South Wales
May 16th, 2004, 07:16 AM
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South Wales
Hi Everyone
I am looking for some info on Wales. We are staying close to Bristol and plan to do day trips to different areas such as Glastonbury, Cotswolds, Bath and had planned to do a day crossing into Wales and touring for the day. But a few people have told me that until you get to North Wales that there isn't much really to see (?) We had planned going North as far as we could and returning that evening. Would we be better just staying on this side of the Severn Bridge or is it worthwhile crossing over and spending the day in Wales. We will not have time to get to areas such as Cardigan and Aberystwyth. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Robin
I am looking for some info on Wales. We are staying close to Bristol and plan to do day trips to different areas such as Glastonbury, Cotswolds, Bath and had planned to do a day crossing into Wales and touring for the day. But a few people have told me that until you get to North Wales that there isn't much really to see (?) We had planned going North as far as we could and returning that evening. Would we be better just staying on this side of the Severn Bridge or is it worthwhile crossing over and spending the day in Wales. We will not have time to get to areas such as Cardigan and Aberystwyth. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Robin
May 16th, 2004, 12:50 PM
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Cardiff is wonderful, historic, has a great castle. Caerphilly, outside Cardiff, has one of the most interesting castles in Wales. Swansea is replee with Dylan Thomas memorabilia. The Gower Penninsula offers some of the loveliest scenery around. We love the North, but we love the South even more.
May 16th, 2004, 06:19 PM
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Look up Tintern Abbey , and maybe 20 miles north, Ludlow Castle, if you like history. (be sure to get the audio playerat both)
A note of caution; as we approached the Severn Bridge on the expressway from Bath, signs would say "bridge 15 miles" so I thought we'd have plenty of time to stop to get change. Not so. All I had were 100 pound notes, and a $20 bill. All of a sudden, we're at the toll booth. No provision for currency exchange. I think he took the $20 bill in exchange for a 4 or 5 pound toll. Plan farther ahead than I did.
A note of caution; as we approached the Severn Bridge on the expressway from Bath, signs would say "bridge 15 miles" so I thought we'd have plenty of time to stop to get change. Not so. All I had were 100 pound notes, and a $20 bill. All of a sudden, we're at the toll booth. No provision for currency exchange. I think he took the $20 bill in exchange for a 4 or 5 pound toll. Plan farther ahead than I did.
May 17th, 2004, 04:38 AM
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Hi Robin Hood,
Who ever told you there is not much to see in South Wales has probably never been there. As vcl said Cardiff and Caerphilly have great castles there is also Castle Coch which is quite small and is a folly, but well worth a visit.
Welsh Folk Museum, National museum of Wales. Cardiff bay area the Edwardian and Victorian arcades in the center for shopping, Theatres and the new welsh Opera house which is opening in the Autumn are just a few of the delightful things to see. If you like sport check out the Millenium stadium the premier stadium in the UK hosting all the major finals whilst Wembley is re developed.
The road leads west to the pembrokeshire national park or North to the Brecon Beacons National park. We have beautiful beaches around the Gower peninsula and more the further west you go. We have great places such as Solva, Cenarth Falls, Tenby, Saundersfoot to name just a few.
Just past the severn bridge is Chepstow castle and 20 mins north is the forest of Dean which is beautiful along the Welsh border.
So to answer your question is it worth crossing over, yes it is and bring those ' few people' along too.
Muck
Who ever told you there is not much to see in South Wales has probably never been there. As vcl said Cardiff and Caerphilly have great castles there is also Castle Coch which is quite small and is a folly, but well worth a visit.
Welsh Folk Museum, National museum of Wales. Cardiff bay area the Edwardian and Victorian arcades in the center for shopping, Theatres and the new welsh Opera house which is opening in the Autumn are just a few of the delightful things to see. If you like sport check out the Millenium stadium the premier stadium in the UK hosting all the major finals whilst Wembley is re developed.
The road leads west to the pembrokeshire national park or North to the Brecon Beacons National park. We have beautiful beaches around the Gower peninsula and more the further west you go. We have great places such as Solva, Cenarth Falls, Tenby, Saundersfoot to name just a few.
Just past the severn bridge is Chepstow castle and 20 mins north is the forest of Dean which is beautiful along the Welsh border.
So to answer your question is it worth crossing over, yes it is and bring those ' few people' along too.
Muck
May 17th, 2004, 05:13 AM
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Thanks Everyone!
I am so glad I found this site! I will definately be going to Wales now I have one last question. Should I stick to the coastal route via newport, cardiff etc or should I go straight north through the brecons and black mountains and try to reach Hye on Wye. Which would be more realistic and scenic the Gower Pennisula or Hye on Wye? Thanks for you help once again! Robin
I am so glad I found this site! I will definately be going to Wales now I have one last question. Should I stick to the coastal route via newport, cardiff etc or should I go straight north through the brecons and black mountains and try to reach Hye on Wye. Which would be more realistic and scenic the Gower Pennisula or Hye on Wye? Thanks for you help once again! Robin
May 17th, 2004, 07:21 AM
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As suggested, many many places to visit and see. One that I really enjoyed was the "Big Pit" coal mine. Not sure if they still have tours, but if they do and you want something different, you might check it out.
May 17th, 2004, 10:26 AM
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My son wanted to see Wales just to be in another country, so my sister drove us from Bath. It's a lovely drive and only 35 minutes to Chepstow, where we visited the most awesome castle, a great sight to see especially with children. She drove us around the Wye valley a bit, and we saw Tinterne Abbey but were too late to go in.
I'd recommend going longer--my original plan was to see Cardiff and the Gower Peninsula--but even for just an afternoon trip from Bath, it's well worth it.
I'd recommend going longer--my original plan was to see Cardiff and the Gower Peninsula--but even for just an afternoon trip from Bath, it's well worth it.
May 17th, 2004, 12:22 PM
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Hi again Robin,
If you specifically want to go to Hay on Wye then remember its 57 miles or so from Cardiff and that is about 1.5 hours on those roads not much motorway there. The Brecon Beacons is quite different to Gower. Its quite mountainous with deep valleys and some quite desolate stretches, there are several resovoirs and in summer its quite nice, but in winter is barren and very very cold.
Big pit still do tours I am not sure but I think it has museum status and is subsequently free of charge.
The Gower is a coastal area with beautiful countryside and beaches, there are lovely towns and villages but the roads can get quite busy in summer.
So I guess its up to you it does depend how long you plan to be in the area.
Personally I would spend 2 days at least in and around the Cardiff South East Wales areas and then go west along the M4 and there are some lovely villages and towns here too.Beautiful scenery on the Pembrokeshire national park. Once again it gets busy in summer especially Fridays.
You could of course head North from Pembrokeshire to cardigan and aberwristwatch.
Just remember Tenby is about 100 miles from Cardiff- about 2 hrs or so.
Gower is about 1 hr from Cardiff.
Muck
If you specifically want to go to Hay on Wye then remember its 57 miles or so from Cardiff and that is about 1.5 hours on those roads not much motorway there. The Brecon Beacons is quite different to Gower. Its quite mountainous with deep valleys and some quite desolate stretches, there are several resovoirs and in summer its quite nice, but in winter is barren and very very cold.
Big pit still do tours I am not sure but I think it has museum status and is subsequently free of charge.
The Gower is a coastal area with beautiful countryside and beaches, there are lovely towns and villages but the roads can get quite busy in summer.
So I guess its up to you it does depend how long you plan to be in the area.
Personally I would spend 2 days at least in and around the Cardiff South East Wales areas and then go west along the M4 and there are some lovely villages and towns here too.Beautiful scenery on the Pembrokeshire national park. Once again it gets busy in summer especially Fridays.
You could of course head North from Pembrokeshire to cardigan and aberwristwatch.
Just remember Tenby is about 100 miles from Cardiff- about 2 hrs or so.
Gower is about 1 hr from Cardiff.
Muck
May 17th, 2004, 01:54 PM
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Thanks Muck for the reply once again and to everyone else for their input! We had planned on going into Wales early in the morning and need to be back in the Bristol area at around 8:30ish. I think we will cross the Severn on the upper bridge(as we are just north of Bristol anyway)go to Chepstow and Tintern Abbey then head to Cardiff and up to the Gower Pennisula. We are used to traveling distances but not used to all the traffic. Will it be busy on Friday, June 3,(is that still too early for tourist mayhem) or would we be better off doing this on Thursday? Your help is very much appreciated.
Warm Regards
Robin
Warm Regards
Robin
May 18th, 2004, 01:38 AM
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Hi Robin,
June the 3rd (Thursday not Friday) is right in the middle of the Whitsun school holiday here in Wales and I guess the rest of the UK too.
31st May is a bank holiday. But as for that week Wednesday or Thursday will probably be the best days to travel.
I don't think there will be much problem around the first severn crossing as that stretch is not used quite so much these days, but you may hit snags around the gower if the weather is good. But don't let it stop you.
Car parking in cardiff cost £1.60/hour and the car park by cardiff castle usually has long queues so if you want to save money buy a parking voucher and park on the road or I can give you details of the better an less busy places to park.
Muck
June the 3rd (Thursday not Friday) is right in the middle of the Whitsun school holiday here in Wales and I guess the rest of the UK too.
31st May is a bank holiday. But as for that week Wednesday or Thursday will probably be the best days to travel.
I don't think there will be much problem around the first severn crossing as that stretch is not used quite so much these days, but you may hit snags around the gower if the weather is good. But don't let it stop you.
Car parking in cardiff cost £1.60/hour and the car park by cardiff castle usually has long queues so if you want to save money buy a parking voucher and park on the road or I can give you details of the better an less busy places to park.
Muck
May 18th, 2004, 12:12 PM
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Hi Muck
Wouldn't you know it, I think I pick the quieter times of the year to come to the UK and I end up in a school holiday week...lol. I don't mind walking so if you have ideas that would benefit our parking in Cardiff, I am open to suggestions. I truly hope it isn't too busy while there as you are all a bunch of crazy drivers...lol!! I live in a quiet area of Canada..say no more! Driving in the UK is quite the challenge at any time!! Is there any MUST SEES along the way from say Monmouth to The Gower Penninsula and then to Cardiff? Looks like we will travel just south of the Black Mountain & Brecons on our way to Swansea. Thanks again, Muck
Warm Regards Robin
Wouldn't you know it, I think I pick the quieter times of the year to come to the UK and I end up in a school holiday week...lol. I don't mind walking so if you have ideas that would benefit our parking in Cardiff, I am open to suggestions. I truly hope it isn't too busy while there as you are all a bunch of crazy drivers...lol!! I live in a quiet area of Canada..say no more! Driving in the UK is quite the challenge at any time!! Is there any MUST SEES along the way from say Monmouth to The Gower Penninsula and then to Cardiff? Looks like we will travel just south of the Black Mountain & Brecons on our way to Swansea. Thanks again, Muck
Warm Regards Robin
May 18th, 2004, 05:54 PM
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Hi Robin,
Just over the Severn Bridge is the historic area of Caerleon, the Roman camp of Isca (I think, off the top of my head) There is a grass grown amphitheatre (also thought to be King Arthur's Round Table, hah)Roman barrack ruins and the Roman Baths. The museum there is just great. If you are interested in Roman Britain, it is fascinating.
We are heading for the Brecon Beacons next year and spending a week on the Monmouth and Brecon canal in a narrowboat. Can't wait.
Rosemary
Just over the Severn Bridge is the historic area of Caerleon, the Roman camp of Isca (I think, off the top of my head) There is a grass grown amphitheatre (also thought to be King Arthur's Round Table, hah)Roman barrack ruins and the Roman Baths. The museum there is just great. If you are interested in Roman Britain, it is fascinating.
We are heading for the Brecon Beacons next year and spending a week on the Monmouth and Brecon canal in a narrowboat. Can't wait.
Rosemary
May 19th, 2004, 03:59 AM
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Hi again,
Rosemary's quite right,if you are into Roman History Caerleon is a great place to stop off, its not far from Chepstow.
Could you clarify your planned route as I am not sure exactly which way you are proposing to travel. Will you come from Monmouth or over the bridge bridge is £4.60 toll (I think).
The M4 is really the quickest way to get to Cardiff, Swansea and the Gower.
Ok regarding car parking I would suggest you do one of two things in Cardiff.
1. Buy a parking voucher they can be purchased from many places but National museum of Wales sell them and thats easy to find. Then you can park around the roads by the museum but some places cost £1 for 2 hour and some £1 for 5 hrs check the signs on the road side.
Or
2. you could use one of the less busy car parks, these would be £1.60/hour but you should have no problem getting a space. The car park I would suggest is along side Jury's hotel if you find jurys hotel site you will find the car park easily but if you e mail me I will give you directions to either the Museum or the car park.
I will try to find a link for car parking and post it later.
Bye for now
Muck
Rosemary's quite right,if you are into Roman History Caerleon is a great place to stop off, its not far from Chepstow.
Could you clarify your planned route as I am not sure exactly which way you are proposing to travel. Will you come from Monmouth or over the bridge bridge is £4.60 toll (I think).
The M4 is really the quickest way to get to Cardiff, Swansea and the Gower.
Ok regarding car parking I would suggest you do one of two things in Cardiff.
1. Buy a parking voucher they can be purchased from many places but National museum of Wales sell them and thats easy to find. Then you can park around the roads by the museum but some places cost £1 for 2 hour and some £1 for 5 hrs check the signs on the road side.
Or
2. you could use one of the less busy car parks, these would be £1.60/hour but you should have no problem getting a space. The car park I would suggest is along side Jury's hotel if you find jurys hotel site you will find the car park easily but if you e mail me I will give you directions to either the Museum or the car park.
I will try to find a link for car parking and post it later.
Bye for now
Muck
May 19th, 2004, 04:10 AM
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May 19th, 2004, 09:41 AM
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This is for GINNY
Oh my yes. Now, we're in our early 60's, so maybe it wouldn't appeal to younger folks. But we were raised, of course, on radio, and so the audio tapes for Tintern Abbey made us feel like we were just strolling among the monks while they worked. It was very well done. And, of course, it was amazing to see the size of the abbey. But the audio explained how they built it, and how King Henry's men tore it down. And Ludlow castle was less, shall we say, commercial/restored, and a nice contrast to Warwick Castle. The town of Ludlow is also quite quaint.We still recall that day with fond memories. we stayed that night at a B&B NE of there, in western England, but someday we plan to go to Wales. The B&B owner thought we'd like (Welsh name) Llanglollenlllllllln (sounded like lang-goth-lynn), which is in northern Wales, and has many festivals.
Oh my yes. Now, we're in our early 60's, so maybe it wouldn't appeal to younger folks. But we were raised, of course, on radio, and so the audio tapes for Tintern Abbey made us feel like we were just strolling among the monks while they worked. It was very well done. And, of course, it was amazing to see the size of the abbey. But the audio explained how they built it, and how King Henry's men tore it down. And Ludlow castle was less, shall we say, commercial/restored, and a nice contrast to Warwick Castle. The town of Ludlow is also quite quaint.We still recall that day with fond memories. we stayed that night at a B&B NE of there, in western England, but someday we plan to go to Wales. The B&B owner thought we'd like (Welsh name) Llanglollenlllllllln (sounded like lang-goth-lynn), which is in northern Wales, and has many festivals.
May 19th, 2004, 01:23 PM
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For tomboy!!!!
Thanks!!! It sounds great and very much like something I would enjoy! I have been to Wales a few times over the years and will be going back in October. Though we will not be in the area of Tintern for the trip itself, we may be able to get there the day we are driving to our destination.
I have stayed in North Wales and visited Llanglollen, the town you mentioned. Most recently (last May) I was in Mid Wales in a small town about 3 miles south of New Quay. We love the Cardigan Coast! So much so, that we are heading back to the same place we visited last year, but, plan on seeing more of the things we didn't get to then!!!
Thanks!!! It sounds great and very much like something I would enjoy! I have been to Wales a few times over the years and will be going back in October. Though we will not be in the area of Tintern for the trip itself, we may be able to get there the day we are driving to our destination.
I have stayed in North Wales and visited Llanglollen, the town you mentioned. Most recently (last May) I was in Mid Wales in a small town about 3 miles south of New Quay. We love the Cardigan Coast! So much so, that we are heading back to the same place we visited last year, but, plan on seeing more of the things we didn't get to then!!!
