Top 5 Welsh Destinations to Visit

As we are in the midst of summer, many people are preparing for their next holiday, but whereas previous years have seen holiday-goers jumping on board a flight and head abroad, it would seem that an interest in staycations has peaked during UK lockdown.

As restrictions continue to ease, many people are ditching the sky for the roads, and as there is so much that beautiful Wales has to offer, we have compiled a list of top 5 destinations that are definitely worth the road trip.

As always, be mindful of your vehicle’s condition and read below for our car maintenance checklist to ensure your road trip runs as smoothly as possible.

1) Snowdonia

 

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As the outdoor adventure capital of North Wales, and Britain’s 3^rd most popular National Park, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention the beauty that is Snowdonia. Stretching over 827 square miles of unspoilt scenery, Snowdonia is a must for those seeking a picturesque Welsh landscape.

At its peak, Snowdon mountain is the highest point in Wales; why not park up at Llanberis, a popular starting point for those wanting to scale the mountain, and seek the thrill of standing on its summit?

If Snowdon sounds a bit daunting, there are plenty of family-friendly peaks to choose from. Tryfan, a smaller mountain which bears resemblance to a Stegosaurus, is situated just on the side of the A5 and can be completed in under 3 hours.

For the most scenic route through Snowdonia’s National Park, detour off of the A5 onto the A4086.

2) Conwy

 

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Conwy is a remarkable coastal town, steeped in history. At its heart, lies an impressive 13^th century castle with 8 towers and stunning views across the town and surrounding areas.

Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Britain which measures a miniscule 3.05m x 1.83m. For dining, traditional pubs and quaint cafés can be found scattered throughout the town and why not check into one of Conwy’s cosy B&Bs, many of which lie astonishingly close to the castle itself.

To unwind, visit Bodnant Garden, a scenic corner of Conwy which houses various plants from all over the world.

Conwy Mountain and its surrounding parks and lakes is a great spot to visit. Drive over Sychnant Pass, park up, and take in your surroundings. Make sure you keep an eye out for the ravens and wild choughs which live on the mountain.

3) Tenby

 

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Arguably the most iconic seaside town in Wales, Tenby is colourful and quaint. Established by the Normans as a fortified town, many of the old walls and cobbled streets remain intact.

The harbour has a thriving boating and fishing community and offers exciting boat trips around the coast. Jump on board to pay a visit to Caldey Island and sample the famous chocolate fudge.

During the summer months, Tenby’s roads are pedestrianised so that bars and restaurants can set up al fresco dining. With a selection of restaurants and cafés which cater to almost every cuisine and budget you can imagine, Tenby is undoubtedly a town worth visiting.

To continue your road trip, when leaving Tenby, head west and stick to the lanes that follow the coastline of Broad Haven for a stunning drive down to Newgale Beach.

4) Carmarthen

 

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Break up your road trip with a stop in the charming town of Carmarth. Found in the county of Carmarthenshire it’s thought to be the oldest town in Wales, it is home to a number of small, quaint gift shops and the larger Antiques Centre.

One of the most interesting features of Carmarthen is the Roman fort. Thought to have been built in 75AD, the remains of an amphitheatre can be found close by.

With many caravan sites dotted about, Carmarthen is a great spot to pitch up for a few nights. Why not stay at a campsite in Kidwelly and visit the castle, a medieval structure which is best viewed shrouded in the early morning mist.

5) Hay-on-Wye

 

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Famous for its many boutique bookshops, Hay-on-Wye is an adorable market town situated on the Welsh/English border.

Each year, the town hosts its famous literary festival which attracts book lovers, artists and writers among others. Live performances are held in the evening and there are plenty of food stalls serving fresh, delicious food.

This town is a great one to visit if you’re driving between England and wales, and if you do find yourself in Hay-on-Wye, make sure to visit memorial square on Thursdays for market day; you never know what treasures you might come across.

Preparing Your Vehicle for a Welsh Road Trip

To ensure a safe road trip and avoid unexpected breakdowns or issues, make sure to follow our car maintenance checklist before you travel:

• Check tyre pressures, including any spare
• Make sure your MOT is up to date
• Check and fill up your vehicle’s fluids such as windscreen wash and oil
• Bring a spare tyre and battery (or ensure you have a tyre repair kit if your vehicle has no spare)
• Check all lights are working correctly
• Clean your vehicle inside and out, who wants to spend time in a dirty car?

For more details, visit our in-depth vehicle maintenance checklist.

Drive Safe this Summer with Autocare

If you do notice any problems with your vehicle, the highly experienced team at Autocare Centre Chepstow will be  more than happy to help.

We provide services to a wide range of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, and also offer specific services for motorhomes.

Don’t let problems with your vehicle ruin your road trip, call us today and speak to a member of our team on 01291 627137