4 Stops to Make on A West Wales Roadtrip

West Wales is home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscape. With quaint fishing villages and sweeping fields that turn into cliffs tumbling down into the sea, the region has all the makings for a relaxed roadtrip through some amazing scenery. There’s nothing quite like a leisurely drive in the late afternoon sun, only to finish your trip at a seaside pub. Mark these stops for your next escape to Wales’s scenic western coast!

Saint Davids

The UK’s smallest city, beloved Saint Davids boasts a 12th century cathedral, medieval bishop’s palace, and bucolic scenes of rolling fields and the gentle river, Afon Alun. The victim of several Viking raids in the 10th and 11th centuries, these days Saint Davids is a must-see spot for visitors to West Wales. Plan to spend a day here soaking up the history and evocative atmosphere.

Fishguard

Drive on to Fishguard, a tiny village at the estuary of the River Gwaun and the sea. The road cuts steeply down into the valley, then climbs again to afford a scenic overlook of the lower and main parts of town. The pastel homes overlooking Fishguard Bay are an especially cheery sight on a sunny day.

New Quay

New Quay, Pembrokeshire (not to be confused with Cornwall’s Newquay) is a favourite holiday destination for many Welsh families. A town with narrow, winding roads and a beach at the bottom of a steep hill (best to park at the top and walk down as you’ll never find parking at the base), it’s a lovely place to stop, enjoy some fresh fish and chips, and stroll the sand at low tide. You could even chance a swim if the water is warm and the weather is good!

Aberaeron

This is the perfect place to call it a night after starting your day out in Saint Davids. This small town boasts an excellent seafood restaurant, The Harbourmaster, as well as several options for accommodation. If Fishguard didn’t satisfy your need for colourfully painted houses, Aberaeron has no shortage of them around its harbour. It’s an ideal place for a sunset stroll; be sure to stop at The Hive (along the Quay) for some honeycomb ice cream! After driving all day, you’ve earned it.

Time seems to fall away in West Wales. Give yourself over to the leisurely, peaceful drive and the charming seaside villages you pass through. And of course, don’t skimp on the seafood!

Have you been to West Wales? What did you love most about it? Let me know!