South Wales Castles & Coastal Explorer

Day 1

We depart for Wales, skirting the Malvern Hills towards the pretty market town of Ross-on-Wye, where we enjoy a leisurely lunchtime stop. Here, take some time to browse the independent shops, stroll along the town's nineteenth-century mock-Gothic walls and admire the charming pastel-painted buildings. From here, we continue over the border into Wales, travelling on to our hotel in historic Carmarthen.

Day 2

This morning, we journey through Haverfordwest towards St Davids, Britain's smallest city. Rich in history, St Davids is home to its magnificent cathedral and the striking ruins of the Bishop's Palace, offering much to explore at a relaxed pace. Later, we continue to the historic town of Pembroke, dominated by its impressive castle. Once enclosed by fortified walls and filled with elegant Georgian houses, Pembroke is a charming place with over nine-hundred years of history. Best known for its remarkably well-preserved Norman castle and as the birthplace of Henry VII, the town invites visitors to wander its main street, where historic buildings and hidden corners create plenty of interest and character.

Day 3

Made famous by the BBC television series 'A Garden Lost in Time', Aberglasney Gardens is one of Wales' finest gardens. Explore over ten acres with over twenty garden styles, from formal and woodland to exotic and modern. At the garden's heart lies the fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden, the only surviving example in the UK today. After exploring, we return to the hotel in Carmarthen, the legendary birthplace of the wizard Merlin, for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 4

After a leisurely morning to explore Carmarthen on market day, we head to Tenby this afternoon, a highlight of the Pembrokeshire Coast. Steeped in ancient history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall, Tenby is one of the most iconic towns on this stretch of coastline. Home to glorious golden beaches, a pastel-painted harbourside, cobbled streets and a ruined castle perched up high above the coast, it's clear why Tenby is a much-loved destination.

Day 5

We return home today via a visit to the Royal Mint Experience. Found on the outskirts of Cardiff, experience a fascinating insight into the history of UK coins and currency, including the opportunity to strike a personal memento! From here, we continue our journey home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner