Piers' Proper Holiday

Day 1

What better way to start an adventure than a pint with Gareth Thomas at the Blue Anchor Inn, in East Aberthaw. Wales is home to some fantastic watering holes, from The Prince of Wales in Bridgend, a 500-year-old pub, to The Farmers Arms in St David’s. Or for something a little unusual, visit The Neuadd Arms in Powys, home to the World Bog Snorkeling championships! Wherever you decide go, be sure to sample Bill George’s Gwynt Y Draig cider or one of Tomos Watkins’ great Welsh Ales.

The next stop is Anglesey. An hour’s flight from Cardiff International, with spectacular views of the Welsh coastline. Alternatively you can drive across the impressive Britannia or Menai Suspension bridges.

 

Day 2

The lucky couple stayed in the fabulous Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris. When it comes to boutique hotels, Wales has its fair share, from the glamorous but intimate Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli, to the eco-friendly Fronlas Hotel in the Brecon Beacons.  Whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure to find somewhere to stay that caters to your needs.

Olympic sailing hopeful, Chris Grube, joined Piers and his gilrfriend for a high-speed, exhilarating rib-ride on the Menai Straits. You too can take to the seas for some fabulous sailing around Wales’ coastline, or get into the water and enjoy some of Britain’s best diving sites. Whatever gets your adrenalin going, there’s an activity to suit you.

 

Day 3

Camping in Wales is a great way to get up close and personal with nature. Piers stayed at the Dapper Camping Club in Powys, but there are lots of places for camping and caravans all over Wales. 

Piers' Welsh Whisky Wednesday was spent at Penderyn Whisky Distillery, the home of Welsh whisky. If wine is more your tipple, Llanerch Vineyard is nestled deep in the Vale of Glamorgan, and you can also enroll on a cookery course there.

A hamper lunch at the National Showcaves was the next stop, completed by a meeting with the dinosaurs!  In fact, there are great activities for families all over Wales – you could journey through time and space at the National Museum Cardiff, or have hours of fun at the Blue Lagoon Waterpark in Narbeth.

 

Day 4

After arriving at Afan Lodge, in the heart of the adrenalin-fuelled Afan Forest Park, Piers was quickly briefed on their next adventure – one of the famous South Wales Mountain Biking trails. Wales has all the ups and downs a mountain biker could want and you’re never far from one of the many mountain biking centres dotted around the country.

Next up, Piers and his Girlfriend put their balance and determination to the test at Gower Surf School – the experts had them standing in no time! Wales’coastline features some of the UK’s best-loved beaches, including Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire and Rhossli Bay on the Gower.There are plenty of surf schools and watersports to enjoy wherever you are. So try Kitesurfing and learn to dive on Anglesey, or head to Llyn Peninsular or Pembrokeshire for all the watersports you can dream of – kayaking, rafting, sailing and windsurfing, or even a spot of fishing.
 

 

Day 5

You can explore Wales in so many ways, but arguably the best option is to get off the beaten track and dig out your walking boots. Piers enjoyed an afternoon or walking the Heritage Coastal Path topped off by Welsh Cakes overlooking Dunraven Bay. Although you may not be presented with your own bench upon arrival, you’re guaranteed to be presented with views of a spectacular and diverse landscape all along the coastal route. You’ll find the same wherever you walk in Wales, whether you’re embarking on an afternoon stroll or a long-distance trek.

After a day of rambling, you can rest your weary feet at one of Wales’ many countryside pubs. You won’t have much trouble finding one! And what better way for Piers to enjoy the evening than with Aled Jones stirring up a little friendly competition at The Pelican pub quiz in Ogmore. 

 

Day 6

Upon arrival at the famously testing Celtic Manor Resort, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, Piers and his girlfriend were sure to be impressed by the course’s luxurious facilities and wide-stretching greens.

You can hone your putting skills all over Wales; our courses feature some of the most unusual and remarkable holes you’ll ever play. Check out the 14th hole at West Monmouthshire for the highest in Britain, or the seventh hole at Pennard Golf Club for scenery that’s worth travelling halfway round the world for.

A game of golf isn’t half as fun without a celebratory drink at the 19th hole, or even halfway if you’re feeling confident! Nefyn & District Golf Club’s Ty Coch Inn serves as the perfect stop-off point on your way round this 26-hole course with stunning sea views.

 

Day 7

We couldn’t let Piers leave without visiting the award-winning Wales Millennium Centre. This stunning arts venue is just the start of exciting developments in Wales, with Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Aberystwyth Arts Centre hot on its heels.  In fact, Wales’ arts and culture scene really shouldn’t be missed.

Piers faced their lung-blasting challenge with the Welsh National Opera head on, and even Piers was impressed with his new-found talent! Afterwards, the couple caught their breath with cocktail lessons at Ffresh – just one of many bars to be found in Wales’ vibrant city centres. If you’re looking for something softer, but equally indulgent, head to the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny for one of the best Cream Tea’s around.

After a few cocktails, our guests needed some nourishment. At St Fagan’s Food Festival you’ll find everything from traditional Welsh delicacies to cutting-edge creations. The Welsh love good food and there are plenty of festivals showcasing the very best, including the Welsh Food Festival in Powys and the very unique Really Wild Festival in St Davids. And if you want to sample fantastic cheeses there’s the The Great British Cheese Festival in Cardiff.

Day 8

Pierstock was named quite aptly after one of Wales’ most famous festivals -  Wakestock, which is a fantastic wakeboarding and music festival held in stunning Abersoch, Gwynedd. It goes without saying that the Welsh know how to party. It’s evident through the host of arts festivals that are held all year round, including Wonderwool Wales in April, the literary Hay Festival in May, Brecon Jazz Festival in August, and Abertoir Horror Film Festival in November. Not to mention all those food festivals we’ve already mentioned!