I will be spending four nights in Bath, then have two free days before going to London.
We are taking a bus tour to Avebury and Castle Combe; and another one to Canterbury during our stay.
Would two nights in Chepstow be a good choice - after Bath - maybe visiting Cardiff while there? I'd love to see the coast. Or Dawlish in Devon?
Thanks so much.
If going from London to Canterbury, most people would use the high speed (140mph) train service from London (St.Pancras). see www.nationalrail.co.uk.
You can easily go by train from Bath to Dawlish - but also consider nearby Teignmouth. In this area, Exeter is also worth a look but it is about a 17 minute walk to the centre form Exeter St.David’s station. Totnes is also worth a visit if in south Devon.
It is a bit difficult to get to Chepstow from Bath as it is not on the direct train line. You have to go to Severn Tunnel Junction or even Newport and then reverse direction on another train to get to Chepstow. (Chepstow has a medieval castle and a short ride by local bus will get you to the ruins of Tintern Abbey). However, if going to Chepstow, you can rule out the coast.
Cardiff has hourly direct trains from Bath and the journey takes an hour. You have 4 castles within 8 miles of central Cardiff:> Cardiff Castle, St. Fagans Castle & Museum, Castle Coch & Caerphilly Castle. The city centre has Victorian Arcades & modern malls whilst the Bay area (1 mile south - bus 6) is well worth a visit. The nearest place with a sandy beach is Barry Island - easily reach by frequent local train. However, it is rather tacky looking and the sea is murky due to silt in the estuary. I would consider going by local train to Llantwit Major (takes 40 minutes from Cardiff Central/Queen Street £5.90 return). Leave the station and ask the way to St.Illtyd’s Church - which contains some ancient stones. Then head off for the beach - which is about one and a half miles away - part of the walk is through meadows beside a stream. The beach rather rocky but you have a nice cliff top coastal path going west offering fine views across the Bristol Channel. http://www.visitthevale.com/en/Be-Inspired/Sea-Surf-Sand/Cwm-Colhuw-Llantwit-Major-Beach.aspx
It is also easy to go from Cardiff to Chepstow with regular trains.
This company run mini bus day tours from Cardiff. I see that on certain days they go to the Gower peninsula - which is west of Swansea. The coastal scenery on the Gower is fantastic. (It takes rather too long by public transport from Cardiff).
Google the places mentioned for more info.
Don’t forget to pre-book about 11 weeks out longer distance (over 1 hour) rail travel in order to get lower prices on specific trains.
Thank you so much, James. This is very helpful. I have to reign myself in a bit because I want to see everything.
One scenario is to visit Cardiff Castle then dinner at Mermaid Quay on our last evening in Bath. Cardiff doesn't get a lot of kudos on forums or travel sites, so I've been a bit hesitant. But my great great grandfather moved his family to Newport (from Doynton) so I wanted to see a bit of Wales. (Tenby was my first choice, but train time is long, then longer to London).
Because I spend so much time in a car in the U.S., I'm looking forward to relying on trains/buses. Just need to decide between two nights in Llantwit Major or the Dawlish area before return to London.
(And I plan on booking bus tours to Avebury/Cotswolds and Canterbury/Dover).
I appreciate your guidance. Thank you.
I take it that your grandfather moved to the Newport in south-east Wales and not the little village of Newport in Pembrokeshire? It was probably at the time of the industrial boom. Today, Newport is rather run down although on the edge is The Celtic Manor - where they held the Ryder Cup.
I would probably not stay in Llantwit Major as it is really only worth a quick trip out from Cardiff. Staying in Cardiff puts you in a better place to visit the other attractions around the city. St.Fagans Castle & museum (bus 32A) would take up half a day. (The castle interior is closed for repairs).
This link is the official tourist board site that will tell you more about Wales - try clicking the different regions.http://www.visitwales.com/explore
The railways going from Paddington to south Wales and Bath/Bristol etc. are currently being electrified. The new trains will start replacing older diesels from this autumn. Here the manufacturer is testing them:> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA9OV8ikCY8
The local trains in the Cardiff area are pretty clapped out and should be replaced in the next few years by electric trains.
Yes, Newport near Cardiff; married at St. Woolos parish. Coal miners all - even in America.
Thank you James.
St.Woolas is now classified as a cathedral.http://www.newportcathedral.org.uk/index.php?id=23
At Blaenavon - which is about 20 miles N of Newport, they have re-opened a Coal Mine as part of the museum service (free).
https://museum.wales/bigpit/
Oh my goodness; that's emotional. Great, great grandfather married there in 1838. And the cathedral has choirs! My father sang like an angel as did his father and grandfather. I should not ignore Wales while I'm there.
Here's another one for you, James. I am a Steventon, and there's a teeny tiny village with the same name outside of Oxford where Jane Austen lived. I'm fascinated that there is a town with my surname.
You're very kind.
