A road trip planned by Martin Chandler over 11 days with 80 stops.
Countries: GBR
From 2026-03-30T23:00:00.000Z to 2026-04-09T23:00:00.000Z
Hindhead, Surrey, UK
M4, Chippenham, UK
Chepstow, UK
Cadw Free £10Chepstow Castle, situated on a limestone cliff above the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales, is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain, initiated in 1067 by William fitz Osbern. It features the oldest castle doors in Europe (c. 1190s), aNorman great tower, and extensive medieval defences managed by Cadw. Key Features and HistoryLocation & Significance: Located near the English border, it was a vital Norman stronghold in the Welsh Marches.Construction: Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, incorporating Roman brickwork from nearby Caerwent.Key Figures: Built by William fitz Osbern, later held by William Marshal, who fortified it, and eventually by the Earls of Pembroke and Norfolk.Oldest Doors: The original 12th-century wooden doors, clad in iron, are preserved inside the castle.Architecture: Stretches along a ridge with multiple baileys and a strong gatehouse, making it a "linear" fortress.Civil War & Later: Served as a garrison and prison, famously holding Civil War signer Henry Marten.
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Tredegar House Country Park Club Campsite is ideally located within a mile of the M4 motorway and only 12 miles from Cardiff. Complementing the house superbly is the Country Park itself, boasting a 17th century orangery, gardens, woodland and adventure playground open throughout the year. The 7-acre campsite boasts an exquisite ornamental lake and offers 79 generously sized pitches. Take the opportunity to visit Tredegar House - often described as one of the architectural wonders of Wales, and recognised as one of the most significant 17th century houses in the whole of the British Isles. The house is open between February and December.
Duffryn, Newport, UK
High Street, Caerleon, Newport, UK
free
High Street, Newport, UK
Cadw Free £5.60
Castle St, Caerphilly, UK
Cadw Free £11.90Caerphilly is the largest castle in Wales and Britain's second-largest after Windsor. Built mainly between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert de Clare, it features an advanced concentric design and extensive water defenses. A notable feature is its southeast tower, which leans at a greater angle than the Tower of Pisa. The castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh government's historic environment service. Key attractions and featuresConcentric defenses: As one of the first castles in Britain with a concentric design, it features a series of walls and artificial lakes for defense. This design, revolutionary for its time, allows visitors to see how multiple layers protected the fortress.The Leaning Tower: Located in the southeast corner of the inner ward, this tower has leaned by 10 degrees since the English Civil War in the 17th century. It is now reinforced but remains a distinctive and popular feature.Great Hall: Visitors can explore the magnificent Great Hall in the inner ward, which was a social and administrative center. It features a large fireplace and carved medieval details.Interactive exhibits: A maze and a dragon's den with a smoke-breathing dragon named Dewi offer an interactive experience, especially for children.Dragon statue: A 12-foot tall steel dragon statue stands guard over the castle's entrance and is a symbol of Welsh pride.Water defenses: The vast surrounding artificial lakes and moats, a marvel of medieval engineering, are largely intact and provide a picturesque backdrop.Wall walks: Visitors can walk the circuit of the castle to appreciate its size and enjoy views of the surrounding town.
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Cardiff, UK
Cadw free £10Castell Coch, or the ‘Red Castle’, rises up from the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr like a vision from a fairy tale. Yet these great towers with their unmistakable conical roofs only hint at the splendour within.Given free rein by the third Marquess of Bute, architect William Burges didn’t hold back. The highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings of Castell Coch make it a dazzling masterpiece of the High Victorian era.But it’s no exotic folly. Underneath the mock-medieval trappings you can still trace the impressive remains of a 13th-century castle, once used as a hunting lodge by the ruthless Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare.Castell Coch has been a plaything of the rich and powerful for over 700 years. Having lavished huge sums on it neither Gilbert de Clare nor the Marquess of Bute spent much time here.But it remains a magnificent vision of an imaginary medieval world – regularly voted by the public as their favourite building in Wales.
Llantwit Major, UK
With a large bedrock beach full of fossils and fertile rock pools, stunning rugged cliffs and rock formations, and all topped off with the majestic Nash Point Lighthouses. Whether you’re enjoying a ramble along this stretch of the Wales Coast Path, enjoying hot welsh cakes or delicious local ‘fablas’ ice cream from the café, or just stopped by to take in the views, Nash Point continues to wow visitors every day.Beneath the waves lay hundreds of shipwrecks dating back to Roman times. More notoriously, is the story of ‘The Frolic’ and early wooden steam vessel that came to grief on Nash Sands in 1831, claiming the lives of all 78 passengers on board. This tragedy was the last before the lighthouses at Nash Point were built in 1832.There are many local tales of smugglers and wreckers who would lure vessels onto rocks, attack the crew, and loot the cargo. On stormy nights, wreckers would attach lanterns to the grazing sheep on the cliff tops giving the illusion that they were sailing in safe waters when in fact they were on course to rocky shores. After 1832, the dependable light of the lighthouses meant that sailors had a reliable beacon to guide them safely away from the rocks.Nash Point is great place for spotting an exciting variety of wildlife species, from the endangered Tuberous Thistles, wild carrot and cabbage, to graceful fulmers flying overhead and playful porpoises in the turbulent water by the sand bank. (Look out for the bouy which marks the eastern edge of this massive sand bank.)
UK
Mumbles isa coastal village in Wales, often called the "gateway to the Gower Peninsula". It is known for its picturesque scenery, Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles Pier, and a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is located on the western edge of Swansea Bay and has a history tied to figures like Dylan Thomas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Location and Geography: Mumbles is a headland on the southern coast of Wales, at the entrance to the Gower Peninsula. It is part of the City and County of Swansea and includes areas like Blackpill, Langland, and Newton. The name is thought to come from the French word mamelles, meaning "breasts," referring to two islets. Attractions: Visitors can explore Oystermouth Castle, walk or cycle along the promenade, and visit Mumbles Pier, which features an amusement arcade. The area is also popular for its beaches, coastal walks, and the historic "Mumbles Mile" pub crawl. Culture and history: Mumbles has a rich history, including the world's first fare-paying passenger railway in 1807. The village is also the birthplace of actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and was a frequent haunt for writer Dylan Thomas.
Pont-Y-Cob Road, Gowerton, Swansea, UK
Penmaen, Swansea, SA3 2HB, United Kingdom
Penrice, Swansea, UK
Rhossili, Swansea, UK
Burry Port, UK
Castle Road, Kidwelly, UK
Cadw Free £8.50Kidwelly Castle, located in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, is a remarkably preserved 12th-century Norman stronghold overlooking the River Gwendraeth. Originally a wooden ringwork, it evolved into a powerful stone castle with a, distinctive semi-circular outer curtain wall and a, massive inner bailey. It is famous for featuring in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Key Details about Kidwelly Castle:History & Purpose: Built around 1106 by the Normans to defend against the Welsh, it was frequently attacked, including being besieged by Owain Glyndŵr in 1403.Architecture: Known for its "castle within a castle" design, featuring four round towers in the inner ward and a, towering 14th-century gatehouse finished around 1422.Location: Situated in Carmarthenshire, South Wales (SA17 5BQ).Significance: It is considered one of the best-preserved, most complete medieval fortresses in Wales.Key Features: Visitors can explore the well-preserved kitchen, the chapel, and the high curtain walls.The site serves as a, symbol of the enduring conflict between the Normans and Welsh, often associated with the Welsh princess Gwenllian, who fought against the Norman invaders in the 12th century.
Church Road, Carmarthen, UK
We are ideally situated in the heart of the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside. Our family owned and run campsite is set on 23 acres of picturesque Welsh meadows. With glorious nature walks surrounding our site and a short drive to the beach, we can offer everything that you will need for a fantastic holiday or mini break. Church House Farm Getaways is a family-owned and run campsite located in Llangain, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is a quiet, dog-friendly site set on 23 acres of meadows, with options for camping, caravans, motorhomes, and glamping pods. The owners, Bonnie and Shane, took over and refurbished the site in 2022.07508 235 952info@churchhousefarmgetaways.co.ukChurch House Farm,Church Road,Llangain,Carmarthenshire,Wales,SA33 5BB
Church Road, Carmarthen, UK
A4075, Tenby, UK
Celtic art, Cadw iconStanding an impressive 13ft/4m in height, this exceptional, intricately carved Celtic cross is believed to be a memorial to a fallen Welsh king. A Latin inscription on the base of the monument has been translated as ‘The Cross of Margiteut son of Etguin’, thought to be a reference to Mareddud, a descendent of law-maker Hywel Dda, who ruled the ancient kingdom Deheubarth and died in battle in 1035. Alongside the inscription, the cross is carved with elaborate patterns of knots and plaits.Ancient Celtic design at its finest, it has contemporary relevance as inspiration for our very own Cadw logo.
Upper Park Road, Tenby, UK
Park at Sainsbury’s.Tenby, located in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales, is a renowned, picturesque seaside town famous for its, pastel-coloured Georgian houses, medieval stone walls, and award-winning sandy beaches. Known as Dinbych y Pysgod ("Little Fortress of the Fish"), it offers a bustling, family-friendly harbor, coastal boat trips, and rich history, making it a popular year-round coastal destination. Key Features and Attractions: Three main beaches—North Beach (with its iconic harbor view), South Beach, and Castle Beach—provide ample space for relaxation and water sports.History & Architecture: The town is enclosed by 13th-century medieval town walls and features the remains of a 12th-century castle on Castle Hill. The streets are lined with brightly painted Georgian buildings.Harbour & Activities: The charming harbor is a hub for fishing and boat trips to the nearby Caldey Island. The town is also on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, offering scenic walks.Dining & Culture: Tenby is filled with independent shops, cozy cafes, and family-run restaurants, often featuring al fresco dining in the summer. What to Know Before You GoVibe: It is highly popular and can be crowded during summer, but it remains a cozy, scenic destination.Tenby is considered one of the most beloved coastal towns in Wales, perfect for both family holidays and romantic getaways. Tenby Castle, located on Castle Hill in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a 12th-century Norman fortification of which only a small tower and remnants of walls remain. Known for its dramatic clifftop views and proximity to the town’s well-preserved 13th-century walls, the site was crucial for defending against invaders before falling into disrepair. Key Details About Tenby Castle:Location & Structure: Situated on a rocky headland, the castle is surrounded on three sides by the sea. While the main stronghold is now in ruins, it once featured a stone tower, curtain wall, and a gateway.History: Built by the Normans in the 12th century, it was captured by the Welsh in 1153 and attacked again in 1187 and 1260. It also saw action in the Civil War, being held by Royalists in 1648.Attractions: Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, see old cannons, and visit the Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, which is located on the site.The Beacon: A statue of Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, stands on the summit of Castle Hill. Surrounding Defenses:While the castle itself is heavily ruined, the Tenby town walls (built largely in the 13th century) are among the most complete in Wales. These walls, along with a D-shaped barbican added in 1328, served as the town's primary defense as the castle's importance faded. St. Catherine's Island & Fort in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales is a historic tidal island featuring a Victorian Palmerston Fort, accessible by foot at low tide, offering panoramic views and rich history from 12th-century chapel ruins to a former zoo and filming location, now a popular visitor attraction managed by volunteers. Visitors explore its unique natural limestone landscape, wartime past, and wildlife, including rare birds, making it a significant local landmark and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Key FeaturesTidal Access: The island is a limestone outcrop only reachable from Castle Beachfor about 3 hours on either side of low tide.Fort History: Built in the 1860s to deter French invasion, it later served as a home, wartime garrison, and even a zoo, before falling into disrepair.Modern Attraction: Volunteers have restored parts of the fort, offering tours, a slide show, and highlighting its diverse history and wildlife (Choughs, Peregrines, Island Fox).Cultural Significance: It's a Grade II* listed property, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and appeared in the BBC's Sherlock. Visiting InformationOpening: Seasonal, dependent on weather and tide; check the official website for current times.Highlights: Panoramic views of Tenby, wildlife, historic fort interior, and tidal caves.
Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, UK
Freshwater East, Pembroke, SA71 5LY, United Kingdom
Pembroke, UK
Lamphey is a picturesque village in Pembrokeshire, Wales, situated 2 miles east of Pembroke. Famous for the 13th-century ruins of Lamphey Bishop's Palace, a luxurious former medieval retreat, it serves as a peaceful base for visiting nearby Freshwater East beach and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Pembroke, UK
Life couldn’t have been that hard for the medieval bishops of St Davids. These worldly, wealthy, influential men enjoyed their home comforts — as you’ll see when you wander around Lamphey’s palatial grounds, mainly the work of the dynamic Henry de Gower, bishop of St Davids from 1328 to 1347.The bishops used Lamphey as a country retreat, an escape from the burdens of Church and State. Although just a short distance from St Davids itself, it was a million miles away from the simple, strict life led by austere ‘Dewi the Waterdrinker’, St David, patron saint of Wales, who lived many centuries earlier.The medieval prelates would have led the privileged lives of country gentlemen, enjoying the luxuries of private accommodation, a grand great hall, first-floor chamber, fishponds, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and 144-acre/58ha park.
Castle Terrace, Pembroke, UK
Not CadwGuided tour at 11, 12, 13, 14 and 1500 About the castle: Located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Pembroke Castle is a formidable medieval fortress over 900 years old. It is set on the banks of a river estuary and is largely intact.Opening times: Pembroke Castle is open all year round, though the times vary by season.January–February and November–December: 10:00 to 16:00.March and September–October: 10:00 to 17:00.April–August: 09:30 to 17:30.The castle is closed on December 24th, 25th, and 26th, and January 1st.Admission tickets: Prices are for single-day admission and include free guided tours. As of late 2025, adult tickets are £11.00 (£12.10 with Gift Aid)
Angle, Pembroke, SA71 5AH, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Haverfordwest, UK
St Davids(Welsh: Tyddewi) is the smallest city in the UK, located in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. It is named after the patron saint of Wales, Saint David, who founded a monastery here in the 6th century. Key FeaturesSmallest City Status: St Davids has a population of around 1,800 people and an urban area no larger than a village; its city status, lost in 1886, was restored in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its cathedral's historical significance.A Place of Pilgrimage: The city has been a significant religious centre for centuries. In the 12th century, Pope Callixtus II decreed that two pilgrimages to St Davids were equal to one pilgrimage to Rome.Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: St Davids lies within the national park, offering access to dramatic coastal scenery, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and nearby Blue Flag beaches like Whitesands Bay.Davids Cathedral: The magnificent 12th-century cathedral, built from dusky purple sandstone, is the heart of the city and the final resting place of Saint David. It is open daily and free to visitors.St Davids Bishop's Palace: The impressive ruins of the medieval palace, located next to the cathedral, are a great place to explore the area's rich history. It is managed by Cadw and open to the public.St Non's Chapel and Holy Well: The traditional birthplace of Saint David, this peaceful spot on the clifftops offers spectacular sea views and is a popular stop on coastal walks.
St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
Abermawr:, UK
The Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy, Wales, is a popular spot for outdoor activities like coasteering and cliff diving. It is a stunning, rugged location known for its distinctive turquoise water. About the Abereiddy Blue LagoonLocation: The Blue Lagoon is an old, flooded slate quarry located on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Abereiddy, Wales.Appearance: Its namesake blue/turquoise water stands in stark contrast to the surrounding dark slate cliffs and rugged coastline.
Goodwick, UK
Strumble Head Lighthouse is an iconic 17-meter, automated lighthouse built in 1908 on the small island of Ynysmeicl, off the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. It guides ships between Ireland and Fishguard, featuring a 26-nautical-mile range and a distinctive white tower connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
Carreg Coetan, Newport, UK
This small chambered tomb from the New Stone Age is one of the best-preserved of a number of burial sites clustered along the slopes of the Nevern Valley. A large wedge-shaped capstone balances on two of its four original stone uprights. Excavations of the site have uncovered artefacts including Neolithic pottery, stone tools and cremated human bones.The ‘coetan’ part of its name is a reference to the game of quoits, often associated with monuments of this type. According to legend, King Arthur himself played the game with the stone of this tomb.
Nevern, Crymych, UK
Pentre Ifan is a famous Neolithic chambered tomb (dolmen) in Pembrokeshire, Wales, dating to around 3500 BC. It is one of the most iconic and best-preserved ancient monuments in Wales, known for its impressive, precariously balanced capstone.Skeletal remains of a Neolithic tomb in haunting locationPentre Ifan takes us back to Neolithic (New Stone Age) times, when our ancestors buried their dead in tombs such as this. What we see before us today are the bare bones of a chambered tomb that would originally have been covered with an earthen mound. The giant 16½ft/5m ‘capstone’ appears to be precariously balanced on three ‘uprights’, though it has remained in place for over 5,000 years.Pentre Ifan’s sense of mystery is heightened by its surroundings and backdrop. Its outline neatly frames the Preseli Hills towering above, source of the famous Pembrokeshire ‘bluestones’ that went into the making of Stonehenge as well as Pentre Ifan itself.
Church Road, Carmarthen, UK
UK
The Black Mountain Road Pass (A4069), often called the "Top Gear Road", is a renowned 20-23 mile scenic driving route in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales, connecting Llandovery and Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. It is famous for its hairpin turns, 493m elevation peak, and stunning moorland scenery, popular with car enthusiasts. Famous for the "Cuckoo Turn" hairpin, high-altitude views (up to 1,617 ft), and dramatic scenery in the western Brecon Beacons.
UK
Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (G-C-G) is a former mining village and community in Neath Port Talbot, South West Wales, known for its strong Welsh-speaking roots, rich industrial history in anthracite coal mining, and close-knit community near the Black Mountain. It boasts a scenic, rural-industrial landscape with extensive common land, including the nearby Tairgwaith area.
Llangadog, UK
"Bont Fawr" can refer to several things, most prominentlya historic, single-lane stone bridge over the River Conwy in Llanrwst, North Wales, and a village in Powys called Penybont-fawr. The bridge, meaning "The Big Bridge," was designed by Inigo Jones and built in 1636. Penybont-fawr is a rural village with a community council and various local amenities. Y Bont Fawr (The Big Bridge)Location: Spans the River Conwy in Llanrwst, North Wales.History: Built in 1636, funded by Sir Richard Wynn and designed by the renowned architect Inigo Jones.
UK
Llandovery is a market town and community in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It lies on the River Tywi and at the junction of the A40 and A483 roads.
UK
Merthyr Tydfil(Welsh: Merthyr Tudful) isa historic industrial town and county borough in South Wales, known for its rich heritage, dramatic countryside, and as an ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Name Origin: The name translates roughly to "Martyr Tydfil," after a 5th-century Christian princess who was martyred in the area.History: It was the world's number one iron and steel town until the 1850s and played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, with the Taff Vale Railway linking its ironworks to Cardiff docks.Modern Day: The town has undergone significant regeneration and is becoming a hub for outdoor activities and cultural events. It is also famously known as the location where trials for sildenafil (Viagra) were conducted, revealing its unforeseen effects. Things to See and DoMerthyr Tydfil offers a mix of history, outdoor adventure, and cultural attractions. Cyfarthfa Castle: A Grade-I listed castle that houses a museum and art gallery within a beautiful park. trail.Brecon Mountain Railway: A scenic journey on a historic steam train that runs into the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, UK
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, UK
49 mile circular route offers some of the most scenic and jaw dropping landscapes in the whole of Wales.
Llanvihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny, UK
Cadw Free EntryLlanthony Priory is a striking 12th-century ruined Augustinian monastery located in the remote Vale of Ewyas, within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Monmouthshire, WalesHistorical SignificanceFoundation: Originally founded as a hermitage by the Norman knight William de Lacy around 1100, it became a priory for Augustinian canons by 1118—the first of its kind in Wales.Conflict and Retreat: Due to persistent attacks from the local Welsh population, many monks retreated to Gloucester in 1135, where they founded Llanthony Secunda Priory.Medieval Splendour: The current ruins date primarily from a 12th and 13th-century rebuilding effort. At its peak, it was considered one of the greatest medieval buildings in Wales.Dissolution: The priory was suppressed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII and fell into ruin over the following centuries. Architectural FeaturesDesign: The ruins showcase a "transitional" style, blending Norman round-headed arches with Gothic pointed arches.Key Ruins: Visible remains include the great west towers, parts of the nave, and the intricately decorated red stonework of the choir and transepts.Stargazing: The site is officially recognised as one of the top ten sites for stargazing within the National Park.
Abergavenny, UK
Hereford, UK
Hay-on-Wye, located in Powys, Wales, is a renowned market town known as the "town of books" and the home of the world-famous annual Hay Festival. Situated on the River Wye near the Brecon Beacons, it features over twenty bookshops, a restored 13th-century castle, independent shops, and a vibrant Thursday market, making it a major literary and tourist hub.
UK
Clyro is a small, historic village and community in Powys, Wales, located about 1.5 miles northwest of the famous book town, Hay-on-Wye. Known for its quiet rural character, Roman history, and associations with diarist Rev. Francis Kilvert, the village features a 19th-century church, a local pub, and scenic walking trails near the River Wye.
Hereford, UK
Llowes is a small, historic village in Powys, Wales, located near the River Wye, about 3 miles from Hay-on-Wye. It is known for its quiet, rural landscape, St Meilig’s Church, and the 12th-century Llowes Castle Tump. The village is rich in local folklore, including legends of a giantess and early Christian history.
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, UK
Pontypool, UK
Blaenavon is a historic town in South Wales, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. It features the well-preserved 18th-century Blaenafon Ironworks and the Big Pit National Coal Museum, offering immersive,19th-century industrial landscapes, workers' cottages, and scenic mountain surroundings on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Key Attractions & HeritageBig Pit National Coal Museum: An underground coal mine tour that provides an authentic experience of a former working mine.Blaenavon Ironworks: Established in 1789, this site is a testament to the iron industry, featuring ruins of blast furnaces, a foundry, and the 1839 water balance tower.World Heritage Centre: Located in the former St Peter's School, it provides an introduction to the landscape's history.Blaenavon Heritage Railway: A scenic railway that operates along the eastern edge of the South Wales valleys.Landscape and Culture: The area includes preserved workers' housing, the Workmen's Hall, and natural sites like the Keepers Pond.Industrial Significance: The town was a global leader in iron and coal production, with its ironworks aiding in the development of tools, bridges, and ships.It is considered a complete 19th-century industrial landscape, showcasing the connection between raw material extraction (coal, iron ore, limestone) and production.The town is famous as the setting for Alexander Cordell's novel Rape of the Fair Country, which depicts the lives of the working class during the industrial era.
Blaenavon, Pontypool, UK
Raglan, Usk, UK
Cadw £10Welsh fortress-palace transformed into regal residenceThe unmistakable silhouette of Raglan crowning a ridge amid glorious countryside is the grandest castle ever built by Welshmen.We can thank Sir William ap Thomas, the ‘blue knight of Gwent’, for the moated Great Tower of 1435 that still dominates this mighty fortress-palace. His son Sir William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, created the gatehouse with its flared ‘machicolations’.These stone arches allowed missiles to be rained down on attackers. But Raglan came 150 years later than the turbulent heyday of castle-building. It was designed to impress as much as to intimidate.Under various earls of Worcester Raglan was transformed into a magnificent country seat with a fashionable long gallery and one of the finest Renaissance gardens in Britain. But loyalty to the crown was to prove its undoing.Despite a garrison of 800 men and one of the longest sieges of the Civil War, it fell to parliamentary forces and was deliberately destroyed. Among the looted treasures was a piece of Tudor wooden panelling, now proudly displayed in the visitor centre after being rescued from a cow shed in the 1950s.
Duffryn, Newport, UK
between Junction 11 and 12, M4 eastbound, Burghfield, Reading, UK
Hindhead, Surrey, UK
Pont-Y-Cob Road, Gowerton, Swansea, UK
An easy drive to the beautiful Gower Peninsula, Gowerton Club Campsite is ideally placed to visit this 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. With beaches that are clean, sandy and safe for swimming and surfing, to stunning costal and country walks the Gower in Wales is a must for all walkers and water sports enthusiast. Family friendly Oxwich, Caswell Bays, and the fabulous Rhossili, (voted one of the best beaches in Europe) are worth particular mention on this beautiful coast. This site really is the Gateway to the Gower, the perfect location for exploring the peninsula and around Swansea Bay.Although the immaculately kept Gowerton Club Campsite has its own treasures, you'll also find plenty to see inland.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Stackpole, Pembroke, UK
St. Govan's Head, Bosherston, UK
St Govan's Chapelisa medieval chapel built into the side of a limestone cliff on the Pembrokeshire coastline in Wales. It is located near the village of Bosherston and is known for its dramatic setting and the legends surrounding its founder, St. Govan.
Castlemartin, Pembroke, SA71 5HT, United Kingdom
The Elegug Stacks (also known as Stack Rocks) are two prominent limestone sea stacks located off the southwest coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, renowned for their dramatic geology and significant seabird colonies. The Welsh name "Elegug" literally means "guillemot," the primary bird species found nesting there.
Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, UK
Located within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Freshwater East Club Campsite offers more than just the fresh coastal air and warm sunshine. The park boasts many picturesque walks along the coastal path with stunning cliff top views. The campsite itself is flanked by trees on one side, with a mixture of grass and hardstanding tiered pitching areas to choose from.
St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
Cadw £5.60There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire.A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome – turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world. Thousands flocked to see the shrine of St David in the newly built cathedral.But the bishop’s home was no match for this magnificence. Enter Henry de Gower. Between 1328 and 1347 he turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace.The east range was his private domain. The south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.The Reformation marked the beginning of the end. In fact William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, may well have stripped the lead from the roofs himself to spark a slow decline. But even as a ruin this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.
St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
Nestled between three headlands of the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast, St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite, offers swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing from Whitesands Bay, just over a mile away from the site. Anglers can fish in the reservoirs or the sea, while birdwatchers will stand mesmerised by the enormous range of birds that can be seen on the offshore range of islands. Dedicated to the outdoor lover, this caravan site positively encourages you to explore the rich, luscious surroundings. In the unlikely event of boredom setting in at the St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite's Whitesands location, daily trips are available to Ramsey from St Justinians and to Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm from Martin's Haven, (about 20 miles down the coast from the campsite). Get those binoculars ready for you may see seals, puffins and thousands of nesting seabirds that live on the many locations in and around Whitesands.
Castle Hill, Carmarthen, UK
Free EntryCarmarthen Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerfyrddin) is a ruined medieval fortress located in the heart of Carmarthen, Wales. Once the headquarters of Norman government in south-west Wales, it was one of the largest and most strategically significant castles in the country. Today, it is a Grade I listed building that houses the town's Tourist Information Centre and a small museum. Visiting InformationThe castle is located in the town centre at Nott Square and is freely accessible to the public during daylight hours. Admission: Free.Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 – 16:00, Monday to Saturday.Key Features:The Gatehouse: A massive 14th-century twin-towered structure that dominates the town's main square.The Shell Keep: Located on the original motte (mound), it offers panoramic views of the River Tywi.Castle House: A Victorian building within the walls that serves as the Carmarthen Heritage Centre and museum.Interactive Displays: Audio presentations and information boards detail the castle's history. Historical SignificanceFounding: Built by King Henry I around 1105 as a timber motte-and-bailey castle on the site of a former Roman fort (Moridunum).Rebuilding: Converted into a stone fortress in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by figures such as William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke.The Tudors: It is the place where Edmund Tudor, father of King Henry VII, died in 1456 while being held prisoner during the Wars of the Roses.Demolition: Much of the interior was demolished in the late 18th century to build a County Gaol (jail), which was itself later replaced by the current County Hall in the 1930s.
Church Road, Carmarthen, UK
Welcome to Church House Farm Getaways.We are ideally situated in the heart of the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside. Our family owned and run campsite is set on 23 acres of picturesque Welsh meadows. Church House Farm Getaways is a family-owned and run campsite located in Llangain, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is a quiet, dog-friendly site set on 23 acres of meadows, with options for camping, caravans, motorhomes, and glamping pods. The owners, Bonnie and Shane, took over and refurbished the site in 2022.07508 235 952info@churchhousefarmgetaways.co.ukChurch House Farm,Church Road,Llangain,Carmarthenshire,Wales,SA33 5BB
UK
Abergavenny(Welsh: Y Fenni) isa historic market town in Monmouthshire, Wales, often referred to as the "Gateway to Wales" due to its location near the English border and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It is nestled where the River Usk and a smaller tributary, the Gavenny, meet, surrounded by seven mountains and hills, including the prominent Sugar Loaf and Blorenge. Known as a "foodie Mecca," Abergavenny is famous for its annual Food Festival held every September, which attracts top chefs and food enthusiasts from across the UK. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, regular markets, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for visitors. Abergavenny offers a variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore the ruins of an 11th-century Norman castle and its museum. The town is also a base for outdoor activities, including hiking the surrounding mountains like the Sugar Loaf, Blorenge, and Skirrid Fawr, and accessing the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. St Mary's Priory Church, known for its medieval architecture and Jesse Tree statue, is another key site. The Victorian Market Hall hosts various markets throughout the week, including a farmers' market. Nearby, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers insight into Welsh industrial history. Abergavenny also has notable dining options, such as the award-winning afternoon tea at The Angel Hotel and the Michelin-recommended restaurant The Hardwick.
Abergavenny, UK
Pantygelliisa small hamlet in Monmouthshire, South Wales, located near Abergavenny, nestled between the Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains. It is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, known for its scenic trails and the historic pub, The Crown at Pantygelli.
Abergavenny, UK
Llanvihangel Crucorney(Welsh: Llanfihangel Crucornau) isa small village in the community of Crucorney, Monmouthshire, Wales, known for its historic buildings and scenic location on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is located approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Abergavenny on the A465 road. Key Features and AttractionsLocation and Landscape: The village lies at the entrance to the Vale of Ewyas, with the distinctive Skirrid mountain (Ysgyryd Fawr) a prominent local landmark just to the south. The area is popular with hill walkers, with the Offa's Dyke Path and Beacons Way long-distance trails passing nearby.Historic Buildings: The area is rich in history, featuring several Grade I listed buildings.Llanvihangel Court: A historic, Grade I listed Tudor manor house dating from the 16th century, described as "the most impressive and richly decorated house of around 1600 in Monmouthshire". It is open to the public on certain days during the summer months.The Skirrid Mountain Inn: Reputed to be one of the oldest public houses in Wales, with a history tracing back to at least 1110 and a reputation for being one of the UK's most haunted pubs. It offers food and accommodation.St Michael and All Angels Church: The parish church is of Norman origin and features surviving medieval elements, including an original Norman font.
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, UK
The Rivers Edge offers a relaxed holiday spot to suit families and solo travellers, ideally located on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park with miles of trails and scenic views all around. Tourers have the option of grass or hardstanding pitches, each with an electric hook up. An onsite pub serves tasty food and drink, and has a beer garden.
Hereford, UK
Glasbury(Welsh: Y Clas-ar-Wy), or Glasbury-on-Wye, is a village and community in Powys, Wales, located near the River Wye and the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is known for its crossing point over the river, historic homes like Maeslough Castle, and as a popular center for outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Brecon, UK
Three Cocks (Welsh: Aberllynfi) is a village in Powys, Wales. It is renowned for the historic 500-year-old Three Cocks Coaching Inn, featuring three birds on its sign, and acts as a gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park and Black Mountains.
Brecon, UK
Talgarth is a charming, historic market town located in Powys, Mid Wales, nestled between the Black Mountains and the River Ennig within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Known for its restored watermill, local food, and scenic walking trails, it serves as an ideal, quiet base for exploring the region
Brecon, UK
Pengenffordd is a small hamlet and village in Powys, Wales, located on the A479 road within the Black Mountains in the eastern Brecon Beacons National Park. Known as the "gateway to the Black Mountains," it is famous for the Dinas Castle Inn, the starting point for the scenic "Dragon’s Back" walk to Waun Fach and the historic Castell Dinas.
Tretower, Crickhowell, UK
Cadw £10Two-in-one architectural wonder spans 900 years of historyThe clue’s in the name. So striking was the massive circular tower built by Roger Picard II that his castle became known as Tretower – or ‘the place of the tower’.Over two centuries, from about 1100, the Picards transformed themselves from invading Norman adventurers to powerful Welsh lords.So this monumental tower with four storeys and stone walls nine feet thick wasn’t merely for protection. It was social climbing made visible, an open imitation of the castles at Pembroke and Skenfrith.It would be remarkable enough on its own. But Tretower is two wonders in one. Just across the castle green lies an entire medieval court that became a byword for magnificence.It was the creation of Sir Roger Vaughan and his descendants. During the Wars of the Roses Sir Roger became one of the most powerful men in Wales – and Tretower reflected his fame.It became a magnet for medieval Welsh poets who drank its fine wines and sang the praises of its generous host. Now, thanks to meticulous restoration, you can vividly imagine being one of Tretower’s most honoured guests.You’ll find the great hall laid out just as it might have been for a lavish feast in the 1460s. In the recreated 15th century garden you can stroll among fragrant white roses that symbolise Sir Roger’s passionate Yorkist sympathies.
UK
Crickhowell is a picturesque, award-winning market town in the Usk Valley, South Wales, situated within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Renowned for its independent high street, Georgian architecture, and 13th-century castle ruins, it is a popular base for hiking in the Black Mountains and along the River Usk.
UK
Abergavenny, known as the "Gateway to Wales" and Y Fenni in Welsh, is a historic market town in Monmouthshire, South East Wales. Situated at the confluence of the River Usk and the Gavenny, it is surrounded by seven hills and serves as a popular, foodie-friendly base for exploring the nearby Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. Key Aspects of Abergavenny:Food & Drink: Known for the prestigious annual Abergavenny Food Festival in September, the town is a hub for local produce, farmers' markets, and high-quality restaurants.Location & Outdoors: Situated inside the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, it offers direct access to hiking, cycling, and walking on the surrounding peaks: the Blorenge, Sugar Loaf, and Skirrid Fawr.History & Heritage: Founded as the Roman fort of Gobannium, it later became a medieval walled town. It features ruins of a 1087 Norman Castle and a medieval priory church.Markets & Shopping: As a traditional market town, it holds regular markets (Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays) and a monthly farmer's market. The town centre features many independent shops and boutiques.
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DL, Wales, UK
This Monmouthshire pub site is great for walkers looking for a stopover and families searching for a summer getaway to the great outdoors. Set on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, the site is within easy reach of lots of trails including the Offa's Dyke path, just 20 minutes away. For campervans, trailer tents, roof tents, tourers and motorhomes, there are 16 amp electric hook up pitches. Simply choose between grass or hardstanding! The friendly onsite pub has an extensive menu of food and drink, so what better way to end a day of hiking around the Brecons than with a tasty home-cooked meal? The pub also hosts evening entertainment on weekends, including live singers and quiz nights. Enjoy stunning countryside views from your pitch with surrounding farmland and vistas of the Black Mountain! There is an access gate for keen walkers who wish to walk along the river through the farmland, this is only there for the park visitors and public access is not permitted. You'll also be ten minutes from Abergavenny, the foodie hub of Monmouthshire. Or, if you are looking for a bit more adventure, head to the Brecons or the Offa's Dyke Path, just a 20 minute walk away. Very close to the very popular attraction of Dirt Farm, perfect for those adrenaline seekers! There are two access points to the site, one for vehicles which is secured with a barrier and passes are provided upon arrival. There is a separate gated entrance for those arriving on foot. Please note, the site is quiet outside of peak holidays and bank holidays, but like all beauty spots and popular destinations, it does get busier during the school holidays and when the sun is shining. Fires are not permitted but BBQs are allowed as long as they are raised from the ground. Dogs are welcome just please ensure that they are kept on a lead at all times and picked up after so the open space can be used by everyone.
Tintern, UK
Cadw FreeTintern Abbey is a renowned, roofless 12th-century Cistercian monastery located on the banks of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. Founded in 1131, its dramatic Gothic ruins are a major historic landmark, recognized as a symbol of the sublime and a masterpiece of British Gothic architecture, managed by Cadw. Key Details and HistoryFoundation: Established in 1131 by Walter de Clare, lord of Chepstow, it was the first Cistercian foundation in Wales and second in Britain.Architecture: The current, expansive ruins represent a 13th-century rebuild (started 1269) of the original, more modest structure, showcasing high Gothic style, including the impressive west front with a seven-lancet window.Dissolution: The abbey was surrendered to King Henry VIII in 1536 during the dissolution of the monasteries, after which it became a ruin.Romantic Symbol: In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a popular tourist attraction, famously inspiring artists and poets, including William Wordsworth's poem "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey".Location: Situated in the village of Tintern in the Wye Valley, near the border with England. Today, visitors can walk through the remains of the church, cloisters, and chapter house, which are known for their picturesque, romantic, and tranquil setting.
Duffryn, Newport, UK
30 Mar 2026 - 9 Apr 2026
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Pont-Y-Cob Road, Gowerton, Swansea, UK
Pont-Y-Cob Road, Gowerton, Swansea, UK
Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, UK
Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, UK
St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
St Davids, Haverfordwest, UK
Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DL, Wales, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
Duffryn, Newport, UK
between Junction 11 and 12, M4 eastbound, Burghfield, Reading, UK