Monmouth

Monmouth is a small market town in Wales in the county of Monmouthshire. It is very close to the border of England. The Romans and later the Normans built fortified settlements here and Monmouth is the birth place of King Henry V.

Monmouth today is a popular local tourist destination in the Wye Valley. It has a busy high street with a selection of well known brands and a fair share of independent traders. The statue by the Town Hall is that of Charles Rolls the famous Rolls Royce car makers.

There are some good restaurants, bars and cafes in the town and although parking can be tricky at weekends there are two or three large car parks at each end of the main high street. 

For more photos of Monmouth click here or view on You Tube

Tenby

Tenby is one of Britain's most attractive holiday resorts. Surrounded by a 13th century wall, this unique Victorian town has escaped modernisation. The narrow cobbled streets with a variety of good restaurants, shops, pubs, the picturesque harbour with its fishing trips, and the nearby Caldey Island, all add to its popularity.

Tenby is without doubt one of the most popular resorts in Wales. Its name in Welsh, Dynbych-y-pysgod, means 'The little fort of the fishes'. Tenby used to be a fishing village but tourism is now its main industry. The South and North beach provide excellent bathing from beautiful sandy beaches and watersports are popular here. The coastal path is a scenic route showing South Pembrokeshire in all its glory and linking many of its beaches and coves.

The Tenby Museum and Gallery was founded in 1878 and is situated on the site of the old castle overlooking Castle Beach. The exhibits and information cover the geology and archaeology of Pembrokeshire, a history of the development of Tenby and an art gallery.

After the civil war, the plague of 1650-1651 killed off more than half of the population of Tenby. This had a devasting effect on the once prosperous and successful trading town and many of the buildings became empty, abandoned and destroyed. The town remained poor and in a state of decay for over a hundred years until the mid 18th century when seaside resorts became the destination of the wealthy and doctors recommended the sea air as a cure to all manner of ailments.

Caldey Island is certainly worth a visit. Advertised as an island of peace and tranquillity, with unspoiled beauty, it is just three miles away from Tenby and regular daily boat trips take tourists across the calm waters. The monastery which is owned by the Reformed Cistercian Order, supports a community of around 20 monks. The island has good sandy beaches and excellent walks, some shops selling the island produce and a post office.

If you are looking for a place to put your feet up for a week or so and want to avoid too much travel on your holiday then Tenby is the ideal location.

For more photographs of Tenby click here or view on You Tube

 

Swansea

Swansea is the home town of several famous people. Catherine Zeta Jones comes from Swansea as does the poet Dylan Thomas. Just a few miles away, the Victorian seaside resort of Mumbles provides the Gateway to Gower, Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Swansea is a vibrant city with a spectacular Maritime Quarter and a golden sand coastline, nestling under the Severn hills it is a hive of activity with something to cater for all tastes. The surfing, watersports, hiking and rock climbing activities for the sport fanatics and a busy night scene with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Swansea is a maritime city and its bayside marina and the international award winning Maritime Quarter is a complex of culture and entertainment. Here you have museums, theatres, art galleries, a hotel, restaurants and a breathtaking view of the bay. The Maritime Quarter is a truly remarkable experience and a credit to the city of Swansea.

For more information about Swansea take a look at: www.swansea.gov.uk

South Wales

Wales has a little of something for everyone. Noted for its breathtaking scenic countryside, hiking and the great outdoors, Wales is also steeped in history and culture. Welsh is spoken by about a fifth of the population, more common in the North and in rural areas it can be seen on most signs and almost all travel leaflets which are in both languages.

Wales has many castles and fabulous landscapes that can change rapidly from lush rolling hills of greenery to mountain ranges and spectacular lakes. The coastal landscape is also amazing in its diversity and teeming with a wide range of bird life and ocean animals such as seals and dolphins. Wide sandy beaches and numerous coves make it a travellers delight.

In this trip we took a motor home across the Severn Bridge and hugged the coastline all the way to Aberystwyth before turning inland and making our way back towards the midlands. The weather was warm though at times cloudy. This route takes about a week. To follow the coast route we took, use the list on the left hand side of this page.

So which parts would we recommend most? Well the whole trip was an enjoyable experience and we would have liked more time in Cardiff and Swansea amongst other places, rather than just passing through in transit. However, Saundersfoot and Tenby have to rate highly on the list of favourite places in South Wales and the Pembrokeshire coast and countryside was spectacular.

Take a look at each of the places in turn. There are plenty of photographs and information on each location. If you are looking for more specific information about Wales then you might like to take a look at: www.ivisitwales.com

Snowdon

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and higher than any mountain in England. Snowdon is 1,085 metres high ( 3,560 feet ). This is probably one of the most famous mountains in the UK and certainly the most visited. Many hikers choose to walk to the summit or travel up by the mountain railway and walk down.

There are actually several footpaths around Snowdonia that approach it from almost every angle so the scenery and views will change depending on the route you take.

The original Snowdon Mountain Railway was first opened in 1896. The once tired cafe and visitor centre on the summit is being replaced a brand new cafe and visitor centre costing over £8 million. It is due to open in the summer of 2009.

In peak season the Snowdon Mountain Railway is very popular so make sure you book in advance rather than be disappointed on the day. Snowdonia National Park is the third most visited national park in England and Wales. Over 6 million visitors come here each year to marvel at its natural beauty.

There is plenty to do right on the doorstep of Snowdon. The nearby Llanberis village offers a spectacular lake. The Llanberis Lake Railway is a unique experience which offers wonderful views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

There is also the Welsh Slate Museum and historic Dolbadarn Castle nearby as well as the  on the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre.

Snowdon and Snowdonia National Park is the sort of place where you could easily spend a week or more. Anything less than a long weekend is not doing it justice.
 
More details can be found at: www.snowdonia-wales.net/

For more photographs of Snowdon click here or view on You Tube

National Slate Museum

The National Slate Museum is close to Snowdon and is a popular visitor attraction. This used to be a working slate quarry and the workshops in which the historic collection is held used to serve the needs of the quarry and its locomotives.

The Llanberis Lake Railway runs from the museum along the lakeside. Since receiving a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund the museum has re-opened with multi media displays and a variety of exhibits that depict life as it was for the men who quarried slate here in the 1870's.

The museum has a large working waterwheel which is the largest in Britain. Across the hills the visitor can see where slate has been mined and mining buildings and equipment can be seen in abundance here.

 

Recent additions to the site include four quarrymen's cottages which were rescued from demolition in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The houses each reflect various dates from the history of the quarry.

Welsh slate is reputed to be the toughest slate product in the world, having a longer lifecycle when compared to other slates. Slate from Wales has been shipped all over the world and many houses overseas have slate roofing made from Welsh Slate. Souvenirs in the form of various slate products can be purchased here.


More details can be found at: www.museumwales.ac.uk/

For more photographs of the National Slate Museum click here or view on You Tube

Severn Bridge

Opened by the Queen on the 8th September 1966, the Severn Bridge replaced a ferry service and opened up a fast and efficient means of crossing from England to Wales at a point where the River Severn is around a mile wide. A spectacular feat of engineering the Severn Bridge has carried more than 300,000,000 vehicles since it opened.

The Severn Bridge actually spans the Severn Estuary and the River Wye so it is in fact two bridges. With increased congestion, closures due to high winds and accidents it was decided that a second bridge would be needed to cope with the increased traffic flow. The photos that you see here are taken whilst crossing the bridge, that is, the original Severn Bridge on the M4.

In 1992 Royal Assent was given which enabled the concession and construction of the new bridge which was opened by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales on 5th June 1996. 

For more photos of the Severn Bridge click here




 

Saundersfoot

Saundersfoot used to be a small fishing village. There was also some shipbuilding here. In the 1800's Saundersfoot became very popular with the black gold rush when high quality anthracite was found locally. This coal was in demand and in 1829 a whole new harbour was built and railways shipped the coal to the harbour from six mines.

With the decline of coal sales and other more profitable coal mining operations both in the UK and abroad, the mining ceased and Saundersfoot became a popular tourist destination.

This is one of the most visited tourist resorts in Wales along with its equally if not more popular neighbour, the town of Tenby, some 3 miles away. The countryside and scenery is fabulous and the shopping and recreational facilities superb. Be sure to visit the fish market and the local butcher who has won several awards and sells the freshest and most succulent Welsh lamb that you will ever come across.

For more photographs of Saundersfoot click here


 

Rhyl

Rhyl is a town in the county of Denbighshire. It used to be a Victorian resort and is still a popular destination today. Much of the holiday  accommodation tends to be found in the caravan parks along the coast road.

The population of Rhyl has changed dramatically over the years. During the early nineteenth century it was a small village with a population of around 300. During the Victorian era it became quite fashionable as a tourist resort and today it has a population of around 25,000 people.

Rhyl used to have a famous pavilion, an ornate building with five domes which unfortunately was demolished in the 1970's. Today there is the Sky Tower and a Childrens Village Theme Park. Rhyl has its own iundoor leisure swimming pool, an indoor monorail and an indoor surfing pool.

Efforts are being made to boost tourism with a number of projects which have included the £85 million Ocean Plaza complex and plans to re-develop the promendade area and re-open the town's miniature railway. The promenade and Drift Park are impressive and add a new dimension to the town.

The beaches here are excellent and stretch for seven miles making this an ideal location for any family holiday. All the traditional thrills and spills of a British seaside resort can be found here and there is something for everyone.

More details can be found at: www.rhyl-prestatyn.co.uk/

Port Talbot

Port Talbot in the borough of Neath is located on the eastern side of Swansea Bay. It is 8 miles from Swansea and is often in the news because of the large steelworks plant - The Port Talbot Steelworks, a major employer in the area. It has been under the threat of closure for many years. 

For more photographs of Port Talbot click here

Portmeirion

Portmeirion is famous as the location for the 1960's series The Prisoner.There is a dedicated shop to the Prisoner following that still holds its annual get together at Portmeirion each year. This inspiring Italian style village is just two miles from Porthmadog. It has been used on a number of film sets for various productions.

The village was designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis and intended to caputure the atmosphere of the mediterranean. The village was built over a period of 50 years, having been completed in 1975. A visit to Portmeirion is a truly unique experience and there is nothing else like this anywhere in the UK.

Today Portmeirion is a charitable trust as well as a busy tourist attraction. The complex features a hotel and self catering cottages along with shops, eating facilities and a pottery gallery.

This is a true family day out since children and adults alike will marvel and the wonderful almost enchanting character of the village and its slightly out of place environment of the Welsh countryside.

The gardens and woodlands are extensive and definately worth visiting. Of particular interest will be the lake, Chinese Pagoda and bridge, along with the castle grounds. All the walks provide the visitor with interesting views at every turn and the village itself comes to an abrupt end at a spectacular sandy inland beach on the Dwyryd estuary.

Castell Deudraeth was added to the Portmeirion complex in 2001 and has been completely renovated along with its beautiful gardens. Portmeirion now has the facilities for weddings and conferences.

No trip to North Wales could be complete without a visit to Portmeirion.
 
More details can be found at: www.portmeirion-village.com/

For more photographs of Portmeirion click here or view on You Tube

 

Porthcawl

Porthcawl is a popular seaside resort in South Wales. The beaches are clean and there are sandy beaches at Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay and Rest Bay.

Porthcawl is popular with surfers and a paradise for watersports. The town has excellent facilities and has gone through a transformation in recent times with improvements to the sea front, harbour and town centre.

The Grand Pavilion situated on Porthcawl’s seafront and the Porthcawl Museum are definately worth seeing.

Port Eynon

Port Einon is a pretty little village with a nice sandy beach. A local shop with two fish and chip shops ( almost side by side ) are clear indications that this is a popular resort during the summer months. There are several large camping sites nearby and some excellent hiking paths.

Oysters were once caught in great quantities at Port Einon. There is also the remains of a salt house where evidence of locals having to battle to keep back the approaching sea can be seen in the sea wall that surrounds the enclosure.

For more photographs of Port Eynon ( Einon ) click here


 

Pendine Sands

On 25th September 1924 the world land Speed record was broken by Malcolm Campbell in the V12 Sunbeam Bluebird at an average speed of 146.163 mph. Pendine sands in Camarthenshire is known around the world for its land speed records and it has one of the longest stretches of beach in the UK. It is actually seven miles in length. Malcolm Campbell was to break the record on three separate occassions at Pendine sands.

Unfortunately, in 1927 J.G. Parry Thomas was killed trying to beat Campbell's new record of 175 m.p.h. The vehicle in which he made this attempt was excavated and fully restored in 1969.

The popular Resorts of Saundersfoot and Tenby are close by. This beach is popular with families who can find a variety of sea shells and rocks, small fish and rock pools and even some caves.

Facilities are good with local cafes and gift shops selling souvenirs and there is also a Museum of Speed which is dedicated to the speed land record attempts at Pendine Sands. Entry is free and it is worth a visit, located right on the beach entrance with ample parking available.

For more photographs of Pendine Sands click here

 

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is renowned for its breathtaking coastline and sandy beaches. This is a seaside paradise and an idyllic place for a great beach holiday. However, thats not all that Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Whilst the South Coast of England might be crowded and congested this is certainly not the case in Pembrokeshire. With its fabulous landscape and unique Welsh villages, the countryside is captivating and enchanting. It is unspoilt and a perfect place to unwind and forget about the stress of city living.

Almost a third of Pembrokeshire is in the National Park which includes almost all of the coast. The coastline is habitat for a variety of sea birds and wildlife that is not generally found elsewhere in the UK in such numbers. Seals, porpoises and dolphins frequent this coastline and can often be seen with a little patience.

Many of the coastal towns and villages are featured here in the links but if you click on the photographs section you can see some of the coastal and countryside scenes captured on this trip around the Welsh Coast.

For more photographs of Pembrokeshire click here




 

Pembroke Dock

Before 1814 Pembroke Dock was known as Paterchurch and was little more than a small fishing village. The Royal Navy at Milford Haven decided to move their shipbuilding further inland from the mouth of the estuary and Paterchurch was selected as the most ideal location. This decision transformed Paterchurch into a town and the thriving dockyard produced a great number of ships before its closure in 1926.

In 1938 the dockyard, now under the Air Ministry, received its first Sunderland flying boat and the flying boats operated from Pembroke Dock until as late as 1957. During the second world war it was the world's largest flying boat base.

Pembroke Dock today is a ferry port and with good mooring and watersport facilities for tourists. The Gun Tower Museum is a popular destination for those seeking historic information and it has a collection of military heritage displays and equipment.





 

Ogmore by Sea

Ogmore by Sea is a small village on the coast. There is a nearby castle, beautiful sandy beach and magnificent countryside nearby. Horse riding and hiking are popular in this area.

For more photographs of Ogmore by Sea click here



 

Offas Dyke

Offa's Dyke separated the Anglian kingdom of Mercia from the Welsh Kingdom of Powys. King Offa of Mercia built the structure as a defence against attacks from the Welsh.

King Offa is recognised as one of the leading rulers of the Anglo-Saxon era. To have built such an embankment would have taken many years and much organisation. It would still have been under construction in 800 AD and is reputed to have stretched from sea to sea.

A good place to view Offa's Dyke and find out about its history is Knighton which is on the border between Shropshire and Powys. There is a dedicated visitor centre here and some of the best remains of the Offa's Dyke.
 
More details can be found at: www.offasdyke.demon.co.uk/

New Quay

New Quay was a fishing port and like many areas along the coast it saw its fair share of smuggling. Shipbuilding became important during the mid nineteenth century and tourism is now the main source of income for this community. There is some fishing and a shellfish processing plant and boat trips along the coast can be taken from the harbour.

This is a picturesque village with a good variety of pubs and restaurants to cater for all tastes. With its narrow side streets and fabulous cliff top views of Cardigan Bay its easy to see why this is a popular tourist destination. Dylan Thomas lived in New Quay in 1944 and the Dylan Thomas Trail takes visitors to many of the places that are believed to be mentioned in 'Under the Milk Wood'.

A number of safe, clean and sandy beaches make this an ideal family resort. There is no shortage of good accommodation and visitors might be lucky enough to see seals or dolphins. The coastline is also home to a wide variety of bird life.

For more information on this idyllic location take a look at:

www.newquay-westwales.co.uk

Newport

Newport is a very popular destination with tourists. It is a small town with a good stretch of sand and one of the best beaches in North Pembrokeshire.

Traditionally a fishing community and a thriving port, Newport was also was noted for ship building and the export of herrings. The main industry today is that of tourism. The estuary has silted up and only small pleasure boats now use this once popular port.

The town has its own castle wich was built in the 13th century. In 1859 the gatehouse and one of the towers were converted into a home and the castle remains in private ownership. It is not open to the public. Newport is well known for its nearby famous site of Pentre Ifan which is just 3 miles away and a Neolithic chambered tomb with three stones supporting a huge rock suspended over them.

For more photographs of Newport click here