One week in Wales is just about enough to get a real taste of what we have to offer. From the majestic national parks to the picturesque beaches, and some truly iconic cities.
Whilst 7 days is a good amount of time to spend in Wales, it's not nearly enough time to explore the whole country. It's best to focus on one specific area so that you can see all of the highlights and still have time to explore some hidden gems.
In this guide, I've condensed a lifetime of exploring my home country into 3 different itineraries that can inspire your next trip to Wales.
Itinerary 1: 7 Days in North Wales
South Stack Lighthouse
Lonely Tree in Llanberis
Caernarfon Castle
Summary
In my first 7-day itinerary, you'll spend the first three days exploring the main areas on the isle of Anglesey (Wales' largest island) where you can expect to explore sandy beaches, visit iconic lighthouses including one you can go inside, and take scenic walks along coastal path.
For the second half of the week, you'll head back to the mainland to explore the coastal towns across North Wales. This is when you'll come face-to-face with some of the best castles in the country.
To finish off the trip, you'll spend a day visiting our largest national park, Eryri (or Snowdonia in Welsh). You can choose for some casual exploring or if you're feeling adventurous, conquer Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales.
Map
Where To Stay?
Days 1-3: Anglesey
For the first 3 nights, base yourself on Anglesey. 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.
For something a bit unusual, Château Rhianfa is a 5-star castle you can stay in just a few minutes away.
Days 3-7: Conwy
For the rest of the trip, move to the mainland and stay along the North Wales coast.
I recommend staying at The Quay Hotel & Spa which is just outside of Conwy.
This hotel is well located for exploring the destinations in this itinerary and has an onsite spa with complimentary access for guests. It's very well priced consdiering it's waterfront location and I even featured it as one of my favourite spa hotels in Wales.
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: Conwy | Aber Falls, Conwy Town Walls, Conwy Castle, Plas Mawr, the Smallest House in Great Britain |
| Day 5: Llandudno | Llandudno Pier and Promenade, the Great Orme |
| Day 6: Caernarfon | RSPB Conwy, Caernarfon Castle, boat trip along the Menai Strait |
| Day 7: Llanberis | Blade of Giants, Dolbadarn Castle, Llyn Padarn, Llanberis Lake Railway |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a detailed itinerary with photos.
Day 1
Day 1: Holy Island, Anglesey
Start your trip by visiting the northwest corner of Anglesey, Holy Island. Start your trip with a visit to South Stack Lighthouse, an iconic lighthouse that you can actually go inside on a guided tour. There are over 400 steps to get there, but it's worth it.
Also Read: Visiting South Stack Lighthouse
For breakfast, there's a cafe at the RSPB visitor centre near the lighthouse ticket office. It has beautiful views across the ocean from it's glass front.
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After this, head to the nearby Breakwater Country Park where there are some beautiful walking routes and historical information. It's about a 15 minute drive to the park.
Rather than driving there, keen hikers could consider the Holyhead Mountain circular walk which leads from South Stack to Breakwater Country park - more on this here.
Holyhead itself that exciting so you don't need to stop by. But, if you have time, stop at the Holyhead Maritime Museum to learn about the history of Anglesey during the World Wars.
Finish the day with a visit to Trearddur Bay, a sandy beach with rockpools and slipways. There are lots of great places to eat around here but a firm favourite is the Sea Shanty Cafe.
The nautical-themed restaurant is known for it's excellent sea food, but there are plenty of other options too including steaks, pastas, and some traditional Welsh dishes.
Day 2
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
Start your day at Plas Newydd, a grand country house that was home to the Marquess of Anglesey. It's now a National Trust property with the house and gardens open to the public.
It's a great place to spot red squirrels. Some days they have volunteers leading a red squirrel tour at 11.30am so try to be there for that.
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If you're interested in ancient stone monuments, you can visit Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber near here. This is a 30 minute stop including walking time from the car park.
Nearby is Anglesey Model Village which is fun for kids to explore and has a cafe if you want some lunch. You could consider stopping at Halen Môn who make Anglesey sea salt, although the factory tours are at 11am and 3pm which don't coincide well with this itinerary.
After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting Newborough Forest Nature Reserve. Here you'll find lots of great walking trails for all abilities and acccess to Llanddwyn Beach.
The highlight of the afternoon will be your visit to the magical Llanddwyn Island. This is a tidal island that sits just off Llanddwyn Beach. It's home to stunning scenery, church ruins, and the adorable Tŵr Mawr lighthouse.
This island shouldn't be visited for two hours either side of high tide, so check tide times here and arrange your day accordingly.
Also Read: Visiting Llanddwyn Island
End your day with the picturesque views of Eglwys Cwyfan, also known as the Little Church in the Sea.
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Day 4
Day 4: Conwy
On day 4, check out of your accommodation on Anglesey and move to mainland North Wales to stay near Conwy. On the way from to Conwy, stop by at Aber Falls. This is my favourite waterfall in North Wales.
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It's a bit of a walk from the car park although it's along a very easy trail. It took me a total of 1hr15 to visit the waterfall but the signs say it can take up to 2 hours.
Also Read: Visiting Aber Falls
After the waterfall, stop by at Aber Falls Distillery to take a tour to see how they make Whiskey. Tours run every hour, on the hour, from 10am. You ca turn up or book online in advance.
When you arrive in Conwy, don't waste any time waiting for check in at your next accommodation. Drop off your items and get exploring.
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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.
If you've not exhausted yourself yet, you can also visit Plas Mawr. This is a well-preserved Elizabethan townhouse thats been recreated as it would have been back in the 16th century.
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When you've finished exploring Conwy, head 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 5
Day 5: Llandudno
Day five 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 6
Day 6: Caernarfon
If you're staying at my suggested hotel, The Quay Hotel & Spa, I recommend heading to the nearby RSPB Conwy nature reserve for 9.30am when it opens. This is the best time to enjoy a quiet stroll around the boardwalks.
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The views are great and it's home to a large population of wading birds, ducks, and geese. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the visitor centre where their cafe overlooks some of the reserve.
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 7
Day 7: Llanberis (Eryri National Park)
On the final day of your 7-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 do have a 7-day Snowdonia itinerary later in this article if you fancy more.
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: 7 Days in South Wales
Waterfall Country
Cardiff Bay
Barry Island Beach
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. Expect a visit to Caerphilly where you can find the second biggest castle in the UK, a trip to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brcyeiniog) National Park to see some epic waterfalls, and a visit to neighbouring city, Swansea.
Map
Where to Stay?
Base yourself in Cardiff for the full 7 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 you can use their excellent spa with pools, a sauna, and a hot tub (also overlooking the bay).
Even though it's a five-star hotel, it's not as expensive as you'd think! I even featured it as one of my favourite spa hotels in Wales.
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. The hotels around this area tend to be of a high standard and typically have their own car parks which is important when the public car parks are very expensive.
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 |
| Day 6: Vale of Glamorgan | Ogmore-by-Sea, Llanerch Vineyard, Barry Island |
| Day 7: Swansea | Swansea Beach, National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Maritime Quarter |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a detailed 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 with two more incredible castles today.
Start off with Castell Coch. a fairytale castle in Fforest Fawr just outside of Cardiff. There's an excellent audio tour around the castle and some great walking trails in the forest including a sculpture trail with wooden animals.
Also Read: Guide to Castell Coch
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Next, it's on to Caerphilly which might be my favourite town in South Wales.
You'll probably want to start with lunch. I recommend heading to Coffi Vista which is one of the few places you can enjoy a sandwich made from Caerphilly's famous Cheese. If you want something more substantial, try Ten Degrees.
At the centre of the town is Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the UK, after Windsor Castle.
If you love visiting castles like me, you can purchase a ticket and explore every nook and cranny of the castle's interior.
However, it's quite expensive, especially if you're visiting as a big family. Luckily, this is one of those castles that can be appreciated from the outside. There's a path around the castle which makes a great alternative to going inside.
When you've finished exploring the town, head to Caerphilly Mountain for some beautiful views. Don't worry, it's actually a hill and you can drive almost to the top.
Park at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar and it's an easy 10-minute walk across Caerphilly Common to the summit.
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If you're travelling with kids, on Caerphilly Mountain you'll find Mountain View Ranch. This is a huge adventure playground and visitor farm with lots to do including high ropes, den building, and making friends with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and ponies.
The highlight of the ranch is the Gruffalo trail where kids can immerse themselves in the famous Gruffalo story and meet the characters along the way.
Day 6
Day 6: Vale of Glamorgan
Day six is allocated for exploring the Vale of Glamorgan. The local tourism board have put together a series of walks across the county called 'Vale Trails'. Find them all here.
I can recommend Vale Trail 1 which runs past Ogmore Castle and Dunraven Castle and Walled Gardens, or Vale Trail 2 which encompasses Nash Point Lighthouse and St Donuts Castle.
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After your morning walk, head to the seaside town of Barry, famed as the setting for the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
Start by visiting Barry Goodsheds for lunch. This is an ‘independent high street’ made from shipping containers and old train carriages. It's home to independent shops and a food court with street food from across the world.
Next head down to the beach where you can snap some photos outside the colourful beach huts and have some laughs at Barry Island Pleasure Park. This is a classic British seaside attraction with log flumes, dodgems, roller coasters, and lots of arcades.
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Before leaving Barry, don't forget to stop off at 47 Trinity Street to visit Stacey's house.
Finally, head to Llanerch Vinyard for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. The tours are run three times per day every day, with the final tour at 4pm - aim for this one.
After the tour, you can enjoy dinner at their onsite restaurant before heading back to your hotel in Cardiff.
Day 7
Day 7: Swansea
On your final day in South Wales, head across to Wales' second city; Swansea.
It's about an hour to drive, although it can be a nuisance if you get stuck in traffic. So I recommend taking the train as you won't need your car once there.
If you tried out my self-guided tour in Cardiff then perhaps you'll enjoy my Swansea self-guided tour too. This is a great way to learn about the history of Swansea and quickly identify its top landmarks.
If you'd rather wander by yourself, begin near the ruins of Swansea Castle and slowly make your way towards Swansea Beach.
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Whether you're following my tour, or making your own way, you'll end at Swansea Beach. Here, you'll find my favourite lunch spot in the city called Swansea Observatory. It's literally a cafe/restaurant inside the old observatory.
After lunch, I recommend heading to the National Waterfront Museum which isn't too far away. This is a free museum with over 15,000 artefacts showcasing the history of Wales’ industrial and maritime heritage.
After this, have some fun at The LC - Swansea's indoor water park (don't forget to pack swimwear).
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Finally, you can check out some of the other museums and galleries in Swansea. Choose between the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Museum, or the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - I love them all!
Finally, it's time to head back to Cardiff for your final evening.
Itinerary 3: 7 Days in Pembrokeshire
Fishguard
Huntsmans Leap
St Davids
Summary
This itinerary will show you the best of Pembrokeshire in 7 days. The first half of the week will be spent along the northern parts of the Pembrokeshire coastline, next to Cardigan Bay. You'll visit Fishguard, Cardigan, and St David's which is the UK's smallest city.
Then you'll move to the southern side of the peninsular where you can visit the iconic seaside town Tenby, walk along the most dramatic part of Wales' coastline, and have some fun days out at theme parks.
Map
Where to Stay?
Days 1-3: Northern Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion
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:
My top pick is Twr y Felin, a beautiful 4-star hotel in an old windmill. It's worth paying extra for the picturesque scenery and luxurious rooms.
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's great value so it sells out fast.
Days 4-7: Southern Pembrokeshire
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: 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 4: Pembroke | Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Museum, rowing in Pembroke, St Brides Spa Hotel |
| Day 5: Limestone Coast | Freshwater West, Green Bridge of Wales, Stack Rocks, St Govan's Chapel, Dobby's Grave, Stackpole Walled Gardens OR Bosherton Lily Ponds |
| Day 6: Tenby | Tenby's beaches, St Catherines Fort, Tudor Merchants House, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Hill for sunset |
| Day 7: Oakwood | Oakwood Theme Park |
Detailed Itinerary
Expand each day for a detailed itinerary with photos.
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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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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After the beach, have a quick walk round the ruins of St Dogmaels Abbey before heading into Cardigan.
Explore the town centre and be sure to look at the giant cardigan inside Stiwdio 3. This community space is also a nice place to buy local gifts or have lunch.
As you walk around the town, look out for Cardigan Castle. However, I wouldn't recommend paying to go inside as there's not a lot to see - it's best viewed from outside.
In the afternoon, head to Cilgerran Castle to explore the ruins. This has a much more 'castle-like' feel than Cardigan Castle.
Finally head across to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. This is a large nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust with several great walking trails that are perfect for getting into the wilderness and spotting birds, otters, and other wildlife.
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You might also consider joining Cardigan Heritage Canoes on a canoeing tour. You’ll make your way down the Teifi Gorge in a traditional open canoe past wildlife habitats and ancient woodlands. The tours begin at the Welsh Wildlife Centre and last 2 hours. These run from April to October.
Day 3
Day 3: St David's
Today, you'll spend time exploring Britain's smallest city, St David's. Jump in at the deep end and head straight to St David's Cathedral (since this is the best place to park your car for the day).
This is Wales' biggest cathedral and a religiously significant location. It's free to visit but there are no guided tours, so you'll have to make your own way around using the information panels for guidance.
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After the cathedral, head next door to the Bishops Palace. Unlike the cathedral, this is largely a ruin and under the care of CADW so there's an entry fee.
Now it's time to explore the centre of the 'city'. But this won't take long given that it's more like a village. Have a look inside Goat Street Gallery and then grab some lunch.
The Really Wild Emporium (small quirky restaurant with locally sourced and foraged ingredients), The Bishops (traditional British pub cuisine), and Grain (amazing stone-baked pizzas) are all recommended.
In the afternoon, head out to St Justinians where you can take a boat to Ramsey Island. This is a nature reserve where you can see the rare choughs as well as seals and a variety of seabirds.
It's best to book a boat trip ahead. I went with Thousand Islands who offer sightseeing trips (around the island only) and landing trips on the island. See my full guide to visiting Ramsey Island for more details.
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Finish the day with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. This is a collapsed slate quarry where the water has been turned aqua coloured by the rock. It's perfect opportunity for a spot of swimming or yu can jump or dive from the dedicated area with two jumping-off points.
You can also walk around the top of the lagoon where you’ll also find some abandoned buildings from when the mine was active.
Day 4
Day 4: Pembroke
On day four, it's time to check out of your accommodation in northern Pembrokeshire and head to the other side of the peninsula.
Break up the journey by stopping off in Pembroke. Here, you'll find Pembroke Castle which is one of the best castles in the area. There's a museum, a guided tour, and family entertainment during the summer.
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You can grab lunch from the cafe inside the castle grounds or you could get it later at The Waterman Arms which serves great pub food in a location overlooking the millpond.
Just across the road from the castle is Pembroke Museum. It's run by volunteers so isn't as polished as the national museums, but you'll learn a lot about the town and it's free.
Take some time to walk around to the lake below the castle where you get a beautiful vantage point of the fortress. You can even hire a rowing boat and paddle around the lake with Paddle West.
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After a busy time exploring Pembroke, continue on to check in at your accommodation somewhere along the southern coast of Pembrokeshire.
If you've chosen to stay at my top accommodation choice, St Bride's Spa Hotel, you're going to want to spend the rest of the day making the most of the facilities here including the heated infinity pool that looks out to sea.
Day 5
Day 5: Limestone Coast
This area of Wales has some of the country's most impressive coastlines with one particular stretch known as the Limestone Coast of South West Wales. This is where you'll visit today.
Begin with a visit to Freshwater West Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. You can surf here (hire surfboards in the car park or book a lesson with Outer Reef Surf School).
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This beach is where the death of Dobby the house elf was filmed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 1. There's an adorable shine to him at the back of the beach known as Dobbys Grave.
After the beach, head south along the coast to The Green Bridge of Wales. This is an iconic natural arch in the cliff. Next to it, you'll find other natural landmarks, Stack Rocks and The Cauldron, too.
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From here, you can walk or drive to the next stop, St Govan's Chapel. This a tiny chapel built into the cliffside which is said to have appeared to help St Govan escape pirates.
If you decide to walk, it's about a 3 hour return trip along the Wales Coast Path. This is one of the most beautiful walks in the area. Alternatively, there's a car park right next to St Govans. Look out for The Huntsmans Leap too.
The best place to eat in the area is The Stackpole Inn. This is a charming country pub covered in green foliage. They serve pub classics using lots of local ingredients and are known for their generous portion sizes.
After lunch, you can either stay in this area and explore Stackpole Walled Gardens and Stackpole Quay. Or you can head back towards your accommodation and stop off at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill en route.
Day 6
Day 6: Tenby
Dedicate day six to exploring Tenby, a famous coastal town adorned with colourful houses on clifftops overlooking the harbour.
On a day in Tenby, you can relax on the beaches (I prefer South Beach which is more spacious) and visit the abandoned St Catherine's Fort which sits on a tidal island just off Castle Beach (only accessible at low tide).
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There's also the Tudor Merchants House, a former Tudor house that's been recreated as it would have looked in the Middle Ages, and Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
Finish your day in Tenby by heading up Castle Hill. There's a small castle ruin on top but it's the view that makes this a worthwhile place to visit. It's even better if you can coincide it with sunset.
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Tenby is one of the few places that stays lively until quite late in the evenings. There are lots of bars and restaurants to visit or you can take the Tenby Ghost Walk for something a little different.
Day 7
Day 7: Oakwood Theme Park
On your final day in Wales, I recommend visiting Oakwood, Wales' largest theme park.
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There are rides big and small from the iconic Megafobia wooden coaster (the fastest theme park ride in Wales) to the two-person bobsleigh and the tree-top rollercoaster.
The park isn’t open every day, so check here for the latest opening times and arrange your itinerary accordingly.
Alternatively, West Wales has several other family attraction parks you could consider including The Dinosaur Park, Folly Farm Adventure Park, and Heatherton World of Activities.
Published: 4 December 2022 · Last updated: 11 January 2024