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Destination Guide to South West Wales

Dominated by hundreds of miles of glorious coastline the South West of Wales is a region of unbridled natural beauty and many hidden treasures.

Comprising of the counties of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire the South West of Wales covers an area reaching from the tiny coastal village of St Davids in the West to the traditionally welsh town of Llanelli in the East and as far as Cardigan in the north. Inland the rolling Preselli Hill offer rolling soothing landscapes however the regions is renowned for its stunning natural beauty along its vast coastlines; a region of 230 square kilometres is designated as a protected area at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is typified by towering cliff faces and intermittent golden bays.

The 186 mile coastal path, which can be enjoyed in bite-size stretches, is a pull for hikers and ramblers whilst coasteering, negotiating the rock faces and waters around the cliffs, has become a sport in its own right which the people of Pembroke lay claim to. The shorelines and tiny offshore islands provide a peaceful habitat for diverse seabirds whilst the surrounding waters are home to porpoises, seals, bottle-nosed dolphins and migrating minke whales.

Once inhabited by the Anglo Normans the region’s history is visibly stamped upon the hillsides in the form of more than 50 stunning 12th and 13th century castles most notably at Manorbier Castle, Pembroke Castle and the marvellously preserved Carreg Cennen Castle. The National Botanic Gardens of Wales near Carmarthen, at twice the size of London’s Kew Gardens, are a must visit for anyone who enjoys plant-life whilst literary buffs will not want to miss the sleepy village of Laugharne, home and resting place of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Thought to be the palce of quarry for the rocks at Stonehenge in England, perhaps most intriguing is the region’s Neolithic sites such as standing stones of Pentre Ifan.

Sparsely populated through the winter months, the South West of Wales comes alive in the summer season and is home to a host of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. There is just one “city” in the region at the tiny village of St David’s, namesake of the Welsh patron saint, which achieves city status due to its stunning cathedral and adjacent Bishop’s Palace.

The delicious, picture postcard town of Tenby is not to be missed combining a cobbled medieval old-town and castle with glowing pastel coloured Victorian town houses a sheltered fishing port and stunning sandy bay. Other resort towns such as Saundersfoot and the quaint villages of St Brides Bay are well worth a visit whilst the westerly ports of Pembroke and Fishguard provide onward links to Ireland via ferry.

A tour of Wales is incomplete without discovering the untouched coastlines of Pembrokeshire and hidden gems of the South West of this tiny nation.

Relevant Tours

Tours of North Wales - Caernarfon Castle

A Castle Tour of Wales – A nation renowned for its ancient fortresses, discover the heritage and natural beauty of Wales on a trip staying in elegant country house hotels and grandiose castle accommodations. Explore the untouched landscapes of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire and the awe-inspiring ruins of Wales' glorious World Heritage Castles including Conwy, Harlech and Caernarfon. Your tour ends with two nights in the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff.

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Tours of Britain - Conwy Bridge

A small group tour of Wales – Discover beguiling natural landscapes and an utterly unique heritage on this journey through the enchanting nation of Wales. Following a stay in the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff, we’ll explore the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire, the towering mountains of the Snowdonia National Park and the rugged uplands of the Brecon Beacons. Along the way we’ll encounter medieval market towns, secluded villages and colossal castles. Wales is an undiscovered gem that will leave you enchanted by its natural beauty and ancient Celtic heritage.

Tours of Britain - Conwy Bridge

A Rail Tour of Wales – Enjoy an epic rail journey taking you to all corners of this small but magnificent nation. Your rail tour takes you from the Welsh capital of Cardiff through the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the dramatic mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. Medieval castles and historic harbour towns await as well as some of Wales' renowned historic and heritage railway lines which will take you on some of the most scenic rail journeys that Britain has to offer. All in all a comprehensive tour of Wales travelling by train.

A small group tour of Scotland and Wales – explore the outer reaches of Britain from the glorious landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coast to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Two of Britain’s lesser explored regions, Wales and Scotland offer a perfect marriage boasting strikingly unique cultures but sharing a common appeal in their undiscovered natural beauty. Your journey will take you from the nations’ capital cities in Cardiff and Edinburgh to the mountains of Snowdonia and the remote seascapes of the Isle of Skye. Along the way you’ll ride steam trains, wander the flagstones of ancient castles and sample local fare.

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Tours of Wales - Cardiff

A Driving Tour of Wales - Immerse yourself in breath-taking natural scenery and an ancient Celtic culture as you explore the diminutive nation of Wales. A land of contrasts from the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff to the tiny cathedral village of St Davids and from the industrial valleys of the South to the majestic snow-capped peaks Snowdonia in North Wales you’ll see it all on this journey of discovery. Along the way see untouched coastlines, medieval fortresses, meandering rivers, ancient abbeys and a host of traditional towns and villages.

Wales Tours

A South Wales Driving Tour – Enjoy a journey of contrasts taking you from the barren Moorlands of the Brecon Beacons and the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the bright lights of the bustling Welsh capital of Cardiff. Along the way you’ll experience Welsh culture, hear the welsh language, see ancient abbeys, immerse yourself in abundant wildlife and of course visit a host of ancient castles ruins.

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Tours of Britain Search

A small group tour of England and Wales – Enjoy an epic journey of discovery through the varied histories and landscapes of England and Wales. We’ll see many of Britain’s most beautiful natural landscapes from the golden coasts of Pembrokeshire and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to the rustic hills and vales of Yorkshire and the Lake District in England. Along the way we’ll sample traditional fare and enjoy a host of local visits including archetypal medieval fortresses, stately English manors, ancient cathedrals and historic steam train journeys; the ideal tour to discover the very essence of Britain.

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Tours of Scotland - Glenfinnan Viaduct

A small group tour of Britain – discover what makes Britain Great on this small group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the peaceful coasts and mountains of Wales, through rustic landscapes of rural England and north in to remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll see iconic landmarks and hidden gems, visit Britain’s quaint villages and heritage cities and enjoy a host of local experiences from steam train rides through the English countryside to whisky tasting in the Highlands.  In the company of your local guides, the Great British Journey is the ultimate way to explore Britain.

A small group tour of Wales and England’s West Country – A perfect combination of Celtic cultures discover the beauty of England’s West Country and the beguiling landscapes of Wales. Your journey will take you over the barren moors and along the rugged coastlines of Devon and Cornwall before passing in to the undiscovered nation of Wales, home to towering mountains and ancient castles. This journey is a combination of our Treasures of Cornwall and Enchanting Wales tours.

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Wales Rail Tours

A Wales Rail Tour – Relax and enjoy the views of your scenic rail journeys as you explore the unique culture and landscapes of Wales.  From the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff this rail journey will take you to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, through the picturesque Welsh border Marches and into the dramatic landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll see the beautiful coastal towns of Tenby and Llandudno, historic Shrewsbury and the hidden gem in medieval Conwy.

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