How To Spend 10 Days in Wales [3 Itineraries & Maps]

Day 1: Holy Island, Anglesey

Start your trip by visiting the northwest corner of Anglesey, Holy Island. Begin with a visit to South Stack Lighthouse, an iconic lighthouse that you can actually go inside on a guided tour. There are over 400 steps to get there, but it's worth it.

Also Read: Visiting South Stack Lighthouse

For breakfast, there's a cafe at the RSPB visitor centre near the lighthouse ticket office. It has beautiful views across the ocean from it's glass front.

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After this, head to the nearby Breakwater Country Park where there are some beautiful walking routes and historical information. It's about a 15 minute drive to the park.

Rather than driving there, keen hikers could consider the Holyhead Mountain circular walk which leads from South Stack to Breakwater Country park - more on this here.

Holyhead itself that exciting so you don't need to stop by. But, if you have time, stop at the Holyhead Maritime Museum to learn about the history of Anglesey during the World Wars.

Finish the day with a visit to Trearddur Bay, a sandy beach with rockpools and slipways. There are lots of great places to eat around here but a firm favourite is the Sea Shanty Cafe.

The nautical-themed restaurant is known for it's excellent sea food, but there are plenty of other options too including steaks, pastas, and some traditional Welsh dishes.

Day 2: Beaumaris, Anglesey

The day will be spent exploring south-east Anglesey including Beaumaris which is probably my favourite town on Anglesey.

Begin your day with a trip to Penmon Point where you can see Trwyn Du Lighthouse (also known as Penmon Lighthouse). Grab a coffee from the Pilot House Café near the lighthouse and wander around to see the seabridge.

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Also Read: Visiting Penmon Lighthouse

Next head to Beaumaris and find somewhere to park your car for the rest of the day.

From here, you can take a trip to Puffin Island where you can see seals and lots of seabirds (puffin season is April to July). All three of the tour companies offering this trip depart from Beaumaris Pier. I went with Seacoast Safaris and recommend booking in advance.

Also Read: Visiting Puffin Island

Once you're back from the trip, head to the main attraction in the town, Beaumaris Castle, a 13th-century fortress protected by a moat. You need to pay to go inside but it's worth it to fully appreciate the attraction.

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There's no cafe at the castle but there's a huge courtyard which is great for picnics on a sunny day. I recommend purchasing food from Tredici Butchers & Deli - their pies are amazing!

If you'd rather eat at a cafe, Beau's Tea Room is a small but adorable cafe. Their Bara Brith is very famous and even featured on The Hairy Bikers.

In the afternoon, get yourself a combo ticket to visit both Beaumaris Gaol and Beaumaris Courthouse. This is like taking a step back in time to the era of capital punishment.

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After this, head towards Menai Bridge which has a great selection of restaurants for dinner. On the way, you can detour through Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch for a photo next to the iconic sign at the train station.

I recommend eating dinner at Dylan's, Menai Bridge. I love this restaurant, the food is amazing and it overlooks the Menai Strait. Alternatively, if you want to splash out on dinner, you could try fine dining at Sosban.

End the day with my Menai Bridge circular walk. This is very beautiful if you can coincide it with sunset.

Day 3: Southwest Anglesey

Start your day at Plas Newydd, a grand country house that was home to the Marquess of Anglesey. It's now a National Trust property with the house and gardens open to the public.

It's a great place to spot red squirrels. Some days they have volunteers leading a red squirrel tour at 11.30am so try to be there for that.

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If you're interested in ancient stone monuments, you can visit Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber near here. This is a 30 minute stop including walking time from the car park.

Nearby is Anglesey Model Village which is fun for kids to explore and has a cafe if you want some lunch. You could consider stopping at Halen Môn who make Anglesey sea salt, although the factory tours are at 11am and 3pm which don't coincide well with this itinerary.

After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting Newborough Forest Nature Reserve. Here you'll find lots of great walking trails for all abilities and acccess to Llanddwyn Beach.

The highlight of the afternoon will be your visit to the magical Llanddwyn Island. This is a tidal island that sits just off Llanddwyn Beach. It's home to stunning scenery, church ruins, and the adorable Tŵr Mawr lighthouse.

This island shouldn't be visited for two hours either side of high tide, so check tide times here and arrange your day accordingly.

Also Read: Visiting Llanddwyn Island

End your day with the picturesque views of Eglwys Cwyfan, also known as the Little Church in the Sea.

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Day 4: Llanberis

On day 4, check out of your accommodation on Anglesey and move to the mainland to stay in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). I recommend staying around Llanberis as this is the most centrally located for the rest of the itinerary and has lots of places to eat and things to do.

Don't waste any time waiting to check in to your next place - start exploring Llanberis.

Begin your day by kayaking on Llyn Padarn (Lake Padarn). You can hire gear from Snowdonia Watersports and head out by yourself (book equipment in advance as they are popular). They have a nice cafe upstairs with views over the lake if you want breakfast afterwards.

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Alternatively, if you can get to Llanberis early enough, you could book a guided kayak tour. These begins at 10am every day and takes you around to the best parts of the lake with a local guide.

After this, visit the Blade of Giants (a huge sword statue) and Dolbadarn Castle.

Next, head to Gilfach Ddu to hop on the Llanberis Lake Railway, a heritage steam train running alongside the lake. Timetables vary through the year so check here. As long as you don't get on the last train of the day, you can hop off at Cei Llydan. Take a picnic with you as this is a beautiful spot.

Also at Gilfach Ddu is the National Slate Museum. This is housed in the former workshops of the old Dirnowic slate quarry. It's free to visit and you can learn about the slate industry in North Wales which is a UNESCO heritage site.

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If you still have time left and are up for something adventurous, Ropeworks Active is a seasonal high ropes course next to the museum.

My favourite place for dinner in Llanberis is Peak Restaurant where the food is outstanding, especially the steak and the pies. Alternatively, you could head back to your accommodation and dine in Conwy.

Day 5: Beddgelert & Caernarfon

This is going to be a packed day so get up early to make the most of it. Begin day 5 by visiting the quaint village of Beddgelert - perhaps the most charming place in the national park. First, hunt out the grave of Gelert the Dog and the nearby statue of Gelert (find out who Gelert is and why he's a legend here).

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Then continue along the path that runs down the Afon Glaslyn river. If you want an easy walk, go as far as the wooden bridge that crosses the river and then turn around to head back.

For a moderate walk, keep going until you reach the road bridge (Pont Aberglasyn - photo below) and return along the road. Or for a more strenuous hike, when you reach the road bridge, follow the trail through the ancient woodland to the summit of Bryn Du. The second photo below was taken on this walk.

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Grab lunch from the centre of the village. There are several pubs for a sit-down meal such as the Prince Llewellyn. Alternatively, get a pizza and ice cream from Glaslyn Artisan Ice Cream & Pizza.

Also Read: Things To Do in Beddgelert

After lunch, head to the North Wales coast to visit Caernarfon. Although not technically in Snowdonia, it's an important town that once ruled North Wales and has a huge castle at it's centre.

When you first arrive in Caernarfon, the best way to get to know the town is by taking my self-guided walking tour that will lead you around the main landmarks and teach you about its history.

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Then, get to know Caernarfon from a different angle by taking a boat tour down the Menai Strait with Menai Cruises. You can check the latest times for the boat trips on a board in Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) Car Park in front of the castle.

Finally, it's time to visit the highlight of the town, Caernarfon Castle. This is even more impressive than Beaumaris and Conwy which you will have already visited on this trip. It's where Prince Charles was inaugurated as Prince of Wales in 1969.

You'll spend a long time at the castle as inside is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum. There are places to eat and drink in here too.

If it's a clear day, enjoy the sunset from The Anglesey Arms just in front of the castle.

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Day 6: Conwy

On day 6, take a day trip to Conwy which is about 30 minutes from Llanberis by car.

Start with a visit to RSPB Conwy, a nature reserve just across the Conwy estuary. The views are great and it's home to a large population of wading birds, ducks, and geese.

Aim to arrive for 9.30am when it opens. This is the best time to enjoy a quiet stroll around the boardwalks.

Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the visitor centre where their cafe overlooks some of the reserve.

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Next head into Conwy town centre and park up your car for the day. Begin with a walk along the town walls then visit Conwy Castle and the suspension bridge in front of it. See if you can find the 'Smallest House in Great Britain' too.

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If you've not exhausted yourself yet, you can also visit Plas Mawr. This is a well-preserved Elizabethan townhouse thats been recreated as it would have been back in the 16th century.

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Day 7: Betws-Y-Coed

Start your day with a visit to the Fairy Glen. This is a deep and secluded gorge just outside of Betws-y-Coed. There’s a circular walk through the woodland and you can also head down to the river and scramble across the gorge as far as you can.

Without stopping the walk takes 20 minutes, but I spent over an hour at the Fairy Glen with time for swimming and photos.

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Then head to Conwy Falls (Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd in Welsh). To reach the waterfall, park at the Conwy Falls Cafe - this is a great spot to grab a coffee and a mid-morning snack too. It's a short walk from the car park through a wooded area to reach the waterfall. If you like waterfalls, you could also check out Swallow Falls which is nearby.

After a morning of exploring, head into Betws-y-Coed for some lunch and a wander around the village. Head to the small shopping area around the station where you'll find lots of cafes as well as some shops selling local gifts.

After lunch, check out the Conwy Valley Railway Museum which is full of memorabilia from the railway lines in North Wales. Outside, there's a train carriage converted into a cafe and a miniature railway that children can ride on.

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Your afternoon can take two directions. If you fancy something a little leisurely, head to Pont-y-Pair car park in the centre of Betws-y-Coed. This is where several walking trails through Gwydir Forest Park begin.

Or if you fancy a bit of an adrenaline rush, head to Zip World Fforest which is about 5 minutes from the village by car. Here, you'll find the Fforest Coaster, a self-controlled alpine coaster.

They also have a Zip Safari where you can take on 21 zip lines along with rope bridges, nets, and a treetop surfboard.

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If you have time after, you can head to Dolwyddelan Castle. This is a fortress built by Llewelyn the Great back in the early 13th century, but today it's largely a ruin. You can hike up to the castle for beautiful panoramic views.

My favourite place for dinner in Betws-y-Coed is Olif, a small restaurant offering Welsh-inspired dishes served in the Spanish tapas style. My favourite dish was the Anglesey eggs, a traditional egg and potato dish from North Wales.

Day 8: Llandudno

Day eight of your itinerary is all about visiting Llandudno. But on your way, I recommend stopping at Aber Falls. This is my favourite waterfall in North Wales.

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It's a bit of a walk from the car park although it's along a very easy trail. It took me a total of 1hr15 to visit the waterfall but the signs say it can take up to 2 hours.

Also Read: Visiting Aber Falls

After the waterfall, stop by at Aber Falls Distillery to take a tour to see how they make Whiskey. Tours run every hour, on the hour, from 10am. You ca turn up or book online in advance.

Next, continue on towards Llandudno. With just a day in the town, it's going to be hard to fit everything in. So head straight for the main attraction; the pier. This is the longest pier in Wales and is lined with shops, food stalls, and fairground attractions.

In the afternoon, it's time to head up the Great Orme. You can either take the cable car or the tram to the top (the tram has less queues).

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At the top, you can go to the visitor centre where you'll learn about the history of the Great Orme and it's wildlife. There's a big summit complex with a playground and places to eat and drink.

From here, you can find out about the different walking routes around the Great Orme and choose one that suits your ability.

When you get back down into Llandudno, I recommend having dinner at either Dylans Llandudno (if you didn't already try it out in Menai Bridge) or The Cottage Loaf which is a traditional Welsh pub serving great food, complete with wooden beams and an open fire.

Day 9: Greenwood Family Park

GreenWood Family Park is a family-friendly theme park in North Wales. It includes the UK’s only solar-powered water ride, the world’s first people-powered roller coaster, and the longest sledge run in Wales.

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There's something for everyone including an indoor soft play area for small children and a huge range of outdoor activities. They also put on shows and workshops throughout the day.

You can pretty much spend a full day here, with several food and drink options for lunch, including the Woodbarn cafe. I highly recommend that you book online as this saves you 15%.

Day 10: Portmeirion and Criccieth

On your final day, head to the coastline to visit Portmeirion. This is one of the most unusual places to visit as it's a small Italian village right here in Wales.

It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century after he visited Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Today, the colourful village is one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. It's full of beautiful buildings that centre around the central piazza and an array of shops restaurants, and bars.

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You can grab lunch in the village at one of the cafes or restaurants.

Next, head south down the coastline to reach Harlech. This small town feels almost like a village with very little going on. That is except for the enormous castle that dominates it. Harlech Castle sits on a rocky outcrop, overlooking Harlech Beach and the Royal St David's Golf Club below.

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You can head down to the beach if you wish, but it's a steep walk so I recommend taking the car down. Make a detour down the (second) steepest street in the world on your way.

Day 1: Cardiff City Centre

On your first day in Cardiff, take some time to explore the city centre. You can get a feel for the place by taking a walking tour. Fogo’s run walking tours every Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday during summer at 11am. Alternatively, you can take my self-guided walking tour.

Next, it's time to tick off the biggest attraction in the city centre, Cardiff Castle! I highly recommend adding the house tour for an extra £4. These run on the hour, every hour and must be booked when you purchase your ticket in the visitor centre.

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Don't forget to visit the Firing Line Museum which is included with your ticket. This is downstairs in the visitor centre.

There's a cafe in the castle courtyard where you can get lunch either before or after your visit.

In the afternoon, head to the National Museum Cardiff, a free museum that houses a vast collection representing the history and culture of Wales and the world. I like the natural history exhibits downstairs but there are galleries upstairs too. You can spend a few hours here.

After the museum, head out to explore Cardiff's Victorian Arcades. Must-see arcades are Castle Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Wyndham Arcade, High Street Arcade, and Royal Arcade, which is the city’s oldest.

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You won't struggle to find places to eat dinner in Cardiff. I love the calzone served at Zerodegrees microbrewery. For something a bit more upscale, check out The Potted Pig which is located in a former bank vault.

If you don't mind travelling away from the city centre, Ansh make the best burgers in Cardiff, each named after a Welsh celebrity.

Day 2: St Fagans Museum

Spend your second day visiting St Fagans National Museum of History, located around 20 minutes from Cardiff City Centre by car.

It’s a huge complex showcasing Welsh history, culture, lifestyle, and architecture. You can spend the best part of a day here. The highlight of the museum is the open-air village which has more than 40 historic buildings from different time periods.

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After the museum, head back to the city centre to finish off some of the attractions or shopping arcades you didn't manage to finish yesterday.

You can also check out the behind-the-scenes guided tour of BBC Studios headquarters (book here) or visit the Cardiff Story Museum, a free museum that tells the history of the capital through interactive exhibits (keep in mind that this one closes at 4pm).

Also Read: Things To Do in Cardiff

This would be a good day to sample some of Cardiff's nightlife. Boom Battle Bar and NQ64 are my favourite bars where you can play games while you have a beer.

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Also Read: Things To Do in Cardiff at Night

If you're not really a night out kind of person, an alternative idea is to head back to your hotel for some relaxation. If you booked my top hotel suggestion, Voco St David's, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the hotel facilities.

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Relax in the spa after a day of trekking and enjoy the views of Cardiff Bay through the large glass windows. It has a large pool, sauna, and hot tub. Maybe even treat yourself to an evening massage.

Day 3: Cardiff Bay

Today is all about exploring Cardiff Bay. If you're staying at my hotel recommendation, this is right on your doorstep.

Begin the day by getting to know Cardiff Bay using my self-guided audio tour of Cardiff Bay. But don't complete it all in one go, pause it to visit The Senedd and the Pierhead Building.

The tour ends near the Cardiff Bay Wetlands so pop by here to spot some ducks.

You'll also be right next to Techniquest where there are over 120 interactive science exhibits from controlling a robotic arm to experiencing a simulated earthquake.

Next, explore Cardiff Bay from a different perspective by taking a sightseeing boat trip with Cardiff Cruises. The trips run every hour throughout the afternoon and can be booked ahead here.

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During the summer, I recommend spending your afternoon cycling around the Cardiff Bay Trail. You can hire a bicycle from Pedal Power by the hour.

At the far end of the circular trail, you'll find Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) where you can stop off for rafting, tubing, and kayaking. They also have a high ropes course.

Both Pedal Power and CIWW close during the off-season. Instead, you could go ice skating at the Vindico Arena or hit the obstacle course at Ninja Warrior Cardiff, both of which are at Cardiff Bay.

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In the evening, you can enjoy some food at one of the restaurants in Mermaid Quay.

After, watch a show at the Wales Millenium Centre (check listings) or head to Glee, Cardiff Bay's famous stand-up comedy club (check listings). You can also take a ride on the Giant Wheel, a 33m Ferris Wheel that's open until late.

Day 4: Caerphilly

If Cardiff Castle impressed you, then prepare to be mind-blown with two more incredible castles today.

Start off with Castell Coch. a fairytale castle in Fforest Fawr just outside of Cardiff. There's an excellent audio tour around the castle and some great walking trails in the forest including a sculpture trail with wooden animals.

Also Read: Guide to Castell Coch

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Next, it's on to Caerphilly which might be my favourite town in South Wales.

You'll probably want to start with lunch. I recommend heading to Coffi Vista which is one of the few places you can enjoy a sandwich made from Caerphilly's famous Cheese. If you want something more substantial, try Ten Degrees.

At the centre of the town is Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the UK, after Windsor Castle.

If you love visiting castles like me, you can purchase a ticket and explore every nook and cranny of the castle's interior.

However, it's quite expensive, especially if you're visiting as a big family. Luckily, this is one of those castles that can be appreciated from the outside. There's a path around the castle which makes a great alternative to going inside.

When you've finished exploring the town, head to Caerphilly Mountain for some beautiful views. Don't worry, it's actually a hill and you can drive almost to the top.

Park at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar and it's an easy 10-minute walk across Caerphilly Common to the summit.

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If you're travelling with kids, on Caerphilly Mountain you'll find Mountain View Ranch. This is a huge adventure playground and visitor farm with lots to do including high ropes, den building, and making friends with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and ponies.

The highlight of the ranch is the Gruffalo trail where kids can immerse themselves in the famous Gruffalo story and meet the characters along the way.

Day 5: Vale of Glamorgan

Day 5 out of 10 is allocated for exploring the Vale of Glamorgan. The local tourism board have put together a series of walks across the county called 'Vale Trails'. Find them all here.

I can recommend Vale Trail 1 which runs past Ogmore Castle and Dunraven Castle and Walled Gardens, or Vale Trail 2 which encompasses Nash Point Lighthouse and St Donuts Castle.

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After your morning walk, head to the seaside town of Barry, famed as the setting for the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Start by visiting Barry Goodsheds for lunch. This is an ‘independent high street’ made from shipping containers and old train carriages. It's home to independent shops and a food court with street food from across the world.

Next head down to the beach where you can snap some photos outside the colourful beach huts and have some laughs at Barry Island Pleasure Park. This is a classic British seaside attraction with log flumes, dodgems, roller coasters, and lots of arcades.

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Before leaving Barry, don't forget to stop off at 47 Trinity Street to visit Stacey's house.

Finally, head to Llanerch Vinyard for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. The tours are run three times per day every day, with the final tour at 4pm - aim for this one.

After the tour, you can enjoy dinner at their onsite restaurant before heading back to your hotel in Cardiff.

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Day 7: Swansea

On your final day in South Wales, head across to Wales' second city; Swansea.

It's about an hour to drive, although it can be a nuisance if you get stuck in traffic. So I recommend taking the train as you won't need your car once there.

If you tried out my self-guided tour in Cardiff then perhaps you'll enjoy my Swansea self-guided tour too. This is a great way to learn about the history of Swansea and quickly identify its top landmarks.

If you'd rather wander by yourself, begin near the ruins of Swansea Castle and slowly make your way towards Swansea Beach.

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Whether you're following my tour, or making your own way, you'll end at Swansea Beach. Here, you'll find my favourite lunch spot in the city called Swansea Observatory. It's literally a cafe/restaurant inside the old observatory.

After lunch, I recommend heading to the National Waterfront Museum which isn't too far away. This is a free museum with over 15,000 artefacts showcasing the history of Wales’ industrial and maritime heritage.

After this, have some fun at The LC - Swansea's indoor water park (don't forget to pack swimwear).

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Finally, you can check out some of the other museums and galleries in Swansea. Choose between the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Museum, or the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - I love them all!

Finally, it's time to head back to Cardiff for your final evening.

Day 6: Swansea

Today, you'll take a day trip from Cardiff to Wales' second city; Swansea.

It's about an hour to drive, although it can be a nuisance if you get stuck in traffic. So I recommend taking the train as you won't need your car once there.

If you tried out my self-guided tour in Cardiff then perhaps you'll enjoy my Swansea self-guided tour too. This is a great way to learn about the history of Swansea and quickly identify its top landmarks.

If you'd rather wander by yourself, begin near the ruins of Swansea Castle and slowly make your way towards Swansea Beach.

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[item id="b2dce914-6165-4764-301b-bf8d943cfb00" caption="Swansea Beach" alt="Swansea Beach"]

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Whether you're following my tour, or making your own way, you'll end at Swansea Beach. Here, you'll find my favourite lunch spot in the city called Swansea Observatory. It's literally a cafe/restaurant inside the old observatory.

After lunch, I recommend heading to the National Waterfront Museum which isn't too far away. This is a free museum with over 15,000 artefacts showcasing the history of Wales’ industrial and maritime heritage.

After this, have some fun at The LC - Swansea's indoor water park (don't forget to pack swimwear).

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Finally, you can check out some of the other museums and galleries in Swansea. Choose between the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Museum, or the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - I love them all!

Finally, it's time to head back to Cardiff for your final evening.

Day 7:

Day 8:

Day 9:

Day 10:

Day 3: Brecon Beacons Waterfalls

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Book Now: Wales Outdoors Guided Waterfall Hike

If you'd rather go it alone, that's fine too. I recommend that you complete the Elidir Trail. This is my favourite waterfall trail in the Brecon Beacons as it's a little quieter than the more popular Four Falls Trail.

To complete the Elidir Trail using the main route, park along the roadside in the small village of Pontneddfechan near The Angel Inn. Head to the public toilets in the middle of the village and the trail entrance is opposite.

The trail should take no longer than 3 hours. You can find the full route and details here. I recommend taking a picnic with you and enjoying it at the last waterfall before turning around to come back.

Also Read: Guide To the Elidir Trail

If you've built up an appetite after your walk, The Old White Horse Inn isn't too far from the parking spot and serves delicious hearty pub food.

Day 1: Fishguard

Spend the first day of your one-week holiday in the coastal town of Fishguard. I recommend starting your day with kayaking out in Fishguard Bay. You can join a kayaking tour with Kayak King.

They will take you around the best spots and share some history and local legends. Tours begin at 9.30am and need to be booked ahead.

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After the tour, head to nearby Fishguard Fort, the remains of an old fort from the 18th century, complete with some of the original canons. You can either walk up the hill from Lower Harbour where the kayaking tour ends or you can drive up to the closer car park.

Next, head into the town centre. Visit the 'Last Invasion Tapestry' which is located upstairs in the public library and then have lunch across the road at The Royal Oak. This is a historical landmark in the last invasion story as you will have learned when visiting the tapestry. But they also serve great pub food too.

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In the afternoon, head to Castell Henllys, a reconstructed iron age village, complete with villagers too. It's best to try and arrive sometime around 2pm as this is when the afternoon session starts so you'll get the most for your money.

Castell Henllys is a family activity but can be enjoyed by anyone - I was a fan. But if you'd like an alternative activity for the afternoon, you could also consider hiking in the Preseli Hills.

The most famous hike is the Golden Road which is a pre-historic road thought to have been used to carry bluestone to Stonehenge. The linear route is 7.4 miles (12km) and takes 4 hours one way. If you're travelling by car, I recommend walking half of the route and doubling back on yourself as you won't have time for it all.

A beautiful place to end the day is with sunset at Strumble Head lighthouse. Take some drinks with you as there's no shop in the vicinity.

Day 2: Cardigan

The second day of your itinerary is all about Cardigan. Start the day with a dolphin spotting trip around Cardigan Bay. I went with A Bay To Remember and we saw dolphins within 10 minutes of leaving the shore.

This only runs from April to October. Try to get on an early trip so you have the full day to explore.

After the boat trip, stop at nearby Poppit Sands Beach. This is one of my favourite beaches in the area. There's a great cafe in the car park called Crwst which is a good spot for a coffee and mid-morning snack.

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After the beach, have a quick walk round the ruins of St Dogmaels Abbey before heading into Cardigan.

Explore the town centre and be sure to look at the giant cardigan inside Stiwdio 3. This community space is also a nice place to buy local gifts or have lunch.

As you walk around the town, look out for Cardigan Castle. However, I wouldn't recommend paying to go inside as there's not a lot to see - it's best viewed from outside.

In the afternoon, head to Cilgerran Castle to explore the ruins. This has a much more 'castle-like' feel than Cardigan Castle.

Finally head across to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. This is a large nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust with several great walking trails that are perfect for getting into the wilderness and spotting birds, otters, and other wildlife.

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You might also consider joining Cardigan Heritage Canoes on a canoeing tour. You’ll make your way down the Teifi Gorge in a traditional open canoe past wildlife habitats and ancient woodlands. The tours begin at the Welsh Wildlife Centre and last 2 hours. These run from April to October.

Day 3: St David's

Today, you'll spend time exploring Britain's smallest city, St David's. Jump in at the deep end and head straight to St David's Cathedral (since this is the best place to park your car for the day).

This is Wales' biggest cathedral and a religiously significant location. It's free to visit but there are no guided tours, so you'll have to make your own way around using the information panels for guidance.

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After the cathedral, head next door to the Bishops Palace. Unlike the cathedral, this is largely a ruin and under the care of CADW so there's an entry fee.

Now it's time to explore the centre of the 'city'. But this won't take long given that it's more like a village. Have a look inside Goat Street Gallery and then grab some lunch.

The Really Wild Emporium (small quirky restaurant with locally sourced and foraged ingredients), The Bishops (traditional British pub cuisine), and Grain (amazing stone-baked pizzas) are all recommended.

In the afternoon, head out to St Justinians where you can take a boat to Ramsey Island. This is a nature reserve where you can see the rare choughs as well as seals and a variety of seabirds.

It's best to book a boat trip ahead. I went with Thousand Islands who offer sightseeing trips (around the island only) and landing trips on the island. See my full guide to visiting Ramsey Island for more details.

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Finish the day with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. This is a collapsed slate quarry where the water has been turned aqua coloured by the rock. It's perfect opportunity for a spot of swimming or yu can jump or dive from the dedicated area with two jumping-off points.

You can also walk around the top of the lagoon where you’ll also find some abandoned buildings from when the mine was active.

Day 4: Pembroke

On day four, it's time to check out of your accommodation in northern Pembrokeshire and head to the other side of the peninsula.

Break up the journey by stopping off in Pembroke. Here, you'll find Pembroke Castle which is one of the best castles in the area. There's a museum, a guided tour, and family entertainment during the summer.

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You can grab lunch from the cafe inside the castle grounds or you could get it later at The Waterman Arms which serves great pub food in a location overlooking the millpond.

Just across the road from the castle is Pembroke Museum. It's run by volunteers so isn't as polished as the national museums, but you'll learn a lot about the town and it's free.

Take some time to walk around to the lake below the castle where you get a beautiful vantage point of the fortress. You can even hire a rowing boat and paddle around the lake with Paddle West.

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After a busy time exploring Pembroke, continue on to check in at your accommodation somewhere along the southern coast of Pembrokeshire.

If you've chosen to stay at my top accommodation choice, St Bride's Spa Hotel, you're going to want to spend the rest of the day making the most of the facilities here including the heated infinity pool that looks out to sea.

Day 5: Limestone Coast

This area of Wales has some of the country's most impressive coastlines with one particular stretch known as the Limestone Coast of South West Wales. This is where you'll visit today.

Begin with a visit to Freshwater West Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. You can surf here (hire surfboards in the car park or book a lesson with Outer Reef Surf School).

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This beach is where the death of Dobby the house elf was filmed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 1. There's an adorable shine to him at the back of the beach known as Dobbys Grave.

After the beach, head south along the coast to The Green Bridge of Wales. This is an iconic natural arch in the cliff. Next to it, you'll find other natural landmarks, Stack Rocks and The Cauldron, too.

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From here, you can walk or drive to the next stop, St Govan's Chapel. This a tiny chapel built into the cliffside which is said to have appeared to help St Govan escape pirates.

If you decide to walk, it's about a 3 hour return trip along the Wales Coast Path. This is one of the most beautiful walks in the area. Alternatively, there's a car park right next to St Govans. Look out for The Huntsmans Leap too.

The best place to eat in the area is The Stackpole Inn. This is a charming country pub covered in green foliage. They serve pub classics using lots of local ingredients and are known for their generous portion sizes.

After lunch, you can either stay in this area and explore Stackpole Walled Gardens and Stackpole Quay. Or you can head back towards your accommodation and stop off at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill en route.

Day 6: Tenby

Dedicate day six to exploring Tenby, a famous coastal town adorned with colourful houses on clifftops overlooking the harbour.

On a day in Tenby, you can relax on the beaches (I prefer South Beach which is more spacious) and visit the abandoned St Catherine's Fort which sits on a tidal island just off Castle Beach (only accessible at low tide).

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There's also the Tudor Merchants House, a former Tudor house that's been recreated as it would have looked in the Middle Ages, and Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Finish your day in Tenby by heading up Castle Hill. There's a small castle ruin on top but it's the view that makes this a worthwhile place to visit. It's even better if you can coincide it with sunset.

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Tenby is one of the few places that stays lively until quite late in the evenings. There are lots of bars and restaurants to visit or you can take the Tenby Ghost Walk for something a little different.

Day 7: Oakwood Theme Park

On your final day in Wales, I recommend visiting Oakwood, Wales' largest theme park.

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There are rides big and small from the iconic Megafobia wooden coaster (the fastest theme park ride in Wales) to the two-person bobsleigh and the tree-top rollercoaster.

The park isn’t open every day, so check here for the latest opening times and arrange your itinerary accordingly.

Alternatively, West Wales has several other family attraction parks you could consider including The Dinosaur Park, Folly Farm Adventure Park, and Heatherton World of Activities.

Day 8: Laugharne

On your eighth day, start off by exploring Saundersfoot. If you're staying at St Bride’s Spa Hotel as i recommended, this is right on your doorstep. It's like a mini Tenby with a beautiful beach (at low tide) and lots of shops and restaurants to explore on the promenade.

You can hire a stand-up paddleboard from Outer Reef to head out in the sea or they also offer cycle hire if you'd rather stay on land. They can provide you a map with cycling routes too.

Next, you're going to head across to the town of Laugharne. But if you're travelling during the spring or summer, stop off at Pendine Sands Beach to visit the Museum of Land Speed where you can learn about speed records set on this huge beach.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Laugharne. This small town is best known as the place where iconic Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, spent the last few years of his life and wrote some of his most famous works.

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Start off with a visit to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse which is where he lived. This has been turned into a small museum about his time in Laugharne and has a cute cafe looking across the estuary which is a great spot for lunch.

There's also a short trail known as the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk which inspired one of his famous poems, Poem in October. He wrote this on his 30th birthday, hence the name of the walk.

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My favourite place to visit in Laugharne is Laugharne Castle, the well-preserved ruins of a medieval fortress with panoramic views from its towers.

If you like steak, make sure to head to head to Dexters for dinner. This is the restaurant of Brown's Hotel in the centre of Laugharne (a favourite watering hole of Dylan Thomas). The steak is incredible and some of the cuts come from their own cattle reared in Carmarthen.

Day 9: Llanelli and Kidwelly

On your penultimate day in Wales, take a day trip over to Llanelli and Kidwelly. Start your day off with brunch at St Elli's Bay. This beautiful restaurant is part of the Millennium Coastal Park alongside Llanelli Beach.

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Then head to Llanelli WWT, a nature reserve that provides the habitat for many species, including the rare water vole, the only black-headed gulls in South Wales, and a very vocal flamboyance of Caribbean flamingos. They hold events and you can also hire a Canadian canoe.

While in Llanelli, you can also check out the Parc Howard Museum or take a guided tour of Plas Llanelly House.

Next, head along the coast to Pembrey Country Park. Here, you can relax on the beach at Cefn Sands, play mini golf, go cycling, try your hand at skiing or tubing down the dry ski slope, or try my favourite activity at the park, tobogganing down Wales’ longest toboggan track.

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The final stop of the day is Kidwelly Castle, an impressive medieval fortress just over 10 minutes from Pembrey Country Park. Although it looks small from outside, it's actually huge so allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for your visit.

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Fun Fact: Kidwelly Castle is famous for appearing in the opening scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Day 10: Caldey Island

On the final day of your itinerary, you'll take a slower pace after a busy 10 days in Pembrokeshire. Spend the morning with a visit to Caldey Island. This is one of just two inhabited islands to visit in Wales, with a population of just 40 people.

To reach Caldey Island, you'll be heading back to Tenby as this is where the boats depart. Boats run at least once per hour throughout summer (except Sundays). Find out more about how to get there in this guide.

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You can wander around the village and visit the two churches. You can purchase perfume and chocolate which are the two main products made on the island.

Then you can take one of the island walks (see them here). I recommend the 45 minute walk to the iconic Caldey Lighthouse.

After a morning exploring the island, hop back on the ferry across to the mainland. But rather than heading back into the bustling town of Tenby, head over to Manorbier which is much smaller and quieter.

At Manorbier, you can visit Manorbier Castle where there's a small tea room in the courtyard to grab a bite to eat before exploring the castle towers.

After exploring the castle, head down to Manorbier Beach which sits beneath the castle.

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If you're up for an adventure, see if you can hunt out Church Doors Cove, an iconic natural landmark just further up the coast. Keep inm mind that there are lots of steps to get down to it from the car park.

If it's low tide when you visit Church Doors Cove, you can go through a hidden cave to reach Skrinkle Haven Beach, perhaps one of the most beautiful untouched beaches in Wales.

Here's an alternative idea: Instead of driving yourself around on your final afternoon, consider taking the Explorer Tour with Tuk Tuk Time. They can pick you up in Saundersfoot and take you on a unique tuk tuk tour around the Pembrokeshire coast.