Wales is such a diverse country that even after a lifetime of living and exploring it - I'm still finding new attractions even today.
But if you're planning a whistle-stop visit, 5 days is a good amount of time to get a glimpse into what we have to offer. From the majestic castles to the rugged coastlines and scenic national parks.
With just five days to play with, it's best to stick to one area rather than trying to see a little bit of everything. Having visited most parts of the country, I've put together these 3 unique five-day itineraries for the next time you plan a trip to Wales.
Itinerary 1: 5 Days in North Wales
Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
Caernarfon Castle
View from Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis
Summary
For this 5 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 three incredible castles.
Basing yourself in Conwy (my favourite town in North Wales), you'll spend each day visiting a different destination in North Wales. Starting with a trip to Anglesey for beaches and lighthouses. Then Llandudno to visit Wales' longest pier and 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 largest mountains in Wales and England.
Map
Where To Stay?
For this itinerary, I recommend staying in one accommodation for the full 5 days so that you don't waste time moving accommodation and can maximise your time exploring.
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.
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: Caernarfon | Aber Falls, Caernarfon Castle, boat trip along the Menai Strait |
| Day 5: Llanberis | Blade of Giants, Dolbadarn Castle, Llyn Padarn, Llanberis Lake Railway |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a full itinerary with photos.
Day 1
Day 1: Conwy
On your first full day in North Wales, get 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: 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 south west 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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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 south east 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
Can you believe it's the mid-way point already?! 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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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: Caernarfon
On day 4, 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.
Day 5
Day 5: Llanberis (Eryri National Park)
On the final day of your 5-day North Wales itinerary, it's time to head into Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia in English.
This is Wales' largest national park so you're only getting a glimpse at it in this itinerary.
I recommend heading to Llanberis as this is the town with the most things to do.
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, you can book a guided kayak tour which 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.
Itinerary 2: 5 Days in South Wales
Waterfall Country
Summary
In this itinerary, you'll base yourself in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. You'll spend time exploring the capital itself and venturing out into the surrounding area on day trips.
There are lots of varied day trips across South Wales. The schedule includes a trip to the huge outdoor museum at St Fagans, Caerphilly where you can find the second biggest castle in the UK, and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brcyeiniog) National Park which is home to Wales' best waterfalls.
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 |
| Day 5: Caerphilly | Castell Coch, Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly Mountain |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a full itinerary with 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
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.
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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 5
Day 5: Caerphilly
If Cardiff Castle impressed you, then prepare to be mind-blown as you'll spend your final day in South Wales visiting two more incredible castles.
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.
Itinerary 3: 5 Days in West Wales
Pembroke Castle
Tenby South Beach
Green Bridge of Wales
Summary
There are so many great things to do in Pembrokeshire that 5 days limits how much you can cover. To make the most of your time, I recommend limiting your itinerary to just one half of the county.
The north and south of Pembrokeshire both have something different to offer, but this itinerary will focus on the south (see my 7-day itinerary which covers a bit of both).
You'll visit some of the most dramatic coastlines in Wales, explore beautiful golden beaches, and take a trip to Caldey Island.
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 | 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 |
| Day 5: Oakwood | Oakwood Theme Park |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a full itinerary with 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.
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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.
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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 Stackpole Quay. 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.
Day 5
Day 5: 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.
Related Questions
How Many Days Should I Spend in Wales?
Answering the question about how long to spend in Wales is like answering how long is a piece of string. I would suggest 5 days is the minimum amount of time to get a good feel for the country and fit in some towns or cities, countryside, and coastline. However, I would still choose one part of the country rather than trying to see it all in one go.
Published: 4 December 2022 · Last updated: 11 January 2024