Wales Road Trip

Your holiday begins with a fine driving route, perhaps through the southern Cotswolds, across the Severn and into Monmouthshire on the way to the historic market town of Abergavenny. Framed by mighty Bannau Brycheiniog and host to a wealth of attractions all its own, ‘Aber’ is a great place from which to commence your Welsh adventure.

Your Accommodation in Abergavenny

Right in the centre of town, your accommodation in Abergavenny is an elegant, family-owned hotel and something of a hub of local life. This classic Georgian structure has been treated to much recent interior upgrade, delivering a modern place to stay, with a touch of deco grandeur. Find yourself a quiet corner to enjoy a local beer before an award-winning dinner of the very best seasonal produce.

The hotel is in the perfect position to start taking advantage of the CADW Wales pass included with your holiday.

At Abergavenny, you’re within easy striking distance of some of south Wales’s most arresting locations. The twisting passes of the Brecon Beacons invite the keen driver (but watch out for local constabulary), while Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell are fine villages in which to wander. We’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your time.

Choose your route today, either around or across the Beacons, taking your time through some of south Wales’s most arresting scenery, on your way to your next base for two nights on the exquisite Gower peninsula.

Your Accommodation in Gower

Another gorgeous country house hotel awaits this evening in Gower. Set in the grounds of an extensive Norman deer park, this elegant retreat has been owned by the same family since the 1950s and has undergone extensive recent restoration, bringing the house and grounds up to a remarkable standard. Each of the comfortable bedrooms skilfully blends cosy comfort with antique style and modern en-suite bathrooms, while the pitch-pine floors of the secluded restaurant create a uniquely Welsh atmosphere. Guests are invited to relax in the sunroom, or take to the grounds for a wander to spectacular Three Cliffs Bay, just 20 minutes away.

One of Wales’s most beautiful corners is waiting to be explored today, all within short distance of your hotel. Stroll the streets, gardens and promenade of the colourful coastal town of Mumbles, and be sure to take time to enjoy some of the UK’s finest (and often deserted) beaches at the bays of Caswell, Pwildu, Bantam and Oxwich, evoking memories of some of our Scottish favourites on the North Coast 500. In the evening, make your way to the peninsula’s westernmost point, where you may be lucky to experience the most dramatic of sunsets over Worms Head.

Meander along the Carmarthenshire coast today, crossing the bridge over the River Loughor to Llanelli and perhaps stopping briefly at Burry Port, where Amelia Earhart completed her pioneering Transatlantic flight. Soon you’ll reach the medieval walled town of Tenby, a fine place to stop for lunch while admiring its gorgeous sea views. From here, it’s a short distance to your next base for two nights in the UK’s smallest city, St David’s.

Your accommodation in St David’s

Within sight of St David’s Cathedral, your accommodation in St David’s is a superbly presented, locally owned hotel, fashioned from a repurposed windmill. Bedrooms feature up-to-the-minute furnishing, beds and tech, as well as high-grade bathrooms equipped with every modern touch, while the in-house restaurant has received much recent acclaim, as one of the best in Wales.

A real treat in-store today, as you travel almost the entire length of Cardigan Bay, then inland to Betws-y-Coed . Maybe you’d like to stop in ancient Aberystwyth to visit its medieval castle, before crossing the River Dyfi at Machynlleth, entering the southern tip of Eryri National Park and making your way to its centre, the village of Betws-y-Coed.

Your Accommodation in Betws-y-Coed

Tucked away up a short hill from ancient Pont-y-Pair bridge over the rushing Afon Llugwy, your accommodation in Betws-y-Coed (or, simply ‘Betws’ as the locals know it) is a modern and beautifully presented guest house. Set in a sturdy, detached Victorian villa, the interior has been lovingly restored and upgraded by the friendly owners, adding contemporary en-suites and a bright breakfast room in the classic sun room

Enjoy breakfast in the stunning dining room this morning, before setting off to explore. Take in the challenging drive routes that fan out from your location, perhaps heading to Llanberis and the incredible National Slate Museum. Or drive across the Menai Strait to Anglesey and the gorgeous coastal town of Beaumaris. You won’t want to miss the chance of a photo-op at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, before hopping back to the mainland into the heart of Snowdonia, and onwards to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conwy.

A final holiday breakfast this morning before commencing your homeward leg. There are several fine driving routes to take you back to the motorway system, and we’ll provide all the advice you need to make the most of your journey.