Coastal Wales
Remarkable landscapes and castles, and fine food combine with strong Celtic roots, Welsh history, myth and language to lead you on a journey of discovery. The intricate country roads are perfect for exploring in your own vehicle as you drive from green valleys in the south to Snowdonia’ s mountains in the north.
Cardiff © Crown, Visit Wales
6 days / 5 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Cardiff – Swansea – Tenby( 148km) Explore Cardiff, a city bursting with historical arcades and modern shopping centres, museums, galleries and Cardiff Castle. Head west to Swansea, and onward to Tenby. Who can spot the castle on the island first? Stretch your legs on a sunset stroll through the narrow streets.
Day 2: Tenby – Pembroke – St David’ s( 60km) An invigorating morning walk around the picturesque seaside harbour before continuing west to Pembroke and the imposing 12th century castle. Enjoy coastal scenery out to St David’ s, Britain’ s smallest city, but more like a bustling village with a magnificent cathedral.
Day 3: St David’ s – Fishguard – Aberystwyth( 116km) From Fishguard, drive along the beautiful coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Travel up the coast to Aberystwyth and the castle ruins dating back to the 13th century. This is a lovely town to stay with its sweeping seafront, energetic promenade and traditional seaside pier.
Day 4: Aberystwyth – Snowdonia – Caernarfon( 150km) Drive through Snowdonia National Park to view the magnificent architecture of Harlech Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop. Llyn Peninsula is a protected‘ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ where you’ ll find the abandoned village of Nant Gwrtheym.
Day 5: Caernarfon – Conwy( 163km) Caernarfon Castle, World Heritage listed site, is one of the finest castles in Wales with murder holes and a moat. Detour inland through Snowdonia, home of Mount Snowdon.
Day 6: Conwy This medieval town has a castle perfect for exploring with ramparts, towers, dark passages and dungeons, and a tiny house.
Head onto Manchester or cross over on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.
Rental car: Hertz( Group B) from $ 34 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
• Lovesgrove Country Guest House, Pembrokeshire
• Llety Ceiro Country Guest House, Talybont, Aberystwyth
• Glan Heulog Bed and Breakfast, Conwy, Caernarfon
DUBLIN
Holyhead
Caernarfon
Nant Gwrtheyrn Harlech
Aberystwyth
Three Cliffs
Conwy
Snowdonia National
Park
Fishguard Pembrokeshire Coast
St David’ s National Park
Pembroke Tenby
WALES
Swansea
Llangollen Canal
CARDIFF
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Manchester Chester
ENGLAND
Three Cliffs Bay in Gower – Trek out, off the beaten track and be rewarded with dramatic views over the glistening ocean and stretches of white sand lying between black cliff faces, topped with emerald green.
Tenby – The colourful walled town has arguably the best beach in Europe, make sure you do a walking tour.
Pembroke offshore islands – Take a boat ride out to visit the cormorants, puffins and guillemots that reside on the islands. You may even see a seal!
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail – Immerse yourself in nature by walking a section of the 299km trail which covers steep limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, beaches and flooded glacial valleys. The Coastal Bus Service will take you back to your car.
Conwy – Walk through the narrow streets of this historic walled town. Traditional Welsh food – Indulge in laverbread and cockles.
Narrow-gauge steam train – Step back in time as you embark on a ride through the spectacular Snowdonia, past rivers and castles.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – This UNESCO World Heritage site is the longest and highest in the UK on the Llangollen Canal. You can walk across it or take a boat ride.
Three Cliffs Bay © Visit Wales Pontcysyllte Aqueduct © Visit Wales Narrow Gauge Train © Visit Wales
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6-13 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date
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