Hello , it’s Susan and I posted previously to obtain info and now trying to make sense of order. I looked at all the recommendations to stop and see , considering the time frame and our interests this is what we have decided . Looking for the most reasonable approach for driving. Upon leaving Bath we plan to go to Tenby and st David’s for 4 nights. Then from st David’s to Abergavney 1 night and to chipping campden for 3 nights. Will try and stop at castle Coch.on way to Tenby. Is it better to go on to castle coch and then Tenby or should we stop at tintern abbey / chepstow first . We plan to drive from st David’s to Abergavney and wanted to stop at Dryslan , Dinefwr and newton house ( forgive me if I have misspelled , my notes are not before me). After a night in Abergavney we would stop at raglan , chepstow and tintern abbey before going to chipping campden . Are interested in driving route and what would make most sense for ease of traffic and roads and avoiding areas like Birmingham as people have suggested them as a driving nightmare. I will post on wales forum for help regarding sequence of stops on wales coast . Thank you
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1022 posts
I think it would be better to stop at Tintern after Abergavenny on the way to Chipping Campden, as in your plan. You’ll have more time that day than on the way to Tenby.
In Pembrokeshire some places I enjoy visiting are Barafundle beach, Narberth , Solva, Newport. Lots of great walks. Narberth has a good selection of places to eat. St Davids area is very limited in that regard. You can get a decent cafe lunch but in the evenings there isn’t much at all. Even self catering isn’t that easy because they only have one small very rubbish supermarket. There is a butcher and a deli.
The Shed at Porthgain is a good place to eat (seafood).
You won’t ever be going through, or even that near, to Birmingham so don’t worry about that.
Posted by
2425 posts
Driving non stop from Bath to Castell Coch (M4 junction 32 - north side - above village of Tongwynlais) would take about 1 hour 20 minutes - assuming you have a clear run. (At Newport, the M4 goes through a pinch point at a tunnel and this can cause tailbacks).
From Castell Coch to Tenby driving non stop with a clear run should take around 2 hours. (If you need a toilet break - on arrival at Carmarthen - turn left at first roundabout & then left again into supermarket). Alternatively, consider visiting The National Botanic Garden fo Wales - just east of Carmarthen if running ahead of time. Carmarthen to Tenby takes around 40 minutes.
So, your journey westward is quite long but the roads are very good. I would be inclined to suggest that you include a diversion to Tintern Abbey whilst on the Bath to Castell Coch leg. If doing this, don’t forget that as you approach the Severn estuary to use the M48 bridge - follow signs carefully as it loops off to the left and flips over the M4. Then off at first junction on Welsh side & follow A466 - which is very bendy.
On the eastbound leg between Abergavenny & Chipping Campden, by not going to Tintern, you can leave Raglan Castle - turn left & follow A40 dual highway towards Monmouth & then near Ross to join M50. Where M50 joins M5 - go S to next junction (9) and E on A46 to Teddington roundabout - then B4077 to Toddington & then B4632 to Broadway & CC. (Stanton & Stanway are worthwhile diversions near Toddington). Stanway Manor is sometimes open to the public.
Do look carefully at all junctions on Google Maps.
As mentioned above, Barafundle Bay - west of Tenby is beautiful.