Mimi has been dreaming of Wales for a long time. The rugged coastline as well as the mountainous national parks are said to make Wales a scenically beautiful spot on this earth. Paddy is also looking forward to the beautiful nature.
Somehow, however, we miss this charm. Maybe it’s because it rains almost continuously during our time in Wales or because we don’t really feel welcome. Free standing, resp. camping wild, is not welcome in Wales, but the camp sites are almost all closed for the winter season. In addition, we notice how it pulls us to the south, towards hopefully warmer temperatures. So, it comes that we spend less time in Wales than originally thought. Hikes are unfortunately not possible because of the weather. A visit in summer would be better for that. On the way south, back to England, we nevertheless take a look at one or the other sight.

Caernarfon Castle

Caernafon Castle is a relatively well preserved, large castle ruin in the north of Wales. The castle has seen various wars and is now considered an outstanding example of late 13th and early 14th century European military architecture. The castle wall is held together by 8 large towers, all of which can be visited. In two of the towers a museum is integrated. Almost the entire castle wall can be walked on two levels. From the wall you have a great view of the castle, the town and the harbor.
Outside the castle, most of the old city wall, which encloses the old town, is still standing.

March to July: daily, 09:30-17:00
July to September: daily, 09:30-18:00
September to November: daily, 09:30-17:00
November to March: daily, 10:00-16:00
Admission £11.00/adult, £7.80/child

Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with three other castles, including Caernfon Castle. The ruins are smaller than Caernarfon and less well preserved. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit, because from the two high towers you have a magnificent view over the plain and the sea, as well as over the small village of Harlech.

March to July: daily, 09:30-17:00
July to September: daily, 09:30-18:00
September to November: daily, 09:30-17:00
November to March: daily, 10:00-16:00
Admission £8.30/adult, £5.80/child

Saint Davids Cathedral

Saint Davids Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Great Britain. It is also special that such a large cathedral was built in a place of less than 2,000 inhabitants. Saint Davids even became a city, thanks to the cathedral, making it the smallest city in the entire United Kingdom.
The cathedral has been well maintained over the years and can still be visited daily. However, only ruins remain of the former monastery around it.

All year: Mon-Sat, 10:00-16:00 & Sun, 13.00-15.30
Admission is free, but a donation of £5 is recommended

We also enjoyed a walk through the village, there are lots of little stores and great cafes. We can wholeheartedly recommend The Mill Cafe. Here we enjoyed an excellent brunch and great coffee in a really homey cafe.

Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

In Cardiff we visit the Cardiff Castle. The courtyard of the castle is open to the public and at the moment of our visit there is a Christmas market and a skating rink.
The castle consists of several individual buildings, the residence, the time tower, the castle wall and the prison tower. For £14, you can buy a ticket and discover on your own. However, some rooms of the residence, as well as the Time Tower and the Prison Tower can only be visited with a guided tour, which cost another £4 each and only take place at a certain time. The tours can only be booked with a main ticket.

March to October: Mon-Fri, 10:00-18:00 & Sat-Sun 09.00-18.00
November to March: Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00 & Sat-Sun 09.00-17.00
Admission £14.50/adult, £10.00/child PLUS £4.00/adult, £3.00/child for a guided tour

Cardiff Pedestrian Zone

Between the Castle and the train station of Cardiff is the pedestrian zone with countless stores and cafes. We especially liked the arcades, covered connections between the streets with small stores. We can recommend the Castle Arcade, the Morgan Arcade and the Royal Arcade. In these arcades we find not only a fine café, but also a natural products store. We are happy.

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is a ruined monastery in south-east Wales. It was the first Cistercian monastery in Wales and the second oldest in Britain. Since the 16th century the monastery is no longer in use and since the end of the 18th century until today it is a popular destination. Mimi is delighted with the ancient ruins, although the decay of time is clearly visible.

March to July: daily, 09:30-17:00
July to September: daily, 09:30-18:00
September to November: daily, 09:30-17:00
November to March: daily, 10:00-16:00
Admission £8.30/adult, £5.80/child