A 7 to 10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary with Map

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

Wales is a spectacular nation with lots to supply and its comparatively small dimension means that you would be able to see lots in a 1-week street journey. On this information we’re going to share our concept of the right Wales street journey 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 one of the best 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 likewise provide tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you may after all regulate it the way you need.

Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different common 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 might need.

How Lengthy to Street Journey in Wales?

Wales is just not an enormous nation, however there’s a large quantity to see. We’d say that the minimal period of time for a street journey protecting part of the nation can be three to 5 days. Should you don’t have numerous time we’d maybe counsel focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

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

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day street journey, however after all you may regulate it based mostly in your pursuits and time. If in case you have extra time, there’s all the time extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

Methods to Embrace Wales as A part of a Longer UK journey?

Many individuals are visiting Wales as a part of an extended tour of Nice Britain 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 suggest no less than 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and in the event you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply follow specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have no less than 5 to 7 days to dedicate to Wales if you wish to see quite a lot of its highlights lined on this itinerary.

In case you are following our 2 week UK itinerary, you may 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 direction of Manchster.

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

In case you are additionally wanting to go to different elements of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you may contemplate becoming a member of up excursions similar to with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you may take a collection of excursions exploring totally different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

What’s the Greatest Strategy 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 practice community. Nonetheless, because the title of this put up suggests, my really useful method to journey round Wales is by automobile.

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

The street journey we’ve put collectively relies on you having a automobile. Should you don’t have your individual automobile, we’d extremely suggest choosing up a automobile rental, or contemplate becoming a member of a tour.

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

On a current journey to Wales we rented a automobile from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s major practice station, which made decide 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 in your journey.

Should you would like to not drive, then we might as an alternative counsel trying into taking a tour of Wales. These might be finished as non-public excursions or you may be part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

Excursions of Wales

Should you like the concept of visiting Wales however would slightly not drive, then your only option is to take a tour. While there’s some public transportation, most of the sights and points of interest are slightly off the crushed observe and aren’t effectively served by public transport.

There are nevertheless some wonderful excursions we are able to suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our advised Wales street journey itinerary, numerous them do embrace no less than a few of the major points of interest we cowl.

You’ll be able to be part of a guided tour or in case you have an even bigger funds or a big group, you may additionally contemplate a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we recommend are as follows:

• This 5 day street journey with Rabbies can be our first decide of accessible excursions. We’ve taken a terrific many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy numerous the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia right down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows the same path to our advised Wales itinerary, and contains time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Fortress, 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 Fortress, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. If in case you have extra time, you can even 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 Fortress, Harlech Fortress, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion. If in case you have extra time, you can even 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 is able to allow you to type and filter by period, locations visited and worth.

10 Day Wales Street Journey Itinerary

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

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

There’s actually sufficient right here to fill no less than two days. Nonetheless, in case you have much less time or would slightly simply hit the street and never give attention to metropolis points of interest, you might favor to give attention to the street journey part of this itinerary slightly than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

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

Elements of this street journey observe the Wales Manner driving tour routes (you may see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on a few of the finest 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 numerous floor and every day has quite a lot of advised points of interest. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to regulate it to go well with what you actually need to see and do slightly than attempting to do completely every little thing.

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

Day 1 – Cardiff

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

We’d counsel that in your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. Nearly all of points of interest within the metropolis centre are straightforward 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 can be the Museum of Cardiff.

This wonderful free museum tells the story of town over the centuries, from the Neolithic interval to the current day. It’s a superb method to orient your self to town and stand up to hurry with its historical past. It’s one among 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 a wide range of outlets promoting all method of products.

There are additionally meals stalls right here if you’re hungry.

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

On this street journey, you will 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 buildings. In truth there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do must be selective by which castles you select to go to.

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

Cardiff Fortress takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by means of the ages. There was some type of fortified development 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 big stone maintain atop the hill that can catch your eye as you stroll in dates from the twelfth century.

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

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

You’ll be able to stroll by means of the grounds of Cardiff Fortress at no cost, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you will want to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is effectively price it in our opinion.

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

Day 2 – Cardiff

Should you’d favor to go out of city in the present day you may after all try this, and spend extra time on the street. Nonetheless, assuming you wish to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to suggest you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

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

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

At Cardiff Bay there’s a lot to see. First, you’ll probably see the big 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 little thing from music to bounce. There are additionally outlets, bars, and cafes on web site, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any non permanent displays happening if you go to.

From right here you may 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 unit, James and the Big Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza usually performs host to numerous gala’s, festivals, and stay music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. Should you head east, you’ll first cross the Pierhead constructing, an enormous pink brick constructing with a clock tower which is difficult to overlook. That is dwelling to a museum the place you may be taught in regards to the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, dwelling of the Welsh parliament. It is a hanging fashionable constructing which you’ll go to if you’re all for studying in regards to the technique of democracy in Wales. There are additionally usually exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s effectively price taking a cease right here.

From the Senedd, you may 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, 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 way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineties which created this beautiful harbour space.

From right here, slightly than stroll all the way in which again, you may as an alternative hop on a ship that can take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly need to verify the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You’ll be able to ebook 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 may discover the realm across the Senedd, often known as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to seek out all method of outlets and eating places, in addition to a ship quay the place you may take boat excursions of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different points of interest within the space. First is the slightly eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. 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 truly one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character wherever on the planet, so price just a few 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 maintain them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.

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

There are additionally a lot 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 numerous pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff. Should you’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 choosing up a rental automobile, you’ll need to ebook this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day in the present day.

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 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 individuals have lived, labored, discovered, and performed through the years.

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

It’s an enormous web site with lots to see, so we’d suggest planning on spending no less than 90 minutes to 2 hours right here. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site which serves good meals in addition to espresso and different scorching drinks. There’s a big carpark on web site with a modest payment for parking.

From Cardiff you will proceed to go west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.

The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to observe the M4 round Swansea, which is what we might suggest you do. In fact, in the event 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 lots to see in the present day.

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

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

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

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

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

We 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 web site. That is truly two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Fortress, 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 Fortress. There are some actually beautiful strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their manner by means of lovely mature woodlands.

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

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

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

In fact, you can even do these items on the morning of your fourth day as effectively. And that’s the tip of your first day on the street!

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 shocking coastal Nationwide Park.

Let’s get going.

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

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

The second attraction on the 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 not working however it’s open for excursions.

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

From Carew Fortress you’ve got just a few 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 Fortress, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The automobile park (free) is simply a few hundred metres from the cliff high 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 (normally August by means of January).

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

An alternative choice in the event you’d favor to spend extra time on the seashore can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seashore. It is a common browsing spot the place you’ll discover a lengthy stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.

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

There are after all many different walks that you possibly can do in the present day as you head in direction of St. David’s, and you may see a full choice right here.

My private favorite, and the one I might suggest, is the Marloes Peninsula stroll. That is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Fortress, relying on what you select to go to in the present day.

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

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

There have been additionally beautiful coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in whole with a lot of picture stops and was effectively well worth the effort.

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

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

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

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

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

We’d suggest asking your native lodging supplier for suggestions as they’ll know one of the 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 a lot to see alongside the way in which, together with historical burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife middle, lovely seashores, and extra.

We’d counsel choosing some sights that sound probably the most attention-grabbing to you from our ideas as there’s undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or contemplate doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see every little thing. Should you choose to do this, we’d counsel overnighting round Cardigan.

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

This 5,000 12 months 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 sort of small and the street right here is sort of slim.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary street. In case you are all for studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly contemplate 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 web site you’ll find quite a lot of costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how individuals lived right here through the Iron Age.

Now, proceed on in direction of Cardigan. There are just a few sights you may contemplate 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, varied trails, and chook watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. An excellent location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Middle is Cilgerran Fortress. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction in the present day largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is effectively price a go to.

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

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

You’ll be able to truly keep in a single day right here, which we’ve finished, and it has cafe on web site as effectively. If in case you have extra time, or just need to regulate your schedule, it makes for in a single day keep possibility.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll in the present day, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automobile park at Mwnt head seashore (payment) 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 embrace Penbryn Seashore and the beautiful seaside fishing village of New Quay.

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

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

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

We’d undoubtedly suggest visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum. That is situated in a preserved Edwardian period theatre, which makes for fairly a 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 will additionally suggest the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway on the north finish of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying individuals up and right down to the clifftop viewpoint since 1896.

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

A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Fortress in the course of city can be effectively 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 in the present day for issues to do which is able to rely on whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or in the event you’d favor wildlife watching and coastal cities as an alternative.

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

This 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 web site.

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

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

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

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

You’ll be able to see an outline 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 usually you cease.

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

Should you would slightly not deal with an enormous hike in the present day (there shall be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are numerous choices to contemplate as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel choosing these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices out there as you gained’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 may stroll alongside. In case you are fortunate, you may be on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

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

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

Right here there are some beautiful walks by 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 may study what you might be more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Count on to spend round an hour right here in the event you do the round dune stroll.

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

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

The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will 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 payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle you might contemplate visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. It is a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Challenge. There’s a small payment to go to.

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

North of Machynlleth are two common points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Different Know-how, the place you may be taught all about different power choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other common 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 numerous 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 web site right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.

Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll cross by means of the city of Dolgellau, the place we suggest driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My major suggestion in the present day is to take one of many scenic slim gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These provide spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply chill out and let the surroundings roll on by.

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

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

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

There’s no “finest” possibility truthfully, 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, nevertheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can be effectively price it.

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

One other common attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be contemplate is Portmeirion Village. It is a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and notably 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 chance of rain, you may even suppose you’ve got left Wales completely.

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

In fact, everybody could have a unique expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you may stroll that are good, however a few of these have 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 the event you spend the evening. There are a number of varieties of lodging right here and close by in the event you resolve to remain the evening.

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

This presents beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. For example, you may go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Fortress, 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 Fortress which it’s best to undoubtedly go to 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 model fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry payment.

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 lot of choices, because the northern a part of Wales has an enormous quantity to supply.

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

First, and most clearly maybe, you may 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 considered the simplest, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

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

Be aware that the automobile parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. You’ll want to verify 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 verify the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate circumstances could make these paths very harmful. You’ll need to keep away from this hike in dangerous climate.

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

The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking individuals to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its an exquisite 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 highly regarded service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.

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

In comparison with a Snowden hike which usually takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey practice journey is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the high. In order that’s possibility if you wish to match extra in in the present day.

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

First, in Llanberis we are able to extremely suggest visiting the superb 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 individuals right here for tons of of years.

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

We will additionally extremely suggest heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two common 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 pink cave”.

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

It’s free to go to, and there’s a 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 Fortress.

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

Lastly, if you want to do a stroll however would like one thing slightly 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 picture under. So it’s as much as you what you select to do.

You’re going to complete your day with an in a single day within the seaside city of Conwy. That is additionally dwelling to a shocking fortress, which can be price visiting though we’d counsel most likely shortlisting just a few castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Fortress is free to CADW members and there’s a payment for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you may simply stroll right here from many of the city automobile parks.

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

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

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

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

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

Now you’ve got two totally different route choices in the present day, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we suggest earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Fortress. That is noteworthy as being the closest fortress 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 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 under, even when elements of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.

A second possibility is to go south straight, skipping the northern shoreline and as an alternative 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 may peruse all method of unique merchandise that might make for a superb memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on web site as effectively.

We’d additionally extremely suggest speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automobile park the place you may 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 may see the stays of this former lead mining neighborhood.

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

Persevering with on, one other good cease in the present day 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 town of Birmingham.

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

Nonetheless, you can even stroll or drive to quite a lot of viewpoints in the event you favor. 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 can be spending the evening. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is legendary for its bookshops.

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

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

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We now have reached the ultimate day of your Welsh street journey! In the present day you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you may drop off your rental automobile (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day in the present day appears to be like will after all rely in your schedule. If in case you have an early practice or flight, then you’ll want to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.

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

First, head straight south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 12 months previous smash 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’ve got a few choices. First, you might 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 may go to in the event you want to pay your respects.

Lastly, if you want to see one other fortress, we are able to extremely suggest dropping by Caerphilly Fortress 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 Fortress.

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

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

Wales Street Journey Itinerary Overview

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

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

Additional Studying

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

• Should you’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
• Should you’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 one of the best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We now have a two week UK street journey itinerary and a one week UK street journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• Should you’re not conversant in driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful suggestions.
• We now have guides to many cities within the UK you may 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
• Should you’re in search of a guidebook in 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 under, and secure travels!