Explore Wales – 8 Days

Arriving in to Bristol (or London) cross the border from England in to Wales via the Severn Bridge. You may choose to stop at border town Chepstow to see the stunning medieval fortress at Chepstow Castle before following the beautiful Wye Valley where you can visit the magical ruins of Tintern Abbey. Pass the market towns of Monmouth and Abergavenny before crossing the wild moorlands of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

• Accommodation: overnight in Brecon Beacons.
• Distance: 160 miles / 260 km, 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.), if starting at Heathrow Airport*.
• Highlights: Tintern Abbey, the Wye valley and the Brecon Beacons.

DAY TWO – The Welsh Marches, Llandudno and Conwy Castle

Today pass north along the ancient Welsh border Marches with England perhaps with stops in traditional Welsh town of Llangollen or at the picturesque Chirk Castle. Continue to the north coast of Wales to Llandudno, a charming Victorian seaside resort with sweeping bay and promenade before exploring the enchanting walled medieval town of Conwy, home of narrow streets, cobbled squares and lying in the shadow of World Heritage site at the magnificent Conwy Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Conwy or Llandudno.
• Distance: 150 miles / 240 km, 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Llangollen and Conwy Castle.

DAY THREE – Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon Castle

Today cross the Menai Straits to the old stronghold of Welsh culture and language on the stunning Isle of Angelsey. The isle holds a diverse heritage from the 18th century manor at Plas Newydd to the 13th century Beaumaris Castle and an array of Neolithic and Celtic sites and stone circles whilst natural beauty and wildlife are in abundance along the breathtaking coastlines. Crossing back to the mainland visit Caernarfon Castle a World Heritage site which was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles in 1969.

• Accommodation: overnight in Conwy or Llandudno.
• Highlights: The Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon Castle.

DAY FOUR – Snowdonia National Park and Harlech Castle

From Conwy pass south through the dramatic mountain ranges of the Snowdonia National Park home to the highest peak in England and Wales at Mount Snowden. You may choose to ride a mountain train at the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog before arriving on the coast to visit the awe-inspiring sight of Harlech Castle perched overlooking the Irish Sea. Enjoy visiting traditional Welsh towns such as Machynlleth on route to Aberystwyth, a charming Victorian resort town Aberystwyth where you’ll find the National Museum of Wales.

• Accommodation: overnight in Brecon Beacons.
• Distance: 85 miles / 135 km, 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Snowdonia National Park, Harlech Castle and Aberystwyth

DAY FIVE – Cardigan Bay and St. Davids Cathedral

Continue along the coastal route exploring a host of picturesque fishing towns such as Aberaeron and the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay where you’ll pass in to some of Britain’s most breath-taking coastal scenery in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park home to almost two hundred miles of protected coastline. Enjoy walking stretches of the famous coastal path across bays and cliffs as you spot the sea and bird life including dolphins, grey seals in the waters and Puffins nesting in the rock faces. Make your way to tiny town of St David’s which has city status due to its stunning cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

• Accommodation: overnight in Pembroke.
• Distance: 80 miles / 130 km, 2 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and St David’s Cathedral.

DAY SIX – Harbour Town Tenby and Laugharne

Continuing through more stunning coastal scenes, make your way to the Pembrokeshire town of Tenby; home to a bustling harbour, Norman Castle and city walls, as well as a labyrinth of cobbled streets and flanked by stretching sandy bays Tenby is an absolute must for your visit. From here continue East with a possible stop at Laugharne to visit the Boathouse visitor centre or where welsh poet Dylan Thomas’s penned some of his greatest works. Finally, arrive in to the Welsh Capital city of Cardiff.

• Accommodation: overnight in Brecon Beacons.
• Distance: 100 miles / 160 km, 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Tenby and Laugharne.

DAY SEVEN – Cardiff City and Cardiff Castle

Spend today discovering Cardiff from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales to the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion. Explore the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay area which is home to the National Assembly for Wales, the Millennium Centre and a host of waterfront bars and cafes.

• Accommodation: overnight in Cardiff.
• Highlights: Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle.

DAY EIGHT – Castle Coch and St Fagans Museum of Welsh Life

Enjoy Cardiff’s outlying areas today as you explore the St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh life, a living museum where you can experience Welsh life through the ages. Nearby is fairytale Victorian castle at Castel Coch whilst 13th century moated Caerphilly Castle complete with its famous leaning tower offers a stunning highlight on which to end your experience of South Wales.

• Highlights: Caerphilly Castle, Museum of Welsh Life and Castle Coch.

Return your vehicle.

• Distance: 135 miles / 130 km, 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), based on a direct route to Heathrow Airport*.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.