Things To Do In West Wales

Wales is a stunning country and is high on most people’s list of places they want to visit. With incredible natural landscape, a very rich history and many amazing attractions to visit, it’s not hard to see why. West Wales in particular offers up some of the most breathtaking coastline you’ll ever see, alongside colourful seaside towns and some of Wales’ most important historical sites. In this post we’ll share the best things to do in West Wales

Visit the Dolaucothi Gold Mines
Visit Britain’s smallest city - St David’s
Visit the colourful town of Tenby
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Visit Manorbier Castle

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Based in Carmarthenshire, The Dolaucothi Gold Mines are open form March to November and are a must visit! These fascinating mines are the only known Roman goldmines in Britain and you can take a tour of them. When mining resumed in the 19th century, these were once again working mines but they closed for the final time in 1938. There are 3 different tour types you can book on to; ‘The Roman tour’ (which takes you into a floodlit Roman mine, dogs can go on this tour), ‘The Level Tour’ (suitable for people with limited mobility) and ‘The Mining Through The Ages Tour’ (this takes you into a dark, Victorian working mine). Booking is required for tours.

The surrounding Dolaucothi estate is beautiful, overlooking the Cothi valley so you can enjoy some beautiful, Welsh landscape views on a stroll around the estate after your tour.

The site is owned and cared for by the National Trust so entry is free for members. Site entry and a guided tour is £12 for adults and £6 for children. There is parking available on site.

Visit Britain’s smallest city - St David’s

St David’s might be the smallest city in Britain with a population of less than 2000 people but don’t be fooled, there is so much to see here. You can visit the cathedral that gives this city its status and one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites, named after Wales’ patron saint. St David’s cathedral was built in the 12th Century and has been an important pilgrimage destination ever since. To get your fix of gothic ruins, The Bishop’s Palace is a must see. The beautiful ruins sit across the river bank from the cathedral, so you will see their impressive stature from there before you head on over for a visit.

Also, visit the ‘gateway to St David’s’, Oriel y Parc. This unique building is a collaboration between Museum Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, where visitor services are merged with displays from the national collections, celebrating the incredible landscape. Fuel up on your visit to St David’s from one of the wonderful eateries including unique cafes and hearty pubs. St David’s is known for its local, fresh cuisine so foodies are in good hands. Then finish off with a stroll though the beautiful town, browsing the mix of well known and independent shops.

Visit the colourful town of Tenby

The Victorian seaside town of Tenby is picture-postcard perfect! Tenby harbour beach is iconic because of its pretty shoreline of coloured houses and Victorian architecture. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and get some fresh, sea air or you can spend the day at the beach, Tenby has 3 of them! In the town, you won’t be short of cafe’s, restaurants and pubs to get some delicious food after a day with the sand between your toes. With shops, a museum, an art gallery, a Tudor merchant house plus the RNLI lifeboat station to see as well, you will have a jam packed day out in Tenby.

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The entire Wales Coastal Path is 870 miles long and takes you on a journey through the raw, Welsh coastline. Of course we’re not suggesting you walk the whole thing, it takes between 7 and 12 weeks to complete! But section 5, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, is nothing short of stunning and you should definitely stretch your legs while you’re in West Wales and take in the breathtaking views.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path was given ‘National Trail’ status in 1970 and has remained one of the most popular sections since. The path hugs the rugged Pembrokeshire headland and along the way, you’ll see popular sights such as Abereiddi’s Blue Lagoon, St Davids Cathedral and Tenby, whose brightly coloured seafront has become a popular stop-off for ramblers. The trail finishes at Amroth and by then, you will have earned a well deserved drink.

If you’re feeling super energetic or want to extend your adventures across multiple days, why not complete West Wales and walk the next two sections; Carmarthenshire and the Gower and Swansea Bay?

Visit Manorbier Castle

Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in the world, so you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to which ones to visit. But how about one of the lesser known ones? Like the dreamy Manorbier Castle in West Wales. Perched upon the cliffs and overlooking Manorbier Beach, Manorbier Castle has a rich history and holds tales of folklore within its walls. This beautiful example of a Norman Castle features fairytale turrets, a great hall and stunning landscaped gardens.

Spend a morning touring the castle and soaking in the sea views as you learn how the residents here lived over 900 years ago. Finish your visit off by indulging in a hot drink and a bit of cake in the cafe!

Admission for adults is only £6.50 and £4.50 for children. Plus your ticket is valid all day so you can pop back as many times as you like that day, ideal if you fancy nipping out to visit the neighbouring village.

West Wales is absolutely bursting with things to do and incredible places to see. As well as the activities in this post, other highlights include catching a match in Swansea, visiting the Gower and checking out the culinary delights in Fishguard and Goodwick.

If you have visited West Wales recently, let us know what you thought and feel free to share any suggestions in the comments below.

As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Welsh adventure.

Things To Do In West Wales