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Wales Road Trip: 9-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertMy team and I crafted this trip! Want to make it even more your style? Let’s chat — you can book a free planning call with me.
My team and I crafted this trip! Want to make it even more your style? Let’s chat — you can book a free planning call with me.
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Cardiff
Day 1 - 2
Explore Cardiff, the vibrant capital and largest city of Wales, uniquely positioned at the meeting point of the Severn Estuary and the River Taff along the stunning southern Welsh coast. Once recognized as the world's largest coal port, this dynamic city has experienced a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands as a sought-after tourist destination within the United Kingdom, boasting beautifully restored Victorian arcades, welcoming craft beer pubs, and a thriving arts scene. Cardiff also serves as an ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding Welsh countryside, where ancient castles, spectacular beaches, and intriguing historical sites await discovery. Key attractions include the enchanting 13th-century Castell Coch, a fairy-tale castle nestled amidst lush woodlands, and the modern Cardiff Bay Waterfront, home to the iconic Millennium Centre.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff is located in the heart of Cardiff city, just a stone's throw from the train and bus stations, with easy access to all the attractions and stores in the area. The hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel's Cardiff Restaurant serves an extensive seasonal menu as well as à la carte dishes, with great views of the city, while the bar serves a selection of snacks, drinks and beverages. Attractions in the area include Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and Sophias Gardens.
Your activity
Cardiff Castle Self-Guided Entry
Explore Cardiff Castle, a Norman fortress founded by William the Conqueror himself and built on the site of a 1st-century AD Roman fort, parts of which were reconstructed in the 20th century. However, the castle is best known for its incredible Victorian apartments, designed by William Burges for the wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute. Both men were fascinated by medieval history and spared little expense to realize their neo-Gothic vision of the past.
Today, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' most popular tourist attractions, offering you a unique opportunity to experience almost 2,000 years of incredible history in a single location.
St. Davids
Day 3 - 4
St. David's, the smallest city in Great Britain, is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. She is known for her majesty St. Davids Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the UK. The city also offers the opportunity to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which offers spectacular coastal landscapes and hiking trails. St. David's is a spiritual and natural destination in Wales.
Twr y Felin Hotel
Located at Ffordd Caerfai in Pembrokeshire, Twr y Felin Hotel is a great accommodation option for leisure and business travelers as well as a wedding or conference venue. Guest rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, televisions, mini fridges and Nespresso machines, while suites have separate lounges. You can start the day with a home-cooked breakfast and enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities for all visitors, such as visiting St. Davids Cathedral, exploring the Bishop's Palace of St. Davids or walking along the Wales Coastal Path.
Your activity
St Davids Bishop's Palace Admission
Visit the Bishop's Palace of St. Davids - an impressive ruin in the charming town of St. Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which brings the splendor of medieval church architecture to life.
This palace was once the magnificent residence of the bishops of St. Davids. Today, you can stroll through its extensive courtyards, admire ornate stone carvings and explore the imposing halls and the once private chambers of the bishop.
Informative display boards and audio guides accompany you on your journey of discovery and provide fascinating insights into the rich history of this extraordinary place.
With the impressive St. David's Cathedral in the background, you will experience at first hand the importance of the power and prestige of the church in the Middle Ages.
Aberystwyth
Day 5
Resting at Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol rivers' confluence, Aberystwyth, a Ceredigion market town in Wales, offers a base to tour the Coast Way route. With Victorian promenade, colourful townhouses, and beaches, it's a classic resort. Explore Ceredigion coast, stroll the oldest Welsh pier, or enjoy views from Constitution Hill's giant camera obscura. Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Pen Dinas' Iron Age ruins, and Penglais Nature Park are other highlights. An administrative hub with scenic charm.
Premier Inn Aberystwyth
The Premier Inn Aberystwyth is located on the Aberystwyth seafront promenade, close to attractions like the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle. The hotel features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a coffee machine, a mini fridge, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant during their stay. Additional facilities and services include a bar, a 24-hour front desk, and parking facilities.
Caernarfon
Day 6 - 7
In northwest Wales, along Menai Strait, Caernarfon is steeped in Welsh culture and iconic sights. Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1283, stands out. History buffs explore Segontium Roman Fort's 2000-year-old ruins, marking the Roman Empire's frontier. Parc Glynllifon offers scenic walks, while Welsh Highland Railway's steam trains journey into Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest peak. Caernarfon merges history and nature for a captivating experience.
Celtic Royal Hotel
Celtic Royal Hotel is located in the historic town of Caernarfon, with the world-famous UNESCO Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, a few hundred yards away. The guest rooms are bright, spacious and comfortable, each equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV, tea/coffee facilities, a hairdryer and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurants serving delicious classic dishes or relax with a quiet drink from the well-stocked bar. Additional amenities and services include afternoon tea, meeting rooms, event hosting, an indoor heated pool, a sauna and a gym.
Your activity
Caernarfon Castle Admission
Caernarfon Castle, an imposing medieval fortress in North Wales, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Edward I's castle-building campaign. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its impressive polygonal towers and striking curtain walls, all designed to symbolize the might of the English crown. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds, climb its lofty towers for panoramic views of the Menai Strait, and delve into its rich history through engaging exhibits and interpretive displays. With its majestic architecture and storied past, Caernarfon Castle offers a captivating journey into medieval history and the legacy of Welsh heritage.
Wales
Day 8 - 9
Discover Wales, a relatively small yet captivating country bordering England to the east and forming part of the United Kingdom, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and distinctive Welsh charm. The picturesque countryside unfolds with rugged, windswept coastlines, deep, verdant valleys, and imposing ancient castles. Its rolling, sheep-dotted hills and majestic mountains draw hikers from across the globe. From tranquil fishing villages to vibrant cities, and from leisurely strolls to adventurous excursions, Wales offers a diverse range of experiences to suit every traveler. Visitors can anticipate an impressive array of attractions, including Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales’ highest peak; the historically significant Chepstow Castle, Britain’s first stone castle; and the Gower Peninsula, recognized as one of Wales’ most exquisite natural treasures.
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa
Located in Powys, United Kingdom, Lake Country House Hotel & Spa is situated on the River Irfon, near Builth Wells in Wales. Rooms at the hotel include standard bedrooms, suites, junior suites, and staterooms. Each features a TV, a desk, a hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant. Hotel amenities include Wi-Fi, a bar, a spa, a swimming pool, lounges, a hot tub, and a sauna.
