a week in Wales
 

Going to Wales in early Aug. Figuring about 3 days in north, 3 in south. What's best place for touring out of? COnway in north? Cardiff in South? Best way to get from north to south? Good small hotels? B&Bs to recommend in 50pnd range. Can you tour Wye valley by tour out of Cardiff? Thanks.

Never been there but will be watching with interest as we are starting to plan for next summer. Have you read any of the Brother Cadfil mysteries??? It's also a PBS series. Think you have to include Shrewsbury and Chester as well as Wales and from what I've heard, the north is the place to spend most time. I know that doesn't help much, but I will be interested to hear what others say.

My wife and I loved Wales, as it was rather tourist-free and the people were so amazingly friendly. Despite this, I have a word of caution: Even in the countryside, you need to be careful as robbers frequent many parking lots at sites throughout Britain. All of our luggage was stolen at the lot at Caerphilly Castle (just north of Cardiff in S. Wales), though this actually HELPED us have a better time. Instead of spending only a short day in southern Wales, our severely damaged car forced us to stay longer and we developed some lasting friendships with a dear family which took us in. All of Wales was nice--I doubt if you'd go wrong anywhere you go--especially if you like castles and nice folks.

we stayed in a wonderful B&B on the coast in the south, right on the pembrokshire coastal path. The hosts were simply amazing as was their recommendation for dinner. It was 20 pounds/per person a night with a HUGE breakfast in a solarium with a gorgeous sea view. Totally non touristy. They are listed in the book best B&B's in England Scotland and Wales. If you want their name and address let me know

In Wales, don't miss Powis Castle and Gardens near Welshpool and Bodnant Gardens on the coast in Northern Wales.

Toured northern Wales in Oct 97. Conway Castle is in nice as is the town. The Llanberis pass and the Snowdon Mountain Railway are spectacular. Caernarfron Castle is similar to Conway. See either or both - all worth a visit. Be sure to stop at Beddgellert, a beautiful small village nestled in the hills about 8 miles from Llanberis. We also visited Betswy Coed which means Church in the wood.We drove south to Llandridrod Wells and stayed in a beautiful farmhouse in Bulith Wells which was the best B&B of our whole trip. Email me if you want B&B info. Chester is also a beautiful, fully walled city with quite a few Roman Ruins.