Those fascinated by Arthurian legend, can follow in the footsteps of King Arthur and his knights by taking a four-day driving tour taking in places steeped in centuries-old folklore.
Start your tour in the border town of Monmouth and make your way to Chepstow Castle, where it is said that Arthur and the knights slept in a cave in the cliffs, below the castle. The 17-mile drive takes approximately 30 minutes, and you can take the A466 or B4293, both of which are direct routes. Take the A466 and you can also visit Tintern, where poet William Wordsworth wrote of Tintern Abbey, a Cistercian abbey, founded in the 1100s.
On day two, drive approximately 80 miles through the Gower Peninsula on the M4, and make your way to Arthur's Stone at Cefn Bryn. The neolithic burial ground gets its name from the legend that King Arthur threw a large stone from Llanelli which landed here. Then drive 90 miles on the M48 to Carmarthen birthplace of Merlin. Along the way, you will pass the ruins of Dinefwr Castle, where Merlin is said to have communed with spirits. In Camarthen, you can walk up to Merlin's Hill, where it is said his body lies.
Day three takes you 65 miles through the Dovey Valley on the B4337 and A487 to Machynlleth, where Arthur is said to have fought his final Battle of Camlan.
On day four you will finish your Arthurian Trail in an area that is home to many Arthurian legends. Drive through the magnificent Snowdonia region on the A487 and B4410 to reach Beddgelert. At Llyn Dinas, Knight Owain battled with a giant, until Arthur threw a chain and killed it. Mount Snowdon is where Arthur killed a giant called Rhitta on Mount Snowdon, and Bwlch y Saethau--the Pass of the Arrows--is the scene of a battle between Arthur and his enemies. It is also said that Arthurian treasure is buried at Marchlyn Mawr.
Flower and garden lovers can seek inspiration with a tour of Wales that takes in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes.
Start your tour in St. Nicholas, Cardiff by visiting Dyffryn Estate and Gardens, which according to its website, features 55 acres of "garden rooms, formal lawns, seasonal bedding, a statuary collection an extensive arboretum featuring trees from all over the world." Open year round, adult admission prices start at around $5, as at 2010.
On day two, drive approximately 50 miles on the M4 to Llanarthne. Here you will find the National Botanic Gardens. The 600 acres of 18th century parkland, features, lakes, waterfalls and exotic flowers and foliage. The showcase is the world's largest single span glass structure, where research into plant conservation and biodiversity is the main objective. Open year round, adult admission is approximately $12, as at 2010.
Day three will take you 40 miles on the A40 and A 477 to Cosheston where you can enjoy 35 acres of grounds, including a mature arboretum, formal rose garden, Victorian-walled garden and Medieval Chapel. In the spring the woodland bluebell walk leading down to the tidal shore of the Carew River is a spectacular carpet of blue. Open April through October, adult admission is approximately $5, as at 2010.
Round off your driving tour of parks and gardens on day four by journeying 35 miles north on the A40 to Bro Meigan Gardens, which are nestled in the countryside just outside Newport, Pembrokeshire. The nearly seven acres of grounds are spread over slopes facing the Preseli Hills, which reputedly provided the stones for Stonehenge. Natural woodlands give way to pristine formal gardens, and avid gardeners can even purchase plants here. Open year round, admission price for adults is approximately $6, as at 2010.
The North Wales Coast makes an enjoyable and scenic three-day driving tour, taking in some beautiful coastline and quaint seaside resorts, which first became popular during the Victorian era.
Start your trip at the harbor resort of Aberdyfi in Snowdonia National Park. The resort boasts four miles of sandy beaches and watersports lovers can find plenty to occupy them in the estuary. If you are lucky, a boat trip will get you a sighting of bottlenose dolphins. Drive a few miles north to the narrow-gauge Talyllyn Steam Railway. Take a steam train ride from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, passing through Dolgoch Falls, before heading back out on the road.
Day two will see you travelling around 60 miles north to picturesque Criccieth, a seaside town with castle ruins. Visitors should go to the tiny National Trust-owned shoreline hamlet of Porth Dinllaen, and stop for a drink at the Ty Coch Inn, which boast views across the irish Sea to Ireland.
Day three will take you further along the coast, 45 miles northeast on the A5 to the Victorian town of Llandudno, where you can take a ride on the Great Orme Tramway, one of only three remaining cable-hauled tramways in the world today. The views from the 679-feet summit are breathtaking and you can see Wales, England and Ireland on a clear day.
