What not to miss in Wales
Mar 14th, 2008, 07:58 PM
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What not to miss in Wales
We hope to visit Wales in October. We'll only have a week, but we will have a car. We like gardens, history, art & museums..but not out door sports activities......so what would be the top 10 things not to miss in Wales.....and any suggestions for places to stay that are not too pricey would be appreciated.
Mar 14th, 2008, 09:10 PM
#2
There are great things in all parts of Wales - but you only have a week. If it were me, I'd split the time between north Wales and along the Pembroke Coast.
There are some amazing gardens in Wales including Plas Newydd, Plas-yn-Rhiw, Bodnant, Powis Castle Gardens and Portmerion
There are some amazing gardens in Wales including Plas Newydd, Plas-yn-Rhiw, Bodnant, Powis Castle Gardens and Portmerion
Mar 15th, 2008, 02:36 AM
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North Wales is also good for castles and some of the towns are charming. Conwy for town and castle; Caernavon ditto; Beaumaris Castle is very impressive.
You should not ignore the scenery. There is a lovely narrow-gauge mountain railway from Portmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
You should not ignore the scenery. There is a lovely narrow-gauge mountain railway from Portmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Mar 15th, 2008, 03:40 AM
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There are a number of narrow gage railways you might want to take. I remember Betwys-y-Coed in Snowdonia National Park as being very beautiful--also the ticket seller's patient efforts to get me to pronounce the place name properly
Just over the border, Chester is an interesting city to visit
Just over the border, Chester is an interesting city to visit
Mar 15th, 2008, 04:15 AM
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So much to see in Wales. Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons Park, Tintern Abbey, and so on.
We have taken two short tours of wales down the backroads, and I could go back in a heartbeat.
I was fascinated watching Border Collies herd sheep. One of my memories is of three dogs and one person moving a large herd of sheet across the roadway. A local gentleman estimated that the herd was perhaps 500 animals. Traffic had to stop while the dogs moved the sheep.
The dogs seemingly worked without much guidance from the human who was sitting on a 4-wheeler. She did what the dogs did not do: Open and close the gates.
The dogs would control the strays by crouching down and giving them that famed Border Collie eye. Those which did not comply were pursued and redirected with considerale vigor.
We have taken two short tours of wales down the backroads, and I could go back in a heartbeat.
I was fascinated watching Border Collies herd sheep. One of my memories is of three dogs and one person moving a large herd of sheet across the roadway. A local gentleman estimated that the herd was perhaps 500 animals. Traffic had to stop while the dogs moved the sheep.
The dogs seemingly worked without much guidance from the human who was sitting on a 4-wheeler. She did what the dogs did not do: Open and close the gates.
The dogs would control the strays by crouching down and giving them that famed Border Collie eye. Those which did not comply were pursued and redirected with considerale vigor.
Mar 15th, 2008, 07:22 AM
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kleroux:
We found Bodbant Gardens to be delightful in fall. On one of our visits to Wales, we stayed in Criccieth and used it as a base for the north....worked out very well, indeed. Driving across Llanberis Pass is quite beautiful in spring, and to visit a rather strange site in the vicinity, take a look at Port Meirion, an Italiante village designed by a most eccentric Welshman who loved Italy (Clouugh Williams)..it's a kick, very colorful.
The lodgings we used and have recommended in Criccieth is Mynydd Ednyfed, a beautiful manor house just outside town, with massive grounds for walking.
http://criccieth.net/
Stu T.
We found Bodbant Gardens to be delightful in fall. On one of our visits to Wales, we stayed in Criccieth and used it as a base for the north....worked out very well, indeed. Driving across Llanberis Pass is quite beautiful in spring, and to visit a rather strange site in the vicinity, take a look at Port Meirion, an Italiante village designed by a most eccentric Welshman who loved Italy (Clouugh Williams)..it's a kick, very colorful.
The lodgings we used and have recommended in Criccieth is Mynydd Ednyfed, a beautiful manor house just outside town, with massive grounds for walking.
http://criccieth.net/
Stu T.
Mar 15th, 2008, 11:36 AM
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We stayed in Snowdonia National Park and visited Conwy Castle and Portmeirion; both were lovely and atmospheric. Driving through the park was beautiful; we also had a wonderful cream tea one day in Beddgelert.
I don't know what you're budgeting for lodging, but we stayed at the YHA Snowdon Ranger hostel. It's an old coaching inn right across the street from a lake.
You can see pictures from our trip at http://tinyurl.com/25xs9t
Lee Ann
I don't know what you're budgeting for lodging, but we stayed at the YHA Snowdon Ranger hostel. It's an old coaching inn right across the street from a lake.
You can see pictures from our trip at http://tinyurl.com/25xs9t
Lee Ann
Mar 16th, 2008, 02:39 AM
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Hi Kleroux
I'd second the choice of Tintern Abbey - and make sure you purchase the self-guided audio tour. I found it to be one of the most 'atmospheric' ruins with a fascinating story.
My second choice would be to visit the Big Pit mine; it's a CADW site that offers a free tour inside the coal mine - a most effective way to get a feel for the lives of men who worked there. Our tour was led by an ex-miner, and was another experience quite unique to the area. See http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/ for full details.
Happy travels, Di
I'd second the choice of Tintern Abbey - and make sure you purchase the self-guided audio tour. I found it to be one of the most 'atmospheric' ruins with a fascinating story.
My second choice would be to visit the Big Pit mine; it's a CADW site that offers a free tour inside the coal mine - a most effective way to get a feel for the lives of men who worked there. Our tour was led by an ex-miner, and was another experience quite unique to the area. See http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/ for full details.
Happy travels, Di
Mar 16th, 2008, 12:48 PM
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North Wales is one of my most favorite places on Earth...I miss it every day. We've stayed in Betws-Y-Coed twice a the Ty Gwyn Inn...highly recommend and its a great base for exploring the castles of Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarvon. ave a wonderful trip!
Mar 16th, 2008, 10:10 PM
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Another suggestion, Kleroux - not on your list of interests, but most definitely quintessentially Welsh - don't miss any opportunity to hear a male Welsh choir in action. Their singing is so lyrical and full of feeling and harmony.
Many choirs in villages welcome visitors at their rehearsals (for free), or if you call into the Visitor Centres you can find out about local performances.
We went to an evening concert in the local church, put on by a choir that was touring from another area.
It was everything I expected . . . and more!
Happy travels, Di
Many choirs in villages welcome visitors at their rehearsals (for free), or if you call into the Visitor Centres you can find out about local performances.
We went to an evening concert in the local church, put on by a choir that was touring from another area.
It was everything I expected . . . and more!
Happy travels, Di
Mar 16th, 2008, 10:33 PM
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Definitely recommend Bodnant Gardens - really beautiful.
If you are staying in Cardiff, visit Cardiff Castle. The folk museum at St Fagans is also worth a visit.
We stayed in Llangollen at a delightful B&B called Ty'n-y-wern Hotel - very pleasant hosts, nice bedrooms and great food. While you are in the area, have a look at the aqueduct over the River Dee.
If you are staying in Cardiff, visit Cardiff Castle. The folk museum at St Fagans is also worth a visit.
We stayed in Llangollen at a delightful B&B called Ty'n-y-wern Hotel - very pleasant hosts, nice bedrooms and great food. While you are in the area, have a look at the aqueduct over the River Dee.
Mar 17th, 2008, 06:25 AM
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I'm probably biased because DH is from south Wales, but I think spending some time in Cardiff then driving to Pembrokeshire would best fit your interests. To me, north Wales is more about the outdoors and walking/climbing.
South Wales has some good castles notably Caerphilly & Pembroke.
Cardiff and environs have good museums, notably the National Museum & Gallery, the St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life and the Big Pit. Cardiff also has the Wales Millennium Centre - a beautiful theatre with a very interesting tour, the new Senate building by Richard Rogers also with tours, and a few private galleries.
The Welsh National Botanic Garden is outside Carmarthen, on the way from Cardiff to Pembroke, and has a glasshouse designed by Norman Foster.
Also en route is the Dylan Thomas boathouse at Laugharne.
Pembrokeshire has historic towns like Pembroke, St David's and Tenby, and lots of natural beauty like beaches and the Bosherstone lily ponds.
South Wales has some good castles notably Caerphilly & Pembroke.
Cardiff and environs have good museums, notably the National Museum & Gallery, the St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life and the Big Pit. Cardiff also has the Wales Millennium Centre - a beautiful theatre with a very interesting tour, the new Senate building by Richard Rogers also with tours, and a few private galleries.
The Welsh National Botanic Garden is outside Carmarthen, on the way from Cardiff to Pembroke, and has a glasshouse designed by Norman Foster.
Also en route is the Dylan Thomas boathouse at Laugharne.
Pembrokeshire has historic towns like Pembroke, St David's and Tenby, and lots of natural beauty like beaches and the Bosherstone lily ponds.
Mar 17th, 2008, 07:54 AM
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To balance Caroline's south Wales preference, mine would be for north Wales. Beautiful scenery for outdoor activity AND castles houses and gardens (sorry Caroline 
)
There are quite a few national trust properties:
- Bodnant gardens - my favourite garden
- Penrhyn Castle - Victorian fantasy castle with gardens
- Plas Newydd - lovely house and garden on Anglesey overlooking Menai Straits
- Powis Castle fantastic gardens and castle
- Chirk Castle
Plenty of castles, including:
- Conwy - also the walled town and Aberconwy house 14th century merchants house
- Caernarvon
- Beumaris on Anglesey
- Harlech
Also steam railways, Portmerion, miles of coastline (I favour Anglesey and the Lleyn peninsula) and mountains.
Good bases are Conwy, Betwsy-y-Coed or even the Victorian sea-side resort of Llandudno which has lots of accommodation at all price ranges.
South Wales is beautiful too...
)There are quite a few national trust properties:
- Bodnant gardens - my favourite garden
- Penrhyn Castle - Victorian fantasy castle with gardens
- Plas Newydd - lovely house and garden on Anglesey overlooking Menai Straits
- Powis Castle fantastic gardens and castle
- Chirk Castle
Plenty of castles, including:
- Conwy - also the walled town and Aberconwy house 14th century merchants house
- Caernarvon
- Beumaris on Anglesey
- Harlech
Also steam railways, Portmerion, miles of coastline (I favour Anglesey and the Lleyn peninsula) and mountains.
Good bases are Conwy, Betwsy-y-Coed or even the Victorian sea-side resort of Llandudno which has lots of accommodation at all price ranges.
South Wales is beautiful too...
Mar 18th, 2008, 06:42 AM
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Excellent that you can extend your trip! We loved Wales but only had a few days there so we stuck to Snowdonia and North Wales. For your planning purposes, it IS possible to visit the castles of Conwy, Beaumaris, and Caernarvon in North Wales in one day and this trio would give you a great perspective on a fascinating period of Welsh history.
