Wales is such a varied country with a mix of beautiful national parks, golden beaches, rugged coastlines, and charming market towns. So cramming a little bit of everything into a 4-day trip is no mean feat.
But with a lifetime of exploring Wales under my belt, I've done the hard work for you. In this guide, I've created 5 different 4 day itineraries that will showcase the best of Wales.
To make the most of your time, each itinerary assumes you'll base yourself in one accommodation for the full 4 days so that you don't waste time checking in and out.
These itineraries are jam-packed so are best completed during the midst of summer when the days are longest. You can tailor them to other seasons too, but you may need to reduce the number of activities each day.
Itinerary 1: 4 Days in North Wales
Betws-y-Coed
Ynys LLanddwyn
Conwy Castle
Summary
For this 4 day itinerary, you'll explore the best of North Wales with a mix of picturesque coastlines, charming towns, and our beautiful national park. Not to mention two incredible castles.
Basing yourself in Conwy, you'll spend each day visiting a different destination in North Wales. Starting with Conwy itself (my favourite town in North Wales) and then a trip to Anglesey for beaches and lighthouses. On the third day, head to Llandudno to visit Wales' longest pier and the summit of the Great Orme headland.
On your final day, you'll get a taste for Snowdonia (Eryri), Wales' largest national park which is home to beautiful landscapes and some of the biggest mountains in Wales and England. With just one day to work with, head to Betws-y-Coed where you can cram a waterfall, hiking, and a museum into your day.
If you want to get to know Snowdonia a little better, itinerary 4 explores the national park a little more.
Map
Where To Stay?
For this itinerary, I recommend 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.
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: Anglesey | Llanddwyn Island, Newborough Forest, Penmon Lighthouse, Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris Gaol and Courtroom |
| Day 3: Llandudno | Llandudno Pier and Promenade, the Great Orme |
| Day 4: Betws-y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed, Conwy Vallery Railway Museum, Swallow Falls, Gwydir Forest Park, Zip World Fforest, Dolwyddelan Castle |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
Day 1: Conwy
On your first full day in North Wales, get to know the charming town of Conwy. If you're staying in my recommended hotel (The Quay Hotel & Spa), the town centre is just a 5 minute drive away.
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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[item id="66fa5055-cb14-4567-cf6d-44725ef03e00" caption="Plas Mawr" alt="Plas Mawr Conwy 3"]
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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: Anglesey
On day 2, you'll take a trip to Anglesey, Wales' largest island. Don't worry, you don't need a boat to get there. It's well connected via two road bridges.
You won't have time to explore the whole island so this is just a whistle-stop tour of the highlights (If you want to see more of the island, my 7 day itinerary breaks Anglesey up into sections).
Your first stop will be Newborough Forest and Nature Reserve in southwest Anglesey, about a 50 minute drive from Conwy. Here you'll find lots of great walking trails for all abilities and access to Llanddwyn Beach.
The highlight of the morning 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.
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[item id="934af394-8577-4c40-aa8d-e8c80ed02200" alt="Twr Mawr Llanddwyn (15)"]
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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
After a morning of forest trails and beaches, head over to the southeast corner of the island to the town of Beaumaris.
The main attraction here is 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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You're probably ready for lunch by now. While there's no cafe at the castle, 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.
After the castle and lunch, 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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For dinner, I recommend heading to Menai Bridge which is the next town along from Beaumaris. It has an excellent selection of restaurants.
On your way to Menai Bridge, take a quick detour through Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch for a photo next to the iconic sign at the train station.
My favourite restaurant in Menai Bridge is Dylan's. The food is amazing and it's in a great location overlooking the Menai Strait. Alternatively, if you want to splash, you could try fine dining at Sosban.
After dinner, if you still have some energy, you can end the day with my Menai Bridge circular walk. This is very beautiful if you can coincide it with sunset. Then it's time to head back to Conwy.
Day 3
Day 3: Llandudno
Day three of your itinerary is all about visiting 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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[item id="4e11a8f8-fa7d-4673-fb28-1783ae255100" caption="Llandudno" alt="Llandudno"]
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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 4
Day 4: Betws-Y-Coed
On your fourth and final day, take a trip into Eryri, Wales' largest national park.
With just a day to play with, it's going to be a very brief visit so I recommend heading to Betws-y-Coed where you can do a good mix of activities. Go early as it's going to be a packed day!
Begin 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.
[gallery]
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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 2: 4 Days in Cardiff
Cardiff Castle
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Waterfall Country
Summary
My second 4-day itinerary heads to the opposite end of the country. You'll base yourself in the bustling capital of Cardiff and spend most of your time exploring the different areas of the city including the city centre, Cardiff Bay, and some attractions on the outskirts.
But it's not all about the city life. You'll spend one of the days taking a trip to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park where you'll see some of our best waterfalls and stunning scenery.
Map
Where to Stay?
Base yourself in Cardiff for the full 5 days.
I prefer to stay down at Cardiff Bay. It’s the most modern and safe part of the city, 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 spa 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 area around Cardiff Castle which is easily accessible and has a bit more of an upmarket feel.
Around this area, 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: Brecon Beacons | Four waterfalls on the Elidir Trail, Zip World Tower |
| Day 4: 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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[item id="fe918adb-df34-409c-b549-0d84d0352800" caption="View from Cardiff Castle" alt="Cardiff Castle View from Norman Keep"]
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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.
[gallery]
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[item id="090bb3c5-4214-47b2-817e-a6d49eb03f00" caption="Cardiff Victorian Arcades" alt="Cardiff High Street Arcade"]
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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
Day 3
Day 3: Brecon Beacons Waterfalls
On day three, it's time to head out of the city to visit the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. With only one day allocated to visit the national park in this itinerary, I recommend that you go to the area known as Waterfall Country. Here, there are a selection of waterfall trails to choose from.
If you'd like someone to guide you, Wales Outdoors offer a full day out in Waterfall Country with pick-up from Cardiff included. You'll visit some of the best waterfalls in the region including Sgwd Gwladys (one that you can walk behind) and Sgwd Yr Eira.
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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.
Then it's time 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 4
Day 4: 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.
[gallery]
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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 3: 4 Days in Pembrokeshire
Tenby
Green Bridge of Wales
Laugharne Castle
Summary
Pembrokeshire might be just one county in Wales, but it covers a huge area in southwest Wales so covering it all in 4 days would be very difficult. That's why this itinerary focuses on the southern coast of Pembrokeshire.
the itinerary includes a good mix of destinations including the quintessential seaside town of Tenby and the market town of Pembroke which is home to one of West Wales' finest castles.
You'll also visit the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to see some of our greatest natural landmarks including the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks.
On your final day, you'll take a trip to the coastal village of Laugharne, known as the final home of Wales' most famous poet, Dylan Thomas.
Map
Where To Stay?
Stay somewhere along the southern coast of Pembrokeshire next to Caermarthen Bay. 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, Bishops Palace |
| Day 3: Limestone Coast | Freshwater West, Green Bridge of Wales, Stack Rocks, St Govan's Chapel, Bosherton Lily Pond, Stackpole Walled Gardens |
| Day 4: Laugharne | Saundersfoot, Pendine Sands, Museum of Landspeed, Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, Laugharne Castle |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
Day 1: Tenby
Dedicate your first day 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.
[gallery]
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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, take a trip to 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.
[gallery]
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After a busy time exploring Pembroke, head back to your accommodation.
If you've chosen to stay at my top accommodation choice, St Bride's Spa Hotel, this is a good chance to spend the rest of the evening making the most of the facilities here including the heated infinity pool that looks out to sea. The dinner menu at this restaurant looks good too.
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 stay in this area and explore Stackpole Walled Gardens and Bosherton Lily Ponds. Or you can head back towards your accommodation and stop off at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill en route.
Day 4
Day 4: Laugharne
On your fourth 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.
Itinerary 4: 4 Days in Snowdonia
Snowdon
Harlech Castle
Beddgelert
Summary
My next 4-day Wales itinerary is focused on Eryri (Snowdonia), our largest national park.
I've spend many trips exploring the national park so cramming it into 4 days was difficult. But i've included a variety of charming towns and villages, beautiful scenery, two castles, a beach, and an optional visit to Zip World for some adrenaline-inducing activities.
Note: Eryri is home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) which is the largest mountain in England and Wales with no less than 7 different routes to the summit. This itinerary doesn't include hiking up the mountain so you'll need to substitute one of the days if you plan to do this (or just stay an extra day!)
Map
Where To Stay?
Staying in or around the town of Llanberis would be the ideal spot for this itinerary. It's very central for taking day trips and has a good selection of accommodation and restaurants.
With 4 days in Snowdonia, you might be able to find yourself a cosy holiday cottage to base yourself in (although many have a 7 night minimum stay). I have always used Holiday Cottages as they have the biggest selection of cottages across Snowdonia. But there's also a growing number of self-catered options on Booking.com.
If you'd rather stay in a hotel, I 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 & Caernarfon | Beddgelert, Gelert's grave, Afon Glaslyn walk, Caernarfon Castle, Menai Strait boat trip |
| Day 3: Betws-Y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed, Conwy Valley Railway Museum, Swallow Falls, Gwydir Forest Park, Zip World Fforest |
| Day 4: Portmeirion & Harlech | Portmeirion, Harlech Castle, Harlech Beach |
Detailed Itinerary & Photos
Day 1
Day 1: Llanberis
The first day of your itinerary is all about exploring Llanberis which is the largest town in Eryri (Snowdonia). if you're staying at my recommended accommodation for this itinerary, it will be right on your doorstep.
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 2
Day 2: Beddgelert & Caernarfon
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 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.
Day 3
Day 3: 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 4
Day 4: Portmeirion & Harlech
Start your final day with a visit Portmeirion, a colourful Italian-style village on the coast of Snowdonia.
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The village itself is a work of art, with brightly coloured buildings, ornate statues, and quirky details everywhere you look. There are also extensive gardens you can walk around with lots of different trails and hidden gems along the way.
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.
Itinerary 5: 4 Days in Anglesey
South Stack Lighthouse
Melin Llynon
Parys Mountain
Summary
In Itinerary 1, I included a brief day trip to Anglesey where you saw the top landmarks.
But, being Wales' largest island, there are enough things to do in Anglesey to dedicate an entire four days to exploring it. That's exactly what this final itinerary is about.
You'll dedicate a day to exploring each of the four corners of the island. Expect to see several lighthouses, a restored windmill that sells doughnuts, a UNESCO castle, and some great museums in an old gaol and courthouse.
Of course, no visit to Anglesey would be complete without stopping by at the magical Llanddwyn Island, a beautiful tidal island only accessible at low tide.
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. It's also a little more affordable than The Bull.
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, Treaddur 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 |
| Day 4: Northeast Anglesey | Melin Llynon, Church Bay, Amlwch, Parys Mountain |
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 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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Day 4
Day 4: Northeast Anglesey
On day four in Anglesey, visit some of the landmarks in the final corner of the island. Start with Melin Llynon (Llynon Windmill), the last working windmill in Wales. You can go inside the windmill and see how it works.
They also have other family-friendly activities on the site including a model safari and reconstructed iron age huts, but the highlight for me was the delicious doughnuts they sell.
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After this head to Church Bay. You can either spend some time hanging out on the beach or take a scenic coastal walk. See my guide to the Church Bay to Ynys Y Fydlyn circular walk.
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I recommend getting lunch at Church Bay as there are better options here than Amlwch. If you like seafood, The Lobster Pot is a must-visit restaurant. Alternatively, try The Wavercrest Cafe just over the road.
Then you'll head over to Amlwch which was once a major player in the global copper industry. Start with a visit to The Copper Kingdom Centre where you can learn about the trade with some interactive exhibits.
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Finally, head to Mynedd Parys (Parys Mountain) which isn't really a mountain at all. It was once the largest copper mine in the world, owned by Thomas Williams who became known locally as the Copper King.
Today, the old mine is open to the public with two self-guided walking trails and relics from days gone by including the windmill and the engine room.
Published: 4 December 2022 · Last updated: 11 January 2024