Things to do in

Wye Valley

Discover the highlights of South East Wales on this full-day trip from Cardiff. See sights such as the ancient Roman remains of Caerleon, the ruins of the Abbey of Tintern, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Meet your guide in Central Cardiff and set out to your first stop, Caerleon Roman town. See the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the legionary barracks. Follow the Wye Gorge towards Tintern and stop briefly to visit Tintern Abbey, a sight made famous by painter JWM Turner. Continue up through the gorge and the spectacular Forest of Dean to Monmouth and Rockfield. Next, enter the Brecon Beacons National Park in the beautiful Black Mountains, visiting the hidden church of St.Issu. Stopping in the little market town of Crickhowell for lunch (not included). Brecon Town, home of the Army in Wales, with its canal and Cathedral. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the fast running waters of a beautiful mountain stream. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Pen y Fan and Corn Ddu, South Wales' highest peaks, check your reflection in the reservoirs of Talybont and Pontsticill. In Merthyr Tydfil, cradle of the Welsh industrial revolution, discover the beginnings of train travel, following the river Taff for our return to Cardiff in the late afternoon. Example Itinerary, weather and other conditions can dictate route taken.

Discover South Wales in the company of a historian and native Welsh speaker, on this guided tour from Cardiff. After being picked up from your hotel, be whisked away to the countryside. Get a breakdown of the Welsh language and gain a deeper insight into culture. Continue to Tintern Abbey, a national icon that is still standing in roofless splendor on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace. Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a medieval abbey have inspired artists, poets, and travelers. Then, enjoy a walk around the market town and visit Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Enjoy its stunning setting overlooking the River Wye and spend an hour here. Finally, visit the 13th-century Caerphilly Castle, Wales' largest and Britain's second-largest castle behind Windsor. As you marvel at its massive walls, towers, and gatehouses, see how it stands out from other Welsh castles.

The cost of this tour includes entry to all the locations visited. We will have an hour or more at each attraction with travelling time making up the rest of the nine hours. Our lunch location will be at a small cafe in Tintern. You will travel in a modern and luxurious fully electric vehicle, limited to a maximum of seven passengers, in the company of your driver guide, Andy, who is a Mountain Leader and a Green Badged Tourist Guide, an ambassador for many areas of Wales and a Visit Wales Pro. Oh, and amongst other things tourism and adventure, he’s also been chair of Brecon Beacons Tourism and a Brecon Beacons National Park Warden. Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre is our first stop. A fine example of a spot once used for combat and games and perhaps even is the fabled round table from the King Arthur legend. We then visit the two museums in Caerleon, the National Legionary Museum and the Roman Baths. Next stop is Chepstow Castle, which is is magnificent. Once inside its walls, you'll feel yourself taken back in time and perhaps imagine being a Lord or Lady from times past. Tintern Abbey is glorious! Its ruins are a testament to a troubled past but now, in the Wye Valley, it is quiet and contemplation that is most often experienced. Caerphilly Castle is quite remarkable! It has a leaning tower, just like Pisa. A rather fine example of a moated castle with much of its towers and walls intact. Castell Coch is our final destination and it's a beauty. Renovated by the Victorians, it is gorgeous both inside and out. Know Before You Go This tour will take place rain or shine There is leisurely walking on this tour including optional spiral staircases in the castles We will visit spots with the most astounding views and many interesting features on our journey. You will be able to spend time with the guide at each location, as they walk and talk about Wales, its history and culture or you are free to self-explore. We will return to Cardiff around 6 pm and likely a little earlier.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Cardiff city with a day tour to explore the stunning cliffs, beaches, castles, and local history of the surrounding areas. Begin your day at Castell Coch, a fairytale castle nestled in the woods. Take your time exploring this beautifully preserved building, rich in history, with its stunning decorations, paintings, and period furniture. Next, enjoy a stroll through St. Fagans National Museum of History, one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The museum offers a glimpse into Welsh life through history with over 40 re-erected buildings, including farmhouses, a school, a chapel, and workshops. Discover St. Fagans Castle, surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens, including formal Italian gardens, fishponds, and a rose garden. Visitors can explore the stunning interiors, which are decorated to reflect various periods in its history. Then, take a look at the ruins of Ogmore Castle, featuring parts of the stone keep, a curtain wall, and a gatehouse. The site is particularly noted for its picturesque location next to the river, where stepping stones allow visitors to cross when the water is low. Afterward, spend some time at Dunraven Bay, a popular destination known for its impressive limestone cliffs and rock pools. The beach is a favorite among photographers, offering scenic views and breathtaking sunsets. It's also an excellent spot for fossil hunting, with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period. Marvel at the cliffs of Nash Point, part of the Wales Coast Path, which offers spectacular walking routes with breath-taking views of the Bristol Channel. Nash Point is a haven for birdwatchers, with various seabirds nesting in the cliffs. Take a closer look at Nash Point Lighthouse, an iconic 19th-century structure built to warn ships of the perilous coastline. Throughout January, we will stop at Caerphilly Castle instead of Castell Coch, as Castell Coch is closed during this time of year. Finally, sit back and enjoy the ride back to Cardiff to the designated meeting point, concluding a day filled with exploration and discovery.

Escape Cardiff for a day and discover the best spots of the Gower Peninsula, one of Wales' five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As you journey toward Swansea, your first stop of the day, delve into the history of Wales from Roman times to the present. Be enchanted by Swansea Marina, with its historical docks. Grab a cup of coffee, take a leisurely stroll, and snap photos of the many little boats and yellow-brick buildings. Continue deeper into the heart of the Gower Peninsula with a visit to Cefn Bryn, an ancient ridge. Here, admire King Arthur’s Stone, a double-chambered megalithic tomb with a massive capstone perched on pointed stones, dating back 4,500 years. The highlight of your tour will be a visit to Rhossili Bay, the crown jewel of the Gower Peninsula and its most visited location. Explore the surroundings with a stunning cliff-top walk, encounter Welsh wild horses, and enjoy a refreshment while taking in the breath-taking view of Rhossili Beach. This beach has been voted the best in the UK, the best in Europe, and consistently ranks among the world's best. On your journey toward Caswell Bay, enjoy the narrow roads, green fields, and charming rural villages. Upon reaching Caswell Bay, you can choose to embark on a magnificent cliff-top walk (1 1/4 miles) leading to Langland Bay. With breath-taking views and numerous viewpoints, it's the perfect location for capturing memorable photos. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax, take some time for yourself to enjoy the beach or savor an ice cream by the seafront. After a short ride, you'll arrive at Mumbles Lighthouse, which has been operating for 230 years. Take the opportunity to explore the pier or enjoy the stunning views of the lighthouse situated on an islet in the ocean. Sit back and relax during your journey back to Cardiff, which will bring you to the same collection point as in the morning. Participants engage at their own risk, with adults or parents determining if the event is appropriate for them. Participation levels in any event are solely personal decisions. We suggest securing a personal activity insurance plan to guard against potential income loss in the unlikely event of an accident during a walk. Please note that this itinerary is an example, and the route taken may vary due to weather or other conditions.

Day 1 Departing Bristol, your journey begins with a scenic drive through what is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. We’re talking about Wye Valley, of course, which is dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll love the views of this region as we head towards Tintern Abbey on the banks of River Wye. There’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Afterwards you make your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye where you have free time to explore and grab a bite to eat. Then it’s time to head to Broadway. No, we’re not talking about seeing a stage production, we’re talking about the picturesque village in the Cotswolds. This is a great time for a spot of shopping, or simply wander and enjoy the town before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner. You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps you’ll explore the Schoolroom and Guildhall, where Shakespeare was first inspired by literature and theatre. Or perhaps you’ll visit his childhood home and hear tales of his family life. Day 2 You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie today. Your first destination is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK. Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it, and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day. Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of some of the colleges around town, and even several Harry Potter locations to spot. Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.

Day 1 It’s time to explore the beauty and history of south Wales. Leaving Bristol, your first main destination is St Davids, known as the smallest city in Britain. Despite its tiny stature, St Davids has claimed city status thanks to the 12th century cathedral found in the heart of the town. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit, not just for its beauty, but you can learn all about the history of the city inside. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you on a beautiful drive along the Pembrokeshire Coast in the south of Wales, choosing the best places to stop depending on what might interest the group. Hills, estuaries, valleys, and woodlands, this stunning region really has it all. Arrive in Tenby in the early evening and this is your destination for the night. Settlement in Tenby town dates back to the 9th century, so no surprise there’s plenty to see here. Day 2 Have the morning to explore Tenby and discover at your own pace. Witness the town's fascinating history and amazing icons, including what's left of Tenby Castle and the medieval town walls. Poetry lovers will enjoy the stop at the lovely town of Laugharne. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived in his boathouse here from 1949 until his death in 1953. See the boathouse, open to the public, or perhaps use your time for a quick refreshment since there are plenty of pubs to choose from. In the afternoon you can visit Carreg Cennen Castle. This incredible stronghold sits high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Cennen, so get your camera ready. There’s time here to explore the ruins and even grab a quick bite for lunch. Be treated to a drive through the scenic Brecon Beacons mountain range. A perfect way to end the day before you arrive in Abergavenny for the evening. Day 3 Bookworms get ready. Your first stop of the day is in Hay-on-Wye, known as the First Booktown in the World. This town has become famous for its secondhand and antiquarian bookshops, so your free time here could result in a small reading collection for your travels. Travel onwards to Ross-on-Wye, the UK’s best loved market town. Here you have some time to wander and grab some lunch. Board the bus and head off through the Wye Valley. This scenic route is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Your journey takes you to your next stop, Tintern Abbey. Sitting on the banks of River Wye, there’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Your last stop of the tour is in Chepstow where you can marvel at the power of Chepstow’s Norman castle. Arrive back in Bristol in the early evening.

This self-drive road trip route covers the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, on a trip of 76 miles (123km) and includes a guide for 15 towns and villages. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ........................................................................................................................................................ WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip through the Forest of Dean and around the Wye Valley. This flexible itinerary covers 76 miles (123km) and includes a guide for 15 towns and villages. Choose your own itinerary and time frame.

Uncover the best attractions in the Wye Valley, one of the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales. Begin your adventure from an accessible spot in Cardiff, just a short few minutes stroll from Cardiff Castle. Settle into a comfortable van with plenty of legroom and escape the city to experience the picturesque rural scenery. Pause in Caerleon to marvel at a Roman Amphitheatre, nearly 2,000 years old. Take some time to explore the Legionary Museum, which offers free admission and sheds light on the area's rich historical background. Then, proceed to the town of Chepstow to tour Chepstow Castle, the oldest fortress in Wales. Inside, discover an impressive wooden gate, the oldest example in Europe, which has endured for over 800 years. Next, delve into the monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986 and a must-visit spot in South Wales. Conclude your journey by exploring the boundary between Wales and England at the fringes of the Forest of Dean. Savor a relaxing stroll down the sculpture trail nestled in the forest to reconnect with nature, or unwind with a cup of coffee at the nearby cafe. After an enriching day, make yourself comfortable for the return trip to Cardiff. Please note that this itinerary is an example, and the route taken may vary due to weather or other conditions. Participants engage at their own risk, with adults or parents determining if the event is appropriate for them. Participation levels in any event are solely personal decisions. We suggest securing a personal activity insurance plan to guard against potential income loss in the unlikely event of an accident during a walk.

You’ll have an informative, fun, and memorable day! This foraging experience has us wandering through the wooded valleys of the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park and taking in Henrhydd Falls, the highest waterfall in the National Park. This was the sight of the filming of Batman's cave! The hike is about 4 miles long and with 100m of height gain. We'll be nibbling at veggies along the way. This will be a leisurely 5-hour walk looking for edible medical and interesting plants. The guide is a qualified hill leader and a skilled forager. What he doesn't know about the plants of the Welsh hedgerows is not worth knowing! Know before you go This tour will take place rain or shine Although most levels of fitness can be accommodated please be sensible when booking and know your own ability Walking boots, waterproofs and warm layers advised A packed lunch is essential Please Note A reasonable level of fitness is required for all of our walks. If walking with us please know that the weather can change and at times we do need to keep moving, especially in winter, to remain warm and safe. Graham is a local to this walks area and a master forager - there isn't one plant that he does not know - test him! You'll learn so much about free food, medicinals and of course what not to go near as well as experiencing the drama of Batman's Cave Waterfall or as it's actually called Henrhydd Falls.