I am planning a trip from London to Cambridge - Chester and then into Wales - Thinking of staying in 4 nights in Llanberis rather than Conwy - thoughts? We want to explore Anglesey as well as other sites in Northern Wales (we like neolithic sites) - then we would head south to Cardiff to see sites around there and the Brecon National park - staying 2 nights? Then on to Bath and sight see from that home base and back to London to fly home. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7572 posts
There are plenty of Neolithic sites on Anglesey. Near Nevern is Pentre Ifan Burial chamber. It’s on a one lane road 3 miles outside of town. Near Tintern, in Trelleck, are Harold's Stones. It is a set of three standing stones. Blink and you’ll go right past them. Parking at both places is limited.
The two times we were in that area we stayed in Caernarfon. From it, Anglesey was easy to reach.
Posted by
North Wales, UK
30 posts
If you stay somewhere central in North Wales you can easily do day trips to most locations, and the drives are always easy and part of the pleasure as you will see lots.
Llanberis is nice but also consider the Conwy Valley south of Conwy (Trefriw, Betws-y-Coed, Llanrwst maybe) which is dead centre in North Wales. Either would be a good base.
Anglesey definitely has a lot of neolithic sites - if that is where you are going to be spending a lot of time then two nights in the Llanberis / Conwy Valley and two nights on Anglesey would save driving there?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the ideas - I think we will definitely check out the Pentre Ifan Burial chamber - we also are looking to see Bryn Cellid Du and Barcbdiod y Gawres (spelling?); Conwy Castle etc. I think we might look into Tinturn or Swansea as a base in Southern Wales so we can see St. Fagens, Brecan National park and sites Pont y Pridd rocking stone, Carn LLechart (sp). Aren't there other castles by Cardiff and Newport?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7572 posts
Some castles in the Cardiff area are Cardiff, Coch, Caerphilly, Chepstow, Raglan, White, Skenfrith, and Grosmont. The last two are pretty much just ruins.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9191 posts
Newport (Gwent) also has a Castle which you can see externally, and is close to the Cathedral- https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/newport-castle
But if you are interested in Roman stuff Caerleon is a few miles away- there is the remains of the Amphitheatre, the Barracks and the Baths to see, as well as the [Welsh] National Roman Legion Museum- all except the Baths is free to see and the Baths is only a nominal charge.
The barracks is the only Roman legionary barracks still on view in Europe. The amphitheatre is the most complete one in Britain.
See also this thread about prehistoric sites in North Wales/Anglesey-https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/wales/prehistoric-sites-near-conwy
Posted by
2709 posts
If going from N Wales to Cardiff, you will be on the A470 which goes through the Brecon Beacons on the way. I see that Pentre-Ifan Burial Chamber has been mentioned but note that this is in north Pembrokeshire and well away from the A470 route through the middle of Wales. If you are in the Cardiff area and wish to see a burial chamber - check that at St.Lythans just W of the city. You might also like to visit nearby Dyffryn Gardens (NT) which is 5 minutes away. Tinkinswood burial chamber is across a couple of fields off the lane between Dyffryn Gardens and St.Nicholas.
Newport Castle has been mentioned. I suggest that you definitely give that a miss. Caerleon is an important Roman site but is rather awkward to reach off the M4. Tredegar House (NT) on the west side of Newport is also worth a look.
In the Cardiff area, my advice would be to prioritise Cardiff Castle, St.Fagans Castle & Museum of Welsh Life (needs at least half a day), Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch. The waterfront area known as Cardiff Bay (1 mile S of city centre) is also worth seeing.
Be sure to check the parking situation for any places where you are staying.
You can visit (detour) Tintern Abbey when driving from Cardiff to Bath and you could also drive into Chepstow town to see the castle before driving over the Severn Bridge (M48) into southern England. Just after you leave the M4 at J18 for Bath, you may like to visit Dyrham House (NT). Alternatively, take a detour via Acton Turville to see the lovely Cotswold village of Castle Combe.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks so much for these great ideas! I will definitely look into them! I am looking to stay in Swansea - any recommendations as to accommodations?
Posted by
2709 posts
The Gower peninsula to the west of Swansea lovely (the city less so) with wonderful beaches interspersed by stunning cliffs. If I had to choose one place to visit on the peninsula - it would be Rhossili at the south western tip. Driving down the peninsula can be slow going.https://www.visitswanseabay.com/things-to-do/beaches/rhossili/