Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Touring Wales (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/touring-wales-180403/)

MJ Aug 25th, 2001 05:42 AM

Touring Wales
 
We're touring Northern Wales and driving south to Cardiff. All suggestions on places of interest/accommodations greatly appreciated.

sarah Aug 25th, 2001 06:44 AM

Theres an excellent hotel in Cardiff called the big sleep. Its very modern so it may not be to your taste -but it has great views -www.thebigsleephotel.com

Beth Anderson Aug 25th, 2001 10:02 AM

I especially like the little mountain train coming from LLanberis. Plus, it is a gorgeous gorgeous hike. I took the train up and hiked back down. <BR> <BR>I stayed in Betws y Coed and thought that was very pretty too. Snowdonia National Park is worth a look too. <BR> <BR>Beth

diane Aug 25th, 2001 11:41 AM

Well I took my American boyfriend to Wales for the first time last year.....we drove from London to Dolgellau...stayed at the Royal ship hotel.....from there drove to Barmouth, Harlech to see the castle, Portmeirion italian village where "Prisoner" was filmed and then to Carnarfon. From there you can cross the Menai straits to anglesey..........great B&B there called Tan Y Cytau.....near south stacks lighthouse where you can see the most amazing sunsets.From anglesey (holyhead)if u have time you could take a ferry to ireland.On the way back travelled to snowdonia..trekked to the summit and gradually made our way back through betws y coed,bala, newtown, brecon and then cardiff. The trip took us approx 5 days......there's so much to see and do in these areas.....fantastic scenery...very mountainous in the north, gradually flattening out as you approach the south, beautiful rugged coastline,....north wales has it all....however the weather can make or break it.

diane Aug 25th, 2001 12:04 PM

oh and if every bone in your body aches after all that walking in the north...when in cardiff there is a fabulous and luxurious hotel in cardiff bay. Its the St Davids Spa hotel.......its a bit pricey but worth every penny.......

Jeff Aug 26th, 2001 05:03 PM

Hi MJ, <BR> <BR> I just got back from Wales and had a wonderful time. Wales is definitely a place where you want to visit castles. My favorites are Beaumaris, Conwy, Caenarfon and Powis. <BR> I stayed in a 15th or 16th century Elizabethan Manor in North Wales called Golden Grove in the villiage of Llanasa. It is posted on the Best Bed and Breakfast of England, Scotland, and Wales website. <BR> Betws-y-coed is an interesting town and nearby Bodnant Gardens are quite beautiful. The Snowdonia Mountains are very scenic, but if your planning to drive to Cardiff from there, be prepared for very narrow twisting roads. I did that one year when visiting Wales and was exhausted from all the twisting and turning. If you want to do that, I would suggest not doing it in one day like I did. Have a great time!

JOdy Aug 26th, 2001 05:49 PM

3 wonderful places to visit in N wales. Powis,the most fantasic gardens i have ever seen, Erddig, and Chirk Castle. All within a 1 days drive. You won;t be disappointed. be sure to either join the Royal Oak(the American branch of the national trust). or get a British heritage pass or whatever they call it. i prefer the Royal Oak it's tax dedeuctible and good all year, all day every day

peter Aug 27th, 2001 03:02 AM

Cardiff????? Go West young man. <BR>Brecon Swansea Carmathen Tenby St. Davids Etc

Neil Aug 27th, 2001 03:52 AM

Brecon isn't east of Cardiff.

Donna Aug 27th, 2001 04:07 AM

Peter or Others <BR>Please tell more about the southwestern part...I'm hoping to visit there next year. Specifically Llanelli? Thanks :-)

diane Sep 3rd, 2001 07:19 AM

Donna, <BR>I'm from South West Wales.......beautiful part of the world....especially Pembrokeshire and the Gower......can't say it will be that inspiring to go to Llanelli....its a pretty run down part of Wales.....unless you have people to visit of course

Linda Sep 3rd, 2001 09:08 AM

My favorite hotel was the Seiont Manor Hotel on the edge of Caernarvon. It's beautifully located to tour northern Wales and a very nice hotel. Owned by Richard Branson (not sure if that is a recommendation or not), it's in an old manor house, beautiful rooms, attentive staff, very peaceful, restful setting. We loved it there. Though a bit on the pricey side, it's well worth the cost.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:07 PM.