My son and I will be traveling from London to Cardiff by train and plan to use public transportation during our 3-day visit the second week of August . Is is possible to visit Tintern Abbey on our way to/from Cardiff?
We plan to stay at either a B&B or mid-priced hotel in Cardiff. Any suggestions?
Plan to visit: Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle, St. Fagan's National History Museum, Dr. Who Museum, Cardiff Bay, Castell Coch
Will 3-days be adequate to visit the above sites? Will we be able to visit the sites listed below via public transportation?
Is there time to take a day trip to Swansea?
Thank you!
Posted by
2403 posts
To get from London (Paddington) to Chepstow = nearest rail station to Tintern Abbey, you would have to travel on an express as far as Newport and then change to double back eastward to Chepstow. Chepstow has a castle - which can be seen from the bridge over the river that forms the border between Wales & England. You would need to take a bus up (69 hourly & takes 15 minutes) the Wye Valley in order to reach Tintern. However, you may find it easier & cheaper to go by National Express coach from London direct to Chepstow. Then take the local bus to Tintern / see Chepstow Castle. Then buy at Chepstow station, a one way rail ticket to Cardiff for £9.60. (The trains are roughly every 30 minutes with hourly frequencies at some times). Every westbound train at Chepstow goes to Cardiff. http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
Trains > www.nationalrail.co.uk Local Buses > http://www.traveline.cymru
Yes, 3 days is adequate to see the above sites. The bus station in Cardiff has been demolished to make way for redevelopment just north of the Central Rail Station. So, buses depart from various streets in the city centre. The easiest way to reach Castell Coch is to go by bus = Stagecoach 26 (heading to Blackwood) or Stagecoach 132 (heading to Maerdy) as far as Tongwynlais - which is just on the northern edge of Cardiff. You then have a 13 minute walk up the hill to Castell Coch. When you have seen this castle, walk back to Tongwynlais and get the next 26 heading towards Blackwood as this will take you to Caerphilly.
Having done Caerphilly Castle, the quickest way back to Cardiff is by train. (Just ask someone to point you in the direction of the station - which is an 8 minute walk from the castle). You could, if you wished, purchase a ticket to Cardiff Bay - which would require one change at Cardiff Queen Street.
Swansea itself is not worth a visit. The Gower peninsula to the west of Swansea has fabulous beaches interspersed with dramatic cliffs. If going to the Gower, you could go by bus from Cardiff to Swansea - or use the train. (The bus will take you to the bus station from which local buses head off down the Gower).
Don’t forget to pre-book your journey from London to Cardiff/Chepstow at https://www.gwr.com - turn up and go fares can be expensive for longer journeys.
Posted by
OP
Plymouth, MN, USA
17 posts
James, thanks very much for your advice as we plan our trip. Have a great day!
Posted by
2403 posts
The Premier Inn on Churchill Way, Cardiff is very near to Queen Street Railway station and is also about a 15 minute walk from the Central Station. All the main shopping areas are nearby.http://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/wales/glamorgan/cardiff/cardiff-city-centre.html?
This Holiday Inn is also near the main shopping areas and the buses to St.Fagans (32/322) stop outside. It is a 12 minute walk from the Central Station and 5 minute walk from Cardiff Castle. http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/cardiff/cdfcy/hoteldetail?
Also search www.booking.com which should turn up a win range of accommodation.