Itineraries

Itinerary 1

Castles

Castell Coch (the red castle) the weekend retreat of the Marquis of Bute. Junction 32 M4 take 1st exit off A470 turn right into Tongwynlais and head up hill.

After visiting Castell Coch, Continue up the hill over the mountain to Caerphilly, The Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 by the Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gilbert de Clare. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable even today. Famous for its 'leaning tower'.

Itinerary 2

Cosmeston Medieval Village

The reconstructed medieval village is at Cosmeston Lakes, south of Penarth. Take the Bay road (A4232) turn off for Penarth. At traffic lights at top of hill go straight over. 2nd lights turn left into Redland Road and follow to Cosmeston. There is also a country park and lake to explore. Go back through Penarth, an elegant Victorian seaside resort, with a lovely pier, cliff walk and good shops.

Itinerary 3

Cardiff

Visit Cardiff Castle and the city centre. The castle is worth a visit there is about a 45 minute tour of the furnished apartments and you can climb to the top of the keep for a spectacular 360 degree view of the city. Behind the castle is an enormous park ideal for strolling or picnicking. Outside the main entrance get on the open top bus for a tour of the city and learn more of it's fascinating history. Hop on, hop off, when you like. At the bay take a boat ride, have a cup of tea in the Norwegian Church or on the old lightship or a cool drink in one of the many pubs or restaurants. Feeling energetic walk the barrage to Penarth and catch the waterbus back. Alternatively stay in the city centre and shop 'til you drop !

Itinerary 4

St Fagans

The Museum of Welsh Life: really worth a visit especially on a dry day, as this is an outdoor museum. Historic buildings have been lovingly moved and rebuilt and in some cases furnished. Watch the artisans at work. Buy something in the old worlde shop...a full days outing, if you have time pop into Dyffryn Gardens and enjoy the lovely grounds and beautiful gardens. (Take the A48 to Cowbridge, turn left at the traffic lights in St Nicholas go a few miles to the entrance)

Itinerary 5

Walk the Heritage Coast

Start at Llantwit Major and walk westward along the beaches or the cliff tops depending on the tide. The Heritage coastal path is 26 miles long so pace yourselves, or simply walk a awhile, rest and wander back. The geology of this coastline is fascinating and the high tides (2nd highest in the world) creates a new landscape every day. Want a good lunch try Illtyd's 216 in the heart of the old town of Llantwit Major (near the church) or The Plough and Harrow in Monk Nash, a great gastro pub.

Itinerary 6

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes

The largest sand dunes in the UK. Take A48 to Bridgend, turn off left at the bottom of the hill by the Golden Well restaurant through Ewenny. At the T junction turn right and then first left. Take left turn to Merthyr Mawr a lovely little village of thatched cottages. Park at the end and walk straight through the sand dunes to the sea. Follow the river back to the stepping stones at Ogmore Castle, Cross on the stepping stones and enjoy a cream tea in the tea shop or a lunch or early supper in the pub.

Itinerary 7

Cowbridge:

The jewel of the Vale. A delightful Roman Market town. Amble along the High Street and don't forget to explore the side streets too and enjoy the small shops with a huge variety of wares, the pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. Just 12 miles west of Cardiff on the A48 or X2 bus.

Itinerary 8

The Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons National Park is a 40 minute drive from the Vale of Glamorgan and a must do if you like to walk or hike or scale a mountain. Dramatic scenery, great walks, wonderful waterfalls and even a mountain railway. Take the A470 from Junction 32 of the M4.

Itinerary 9

Hay on Wye

Books shops galore in a pretty setting. A popular destination for book lover as almost every other shops is a bookshop. Old ones, new ones, collectables, eccentric...whatever your book loving heart desires. The Hay Book Festival is world renowned and takes place in late May / early June each year.