Wales might be best known for its mountains, but it's more diverse than you think. It's also home to charming towns, pristine beaches, and some of the finest castles in the UK.
In an ideal world, you'll want longer than 3 days to fully appreciate Wales. But, if you've only got a few vacation days to use or are looking for a long weekend getaway, I've put together these short itineraries that will give you a glimpse of what Wales can offer.
I recommend basing yourself in one place for the entire three days so that you don't waste time moving accommodation and can maximise your time spent exploring.
Itinerary 1: 3 Days in Anglesey
Beaumaris Castle
South Stack Lighthouse
Ynys Llanddywn
Summary
This first short itinerary will cover Anglesey (Wales' largest island) by breaking it up into three sections. You'll begin at the northwest tip with the iconic South Stack Lighthouse and Breakwater Country Park.
On day two, you'll explore Beaumaris, where you'll probably be staying. You'll visit the castle and museums in the town and take a trip to Puffin Island.
On your final day in Wales, you'll visit the magical Ynys Llanddwyn island which is only accessible at low tide. You'l also explore the Newborough Forest Nature Reserve and visit the National Trust's Plas Newydd where you might spot some rare red squirrels.
Map
Where To Stay?
Llangefni is the most central area which will minimise your driving time across the island. There are some great campsites here including Y Fronydd which is where I stay. It's very affordable and has nice shower blocks.
If you want a hotel, Beaumaris is your best bet. This is my favourite town on the island and is home to several excellent hotels.
My top pick is The Bull & Townhouse, a historic coaching inn that's been transformed into a 4-star hotel.
Another great option is The Bulkeley, a grand Georgian building that overlooks the coast.
Or for something a bit unusual, Château Rhianfa is a 5-star castle you can stay in just a few minutes away.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Holy Island, Anglesey | South Stack Lighthouse, Trearddur Bay, and Breakwater Country Park |
| Day 2: Beaumaris, Anglesey | Penmon Lighthouse, Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris Gaol and Courtroom, Puffin Island |
| Day 3: Southwest Anglesey | Plas Newydd, Llanddwyn Island, Newborough Forest, Eglwys Cwyfan, Anglesey Model Village |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
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 isn't that exciting so you don't need to spend much time there. But, if you do have time, stop at the Holyhead Maritime Museum to learn about the history of Anglesey during the World Wars. The museum is seasonal so check ahead.
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 its excellent sea food, but there are plenty of other options too including steaks, pastas, and some traditional Welsh dishes.
Day 2
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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[item id="a96cc170-154a-43c5-9301-a50d1dad1800" caption="Seabridge" alt="Sea Bridge Penmon Point"]
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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
Day 3: Southwest Anglesey
Your third and final day in Anglesey will be spent exploring the southwest corner, beginning with 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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Itinerary 2: 3 Days in North Wales
Conwy Castle
Smallest House in Great Britain
Summary
This itinerary will show you three iconic towns along the North Wales coast. The first is Conwy which is a quaint medieval town with a large castle and its town walls still intact.
The second is Llandudno, a seaside resort town famed for its huge Victorian pier and promenade. it's also a good spot to visit the Great Orme headland.
The final day of the itinerary will include a visit to Caernarfon where you'll see another UNESCO castle. On the way, you'll stop off for a walk at Aber Falls, one of my favourite waterfalls in North Wales.
Map
Where To Stay?
I have based the itinerary on staying near Conwy. This is one of the most charming towns in North Wales and is well-placed for taking day trips across the area.
My favourite hotel pick in this area is The Quay Hotel & Spa which is just outside of the town, conveniently half way between Conwy and Llandudno.
This hotel overlooks Conwy estuary in one direction and Deganwy Marina in the other. It has an onsite spa with complimentary access for guests. It's very well priced considering its waterfront location and I even featured it as one of my favourite spa hotels in Wales.
If you'd rather stay in Conwy town centre, The Erskine Arms is a hotel in a former Georgian coaching inn.
Despite being an old building, the rooms are cosy and modern. Being a small hotel, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's also great value for money.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Conwy | Conwy Town Walls, Conwy Castle, Plas Mawr, the Smallest House in Great Britain, RSPB Conwy |
| Day 2: Llandudno | Llandudno Pier and Promenade, the Great Orme |
| Day 3: Caernarfon | Aber Falls, Caernarfon Castle, boat trip along the Menai Strait |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Expand each day for the detailed itinerary and photos.
Day 1
Day 1: Conwy
Spend the first day getting to know the charming town of Conwy.
Start 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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History buffs will love 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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Finally, try to squeeze in a visit to the nearby RSPB Conwy nature reserve. Follow one of the trails along the boardwalks that run around the reserve and try to spot some wildlife. It's home to a large population of wading birds, ducks, and geese.
There's also a nice cafe in the visitor centre overlooking some of the reserve.
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After a busy first day, head back to your hotel. If you've booked The Quay Hotel & Spa as I recommended, it's a great chance to spend the evening making use of their spa facilities.
They have a great onsite restaurant for dinner, but if you'd rather eat out, I highly recommend heading to The Hayloft restaurant at Bodnant Welsh Food.
Day 2
Day 2: Llandudno
On your second day, take a trip over to the neighbouring town of Llandudno.
If you've booked the accommodation I recommended, the Llandudno hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus picks up on the main road near the hotel (runs from March to October). This is a good way to get around whilst learning about the town from the onboard guide. You can also drive to 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 3
Day 3: Caernarfon
On day 3, wake up at a reasonable time and visit 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 can turn up or book online in advance.
After a few hours here, spend the remainder of the day over in Caernarfon. This is about 30 minutes away by car.
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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Next 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.
In the afternoon, take 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.
Itinerary 3: 3 Days in Cardiff
Cardiff Bay
St Fagan's National Museum of History
Cardiff Castle
Summary
This next itinerary is for a 3 day weekend in Cardiff. You'll begin by getting to know Cardiff city centre with its castle and museums.
Most of your second day will be spent at St Fagans National History Museum where there is an open-air village with buildings from different periods in Wales. Afterwards, you can explore more of the city centre and sample Cardiff's nightlife.
On day 3 in Cardiff, visit Cardiff Bay where you'll find some of the city's most iconic landmarks such as the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre. You can also find lots to do including boat trips, shopping, bars and restaurants, ice skating, and even white water rafting.
If you want to extend your stay, you can take some great day trips from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons and the Vale of Glamorgan. See my 4-day itineraries for more information.
Map
Where to Stay?
When visiting Cardiff, I prefer to stay down at Cardiff Bay which is the most modern and safe part of the city. It's home to several luxury hotels that tend to be better value than the high-end hotels in the city centre.
My top hotel pick is Voco St. David’s. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Cardiff Bay and guests can access the excellent onsite spa with pools, a sauna, and a hot tub.
I featured it as one of my top hotels in Wales. Even though it's a five-star hotel, it's not as expensive as you'd think!
Another option at Cardiff Bay is The Coal Exchange Hotel. This is an iconic building from Cardiff’s past that’s been converted into a beautiful hotel. It doesn’t have stunning views like Voco St David’s, but it’s a bit more affordable.
If you'd prefer to stay in the city centre, I recommend The Angel Hotel. It's fancy-feeling yet affordable and overlooks Cardiff Castle. It's just a 500m walk from the main nightlife area but out of the way enough to avoid noise.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Cardiff City Centre | Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, and Cardiff's Victorian Arcades |
| Day 2: St Fagans Museum | St Fagans Museum, BBC Studios tour, experience Cardiff's nightlife |
| Day 3: Cardiff Bay | Boat around Cardiff Bay, Techniquest, The Senedd, Cardiff Bay Trail, Cardiff International White Water, Wales Millenium Centre |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
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
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
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.
Itinerary 4: 3 Days in Snowdonia
Summary
This next itinerary will take you to some of the top spots in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Start by exploring Llanberis, a town perched on the edge of Llyn Padarn. There's a scenic lake railway, a castle, and the opportunity to try some kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake.
Day two will see you visiting two very different villages. The first is Beddgelert, a quaint and charming village in the heart of Snowdonia, and the second is Portmeirion, a coastal village full of colourful Italian-style architecture.
On your final day, visit Betws-Y-Coed where you can see waterfalls, take a walk through the forest, and visit a museum about the railways in the area. Finish off the thrilling activities at Zip World Fforest including the UK's only alpine coaster.
Map
Where To Stay?
Staying in or around the town of Llanberis would be the ideal spot for this 3-day itinerary. It's got a good selection of accommodation and restaurants, plus the other destinations are easy to reach from here.
I can recommend The Royal Victoria Hotel which is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Llanberis.
It's a mid-range hotel set within its own stunning gardens and woodland, with two bars and two restaurants onsite.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Llanberis | Blade of Giants, Dolbadarn Castle, Llyn Padarn, Llanberis Lake Railway |
| Day 2: Beddgelert & Portmerion | Beddgelert, Gelert's Grave, Afon Glaslyn, Portmeirion, Black Rock Sands |
| Day 3: Betws-Y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed, Conwy Vallery Railway Museum, Swallow Falls, Gwydir Forest Park, Dolwyddelan Castle, Zip World Fforest |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
Day 1: Llanberis
Begin your first 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 2
Day 2: Beddgelert & Portmeirion
Begin day two in Snowdonia 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).
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) 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. These photos were taken at the top.
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 coast to visit Portmeirion, a colourful Italian-style village in Snowdonia. You should have a few hours to explore before it closes at 5.30pm.
Depending on how long you stay at Portmeirion, you might have time to stop by at Black Rock Sands - an iconic beach in North Wales that you can drive on.
If you're in the mood for some delicious food, stop at The Gunroom, the award-winning restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House. Or for something a bit more affordable, The Goat Inn is also on your way home to Llanberis and offers a traditional pub menu in a cosy atmosphere.
Day 3
Day 3: Betws-Y-Coed
Start your final 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.
Itinerary 5: 3 Days in North Pembrokeshire
Summary
My final two itineraries cover Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales. With just a long weekend to work with, it's impossible to see everything so I've split the itineraries into north and south Pembrokeshire.
This itinerary focuses on the northern part of the county, along the West Coast of Wales where you'll find Cardigan Bay. On each of the three days, you'll visit a different town and can tailor the activities to suit you.
The first is the harbour town of Fishguard where you can go kayaking, learn about the last invasion of Great Britain, and visit a nearby reconstructed Iron Age village at Castell Henllys.
Then it's on to Cardigan (technically in Ceredigion) where you can go on a dolphin spotting tour, see old castle ruins, and wander around at the Welsh Wildlife Centre.
Finally, you'll visit St Davids which is the UK's smallest city, although it feels more like a village considering its population of just 2,000. The 'city' is home to St David's Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Wales and once an important pilgrimage site.
Map
Where to Stay?
Stay along the northern coast of Pembrokeshire next to Cardigan Bay.
Fishguard is where I stay because it's the most central. There are plenty of B&Bs and campsites around here which are very affordable. Check out Tregroes Caravan Camping & Glamping Park which is where I stay.
If a few nights in a luxury hotel sound more appealing, head further south towards St David's where you'll have a few choices:
For something a little more affordable, St David's Cross Hotel sits right at the heart of St David’s with a beautiful garden. But it sells out fast.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Fishguard | Fishguard Fort, Last Invasion Tapestry, kayaking in Fishguard Bay, Castell Henllys or Golden Road, Strumble Head Lighthouse |
| Day 2: Cardigan | Dolphin-spotting trip, Poppit Sands Beach, Cardigan town centre, Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Castle |
| Day 3: St David's | St David's Cathedral, St David's Bishops Palace, Goat Street Gallery, Ramsey Island, Blue Lagoon |
Day 1
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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[item id="91fe73f9-fde2-4944-3b6d-dfbbff07d000" caption="Fishguard Fort" alt="Fishguard-Fort-1"]
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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
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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[item id="a902d1b1-1375-4e01-5df8-6077cc581300" caption="Poppit Sands" alt="Poppit Sands 5"]
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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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[item id="de1bc85a-476a-4db9-c797-20773468c400" caption="Welsh WIldlife Centre" alt="Welsh-Wildlife-Centre-3"]
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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
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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[item id="add483cf-bda0-45ca-cb2c-43ec0f8a5a00" caption="Ramsey island" alt="Ramsey Island (9)"]
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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.
Itinerary 6: 3 Days in South Pembrokeshire
Summary
My final itinerary covers the south coast of Pembrokeshire, alongside Caermarthen Bay. You'll spend one day exploring the colourful seaside town of Tenby and one day visiting Pembroke which is home to a mighty castle.
On your final day, head to the Limestone Coast of Wales which is where you'll find some of the most dramatic cliffs and famous natural landmarks such as the Green Bridge of Wales.
Map
Where to Stay?
Stay somewhere along the southern coast of Pembrokeshire. Some places to choose from are Saundersfoot, Tenby, Manorbier, and Penally.
My top pick is St Bride’s Spa Hotel, on a clifftop location overlooking Saundersfoot Beach.
It has a heated outdoor infinity pool with incredible views and a well-equipped thermal suite with a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, and more. The rooms are big and modern. I recommend opting for one of the sea view rooms which come with a great balcony area.
If you're looking for self-catered accommodation, I can recommend Celtic Haven Cottages, further south near Manorbier.
At Celtic Haven, you can enjoy the comfort of your own cute holiday cottage but with access to communal facilities such as a pool and fitness centre.
Schedule
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Tenby | Tenby's beaches, St Catherines Fort, Tudor Merchants House, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Hill for sunset |
| Day 2: Pembroke | Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Museum, rowing in Pembroke |
| Day 3: Limestone Coast | Green Bridge of Wales, Stack Rocks, St Govan's Chapel, Dobby's Grave, Stackpole Walled Gardens, Bosherton Lily Pond |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
Day 1: Tenby
on day 1 of 3 days in West Wales, begin by 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 2
Day 2: Pembroke
On day two, 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 3
Day 3: 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 visit Stackpole Walled Gardens where you can walk around the National Trust's estate at Stackpole or Bosherton Lily Pond to walk around the lakes filled with lily pads. Or both if you enjoy walking!
Published: 4 December 2022 · Last updated: 12 January 2024