The suggested itinerary is based on a five-night stay and would be led by knowledgeable, personable guides with contributions from many of Wales’ contemporary artists.
Day one
Visit Dylan Thomas' childhood city of Swansea, including his family home at Cwmdonkin Drive, his school, park and favourite pubs. Enjoy the finest Welsh cuisine in the company of one of Dylan’s childhood friends whilst gazing across Swansea Bay, before a guided tour around The Dylan Thomas Centre.
Day two
Travel to rural Pembrokeshire exploring the rugged hills, cliffs and hidden beaches of Wales’ ancient myths and legends. Follow the hoofs of legendary Queen Rhiannon from 'The Mabinogion' in stunning Newport, and the holy centres of Nevern and Cwm yr Eglwys, before tracing the alignments of ceremonial prehistoric stones which have inspired generations of artists, from Iolo Morganwg to John Ormond, Niall Griffiths and Gillian Clarke. Dine and stay overnight at one of the many boutique hotels of the area.
Day three
Tread the streets of picturesque seaside Tenby, a favourite holiday destination for 19th and early 20th century writers such as George Eliot, Dylan Thomas, Beatrix Potter, Roald Dahl, David Jones and Laurie Lee, as well as Horatio Nelson and Augustus John. Includes a boat ride to the monastic Caldey Island, home to some of the earliest known writing in Wales (ogham script). Enjoy a pub meal and overnight stay at Manorbier Castle.
Day four
Indulge in the literary centre of Laugharne, including the castle, Browns Hotel and the boat house; where Dylan Thomas lived in the last few years of his life and where he wrote much of 'Under Milk Wood'. Then drift across the Taf Estuary until you reach the remote villages of Llanybri and Llansteffan. Search for cockles in the sands as you uncover the remarkable lives of several of Wales’ other 20th century writers who made their homes here, including Lynette Roberts, Glyn Jones and Raymond Garlick. Travel back to Swansea to enjoy dinner and a show at the Taliesin Arts Centre.
Day five
Explore the urban literary grit of contemporary Swansea with cult writer Joe Dunthorne, author of the novel and feature film 'Submarine'. From the satirical caricatures of Martin Amis, to the dark haiku of Nigel Jenkins, to the fantastical worlds of Russell T. Davies, “this ugly, lovely town” has nurtured many of Wales’ strongest postmodern writers.
Literature Wales offers:
- Free information and advice for those planning their own literary adventures;
- Bespoke literary tour curation for tour operators or private groups;
- Support, guidance and partnership for others’ literary tourism projects.
Please get in touch with Literature Wales for further information about their services, including to commission bespoke versions of the tours.
