7 Activities
Uncovering South Wales’ History and Heritage
Starts from
Cardiff
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
10 hours
Length
29 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Cardiff
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hours
Length
29 mi
Elle Redman
Travel Expert
- Step back in time at St Fagans, one of Europe's leading open-air museums.
- Visit the enchanting Castell Coch in the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr.
- Enjoy a lavish dinner at the Celtic Manor's award-winning restaurant.
The nation of Wales has a captivating story to tell. Rich in heritage and culture, you could truly spend days, if not weeks, uncovering its ancient wonders, learning more about the country’s unique and fascinating history. Scattered around South Wales, you’ll find fairytale-like castles, manor houses, museums, and sites – each landmark holding dear its own distinctive legacy, legend, or myth. On this exciting one-day road trip, you’ll step back in time and dip into Welsh history at some of these key, iconic attractions. From traditional cottages to Roman fortresses, get ready to discover and unearth Wales' fascinating days of old. Enjoy!
Categories
The nation of Wales has a captivating story to tell. Rich in heritage and culture, you could truly spend days, if not weeks, uncovering its ancient wonders, learning more about the country’s unique and fascinating history. Scattered around South Wales, you’ll find fairytale-like castles, manor houses, museums, and sites – each landmark holding dear its own distinctive legacy, legend, or myth. On this exciting one-day road trip, you’ll step back in time and dip into Welsh history at some of these key, iconic attractions. From traditional cottages to Roman fortresses, get ready to discover and unearth Wales' fascinating days of old. Enjoy!
Elle Redman
Travel Expert
- Step back in time at St Fagans, one of Europe's leading open-air museums.
- Visit the enchanting Castell Coch in the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr.
- Enjoy a lavish dinner at the Celtic Manor's award-winning restaurant.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
29 mi0.3 mi
Discover St Fagans, Castell Coch and Caerleon
When it comes to exploring Wales, the capital city is certainly the best place to begin. With castles, cathedrals, museums, parks, and plenty more, Cardiff is a thriving hub brimming with things to see and do. And there’s something to appeal to every type of traveler, too. Soak up the Welsh way of life while weaving through the Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades in the city center, stopping at cozy cafés for a taste of traditional cuisine. Well-known landmarks such as Cardiff Bay, Bute Park, and the Principality Stadium are all well worth a visit. Plus, there are lots of heritage sites to see in Cardiff – you'll get to see some of those today. After spending some quality time in Cardiff, it’s time to travel further afield to St Fagans, Tongwynlais and Caerleon.
This round-trip journey will venture just beyond Cardiff, taking you to key historical sites including St Fagans National Museum, Castell Coch and Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths. You’ll immerse yourself in Welsh heritage, completing the day with a lavish dinner at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort.
This round-trip journey will venture just beyond Cardiff, taking you to key historical sites including St Fagans National Museum, Castell Coch and Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths. You’ll immerse yourself in Welsh heritage, completing the day with a lavish dinner at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort.
10:001 hr 30 min
St. Fagans National Museum of History
History Museum
Open Details
A South Wales road trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to St Fagans. Set on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by lush countryside, this open-air museum will take you back to prehistoric Celtic times through to the present day. It stands on the magnificent grounds of St Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan manor house with beautifully-kept Italian gardens, fountains and a rosery. As you make your way around the impressive 100-acre parkland, you'll see over 50 different historic buildings including a Victorian school, a farm, a medieval church, a Workmen's Institute and a variety of quaint traditional cottages. Take your time exploring the museum and immerse yourself in fascinating Welsh history. You'll truly be an expert by the end of the trip!
0.6 mi
5 min
11:401 hr 30 min
The Plymouth Arms
Pub
Open Details
Only a stone's throw away from the open-air museum, you'll find The Plymouth Arms. Set in a Grade II listed building, this rustic county pub oozes character and charm. On a chilly day, sit beside the crackling log fire in the cozy restaurant while tucking into a delicious, hearty lunch. Or, if the weather permits, why not grab a table in the beer garden outside and soak up the sun with a glass of wine or with a traditional cask ale in hand?
6.8 mi
20 min
13:301 hr
Castell Coch
Castle
Open Details
Perched atop a hill and towering high above the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr, the fairytale-like Castle Coch (translating to ‘Red Castle’ in English) is an impossible sight to miss. The 19th century Gothic Revival castle was built in the 1870s above the small community village of Tongwynlais. As you drive west of Cardiff, you’ll often catch a glimpse of the great towers and conical roofs of the castle emerging up ahead – a particularly beautiful scene throughout September to November, when the surrounding woodland shows off its mesmerising autumn colours.
Upon arrival, park your car in the woods just below the castle and walk a short distance up the hill to reach the site. You can spend your time here exploring the commanding exterior of the castle and its extensive grounds, or alternatively book a ticket to wander around inside. Within the castle’s medieval structure, you’ll find highly decorated interiors, winding staircases, rich furnishings, secret passages and a gorgeous central courtyard.
Upon arrival, park your car in the woods just below the castle and walk a short distance up the hill to reach the site. You can spend your time here exploring the commanding exterior of the castle and its extensive grounds, or alternatively book a ticket to wander around inside. Within the castle’s medieval structure, you’ll find highly decorated interiors, winding staircases, rich furnishings, secret passages and a gorgeous central courtyard.
0.5 mi
5 min
14:3530 min
Forest Cafe
Café
Open Details
Time for a tea break. Pop into the nearby Forest Café for a drink and a light refreshment (or two).
18.1 mi
30 min
15:351 hr
Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths
History Museum
Open Details
Next stop – Caerleon. This 50-acre historical site in Newport is home to the Roman fortress of Isca and the remains of the immense natatio (an open-air swimming pool) used by the Roman Second Augustan Legion. It’s been said that the swimming pool once held more than 80,000 gallons of water. So, to help recreate the scene, a film projection system has been used to show a Roman soldier diving into the depths. Here, you can also view the rooms where the men slept and stored their weapons (at the only Roman legionary barracks still on view in Europe).
0.3 mi
5 min
16:4030 min
Caerleon Amphitheatre
Historic Site
Open Details
The amphitheatre ruins are incredibly well preserved considering their age; sections of the outer walls still stand up to 22-feet tall, and visitors can still explore the remains today including two entrances, spectator stands, columns, sections of the upper gallery, small chambers, large stone blocks thought to have been part of a stage setting and even the floor which has been underpinned with drainage systems resembling those used in other Roman arenas from this era.
2.9 mi
10 min
18:001 hr 30 min
Steak on Six
Restaurant
Open Details
You’ve had a jam-packed day visiting some of South Wales’ key heritage sites and historical attractions. Now, as the evening draws near, it’s time to sit back and enjoy a luxury meal at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort. At the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Steak on Six, you can look forward to tender and flavourful award-winning steaks. But, if steak's not for you, don't worry – diners can take their pick from a variety of other fine meats and fresh fish, all grilled to perfection. Set on the sixth floor, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the neighboring Coldra Woods.