i am going to the uk in april. a few days in london, a day in bath (i've been to both before) and then a few days in wales.
i want to see a small town with some sites to see but not touristy and where you can get a feel for "the real wales". any suggestions ?

You may want to try Abergivenny. I don't know if that's how you spell it. It is a neat little town with the best fish and chips I've ever had. Near the town is a `mountain' called the Sugar Loaf which takes a bit to hike up, but the view is formidable, and you will understand what Wales is all about. I also recommend trying to learn a bit of Welsh because you'll have lots of fun trying. Have fun.

My wife and I spent 10 days touring Wales. We found the farther West we went the more "welsh" it was. A lot of English have moved to Eastern Wales. Would recommend Aberystwyth as well as Pembroke. Stayed in a lovely B&B on the main street. Also stayed in Abergavenny as mentioned in the previous post. There is certainly nothing "touristy" about this livestock market town. Nice pubs and good food.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~zsigo/ is the web site for the Lion Inn. You are in the country there, Trellek. Wonderful patron.

Have fun. You'll find a couple of days is not long enough for this beautiful country.

We did almost an exact trip last fall. We stayed in London then Bath, then headed for Wales. We stayed in beautiful B&B right on the coast in a small town of Perrog (between Fishguard and Newport) and it was right on the Pembrokshire coastal path. The owners were so wonderful and suggested an incredible restaurant for dinner. (all locals except us) The town was small and no tourists in sight. If you want info on this B&B let me know and I would be happy to supply it for you. Did I mention the delicious breakfast in a glass solarium facing the sea?

We have toured Wales and definitely agree that two days will seem like too little once you arrive. Would suggest central to northern Wales as opposed to the area near Cardiff. We began in Chester, England along the northern coast, Snowdonia,
Caernarfon and down the west coast to Aberystwyth. Then back through Wales toward Bristol. Wales could not really be described as touristy and the scenery is awesome. The people are very friendly. Your best bet is to buy a map of Wales which details the 'B' roads and then read a tour guide to see what interests you and take the back roads. We had great fun doing this...we would often drive for ages without seeing another car. We passed an elderly farm woman herding sheep along the road. Things that you don't expect but that you always remember! If you are driving, don't leave it too late to find a B&B... it can be difficult to judge just how far it is to the next town. If you decide to pick a village or town to spend a couple of days, such as those mentioned above I can guarantee that you'll want to return when you have more time. Have fun!

I agree with Linda, stick to the north. We drove through Betwsy Coed, a beautiful small town on which means "Church in the wood" and also another small gem is Bedgellert, which is about 7 or 8 miles from Llanberis, which is where you catch the Mt. Snowdon railway to the top of Snowdon. The pass leading into Llanberis is a beautiful sight to behold. If you stay in Llanberis, email me and I'll give you information on the wonderful B&B we stayed in there.

I agree with the two places Mike mentioned (Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert). My husband was born and raised in Prestatyn, North Wales which is about 30 m from Liverpool and has lived in Canada for about 10 years now but we did go back a few years ago and lived there for a year. Wales is a beautiful, scenic place and there are hundreds of places to go all within a short distance of each other. I think of it as my second home and look forward to going back again next year. Don't forget to see the castles as well (Conway and Caernarfon)

Wales is famous for its mens choirs. Many of these choirs will let visitors come and watch them when they meet to practice. Ask at the tourist information in the town where you're staying, if you're interested. I got to listen to 110 men, average age 60, with the most beautiful voices practice in an elementary school one evening. It was so cool.