to take a sequence of excursions exploring totally different components of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

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

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

There are an ideal 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 automotive. If you happen to don’t have your personal automotive, we’d extremely suggest selecting up a automotive rental, or take into account becoming a member of a tour.

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

On a current journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s essential prepare station, which made decide up and drop off simple. Nonetheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a value comparability service like Rental Vehicles or Uncover Vehicles, to see if there’s a greater possibility on your journey.

If you happen to would like to not drive, then we might as an alternative recommend trying into taking a tour of Wales. These will be carried out as personal excursions or you’ll be able to be a part of a bunch tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

If you happen to like the thought of visiting Wales however would reasonably 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 monitor 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 advised Wales street journey itinerary, quite a lot of them do embody a minimum of a few of the essential points of interest we cowl.

You possibly can be a part of a guided tour or if in case you have a much bigger price range or a big group, you may additionally take into account a personal tour. The longer Wales excursions usually depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we propose are as follows:

This 5 day street journey with Rabbies could be our first decide of obtainable excursions. We’ve taken an ideal many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy quite a lot of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia all the way down to south west Wales.
This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an identical path to our advised Wales itinerary, and contains time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Fort, 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 Fort, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. In case you have extra time, you can too 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 Fort, Harlech Fort, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion. In case you have extra time, you can too do their North Wales tour.

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

 

 

10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

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

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

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill a minimum of two days. Nonetheless, if in case you have much less time or would reasonably simply hit the street and never concentrate on metropolis points of interest, you could want to concentrate on the street journey part of this itinerary reasonably 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.

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

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

Observe that this itinerary covers quite a lot of floor and every day has quite a few advised points of interest. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to alter it to swimsuit what you actually need to see and do reasonably than attempting to do completely every little thing.

If you would like a extra slower paced journey, we’d recommend seeing much less every day and spending a minimum of 2 nights at every location. You may 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 may allow you to get right here in the way in which that most closely fits your journey.

We’d recommend that on 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 simple to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise towards driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll should take care of navigation and discovering parking.

In your first day within the metropolis, our really useful first cease could 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 superb method 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 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 if you’re hungry.

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

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

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

Cardiff Fort takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by way of the ages. There was some form of fortified building right here because the Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. In truth, a part of the previous Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

Nonetheless, the massive stone preserve atop the hill that may 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 intervals in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a huge clock tower and gorgeous interiors.

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

You possibly can stroll by way of the grounds of Cardiff Fort at no cost, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you have to to pay for a ticket. The ticket value is nicely 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 recommend strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This huge free museum (donations welcome) has displays of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an efficient method to end off your first day in Wales.

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

If you happen to’d want to move out of city at this time you’ll be able to after all do 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 few 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 instances an hour and the journey is just some minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly want to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which can even carry you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there may be lots to see. First, you’ll probably see the massive Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to come back to see stay performances of every little thing from music to bop. There are additionally retailers, bars, and cafes on website, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any non permanent displays occurring if you go to.

From right here you’ll be able to stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known kids’s books writer who was born in Cardiff (books embody Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, James and the Big Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to numerous gala’s, festivals, and stay 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 purple brick constructing with a clock tower which is difficult to overlook. That is dwelling to a museum the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, dwelling of the Welsh parliament. It is a putting fashionable constructing which you’ll be able to go to if you’re curious about studying concerning the technique 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 presents 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 stunning stroll all the way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineties which created this pretty harbour space.

From right here, reasonably than stroll all the way in which again, you’ll be able to as an alternative hop on a ship that may take you again to the Quay space. You’ll positively need to verify the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You possibly can guide tickets on-line upfront right here.

In fact, as an alternative of (or in addition to!) strolling all the way in which to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the realm across the Senedd, referred to as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to 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 reasonably eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. In case you are 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 really one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character wherever on the 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. In case you are 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 seems like sufficient on your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless lots to see together with extra museums and loads of retailers. Cardiff can 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 current go to to Cardiff we loved watching a stay efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.

And naturally there are quite a lot of pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff. If you happen to’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’ll 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 street! In case you are selecting up a rental automotive, you’ll need to guide this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day at this time.

Your first cease for the day is simply 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 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 be able to go inside and discover. It’s additionally a residing museum, with stay workshops and demonstrations of conventional expertise and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s a giant website with loads to see, so we’d suggest planning on spending a minimum of 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 website 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 might suggest you do. In fact, in case you would like a extra scenic route be happy to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply concentrate on timing as you’ve got loads to see at this time.

Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Fort, 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 website and there’s a superb cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as nicely. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on website.

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

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

Loads of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be coated by the membership and in case you go to the vast majority of them you’ll positively 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 website. That is really two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Fort, 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 Fort. There are some actually pretty strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their approach by way of lovely mature woodlands.

You can too go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry charge (free for Nationwide Belief members). There may be paid parking on website (additionally free to Nationwide Belief members).

It’s round an hour’s drive to the final cease of the day, the lovable seaside city of Tenby. If you would like one thing further to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Fort, though we really feel you could have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to loosen up by this level.

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

In fact, you can too do this stuff on the morning of your fourth day as nicely. And that’s the tip of your first day on the street!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Immediately 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 Fort & 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 Fort, 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 location is the Carew Tidal Mill, which is the one restored tidal mill in Wales. This dates from the nineteenth century, and when in operation it used the facility of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s not working however it’s open for excursions.

As you’ll be able to see there may be lots to see and do right here, so I’d recommend allocating a minimum of 90 minutes – 2 hours on your go to. There may be free parking on website and a charge for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or some other membership program that we’re conscious of.

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

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

That is additionally place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (often August by way of 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.

An alternative choice in case you’d want to spend extra time on the seaside could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. It is a well-liked browsing spot the place you’ll discover a lengthy stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.

It’s additionally a Harry Potter filming location – followers of the flicks will certainly need to go to the location of Dobby’s Grave. There’s a mound of rocks right here which followers have written tributes on, which makes for a pleasant image. There’s a small automotive park right here in addition to parking alongside the street.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you happen to nonetheless 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 gorgeous seaside of Whitesands, which makes for place to look at the sundown.

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

Immediately you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s lots to see alongside the way in which, together with 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 solutions as there may be positively 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 little thing. If you happen to choose to do this, we’d recommend overnighting round Cardigan.

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

This 5,000 12 months 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 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 slender.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary street. In case you are curious about studying about life within the Stone Age, then positively take into account a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction encompasses a sequence of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On website you will discover quite a few 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 take into account stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

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

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Middle is Cilgerran Fort. This Norman age citadel initially dates from 1108, though the construction at this time largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is nicely price a go to.

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

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

You possibly can really keep in a single day right here, which we’ve got carried out, and it has cafe on website as nicely. In case you have extra time, or just need to alter your schedule, it makes for in a single day keep possibility.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll at this time, we’d recommend heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive 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 presents good views of the coast.

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

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

Simply past New Quay you will discover the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a pretty Georgian villa which additionally presents strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard dwelling 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 night time. It is a mid-size coastal city which is thought for its college. There are additionally quite a few wonderful points of interest within the city itself which you’ll be able to both go to at this time or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Immediately you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices at this time for issues to do which can rely on whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or in case you’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 approach out of city we are able to extremely suggest dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.

This large 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 website.

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

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

That is 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’d say that it is a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, it’s actually price it if in case you have the time and bodily capability to take action.

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

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

In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you may do as an alternative. In case you are 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 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 reasonably not deal with a giant hike at this time (there will likely be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are quite a lot of choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.

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

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you’ll be able to stroll alongside. In case you are fortunate, you is likely to be 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 way of the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to find out about what you’re prone to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Count on to spend round an hour right here in case you 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 previous charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

It’s free to go to and there are a selection of data panels to clarify what you’re 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.

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

One other wildlife middle you could take into account visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. It is a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Mission. 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 middle. There’s additionally a free museum of recent artwork right here.

North of Machynlleth are two well-liked points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Different Expertise, the place you’ll be able to be taught all about various vitality choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other well-liked possibility, particularly with households, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Present in a former slate mine, it is a guided story telling tour which takes you thru the story of King Arthur. It’s quite a lot of enjoyable however you’ll want to costume warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft middle on website right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.

Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll cross by way of the city of Dolgellau, the place we suggest 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 dwelling to the spectacular Harlech Fort, 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 best examples of late thirteenth century army structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a charge to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

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

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My essential advice at this time is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These provide spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply loosen up and let the surroundings roll on by.

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

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

This 25 mile stretch of monitor goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and you can too do a visit to and from the beautiful village of Beddgelert on this prepare.

There’s no “finest” possibility actually, each trains provide nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can be nicely price it.

Whichever journey you select, we suggest reserving upfront on the official web site right here, because the route may be very well-liked and may promote out.

One other well-liked 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 would possibly even suppose you’ve got left Wales completely.

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

In fact, everybody may 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 finest on a pleasant sunny day and in case you spend the night time. There are a number of forms of lodging right here and close by in case you resolve to remain the night time.

Relying on what you’ve got chosen to do at this time, you could or might not have extra time to spare. In case you are in search of extra to do, then I’d recommend taking a street journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This presents attractive shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an illustration, you’ll be able to go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Fort, 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 Fort which you must positively go to if in case you have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So do you’ll want to plan forward if you’re contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll must you’ll want 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, you’ll want to verify the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate situations could make these paths very harmful. You’ll need to keep away from this hike in unhealthy climate.

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

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

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

For this one you’ll be able to park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a selection of automotive parks a brief stroll away in Llanberis.

In comparison with a Snowden hike which generally takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey prepare experience is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s possibility if you wish to match extra in at this time.

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

First, in Llanberis we are able to extremely suggest visiting the wonderful and free 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 protecting all points of slate mining in addition to stay demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We are able to additionally extremely suggest heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two well-liked 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 the planet.

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

The signal title was completely 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 superb and large memento retailer right here the place you should purchase all method of issues.

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

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

Lastly, if you want to do a stroll however would like 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 stage terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.

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

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

You’re going to complete your day with an in a single day within the seaside city of Conwy. That is additionally dwelling to a shocking citadel, which can 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 Fort is free to CADW members and there’s a charge for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the midst of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you’ll be able to simply stroll right here from many of the city automotive parks.

That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. If you happen to go to, we extremely suggest climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the most effective views.

Lastly, in a single day in Conwy. Once more, you would possibly want to maneuver some sightseeing to Day 9 relying in your schedule.

 

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

Immediately it’s time to start out 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 you go to any points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will probably need to try Penrhyn Fort and Backyard for instance.

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

Each routes have you ever spend the night time in Hay-on-Wye. Each routes are nice and I’d try the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.

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

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

The following cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest is St Winefride’s Properly & Shrine, a website which has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1300 years. It’s additionally distinctive in that it’s the one pilgrimage website within the UK that was capable of proceed working even throughout the Reformation.

The nicely 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 website as nicely the place you’ll be able to find out about St. Winefride. A small charge applies for visiting.

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

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

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

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

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

At Minllyn, take a break at Merion Mill, a wool crafting mill the place you’ll be able to peruse all method of authentic merchandise that will make for a superb memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as nicely.

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

Now proceed south in direction of Llandiloes. A short 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 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 automotive park to the location. Extra info on the official CADW website right here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease at this time 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 ingesting water for the town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to be taught 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 middle.

Nonetheless, you can too stroll or drive to quite a few viewpoints in case you want. Observe the customer middle is free to go to however there’s a cost for parking.

Lastly, proceed on to the gorgeous city of Hay-on-Wye the place you’ll be spending the night time. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is known for its bookshops.

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

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

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

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

How your day at this time seems will after all rely in your schedule. In case you have an early prepare or flight, then you’ll want to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.

Nonetheless, if in case you have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the way in which.

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

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you’ve got a few choices. First, you could choose to go to the previous coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the location of the tragic Aberfan catastrophe in 1966, when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 kids and 28 adults. There’s a shifting memorial you’ll be able to go to in case you want to pay your respects.

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

Overlaying 30 acres, the location options large defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread of water defenses. It’s actually a website to behold, and a very good method to end off your Welsh street journey. There’s a charge to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this street journey wraps up! In case 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 at first of your journey.

 

Map of Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

Right here’s a map of the route that will help you visualise the place you’ll be going. You 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 Highway Journey Itinerary Overview

Right here’s an summary of the itinerary for reference.

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

 

Additional Studying

And that’s it for our detailed Wales street journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally wished to share some extra sources we predict would possibly assist you with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

If you happen to’re in search of extra street journey inspiration within the UK, try our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
If you happen to’re heading to Scotland, try our 2 day Edinburgh itinerary, our Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary, our information to the finest day journeys from Glasgow, our information to issues to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the finest day journeys from Aberdeen, and our information to the most effective day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
We have now a two week UK street journey itinerary and a one week UK street 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 have now guides to many cities within the UK you’ll be able to try! See our guides to issues to do in Manchester,  issues to do in Stratford upon Avon,  issues to do in Bristol,  issues to do in Portsmouth, tips about a weekend in York, tips about 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, try the Tough Information to Wales

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