3 Days in Wales Itinerary: The Best of Wales (From a Local)
If you’re looking for a country that’s small in size but big on charm, Wales is the perfect destination.
From its stunning scenery to its rich culture, Wales has something for everyone. And, best of all, 3 days in Wales is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for this beautiful country.
Lowri, who guest wrote this post, lived in Wales for many years before moving to the Netherlands! She’s been all over the country, finding the most awesome places to visit- from a local’s perspective!
There are so many things to do in Wales, it can be hard to know where to start!
If you only have a few days, how should you spend your three days in this charming country? Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your visit.
What is the Best Month to Visit Wales?
The one thing you should know about Wales is that the weather isn’t very reliable. It can rain when you least expect it. So whenever you decide to plan your visit, make sure you pack a raincoat.
Wales is a beautiful country with plenty to offer visitors all year round. However, the best time of year to visit Wales depends on what you want to see and do while you’re there.
If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, then the best time of year to visit Wales is during the spring or summer. This is when the weather is at its best, and you’ll be able to make the most of the country’s many hiking and walking trails.
If you’re more interested in visiting Wales’ historical sites, then autumn or winter might be a better time to travel. This is when you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
Whichever time of year you choose to visit Wales, you’re sure to have the best time!
How Many Days Do You Need in Wales?
If you’re planning a trip to Wales, the first question you probably have is how many days you’ll need to see everything. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to see and do.
3 days in Wales is a great number of days to visit if you want to see the highlights. However, if you want to explore Wales in depth, then you’ll need to allow at least a week.
The good news is that Wales is a relatively small country, so it’s easy to get around.
The public transport is fairly decent in most areas of Wales, but if you want to see a lot, I highly recommend you rent a car and drive around the country.
Unless you have days or weeks to spare, you’re sure to find plenty to see and do in this beautiful country, and driving around is the best way to experience most of it!
What is the Best Way to Get Around Wales in 3 Days?
The best way to travel around Wales is by car. It will allow you to see the beautiful Welsh countryside and enjoy the spectacular views. Plus, with 3 days in Wales, you’ll want to see many parts of the country.
If you don’t have a car, then the next best option would be public transport like trains and buses.
However, there are some parts of Wales that have limited access to public transport and others where train lines do not run altogether.
Therefore, if not renting a car, the best way to get around Wales would be to use the public bus system.
Headed to Wales soon? Make sure you have the top must-have travel items for Europe in your bag!
Where Should I go For 3 Days in Wales?
A long weekend is perfect for anyone wanting to see the best spots around Wales. No matter which areas you choose to explore, you will be greeted with the warmest of welcomes.
To help you make the most of your trip to Wales, this 3 days in Wales Itinerary will allow you to see the very best places:
Day One in Wales:
Cardiff Castle
To make the most of Cardiff you should spend some time exploring the city itself.
Walk around or enjoy touring the city by bus.
One place you cannot miss is Cardiff Castle which is in the heart of the city. You can just take a look at the grounds, or for £14.50 you can tour the whole castle.
You will also find plenty of picturesque gardens for you to stroll through around the City. The most popular are Bute and Roath park which are a great way to escape the crowds.
Cardiff Bay
In the evening, catch a performance at the Millennium Centre and explore Cardiff Bay. This is the perfect place to spend the evening as there are a variety of restaurants, pubs, and bars which offer great views.
Cardiff is a great place to stay for anyone visiting Wales as it has great transport links and endless things to do.
No matter how many days you spend in Wales, stopping by Cardiff is a must!
Looking for a more personalized experience? Book a customized tour of Cardiff with a local here!
Day Two of Your 3 Days in Wales
Day two in Wales should be dedicated to exploring the great outdoors. And there is no better place to do this than Snowdonia National Park.
Aberystwyth
It will take a few hours to get to Snowdonia National Park from South Wales, but it is worth the drive, as it is the top place to visit for incredible views during your 3 days in Wales.
To make your journey towards Snowdonia more enjoyable, you should stop at the stunning seaside town of Aberystwyth.
This is the halfway point between North and South Wales, and the town is tiny but offers the most amazing beachfront walks.
Snowdonia National Park is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Wales, so you should make the most of it when you arrive. The best activities in the area are to take a hike around the park or go for a bike ride along the coast.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
One of the most popular things to do in Snowdonia National Park is to hike to the summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.
Depending on what route you take, climbing up and down should take between 5-7 hours. But if you don’t want to hike or don’t have the time to spare, you can always take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The train takes you up to the peak and back down again within an hour.
This way you get to experience Snowdon and all of its views in a short amount of time.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway train closes during the winter and reopens in April, so if you want to get the train up, plan your Wales trip after the end of March.
It’s also a good idea to book your train tickets in advance as they sell out quickly, especially in the summer.
Llyn Padarn
There are over 100 lakes in Snowdonia National Park, so it is worth spending an hour or two exploring them- taking just a bit of time from your 3 Days in Wales.
One of the best lakes to visit is Llyn Padarn, where you will find the Instagram-famous ‘lonely tree.’
Llyn Padarn is completely free to visit and is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area to visit.
For a unique experience, book a kayaking adventure that explores Snowdonia from the waters of Llyn Padarn!
Day 3 of Your Wales Trip
On the last of your 3 days in Wales, spend some time visiting some of Wales’ many historic towns and villages.
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont
One village you must visit is Llanwrst, which is 23 minutes away from Snowdonia National Park.
Here you will find the most amazing tearoom, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont.
The tearoom is found in a 15th-century house and is really popular with locals.
This building is so unique as it changes with the seasons, thanks to the leaves that cover the entire building.
Wales is famous for its castles, so you should spend the rest of your third day in Wales exploring the historic town of Conwy.
Conwy
The historic town of Conwy is in the northwest of Wales.
This is one of the most popular places to visit in North Wales and is an extremely popular tourist destination.
There are so many things to do in Conwy that you could easily spend a few days here.
However, you can see the highlights of what Conwy has to offer during a day trip in Wales that includes exploring the medieval walls, touring Conwy Castle, and seeing other highlights in Snowdonia.
There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to visit before heading back into the town center.
Make sure to leave some time for shopping! You’ll want to take home some Welsh wool blankets and traditional pottery as souvenirs.
Tip: If you want to explore the many boutique shops Conwy has to offer, you will want to avoid visiting on a Sunday. Many of the shops will have limited hours or may be closed.
This itinerary allows you to see the very best that Wales has to offer, including its many landscapes. With its rugged coastline and rolling hills, it’s a good idea to bring durable luggage.
Conclusion: Wales in 3 Days Itinerary
Wales is a stunning country with plenty to do and see.
This part of the UK has a lot to offer tourists. From the beautiful scenery to the rich history and culture, there is something for everyone in Wales.
But, like any destination, it can be hard to know where to start planning.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and explore everything that Wales has to offer. I’m sure after 3 days visiting Wales, you will want to return again and again!
Thanks to Lowri from Many Other Roads for writing this incredible itinerary!
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