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welsh celebrities tell us their favourite things to do in wales
Forget the guidebooks, to really get under the skin of a place just listen to the locals who live there. We’ve asked three famous locals and one avid Wales fan to tell us what makes their perfect “recipe” for a weekend break in Wales.
Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1 DJ & Sŵn Festival Curator
I’d wake up and have breakfast in Jacob’s Market, the antique centre behind the train station. Their fry ups are incredible.
I’d balance it with a cycle round Llandaff Fields. While in the area I’d pop into Chapter Arts Centre to see what was going on and have a coffee, see their art gallery and check out what films I’d like to see in the future.
Into Cardiff city centre and I’d spend money on records in Spillers Records. Check out the dance releases in Catapult before having one of the pasta dishes in Cafe Minuet in Castle Arcade opposite Cardiff Castle.
I’d train it to West Wales after that for the afternoon and take in some of the luscious views and fresh air. It’s a part of the world I don’t go to often enough but it’s so stunning. I’d try and get to Solfach near St David’s where the Welsh singer Meic Stevens is from and take in the sea air.
Matthew Rhys, Actor
Asking to choose your favourite places in Wales is like asking a parent to choose a favourite child…
I always love waking up in Mid Wales. Usually because I’m in the countryside and it’s so peaceful. Machynlleth is a beautiful market town and my Uncle runs a farm just outside.
They have a great Bed and Breakfast there so after a large plate of bacon and eggs I’d walk to the top of the farm to the lake which looks out over the Dovey estuary.
I don’t usually notice air quality but it’s so ridiculously clean there it’s a shame (along with the view) it can’t be bottled.
I’d then drive down the coast road (no matter what the weather it’s always beautiful), to Fishguard. If it’s a really special day, drive through Cardigan and pick up some freshly caught lobster and barbecue on any of the Pembrokeshire beaches. With the sand in your toes, head to the Fishguard Arms for a few lazy afternoon pints – a tiny, unique pub just off the square in Fishguard.
Then (whoever the non-drinking driver is) takes us back to Cardiff for dinner at the Armless Dragon for some real Welsh cuisine, the lamb is usually fantastic. Then finish the day with a few drinks or a late film at Chapter Arts (They have an enormous and amazing selection of beers).
The next day, kick off the morning with a walk around St Fagan’s folk museum. I never tire of this place and everyone I take always loves it. Have your morning coffee at Gwalia stores and pick up your freshly baked bread, Welsh cheeses and some pop and head to Ogmore Castle for a picnic. After lunch – next to the castle are some great riding stables where you can take horses over the dunes near Merthyr Mawr to Porthcawl which is a stunning ride. No better way to spend an afternoon.
After two quite busy days, maybe just a quiet night in is needed…
Dave Davies, Olympic and Commonwealth Swimming Medallist
I’d start the day by taking my dog for a long walk over Barry Island and along Whitmore Bay then around the cliff to Jacksons Bay.
The view from the cliffs over Whitmore Bay when the sun is rising is amazing. I’d finish the walk with a coffee at Marco’s on the promenade.
A perfect afternoon is watching Cardiff City Football Club play at home in the new Cardiff City Stadium. The Bluebirds as they are nicknamed win the match and the atmosphere inside the stadium is electric!
In the evening I’d go to Cardiff Bay with my girlfriend for drinks and dinner. We’d start with some cocktails in Ba Orient and go onto Mimosa for dinner.
The next day I would chill by wondering the shops in the new St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff. For lunch I’d go the New York Deli in the Castle Arcade. They do the most amazing subs and bagels jam packed with delicious fillings.
I’d then head back to either Penarth Pier or the lake in Barry for a walk before finishing the weekend off with a Sunday roast at home in Barry.
Guy Kesteven, Avid Wales fan, Mountain Bike Writer and Bike Trail Guru
Vintage flying boat to Bala then pick up a Bedford dormobile with original brown and orange curtains for overnight stop by the sea at Aberafon.
Lynskey double Helix road bike to ride down to Coed y Brenin to pick up Santa Cruz Tallboy for a dawn raid on the Beast trail. The way misty morning half light, starts to warm your shoulders after the first climb is fantastic.
Back in time to get porridge on for the girls and then a day of Go Ape and gentle singletrack with Honor and Freya.
Lamb Bhuna with half chips and half rice in front of the open fire at the Rhiw Goch Inn. Sleep wherever the bleating is most soothing.
Sunday up Snowdon racing Sarah and my two girls who’ve headed up on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Back down the other side, this time cleaning every section of the Rangers path rock fest rather than wedging myself into a crevice and blowing my forks up like I did the other week.
Over to Beaumaris for a wander round the castle then sunset fish and chips on the beach all under one big happy blanket until the flying boat comes back for us.
For more ideas on where to go for a weekend break in Wales see what the regions of Wales offer.
Or you if you want it all packaged up, check out one of our ready made itineraries.
