Cardiff to Cardiff: Castles and coastlines in Wales

18 hrsEst Driving Time

1 kmTotal Distance

http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/itineraries/united-kingdom/cardiff-to-cardiff-castles-and-coastlines-in-wales

Overview

Beautiful Wales is an

enigmatic and verdant land

with unique character. It is

often overlooked by

travellers looking to do a

quick tour of the United

Kingdom but deserves a week

or more of your time. This

itinerary is intended to

acquaint you with the natural

beauty, fascinating history

and culture of Wales. To that

end, we’ve devised a route

taking in gems such as the

Pembrokeshire coast, Snowdonia National Park, charming seaside towns, the wonderful Welsh

cities, and castles galore. Book your motorhome rental and prepare for a journey you won’t forget.

Leg 1 Cardiff to Saundersfoot

02:30:00Est Driving Time

160 kmTotal Distance

This leg of the journey doesn’t

cover many miles, but packs in

a lot of sights and

experiences, beginning with

bustling Cardiff and ending in

the seaside resort of

Saundersfoot.

Cardiff

The capital of Wales is one of

the United Kingdom’s most

buzzing and energetic urban

centres, so take a look around

before you pick up your Cardiff motorhome rental and head out. Cardiff Castle and the St Fagan’s

Museum are good places to begin, or you could devote a morning to wandering amongst the sights,

shops, eateries and attractions of Cardiff Bay.

Once you are ready to depart, take the coastal route to Port Talbot. Ogmore Castle can be seen

along the way with a very short detour, an extensive scenic ruin in a lovely pastoral setting.

Port Talbot

Once an industrial town, Port Talbot is now known for great mountain biking opportunities in Afan

Forest Park (bike hire is available) and the nearby long, clean and beautiful sandy beach. It is still

home to an impressive steelworks. Castle hunters can call in to Margam Castle, a 19th- century

Gothic mansion.

Swansea

From the biggest city in Wales to the second-biggest in just a few hours! Swansea is located on the

Gower Peninsula, the first place in the UK to be designated as an “Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty”. You can head out beyond the city limits to see exactly why it was granted such a lofty title

or stay in the urban area to explore historic buildings, Swansea Castle, parks and museums. A

detour out to the charming Mumbles fishing village is recommended.

Cardiff Ogmore Castle Swansea

Leg 2 Saundersfoot to Fishguard

02:00:00Est Driving Time

88 kmTotal Distance

Move on from Swansea across the River Loughor and through several towns and villages. If you’re

yearning for more picturesque castle ruins, stop at Kidwelly Castle along the way.

Saundersfoot

This is a seaside resort and a popular holiday destination, with plenty of places to camp. Filled with

charm and boasting a sandy beach, it’s a great overnight pit stop - and if you want to stretch your

legs, walk a bit of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in either direction.

Leg 1 Highlights

While the total distance for

this leg is only 55 miles, it’s on

smaller back roads - and the

route we have mapped out

takes you through an

incredible part of Wales

which you will need extra

time to explore.

Pass the Manor Wildlife Park

on the way out of

Saundersfoot, a unique

attraction displaying an array

of amazing exotic creatures

including tigers, rhinos and red pandas.

You’ll also pass close by Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, where the mill has been restored for visitors

to learn about its history.

Pembroke Castle Pembrokeshire Coast Broad Haven

Pembroke

Detour into Pembroke to see the town’s magnificent Norman castle by the river, one of the finest

strongholds in the nation. The history of the place is not just concentrated there, but also evident in

the lovely buildings of the town centre and town wall remnants. A visit to the Pembroke Tourist

Office might help you to decide where to go and what to see.

Cross the Cleddau Ddu and continue to one of the country’s natural treasures: Pembrokeshire

Coast National Park.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

This park is a mix of rugged wilderness and tranquil green pastoral scenes. Walking is an excellent

way to experience it, be it on a section of the aforementioned Pembrokeshire Coast Path or

another trail. Head out to St Brides for a magnificent view over the bay and the stunning coastline,

and enjoy the villages such as picturesque Broad Haven with its lovely swimming beach, rock pools

and traditional pubs.

If surfing is your thing or you would like to give it a go, this is the place to be. You can hire

equipment and take lessons from providers such as Newsurf in Newgale. Birdwatchers should

keep an eye out for gannets, puffins and other interesting seabirds on the coast and the small

offshore islands, and for some amazing flora, check out the bluebell woods near Solva.

Having your own campervan rental will make it easy to experience the gorgeous Pembrokeshire

coast the way you wish.

Fishguard

Once you’ve seen all you want to see of gorgeous Pembrokeshire, make your way to Fishguard. Its

Welsh name is Abergwaun, meaning “mouth of the River Gwaun”, which describes its location. This

idyllic port town offers caravan parks, restaurants, pubs and all you might need to prepare for the

next leg.

Leg 2 Highlights

Leg 3 Fishguard to Caernarfon

03:30:00Est Driving Time

210 kmTotal Distance

You’ll drive north up the

Ceredigion coastline and into

Snowdonia National Park

during this section. Leave

Fishguard behind and head

out of Pembrokeshire - you

might want to call into Castell

Henllys iron age fort along

the way for a fascinating look

at the very early history of

Wales. You could also add

Cilgerran Castle and

Cardigan Castle to your list,

both in and around the village

of Aberteifi.

Ceredigion

Ceredigion county and Cardigan Bay coastline boast award-winning beaches, coves, cliffs and

rolling green hills.

If you like mountain scenery, we highly recommend a detour inland to visit the Cambrian

Mountains region. Head towards Tregaron, a busy market town, hike the trails and see Soar y

Mynydd, the most isolated chapel in Wales. This area is known as one of the most untouched

wildernesses in the United Kingdom, so enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery as you make the

most of the freedom that comes with a rental vehicle.

One of the most spectacular places to visit on the Cardigan coast is Cwmtydu, a natural deep cove

once used by smugglers - you might even find old French brandy bottles in the caves there. New

Quay is a gem of a town along this coast and a stunning seaside resort with an array of water-based

activities.

Aberystwyth

You’ll come across this university town just before reaching Snowdonia National Park. It has an

unmistakable row of tall terraced houses lining the waterfront and exudes a lot of liveliness -

particularly during term-time. Aberystwyth University is here, bringing a vibrant nightlife and

urban culture. The Cliff Railway is a fantastic scenic and historic attraction, offering an exciting

ride up Constitution Hill to the summit station with a fabulous view of the bay.

Snowdonia National Park

Not long after leaving Aberystwyth, you’ll enter Snowdonia National Park. Keep an eye out for

low-flying military aircraft as you pass the Mach Loop which is a set of valleys used for low-level

flight training. The park is named for Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, which you can

climb via one of several paths if you are feeling adventurous and energetic. If you are not, you can

still reach the top thanks to the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

The route follows Afon Mawddach, a scenic river, but you’ll want to detour in the direction of the

many attractions: beaches, lakes, valleys, mountains and more. Harlech Castle in Harlech is

particularly spectacular, and you shouldn’t miss Portmeirion which is a stunning Italianate tourist

village boasting exotic gardens. Have an underground adventure at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns,

or see the charmingly picturesque Fairy Glen gorge.

There are plenty of waterfalls in Snowdonia National Park, always a popular and photo-worthy

natural feature. Cymer Abbey is far from the most impressive ruins in Wales, but the simple stone

remains of this church from the 12th century are gorgeous in an understated way - and it’s located

near Dolgellau, right along the mapped route.

Caernarfon

Looking across Menai Strait to Anglesey, Caernarfon is a unique place and stronghold of the Welsh

language. The most obvious attraction here is Caernarfon (Carnarvon) Castle, a veritable visual

feast of a fortress that is a designated World Heritage Site. This imposing structure sits at the river

mouth. Inside, you’ll find artefacts and all kinds of information about the history of the place; it’s a

fabulous way to spend a few hours.

There is a lot of fun to be had in Caernarfon, but we recommend sitting for a bit in one of the

eateries and pubs around the Old Town, listening to the locals speaking Welsh. The town has a

higher population of native speakers than any other, and it is wonderful to witness - and overhear!

Cwmtydu Portmeirion Caernarfon Castle

Leg 4 Caernarfon to Bangor via Anglesey

02:00:00Est Driving Time

120 kmTotal Distance

Leg 3 Highlights

Depart Caernarfon heading

towards Bangor, but turn off

to cross Menai Strait. This leg

is all about Anglesey, a

popular island destination

that offers not only miles of

beautiful coastline but also

Wales’ greatest concentration

of historic sites.

Holyhead

Drive across the island, and

you’ll soon be in Holyhead

(Caergybi), a small town where ferries leave to Ireland. While you’re here, take a walk to the

stunning South Stack Lighthouse which shines white among a desolate landscape of granite cliffs.

The Holyhead Maritime Museum is also worth visiting.

When you leave Holyhead, don’t zoom straight back to the mainland - take smaller roads north

through small villages such as Llanfaethlu and Tregele. It’s often in these out-of-the-way places

that the best travel memories are made!

Llanbadrig

The ward of Llanbadrig encompasses a few sites and sights of interest in Northern Anglesey. The

pretty village of Cemaes is one of these, on the shores of a natural harbour with two lovely beaches

where sailing, windsurfing and fishing are popular. From here, you can also walk a part of the

famous Anglesey Coastal Path.

South Stack Lighthouse St Patrick’s Church Beaumaris Castle

Leg 5 Bangor to Wrexham

02:30:00Est Driving Time

120 kmTotal Distance

St Patrick’s Church in Llanbadrig is another highlight, a small stone church in a remote and scenic

spot that looks out across the water to Middle Mouse Island where legend says Saint Patrick was

shipwrecked. Anglesey’s industrial heritage is also on display in Llanbadrig at the ruins of the Porth

Wen Brickworks, a fascinating jumble of old and broken buildings.

On your way back towards the mainland, stop for a swim, a stroll or an ice cream at Lligwy Beach

near Moelfre. You’ll also find Din Lligwy here, an ancient pre-Roman site with the remains of hut

circles.

Beaumaris

Just before heading back across the strait on Menai Bridge, call in to beautiful Beaumaris, a town

with yet another spectacular fortress. Beaumaris Castle is considered to be architecturally

unequalled in Britain - although never 100% finished - and has a concentric design that made it an

absolute stronghold in its time. It is designated a World Heritage Site. The town of Beaumaris also

has a lot to offer travellers including more great architecture from various time periods.

Bangor

With views over the Menai Strait towards Anglesey, the small coastal city of Bangor is a great place

to end this day of island exploration. Here you can enjoy Welsh art and culture, stock up and stay

the night before continuing your road trip. The city centres around Bangor Cathedral, and has a

beautiful Grade II-listed Victorian pier.

Leg 4 Highlights

North Wales awaits! This leg is short, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beaches you’ll encounter.

On the way out of Bangor, stop in to take a look at Penrhyn Castle and Gardens, a fairytale 19th-

century castle which houses an impressive art collection. Pass through coastal towns and under

the River Conwy, then detour

out to visit lovely Llandudno -

calling in to remarkable

Conwy Castle on the way.

Llandudno

This seaside resort had its

heyday as a holiday

destination in Victorian times

and remains popular. The

waterfront promenade is

lined with tall and handsome

terraced buildings, and an impressively long Victorian pier protrudes into the bay. The town is

bookended by a big and a small headland, called Great Orme and Little Orme. Great Orme is a

country park, rich in natural and cultural history, with a hill that you can summit on foot, in your

vehicle or on the Great Orme Tramway. You might spot some interesting and rare creatures like

the silver-studded blue butterfly, chough birds and wild Kashmir goats. The Great Orme Mines are

a fascinating historical site, the oldest of their kind open to the public - and there is even a ski slope

that’s open year-round.

As you head east along the coast of North Wales, you’ll pass through many pleasant seaside towns -

any of which make a great place to stop for a cup of tea and a look around. The SeaQuarium in Rhyl

is a top attraction for families, and golf lovers will enjoy the many courses and clubs to be found

here.

The town of Flint marks the point where you will turn inland to head towards Wrexham. Here you’ll

find Flint Castle, which is vacated but relatively whole, giving a good indication of what a castle in

the 13th century would have been.

Borderlands

As you begin to head south again, you’ll skirt the border with England. This area is known as the

North Wales Borderlands and mixes beautiful scenery with gritty and down-to-earth working

towns and industrial estates.

Visit the markets in Mold and stop to look at the beautiful ruins of Caergwrle Castle near

Caergwrle. If retail therapy is your thing, detour to visit the Tweedmill Shopping Outlet with a

wide array of shops and brands.

Wrexham

Conwy Castle Llandudno Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Leg 6 Wrexham to Brecon

03:30:00Est Driving Time

185 kmTotal Distance

This leg ends in Wrexham, a sizeable northern Wales town which has all the amenities necessary

for an overnight. St Giles Church is one of the more spectacular sights, considered one of the

“Wonders of Wales.” The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a functional and fabulous piece of engineering.

There are many green spaces including the gorgeous gardens surrounding the stately Erddig Hall,

where the Antiques Roadshow is often hosted. The small but interesting Wrexham County

Borough Museum is worth a look.

Leg 5 Highlights

We have crafted a route for

this leg which takes smaller

roads through many villages

and towns, and keeps you

entirely in Wales - however,

the A483 will get you to your

final destination faster should

you wish it, and crosses the

border into England for a

stretch. As you pass through

the inland hills of central

Wales, take time to enjoy the

delightful and bucolic

scenery.

Leaving Wrexham, you’ll soon come across Chirk where you will turn right to skirt the border and

visit the striking Chirk Castle (we are up to 18 castles, have you been counting?) with its short

rounded towers and pastoral hilltop setting.

Powis Castle Newtown Elan Valley

Continue through quaint hilly villages with wonderful Welsh names such as Llanarmon Dyffryn

Ceiriog and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant until you reach Welshpool.

Welshpool

The most notable attractions in Welshpool is unmissable - the incredible and lofty red-tinged

Powis Castle. The High Street’s Georgian architecture is also lovely, a great place to stroll. Visitors

young and old alike will enjoy the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway which runs a beautiful

narrow gauge steam train through beautiful countryside for a scenic ride.

Keep heading south past Mid Wales Airport and alongside the River Severn to Newtown.

Newtown

On the curving riverbank lies this appealing town, home to a fascinating Textile Museum and the

Robert Owen Museum which tell part of the story of the region’s rich industrial heritage. The

nature reserves and canal paths are perfect for stretching your legs, and if you are there in

September, try to time your visit to coincide with the Newtown Food Festival.

The rest of the leg will have you continue to follow the River Severn and then the River Wye

through villages and countryside. Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells are known as spa towns,

while Rhayader is the gateway to the beautiful Elan Valley and its reservoirs. If you want some

more outdoor recreation on your road trip, we recommend the short side trip to the Elan Valley

Visitor Centre and beyond.

Brecon

You’ll finish up in Brecon, poised at the edge of one of the most spectacular national parks in the

country. This market town boasts the small but delightful Brecon Cathedral, a river walk along the

River Usk, and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh.

Leg 6 Highlights

Leg 7 Brecon to Cardiff

02:00:00Est Driving Time

120 kmTotal Distance

This short leg of your journey

will bring you back to Cardiff,

completing the tour of Wales

- but it’s really all about the

magnificent Brecon Beacons

National Park. While the

route shown on the map is

quite straightforward, you

will want to roam around the

park and explore, and perhaps

even spend a few extra days.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Glorious nature is the main attraction here, and you can enjoy the scenery from the road or take to

the trails. There is something for walkers of all abilities, from a mile-long stroll in the grounds of

Abergavenny Castle to a challenging climb up Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales.

The park has castles galore. Visit the brooding ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle in the western

reaches of the park, or soak in some history at atmospheric Cyfarthfa Castle, Museum and Gallery.

Gaze upon the imposing medieval round tower of Dinefwr Castle, or enjoy the pretty overgrown

walls of Hay Castle. Castle-collectors will delight here!

The options for things to do and see in the Brecon Beacons are endless. There are caves, heritage

sites, friendly villages, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and more. The official National Park

Visitors Centre near Libanus is a good place to have a cup of tea, get your bearings and plan your

visit.

Chepstow

We’ve factored in a detour east to visit Chepstow, an ancient market town on the River Wye. It

comes, of course, with its own castle - Chepstow Castle - which is a stern-looking grey structure of

historical significance. Another must-see near Chepstow is Tintern Abbey. This hauntingly

beautiful monastic ruin is spectacular and will earn a place in your heart and your photo albums.

Once you’ve seen all you want to see in southeast Wales, it’s time to return your motorhome rental

Brecon Beacons National Park Chepstow Tintern Abbey

in Cardiff and draw the journey to a close - there are many more UK itineraries should you want

another adventure in the region.

Leg 7 Highlights