Wales has some beautiful coastline and rugged countryside. Especially around our favourite part of the country, West Wales. And the counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
However, one issue with visiting this region is where to stay. It is relatively quiet, which is, of course, (one of the main reasons to visit). As a result, there are not that many accommodation choices. Also, if you do find somewhere with a view, it doesn’t come cheap.
Luckily, there is an alternative and an excellent way to see the countryside and stay in places with the best views. A campervan trip is a perfect way to experience West Wales. Whether it’s a short break or a couple of weeks, a campervan gives the freedom to explore the more remote, picturesque parts of Wales.
Don’t worry if you don’t own a campervan or motorhome. There are plenty of rental companies available. As well as camper-friendly holiday parks across the region.
If you already have a campervan, don’t forget to sort out your van insurance quotes before you set off with all your gear for your trip.
So once the practicalities are sorted, where should you go? Here are a few ideas and some of our favourite destinations. You can choose to do these routes individually or combine them into a single trip.
Swansea To Tenby
Although Swansea is not in the counties mentioned, situated near the end of the M4 motorway, it is a great place to start your trip west. It’s the gateway to the Gower Peninsula with its fantastic beaches, great for walking and surfing all year round.
It’s only a short drive from Swansea to Three Cliffs Bay, one of the most picturesque spots on Gower. As you head west, you will pass more beautiful bays and beaches. Such as the sheltered Oxwich Bay and the village of Port Eynon.
The one spot you should not miss is the dramatic headland known as Worms Head. Arguably, one of the best views in Wales.
Continuing to head west towards Tenby, you now pass into the county of Carmarthenshire. We recommend leaving the main road (the A40) at St Clears and taking the coast road via Laugharne. The village of Laugharne was home to the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. His old house (the boathouse) is open to the public.
The coast road continues alongside Carmarthen Bay, passing through Pendine, Amroth and Saundersfoot before arriving at our favourite seaside town, Tenby. There are many campsites around Tenby, which makes it perfect for exploring South Pembrokeshire.
St Brides Bay And St Davids To Newport, Pembrokeshire
This section of the drive takes in some of the best of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It’s just over 20 miles from Tenby to Broad Haven, St Brides Bay. However, if you haven’t already visited the south coast of Pembrokeshire, we highly recommend it. Especially Barafundle Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in Wales.
You’re now driving along the coast of the far west of Wales. Cardigan Bay is very quiet and has a limited choice of accommodation. This makes the area perfect for touring by campervan.
Wild and rugged Newgale beach is a 2-mile stretch of golden sands. Its exposed location facing west makes it popular with surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers. Just over a 7-mile drive from Newgale is the pretty sheltered harbour of Solva. Its location made it one of the busiest trading ports in Pembrokeshire. Today, the little village and bustling quayside have a great selection of galleries, cafes, shops and pubs.
At the top of St Brides Bay, you reach St Davids, the smallest city in Britain. The town and the impressive 12th-century cathedral are named after the patron saint of Wales, St David.
You can get boat trips to the wild offshore islands of Ramsey, Grassholm, Skomer and Skokholm from St Davids. You can get a close glimpse of the local sea life. Including puffins, gannets, dolphins and even whales, if you’re lucky.
After St Davids, continue along the rugged coast of Pembrokeshire to Newport, close to the border of Ceredigion.
Cardigan To Aberystwyth
As with the previous trips, you can take it on its own or combine it with the others. This time we are travelling up the coast of Cardigan Bay in the county of Ceredigion (the historic county of Cardiganshire).
From the historic town of Cardigan on the estuary of the River Teifi, follow the coast to the clifftops at Gwbert. Gwbert is on The Ceredigion Way, a 60-mile footpath from Cardigan. It passes through Gwbert and forms a section of the Wales Coast Path.
As you continue to drive north, there are some beautiful spots to stop along this wild westerly coastline. Make sure to visit the seaside town of New Quay. Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, lived here during the last couple of years of WWII. There is a walk which is worth doing, The Dylan Thomas Trail. New Quay can be seen in the film “The Edge of Love” starring Keira Knightley.
Only 20 minutes from New Quay is Aberaeron, another little harbour town. The harbour and town are adorned with colourful houses.
The final part of the drive takes you towards Mid Wales and the Victorian seaside town of Aberystwyth. From here, you can either continue up to North Wales or head inland to the heart of Wales.
These are just a few of the many campervans itineraries you can take around Wales. As mentioned, West Wales is perfect for a driving holiday. And a campervan gives the opportunity to stay in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. We hope you get the chance to visit soon.
