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
27