Ironbridge versus Wales

We really enjoyed visiting many of Edward's Castles in Northern Wales. We loved Betws-y-Coed, Caernarfon and Conway. I personally recommend Wales because it is a little more removed off of the major Tourist Trail. You can get a CADW Explorer Pass to save on admissions. You can buy them on Location. The National Trust UK also has a Overseas Visitor Touring Pass that has hundreds of sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You must order online but can pick up at your first visit of many specified sites. We used our pass extensively; again this will lead you to great places that you might have not known about. Parking is included. Many have special events and exhibits in the Summer. Enjoy!

Llandudno is a seaside town, which doesn't have much else going for it; Beddgelert is pretty but small; Betws-y-Coed has more places to stay, eat and so on but the attractions are limited; Caernarvon has an excellent castle but the town isn't that interesting. Conwy/Conway is a delightful little place. I wouldn't bother with Blaenau unless you like steam trains or slate quarries.

This may seem obvious, but if you are interested in Welsh culture and language, then by all means plot your route to include Wales. Nothing wrong with the Ironbridge area, and of course each region of England also has a bit of its own local flavor, but since you have enough time to experience Wales, I'd say go for it. You will likely notice differences that may put your observations of England into sharper focus.

Since Ironbridge doesn’t take a day to see, maybe combine Ironbridge with visits to Shrewsbury and the Pontcysylite Aqueduct. The CADW pass is worth the money if you plan on seeing enough of its sites. Ours more than paid for itself. We bought a joint membership online before gong over. Many of the smaller and/or less restored CADW sites are free to enter. If buying online, do so a month before the trip so your membership cards have time to arrive.

We are flying into London on June 23 and have booked a car (from Chester) to spend June 25-28 in Wales. We’re staying two nights in Conwy and one in Portmeirion.

I haven’t heard of the CADW pass. Is it used in Wales only or throughout the UK?

Nan

I haven’t heard of the CADW pass. Is it used in Wales only or
throughout the UK?

It’s effectively the Welsh equivalent of English Heritage or Historic Scotland. If you have English Heritage membership then you can use it for CADW sites.

https://cadw.gov.wales/?lang=en