Cymru 870

The capital of Wales boasts a long and fascinating history buoyed by the success of its natural harbour and docklands that now form the Cardiff Bay waterfront. Explore its circular trail from the seaside town of Penarth to experience historic landmarks, the world-renowned Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd. Visit the city’s 2000-year-old castle, once a Roman fort transformed into a gothic-style fantastical palace. Head out to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, designated for its unique 350-year-old geology and exposed by plunging limestone and Blue Lias cliffs. Discover Nash Point Lighthouse and explore the coastline, searching for Jurassic fossils at Dunraven Bay or unpick the illustrious past behind the charming stone-walled lanes of Llantwit Major.

Journey through the rolling Glamorganshire countryside to the Gower Peninsular, the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Boasting cliffs, woodlands, and shimmering beaches, the peninsular attracts walkers, golfers, birdwatchers, and surfers alike. Take in the truly spectacular views from the village of Rhossili across its iconic beach, and for the more adventurous, head out to Worms Head at low tide. Travel through the Penrice estate and its glorious marshlands to the giant dunes of Oxwich Bay. Settle back and enjoy a meal to remember right on its golden sandy beach, tasting Gower Salt Marsh Lamb, lobster from the bay, and the best of Welsh cheeses.

Pembrokeshire is the ‘jewel in Wales’s crown’ with a coastal National Park world-renowned for breath-taking seascapes. Start your exploration of the county on the south coast with a stroll through the Stackpole estate, which is blessed with the softest of dune-backed sandy beaches, wooded valleys, and its famous lily ponds. Discover majestic Pembroke Castle and its walled town, the birthplace of Henry VII, and the nearby Tudor Mansion House at Carew Castle. Visit much-loved Tenby, explore its cobbled streets filled with shops, cafes and galleries, its pretty harbour and stretches of sandy shoreline which define this remarkable Victorian seaside resort. Take a short boat trip to enchanting Caldey, a holy island where Cistercian monks continue the Celtic tradition from the 6th Century.

Visit St Davids, the de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales. This enchanting city has an impressive 12th century Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Lunch in the pretty harbour village of Porthgain and find out about its fascinating slate and brick-making industrial heritage. Follow the rugged coastline north to climb to the magical mountain of Carningli ‘the rocky summit of the angels,’ which enjoys panoramic views over the lovely village of Newport, the northern coastline, and southern Pembrokeshire landscape. Those searching for hidden pleasures might take a detour down the Cwm Gwaun Valley and lose track of time at the Dyffryn Arms in the company of Bessie, the no nonsense proprietor. Finish the day in the charming, colourful, Georgian town of Aberaeron, where sail boats and fishing vessels line the harbour, and the scent of the sea hangs beautifully in the air.

Explore the Cambrian Coast, a loosely defined mountain-backed strip of land running from Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsular, on a winding route full of spectacular coastal views. Step aboard the Vale of Rheidol railway, with an ever-changing countryside view, from wide-open fields and meadows to rugged mountain scenery, all the way to Devil’s Bridge, home of the 300ft waterfalls set deep within the ancient, wooded gorge. Gain an insight into Welsh culture through film, art, sound, and maps at The National Library of Wales, which boasts over 6.5 million books and periodicals. For those with any Welsh ancestry, this is the place to uncover your heritage. Bathe in the golden glow of the afternoon sun as you stroll through the remarkable Ynyslas dunes, home to the renowned rare orchids and submerged forest, dating back to around 5500BC. End the day at the pretty seaside town of Barmouth and enjoy the numerous walking opportunities around the Mawddach Estuary.

Uncover the legends of Harlech, a pretty village with an imposing medieval castle perched high like a sentinel overlooking the Irish Sea. Fall for the eccentricities and architectural whimsy of Portmeirion, inspired by the multicoloured facades of Portofino in Italy. This surreal Welsh village will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to another land. Take the steam train from the delightful harbour town of Porthmadog deep into the Snowdonia National Park. Meander out into the wildly beautiful, remote and rugged Llŷn Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Steeped in Welsh culture and history, it’s dotted with iron age forts and boasts stunning sandy beaches against the backdrop of Snowdonia. Find the perfect spot to put your feet up, and enjoy a tipple at Ty Coch, undoubtedly one of the world’s best beach bars.

Explore mythical Snowdonia which evokes tales of magic, giants and dragons. If you don’t fancy walking to the summit, jump onboard the unforgettable mountain railway that will take you up to the summit. Listen and learn from the walls of the imposing medieval Caernarfon Castle, official residence of Edward the 1st. Marvel at Telford’s Menai Bridge, a crossing to the unmatched beauty of Anglesey. Explore the island, find the beautiful seaside village of Rhosneigr, to enjoy its sandy beaches and local seafood. Finish the day at Beaumaris, a captivating pastel-painted seaside town with a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, and views across the Menai Straits to Snowdonia. Find out more about the unfinished masterpiece and perfect symmetry of its extraordinary fortified medieval castle.

Explore the World Heritage Site at Conwy Town, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns. Preserved ancient walls, the most intact in Europe, enclose a town of narrow cobbled streets, nooks and crannies chock-full of historic buildings. Visit its magnificent Edward I Castle, a rare 14th century merchant’s dwelling and the Elizabethan Town House of Plas Mawr. Discover the world-famous Bodnant garden, home to National Collections and champion trees, nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia. Enjoy a glorious afternoon tea and cakes while enjoying the colour and scent from the historic rose gardens, with dramatic views of the Carneddau mountains. End the day by at the traditional Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno with a stroll along its promenade and pier.