Regional Royal driving itineraries for Wales
Day 1
The magnificent ruins of Tintern Abbey, in the glorious Wye Valley, stand testament to Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Not far is Raglan Castle, one of Britain’s finest late medieval fortress-palaces (the Long Gallery was a showpiece of Tudor elegance) and a boyhood home of Henry VII, the first Tudor king. Then it’s down to Cardiff, home of Welsh National Opera in the new Millennium Centre.
Overnight: Cardiff
Day 2
2,000-year-old Cardiff Castle belonged to Tudor monarchs for 75 years after the victorious Henry VII gave it to his uncle; much of today’s opulence is the result of the 19th century Bute family’s wish for a fairytale castle. Drop by the National Museum Cardiff before moving on to Swansea (National Waterfront Museum) and Oxwich Castle or Beaupre Castle - both with atmospheric Tudor manor houses. If you’ve time, call in at the National Botanic Garden Wales before arriving in Tenby to see the fabulously preserved Tudor Merchant’s House.
Overnight: Tenby
Day 3
Mighty Pembroke Castle is essentially as it would have been when the future Henry VII was born. Henry’s father (Elizabeth’s great-grandfather) lies in his tomb before the high altar of St David’s Cathedral.