A 7 to 10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary with Map

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

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

This itinerary features a little little bit of every 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 very best of Wales and consists of every thing from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.

Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this highway journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and likewise supply tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to in fact modify it the way you need.

Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different fashionable highway 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 highway journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you might need.

How Lengthy to Street Journey in Wales?

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

If you wish to see extra of what’s on supply, and discover the nation from prime to backside, then we’d advocate not less than 7 – 10 days.

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

 

The best way to Embrace Wales as A part of a Longer UK journey?

Many individuals are visiting Wales as a part of an extended tour of Nice Britain that will additionally embrace England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s straightforward to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.

Once more, we’d advocate not less than 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and should you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply follow specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have not less than 5 to 7 days to commit to Wales if you wish to see 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 data on that.

If you’re additionally wanting to go to different components of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly think about 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 totally different components of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

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

There are just a few totally 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 beneficial solution 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 highway journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automotive. If you happen to don’t have your individual automotive, we’d extremely advocate selecting up a automotive rental, or think about becoming a member of a tour.

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

On a current journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s fundamental prepare station, which made choose up and drop off straightforward. Nonetheless, we’d additionally recommending utilizing a worth 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’d as a substitute counsel trying into taking a tour of Wales. These could be completed as personal excursions or you’ll be able to be part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

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

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we are able to advocate. While none of them will precisely mirror our steered Wales highway journey itinerary, a number of them do embrace not less than a few of the fundamental points of interest we cowl.

You possibly can be part of a guided tour or you probably have a much bigger funds or a big group, you may additionally think about a personal tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we advise are as follows:

• This 5 day highway journey with Rabbies could be our first choose 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 a number of 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 steered Wales itinerary, and consists of 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. 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 consists of Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Fort, Harlech Fort, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion. When you have extra time, you may as well do their North Wales tour.

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

 

 

10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary

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

The Welsh capital metropolis has lots to supply, from glorious museums to fort ruins and sporting points of interest.

There’s actually sufficient right here to fill not less than two days. Nonetheless, you probably have much less time or would moderately simply hit the highway and never give attention to metropolis points of interest, it’s possible you’ll choose to give attention to the highway journey part of this itinerary moderately than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

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

Components of this highway journey observe the Wales Manner 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 greatest surroundings and points of interest that Wales has to supply.

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

Be aware that this itinerary covers a number of floor and every day has a lot of steered points of interest. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to modify it to go well with what you actually need to see and do moderately than making an attempt to do completely every thing.

If you need a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending not less than 2 nights at every location. You possibly can 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 places across the UK and overseas, with rail, highway, and air hyperlinks that may allow you to get right here in the best way that most closely fits your journey.

We’d counsel that on your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. The vast majority of 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 must take care of navigation and discovering parking.

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

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

Subsequent, we’d advocate popping throughout the highway to the Cardiff Market. This can be 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 highway journey, you’re going to see fairly just a few castles. Wales has a panorama that lends itself to constructing castles, and a historical past of princes and wars that required these defensive constructions. In actual fact there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do have to be selective during which castles you select to go to.

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

Cardiff Fort takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by means of the ages. There was some kind of fortified development right here for the reason that Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. In actual fact, a part of the outdated Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

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

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

There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Fort, together with varied excursions and reveals that vary from world conflict two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d advocate planning on spending not less than 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 Fort at no cost, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the reveals you have to to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is properly 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 counsel strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This huge free museum (donations welcome) has reveals of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an efficient solution to end off your first day in Wales.

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

If you happen to’d choose to move out of city at this time you’ll be able to in fact try this, and spend extra time on the highway. Nonetheless, assuming you want to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to advocate you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you gained’t have seen the water but as the town 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 journey.

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

At Cardiff Bay there may be loads to see. First, you’ll seemingly 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 website, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any non permanent reveals happening whenever 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 embrace 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. If you happen to head east, you’ll first cross the Pierhead constructing, an enormous crimson brick constructing with a clock tower which is tough 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. This can be a hanging trendy constructing which you’ll be able to go to if you’re excited about studying concerning the means of democracy in Wales. There are additionally typically exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s properly 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 provides a restaurant, beautiful views of the Bay, and an artwork gallery.

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

From right here, moderately than stroll all the best way again, you’ll be able to as a substitute hop on a ship that may 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 a substitute of (or in addition to!) strolling all the best way to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the world 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 moderately eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not conversant in the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then it will seemingly be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.

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

That seems like sufficient on your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless loads 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 a number 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 chunk to eat!

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

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

This can be a sensible free out of doors museum which options over forty unique buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and gives 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, nearly all 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 an enormous website with lots to see, so we’d advocate planning on spending not less than 90 minutes to 2 hours right here. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site which serves good meals in addition to espresso and different scorching drinks. There’s a big carpark on website with a modest price for parking.

From Cardiff you’re going to proceed to move west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.

The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to observe the M4 round Swansea, which is what we’d advocate you do. After all, should you would like a extra scenic route be happy to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you may have lots to see at this time.

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

Fairly a little bit of the fort survives, together with most of the towers, partitions and hold. There are data panels on website and there’s a superb cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as properly. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on website.

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

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

A number of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be coated by the membership and should you go to nearly all of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should buy this on-line right here, or in particular person at most Cadw websites.

We expect that is very a lot price it and we all the time get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.

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

You can too go to Newton Home itself in fact, which has a separate entry price (free for Nationwide Belief members). There’s 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 need one thing further to see on the best way, 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. If you’re not too drained, we’d advocate a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Fort and a stroll on the seaside.

After all, you may as well do this stuff on the morning of your fourth day as properly. And that’s the top of your first day on the highway!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

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

Let’s get going.

From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew 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 fort 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 facility of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s now not working however it’s open for excursions.

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

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

One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew 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 a very good place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (normally August by means of January).

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

Another choice should you’d choose to spend extra time on the seaside could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. This can be a fashionable 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 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 automotive park right here in addition to parking alongside the highway.

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

My private favorite, and the one I’d advocate, 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 essentially flat with only a few gradients to sort out. There’s a car-park at Marloes Sands (paid).

This stroll was my favorite of all of the walks we did on this space as a result of it provided such spectacular views, in addition to some glorious 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 picture stops and was properly 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 evening. Positively spend a while exploring the city, both this night or on the morning of Day 5.

You’ll discover a beautiful outdated cathedral, in addition to varied galleries and retailers. 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 counsel strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Nicely, 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 a very good place to observe the sundown.

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

We’d advocate asking your native lodging supplier for ideas as they’ll know the very best native choices open throughout your go to.

 

 

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

In the present day you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s loads 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 counsel selecting some sights that sound probably the most fascinating to you from our ideas as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or think about doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every thing. If you happen to choose to try this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.

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

This 5,000 12 months outdated tomb has a 16.5ft capstone rigorously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the highway and entry is free. Simply bear in mind that there the parking spot is kind of small and the highway right here is kind of slim.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the principle highway. If you’re excited about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly think about a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

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

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

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

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

Free for CADW and Nationwide Belief members, small price 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 beautiful stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the fort.

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

You possibly can really keep in a single day right here, which we’ve completed, and it has a very good cafe on website as properly. When you have extra time, or just need to modify your schedule, it makes for a very good in a single day keep possibility.

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

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

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

Simply past New Quay you can find the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. This can be a beautiful Georgian villa which additionally provides strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard dwelling to varied Welsh breeds of cattle. There’s a price 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. This can be a mid-size coastal city which is understood for its college. There are additionally a lot of glorious points of interest within the city itself which you’ll be able to both go to at this time or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

In the present day you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices at this time for issues to do which is able to depend upon whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or should you’d choose wildlife watching and coastal cities as a substitute.

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

This large constructing has some glorious reveals 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, it’s good to 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 suggestion is to drive an hour or so north to the Dôl Idris carpark subsequent to Minffordd. From right here there’s a spectacular stroll up Cadair Idris.

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

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

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

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

If you happen to would moderately not sort out an enormous hike at this time (there shall be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are a number of choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel selecting these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices out there as you gained’t be capable of match every thing in.

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

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

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

Right here there are some beautiful 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 find out about what you might be more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate to spend round an hour right here should you do the round dune stroll.

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

It’s free to go to and there are a selection of knowledge panels to elucidate what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however properly 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 vastly numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve dwelling. There’s a small price to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle it’s possible you’ll think about visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. This can be a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Undertaking. There’s a small price to go to.

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

North of Machynlleth are two fashionable points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you’ll be able to study all about different vitality choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other fashionable 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 a number of enjoyable however you should definitely 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 means of the city of Dolgellau, the place we advocate driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

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

Proceed up the coast and also you’ll come to the city of Harlech. That is dwelling to the spectacular Harlech Fort, a mighty thirteenth century fortress constructed by Edward I throughout his invasion of Wales.

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

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

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My fundamental suggestion at this time is to take one of many scenic slim gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply 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 earth.

Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is really operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise may be very related. The principle 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” possibility actually, each trains supply nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can be properly price it.

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

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

It’s actually 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 may have left Wales fully.

While it is a fashionable attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t fully 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.

After all, 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 feel the climate actually put a damper on our go to.

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

Relying on what you may have chosen to do at this time, it’s possible you’ll or might not have extra time to spare. If you’re searching for extra to do, then I’d counsel taking a highway journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This provides 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 beautiful free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

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

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

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

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

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

One very fashionable possibility is in fact to sort out the best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You might 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 may see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the preferred because it’s thought to be the best, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

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

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

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

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

The opposite solution 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 solution to attain the highest, with epic views all the best way up.

This can be a paid service, and you may select to go a method or return. If you wish to do that we strongly advocate 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 usually takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey prepare journey is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s a very good possibility if you wish to match extra in at this time.

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

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

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover reveals protecting all points of slate mining in addition to stay demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One other good waterfall which is simply off the highway and requires solely a really transient stroll are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the picture 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 surprising fort, which can be price visiting though we’d counsel in all probability shortlisting just a few castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Fort is free to CADW members and there’s a price for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course 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 advocate climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the very best views.

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

 

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

In the present day it’s time to begin heading again down south to finish our loop of Wales. Heading again to Cardiff by way of Hay-on-Wye.

Earlier than you set off, be sure you go to any points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will seemingly need to try Penrhyn Fort and Backyard for instance.

Now you may have 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 evening 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 shall 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 beautiful little waterfall.

The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we advocate is St Winefride’s Nicely & 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 in a position to proceed working even throughout the Reformation.

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

It’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on website as properly the place you’ll be able to find out about St. Winefride. A small price applies for visiting.

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we advocate earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Fort. That is noteworthy as being the closest fort 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’d 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 may undoubtedly be faster than the route beneath, even when components of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.

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

For the inland route, head from Conwy 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 unique merchandise that will make for a superb memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as properly.

We’d additionally extremely advocate 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 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 automotive park to the positioning. Extra data 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 type 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 most well-liked activitiy right here is to cycle across the reseviors on the Elan Valley Path. Bikes can be found for rent on the customer middle.

Nonetheless, you may as well stroll or drive to a lot of viewpoints should you choose. Be aware 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 evening. 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 advocate taking a while to wander the city and go to a few of these bookshops earlier than discovering a pleasant spot for dinner and delivering for the evening.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We’ve reached the ultimate day of your Welsh highway journey! In the present day 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 appears to be like will in fact rely in your schedule. When 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, you probably have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the best way.

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

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you may 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 kids and 28 adults. There’s a transferring memorial you’ll be able to go to should you want to pay your respects.

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

Masking 30 acres, the positioning options large defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread of water defenses. It’s actually a website to behold, and a very good solution to end off your Welsh highway journey. There’s a price to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this highway 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 can assist 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 highway journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally wished to share some extra sources we predict would possibly aid you with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• If you happen to’re searching for extra highway 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 greatest day journeys from Glasgow, our information to issues to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the greatest day journeys from Aberdeen, and our information to the very best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We’ve a two week UK highway journey itinerary and a one week UK highway journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• If you happen to’re not conversant in driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful ideas.
• We’ve guides to many cities within the UK you’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 searching for a guidebook on your journey, try the Tough Information to Wales

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