north wales driving tour

The Perfect North Wales Road Trip Guide & Itinerary 2024

Trying to figure out where to go on your Trip to North Wales?

After Exploring the very best things to do on a North Wales Road Trip, I’ve got you covered!

I am Welsh and have explored its roads and the best things to do hundreds of times and I cannot recommend this part of the country enough!

Ancient woodlands, Insta Worthy Lakes and Misty Mountains. This is just a start to the amazing things you can see during a visit to North Wales .

But which places are worth adding to your itinerary?

Let me walk you through the ultimate places that every Welsh person would recommend you visit for an unforgettable trip.

Planning A Trip? Use The Resources Below!

► Accommodation – I Recommend Bookin g .Com

► Local Tours – I Recommend Viator.Com

► Car Rental – I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com

North Wales By Car (Or Public Transport) Quick Guide:

Route Time: Without stopping, it takes around 4 hours

Where To Stop In 5-7 Days (If you have less time cut out the * stops)

✔️  Day 1:  Arrive at Snowdonia National Park ✔️  Day 2:  Climb Cadair Idris or Snowdon at sunrise * ✔️  Day 3:  Explore Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall ✔️ Day 4:  Visit Wrexham and spot the Hollywood-like sign * ✔️ Day 5:  Spend the day at Bangor and relax at nearby beaches like Beaumaris * ✔️ Day 6:  Take the Bridge over to Anglesey & visit the famous Llanfairpwllgwyngyll ✔️ Day 7:  Travel back (stop in Aberystwyth if it’s on your route)

Getting Here

🏆 Discover Cars : The best way to compare EVERY rental option available

🚉 Trainline : Quickest Option Without Driving

⭐️ Private Tour : For those who want a road trip vibe but with the luxury of not driving!

Your ready to use North Wales Road Trip Map

My top North Wales Stops

• Snowdonia National Park
• Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall
• Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

1. Snowdonia National Park (Days 1 &2)

• Enjoy a meal at Hangin’ Pizzeria
• Take in the views at sunrise from Cadair Idris
• Stroll around Lake Vyrnwy
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 8+ Hours

Snowdonia National Park is one of the most popular stops and it’s not hard to see why…

Snowdonia National Park offers something for everyone. It’s so popular that you can actually book trips here from London!

It is one of the most scenic areas in Wales and I will never be able to recommend it enough 🤩

I could honestly spend my entire visits to this part of Wales just enjoying the delights the National Park has.

You will find so many amazing places to stay around Snowdonia , making it the best getaway!

Where to Visit in Snowdonia National Park:

✔️Snowdonia

✔️Llyn Padarn & the lonely Tree

✔️Lake Vyrnwy

✔️Dolgellau

Best Places to Stay in Snowdonia

📍 O Dan Y Coed Swedish Log Cabin  – Amazing views, and great outdoor space. It has a hot tub, is dog-friendly, and does not break the bank! 📍 Safari Tent in the heart of Snowdonia  – Incredible location. The luxury tent has an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub

2. Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall (Day 3)

I stumbled upon this Waterfall by mistake and I’m so glad I did!

Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall is seen as one of the wonders of Wales. Even though it can be seen from the road, it is well worth stopping here.

Parking at the Waterfall is pretty easy but be warned when it is a hot day the spaces fill up fast as it’s a great place to cool off.

Visiting here can easily be done in 20 minutes so it’s well worth your time (it’s also free!).

3. Wrexham (Day 4)

• Explore Chirk Castle
• Take in the views from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Dine at The Fat Boar
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 6+ Hours

With the local football team being bought by Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham is now on everyone’s radar.

This was the one place that surprised me the most as this town is surrounded by history and the most stunning scenery.

There are so many amazing places to stay in this area , especially if you are looking for a hot tub!

Wrexham has great tourist attractions, places to eat and the most lovely country pubs.

So if you want a perfect mixture of City and Country, visit Wrexham.

Best Places to Stay in Wrexham

📍 Hollies Farm B&B  – Lush staff, and great natural light to the rooms. Comfortable beds, great breakfast and I would stay here again and again! 📍 The Lemon Tree  – great location with parking and easy access to the train station. It is also set in the most stunning Victorian building.

4. Bangor (Day 5)

• Explore Penrhyn Castle & Garden
• Stroll down Garth Pier
• Visit Penrhyn Castle & Garden
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 5+ Hours

‘Ban-gor’ is the oldest City in Wales. You will not find a lot to do here but is a great base for exploring places on your North Wales Road Trip, like Anglesey.

Bangor also has a beach, pier and is a great seaside pitstop for a few hours. It’s definitely worth visiting Wales’ oldest City but you don’t need to plan much time here.

(Note: If you are looking for something to do in Bangor, Visit Penrhyn Castle ).

Best Places to Stay in Bangor

📍 The Slate   – All mod-cons and has an onsite restaurant if you are too tired to go out after your day of exploring. 📍 Pant Teg B & B  – Amazing location for exploring the surrounding areas. The most friendly hosts- it helps when you are new here!

5. Anglesey (Day 6)

• Admire the views from Menai Suspension Bridge
• Take a picnic to Llanddwyn Beach
• Visit South Stack Lighthouse

Drive across the Manai Suspension Bridge across to the wonderful Island of Anglesey

The bridge from mainland Wales to Anglesey is pretty impressive. But not as impressive as Anglesey.

Full of Geological landforms, rolling hills and Blue Waters, this is one of the most incredible stops when exploring North Wales by road.

P.S. When you arrive at Anglesey, try and stop at the Snowdonia Panoramic viewpoint.

On a clear day, you can see all the Mountains in Snowdonia. There is also a really useful slate sign that tells you all the mountains you can see from that point.

Best Places to Stay in Anglesey

📍 Lastra Farm Hotel  – A luxury stay while surrounded by Welsh rolling hills. You can also do activities like golfing, horse riding and hiking here. 📍 The Anchorage   – THE best budget-friendly option with glowing reviews. I think the epic beachfront location helps!

6. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll (Day 6)

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or more commonly known as Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is on the Island of Anglesey.

And Yup, this is a real place.

It is the second longest-place name in the world.

The English Translation for this 58-character village name is  “St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave”.

You can visit the sign at the local Train Station and even though it’s just a sign, it’s well worth stopping here.

When is the best time of year for a North Wales Road Trip?

So when is the best time of year to visit North Wales?

Unfortunately, the Weather can be very temperamental in Wales.

Springtime is always a good time to plan your Road Trip as even if it rains, seeing the landscape changing before you is pretty special.

You will always find the major tourist spots a lot less crowded during this time too.

If you are planning to explore the outdoors on your great Welsh road trip, I recommend June-October as the Weather is usually warmer.

North Wales is a great place to explore all year round but I recommend packing a raincoat regardless of what time of year you want to go (it rains a lot here).

How long does it take to drive around Wales?

This question is asked a lot!

Even though Wales doesn’t look like a big Country, the many Country roads may add some time onto your trip.

Some of the routes are full of potholes and tight bends so having sturdy luggage is a good idea!

To drive from one side of Wales to the other (West to East) is about 4 hours. To drive from South to North Wales you are looking at a drive time of 5 hours.

North Wales has a lot to see and do so 7 days is the ultimate time frame.

If you can’t spare that amount of time or are just briefly visiting North Wales, you will be surprised how much you can see in a day or two.

➡️ If you want to explore Wales and not drive, there are plenty of great tours that leave London that you can book!

How long does it take to drive around North Wales?

North Wales is over 200 Miles with so many areas to explore, 5-7 days is the perfect timeframe to drink it all in.

But if time isn’t on your side, you may want to limit your North Wales driving route to one area.

The most recommended destination for this is Snowdonia . It is BY FAR my favourite place to visit in North Wales because it is so pretty 😍

To make travelling by road go a lot smoother, I also recommend having some of these road trip essentials with you.

Where to stop on the way to North Wales

On the way to your North Wales Adventure, there are some great places to stop and break up the Journey.

The one place I couldn’t recommend enough is Aberystwyth (I lived here for 4 years).

If you are travelling Mid or South Wales this spot is a must-visit, even for a few hours.

The stunning Coastal town of Aberystwyth is only small but the Sea Views and Foodie hot spots make this a great way to start your trip up North.

Here are a few things you can do when you visit Aberystwyth:

🏖️   Climb or get the Tram up Constitution Hill. The Walk is pretty steep so the Tram is a great alternative. (Note: You do have to pay for the Tram, tickets can be bought from the Cliff Railway at the entrance)

🏖️   Get Fish and Chips at North Beach (be careful of the Seagulls, they will try their luck!)

🏖️   Stroll around Aberystwyth Harbour and South Beach

🏖️   Kick the Bar outside Alexandra Halls (Look out for the sign explaining the History and what you have to do)

🏖️   Have a drink at the Glen Gower Pub and Watch the Waves

🏖️   Stop by the Arcade and play a few games

🏖️   Watch the Sunset if you get a chance (this is when I have always seen a Dolphin)

A North Wales Road Trip in 3 days

Even though it’s recommended to spend 5-7 days exploring North Wales by car, it is totally possible to see a lot in 3 days.

There are so many sites you can actually see from the comfort of your vehicle.

To save time on your 3-day itinerary you can just do a drive-by of a lot of the attractions, stopping only at the sites you are desperate to see.

The top sites to add to your 3-day North Wales Itinerary are:

✔️ Snowdonia National Park

✔️ Anglesey

✔️ Barmouth

✔️Conwy ( the castle here is epic!)

What can you do in 2 days in North Wales?

If you only have 2 days to road trip around North Wales, don’t expect to see everything.

However, you can certainly make a very good dent in your itinerary. For those who want to see a lot, it’s highly recommended to take a decent day bag with you .

Exploring Snowdonia National Park is a great place to spend your two days. You will see the prettiest rural villages, the most amazing views and always have plenty to do.

➡️ Snowdonia is my favourite area in this part of Wales. If you are running low on time, you can easily dedicate your whole driving time here .

This is how I would spend 2 days exploring North Wales:

✔️ Betws-y-Coed & Snowdonia National Park

✔️ Llangollen

✔️ Conwy (make sure you stop by the Castle )

Final thoughts on exploring North Wales by car or public transport

This is without a doubt one of the most scenic Road Trips you can do.

If you are an outdoor adventurer or just looking for the best spot for a beer, North Wales will not disappoint 😍

I love visiting here because it has a great blend of everything Wales offers. Amazing driving routes, cosy pubs and some world-class beaches!

Just don’t forget to pack a coat- it will probably rain, even if you visit in August .

I hope this article helped! Here are some more posts to get your plans started:

✔️ Best Cardiff Airport Transfers (By A Local Who Flys A Lot)

✔️ Where To Stay In Cardiff, Wales: Best Areas & Hotels

✔️ 17 Best Day Trips From Cardiff (By A Local)

✔️ Can You Drink Tap Water In The UK? Expert Guide

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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A Lady in London

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Lady’s 7 Places that Will Make You Want to Take a Road Trip in North Wales

My great British road trip has started strong with stops in some of England’s most beautiful destinations. But after a week on the road, it’s time to head to Wales. I’ve spent time in the Brecon Beacons and the south over the last few years, and I’ve been itching to explore more of the north. Now my patience is being rewarded with the discovery of 7 great places on my road trip in North Wales.

Road Trip in North Wales

After traveling to the Lake District , Yorkshire Dales , and Chester , my boyfriend and I hop in our camper van and spend 5 days driving around North Wales. Here’s what we find.

We choose Denbigh as our first stop, mostly because it’s a good place to break up the drive from Chester to Snowdonia National Park.

But when we arrive we discover it’s a lot more than that. The high street is lovely, and the side street we park on is called Love Lane. Swoon.

Add to that the ruins of a hilltop castle and Denbigh becomes a highlight of our time in North Wales.

2. Snowdonia National Park

But what comes next is even better. The drive from Denbigh to Snowdonia is nothing short of breathtaking. As flat ground gives way to rolling hills and mountains, the drama unfolds as the road curves.

Once in Snowdonia, we spend two days doing as much outdoor exploration as we can. We’re unlucky with the weather on our first day, but it doesn’t stop us from walking around Llyn Idwal lake.

The two-hour hike takes us by stunning peaks and past the Idwal Slabs, a mountaineering training area for serious climbers including Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary.

Down south, we walk in the Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve.

The three-hour hike takes us along the River Gamlan and past the magical Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls. Heavy rain the previous night means the water is gushing and the views are spectacular.

3. Penrhyn Castle

Traveling north, we leave Snowdonia for the next stop on our road trip in North Wales: Penrhyn Castle.

Built in the 19th century, it’s less a fortification than a fantasy. But that’s okay with me, because it’s pretty spectacular to see a Victorian interpretation of a medieval fortress.

4. Anglesey

Beyond the castle lies Anglesey , an island at the edge of North Wales. We spend a night here, exploring everything we can while we’re in the area.

From crescent beaches to stunning lighthouses, the island’s wild beauty and remoteness capture our hearts.

5. Caernarfon

After Anglesea we head back across the Menai Strait to the fortified town of Caernarfon.

The town is known for its castle, which we could spend all day exploring. But we also find a lot of pretty streets, hilltop views, and cozy pubs to enjoy while we’re here.

6. Portmeirion

Driving south again, we spend two nights in one of the most hotly-anticipated places to visit in North Wales—for me, anyway.

The coastal village of Portmeirion is straight out of a fairy tale. Or a picture of seaside Italy. Brightly colored buildings of all styles climb the hillside, and everywhere I look I find some new detail that delights.

7. Powis Castle

As if Portmeirion isn’t impressive enough, the last stop on our road trip in North Wales is Powis Castle. Perched on a hill above topiary yews and fanciful sculptures, the castle is the stuff of dreams.

It’s the perfect place to end our time in North Wales, and gives us a great send-off as we continue our trip in England. I’ll be writing more about some of these places over the next week, so make sure to come back for the rest of the story.

In the meantime, the next stop on our great British road trip is Wiltshire . Stay tuned…

How about you? Where would you go on a road trip in North Wales?

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16 Comments on Lady’s 7 Places that Will Make You Want to Take a Road Trip in North Wales

I had already picked North Wales as a future trip and knew about several of these places but you added a few I hadn’t heard of too. It looks spectacular in your photos. I’m going to need to take a months off work someday just to visit the places I most want to see on Great Britain alone, thanks to you! 🙂

Thanks, Blaise! There are so many amazing places to visit in North Wales. It was hard to narrow down our list, too!

Lovely photos, now a few more places to add to my list 😀

Thanks, Andrew! I hope you enjoy them when you visit.

I love Wales! If I didn’t already have family property in Ireland, I’d gladly move to Wales and settle there. Wales has such a soft spot in my heart.

These pictures are wonderful and that VW van makes me nostalgic for time spent in Wales and Ireland!.

Nice! I can see why you love Wales so much.

As a resident of North Wales I’m very happy that you enjoyed your visit and hope you will decide to return again in the future. During that visit you may be able to fully appreciate the language and culture of this wonderful part of the world as well as its undoubted scenic beauty. We have our own language, reputed to be the oldest language in Europe, and Caernarfon is the Welsh speaking capital of the world!

Felly tan y tro nesaf, pob hwyl a iechyd da! So until the next time, good luck and good health!

Thanks, Dylan! I hope to be back. We definitely appreciated the culture and language while we were there. It was great to hear so many people speaking Welsh in Caernarfon.

I’ll be replicating this trip next week…I was about to do my planning but now no need..thank you

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

I love Wales. It has so many places that have not been spoiled. Given the choice, I would go and live there tomorrow, but work commitments mean it’s out of the question

I hope you can live there someday. It’s a beautiful part of the UK.

The Llyn peninsula is also a spectacular corner of North Wales. Stunning coastal views, beaches and villages. Well worth a visit.

Thanks, Nicola! Sounds like I need to take another trip soon.

Ahh your camper looks so cool! What a great way to get about! I’m so envious! This part of Wales looks lovely.

Yeah, it was really fun to go around in a camper van!

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The ultimate North Wales road trip (one-day itinerary)

North Wales, in my opinion, has some of the best places in terms of natural beauty, and it is often tough to decide on the places to visit. Luckily many of the beauty spots are extremely accessible which means it’s possible to see a lot in just one day. We’ve lived in North Wales for almost 11 years, and this article pulls together the most scenic locations which can all be accessed with a very short walk from your car. Follow us along for our one-day North Wales Road Trip itinerary across the most picturesque places the region has to offer.

Start Point & Itinerary

As we’re based in Wrexham, we’ve used this as the starting point for this North Wales road trip. Of course, the route can be customised in terms of your location, driving time and the duration at each location. The Itinerary is a scenic drive with short stops (no long hikes).

It is also possible to do it in one day, meanwhile also visiting some of the best places this Welsh road trip has to offer. Of course, there are many other destinations around North Wales, well worth a visit. A lot of these locations are covered in the following posts:

• Top photography locations around Wrexham, North Wales
• North Wales Landscape Photography (Including Snowdonia)
• Ogwen Valley: a stunning photography location in Snowdonia
• Moel Famau for breathtaking North Welsh landscapes

Google Maps itinerary link

Of course, the start time shown below can also be customised based on your personal preference (and time of year). However, I would strongly suggest an early start for optimal light for photography and also to avoid peak times.

The “finish” at around 2:30 p.m. gives flexibility to return back to your own start point or accommodation. It also gives a buffer for traffic or additional stops/ longer stays on your route.

The first stop is Panorama Walk which is around 25 minutes from Wrexham. The road passes along the hillside above Llangollen and provides stunning views over the valley, even without leaving your car.

From this road, if you do fancy stretching your legs, there are a few laybys that are usually available early in the morning but can get busy during the day. Heading up one of the paths you’ll find incredible views over the rock faces and Dinas Bran Castle. It is one of our top photography locations near Wrexham.

On the way to Panorama, you will also drive past the turn-off to the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. If you’re planning to spend a short amount of time at each of the places on this itinerary then now may be a good time to squeeze in a quick stop. This is also one of our favourite locations around Wrexham for photography.

Horseshoe Pass

The Horseshoe pass, as the name suggests, is a road that weaves through the hills in the shape of a horseshoe. A large layby at the top provides a great spot for photography down into the valley. This layby is just before the bend leading to the Ponderosa Cafe. If you’re lucky, you may have sheep in just the right position to become a great focal point for your composition. There is a steep hill behind the layby which can provide an alternative viewpoint. However, I prefer to carefully cross the road to avoid it being in the foreground.

The Horseshoe Pass is a very popular mountain pass for both cyclists and motorcyclists, these can create interest in your photos by giving a sense of scale against the surroundings.

Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is referred to as “The gateway to Snowdonia”, It’s a stunning village that has a mountain resort-type feel. There are numerous accommodation options which makes it a great base for a Snowdonia road trip or exploring the surrounding areas. There are also many independent shops, for both outdoor equipment but also food. A perfect place for a spot for lunch!

The river River Llugwy passes through Betws-y-Coed and this also joins the River Conwy together with the River Lledr. With the surrounding forest, the River Llugwy is a brilliant spot for photography, especially around the Pont-y-Pair Bridge .

The A5 trunk road passes through the middle of Betws-y-Coed, meaning you’re well-connected to the surrounding area. Did you know ? The A5 was established by Thomas Telford to improve communication between London and Dublin. The A5 was originally for carrying post from London by stagecoaches/mail coach to Holyhead for mailboat to Ireland.

Photography in Betws-y-Coed is diverse, with the pretty buildings, river and surrounding Gwydir Forest. It would also be a place where a tripod may come in handy for long-exposure shots of the river.

If you’re visiting in August/September an additional short detour on your North Wales road trip to Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearooms in Llanwrst would be worthwhile! But, at this time of year expect it to be busy, with everyone trying to get “that shot” as this is the best time to see it in full bloom.

Swallow Falls

Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall can be found along the A5 around 5 minutes from Betws-y-Coed. There’s a layby nearby, which can get busy and it’s £2 per person to enter through the turnstile, a small extra cost. It’s a very short walk down a number of steps to the viewpoint of the waterfalls, but it’s worth it, especially after a lot of rain!

Photography tips at the falls: As Swallow Falls are surrounded by forest, the lighting usually allows for a slower shutter speed with a small (high) aperture. However, on a brighter day, you may need an ND filter to enable a slow shutter speed to blur the water.

Believe it or not, the photo below was taken at f/22, ISO100 with a 0.4s shutter speed, with my camera resting on the railing (No tripod!). This is a good place for a Gorilapod-type tripod, which takes up less space and can be used on the railing. But regular tripods are also fine, if high enough. As always, be aware of others, and also ensure your camera is secure!

Capel Curig

The next stop after a short drive from Swallow Falls is at Capel Curig, with another convenient layby . A short walk down to the Llynnau Mymbyr lakes will enable you to capture panoramic views of the Snowdon Horseshoe in the distance with reflections in the lake, which includes the highest peak of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Camera gear selection: A zoom lens will provide the flexibility to adjust the location of any foreground interest. Longer focal lengths also help to compress the mountains and foreground .

Pen-Y-Pass for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

The Pen-Y-Pass allows you to get to the start of the Miners’ and Pyg Track, the main routes for reaching the summit of Snowdon. However, it’s also a beautiful mountain pass which leads up and over towards the Llanberis pass which takes you to Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn, two lakes in Llanberis.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales. In April 2021 Mount Snowdon was to be called by its Welsh name Yr Wyddfa in all official use. After this motion, Snowdonia was also to be known only by its Welsh name Eryri.

The only main car park is Pen y Pass car park . It requires pre-booking and at £20 (in 2023) isn’t suitable for a quick stop off and walk. It’s forbidden to park on the side of the A4086 main road.

However, one of the best things is the views from the car, with the dry stone brick walls lining the roadside and the stunning mountain backdrops. Make sure the passenger in the front has the camera ready, with a fast enough shutter speed! Note the blurred corners in the photo below shot at 1/250s shutter speed.

Lone Tree at Llyn Padarn

This is a popular spot and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the most beautiful places with the iconic lone tree and surrounding scene. It is especially stunning in the winter months when there’s snow on the surrounding mountains. The tree itself is only a short walk from a car park .

Tour around the Great Orme Marine Drive

The final stop on this Northern Wales road trip is the Great Orme in Llandudno. The Marine Drive , is a toll road which loops anti-clockwise for around 5 miles. For a car, it costs £4.50 (In 2023) and the start point is located here. This stunning road is a great way to tour the Great Orme and see the surrounding areas. Some of the best views are from the top car park. From the summit , you can see over the mountains in Snowdonia National Park and Colwyn Bay in the opposite direction. This is a great place for a telephoto zoom to focus in on the details in the distant landscapes.

In conclusion, North Wales offers some exceptional road trip opportunities for nature enthusiasts and photographers, showcasing some of the most picturesque spots in the region. This carefully crafted one-day itinerary takes you on a journey through stunning landscapes and vibrant locations. With easily accessible stops and a range of photogenic opportunities, this is the best road trip to unveil the best of North Wales’ natural beauty in a single day, making it a must-do adventure for anyone seeking the region’s finest sights.

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North Wales

• 4 nights / 3 days
• Independent
• Great British Tours
• 1 week or less

Explore the Snowdonia National Park with its striking scenery, its treasure trove of history, and wealth of flora and fauna. Discover the rich maritime history of Porthmadog, visit the medieval castle town of Conwy and follow the ancient mountain road and along the Menai Strait to the medieval town of Conwy. Visit the picture-postcard villages of Betws-y-Coed and Portmeirion. Explore the Isle of Anglesey with its rolling countryside, rich pasture and infinitely varied coastline. Travel through prehistory, visiting Iron Age and Celtic sites in an astonishing state of preservation to seeing a beautiful castle in its moat at Beaumaris.

Stay in a beautiful 5-star luxury country house hotel on the edge of Snowdonia as your base to explore North Wales for three days of wonderful driving.

Tour Highlights

• Stunning scenery of Snowdonia National Park & North Wales
• Visit the private village of Portmeirion with its dreamy Italian architecture and lovely views
• Enjoy a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Visit the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, descending 500 feet underground inside the steepest mining cable railway in Europe
• Explore the Centre for Alternative Technology
• Visit Anglesey, also known as Mam Cymru, the ‘Mother of Wales’
• Discover the beautiful country house of Plas Newydd, in the care of the National Trust
• Explore historic castles such as Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech, Dolwyddelan & Penrhyn
• Discover beautiful gardens including Bodnant, Plas Brondanw and Plas Tan y Bwlch
• Cultural delights such as historic churches, ancient towns & villages, & fascinating museums

Arrive at the hotel after 3pm to check into your room. Enjoy dinner in the outstanding three-rosette restaurant.

Enjoy a circular drive around the northern part of the Snowdonia National Park, passing Snowdon itself then heading onto the coastal town of Caernarfon. Take time to visit the fabulous castle. Drive inland to Betws-y-Coed and then onto see the Lechwedd Slate Caverns. Perhaps take the Ffestiniog Railway, which was originally built to transport slate from the quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog, but now it takes you on a 13½-mile journey from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the bustling harbour town of Porthmadog.

Finish the day driving the renowned Evo Triangle, so named as EVO magazine use this stretch of road to test drive cars for feature articles. The route has become very popular among driving enthusiasts, and one of the most talked about routes in the UK.

Return to the hotel for another excellent dinner.

Spend the day exploring the southern part of the Snowdonia National Park. Visit the excellent Centre for Alternative Technology, before heading for the coast.

Drive north along the coast to Harlech and see the castle. Next, enjoy exploring the Italianate-style village of Portmeirion, which is well known as the location for the 1960s cult TV series  The Prisoner . It comprises a cluster of colour-washed buildings around a central piazza, scenic surroundings and extensive woodlands, two hotels, historic cottages, gift shops, spa & award winning restaurants. Lunch is included at Portmeirion.

Then visit the pretty fishing village of Porthmadog and it’s a beautiful scenic drive back across Snowdonia National Park, passing a number of picturesque lakes, to the hotel.

Drive to Anglesey, crossing the Menai Strait. Visit the beautiful National Trust property of Plas Newydd, an enchanting mansion and gardens, with views to Snowdonia. Set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery, this elegant house was redesigned by James Wyatt in the 18th century. The 1930s restyled interior is famous for its Rex Whistler association and contains his exquisite romantic mural and the largest exhibition of his works. A military museum contains relics from the First Marquess of Anglesey’s tenure, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo. There’s also a fine spring garden and Australasian arboretum, with an understorey of shrubs and wild flowers, an Italianate-style summer terrace, and massed hydrangeas which give autumn colour.

Also visit the wonderful castle at Beaumaris, with its classic proportions and perfect symmetry. Technically perfect and constructed according to an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ plan, Beaumaris Castle was the 13th-century hi-tech castle. Return along the north shore of the mainland to Conwy, where there is another superb castle and the pretty town to explore. Enjoy Bodnant Gardens, another National Trust property, before returning to the hotel.

Depart for home after a hearty Welsh breakfast

Where we'll stay

On the edge of Snowdonia National Park is a stunning, five-star, Victorian manor house hotel – a destination for a quiet retreat, comfort and culinary indulgence. The hotel is set in 16 acres of tranquil gardens, parkland and impressive woodlands with beautiful Welsh dramatic rolling landscape views. We have reserved all the elegant, stylish, individually designed bedrooms, each with well-appointed bathrooms, for this tour. The acclaimed three rosette fine-dining restaurant serves a varied menu including local Welsh produce and dishes with a blend of British and Welsh cuisine, prepared to the highest standards. This is a very special hotel to experience.

What's included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Tour book – includes a brief history of the regions to be visited, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed, tailored account of sights and visits for each day. The book effectively eliminates the need for any other guidebooks

Requirements

Price from tour book: £120 (incl uk p&p).

Founded 2003

Since 2003 Classic Travelling has  specialised in driving tours and motoring holidays for classic, vintage, and sports cars of all ages in the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa.

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• NORTHERN IRELAND
• TRAVEL TIPS

The Ultimate North Wales Road Trip Itinerary: Places to visit, where to stay & more

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you planning a North Wales road trip? Perfect! We are here to help!

North Wales is one of the most beautiful places in the UK and there is so much you can do here!

From the fairytale-like village of Portmeirion to the adrenaline rush of Zip World, from the magnificent peaks of Snowdonia to the stunning island of Anglesey, North Wales is an explorer’s paradise.

Between the seaside towns, the national park and the hidden gems , you will have loads to see. 

But to make the best of your road trip in North Wales, it’s important to prepare an itinerary so you don’t miss out on all the fantastic attractions in the area.

That’s where we come in to help with this road trip itinerary for North Wales. You can find below everything you need to know about the area, what are the best things to see and how to get there with your vehicle.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

🔎 Table of Contents

North Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Here is the itinerary with all the stops and recommendations of things to do in each spots.

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Stop 1: Llandudno

⏳ Recommended time: Half a day to 1 day

Kick off your North Wales road trip with the coastal gem, Llandudno. Known for some of the UK’s best beaches, Llandudno is a popular getaway spot, and it’s easy to see why. 

Besides being one of the finest beaches near Manchester , it’s brimming with exciting activities.

One of the top spots to explore is the Great Orme, a prominent headland offering panoramic views of North Wales, including Snowdonia and Anglesey. 

The most popular way to reach the summit is the Great Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled tramway on a public road in Great Britain. 

It ferries you up to the peak, unveiling stunning views of the Irish Channel and picturesque Llandudno. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you can also choose to hike up the Great Orme. 

Once you get up there (whichever way you chose to go), there’s a lovely 5.5-mile circular trail that’s well worth the effort.

Llandudno is blessed with two beautiful beaches. 

The North Shore Beach, located by the town centre, is close to everything you need for a perfect beach day – fish & chips, ice cream parlours, and a bustling pier. 

Stroll along the promenade and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter spot or need a dog-friendly beach, head to the West Shore Beach. 

It’s equally beautiful but much less crowded, perfect for a serene beach day.

Stop 2: Conwy

Just a short 15-minute walk from Llandudno, your next stop on this North Wales road trip is the captivating town of Conwy. 

Known for its medieval charm, Conwy is one of the most renowned places in North Wales.

As you approach, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the town’s medieval walls. 

The heart of Conwy is dominated by the imposing Conwy Castle. Built in the 13th century during Edward I’s conquest of Wales, it’s a masterpiece of medieval architecture that will transport you back in time. 

The castle’s well-preserved state has earned it a spot on the World Heritage Site list, making it a dream destination for history buffs. 

To visit the castle, there is an entrance fee, and you can book tickets either online or directly at the castle. 

If you plan to visit during summer, booking online is recommended. Just FYI, the prices may vary depending on the season.

Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain. It used to be called the Quay House but was (originally) renamed ‘The Smallest House in Great Britain’. 

Standing just 72 inches wide, this tiny home makes for a delightful photo op and is a hit with kids.

For a deeper dive into Welsh medieval domestic life, a visit to Plas Mawr is in order. This well-preserved townhouse provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

If the weather is on your side, make sure to visit Conwy Marina and Quay. It’s a tranquil spot where you can soak up the views and sample some of the town’s best fish and chips.

Stop 3: Bodnant Garden

⏳ Recommended time: 2 hours

Just a short 10-minute drive from Conwy, nestled in the charming village of Tal-y-Cafn, you’ll find the stunning Bodnant Garden, a National Trust property. 

Stretching across 80 acres, this magnificent garden showcases an impressive array of beautiful and unusual trees, blooming flowers, and tranquil meadows, all set against the breath-taking backdrop of the Conwy Valley.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll or just want to relax in nature, Bodnant Garden offers a perfect setting. 

It’s more than just a garden; it’s a haven of serenity with its picturesque woods and the soothing sounds of the nearby river. 

The garden is open every day, offering a perfect excuse to soak up some sunshine on a summery day.

Remember, entry is free for National Trust members, but if you’re not a member, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.

Stop 4: Zip World Velocity 2 (the fastest zipline in the world)

⏳ Recommended time: 3 hours

A lot of people don’t know that but Wales is a true paradise for thrill-seekers. It has in store a lot of adrenaline-filled adventure and if you truly want to experience it, Velocity 2 is the one for you!

It tales about 35 minutes to get there from Bodnant Garden. You’ll need to leave the main road and go towards Snowdonia National Park instead of stay to go to Anglesey.

It will be a bit of a detour (10 minutes to go and 10 minutes to come back) but if you love ziplines, this is something you can’t miss on.

Located in Penrhyn Slate Quarry, Velocity 2 is the fastest zipline in the world. It’s 1,555 metres long and can go over 100 miles per hour.

You can book your ticket online. Make sure to do it in advance as they can sell out quickly.

Your ticket will include 2 ziplines.

Once you arrive on site, park your car and head to the office. There, you will be given instructions, a jumpsuit and all the safety equipment.

You will then go to a first zipline (smaller) so you can get a bit of a taste of what’s expecting.

A truck will then bring you at the top of the quarry where you will start the full zipline. This is quite a scenic ride since you are in the middle of the quarry but as you go up, the landscapes uncover.

Once you are at the top, an instructor will prepare everything and you will set you free on the zipline (yes that’s the moment where you might scream).

It truly is an experience of a lifetime. It’s such a thrilling experience and the views are incredible! You start at the top of the mountain and fly above a blue lake while looking at the Welsh coast. It will, for sure, take your breath away.

Stop 5: Anglesey

⏳ Recommended time: 2 days

Next on your North Wales road trip, make the 45-minute journey from Zip World to the stunning island of Anglesey. 

Known as the most beautiful island in Wales, Anglesey is a treasure trove of fantastic beaches, incredible stand-up paddleboarding spots, and picturesque hikes.

Begin your island exploration at Beaumaris, the jewel of Anglesey. 

This gorgeous seaside town is known not only for its magnificent castle but also for its proximity to the puffin islands. 

Don’t miss out on booking a boat trip – it’s an absolute must! You’ll get to see the lighthouse, puffins and if you’re lucky, even dolphins! 

Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join in on the fun. You could easily while away an entire day here.

After soaking up the charm of Beaumaris, head to the quaint village of Cemaes the next day. 

With its inviting beach and tranquil bay of shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for some stand-up paddleboarding or a lazy beach day. 

The village also boasts cute cafes and ice cream parlours, making it a delightful place to unwind in the summer sun.

Lastly, make your way to South Stack Lighthouse, one of the most photogenic spots in Wales. 

The view at sunset is nothing short of breathtaking. There’s a nearby car park, and from there, you can start your walk. 

Just a heads-up though, there are 400 steps to navigate, so bring your comfy shoes! 

Fun fact: Anglesey is also home to the village with the world’s longest name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.

Stop 6: Caernarfon Castle

After Anglesey, it’s time to head to Caernarfon, a mere 45-minute drive from South Stack. 

This charming town is home to one of the most impressive castles in the UK, Caernarfon Castle.

Stepping foot into this 13th-century medieval fortress is like stepping back in time. 

With its robust walls and intricate details, it’s a stunning testament to medieval architecture. But what sets it apart is its breathtaking location. 

Nestled at the mouth of the Afon Seiont, the castle offers panoramic views of the water that make for a truly stunning sight. 

Make sure to cross the Pont Yr Aber bridge too – the view of the castle from here is picture-perfect!

It is managed by the Welsh government and you will have to buy a ticket to enter.

An adult ticket for the castle costs £9.25. 

You have the option to book online or purchase tickets on site. 

Stop 7: Criccieth

⏳ Recommended time: Half a day

Criccieth is a bit of a hidden gem in the UK . It’s a small coastal town located in North West Wales.

It’s only 5 miles from Porthmadog which will be our next stop

There are three main places to visit in Criccieth.

The first one is Castell Criccieth. It’s a beautiful fortress perched on a headland. You can see it from anywhere in the town.

You can visit for free in winter and for a fee in summer. The site in managed by the Welsh Government and tickets can be bought online .

The other two places you should visit are beaches. Criccieth is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Wales: Marine Beach and Criccieth Beach.

You’ll love going for walks here and enjoy the views of the promenade. The colourful houses on the side of the beach are so pretty!

Stop 8: Porthmadog

Onwards to Porthmadog! This charming coastal town, nestled on your way to Portmeirion, is the ideal pit stop on your North Wales road trip. 

It’s not only a popular day trip spot for families with kids, but it’s also a refreshing break from the usual travel route.

The star attraction here is the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. Conveniently located near the main train station, you won’t miss it. 

This place offers a delightful peek into the history of Welsh trains, with accurate reconstructions that will surely pique your curiosity.

But that’s not all. They take the experience up a notch by offering short train rides in these historical carriages. 

This journey to and back from Pen-y-Mount station is a delightful experience that gives you a taste of travel from yesteryears. 

It’s a bit different from the typical touristy things, making it a fun and unique addition to your itinerary.

So, come aboard the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog, and let the tracks guide you to a fascinating slice of Welsh history. You won’t regret it!

Stop 9: Portmeirion 

⏳ Recommended time: 1 day

Your next stop will be one a very special one: Portmeiron.

It’s beautiful village, famous for being a replica of an Italian one.

It’s the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a place in the UK that looks like abroad! It will really make you feel like you’ve just arrived in the Cinque Terre.

It was created by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who wanted to build an Italian village in Wales. 

He actually bought the entire site for the village and while it started small with just the old house, it grew into an actual village over the decades.

Now, it has become one of the main attractions in North Wales and it welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year.

You will need to purchase tickets to enter the village. If visiting during the peak season, make sure to book in advance otherwise you might not be able to visit.

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in Portmeiron but besides that, you will find everything you need here including cafes and restaurants.

They even have a hotel and self-catering cottages so if you want to spend the night here, you can.

Stop 10: Snowdonia National Park and Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Next on your North Wales road trip is the place you’ve been waiting to discover since the beginning!

Alright, we don’t really know for sure but it’s a safe thing to assume.

Anyway, welcome to Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)!

Snowdonia is one of the three national parks in Wales and is home to the highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon.

This is the perfect place for people who love hiking.

There are 6 main routes going up to Snowdon. Some are easier than others so it’s really down to how challenging you want it to be. 

No matter which one you choose, you can be sure of one thing: the reward will be worth it!

The views from the top are spectacular!

If you’re not up for the hike, you’ll be happy to know that you can take the tram up. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is open from April to October and runs everyday providing the weather allows it.

It’s a very scenic ride so it’s worth doing it whether you like to walk or not.

And if you want the best of both worlds, you can always take the tram up and then walk on the way back.

Stop 11: Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is the main town in Snowdonia. 

It’s also a popular destination for a day trip from Manchester or Liverpool, which means it can get quite busy if you are visiting during the weekend.

As you get there, you will find several carparks near the church and the pubs but make sure you have cash with you since you’ll need to pay to park.

Here, you will find the Snowdonia visitor centre. It’s a good place to start as you’ll get to learn plenty about the National Park and the wildlife. There is a small exhibition and a documentary about Snowdownia.

Conwy Valley Railway Museum is also worth a visit, especially if you are with children.

Betws-y-Coed town centre is full of local shops and restaurants. Make sure to grab a meal here (or an ice-cream on a nice summer day).

After that, go on a walk to Pont-y-Pair Bridge. It’s beautiful and boasts fantastic scenery.

Stop 12: Llangollen

Located near Wrexham, Llangollen is one of the best small towns to visit in North Wales and is mainly known for two things: the canal and the castle.

The ruins of the Castell Dinas Brân are located on top of a hill just behind the town. It’s an excellent view point as the location boasts breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside.

The hike up to the castle is a bit challenging (4 miles – 3 hours) but well worth it.

If you’d rather something easier, opt for the walk along the canal. This is as flat as it gets but it’s very pleasant and pretty.

Llangollen Canal is also known for being an excellent place to hire a canal boat. You can easily do so and go all the way to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Stop 13: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

⏳ Recommended time: A few hours

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is situated between Llangollen and Wrexham. It was completed in 1805 and carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee.

Although it is a destination in its own right, most people tend to visit it alongside Llangollen.

There are two ways you can visit it:

• Head to the aqueduct and leave your vehicle at the car park. You can see it from the valley.
• Stay in Llangollen and hire a canal boat so you can cross the aqueduct on the boat. That’s the best way to do as the experience is way more magical. Alternatively, you can also walk from Llangollen. It will take a couple of hours but is a common thing to do.

Ultimately, the way you decide to go to Pontcysyllte aqueduct is entirely up to you and depends on how much time you have left.

Regardless, it’s a beautiful place to visit. The views are fantastic and it’s very unique.

It’s also one of the rare UNESCO sites in Wales.

Please note that in terms of carpark, you will have to pay whether you are staying in Llagollen or go to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct so it really doesn’t make a difference in that regards.

Stop 14: Chirk Castle

Located near Wrexham, Chirk is a small and super cute village. The most famous landmark here is Chirk Castle.

It was built in the 13th century and was one of the largest medieval castles guarding the border with England.

Nowadays, it’s a Grade I listed castle that is being managed by the National Trust.

If you are a National Trust member, the entrance will be free. Otherwise, you need to buy a ticket that will give you access to the castle, the estate and the gardens.

You can easily park near the castle and walk from here. There are many walks around the estate (perfect if you are visiting with a dog).

The courtyard is home to a National Trust cafe that serves delicious food.

Visiting the inside of the castle is well worth it. It’s a very well preserved medieval castle. The furniture, library… everything about it is truly fascinating.

Bonus stops for your road trip in North Wales

Although we included the best places to stop during a road trip in North Wales, we also had to skip a few places because it would be too long otherwise.

That having been said, it doesn’t mean that these places wouldn’t be interesting to you so here are a few bonus stops that you can add to your itinerary if you want to.

Enjoying a beach day at Prestatyn

Located between Llandudno and Rhyl, Prestatyn is one of the most popular seaside town in North Wales.

It’s known for its large golden beach and sunny days (yes, that exists in Wales as well!). The sea is very clean here, making it a great destination in summer for beach days. You can both work on your tan and swim here.

The promenade is also very pleasant and if you like walking, you will enjoy this part.

For the perfect outing, make sure to grab a fish and chips for lunch and an ice cream in the afternoon.

Relaxing in Aberdaron

Located at the western end of the Llŷn Peninsula, Aberdaron is a small fishing village that you won’t find often in guide books but yet, deserves to be mentioned.

It boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, fantastic walks and delicious seafood. Aberdaron Beach is 1-mile long sandy beach. It’s a great place to go for walks and enjoy the unspoilt environment.

It’s also ideally located near the natural reserve where you can for walks and bird watching.

Experiencing a thrilling adventure at Zip World

Located in a stunning woodland location in the Conwy valley, Zip World provides various activities for thrill-seekers.

The most famous is Velocity 2, as previously mentioned, but that’s not all!

Their 3 sites in North Wales offer a wide range activities including:

• Fforest Zip Safari . You can ride throughout the trees in a totally unique way.
• Quarry Kart. Located next to the zipline, you will go on a race in the quarry with outdoor karts.
• Caverns . This is like a tree-top challenge except that it’s underground.
• And plenty more!

Zip World truly offers amazing experiences so it’s well worth checking it out.

Please note that although we mentioned adults activities here, they also have many adventures you can do with kids like tree tops and swings.

All in all, it’s a great thing to do in North Wales with kids as well as with friends.

Lake Vyrnwy

This one is a bit debatable as some people would say it’s in Mid-Wales rather than North Wales but as no other lakes were mentioned, we thought we would include it here.

Lake Vyrnwy is one of the most beautiful reservoir in Wales and such a great place to visit for a day or even to spend a romantic weekend.

Yet, most people don’t mention it. It’s one of the locals best kept secrets!

The reservoir was built in 1880 by flooding the valley (and covering a village). It is incredibly pretty and there are many activities you can do here including hiking, kayaking, cycling and horse riding.

You will also find a beautiful hotel on a hill behind the lake, Lake Vyrnwy Spa Hotel. It’s a great place to stay for a weekend but you can also head there as a day visitor.

They have a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. The views over the lake are absolutely stunning and the food is delicious.

We hope this article has helped you plan your road trip in north Wales. Have an amazing time!

You may also be interested in:

• The Ultimate Wales Quiz: 94 Questions and Answers about Wales (including 2 picture rounds)
• Harry Potter in Wales

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Group tour on the Wales Coast Path, Cricieth, North Wales

Road trips and guided tours around Wales

Wales is a great place to explore by road, with something new around every corner. Take a guided tour to show you the best of Wales from North to South. Here's some fabulous Welsh road trips you can go on - from 10 day holidays to day trips.

Ten days: all Wales tour

Dragon Tours include sights from many different phases of Welsh history and industry in their ten-day road trip , such as prehistoric sites in the Preseli Hills, Roman Caerleon, Medieval Tintern  and Hay-on-Wye. You’ll also see the castles, mountains and villages of Eryri (Snowdonia) and North Wales. A six-day version is possible.

Tintern Abbey, South Wales, Harlech Castle and Conwy Castle, North Wales

Five days: variety in North Wales

With Celticos , you can choose from tours lasting between one and 12 days to discover as much of Wales as your time allows. The most outstanding experience on offer is the five-day North Wales experience which takes you from the coast of Anglesey to the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), the Llŷn Peninsula, and from the great castles like UNESCO World Heritage Site Conwy Castle to the Italianate village of Portmeirion, and on to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the bridge in the air, another World Heritage Site. Their experienced local guides ensure that you discover hidden gems, meet local people at work and play, and learn about the unique culture of this historic region.

Llŷn Peninsula and Portmeirion Village, North Wales

Three days: North Wales experience

South Wales Personal Tours drive you north from Cardiff via the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)  to Eryri (Snowdonia) for a heritage-focused, small-group tour. The middle day of the three is absolutely packed. You’ll take a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway , visit Caernarfon Castle and cross the Menai Strait to Anglesey to see Llanfair PG and Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber . Then you’ll finish off in the traditional seaside resort of Llandudno, ready for a scenic journey back through Mid Wales on the third day.

Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber, Anglesey, North Wales

Two days: West Wales experience

In this overnight tour, South Wales Personal Tours seeks out some of the quirkier places of interest in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, such as the Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne, St Govan’s Chapel and St Non’s Well, Petrolheads can worship the hallowed ground at Pendine Sands , site of several successful attempts to break the world land speed record in the 1920s, and on the second day, you’ll have a chance to take a short walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

St Non's Chapel and Well, and Pendine Sands, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

One day: South Wales in a day

If you only have one day for a road trip through the countryside around Cardiff, Roam Wales will make sure you make the best of it. You could focus on Swansea’s Maritime Quarter and the Gower Peninsula, or explore South Wales’ industrial heritage and present day food and drink culture at Big Pit , Rhymney Brewery  and Abergavenny. Another tour shows you a trio of castles – Cardiff , Castell Coch and Caerphilly  – then whisks you into the rolling hills of  Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)  National Park .

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, South Wales

One day: Cardiff food tour

Sample food from all around the world with Loving Welsh Food on a  City of Arcades Tasting Tour . The public tour takes place on alternate Fridays or Saturdays, or there's a  Welsh Food Tour  on Saturdays. Private tours include  Cardiff Lunch & Landmarks , where you sample traditional and modern Welsh cuisine, take a water bus journey and admire Cardiff's beautiful architecture and landmark buildings.

Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tour, Loving Welsh Food, South Wales

© Sian Roberts

Half a day and one day: walking tours

Enjoy a walking tour around Cardiff city and the Bay with accredited guides. Cardiff Tours  run 'A Walking Tour of Cardiff Bay'. This tour provides a fascinating insight into the history of Cardiff Docks, when it was called Tiger Bay, with its leading role in the coal and iron industries, through to the modern city of today. 

There is also 'A Walking Tour of Cardiff City’, which explores the nooks and crannies of Cardiff city centre, including the many arcades and alleyways. Discover the history of the city and learn some secrets too.

Fogo's Free Tours , which operate on a 'pay as you feel' basis, regularly take place in Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Bay and Swansea. As well as showcasing the history, architecture and characters of the cities, tour options include 'Dark Cardiff' and 'Doctor Who' filming locations. 

One day: Motorbike and sidecar tour

Discover Wales with the UK’s only licenced motorcycle and sidecar tour. This unique tour offers a view of the scenic landscapes of North and Mid Wales. Mid Wales Tours , run by a former police officer, has both four and eight hour tours.

Mid Wales Tours, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

© Sean Westlake

North Wales Private Tours from a single day through to six very different touring days

Boutique Tours of North Wales  is a leading private tour company who specialise in a very personalised and flexible custom designed private touring service for international visitors. Based in the North of Wales, Boutique Tours feature flexible touring options from a single day tour, with their unique North Wales in a Nutshell Tour, to multi touring days.

They have six very different touring days that covers the whole of the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park region, along with three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Wales featuring the gateway to Wales, with the scenic and historic Borderlands of North East Wales, the Llŷn Peninsula, the Isle of Anglesey and the stunning and scenic Conwy Valley areas. With flexible tour durations between two and six days, you can make the most of your visit with Boutique Tours custom designed tailor-made tour options helping you to capture the very best destination experience of the North Wales region.

Shân's Wales Tours

Shân's Wales Tours  provide guided tours from the award winning  Twr y Felin , Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, and also Roch Castle and Penrhiw Priory . Shân Eastwood has been been a guide for over eight years and offers exclusive tours of Wales, including St Davids, elsewhere in Pembrokeshire as well as across Wales. She offers a bespoke service and tailors the tours to specific interests. Guests travel in a seven seater leather seated minibus that has a glass roof. 

Wales Best Guides

Find a guide to suit your tour on the Wales Best Guides website . Many of the guides have the  prestigious blue badge guide qualification and all  go through extensive training. T ours can be tailored to suit different timescales and budgets and can be offered in many languages.

WOTGA guides (Wales Official Tourist Guides Association), Bwlch Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taff

© Frank Dowling

The Wales Way

The Wales Way is our family of touring routes that lead you to discover Wales on a self-guided tour. The three main routes take you along the wild shores and seaside towns of our Coastal Way , through The Cambrian Way snaking through the heart of Wales and The North Wales Way coastline. Here are a couple of short road trip ideas to inspire you!

Saints and sea views is a two day trip between St Davids and Aberystwyth, exploring historical sites, hidden beaches and coastal castles. If you have more time, a five day trip along The Cambrian Way takes you from our vibrant capital city Cardiff to the Victorian resort town of Llandudno. On the way you’ll discover our industrial heritage, beautiful countryside and outdoor activities, boutique craft centres and stunning gardens.

The North Wales Way takes you across the top of Wales. This four day itinerary takes you from the foodie heaven of Mold through Victorian seaside resorts to mighty castles on the coast, via spectacular scenery. The tour finishes on the beautiful island of Anglesey.

Stained glass window in St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Devil's Bridge near Aberystwyth in Mid Wales and Llandudno in North Wales

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The Ultimate Wales Road Trip Itinerary In 2024

Tucked away on the west side of this great British Isle, is the nation of Wales. A small country with a big personality. Wales is a mountainous region, with a rugged coastline and a proud history, making it the ideal destination for an epic road trip.

With three scenic national parks to explore, a road trip in Wales is filled with beautiful landscapes that will have you reaching for your camera around every turn. There are adventure sports for adrenaline junkies and leisurely strolls for the more laid back. There are perfectly placed castles to wonder at and ancient ruins to discover. Wales is also a drivers paradise with lots of windy roads, over far-reaching vistas.

With so much to see in Wales, a road trip around this country is likely to be busy affair, so where do you start? In this guide I provide a 2-week Wales road trip itinerary, which will enable you to see the main highlights of this beautiful country that I call home.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Wales Road Trip At A Glance

This Wales itinerary starts in South Wales and picks up Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), before heading west to the Gower Peninsula. Then the route journeys through Pembrokeshire, picking up multiple highlights such as Tenby, St David’s and the Blue Lagoon. Travelling through mid-Wales there is a visit to the Elan Valley before heading northwards to Portmeirion. An exploration of Snowdonia (Eryri) is next on the agenda before venturing out onto Anglesey and finishing with the iconic Conwy Castle.

The itinerary I provide is based on a solo road trip I enjoyed around Wales in my converted campervan, although I have visited many of these places multiple times as day or weekend trips. This itinerary is designed to last two weeks, but if you don’t have two weeks to dedicate to a Welsh road trip, you can break it down into smaller sections.

Despite being a small country, it takes time to travel in Wales. The roads in Wales are often small “A” roads, especially around North Wales, Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend trying to visit all of Wales in just one week. Instead, focus on one region, for example South Wales or North Wales.

If you aren’t from the UK you will likely arrive in London. From there you can rent a car, jump on the M4 and be in Wales at the first destination in around 3 hours. If starting in Cardiff, tick off all the Cardiff sights first before heading out to Tintern Abbey. From there you can drive directly to the Brecon Beacons.

The Ultimate Wales Road Trip Map

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Wales

Like the rest of the UK, Wales has a generally mild climate. A road trip in Wales can be enjoyed at any time of year as long as you and your vehicle are suitably equipped. Summer is peak season so tourist sites will be busier but the weather is generally warmer, whilst winter is wet but much quieter. Plan your visit according to your wants and needs.

Summer months typically run from June to September and this is when you can expect the driest and warmest months. However, this is certainly not guaranteed and even summer months can be quite wet in patches. This is why Wales is so green after all!

In the winter months from December to March there can be cold periods and snow, although this is usually confined to the mountainous regions, particularly Snowdonia (Eryri). Those with an interest in winter mountaineering would enjoy a road trip to Snowdonia during January and February. However, access to these areas, along the twisty mountain roads will require snow tyres and/or snow chains, particularly for campers and motorhomes.

On our campervan, we have GT maximiler all season tyres which cope with most snowy roads and Michellin material snow chains for when the going gets a little tougher.

Autumn and spring are usually wet months although they are arguably some of the prettiest times to visit Wales. From September to November the trees are drenched in tones of orange and yellow, whilst from April to June the mountains and meadows burst into colour with spring flowers. These are good times to visit Wales for those with an interest in photography.

Tintern Abbey – Day 1

We kick off this road trip itinerary with a visit to Wales’ most famous Abbey. Tintern Abbey is located in the gorgeous Wye Valley and dates back to the 12th century. The Abbey was abandoned under the reign of Henry VIII but found fame as a tourist attraction, thanks in part to poems by William Wordsworth.

Wandering amongst the ruined masterpiece won’t take too much time, so if you want to stretch your legs further you can walk a section of Offas Dyke, which is a walking route that runs the length of the England/Wales border.

With more time you could also visit nearby Chepstow , a historic port town with a fabulous castle nestled on the banks of the River Wye.

Once you’ve finished exploring the beautiful Wye Valley, take the short drive to Cardiff where you can enjoy the city’s vast array of bars and restaurants.

Overnight in Cardiff.

Highlights ↗

Tintern Abbey

The Wye Valley

Accommodation ↗

Hotel Indigo

Cardiff – Day 2

Cardiff is the vibrant capital of Wales and the beating heart of Welsh politics. In the city you can visit the Roman-aged Castle, explore the National Museum Cardiff and wander the Victorian Arcades to discover boutique shops and cafes. A short distance from the city centre you can stroll around Cardiff Bay Barrage which is the largest waterfront in Europe.

If you’re interested in learning about traditional Welsh culture, lifestyle and architecture, be sure to venture outside of the city, to St Fagans National History Museum.

Click here for a complete guide of things to do in South Wales.

Cardiff castle

Cardiff Bay

10 miles (St Fagans)

Accom m odation ↗

Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) – Day 3

Next up, we pay a visit to the first of three national parks in Wales. Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) is a mountain range that spans the width of South Wales. Locally known as the Beacons, this national park is known for its flat-top peaks, forestries, reservoirs and waterfalls.

Hiking is a popular activity in the Beacons, with the highest and most popular mountain hike being Pen y Fan . For other mountain hikes take a look at this guide . There are also several scenic waterfall walks in the Brecon Beacons  and I highly recommend either the Elidr Trail or the Four Falls Trail.

Now Available

Bannau Brycheiniog Hiking Routes

Hiking routes include the ever popular Pen y Fan, Llyn y Fan Fach, Sugar Loaf and the Four Falls.

Enjoy 35 beautiful hikes in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) with the help of my pre-planned hiking routes. I have 35 beautiful hiking trails marked out on the free, offline app Maps.me. Simply download my pins into the app and choose which one of these epic hikes you’d like to enjoy!

Prefer not to walk alone? If you’re looking for a Mountain Leader to guide you on a mountain adventure, please contact me here to discuss rates and availability.

If you’re interested in something other than walking, then check out the National Showcaves Centre and   take your adventure underground. Whisky fans should head to Penderyn Distillery, shoppers should head to the quaint market town of Crickhowell, whilst families and train enthusiasts should take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway. See this guide for a complete list of things to do in the Brecon Beacons .

Merthyr Tydfil is a good central base for exploring the Brecon Beacons which you can learn more about here . Another good option is the market town of Brecon.

Overnight in Brecon.

Mountain hike or waterfall walk

Dan yr Ogof Caves

Brecon Mountain Railway

Borderers Guest House

Wales Driving Routes

If you love to drive windy roads with epic scenery, then there are two roads in the Brecon Beacons that you need to add to your road trip.

Gospel Pass – Brecon Beacons East

The road begins at Llanvihangel Crucorney. Leave the A465 and follow signs for Llanthony and then onto towards Hay-on-Wye. There is a 22 mile stretch that is single track which is amazing but might be tricky for motorhomes.

Near Abergavenny there is the great Sugar Loaf mountain hike which takes half a day, Llanthony priory is a beautiful ruined priory to visit en route and Hay-on-Wye is the book capital of Wales. 

A4069 Black Mountain Pass  – Brecon Beacons West

This fun drive of Top Gear Fame, starts just after you leave Brynamman, where the views stay epic up until the endpoint at Llandovery, although the highlight is the Tywi Valley. An awesome hike to combine with this drive is the hike to Llyn y Fan Fach . As an out and back walk this can take as little as 2 hours, however, if you opt for the full loop it’ll take most of the day. This is my favourite hike in the Brecon Beacons. (Closely followed by the Pen y Fan Horseshoe loop). You can incorporate this road en route to the Gower Peninsula.

The Gower Peninsula – Day 4

The next stop on this road trip around Wales is the Gower Peninsula. The Gower was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding National Beauty and is home to a selection of beautiful coastal walks . This 46 miles stretch of rugged coastline is part of the Wales Coastal Path which runs around the entire coastline of Wales.

If you want a lovely sandy beach on which to relax I recommend 3 Cliffs Bay or Rhossili. Three Cliffs Bay is accessed by a 20 minute walk from the road but the bay is magnificent, particularly at low tide. The long beach at Rhossili is often voted the best beach in the UK and the walk out onto Worm’s Head is a fun activity to enjoy between high tides.

The Gower is also a top location for coasteering and a popular destination for surfing, particularly at Llangenith. After you’ve finished your outdoor activities on the Gower, head to the Mumbles for a fine selection of restaurants and places to stay.

Discover all the prettiest beaches on the Gower in this article .

Overnight in the Mumbles, Swansea.

Enjoy a coastal walk

Relax on a beach

Try coasteering

Fisherman’s Cottage

Tenby – Day 5

Moving on from the Gower we begin our journey through Pembrokeshire, which I would argue is the prettiest stretch of coastline in the UK (although I might be slightly biased!). There are so many beautiful things to do and do in Pembrokeshire that it’s easy to dedicate an entire road trip in Wales to just this one county. However, on this trip to Wales, I will include the main highlights.

Of all the pretty seaside towns in Wales, my favourite is the historic fishing village of Tenby. Tenby is famed for its gorgeous sandy beaches, from which you can visit St Catherines Island and climb Castle Hill for fabulous views of the town. Around the harbour, you can wander the cobbled streets between charming colourful houses or take a boat trip to Caldey Island.

If you want to extend your time here you could add on a coastal walk. Good options include the Bosherton Lilly Ponds loop, which includes Broad Haven Bay and St Govans Chapel, or visiting Stackpole Quay and walking along to the beautifully secluded Barafundle Bay.

For a more in-depth guide of things to do in and around Tenby, take a look at this guide.

Explore Tenby

Hike the Pembrokeshire coast

Get to know our opening times, ticket prices and discounts.

Must-do addition for Puffin Lovers

If you like Puffins and want to catch a glimpse of the cute little creatures, there are two options on this itinerary.

The first option is to take the boat trip to Caldey Island from Tenby Harbour as mentioned above.

Alternatively, make time to stop off at Marloes and spend the day visiting Skomer Island. All trips to Skomer Island must be pre-booked and Puffins only nest on the island between April and August.

St Govans, The Green Bridge of Wales and St Davids – Day 6

If you didn’t walk to St Govan’s Chapel yesterday, then I definitely recommend stopping off there on your drive around the coast to St Davids. St Govan’s is a 6th-century chapel built into the side of a limestone cliff. Access to the chapel is via a set of steep stairs.

Further along the coast, there is another site worth visiting called the Green Bridge of Wales. This is a natural rock arch that has been carved away from the mainland over many years of erosion. Both of these areas are located in a MOD training area, so be sure to  check that it’s open and they’re not training on the day you plan to visit.

The final destination for today is the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. The main attraction here is the impressive St David’s Cathedral and the adjacent medieval ruins of the Bishops Palace. Also take some time to wander the pretty narrow streets, peruse the art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes.

Overnight in St Davids.

Did you know? St David is the Patron Saint of Wales (Dewi Sant in Welsh). St David’s cathedral is built on the site of a monastery founded by St David and where he is buried and the cathedral is the endpoint for religious pilgrimages.

St Govan’s Chapel

The Green Bridge of Wales

St Davids Cathedral

35 miles (via Pembroke)

St Davids Gin & Kitchen

St Davids Head – Day 7

Spend today exploring St David’s or if you managed to see all the sites yesterday, then head out to Whitesands Bay. Take to the waters and try your hand at surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding.

Alternatively, walk around St David’s Head, which is a stunning peninsula with gorgeous views. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins.

Explore St Davids

Whitesands Bay

Blue Lagoon, Strumble Head Lighthouse and Fishguard – Day 8

A short drive further around the Pembrokeshire coast from St David’s brings you to Abereiddi Bay. At one side of this bay you can find a unique cove known as the Blue Lagoon. This lagoon was originally formed when a channel connecting a quarry to the sea was blasted. Today the Blue Lagoon is a hot spot for coasteering, cliff jumping and other water sports.

Half a day is enough time to explore the Blue Lagoon before moving onto the next stop. Another short drive along the coasts leads to a headland known as Strumble Head. This is a top spot for birdwatching, porpoise spotting or simply admiring the scenery around Stumble Head Lighthouse.

Fishguard is a great place to spend the night with lots of bars and restaurants to choose from.

The Blue Lagoon

Strumble Head

JT Abergwaun Hotel

Pentre Ifan and the Elan Valley – Day 9

Rise early to make the short drive into the Preseli Hills and view Wales’ most ancient site, Pentre Ifan. Pentre Ifan is a burial chamber that was constructed over 5000 years ago. It’s basically the Stone Henge of Wales! This magical place is completely free to visit.

Next up we have a big drive (well big for Wales) to Elan Valley, in Mid-Wales. If you love remote mountain roads then be sure to approach the Elan Valley from the south, so as to include the Abergwesyn Pass. This stretch of single-track road runs from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells and includes a series of steep hairpins called the Devil’s Staircase.

The Elan Valley is home to huge Victorian dams and reservoirs as well as 12 sites of special scientific interest and a nature reserve. If your visit coincides with recent heavy rainfall, you will be able to witness the dams in full flow. Tour the valley by car or if you have a bike, switch to two wheels for a more energetic experience.

Pentre Ifan and the Elan Valley both made it onto my top Instagrammable places in Wales list. Discover what else made the list here !

Rhayader is a good option for spending the night.

Pentre Ifan

The Devil’s Staircase

The Elan Valley

The Horseshoe Guesthouse

The Wales Way Driving Routes

The Wales Way is a collection of three national driving routes that can be linked together to visit some of the best of what Wales has to offer. The Cambrian Way runs 185 miles (300km from Cardiff in the south to Llandudno in the north along the mountainous spine of Wales. The Coastal Way runs from St Davids in the west to Aberdaron in the north and is 180 miles (290km). Finally, the North Wales Way is 75 miles (120km) and runs from Holyhead on Anglesey to the English border. 

Harlech Castle and Portmeirion – Day 10

Upon leaving the Elan Valley, jump on the Cambrian Way and drive north. For a mountainous drive, continue onto Dolgellau, before heading west towards Barmouth to pick up the Coastal Way. For a longer coastal route, cut across to Machynlleth and join up with the Coastal Way there.

I suggest driving to Harlech where you can take a break to view the magnificent Harlech Castle, before continuing on to Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a standard addition to most Wales itineraries as it’s a very unique destination. This Italian-inspired seaside town was purpose built for tourism, sort of like Disneyland but without the cartoon characters.

Wander around the streets lined with colourful buildings, play around on the life-size chessboard and walk down to the waterfront for a stroll around the coast. For the full experience spent the night at the lavish Portmeirion Hotel.

Harlech Castle

Portmeirion

81 miles (via Dolgellau)

93 miles (Coastal Way)

Portmeirion Hotel

Explore  Eryri (Snowdonia) – Day 11 & 12

Today we move onto Wales’ first national park and the third park on this Wales road trip. This stunning area is dominated by craggy mountain peaks, picturesque waterfalls and lakes as well as miles of scenic coastline. There are lots of things to do in Snowdonia (or Eryri to use its Welsh name), all depending on what interests you.

Snowdonia is the perfect place to get your hiking boots on and take to the hills. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is Wales and England’s highest peak and for this reason, is a popular choice. Snowdon also has a train running to it’s summit so if you are unable (or unwilling) to hike to the top you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis.

However, there are lots of other great hiking options in Snowdonia (Eryri) , some of the best of which are located along the Glyderau range . An easy, low-level walk suitable for families is the trail to the impressive Aber waterfall. Other easy waterfall walks include the Fairy Glen and Conwy falls. Learn more about these Snowdonia waterfalls here or discover more Welsh waterfalls in this guide .  

At Llanberis waterspouts dominate Llyn Padarn whilst at Betws-y-Coed you can find outdoor gear shops and outfitters happy to guide you in the right direction for your chosen outdoor adventure. Dotted around Snowdonia are a collection of Zipworld centres which offer a variety of activities from zip wires to cavernous trampolining.  

For something altogether more relaxing, you could explore Snowdonia by car. Driving from Portmeirion along the A498, the scenic beauty begins as soon as you enter the park. Take some time to explore the pretty village of Beddgelert before you continue on into the mountains. There are various viewpoints with lay-bys to stop at along the way.

Turn left onto the A4086 to drive over Pen-y-Pass, a mountain pass from here many hiking trails of Snowdon begin. This road continues onto Llanberis where there are some accommodation options. Alternatively, drive back over the pass and continue along the A4086 to Betws-y-Coed which is also a good base for your time in Snowdonia.

For a complete guide on what to do in Snowdonia, see this post .

Overnight in Betws-y-Coed.

Mount Snowdon

30 miles (via Pen-y-Pass)

The Royal Oak Hotel

South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys Llanddwyn – Day 13

At the very northern end of Wales you can find Wales’ largest island, Anglesey. The island is jam-packed with things to do, ranging from coastal walks, Blue-flag sandy beaches, historic castles and beautifully placed lighthouses.

Two of the most scenic lighthouses on Anglesey are South Stack Lighthouse in the north and Ynys Llanddwyn Lighthouse in the southwest. Ynys Llanddwyn is in fact located on a tidal island off Anglesey in the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. Here you can stroll through the woodland, walk out onto the island or simply relax on the beach with views over the Snowdonia range.

Overnight in Bangor.

South Stack Lighthouse

Ynys Llanddwyn

Conwy Castle and Llandudno – Day 14

As you leave Anglesey be sure to drive over the Menai Bridge if you didn’t on the way out. This is somewhat of an icon for North Wales and makes it onto top places for photography in Wales .

There are over 600 castles in Wales ranging from ancient ruins to castellated mansions, however the Edward I castles of North Wales are arguably some of the finest, perhaps the greatest of which is Conwy Castle.

For a self guided audio guide tour of Conwy’s highlights,  click here .

After your visit to this Welsh highlight, take a short drive onwards to the final destination on this trip around Wales, Llandudno. Built in the 1950s by the Mostyn family, Llandudno is Wales’s largest seaside resort and home to the longest pier in Wales.

Stroll the promenade with an ice cream, take in a punch and Judy show or kick back on the beach and reflect on an epic Welsh road trip.

Conwy Castle

Menai Bridge

Llandudno Pier

Belmont Llandudno

Llangollen – Extra Day

If you are returning your car back to London or are generally heading back in that direction, be sure to stop off in Llangollen and walk along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an 18 arched bridge and the longest aqueduct in Britain. It’d be a shame to miss out on visiting this Welsh gem!

For even more places to add to your Welsh bucket list, take a look at this guide .

Tips For Driving In Wales

As part of the UK, Wales follows British driving rules and regulations, some of which I will briefly outline. They differ from mainland Europe in several ways.

• Drive on the left
• At roundabouts give way to traffic on the left
• Ensure headlights are converted for driving on the left
• All speed limits and distances are in miles rather than kilometers
• The speed limit on motorways is 70mph, on country roads it’s 60mph and in residential areas it’s 30mph, unless otherwise stated.

Wales is a bilingual country and as such all road signs are in Welsh and English. You will become familiar with the word araf  which means slow and Ildiwch  which means give way. If you’re interested in learning a few basics of the Welsh language, take a look at this guide .

If visiting the UK from overseas you will likely need an International Driving Permit so ensure you pick these up before you arrive.

You can find good deals on car rentals here and these can be picked up at International airports as well as major cities such as Cardiff and Swansea.

Road Trip In Wales Summary

Wales is a small but beautiful country, packed with a variety of things to do. There are mountainous landscapes and rugged coastlines to walk along, there are historic castles and ancient sites to visit and there are pretty seaside towns and quaint market villages to explore.

The roads in Wales are often single carriage as they twist and turn through valleys, over the mountains and around the coast. The lack of motorways in Wales means travel is enjoyed at a relaxed pace and should not be rushed.

If you’re wondering where to go in Wales, then a two-week itinerary like the one I’ve described above, is a great way to see the highlights of Wales. The itinerary I provide is quite busy and involves driving on most days but the distances are often short. I hope you like this itinerary and enjoy exploring my beautiful homeland.

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Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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Snowdonia Road Trip: 4 Amazing North Wales Itineraries

• David Angel
• Wales , United Kingdom

About the author: David Angel , is a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian with 30+ years of experience, and previously Art Director for Visit Wales. His work is regularly featured in the BBC, the Guardian, and Condé Nast Traveler. He is fluent in English and Welsh.

A Snowdonia road trip is up there with the best in the British Isles.

The Snowdonia National Park has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, from Alpine peaks to green valleys, and moorlands to amazing beaches, and there’s no better way to enjoy the best places to visit in Snowdonia than on a road trip.

I’m fortunate to have visited Snowdonia – Eryri in Welsh – countless times, exploring every corner and backroad along the way.

We have devised four separate Snowdonia road trips, from a quick circuit of Mount Snowdon and its surrounding peaks to a full 4-day Snowdonia itinerary, exploring all areas of the National Park.

Table of Contents

Snowdonia Road Trip – An Introduction

• The Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy in North West Wales
• You could drive from the southernmost point to the northernmost tip of the National Park in as little as two hours, but we wouldn’t recommend this as you’d be skipping many of the highlights
• Snowdonia is small enough to see most of the main mountains in a day – but you’d only have time to stop, take pictures and have a meal or picnic somewhere, and won’t have time to climb any of them
• Our Snowdonia routes take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales, with dramatic, rugged mountain peaks, lush green valleys and stunning glacial lakes
• As well as exploring the most beautiful places to visit in Snowdonia, our full Snowdonia road trip also takes you to two of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales – the Castles of Edward I in Gwynedd and the Welsh Slate Landscape
• The 4-day Snowdonia and North Wales road trip also takes you to some of the Snowdonia beaches along the outstanding Cardigan Bay coast
• Most of the North Wales roads on our routes are classified A or B roads – and a few are narrow minor roads which are often single track, with occasional passing places

See Also: Facts About Snowdonia

Snowdonia Road Trip – Most Beautiful Places To See In Snowdonia

Our article on the best views in Snowdonia shows you 22 of the best locations on a Snowdonia trip. We recommend trying to see the following:

• Snowdon from Llynnau Mymbyr – a large roadside stop next to the Plas y Brenin Mountaineering Centre in Capel Curig with jaw-dropping views
•  Tryfan and the Ogwen Valley, with a detour on foot to the gorgeous Llyn Idwal lake
• The view over Llyn Gwynant from the roadside stop on the A478, or from the lakeside a few miles further down
• The views from Cregennan Lakes (Llynnau Cregennen) – over the lakes and also over the Mawddach estuary from the hill behind the car park
• The views from the B5113 Nebo road over the eastern flank of the entire Snowdon and Carneddau ranges
• The dramatic views of the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog from the A470

See Also: Staycation Wales – The Best 20 Places To Staycation in Wales This Year

Snowdonia Road Trip 1 – Snowdon Circular

Time: 3 hours

This Snowdonia driving route is the shortest of our trips around the National Park, and ideal if you only have a few hours to explore the area.

It’s a circuit of the Snowdon massif, starting and finishing in Llanberis, the village at the foot of Snowdon and starting point of the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Start at Llanberis, with an immediate optional detour to the Padarn Country Park and Dolbadarn Castle, one of the smaller castles in North Wales , but dramatically sited at the foot of the Llanberis Pass.  

The road, the A4086, gradually climbs between the massif of Snowdon on the right and the Glyderau on the left. Vast boulders dot the valley floor, as sheer walls rise towards the sky.

Eventually you reach the car park at Pen-y-Pass, the starting point for two of the best walks up Snowdon.  This car park is, more often than not, full.

Continue down the A4086 until the T-junction, where you turn left and proceed for three miles with the Mymbyr lakes soon appearing on your right.

You’ll soon see a large car parking area towards the far end of the lakes – go beyond here, find a suitable spot and turn around, pulling in at the car park.

From here you see the Snowdon Horseshoe, with Snowdon and its neighbouring peaks, which are sometimes reflected in the waters of the lake.

Definitely one for your Wales bucket list .

Return towards Snowdon, but proceed straight ahead on the A498 rather than turning right towards the pass.

You gradually move downhill, with one of the best views in Wales – of the Gwynant valley – opening up to your right.

There are two viewpoints on the right as you drive down the mountain – climb the stile at the second one, and walk around 50 metres for an even better view of the valley.

The A498 runs along the shores of two of the most beautiful lakes in Wales , Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas, where there are stopping points.  

Two miles beyond there, you reach Beddgelert, one of the prettiest villages in North Wales .

It’s an ideal place for a brief stop, with Beddgelert Bistro and Antiques on one side of the river and the Tanronnen Inn , one of our favourite Snowdonia pubs, on the other.

Follow the sign for Caernarfon, and continue along the western side of Snowdon. One of the best places to pause and appreciate the North Wales scenery at the remote Llyn y Dywarchen lake, off the B4478 road to Nantlle lake.

Back on the main road, continue to Caernarfon, from where you head straight back out of town on the A4086 to Llanberis.

Snowdonia Road Trip 2 – Extended Snowdon Circuit

Time- 7-8 hours, with stops

This is one of the best road trips in Wales . An extension of the first route which includes the magical A5 run through the Ogwen Valley and across to the Isle of Anglesey, where you get to enjoy one of the best views of Snowdonia, and also the rarely-visited Nantlle Valley.

We begin in Capel Curig, visiting the large lay-by just beyond the Plas y Brenin Mountaineering Centre , where you can (weather permitting) survey the scene of the Snowdon Horseshoe, as described in our first Snowdonia drive above.

Turn around here, continuing back to the junction in the village, and head left towards Bangor and Holyhead.

The A5, built by Thomas Telford, is one of the great engineering achievements of its time, and the run from Llangollen to the Menai Strait is one of the most scenic drives in Wales.

The run through the Ogwen Valley is sublime, one of the most striking landscapes in Wales , with the Carneddau range on the right and Tryfan and the Glyderau on the left.

After Idwal Cottage and the visitor centre on your left, the landscape abruptly changes, as the river Ogwen flows down gentle U-shaped Nant Ffrancon towards the sea.

A few minutes later you’re suddenly surrounded by slate – heaps of spoil from the nearby Penrhyn Quarry, which is part of the newly-created Wales Slate Landscape World Heritage Site.

You can also take a zip-wire ride over it.

Once you’re through the village of Bethesda, keep following signs for the A5, which runs through Bangor, one of the smaller cities in Wales, turning right uphill at the station and around to the Menai Suspension Bridge, another of the works of Thomas Telford, turning left at the junction at the end of the village in the direction of Llanfair PG.

Half a mile further on, you’ll come to a large parking area on the left, where you can stop and admire the Menai Suspension Bridge in all its glory, and its setting in the shadow of the Carneddau mountains.

From here, head for the A55 and Britannia Bridge, and be prepared to turn left onto the A487 to Caernarfon once you reach the mainland.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most imposing and formidable of Welsh castles , and this may be the only time you get to visit.

If not, follow the A4086 out of town to Llanberis, where you follow our first Snowdonia road trip directions to the top of the Pass, down to Beddgelert and along the west side of Snowdon.

We then divert from our first Snowdonia route, turning left onto the B4478 and continuing over the pass into the Nantlle Valley.

You eventually reach Llyn Nantlle Uchaf, the main lake in the valley – look back from there to Snowdon, framed by the craggy cliffs either side of the valley.

Once you leave the valley, turn right onto the A487, continue along it through Caernarfon towards Bangor – join the A55, then turn off on the A5, heading back through Bethesda and the Ogwen Valley to Capel Curig.

Snowdonia Road Trip 3 – Eastern Snowdonia and The Conwy Valley

Time: Only around 3 hours’ driving time, but with stops you could easily turn it into a full day

This short Snowdonia trip mainly follows quiet backroads, including one of the best drives in Wales, taking in one of the loveliest lakes in Snowdonia and the outstanding Conwy Castle.

We suggest Betws-y-Coed as a start and end point for this Snowdonia road trip, though other villages nearby would work just as well.

Head out of Betws-y-Coed on the A5, turning right in the direction of Llangollen. A few miles east, at Pentrefoelas, turn left onto the B5113 toward Nebo.

If you’re visiting Snowdonia by car, this is an essential journey, as no public transport passes this way. The road soon reaches high ground, with views across the farm fields to the entire eastern side of Snowdonia.

It passes through the hamlet of Nebo (pronounced ‘nebbow’ in Welsh, with the ‘e’ sounded the same as in ‘net’ in English), and there’s a sizeable lay-by with a Snowdonia National Park sign just after the turn-off for the B4527.

This is the best view on the whole stretch of road, with the Snowdonia peaks rising above the Gwydyr Forest below.

Turn back south along the B5113, and take the right B4527 you had just passed down to the market town of Llanrwst.

Head for the river and a tea break at Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, an astonishingly picturesque tearoom next to the centuries-old stone arched bridge.

Follow the road across the valley, where you reach Gwydir Castle , one of the best castles to stay in Wales . Turn right onto the B5106, and in the village of Trefriw, take the left turn up the very steep hill, following the sign for Llyn Crafnant. 

The road passes farms and forest before arriving at the end of Llyn Crafnant, one of the most beautiful lakes in Snowdonia, with wonderful views to the mountains at the other end.

Return downhill to Trefriw, and take the left onto the B5106, which takes you through the lush, verdant Conwy Valley to the walled town of Conwy, one of the finest towns in Wales.

There are more than enough things to do in Conwy to warrant a stop. Conwy Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, the town walls offer amazing views and Plas Mawr is the best-preserved Tudor (16 th century) townhouse in Britain. You could easily spend a couple of days there.

Take the second left turn after Conwy train station up Sychnant Pass Road, which is the historic main road linking London and Holyhead.

It’s a steep minor road, a pass between two mountains and one of the most enjoyable North Wales scenic drives.

It’s particularly beautiful in late July through to early September when the slopes are carpeted in heather.

The road continues through the village of Capelulo to the village of Penmaenmawr. You can join the main A55 North Wales Expressway there – take the right turn in the direction of Conwy and Llandudno.

You soon enter the Conwy Tunnel, which takes you across the river from the town of Conwy, in the village of Llandudno Junction.

From there you can either head back to Betws-y-Coed via the A470, or cross the bridge to Conwy and return the way you came, on the B5106.    

Snowdonia Road Trip 4 – The 4 Day Snowdonia Grand Tour

Day 1 – Time 6 hours

We begin in the south, on the main A470 Cardiff to North Wales road. It meets with the A458 at the Brigands Inn at Mallwyd, so if you’re travelling from London to Snowdonia, you can leave the A5 just after Shrewsbury, head across to Welshpool and on to Mallwyd to join our route here.

Take the A470 through Dinas Mawddwy and continue to the sudden climb up Bwlch yr Oerddrws – the Pass of the Cold Door – and your first sight and feel of serious mountains in Snowdonia.

You emerge at the top of the Pass with a view of the east flank of Cadair Idris – turn left onto the A487, taking the right turn off this road soon afterwards to skirt Llyn Mwyngil – also known as Talyllyn Lake – on the B4405.

The Ty’n y Cornel Hotel on the far end of the lake is a great spot for a lakeside drink or lunch, before continuing to the village of Abergynolwyn.

Turn right into the village, following the minor road signposted Llanfihangel-y-Pennant – this takes you two miles (3 km) past Bird Rock (Craig yr Aderyn) to the Dysynni Valley, one of the most picturesque places in Wales.

Continue along the minor road until you reach Llanegryn, where you join the A493 coast road and turn right.

It runs through pretty Llwyngwril and past the turn to Fairbourne to the village of Arthog. Here, look out for a sharp right turn to Cregennan Lakes, and take it.

The road climbs through woodland and out into open country. You’ll have to get out and open and close four farm gates. You then pass a stone cottage on your left before reaching the first of the lakes. The car park is just ahead on the right.

These lakes would be the highlights of any Wales roadtrip. There are breathtaking views across them towards mighty Cadair Idris, and great walks up Bryn Brith (the rocky hill immediately to the north and between the lakes, where you’ll find an ancient standing stone.

There’s also a great view over the Mawddach estuary and Barmouth from the hill just behind the toilet block in the car park.

Rejoin the minor road, turning right, continuing about a mile to a T-junction. Take the left turn here to Dolgellau, a gorgeous old town on the banks of the Mawddach.

Rejoin the A470 just outside the town, turning left and northwards in the direction of Betws-y-Coed.

The road climbs through Coed y Brenin – the King’s Forest – before reaching a flat stretch running alongside Llyn Trawsfynydd, which has great views to the remote Rhinog range.

It then drops down into Llan Ffestiniog, before the climb to Blaenau Ffestiniog , the remarkable slate quarrying town surrounded by mountains, some of which are giant tips of slate waste.

It’s one of the most arresting sights in Wales, and you won’t encounter anything quite like it on any other road trip in Wales.

You then climb north out of Blaenau on the Crimea Pass, resuming your Snowdonia scenic drive with the imposing sight of the peak of Moel Siabod before you.

The road descends into the Lledr valley, one of the least-explored parts of Snowdonia, passing the lonely battlemented tower of Dolwyddelan Castle on your left.

A few miles ahead, the A470 briefly merges with the A5, before you turn left into Betws-y-Coed, one of the best places to stay in Snowdonia. Our article on things to do in Betws-y-Coed gives you the full lowdown.

Day 2 – Time – 3-4 hours driving, but easily a full day with stops

The second day of our suggested Snowdonia road trip is largely the same as our third Snowdonia day trip above, sticking to the eastern part of Snowdonia and the Conwy Valley. However you will need to put in a longer day to fit everything in.

The only detour I’d suggest is to Bodnant Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK.  It’s on the higher slopes of the eastern side of the Conwy Valley, with great views across to the Carneddau mountains.

It’s open from spring to autumn, and the best time to visit is between mid-May and early June when the rhododendrons, camellias and laburnum arch are in flower.

Day 3 – Time 8 hours

This day follows a similar route to our Snowdonia Road Trip 2 route, with an optional extension to the south.

Starting out at Betws-y-Coed, drive up the A5 past the most famous of Snowdonia waterfalls, Swallow Falls, where you can pay a small fee to watch the deafening roar of the Afon Llugwy hurtling down towards Betws.

Continue from there to the long, strung-out village of Capel Curig, turning left onto the A4086, continuing to the viewpoint next to Plas Y Brenin over Llynnau Mymbyr lakes and Snowdon – the starting point of our second Snowdonia road trip.

Backtrack from there to the junction with the A5, and follow the route described through the Ogwen Valley, Bethesda, Bangor, across to Anglesey and down the Menai Strait to Caernarfon and inland to Llanberis.

Then continue with this itinerary as far as Beddgelert where, instead of turning right, you take the left turn on the A498 towards Porthmadog as far as the village of Tremadog, where you turn left onto the A487.

You could continue along the A487 Porthmadog bypass, but we suggest taking the next right into the town, continuing the length of Porthmadog High Street and driving across the Cob, the causeway across the Glaslyn estuary. 

The passengers will get a stunning view out of the left windows of the southern aspect of Snowdonia.

Continue beyond the Cob towards the village of Minffordd, where you have the option of a detour (right, a 5-minute drive) to the picturesque Italianate village of Portmeirion , which would detain you for a couple of hours or so).

Rejoin – or continue along – the A487 as far as the Oakeley Arms just before the village of Maentwrog. Shortly after the Oakeley Arms, take the left A496 turn to Blaenau Ffestiniog, before joining the A470 for the 10-mile run back to Betws-y-Coed.

Day 4 – Time 6-8 hours, possibly more depending on stops

This part of our Snowdonia road trip takes you onto some of the lesser-known parts of Snowdonia, to the shore of the largest lake in Wales, before a run along the sublime Mawddach estuary and up the coast to Harlech Castle .

Leave Betws-y-Coed, taking the A470 through Blaenau Ffestiniog. Continue until just before Llan Ffestiniog, and take the left turn onto the B4391.

This is one of the most underrated scenic drives in Snowdonia, passing through dramatic Cwm Cynfal and some wild country before meeting the A4212, where you turn left towards Bala.

The reservoir on your right, Llyn Celyn, was created in 1965 to supply water to the English city of Liverpool.

In order to create the reservoir, the village of Capel Celyn had to be flooded, causing a furore among the Welsh which has never quite subsided.

Capel Celyn, in what was then the Tryweryn valley, has been a rallying point for many Welsh people since then, and the most famous graffiti in Wales, a few miles south of Aberystwyth, simply says,”Cofiwch Dryweryn” – Remember Tryweryn.

The A4212 reaches Bala, where you arrive at a T-junction and turn right. Bala is a pleasant small town on the shore of Llyn Tegid, Bala Lake in English.

It’s very popular with watersports enthusiasts, and a narrow-gauge railway runs along its southern shore.

Continue along the northern shore of the lake on the A494 until you reach the A470 outside Dolgellau. Turn right there, then left onto the A496 to Barmouth.

Our things to do in Barmouth article gives you much more detail on this charming seaside town and Mawddach estuary walks.

Its beach is one of the best in Mid Wales, and the views across the river to Cadair Idris are unforgettable.

Barmouth makes a great base for exploring southern Snowdonia and the Cambrian Coast, with many Snowdonia attractions around an hour away by car.    

One of these is the splendid Harlech Castle , one of the four castles of Edward I that make up Wales’ first World Heritage Site. 

It sits on what was a sea cliff – the sea has retreated around a mile over the 740 years since it was built – and commands amazing views over the vast sand dunes to the Snowdon range.

Back at sea level, the A496 takes you all the way back to Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you join the A470 back to Betws-y-Coed.

Best Time To Visit Snowdonia

Snowdonia is a year-round destination, though the majority of visitors tend to come in the summer.

We’ve visited Snowdonia many times in all four seasons, and I’d recommend them all. Snowdonia is beautiful at any time of year – check out our articles on Wales in Autumn and Wales in Winter for more evidence!

It’s especially beautiful with the autumn colours, and if you happen to catch a sunny day or two in autumn you’re in for a heart-warming visual treat.

My favourite Snowdonia road trip of all time was in the cold depths of January 2010. The whole of the National Park was covered in snow, the temperature was -12C, and the skies were a glorious deep blue for three days. A wonderful experience, just after getting married in Australia, a mere 50 degrees hotter!

Best Places To Stay In Snowdonia

There are many wonderful hotels in Snowdonia and around the edges of the National Park.

These include the gorgeous Plas Dinas Country House, the former home of Lord Snowdon, just south of Caernarfon. We also recommend the nearby Meifod House Hotel, and across the Menai Strait on Anglesey, the Gazelle Hotel is another great base for exploring Snowdonia.

On the eastern side of Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is an excellent base for exploring North Wales. The Ty Gwyn Hotel is a wonderful former coaching inn on the main A470 road just outside the town. And Craig y Dderwen Hotel is a lovely retreat just across the river Conwy on the edge of the village.

Some of the best castles to stay in Wales are also in and around Snowdonia. Castell Deudraeth Hotel is on the edge of Portmeirion Village, which also has the elegant Hotel Portmeirion on the shore of the Dwyryd estuary.

And Chateau Rhianfa, overlooking the Menai Strait and mountains from Anglesey, is a gorgeous evocation of a Loire Valley chateau. Just with better views!

About the Author: David Angel , a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian, has over 30 years of experience exploring and photographing Wales. As former Art Director and Commissioning Editor for Visit Wales, he has explored every corner of this extraordinary country, climbed its mountains, and walked hundreds of miles along the breathtaking Welsh coastline and landscapes. He now uses a lifetime of experience to write comprehensive guides to help people like you discover and explore the best of Wales.  He is a native English speaker and fluent in Welsh.

• Best views in Snowdonia – 22 stunning viewpoints in Snowdonia
• Betws-y-Coed – A picuresque Welsh mountain town in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park
• Villages in North Wales – 15 delightful villages to explore
• Beaches in North Wales – some of the finest beaches in Britain
• Things to do in Conwy – A stunning UNESCO Walled town on the edge of Snowdonia National Park
• Facts about Snowdonia
• Best Castles in North Wales – the mighty castles of North Wales are among the finest in the world
• Things to do in Barmouth – A wonderful Welsh seaside resort
• Things To Do In Portmeirion – A gorgeous Italianate village on an estuary on the North  Wales  coast
• Cardigan Bay beaches – Over 200 miles of Welsh coastline
• Welsh Slate Landscape – UNESCO World Heritage Site North West Wales
• Anglesey beaches – home to some of the best beaches in the UK
• LLanddwyn Island – one of best hidden gems of Britain
• Things to do in Anglesey – the largest of Welsh Islands
• Anglesey walks – discover more of this beautiful island
• 15 Best Llŷn Peninsula Beaches – an area of outstanding natural beauty and spectacular coastline
• 6 Amazing Pilgrimages In Wales To Discover – from Bardsey Island to St David’s and beyond
• 7 Captivating Lighthouses On Anglesey – Well worth seeing & great places for walks
• 10 Best Things To Do In Llangollen – the heart of the scenic Dee Valley
• Things To Do In Blaenau Ffestiniog – a slate town and adrenalin & adventure hub in the Welsh mountains.
• Cambrian Mountains – 28 Amazing Places To Visit
• Things To Do In Aberystwyth – stunning seaside and university town on the Mid Wales Coast
• Pembrokeshire Road Trip – 5 Days In Glorious West Wales

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North wales road trip – your motorhome travel guide.

Introduction to The North Wales Road Trip

Wales is a spellbinding country. It is a landscape rich with Celtic history, natural wonders, and mystical places. In North Wales, you will find a particularly impressive concentration of these cultural and environmental sites. From lofty peaks and crashing coastlines to riviera-style towns and medieval castles, a North Wales road trip has a variety of activities to offer for all types of travellers.

As this region is 6,172 square kilometres in size, with many of the key sites spread across different locations, it is best to visit this area in a motorhome or campervan. This allows you to drive during the day yet sleep in the comfort of your mobile home each night. It is a convenient yet liberating way to complete a North Wales road trip in style! With that in mind, here are some top tips for driving around North Wales.

Where is North Wales

North Wales, or Gogledd Cymru in Welsh, is a rural region of the United Kingdom. It contains the Isle of Anglesey along with the northernmost Welsh counties of Conwy, Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham. This region is fronted by the Irish Sea along its coastline and the English border to the east. It is perhaps best known for its impressive mountain ranges in Snowdonia National Park.

Starting a North Wales Road Trip

North Wales is a deceptively difficult area to access. Rail and bus links are sparse in this region which makes driving the easiest mode of transport. If travelling from Manchester or Liverpool, the M53 and M56 will take you to the Welsh border in no time. After that, it’s A-roads between the bigger towns and country lanes to access the remote tourist destinations! Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this region by hiring for at least 7 days – more if possible!

When to Visit?

North Wales is a very seasonal place. Choosing the right season depends on what you want to do and see. For example, the winter can be bitterly cold with lashings of snow and rain making for poor road trip conditions. However, in the summer, the weather is steady with calm days and more hours of sunshine.

If your North Wales road trip is focused on hiking, summer will be the prime season for you. The trade-off is that trails in Snowdonia National Park will be brimming with people. However, beach days are lovely, and the long evenings are perfect for camping.

If you want to go surfing on your North Wales road trip, autumn brings some decent swells to the coast. Autumn is also a good time to see the Atlantic grey seals. They swim into the coves to raise their pups in September and many of these animals can be spotted from lookouts in Cardigan Bay.

Spring is a lovely time to watch birdlife or go coarse fishing in the lakes and rivers. Daffodils are in bloom and the country is in a particularly buoyant mood on the 1 st of March for St David’s Day. Outside of the Easter Holidays, much of North Wales will be a quieter affair, perfect for visiting cultural sites and historical monuments.

Where to Stay?

North Wales is a truly bucolic place. This is great news for any van travellers as it means there are idyllic campsites dotted throughout the region. If you hire a motorhome from Life’s an Adventure, you can benefit from the Camping and Caravanning Club loyalty scheme. Therefore, if you visit the sites at Bala or Llanystumdwy you can receive a discount of up to 30%!

If you are interested in staying close to an urban area, Bangor is one of the biggest settlements in North Wales. Alternatively, adventure lovers should base themselves at Camping in Llanberis on the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park. If you want to soak up the coastal scenery, head up to Blackthorn Farm near Holyhead.

During your North Wales road trip, you should make the most of the countryside campsites in this area. Beddgelert Campsite, Garth Farm, and Glanllyn are all hotspots for hillwalkers as they’re situated inside Snowdonia National Park.

If you want to go off-grid camping in your motorhome, try boondocking. This is when you park your vehicle in an unofficial location to sleep for the night. You can’t do this in a National Park or AONB, but a country layby or beach car park could be possible. Make sure you read any signs within the vicinity and try using an app like Park4Night to help you find the ideal location.

An unmissable location on your North Wales road trip is Snowdonia ( Eryri ) National Park. Here you’ll find alpine-style peaks and glacially-formed landscapes. Many ancient myths swirl among the mists and waters of this National Park, such as the legends of King Arthur and stories about dragons. Snowdonia is also home to Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon ( Yr Wyddfa ) and many fantastic hiking areas such as the Ogwen Valley, Carneddau, and Glyders.

If you want to drive to some cultural sites, check out Portmeirion. This town was built in the early 20 th century with much of the architecture resembling an Italian alpine village! For some Victorian promenades and pleasure piers, head to Wales’ oldest cathedral city of Bangor.

On your North Wales road trip, it would be a shame to miss some of the country’s most impressive ruins and fortifications. The World Heritage Caernarfon Castle is one highlight that sits on the tidal flats overlooking the Menai Strait. There’s also the 13 th -century Conwy Castle which is perched above the National Trust Telford Suspension Bridge.

For island escapes and coastal camping, head to the top corner of the country on your North Wales road trip. Here you’ll find Anglesey, a windy and wild isle home to nesting sea birds, lighthouses, and bracing beach walks. Further south, the Llŷn Peninsula also offers remote beaches and thrilling surf spots.

For another intriguing location in North Wales, check out the UNESCO World Heritage “Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”. This includes the Penrhyn and Dinorwig slate quarries amongst other smaller mines throughout the region. If you want to see these slate mines but also go on an adventure, check out Zip World activities in North Wales.

What to Pack for a North Wales Road Trip?

Depending on what excursions you want to do on your North Wales road trip, there are a few essentials to bring with you. If heath camping and coastal drives are your thing, why not bring a surfboard to catch some waves? (Alternatively, rent a board from Abersoch Watersports on the Llŷn Peninsula). For an easier-to-store item, pack a pair of binoculars to enjoy birdwatching at the coastal nesting sites.

If you want to go hiking or country walking, make sure you carry some appropriate equipment with you. Wales is prone to rain and waterproofs are usually required. A sturdy pair of hiking boots help to tackle mud and loose rock. Lastly, pack a warm fleece and woolly hat to fight off the nipping wind that blows off the Irish Sea!

Food & Drink

A North Wales road trip would hardly be complete without sampling a Welsh tea cake or bara brith (traditional fruit cake). You can find these tasty treats in many cafes throughout the region but there are some particularly good ones at Popty Conwy Bakery or Pen Ceunant Isaf.

Throughout the country, Wales has some fine dishes to enjoy. On your North Wales road trip, keep an eye out for the world’s best cheese on toast, a.k.a. Welsh rarebit. Leek is another typical Welsh ingredient, and you’ll find it in everything from soups and stews to tarts and pastries. Lastly, if you’ll feeling brave, opt for a side of laverbread (seaweed and cockles) with your full Welsh breakfast!

When in Conwy, make sure you sample some of their renowned mussels. In this location, the River Conwy meets the Irish Sea to produce cross-varieties of salt and freshwater molluscs. For top-tier mussels, check out The Erskine Arms or buy them fresh from Conwy Mussels Company to have a go at cooking them in your campervan!

North Wales is a relatively large region. To make the most out of your North Wales road trip, pick a few key areas to target. Focus on a handful of spots rather than trying to zip through the entire area at breakneck speed. It is a much safer way to travel, allowing you to explore the local scenery at a leisurely pace, without rushing to numerous destinations within a certain time scale.

For example, when starting in Manchester, you can head along the coastal road to Conwy. From there, you can either cut south to Snowdonia or continue west to Anglesey and then down along the Llyn Peninsula. You can choose to spend most of your time in these brilliant locations or cut back up through the Clwydian Range and Wrexham before returning north to round off your epic North Wales road trip. If you are looking for any advice, do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team who are always happy to help!

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The Ultimate 3 Day North Wales Itinerary

With breathtaking mountains, pretty villages, stunning beaches and fascinating history; North Wales has it all.

Despite having family who live in the region, I hadn’t explored the jewels of the North until just a few years ago.

Planning a staycation to celebrate my birthday, I fell in love with the culture and landscapes that are so diverse that it would be impossible to not find the place for you.

So what do you do if you only have 3 days to see it all?

To help you see why North Wales is so magical, I’ve packed the best this region has to offer into this 3 Day North Wales Itinerary.

Perfect for first-time and repeat visitors alike, this North Wales road trip itinerary will show you the highlights and leave you wanting more.

3 Day North Wales Itinerary

Before we start, I just want to manage your expectations. It would be impossible to see everything North Wales has to offer in just 3 days. There’s simply too much to see and do.

Instead, use this itinerary as a sort of taster. You’ll get to see and experience the best bits of the region and see why I love it so much.

Day 1 Itinerary

Easily accessed via train and car, I’m starting this 3 Day North Wales Itinerary in Llandudno. The largest and most popular seaside resort in Wales, the town has a whole host of activities that are sure to get your visit to North Wales off to a good start.

Featuring a Victorian pier and it’s North Shore Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy traditional seaside fun and games. For those with a head for heights, you can climb the Great Orme, a limestone headland that towers over the town.

Things to do

• Llandudno Pier – A Grade II listed pier that was opened in 1886, Llandudno Pier is a must-see attraction. The longest pier in Wales, enjoy traditional seaside entertainment and food whilst overlooking the Irish Sea.
• North Star Beach – Llandudno’s most popular beach, North Star Beach is an award-winning, sheltered beach with a wide Victorian promenade.
• West Shore Beach – Also award-winning, West Shore Beach is quieter than North Shore and features sand dunes ready to explore!
• Great Orme – Towering above the town, you can’t help but take notice of the Great Orme . A country park and nature reserve, admire the unique geology and archaeology in this “mini-mountain”. You might also be lucky enough to see the wild Great Orme Kashmiri goats that call this park their home.
• Great Orme Tramway – Britain’s only cable-hauled public road tramway, the Great Orme Tramway is similar to those seen in cities such as San Francisco . A unique way to climb the Great Orme, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the view.
• Llandudno Cable Car – Want to get the best view of the town? Take a ride on the Llandudno Cable Car for panoramic views. At 679 feet up, this isn’t one for those with a fear of heights, but you’ll be rewarded with views for miles around.

Getting Here

I’ve started this itinerary in Llandudno because it’s one of the easiest places to get to from anywhere in the UK by car or public transport. Llandudno train station is located in the centre of town and it takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to travel here from London. If you’re travelling from further afield, the nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, a 1hour 20-minute drive away.

Bodnant Gardens

An enchanting garden overlooking the Conwy Valley, Bodnant Garden is the perfect place to slow down and admire North Wales’ breathtaking landscape. It’s a world-famous oasis, known for its National Collections and Champion Trees.

Founded in 1874, this huge 80-acre garden has been developed by five generations of one family before being gifted to the National Trust in 1949.

Offering a different experience depending on the season, it’s magically whenever you visit.

Check out my Bodnant Garden guide for more information.

Getting here

From Llandudno Pier, it takes just 20 minutes via car to reach Bodnant Garden. Alternatively, the number 25 bus from Llandudno Junction stops right outside the gate. It makes a great stopping point for anyone staying in Betws-y-Coed or Porthmadog.

Day 2 Itinerary

Day 2 of my 3 Day North Wales Itinerary is all about exploring the Snowdonia National Park.

Depending on where you’re staying, you might want to change the order you visit these villages. This order is great for those staying in Betws-y-Coed or Porthmadog.

Portmeirion

I don’t think I can tell you how much I love Portmeirion . It’s such a magical place that you really have to visit to understand it’s appeal.

A tourist village on the Northwestern Welsh Coast, Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams between 1925 and 1975 in an attempt to show how architecture can work in harmony and enhance the natural landscape.

Featuring bright colourful buildings that wouldn’t be out of place on the Italian Riviera, Portmeirion has featured in countless music videos, movies and TV programmes, with the most popular being The Prisoner.

For more information, check out my Portmeirion guide here.

• Guided Tours – A guided tour of Portmeirion is included in the admission price and will help you discover hidden gems that you wouldn’t usually notice.
• Afternoon Tea – Served on the sea-view Terrace or the beautiful art-deco dining room, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Hotel Portmeirion.
• Shopping – Browse the selection of gift shops and even buy a piece of Portmeirion pottery.
• Woodland paths and gardens – There are over 70 acres of woodlands and 19 miles of pathways to explore including secret gardens, a derelict castle and a Japanese pagoda.
• Spa – Need to relax? Book in for a treatment at the Mermaid Spa, overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary.

By car, Portmeirion is just 10 minutes from Porthmadog, 45 minutes from Betws-y-Coed or 1 hour 10 minutes from Llandudno. There’s a daily bus service from Porthmadog which runs from March to October. Alternatively, you can get a train from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog then Porthmadog and Minffordd.

One of the prettiest villages in the Snowdonia National Park, Beddgelert is the perfect place to embrace Welsh myths.

According to the legend, Llewelyn, a 13th Century Prince of North Wales, had a loyal hound called Gelert. One day, he went hunting without Gelert and, on his return, found Gelert stained with blood and unable to find his young son.

Assuming the worst, Llewelyn killed Gelert with his sword, only to hear his son’s cry when it was too late. The prince’s son is said to have been found unharmed next to the body of a wolf Gelert had killed whilst protecting the child. Filled with such intense grief, Llewelyn is supposedly never to have smiled again.

• Visit Gelert’s grave – If you want to experience the legend for yourself, make sure you visit Gelert’s grave during your visit to Beddgelert.
• Canoeing – The Aberglaslyn pass is close to the village and is a popular place to go canoeing.
• Welsh Highland Railway – This historic railway links Porthmadog to Caernarfon but has a stop in the centre of the village.
• Mountain Biking – Explore the narrow lanes and Beddgelert Forest by hiring a mountain bike.
• Sygun Copper Mine – Take a self-guided audio-visual tour of the winding tunnels to admire the incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations.

By car, Beggerlert is 20 minutes from Portmeirion, 15 minutes from Porthmadog, 30 minutes from Betws-y-Coed or 1 hour from Llandudno. The closest mainline train station is Porthmadog and Snowdon Sherpa buses run through the village.

Betws-y-Coed

Known as the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is one of the most well-known villages in North Wales.

Surrounded by the Gwydir Forest Park, it’s the perfect base for outdoor activities or admiring this incredible natural landscape.

• Swallow Falls waterfall – This 5km easy hike takes you to the local beauty spot of Swallow Falls , a stunning multiple waterfall system surrounded by towering trees.
• Shopping – There are a variety of gift shops, restaurants and cafes in Betws-y-Coed, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the area of outstanding natural beauty.
• Zip World Fforest – Adrenaline junkies will want to head to Zip World Fforest where there are multiple experiences including Europe’s longest net walkway and other tree-top adventure courses.
• Trefriw Woolen Mill – Just a short-drive from Betws-y-Coed is the Trefriw Woolen Mill. You’ll be able to see demonstrations and even buy some gifts in the factory shop.
• Caving – Explore the area’s mining heritage by taking a trip underground. Abseil, climb and zip line through underground chambers as you take an adventure through an abandoned slate mine with Go Below Underground Adventures .

By car, Betws-y-Coed is 20 minutes from Beddgelert or 40 minutes from Portmeirion and Llandudno. If you’re travelling by train, head to Llandudno Junction where you can either take the Conwy Valley railway or a local bus to the village.

Day 3 Itinerary

It might be the last day of this 3 Day North Wales Itinerary, but there’s still plenty to explore.

Today is all about the “iconic” North Wales attractions. You’re going to combine the natural beauty with fascinating history for an unforgettable experience.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

The highest mountain in England and Wales, climbing Mount Snowdon is one of the most popular things to do in North Wales.

If you’ve only got 3 days in North Wales, skip walking and take a ride of The Snowdon Mountain Railway .

Departing from Llanberis, enjoy the spectacular scenery as you climb to the Summit. You’ll even get a photo stop for those all-important Instagram pics!

I know this isn’t the cheapest attraction, but it’s more than worth the admission price.

Want my top tips?

• Book your ticket well in advance because they sell out fast and, if possible, try not to book for the first slot.
• The viewpoint can get a little foggy which will then obscure your view. Obviously this is going to vary from day to day, but, if you book onto the second slot, you have more chance that it will have burnt off, although it will also be busier.
• You might not be walking up the mountain, but you still need to dress warmly. It can get pretty chilly on the train so I recommend wearing layers.
• If you can, swap the side of the carriage you’re sitting on for the journey up and down. Facing the direction in which the train is going, the best side is the right side.

For more information check out my Snowdon Mountain Railway guide here.

By car, the Llanberis Snowdon Mountain Railway station is 30 minutes from Betws-y-Coed or 40 minutes from Porthmadog and Llandudno. Parking is available for a small charge.

I’m finishing this 3 Day North Wales Itinerary in the town of Conwy, a walled market town on the north coast. Easily accessed by train, bus or car, it’s one of the most popular destinations in North Wales.

One of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns, there are plenty of things to do in Conwy. Admire the stunning harbour overlooking the River Conwy, explore the medical castle dating back to the 13th Century or even see the smallest house in Great Britain!

• Conwy Castle – Did you know that there are over 600 castles in Wales, with more per square mile than anywhere else in the world? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle and city walls are surprisingly well preserved considering it was built in the 13th Century! I recommend climbing the towers to get a breathtaking view of the harbour, suspension bridge and city. Check out my Conwy Castle guide here.
• The Smallest House in Great Britain – Also known as the Quay House, this tiny red house is the perfect photo op. Last inhabited in 1900, it measures just 6ft wide and 12ft tall!
• Plas Mawr – Located in the heart of the town centre, Plas Mawr is a 16th Century house that is said to be the best surviving Elizabethan townhouse in Britain. Originally the home of a wealthy merchant, the house is now an attraction that lets you see what life would have been like in the past.

By car, Conwy is 15 minutes from Llandudno, 30 minutes from Betws-y-Coed, 35 minutes from the Snowdon Mountain Railway or 1 hour from Porthmadog. As one of the major towns on the Welsh coast, it’s well connected via buses and trains.

Alternative Itinerary Ideas

If you have more time or just want to do something different, here are some more ideas for things to do in North Wales:

• Anglesey – An island off mainland Wale’s northwest coast, Anglesey is known for its stunning beaches, impressive coastline and ancient history. It’s connected to the mainland by the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge and is perfect for nature lovers.
• Abersoch –  Abersoch is a popular seaside village known for its watersports and beaches.
• Llangollen – The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a huge aqueduct with 18-arched stone and cast iron arches. It’s mainly used for narrowboats and makes for stunning photos.
• Lake Vyrwy Reservoir – A beautiful reservoir, there is actually a submerged village under the water that was flooded when the reservoir was built in the 1880s.

Check out this blog post to find more places to visit in North Wales .

About North Wales

Essential info.

Bordered by England to the East, Wales is a separate country and part of the United Kingdom.

Sometimes referred to as Cymru (Welsh for Wales) , it has a strong cultural identity which is different from that in other parts of the United Kingdom.

• Official Languages: English & Welsh
• Currency: Great British Pound (£)
• Time Zone: UTC (Greenwich Mean Time)
• Driving side: Left

Best Time To Visit

Spring and Summer will undoubtedly see the best weather for appreciating the outdoors. It’s the most popular and busiest time to visit and some attractions only open during these seasons.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, I’d recommend looking at visiting during September, when the schools go back from summer holidays. I think October is a beautiful time to visit as you’ll see the trees change colour during autumn but benefit from low visitor numbers.

Although winter can transform North Wales into a winter wonderland, it might not be the best time for a road trip. Snowdonia National Park features many narrow roads and a significant amount at height. Why is this important? Well, during winter you might experience problems travelling around because of snow or icy roads. This will only be over a short period, but it’s worth considering nevertheless.

Where To Stay

If you want to explore the Snowdonia National Park, I recommend staying in Betws-y-Coed or Porthmadog.

If you’re doing a North Wales Roadtrip , I can’t recommend Porthmadog more, but if you’re travelling by public transport, Betws-y-Coed is well connected and centrally located.

Getting Around

This 3-day itinerary is best for those of you travelling by car but is more than possible to explore Snowdonia and North Wales by public transport.

The Snowdon Sherpa Bus connects some of the most popular and prettiest places in the National park and is extremely affordable. There’s also a good train network including heritage steam lines.

I hope you’ve found this 3 Day North Wales Itinerary helpful! Have you visited the region before? Let me know in the comments below!

Other posts you might find interesting:

• The Best Places To Visit In North Wales
• 10 Things To Do In Portmerion, Wales
• Riding The Snowdown Mountain Railway
• Bodnant Garden Guide
• Conwy Castle Guide 

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Wales Road Trip – the ONLY Itinerary (with Route Map) you Need!

Planning a tour of Wales? Want to know the best places to visit on a Wales road trip? Here are some of the best routes and places to visit to create an incredible Welsh road trip itinerary, plus a map to help you see where everything is!

Don’t forget to grab your free downloadable Wales road trip guide to help you plan your trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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Wales road trip ideas

I love touring and exploring Wales. It’s one of my favourite places to road trip in the UK and every time I visit I find something new to enjoy, whether it’s a coastal walk, cute independent shops, medieval castles or the never-ending natural beauty.

From my very first trip there, I’ve always found the people friendly, the roads fun and the scenery jawdropping. On that first trip with the motorhome I visited a couple of the best motorhome sites in Wales and it started a love of the country that’s never faded.

I’ve now visited numerous times and can’t wait to go back again. Indeed, I’ve been back several times on my own and recently spent some time exploring the Gower peninsula with my dog and had a great time.

Like many places where there’s so much to do outdoors, the weather can make or break a trip, but the advantage of a road trip around Wales is you can always drive to a different area where the weather might be better!

Wales road trip – most scenic drives

The Welsh tourist board have created 3 national driving routes called the Wales Way and they are all fantastic. One explores the fabulous north coast, one the wilder middle section and one the breathtaking south.

But those driving routes can take longer than you might have for your trip, so we’ve put together some alternative Wales road trip itinerary ideas for you.

If you’ve only got 2 or 3 days, or a long weekend, stick to one area. If you have a week or longer to explore, you could easily do several places on these itineraries or explore one of them in more depth. However you plan your Welsh road trip, you’ll have a fabulous time. 

Planning a trip to Wales?

Grab your FREE guide to the Wales Way road trip routes, including:

• suggested routes around Wales
• best places to see on your trip
• campsites to stay at along the way
• and other tips for touring Wales

When is the best time to road trip around Wales?

One of the reasons we love Wales so much is all the outdoor activities it offers. For that reason, we recommend visiting Wales anytime between Easter and mid-October, to really take advantage of the highlights. 

Having said that, Wales is not as seasonal as somewhere like Cornwall , and many tourist attractions and historical sites do not shut for the winter, so you could go out of season and enjoy the lack of tourists. It’s entirely up to you! 

Wales Road Trip Map- plan of our Welsh itinerary

This is a map of our suggested Wales road trip itinerary in full. I find it so frustrating when people mention all the best places to go… and you have no idea where any of them are! I hope this Wales road trip map helps you get more familiar with the places we share in this post.

How long to do a Wales Road Trip?

We recommend at least 10-14 days to do the entire route. If you have a shorter time, just pick an element of it – one of many good reasons to come back for the rest later!!

Doing it ALL in a week might be a struggle, although you can if you drive a lot and don’t stop often during the day. 

The problem with doing this is you will miss some beautiful places- after all, part of the joy of a road trip is getting out and experiencing the place you’ve just driven to.

Brecon Beacons National Park- the Perfect South Wales Road Trip

Suggested by Pauline | BeeLoved City

The Brecon Beacons National Park is perfect for road trippers looking for an adventure. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the UK and yet so underrated. You will find beautiful wild camping spots where you can enjoy these wide-open spaces, beautiful landscapes and a sky full of stars!

The Brecon Beacons is one of three national parks in Wales. They all offer breath-taking landscapes and amazing hiking opportunities for nature lovers. 

Brecon Beacon road trip- driving the highest mountain road in Wales

The highest driving road in Wales is called the Gospel Pass- snaking over the Black Mountains from Abergavenny to Hay-on-wye on the east of the Beacons

How to get to the Gospel Pass

From Abergavenny, turn off the A465 at Llanvihangel Crucorney and follow signs for the ruins of Llanthony Priory. From Hay-on-Wye, the Gospel pass is sign-posted.

CAUTION- The Pass is 22 miles of often single track, very steep (1/4) and is rarely cleared in winter. Motorhomes might find it tough and snow chains are essential in winter. 

Driving the Top Gear Road

You can also drive another of the best driving roads in Wales- the A4069 (to the west of the Brecon Beacons.) This road was made famous by Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear (no, this is NOT the same road as the Gospel Pass!)

The road runs from Brynamman to Llangadog (I swear I’m not making these names up!) This is another incredibly scenic road- and most of it is 2-way you’ll be pleased to know. We did it on a motorbike- it was spectacular.

What else is there to do on a Brecon Beacons road trip? 

• Hiking. Lots and lots and lots of hiking
• Pen-Y-Fan- the highest peak in South Wales (on the road from Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon) Try a Beacons Horseshoe ridge walk which will take you up to the summit of Pen Y Fan- a popular spot with 360-degree views on the Cwm Llwch valley. This 3 to 4 hours walk is the perfect way to experience the true beauty of the Beacons.
• Waterfalls! There are some incredible waterfalls all over the Brecon Beacon National Park. One of the most popular waterfalls is Sgwd Gwladys. On some there is a small commission for entry and some can be a long walk to get there!
• Kayaking, rafting and bouldering are also popular
• Show Caves- visit some of the largest showcases in the UK
• Visit amazing castles such as Carreg Cennen or Brecon Castle. The area has a rich history and guided tours are a great way to discover amazing Welsh local legends and stories.
• Visit cute towns like Brecon, Crickhowell or Hye-on-Wye. 

If you have time before you start your Brecon Beacons National Park road trip, be sure to visit the capital city of Cardiff, Castell Coch, Cardiff Castle and nearby Barry Island.

Gower Peninsula – Wales Road Trip highlight

Recommended by Clemens | Travellers Archive

The Gower peninsula is a perfect stop on a Wales Road Trip. It’s a small peninsula on the south coast, just west of Swansea. Did you know, it was the first region in Great Britain to be recognised as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”.

Why should I include Gower in a Welsh Road Trip itinerary?

“The Gower”, as the peninsula is also called, is a perfect place for outdoor/ nature enthusiasts and is super popular with:

• bird watchers
• sun worshippers
• watersports enthusiasts
• campers and motorhomers

It’s a short but scenic drive from the main motorway down to Gower Island, where you’ll find an idyllic scene of sandy beaches, fine dining, unique shops and traditional pubs. Above all, it’s topped with the relaxed vibe of a surfing village – the ocean is near and so is the fresh air. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a good time.

Ok, so it’s pretty- but what is there to DO? 

You can easily spend a whole week on the Gower Peninsula.

• Worm’s Head is a good starting point; a bizarre tidal island on the southwest tip of the peninsula in Rhossili Bay. This is one of the Gower’s most famous attractions- although it’s not entirely clear why!
• Definitely put in a stop at the small town of Rhossili, where you can rent a surfboard at PJ’s Surfshop and also enjoy delicious fish and chips at the ‘The King’s Head’ pub.
• Gower also has several of the best beaches in Wales where you can spend relaxed days in the sun. Our favourites are Caswell and Landland, the perfect base for everything you need for a day on the beach: ice cream, parking and shops.
• Also, don’t forget to go on a proper coastal hike.  The easiest of them all is actually the hike between the two aforementioned beaches. 
• The Mumbles is where we spent our very first night ‘off-grid’ in our motorhome in late spring. DEFINITELY worth a visit.

Pembrokeshire Road Trip

Recommended by Suzanne | Meandering Wild

The Pembrokeshire Coast is located in the far south-west of Wales.  It is easily accessible from the end of the M4 at Swansea.  The road follows the coastal way with numerous little beaches, beautiful castles and small towns.  Further around the west Wales coast, the roads become smaller and the landscape more rugged.

Highlights of Pembrokeshire- what to include on your Wales road trip?

• Seaside town of Tenby
• Caldey Island
• Pembroke and Pembroke Castle
• Pembrokeshire coast national park
• Manobier Castle
• Skomer Island (puffins!)
• St Davids- the smallest city in the UK

Pembrokeshire road trip itinerary

Tenby is one of the small seaside towns in Pembrokeshire and has beautiful golden beaches.  In the summer months you can take a short boat ride to the monastic island of Caldey Island.  This is the perfect escape and you can walk to the lighthouse as well as try the chocolate made by the monks.

A short distance from Tenby is Pembroke.  This is one of the larger towns and has a spectacular castle that sits overlooking the river that flows through the town.  Pembroke Castle is impressive, but even more impressive is the nearby Manobier Castle that looks over a small bay perfect for surfing.

If seeing puffins is on your bucket list then don’t miss the nature reserve of Skomer Island. In the summer months this small island is home to thousands of puffins and it’s practically guaranteed to see them.  There are day trips to the island via a boat which runs in good weather (not in the winter months sadly) and cannot be booked in advance.  You will need to arrive in St Martins Haven car park very early to get a ticket for the boat trip. 

The final place to visit in Pembrokeshire is St David’s.  This is the smallest city in the UK but is a great place to visit. Don’t miss the beautiful cathedral and small winding streets- as well as one of the best pasty shops we’ve ever found!

How long should you plan for a Pembrokeshire road trip?

A road trip around Pembrokeshire needs at least three days to really explore, but the longer you can spend there the more you can see.  In the summer months it is busy but the weather is better- especially for the beaches.  In the winter it is wild and desolate but attractions are empty.

You can also grab our interactive map and online guide filled with places to visit in Wales- check it out here

Wales Road Trip- driving the coast from south Wales to North

As with most countries, there are plenty of routes to head north through Wales from south to North. You could choose the Cambrian Way however, in this instance we highly recommend the coastal route around the west coast of Wales.

Head up from Anglesey, you can enjoy the magnificent views of

• Cardigan Bay- famous for clear water and frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins
• Fishguard- a pretty harbour and village
• Strumble Head lighthouse
• The coastal town of Aberystwyth- an ancient market town and home of the National Library of Wales. If you have time, detour inland and visit the visitor centre of Elan Valley.
• Menai Straits- infamous stretch of water and very dangerous!
• Snowdonia National Park- this requires at least 3 days to do it justice, but if nothing else be sure to visit Mt Snowdon- Wales’ highest peak. You can take a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway or choose a walking trail and explore the region.
• Whilst in Snowdonia, be sure to visit Swallow Falls near Betws-y-coed. It’s the single highest continuous waterfall in Wales, just a short walk from the car park. While you’re here, Capel Curig is also worth a visit.

Isle of Anglesey, North Wales Road Trip

Recommended by Sophia | The Wanderful Me

Featuring unbelievable hikes, gorgeous green rolling hills, endless seaside coastlines, cool castles, beautiful beaches and cute little Welsh villages (filled with delicious food!), you should definitely include Anglesey on your Wales road trip itinerary.

Best Things to do in Anglesey 

Across the Menai Strait in North West Wales you’ll find Anglesey- regularly mentioned as one of the best places to visit in Wales . Here are some of the highlights you can include in your driving itinerary:

• Coastal hikes — there are SO many to choose from and all will deliver incredible views over the sea.
• Parys Mountain — an abandoned copper mine that now looks like the surface of Mars. 
• Beaumaris Castle — A Unesco World Heritage site built during the late 13th century and considered to be the most technically perfect castle (its symmetry is incredibly accurate)
• Visit a lighthouse  — dotted all across the coastline of Anglesey, you’ll find a number of beautiful lighthouses. You can even enjoy an overnight stay in one!

How long should an Anglesey road trip take?

Since Anglesey is pretty small, a road trip shouldn’t take too long! It could easily be done in 1-2 days (especially if you’re not a big hiking fan). Of course, you could slow down and take a few days to see all this island has to offer.

Does it cost money to get to Anglesey if it’s an island?

No- there’s a suspension bridge (the Menai bridge – although sometimes called the Telford Bridge by locals), and it’s free to cross. Cars and motorhomes can get across no problem- just follow the road signs.

When is the best time to plan a road trip to Anglesey?

Wondering what time of the year is best for a visit? Though summers are blissful on Anglesey, it’s incredible packed at this time with UK vacationers and families. Thus, I recommend either doing an Anglesey road trip in the fall or spring, when it’s not too cold or overrun with visitors! 

Want more places to visit in Europe in Autumn? Here are some of the best!

On your way back from Anglesey, there are plenty of incredible places to visit:

• Caernarfon Castle (right up near Anglesey)
• Llangollen Canal – we hired a narrowboat from here for a few days to go over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct- which is the best way to experience it! You can do this as a day trip too.
• Dinas Bran Castle (near Llangollen)
• Chester- one of my favourite cities in the United Kingdom; right on the border between England and Wales- we visited as part of our epic England Road trip
• Chirk Castle- a National Trust property well worth a visit
• Conwy- we stayed here for several nights on a yacht MANY years ago and it was beautiful- a great stop.
• Wye Valley – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Useful things to know for your Wales Road Trip planning

Do they really speak welsh.

Yep. All signs will be in Welsh, then English. The Welsh are a small nation but fiercely proud of their heritage and language. However, nearly every person in Wales speaks at least some English, and certainly everyone who deals with tourists.

Do they take £/ GBP?

Yes, Wales does NOT have its own currency. They use pound sterling, just like the rest of the UK.

Do they drive on the left or the right?

In the UK, we drive on the left everywhere.

If you’re hiring a rental car, Cardiff city or Swansea is a good base to collect it from in the south, or Chester in the north.

Is it easy to find camping spots for motorhomes/ campervans?

Yes- if you don’t go in high summer. We went in the Easter holidays a few years ago and had no problems finding a campsite, but I’ve heard in the summer they get VERY booked- especially near the sea and Cardiff city.

Books to help your Wales Road Trip

If you prefer a physical book, you might find these helpful:

Is wild camping legal in Wales?

It’s tolerated, as much as wild camping is anywhere in the UK . Stay away from the main tourist areas and you should be fine. You might be able to use services at campsites for an extra cost.

Having said that, we were in Wales when it all went a little wrong- watch the video below:

When wild camping goes wrong! (Wild camping tips for beginners)

If you want a free wild camping checklist, grab it here .

Planning a UK Road Trip? You might find these posts helpful:

• How to plan a UK road trip- essential things you NEED to know
• England road trip- the BEST places to visit
• The ONLY Scotland itinerary you need

See all our UK travel itineraries and tips

I hope this post has helped you find incredible places to visit and enjoy. Been already? Where’s your favourite Wales Road trip? Let us know!

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Langland bay on the Gower I assume. I used to surf there as a nipper. PJs surf shop is still there, wow. Pete was a world class surfer back in the day, bought my surf boards and “sex wax” (look it up, it’s for your surfboard) from him when it was just a small shed/garage. I camped there for a summer back in the late seventies, early eighties( the year of the fast net disaster(that was windy), beautiful place. Thanks for the wonderful trip back in time

As someone who was born and brought up in Usk, Monmouthshire (now called Gwent) I would also suggest: 1 the Wye Valley from Chepstow to Monmouth en route to Abergavenny and the Black Mountains 2 Lougharne and the Taff estuary which is not only very beautiful but is a place of pilgrimage for anyone interested in Dylan Thomas 3 Portmeirion on the Mawddach estuary with Barmouth at it’s mouth. Another beautiful spot. 4 There are also number of National Trust houses and gardens that are well worth visiting. Just get on the National Trust website/app. to find out where.

Can I suggest that a trip via Pembrey to visit Wales longest beach (there’s also a very nice caravan park at Pembrey Country Park), Burry Port and North Dock are all worth a visit. It’s then only 30 mins to the Gower peninsular to pick up the remainder of the trip.

Thanks for the tips!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A 7 to 10 Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary with Map

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 4 Comments

Despite being born in Wales and spending many years living in the country, I haven’t as yet shared any content about Wales on this site. Well, that is about to change.

Wales is a spectacular country with a lot to offer and its relatively small size means that you can see a lot in a 1-week road trip. In this guide we’re going to share our idea of the perfect Wales road trip if you have 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary includes a little bit of everything Wales has to offer, which includes stunning coastlines, mountain hikes, beaches, castles, museums, Welsh cultural attractions, and more. The itinerary was designed to give you a taste of the best of Wales and includes everything from tiny rural villages to the capital city of Cardiff.

Wales really does have something to offer everyone, and this road trip is going to take you all around Wales. We’ll share some of our favourite things to see and do, and also offer tips on where to stay, and what to eat. But you can of course adjust it how you want.

Personally, we think Wales has scenery to rival other popular road trips in the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500 , but we will let you decide if that’s the case as you read the guide.

By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to set off on your very own Welsh road trip! Let’s start by answering some questions you might have.

How Long to Road Trip in Wales?

Wales is not a huge country, but there is a huge amount to see. We would say that the minimum amount of time for a road trip covering a part of the country would be three to five days. If you don’t have a lot of time we’d perhaps suggest focusing either on North Wales or South Wales.

If you want to see more of what is on offer, and explore the country from top to bottom, then we’d recommend at least 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary in this guide is for a 7 to 10-day road trip, but of course you can adjust it based on your interests and time. If you have more time, there is always more to see and we’d recommend spending longer in each area of interest.

How to Include Wales as Part of a Longer UK trip?

Many people are visiting Wales as part of a longer tour of Great Britain that may also include England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and/or Ireland. It is easy to include Wales as part of a larger trip.

Again, we’d recommend at least 3 days if you want to visit Wales and if you only have 3 to 5 days we’d just stick to focusing on either North Wales or South Wales.

But ideally you’ll have at least 5 to 7 days to devote to Wales if you want to see a number of its highlights covered in this itinerary.

If you are following our 2 week UK itinerary , you can add time in Wales. Around day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d start this Wales itinerary and follow Days 1 through 8 and then head north to Chester and then up towards Manchster.

See our detailed UK itinerary guide for more information on that.

If you are also wanting to visit other parts of the UK or Ireland as part of a tour, you might consider joining up tours such as with local tour company Rabbie’s where you can take a series of tours exploring different parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around in Wales?

There are a few different options for getting around in Wales, including local buses and a regional train network. However, as the title of this post suggests, my recommended way to travel around Wales is by car.

There are a great many sights and attractions in Wales that can really only be visited in a vehicle as there’s no public transport to reach them. Think remote castles, far-flung stretches of coastline, and so on.

The road trip we’ve put together is based on you having a car. If you don’t have your own car, we’d highly recommend picking up a car rental, or consider joining a tour.

As it’s more cost effective to pick up and drop off a car in the same spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the best location to start and end this trip. Cardiff can be easily reached by rail and coach from locations around the UK.

On a recent trip to Wales we rented a car from Enterprise as they had a location near Cardiff’s main train station, which made pick up and drop off easy. However, we’d also recommending using a price comparison service like Rental Cars or Discover Cars , to see if there’s a better option for your trip.

If you would prefer not to drive, then we would instead suggest looking into taking a tour of Wales. These can be done as private tours or you can join a group tour and the tours.

Tours of Wales

If you like the idea of visiting Wales but would rather not drive, then your best option is to take a tour. Whilst there is some public transportation, many of the sights and attractions are a little off the beaten track and aren’t well served by public transport.

There are however some excellent tours we can recommend. Whilst none of them will exactly mirror our suggested Wales road trip itinerary, a lot of them do include at least some of the main attractions we cover.

You can join a guided tour or if you have a bigger budget or a large group, you might also consider a private tour. The longer Wales tours generally depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we suggest are as follows:

• This 5 day road trip with Rabbies would be our first pick of available tours. We’ve taken a great many tours with Rabbie’s and we love their knowledgeable driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and cover a lot of the same ground as our route, from Snowdonia down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows a similar route to our suggested Wales itinerary, and includes time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle, St. Davids, Tenby, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and focuses on the highlights of south Wales, including Carreg Cennen Castle, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. If you have more time, you can also do their North Wales tour.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It includes Snowdonia National Parks, Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.

There are of course more tours to choose from in Wales. See this selection from a range of operators on TourRadar which will let you sort and filter by duration, places visited and price.

10 Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Ok, let’s get on with this road trip around Wales! The reason we say this road trip is 7 – 10 days is because I have added a couple of days in Cardiff at the beginning.

The Welsh capital city has a lot to offer, from excellent museums to castle ruins and sporting attractions.

There’s certainly enough here to fill at least two days. However, if you have less time or would rather just hit the road and not focus on city attractions, you may prefer to focus on the road trip section of this itinerary rather than the time in Cardiff. It’s up to you!

Jess and I did this exact road trip, with two full days in Cardiff and then eight days on the road around Wales. We started and ended in Cardiff. It was a brilliant trip, and one we are delighted to be able to share with you.

Parts of this road trip follow the Wales Way driving tour routes (you can see more about those here ), which are promoted by the Visit Wales tourism board to highlight some of the best scenery and attractions that Wales has to offer.

They include The Cambrian Way, The Coastal Way, and The North Wales Way. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes using our itinerary but we have adjusted it to also include many of my other favorite sights and attractions.

Note that this itinerary covers a lot of ground and each day has a number of suggested attractions. Depending on your interests you will want to adjust it to suit what you really want to see and do rather than trying to do absolutely everything.

If you want a more slower paced trip, we’d suggest seeing less each day and spending at least 2 nights at each location. You could easily do this full itinerary in 2 weeks and have more time to relax and see things more slowly.

Day 1 – Cardiff

Your first day has you starting in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is easy to get to from locations around the UK and abroad, with rail, road, and air links that will let you get here in the way that best suits your trip.

We’d suggest that for your time in Cardiff you get around either on foot or by public transport. The majority of attractions in the city centre are easy to walk to, or to visit by bus. I’d advise against driving around the city centre as you’ll have to deal with navigation and finding parking.

On your first day in the city, our recommended first stop would be the Museum of Cardiff .

This excellent free museum tells the story of the city over the centuries, from the Neolithic period to the present day. It’s an excellent way to orient yourself to the city and get up to speed with its history. It is one of our favourite museums in Cardiff.

Next, we’d recommend popping across the road to the Cardiff Market. This is a 2 storey Victorian shopping mall, opened in 1891, where you’ll find a variety of shops selling all manner of goods.

There are also food stalls here if you are hungry.

From Cardiff Market, continue north to Cardiff Castle , your next stop for the day.

On this road trip, you are going to see quite a few castles. Wales has a landscape that lends itself to building castles, and a history of princes and wars that required these defensive structures. In fact there are over 400 castles in the country! So you do need to be selective in which castles you choose to visit.

However, we’d argue that you’re not going to see anything quite like Cardiff Castle anywhere else on your Welsh road trip.

Cardiff Castle takes you on a journey of castle building through the ages. There has been some sort of fortified construction here since the Romans built a fort here in the 3rd century. In fact, part of the old Roman wall can still be seen.

However, the large stone keep atop the hill that will catch your eye as you walk in dates from the 12th century.

Around the rest of castle grounds you’ll find a range of buildings from various periods in history, including a 19th century gothic revivalist addition that includes a massive clock tower and stunning interiors.

There is a lot to see and do at Cardiff Castle, including various tours and exhibits that range from world war two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d recommend planning on spending at least two or three hours here as there is lots to see here.

You can walk through the grounds of Cardiff Castle for free, but to go inside, walk the walls, or visit the exhibits you will need to pay for a ticket. The ticket price is well worth it in our opinion.

Depending on how your day is going you may still have time for another sight. If so, we’d suggest walking over to the National Museum Cardiff . This large free museum (donations welcome) has exhibits of art, natural history and geology, and is a good way to finish off your first day in Wales.

Day 1 Highlights : Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Market, Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Cardiff

Day 1 Driving Distance : 0 miles

Day 1 Driving Time : 0 hours

Day 1 Accommodation : On your first night we’d recommend staying in central Cardiff. This will be convenient for sightseeing, as well as for eating out. Here are some suggested options to consider:

• City Center apartment – This is a lovely apartment just minutes walk from the city center and train station. We’ve stayed here and can recommend it.
• Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff – a good value centrally located hotel offering air conditioned rooms, restaurant, and bar
• Hotel Indigo Cardiff – a nice hotel in a great location with air conditioned rooms, restaurant and bar. We have stayed at a number of Indigo branded hotels and always had a good experience.
• Clayton Hotel Cardiff – a well reviewed hotel next to the train station with clean and comfortable rooms
• Parador 44 – a beautiful upmarket boutique B&B style hotel with its own garden right in the center of Cardiff

Day 2 – Cardiff

If you’d prefer to head out of town today you can of course do that, and spend more time on the road. However, assuming you would like to do some more sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to recommend you head to the Cardiff Bay area of town.

Cardiff is located on the Bristol Channel, although you won’t have seen the water yet as the city center area is about a mile away. However, you can easily reach this area in a 20 minute walk or a short bus ride.

The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay area four or five times an hour and the journey is just a few minutes. Alternatively, you might prefer to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which will also bring you here as part of its sightseeing route around Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there is plenty to see. First, you will likely see the large Wales Millenium Centre . This national arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to come to see live performances of everything from music to dance. There are also shops, bars, and cafes on site, and it’s worth popping inside to see if there are any temporary exhibits going on when you visit.

From here you can walk across to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the famous children’s books author who was born in Cardiff (books include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , James and the Giant Peach , and Matilda ), this sunken plaza often plays host to various fairs, festivals, and live music performances.

You’ll now be near the waterline. If you head east, you’ll first pass the Pierhead building , a huge red brick building with a clock tower which is hard to miss. This is home to a museum where you can learn about the history of Wales.

Next door to the Pierhead building is the Senedd building , home of the Welsh parliament. This is a striking modern building which you can visit if you are interested in learning about the process of democracy in Wales. There are also often exhibitions of Welsh art and crafts inside, so it’s well worth taking a stop here.

From the Senedd, you can continue along the coastal path to the east on the Cardiff Bay trail walk. There are various highlights along the route, including the Norwegian Church Arts Centre which offers a cafe, lovely views of the Bay, and an art gallery.

It’s up to you if you want to continue at this point. The trail continues for miles along the bay and if it’s a nice day it’s certainly a lovely walk all the way to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the construction of the barrage in the 1990s which created this lovely harbour area.

From here, rather than walk all the way back, you can instead hop on a boat that will take you back to the Quay area. You’ll definitely want to check the operating timetables in advance, which you can do here . You can book tickets online in advance here .

Of course, instead of (or as well as!) walking all the way to the barrage you can explore the area around the Senedd, known as Mermaid’s Quay. Here you’re going to find all manner of shops and restaurants, as well as a boat quay where you can take boat tours of Cardiff Bay .

There are also a couple of other attractions in the area. First is the rather eclectic Ianto’s Shrine . If you are not familiar with the TV show “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this will likely be somewhat confusing. The shrine is to Ianto, a character who dies in the show.

It’s actually one of the largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character anywhere in the world, so worth a few moments of your time!

The other attraction in the area is Techniquest , which is a family-friendly science museum. If you are visiting Wales with kids, then this paid attraction will definitely keep them entertained for some time as there are over 100 hand-on exhibits to see, touch, and explore.

That feels like enough for your second day in Cardiff, although there is still plenty to see including more museums and plenty of shops. Cardiff is also home to the Principality Stadium which plays host to major sporting and music events throughout the year.

There are also lots of other venues around the city for live music and entertainment if that is something you are interested in. On a recent visit to Cardiff we enjoyed watching a live performance at Porter’s Cardiff for example.

And of course there are a lot of pubs, clubs, and other nightlife hangouts in Cardiff.

If you’re into historic pubs, some of the oldest in Cardiff are The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff Cottage, The Goat Major, and The Great Western. So you will have no shortage of places to go for a drink or a bite to eat!

Speaking of food, if you want to try some traditional Welsh dishes such as Lamb Cawl or Welsh rarebit, The Welsh House in Cardiff is a favourite of ours. They usually have a number of traditional dishes on the menu, and the prices are also reasonable.

Day 2 Highlights : Cardiff Bay, Wales Millenium Centre, Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Bay boat tour / walk, Techniquest

Day 2 Driving Distance : 0 miles

Day 2 Driving Time : 0 hours

Day 2 Accommodation : Overnight in Cardiff (same as Day 1)

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

It’s time to hit the road! If you are picking up a rental car, you’ll want to book this for earlier in the morning as you’re going to have a busy day today.

Your first stop for the day is just outside of Cardiff, the St. Fagan’s National Museum of History . It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cardiff.

This is a brilliant free outdoor museum which features over forty original buildings spread out across 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a wide time period, and will give you a real insight into how Welsh people have lived, worked, learned, and played over the years.

There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, the majority of which you can go inside and explore. It’s also a living museum, with live workshops and demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s a big site with a lot to see, so we’d recommend planning on spending at least 90 minutes to two hours here. There’s also a cafe on-site which serves good food as well as coffee and other hot drinks. There’s a large carpark on site with a modest fee for parking.

From Cardiff you are going to continue to head west to your next stop, Castell Carreg Cennen .

The fastest option to get to here will normally be to follow the M4 around Swansea, which is what we would recommend you do. Of course, if you would prefer a more scenic route feel free to follow the roads up to Glynneath and across. Just be aware of timing as you have a lot to see today.

Castell Carreg Cennen , or Carreg Cennen Castle, is a dramatically positioned crumbling castle which dates from the early 14th century. There’s a bit of an uphill walk to get to the castle, but we’d say the views of the surrounding landscape and the castle itself are well worth the effort.

Quite a bit of the castle survives, including many of the towers, walls and keep. There are information panels on site and there’s an excellent cafe at the bottom of the hill where you park as well. We’d estimate you’ll need around an hour on site.

Cadw offers an annual membership, which gives you free entry to all the Cadw locations, amongst other benefits.

A lot of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this trip are going to be covered by the membership and if you visit the majority of them you will definitely save some money. You can buy this online here , or in person at most Cadw sites.

We think this is very much worth it and we always get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.

From Castell Carreg it’s a 20 minute drive to the next stop for the day, the National Trust Dinefwr site . This is actually two sights, the 17th century Newton House and the 12th century Dinefwr Castle, found around a mile apart.

If the weather is good, we can highly recommend taking some time to explore the grounds here and to walk up to Dinefwr Castle. There are some really lovely walking trails around the grounds, which wend their way through beautiful mature woodlands.

You can also visit Newton House itself of course, which has a separate entry fee (free for National Trust members). There is paid parking on site (also free to National Trust members).

It’s around an hour’s drive to the last stop of the day, the cute seaside town of Tenby. If you want something extra to see on the way, and you really love castles, feel free to detour to Laugharne Castle , although we feel you may have seen enough castles for the day and be ready to relax by this point.

Tenby is a popular and picturesque seaside town with colorful houses forming a line above the large beach and curved harbour. There are lots of places to eat, shop ,and stay. If you are not too tired, we’d recommend a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Castle and a walk on the beach.

Of course, you can also do these things on the morning of your fourth day as well. And that’s the end of your first day on the road!

Day 3 Highlights : St. Fagan’s National Museum of History, Castell Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr Castle, Tenby

Day 3 Driving Distance : 110 miles

Day 3 Driving Time : 2.5 hours

Day 3 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Tenby. There are a lot of excellent options to choose from in Tenby and nearby, and the town also has many good dining options. Accommodation options we recommend are:

• Beachcomber B&B – five minutes walk from the centre of Tenby and the beach, this very well rated family run B&B offers comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast
• The Strathmore – this well rated family run B&B is close to Tenby’s south beach and five minutes walk from the town centre. Comfortable rooms include a continental breakfast or breakfast bap.
• Coach Guest House – a very well rated modern family fun B&B just minutes walk from Tenby’s beaches and attractions. Breakfast is included.
• Trefloyne Manor – five minutes drive from Tenby, this beautiful old manor house offers 12 gorgeous rooms with en-suite facilities. There’s an on-site restaurant, breakfast is included and there’s even an on-site 18 hole golf course

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Today you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern corner of Wales, home to the smallest city in the UK and a stunning coastal National Park.

Let’s get going.

From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew Castle & Tidal Mill . As the name suggests, here you’re going to find two attractions in one place.

The first is Carew Castle, a castle which dates from the Norman conquest of Britain in the 11th century. Over the years it has had many updates and improvements, with the final addition being an Elizabethan manor house in the 16th century! That makes this quite the unique location to visit in Wales.

The second attraction on the site is the Carew Tidal Mill, which is the only restored tidal mill in Wales. This dates from the 19th century, and when in operation it used the power of the tide to power the mill wheel. It’s no longer operating but it is open for tours.

As you can see there is plenty to see and do here, so I’d suggest allocating at least 90 minutes – 2 hours for your visit. There is free parking on site and a fee for admission. It’s not part of Cadw or any other membership program that we are aware of.

From Carew Castle you have a few options, all of which involve visiting the Pembrokeshire National Park. This National Park stretches all around the Pembrokeshire coast and offers dramatic clifftop walking, splendid sea vistas, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

One good walk opportunity, around a 25 minute drive from Carew Castle, is the Stack Rock walk (carpark here on Google Maps ). The car park (free) is just a couple of hundred metres from the cliff top walk, and there are great views of some rock stacks as well as a rock arch here.

This is also a good place to see seals and seal pups in the breeding season (usually August through January).

If you’d like to take a hike here, there’s a lovely walk along the coast to St. Govan’s Chapel. It’s a 6.3 mile walk, and you can see directions here .

Another option if you’d prefer to spend more time on the beach would be to drive further west to Freshwater West beach. This is a popular surfing spot where you’ll find a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.

It’s also a Harry Potter filming location – fans of the movies will definitely want to visit the site of Dobby’s Grave. There is a mound of rocks here which fans have written tributes on, which makes for a nice picture. There’s a small car park here as well as parking along the road.

There are of course many other walks that you could do today as you head towards St. David’s, and you can see a full selection here .

My personal favourite, and the one I would recommend, is the Marloes Peninsula walk . This is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Castle, depending on what you choose to visit today.

The Marloes Peninsula walk is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop walk which loops around the gorgeous Marloes peninsula. The walk is largely flat with just a few gradients to tackle. There’s a car-park at Marloes Sands (paid).

This walk was my favourite of all the walks we did in this area because it offered such spectacular views, as well as some excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. We saw countless seals and seal pups as well as a great many sea birds.

There were also gorgeous coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us around 3 hours in total with lots of photo stops and was well worth the effort.

From Marloes, another hour’s drive will bring you to the tiny city of St. David’s where you’ll spend the night. Definitely spend some time exploring the town, either this evening or on the morning of Day 5.

You’ll find a lovely old cathedral, as well as various galleries and shops. The city is tiny, and it doesn’t take long to walk around and explore.

If you still want to explore, then we’d suggest walking the 20 minutes or so out of town to St. Non’s Chapel and Well , reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David , for whom the city is named.

Another nearby attraction is the stunning beach of Whitesands, which makes for a good place to watch the sunset.

For food, there are plenty of good dining options in town, from restaurants to pubs. We’ve had a great pub meal at The Bishops , but the Farmer’s Arms is also a popular option for pub food.

We’d recommend asking your local accommodation provider for tips as they’ll know the best local options open during your visit.

Day 4 Highlights : Carew Castle & Tidal Mill, Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks, St. David’s sights

Day 4 Driving Distance : ~ 70 miles

Day 4 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 4 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) St. David’s. This beautiful little city has a range of accommodation options as well as a number of pubs and restaurants for food. We recommend the following options:

• Four Winds B&B – this is a lovely B&B just five minutes walk from the centre of St. David’s. Owner Nikki is very friendly, breakfast is excellent and there are lovely views. We’ve stayed here and had a lovely night’s sleep.
• Glendower B&B – a well reviewed B&B just a few minutes walk from the city center. Breakfast is included.
• St. David’s Cross Hotel – a popular traditional hotel right in the city center featuring a restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included.
• Twr y Felin Hotel – a very well reviewed centrally located 4* hotel with a restaurant, room service, and breakfast.
• Crug Glass Country House – a beautiful country house hotel found in a 12th century farmhouse on a 600 acre working farm. 8 minutes drive from St. David’s. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, and breakfast is also available.

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

Today you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s plenty to see along the way, including ancient burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife center, beautiful beaches, and more.

We’d suggest picking some sights that sound the most interesting to you from our suggestions as there is definitely more to see than you can do in a day! Or consider doing this over 2 days if you want to do and see everything. If you opt to do that, we’d suggest overnighting around Cardigan.

After finishing up any sightseeing or souvenir shopping in St. David’s, follow the A487 for about 45 minutes, just past Fishguard. The first stop for the day is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber .

This 5,000 year old tomb has a 16.5ft capstone carefully balanced atop three uprights. It’s a couple of minutes walk from the free parking place on the road and entry is free. Just be aware that there the parking spot is quite small and the road here is quite narrow.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the main road. If you are interested in learning about life in the Stone Age, then definitely consider a visit to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village .

This attraction features a series of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed where they originally stood 2,000 years ago. On site you will find a number of costumed interpreters who will share details of how people lived here during the Iron Age.

Now, continue on towards Cardigan. There are a few sights you might consider stopping at, depending on your interests.

Nature lovers will likely want to visit the Welsh Wildlife Centre , where there’s an interpretive center, various trails, and bird watching hides. It’s free to visit but there’s a small fee for parking. A good location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A five minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Center is Cilgerran Castle . This Norman age castle originally dates from 1108, although the structure today largely dates from the 13th century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is well worth a visit.

Free for CADW and National Trust members, small fee otherwise. There’s no parking on site, follow signs to the car park. We parked in Cilgerran Lower car park from where there’s a lovely walk along the river and up the hill to the castle.

We’d also recommend stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Castle here is well worth a visit for a small fee.

You can actually stay overnight here , which we have done, and it has a good cafe on site as well. If you have more time, or simply want to adjust your schedule, it makes for a good overnight stay option.

From Cardigan, continue along the A487. If you would like to take a stroll today, we’d suggest heading up to Mwnt. There’s a small car park at Mwnt head beach (fee) and you can visit pretty Holy Cross Church . There’s also a short trail up the hill here which offers nice views of the coast.

Other nice spots along the coast to stop as you continue north include Penbryn Beach and the pretty seaside fishing village of New Quay.

New Quay is a good location for taking seal-watching boat trips, as well as to pick up a hot plate of fish and chips.

Just beyond New Quay you will find the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron . This is a lovely Georgian villa which also offers walking trails, a walled garden, and a farmyard home to various Welsh breeds of farm animals. There’s a fee to visit, and it’s free for National trust members.

Finally, continue on up the coast to Aberystwyth, where you will spend the night. This is a mid-size coastal town which is known for its university. There are also a number of excellent attractions in the town itself which you can either visit today or on the morning of day 6, depending on how your time is going.

We’d definitely recommend visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum . This is located in a preserved Edwardian era theatre, which makes for quite a unique museum location!

The museum has displays on all sorts of things, covering local life, art, geography, and culture across the ages. It’s also free (donations recommended).

We can also recommend the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway at the north end of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying people up and down to the clifftop viewpoint since 1896.

There’s a fee to use it, we’d suggest taking the railway up and then walking down for lovely views of the bay and town below.

A stroll around the very ruined Aberystwyth Castle in the middle of town is also well worth a few minutes of your time. It’s free to visit.

Day 5 Highlights : Pentre Ifan burial chamber, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Castle, Cardigan Castle, Holy Cross Church, New Quay, Aberystwyth sites

Day 5 Driving Distance : ~80 miles

Day 5 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 5 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Aberystwyth. The town has a lot of accommodation options, many along the beach front. Some options we recommend include:

• Llwynygog Guest House – a great value centrally located family-run guesthouses offering rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Note breakfast is not available.
• Bodalwyn Guest House – a centrally located 4* guesthouse a short walk from the beach. All rooms are en-suite. Note breakfast is not available.
• Richmond Hotel – this seafront hotel offers gorgeous views across Cardigan Bay from some rooms. An excellent breakfast is included. We have stayed here and had a lovely night’s stay.
• The Glengower – found right on the beach, this is a traditional pub with en-suite rooms, some of which offer spectacular sea views. Breakfast is included.
• Townhouse No.1 – a stylish boutique hotel in a refurbished Edwardian property with lovely en-suite rooms as well as two apartments. There is a kitchen with snacks and drinks available, but no breakfast option.

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Today you’re going to continue traveling up the Welsh coastline, and you’re going to have options today for things to do which will depend on whether you want to do a mountain hike or not. Or if you’d prefer wildlife watching and coastal towns instead.

You can start the day by finishing any exploration that you didn’t get round to in Aberystwyth. On your way out of town we can highly recommend dropping in at the National Library of Wales .

This huge building has some excellent exhibits including an interactive archive of TV and audio footage, displays of rare books, and more. Free to visit with parking on site.

Now, you need to decide between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you want to hike up a mountain today, our recommendation is to drive an hour or so north to the Dôl Idris carpark next to Minffordd. From here there is a spectacular walk up Cadair Idris.

This is one of my favourite hikes in Wales, with views from the top across the whole of the Snowdonia National Park, including the coastline, Snowdon itself, the Mawddach Valley and more.

I would say that this is a fairly demanding hike, especially if tackled from the Minffordd side as I recommend. However, it is really worth it if you have the time and physical capacity to do so.

It’s possible to do this largely as a loop walk, ascending up one side of the lake and then back down the other. The trails are well marked but we would recommend bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain hiking conditions. You’ll also want to be aware of the weather and forecast as you’ll want to skip this in bad weather conditions.

You can see an overview of the Minffordd trail here . It is about 9km (5.59 miles) long. Expect the total hike to take 4 – 6 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop.

Of course there are loads of other hikes in this area that you could do instead. If you are looking for a much easier and shorter hike here, consider the Dôl Idris path which is an all-abilities path that is about a 1.25 km (0.77 miles) long and is paved so that it can be accessed by wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

If you would rather not tackle a big hike today (there will be more opportunities later on in the itinerary!), then there are a lot of options to consider as you head up to Porthmadog.

We’d suggest picking those options which appeal most to you from the options available as you won’t be able to fit everything in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal town of Borth, where there’s a long promenade you can walk along. If you are lucky, you might be in town on one of the days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

This is a lovely tiny museum dedicated to the history of the railway, recreating the station as it was in the early 1900s. It’s free to visit.

From Borth, drive a couple of miles further up the B4353 along the coast, and take the turning for Ynyslas Visitor Centre, which is part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve .

Here there are some lovely walks through the dunes, which are some of the largest in the area.

There’s also a nice visitor center here where you can learn about what you are likely to see, as well as a shop and cafe selling snacks and drinks. Expect to spend around an hour here if you do the circular dune walk.

From Ynyslas head back to the A487 and continue north. We’d suggest a quick stop at the Dyfi Furnace (here on Google Maps) , an old charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

It’s free to visit and there are a number of information panels to explain what you are seeing. It’s only a ten minute stop but well worth it. There’s also a nice waterfall here.

The keen birdwatchers amongst you will also want to make a stop at nearby RSPB Ynys-hir . This reserve has a wide range of habitats, from woodland to saltmarsh to grassland.

That means there’s a hugely diverse range of wildlife that calls the reserve home. There’s a small fee to visit, with entry free for RSPB members.

Another wildlife center you may consider visiting is Cors Dyfi , just a little further along the road. This is a nature reserve and wildlife center which is also home to the Dyfi Osprey Project. There’s a small fee to visit.

Continuing up the A487 you will come to the town of Machynlleth. There are a number of cafes and restaurants here as well as a pretty town clock and town center. There’s also a free museum of modern art here.

North of Machynlleth are two popular attractions. The first is the Centre for Alternative Technology , where you can learn all about alternative energy options, sustainability, and more.

Another popular option, especially with families, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth . Found in a former slate mine, this is a guided story telling tour which takes you through the tale of King Arthur. It’s a lot of fun but be sure to dress warmly as the mine is a chilly place! There’s also a really nice art and craft center on site here, as well as a cafe with good local foods.

Continuing on to Porthmadog you will pass through the town of Dolgellau, where we recommend driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside town of Barmouth.

This has a lovely sandy beach and is a great spot to stop for an ice cream or fish and chips.

Continue up the coast and you’ll come to the town of Harlech. This is home to the impressive Harlech Castle , a mighty 13th century fortress built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales.

This castle, along with Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon castles, is rated by UNESCO to be one of the finest examples of late 13th century military architecture in Europe. So we can highly recommend a visit to this, or one (or all!) of the other three. There’s a fee to visit Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

From Harlech it’s a short drive to your destination for the night, the town of Porthmadog.

Day 6 Highlights : Cadair Idris hike, Borth Station Museum, Dyfi National Nature Reserve, Dyfi Furnace, RSPB Ynys-hir, Centre for Alternative Technology, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Harlech Castle

Day 6 Driving Distance : ~ 65 miles

Day 6 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 6 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Porthmadog. You have many options in the Porthmadog area, some in town and then more in the surrounding area. Some options we recommend include the following:

• The Golden Fleece Inn – this four star inn is in the village of Tremadog, about a 5 minute drive from Porthmadog itself. It has an excellent on-site restaurant and good value rooms. We’ve stayed here and can definitely recommend both the restaurant and the accommodation. Breakfast is available.
• Royal Sportsman Hotel – found in the center of Porthmadog just a few moments from the Ffestiniog Railway, this well rated hotel offers en-suite rooms and a good on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
• Tudor Lodge – minutes walk from the Ffestiniog Railway this well rated family-run guesthouse offer en-sute accommdation with breakfast included.
• Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – if you want to spoil yourself, then you might consider staying in Portmeirion Village itself. A number of rooms are available across the site, including in a castle, and there are also various restaurants to choose from. A great way to experience Portmeririon.
• Sygun Fawr Country House – Found around 20 minutes from Porthmadog in the peaceful village of Beddgelert, this country house hotel makes a great base for hiking Snowdon. There’s a bar and on-site restaurant, and the meal we had when we stayed here was excellent.

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My main recommendation today is to take one of the scenic narrow gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These offer spectacular views of the Snowdonia National Park, and you can just relax and let the scenery roll on by.

There are two railway routes to choose from, both of which operate from Porthmadog. There’s the Ffestiniog Railway , a 13.5 mile long route which runs from Porthmadog to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is the oldest surviving railway company in the world.

Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. This is actually operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Company, so the experience is very similar. The main difference is the route.

This 25 mile stretch of track goes from Porthmadog all the way to Caernarfon, and you can also do a trip to and from the pretty village of Beddgelert on this train.

There’s no “best” option honestly, both trains offer great views and sightseeing opportunities. We enjoyed taking the half-day trip on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and back again, however the trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog is also well worth it.

Whichever journey you choose, we recommend booking in advance on the official website here , as the route is very popular and can sell out.

Another popular attraction near Porthmadog that you may consider is Portmeirion Village . This is a purpose-built tourist village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside town, and particularly the town of Portofino in Italy.

It is certainly an unusual attraction, as you wander past colorful houses with ornate designs. If not for the Welsh mountains in the background and the higher probability of rain, you might even think you have left Wales entirely.

Whilst this is a popular attraction, I will admit that Jess and I didn’t entirely fall for it. It was a fairly pricey place to visit, and other than looking at the buildings, enjoying the views, and dropping into the shops, there wasn’t a huge amount to do.

Of course, everyone will have a different experience, so it’s up to you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you can walk which are nice, but some of these were closed when we visited and it rained much of our visit. So I think the weather really put a damper on our visit.

I think the experience at Portmerion Village is best on a nice sunny day and if you spend the night. There are several types of accommodation here and nearby if you decide to stay the night.

Depending on what you have chosen to do today, you may or may not have more time to spare. If you are looking for more to do, then I’d suggest taking a road trip around the Llŷn Peninsula.

This offers gorgeous coastline views, cute seaside villages, and more castles to explore. For instance, you can go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, visit Criccieth Castle , and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s also a lovely free art gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

Finally, head to Caernarfon where you will overnight. The main attraction here is the stunning Caernarfon Castle which you should definitely visit if you have time and still have an appetite for Welsh castles!

This is a quite spectacular late 11th century motte and bailey style castle. Free to CADW members, otherwise there’s an entry fee.

Depending on your schedule you may have to do this on the following day.

Day 7 Highlights : Narrow gauge railway ride, Llŷn Peninsula, Criccieth Castle

Day 7 Driving Distance : ~ 60 miles

Day 7 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 7 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Caernarfon. Of course, you could also base yourself in Porthmadog or another location for nights 6 and 7 if you’d prefer not to keep packing and unpacking. However, if you choose to stay in Caernarfon, we suggest the following options:

• Totters Hostel – this centrally located hostel offers rooms with shared or private bathrooms and breakfast is included.
• Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse – this well reviewed centrally located hotel has a bar and cafe, and a mix of shared or private bathrooms. Breakfast is included.
• Ty Castell – a centrally located 4* hotel offering en-suite rooms. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, and breakfast is available.
• The Black Boy Inn – a gorgeous 16th century coaching inn found inside the city walls, this is one of the oldest inns still operating in North Wales. There’s a good restaurant and bar on site, and a range of en-suite rooms to choose from. Breakfast is available.
• Plas Dinas Country House – just 10 minutes drive from Caernarfon, this gorgeous country house hotel was once the home of Lord Snowdon. Today it has an award-winning restaurant and gorgeously furnished en-suite rooms. Breakfast included.

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

For your eighth day you again have lots of options, as the northern part of Wales has a huge amount to offer.

One very popular option is of course to tackle the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You have a couple of options for going to the summit.

First, and most obviously perhaps, you can walk. There are no less than six routes to choose from, and you can see them all outlined here . The Llanberis path tends to be the most popular as it’s regarded as the easiest, although this is still a strenuous hike.

My personal favourite routes are the quieter Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu paths. I’ve done these paths and only passed a few other walkers, even when the summit is busy.

Whichever route you choose, you will want to allow between 5 to 8 hours for the hike, depending on the route chose and your fitness level. So you’ll want to basically plan your full day around your hike as you won’t have too much time to fit much else in and will likely be exhausted after your hike.

Note that the car parks in the area are all pay and display, and some require advance bookings. Be sure to check ahead.

So do be sure to plan ahead if you are considering a hike up Snowdon as you’ll need to be sure to pack accordingly for a mountain hike, know which route you want to do, and plan head for parking. You also want to start early to ensure you get a parking spot and are back before sundown.

Finally, be sure to check the local weather forecast from the Met Office before your hike as weather conditions can make these paths very dangerous. You’ll want to avoid this hike in bad weather.

The other way to get to the top of Snowdon is to take the train. Yes, there’s a train that will take you to the top of the mountain.

The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking people to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its a wonderful way to reach the top, with epic views all the way up.

This is a paid service, and you can choose to go one way or return. If you want to do this we strongly recommend booking tickets in advance as it’s a very popular service. You can do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway website .

For this one you can park either at the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If this is full, there are a number of car parks a short walk away in Llanberis.

Compared to a Snowden hike which typically takes between 6 and 8 hours, a round trip train ride is around 2.5 hours, which includes 30 minutes at the top. So that’s a good option if you want to fit more in today.

Speaking of which, there is plenty more to see and do in the area, whether or not you choose to ascend Snowdon.

First, in Llanberis we can highly recommend visiting the excellent and free National Slate Museum . This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has shaped the landscape and the lifestyle of the people here for hundreds of years.

Found in a former slate quarry, you’ll find exhibits covering all aspects of slate mining as well as live demonstrations of various slate mining processes.

We can also highly recommend heading across the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two popular attractions here that we recommend. The first is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is home to the longest railway station sign in the world.

The sign, which reads Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, means “The Church of St Mary in a hollow of white hazel, near to a rapid whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church near to a red cave”.

The sign name was entirely invented to attract tourists in the 1860s, and has been a popular visitor attraction ever since. So clearly that was a successful plan!

It’s free to visit, and there’s an excellent and huge souvenir store here where you can buy all manner of things.

The other attraction we recommend visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular 13th century Beaumaris Castle .

This wonderfully symmetrical castle is surrounded on most sides by a water filled moat. Interestingly, the castle was never actually completed, but there is still plenty to see and do. Free for CADW members, otherwise there’s a fee.

Finally, if you would like to do a walk but would prefer something a little shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we would recommend the hike to Aber Falls . This is approximately a four mile round trip hike on fairly level terrain that takes most people 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Your reward for the effort is the stunning 120 foot high Aber Falls. There’s paid parking at the walk start point.

Another good waterfall which is just off the road and requires only a very brief walk are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the photo below. So it’s up to you what you choose to do.

You’re going to finish your day with an overnight in the seaside town of Conwy. This is also home to a stunning castle, which is also worth visiting although we’d suggest probably shortlisting a few castles from this itinerary, so you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Castle is free to CADW members and there’s a fee for visiting otherwise. It’s right in the middle of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, but you can easily walk here from most of the town car parks.

This is another of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the 13th century. If you visit, we highly recommend climbing to the top of the tower staircases for the best views.

Finally, overnight in Conwy. Again, you might need to move some sightseeing to Day 9 depending on your schedule.

Day 8 Highlights : Snowdon, National Slate Museum, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll sign, Beaumaris Castle, Aber Falls, Conwy Castle

Day 8 Driving Distance : ~ 30 miles

Day 8 Driving Time : ~ 1 hour

Day 8 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Conwy. Again, this part of the trip still has you exploring the northwestern area of Wales, so you could choose one location for nights 6 through 8. If you choose to base yourself in Conwy, we recommend the following:

• YHA Conwy – just 10 minutes walk from the centre of Conwy, this well rated hostel offers great value rooms, some with private bathrooms. A large buffet breakfast is available, and there’s also a kitchen for guest use as well as a laundry, bar and cafe.
• Number 18 – a very highly rated family run bed and breakfast just five minutes walk from the castle. Rooms are all en-suite and breakfast is included.
• Bryn Derwen Guest House – a well rated centrally located family run guesthouse with en-suite rooms and breakfast included.
• Gwynfryn – this unusual hotel is found in a converted chapel just 300 metres from Conwy Castle. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is available.
• The Erskine Arms – five minutes walk from Conwy centre, this Georgian coaching inn offers 10 en-suite rooms with breakfast included. There’s also a bar on-site serving good food and drinks.
• The Quay Hotel and Spa – found in the marina on the opposite side of the river to the town centre, this hotel offers en-suite rooms, some with gorgeous sea views. There’s an on-site restaurant and breakfast is included.

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

Today it’s time to start heading back down south to complete our loop of Wales. Heading back to Cardiff via Hay-on-Wye.

Before you set off, make sure you visit any attractions you haven’t yet seen in Conwy and surrounds. National Trust members will likely want to check out Penrhyn Castle and Garden for example.

Now you have two different route options today, the first is heading along the northern coastline and the second is following an inland route south.

Both routes have you spend the night in Hay-on-Wye. Both routes are great and I’d check out the highlights along both to see which sounds better to you.

If you decide to follow the northern coastline, then your first stop will be Rhuddlan Castle . This is another of Edward I’s castles, which dates from 1277.

From Rhuddlan it’s a short drive to Rhaeadr Dyserth Waterfall, where a minute’s walk from the car park will reward you with a pretty view of a lovely little waterfall.

The next stop along the northern coastline that we recommend is St Winefride’s Well & Shrine , a site which has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1300 years. It’s also unique in that it’s the only pilgrimage site in the UK that was able to continue operating even during the Reformation.

The well itself is found at the location where St. Winefride was said to have been decapitated and then brought back to life. There is a pool here which is open at specific times of the day for people to bathe in.

It is said to have healing properties. There’s a small museum on site as well where you can learn about St. Winefride. A small fee applies for visiting.

Finally, the last attraction on the northern coastline we recommend before you turn south is the ruinous Flint Castle . This is noteworthy as being the closest castle to the English border, and therefore the first to be built during Edward I’s campaign against the Welsh. Free to visit.

From Flint, you would head south passing through through Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown until you reach Hay on Wye.

This northern coastline route takes about 3 hours without stops. This will definitely be quicker than the route below, even if parts of the journey have you leaving Wales.

A second option is to head south directly, skipping the northern coastline and instead visiting more of eastern Wales. Highlights along this route include Merion Mill, Pont Minllyn, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, and the Elan Valley. This route takes about 3.5 hours to drive without stops.

For the inland route, head from Conwy down to Dolgellau, then out to Minllyn on the A470.

At Minllyn, take a break at Merion Mill , a wool crafting mill where you can peruse all manner of original products that would make for an excellent souvenir or gift. There’s free parking and a cafe on site as well.

We’d also highly recommend talking a one-minute walk to the entrance of the car park where you can see what remains of the beautiful old stone bridge which crosses the river here, Pont Minllyn.

Now continue south towards Llandiloes. A brief detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings . Here you can see the remains of this former lead mining community.

There are also walking trails in the area if you want to stretch your legs. Free parking, and it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from the car park to the site. More information on the official CADW site here . It’s free to visit.

Continuing on, another good stop today is the Elan Valley . This seventy square mile area covers a range of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which form five lakes. These lakes provide drinking water for the city of Birmingham.

There’s a visitor center here where you can learn all about the area. The most popular activitiy here is to cycle around the reseviors on the Elan Valley Trail. Bikes are available for hire at the visitor center .

However, you can also walk or drive to a number of viewpoints if you prefer. Note the visitor center is free to visit but there’s a charge for parking.

Finally, continue on to the beautiful town of Hay-on-Wye where you will be spending the night. This is right on the border of England and Wales, and the town is famous for its bookshops.

There are over twenty bookshops in the town covering pretty much every genre and style of literature, and both new and used books are available.

We highly recommend taking some time to wander the town and visit some of these bookshops before finding a nice spot for dinner and turning in for the night.

Day 9 Highlights : Merion Mill, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, Elan Valley, Hay-on-Wye

Day 9 Driving Distance : ~ 140 miles

Day 9 Driving Time : ~ 3 – 3.5 hours depending on route

Day 9 Accommodation : Overnight at (or near) Hay-on-Wye. There are a few options to choose from in and around the village. We recommend the following:

• The Old Black Lion – voted best pub in the county, this beautiful 17th century inn has an excellent on-site restaurant and comfortable en-suite rooms. We had a lovely meal here and a good night’s rest. Breakfast is available.
• Seven Stars – this guesthouse is found in a 16th century building and now features eight lovely en-suite rooms. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and sauna. Breakfast is included.
• The Swan At Hay – this former Georgian coaching inn is now a 19 room hotel with 2 bars and a dining room. Breakfast is available.
• Baskerville House – found a few minutes drive outside Hay on Wye, this guesthouse offers comfortable en-suite rooms with breakfast included.

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We have reached the final day of your Welsh road trip! Today you’re heading back to Cardiff where you can drop off your rental car (if needed) and then travel onwards.

How your day today looks will of course depend on your schedule. If you have an early train or flight, then you will want to head straight back to Cardiff, which is around a 90 minute drive away.

However, if you have time to spare then there are some good options for stops along the way.

First, head directly south along tiny country lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory . This spectacular Grade I listed 900 year old ruin was once one of the greatest medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished until Henry VIII put an end to the monasteries . Today the site is free to visit.

Continuing on to Cardiff, you have a couple of options. First, you may opt to visit the former coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the site of the tragic Aberfan disaster in 1966 , when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 children and 28 adults. There is a moving memorial you can visit if you wish to pay your respects.

Finally, if you would like to see another castle, we can highly recommend dropping by Caerphilly Castle as you return to Cardiff. This 13th century medieval fortress was the largest in Wales, and in fact is the second largest in the UK, second only to Windsor Castle.

Covering 30 acres, the site features huge defensive walls, towers, gatehouses and a range of water defenses. It is truly a site to behold, and an excellent way to finish off your Welsh road trip. There’s a fee to visit, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff where this road trip wraps up! If you have more time in Cardiff, you can go and visit any of the attractions you didn’t have time to visit at the beginning of your trip.

Day 10 Highlights : Llanthony Priory, Aberfan memorial, Caerphilly Castle

Day 10 Driving Distance : ~ 65 miles

Day 10 Driving Time : ~ 2 hours

Day 10 Accommodation : You can stay another night in Cardiff if you wish, or in your onward destination.

Map of Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a map of the route to help you visualise where you’ll be going. You can see a full version of this map on Google Maps here , which includes all the highlights as well as accommodation listings.

Wales Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of the itinerary for reference.

• Day 1: Cardiff
• Day 2: Cardiff
• Day 3: Cardiff to Tenby
• Day 4: Tenby to St. David’s
• Day 5: St. David’s to Aberystwyth
• Day 6: Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
• Day 7: Porthmadog to Caernarfon
• Day 8: Caernarfon to Conwy
• Day 9: Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
• Day 10: Hay on Wye to Cardiff

Further Reading

And that’s it for our detailed Wales road trip itinerary! We hope you found this guide useful. We also wanted to share some more resources we think might help you with planning this and future trips in the UK.

• If you’re looking for more road trip inspiration in the UK, check out our North Coast 500 planning guide and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
• If you’re heading to Scotland, check out our  2 day Edinburgh itinerary , our  Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary , our guide to the  best day trips from Glasgow , our guide to  things to do in Edinburgh , our  itinerary for Skye and the Highlands , our guide to the  best day trips from Aberdeen , and our guide to the best  day trips from Edinburgh  to get you started.
• We have a two week UK road trip itinerary and a one week UK road trip itinerary
• We also have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• If you’re not familiar with driving in the UK, see my guide to driving in the UK  for helpful tips.
• We have guides to many cities in the UK you can check out! See our guides to things to do in Manchester ,  things to do in Stratford upon Avon ,   things to do in Bristol ,   things to do in Portsmouth , tips on a weekend in York , tips on  Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip , and  things to do in Cambridge to get started
• If you’re looking for a guidebook for your trip, check out the Rough Guide to Wales

And that’s it! Have you ever visited Wales? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below, and safe travels!

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Janelle & Michael says

20th February 2024 at 10:37 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica,

My hubby and I are planning a trip ot the UK in May/June from Canada and we’re thinking about including Wales as my great grandparents came from there way back when. Your itinerary also really inspried us to want to visite even more. But wondering how doable it would be using trains & buses as we aren’t keen to hire a car? How good and frequent is the system there? What would your suggestion be for someone without a car with about 6-7 days to spare? Things we’d definitely want to see are Cardiff, a couple of castles, at least a couple beach/coastal spots, train ride up mountain, and Hay-on-Wye.

Also we might consider a tour for the Wales part of our tour as both London and Bristol are places we plan to visit already but wanting to see what your suggestion would be with public transit first.

Thanks so much for this great itinerary and for yoru time with any help you can provide us!

Best, Janelle

Laurence Norah says

20th February 2024 at 11:47 pm

Hi Jenelle!

it’s great to hear from you and I’m glad to hear you are thinking of exploring Wales! So as I mention in my guide, Wales is definitely a bit more challenging to explore by public transport than by car, although not impossible!. If you look at this train route map of Wales for example, and also this general map which includes both rail and bus links , you can see that it is possible to get around quite a bit of Wales by combining bus and train routes. The only thing is that it is going to take a bit of time and eat into your itinerary.

If going up Snowdon by rail is a key part of your trip (be sure to book well in advance), then I would probably recommend visiting Cardiff, and then heading up to North Wales. There you could base yourself somewhere like Conwy and explore the northern Wales area including Snowdon, the various UNESCO castles in the area, and beach towns including Barmouth. Hay on Wye is also a possibility, you can connect there by bus from Hereford.

Of course, a tour is going to be easier and likely quicker, with less overhead of trying to figure out the logistics of public transport. You’d probably also be able to cover more ground and visit more places as you won’t be losing time on the trains. I have taken a lot of trains in Wales and the scenery is lovely but they do tend to take their time 😉

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do, and let me know if you have any more questions!

Janelle says

21st February 2024 at 8:59 am

Hi Laurence,

Oh gosh, thanks so much for your quick reply. I did not expect that! This is very helpful and will take a look at those sites. I have been going down a rabbit hole now tonight planning out a possible plan.

I have been using the Traveline website and find it very helpful, is it a reliable site for bus and trains in Wales?

So maybe something like this, do you think this is doable?

Cardiff – Barmouth – Caernarfon (get to Llanberis from here to take train up Snowdon?) – Conwy – Hereford ( to visit Hay-on-Wye) – Cardiff

And how would you recommend taking the train – what would be best place to do it from and how to get there? I see a train from Conwy but Caernarfon looks closer by bus?

Still not sure public trans is going to be the best option as a tour probably would be easier as you said, but I want to present both options to my hubby and we can try to decide together.

21st February 2024 at 3:47 pm

Hi Janelle,

it’s my pleasure 🙂 Traveline is definitely a reliable site, it’s run by a partnership of the UK’s transport companies and local government transport agencies to provide a unified way to plan travel in the UK (as there are quite a few disparate options to choose from as you have likely noticed!). Your route seems very reasonable! Caernarfon is definitely the closest option for getting to Llanberis, there’s a direct bus which takes around 25 minutes. Conwy is less convenient, it would take more like two hours. I would also say if you are in Caernarfon you can explore from there and that would make Conwy more optional. So yes, basing yourself in Caernarfon would make more sense, it also has an excellent castle 🙂

Safe travels and fire any more questions my way as you think of them!

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The Wonder of Wales: The Ultimate Welsh Road Trip

Welcome to Wales, a land of rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and picturesque countryside. A road trip through Wales is the perfect way to explore this enchanting country, with its rich history, ancient castles, and vibrant culture.

Of the 10 million tourists visiting Wales each year, only 1 million are from outside the United Kingdom. So, this is still a relatively undiscovered destination for international travelers.

I hope you feel inspired to discover the wonders of Wales, one mile at a time!

How long would it take to drive around Wales?

Most Welsh road trip itineraries offer 7-day Wales road trip itineraries, however, you are going to struggle. While my itinerary below is 38 days long, I recommend at least 14 days to do your Wales road trip.

How many days do you need to visit Wales?

If you are attempting to cover all of Wales you are going to need more than 14 days. But given the below Welsh road trip itinerary you could curate your week-long journey.

What is the most scenic drive in Wales?

One of the most scenic drives in Wales is the Abergwesyn Pass, which runs from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells. We love this drive as it features a series of hairpin turns named the ‘Devil’s Staircase’.

Is it easy to drive around Wales?

We are not UK citizens, but Wales is as easy as any Western country. If you are flying into Heathrow or Gatwick, pick up a rental car , or even a Goboony campervan, and drive from London to Wales. Starting your Wales road trip itinerary along the M4 motorway will take less than half a day.

Where did we start?

The kids and I were attending the world’s largest travel expo, World Travel Market, on my 3 rd or 4 th trip to the UK.

As I was looking at a map of the UK I realized that I hadn’t seen a lot of what the UK had to offer, other than London.

Our last road trip had been in Bulgaria more than 5 months ago and I decided it was time the kids and I headed back out on the open road. I love the freedom of a road trip with kids.

So where else to go than the untouched countryside of Wales? The land with one of the oldest active languages in the world. A land of history and legend. A land of immense natural beauty and, as we discovered, so much more…

If you’re thinking about a Welsh road trip in Great Britain, follow our driving adventure around Wales and I’m sure you’ll be inspired. We had the luxury of 6 weeks in total, but this itinerary could be sped up if you had less time to play with.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road for an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

London to Pembrokshire (South Wales)

Accommodation: Asheston Eco Barns (check hotel prices here) Distance: 417 km Toll: €6.90

We left East London about 1pm. London was a nightmare and took more than an hour to move out of. Once we hit the M4 it was smooth sailing all the way to South Wales.

The sun set early, before 5 pm, so the last few hours seemed so late at night, especially with the howling wind and rain.

We didn’t see much as we pulled into our new home for the next few nights, however with a full moon out what we did see was an absolute winner.

Pembrokeshire, St Davids, Whitesands (South Wales)

Accommodation: Asheston Eco Barns (check hotel prices here) Distance: 34 km

After the kids and I enjoyed a sleep in we took a drive around south Wales, coming across the most heavenly cathedral I’ve ever seen. It was a dark, overcast day when the heavens opened for a single ray of light just to shine on the church and the church alone.

After visiting St David’s Cathedral we headed along the Coastal Way to Whitesands Beach in South West Wales. November is cold in the UK so it was only a quick walk on the shores before heading to a nearby café for a round of steaming hot chocolate.

We had heard good things about Sloop Inn in Porthgain, a tiny town with just 38 permanent residents. And while the food was good, I couldn’t identify why it was raved about given so many amazing choices in the area.

Pembrokshire to Haverfordwest (South Wales)

Accommodation: Wolfscastle County Hotel  (check hotel prices here) Distance: 9.9 km

This morning I decided to let the kids have some more fun, before some more adult sight seeing. So we headed to a nearby indoor playground, Merlin’s Magic Indoor Playground. While the kids played I used the free WIFI for some much needed work.

About 3.5 hours later they were ready to leave and we made our way to Wolf’s Castle.

Haverfordwest (South Wales)

Accommodation: Wolfscastle Country Hotel (check hotel prices here) Distance: 65 km

We had the most amazing breakfast at Wolfcastle before heading off to another castle, Pembroke Castle. The home of Henry Tudor before he became king! It was a beauty of a castle and featured a giant map of Wales. The kids enjoyed running between the places we were attending on our Wales road trip.

At the Wolfscastle Country Hotel that night the Head Chef, a Masterchef Professional (UK) winner, treated us to one of the most special dinners I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating.

Cardiff (South Wales)

Accommodation: Ibis Cardiff ( check prices ) Distance: 166 km

Saying goodbye to Wolfcastle was sad, but there was so much more of Wales to see. We left rural south Wales for the hustle and bustle of Cardiff. We did a quick drive through Swansea on the way.

While in the city we were looking for a central location for a pit stop and the Ibis proved to be just the thing.

It was the perfect family hotel, with their triple room.

Accommodation: Ibis Cardiff ( check prices ) Distance: 171 km

Today we spent touring Cardiff. A long walk in the harbor, as well as the offer of a local boatman, The Open Boat, to go on a 20-minute boat tour of Cardiff Bay.

My kids loved playing on the waterfront playground, while I considered if we had time to visit the famous Dr Who Experience. I will be back, Cardiff!

Llanwrda (Mid Wales)

Accommodation: Sykes Cottages (Myrtle Hill) ( check Llanwrda prices ) Distance: 120 km

Here’s where you can save yourself a week, because we decided we wanted to just enjoy Wales and ended up leaving south Wales, driving 1.5 hours north from Cardiff to Llanwrda via the Brecon Beacons National Park. Brecon Beacon is a must-stop.

Organise a Brecon Beacons National Park tour.

Once we arrive at Sykes Cottage we check in for a week relaxing and working before continuing our Wales road trip itinerary.

Caernarfon (North Wales)

Accommodation: Travelodge Caernarfon Hotel ( check hotel prices ) Distance: 188 km

Caernarfon became a real favourite for us, as we travelled from the north Wales road trip from Llanwrda to Caernarfon. We checked into the Travelodge located on Victoria Dock in the centre of town. Great location and good value family rooms.

Accommodation: Travelodge Caernarfon Hotel ( check hotel prices ) Distance: 273 km

Today we were on a mission to visit Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch. Yes, you read that right. I dare you to pronounce it.

With 58 characters, it is the longest place name in Europe and the second longest official one-word place name in the world. There is not much to do there, but it was fun to visit and should be part of any Wales road trip.

After our visit to “L town” I took the kids to a unique indoor playground right near our hotel, Caernarfon’s   Fun Factory (Yr Hwylfan), which is located inside a former church.

Accommodation: Travelodge Caernarfon Hotel ( check hotel prices ) Distance: 92 km

The kids and I were enjoying the Travelodge so much we decided to stay another night. Today we headed to the Bodnant Garden Food Fair for local Christmas markets and tasty Welsh food. On the way back we stopped at Bridge Restaurant for a Sunday roast lunch.

We contemplated stoping by Caernarfon Castle, but to be honest were a little castled out!

Another of my favourite places in north Wales was Betws-y-coed. We stopped here for a walk around the cute and quaint town.

Tip: Stop near Capel Curig to capture the sunset!

Chester (England)

Accommodation: Travelodge Chester Northop Hall Hotel ( check hotel prices ) Distance: 111 km

We wanted to head as far north as Liverpool so today we started making our way through north Wales, with a quick overnight stop in Chester. The kids loved the little playground in Llanberis along the exceptionally scenic lake.

You’ll find yourself stopping regularly for all the beautiful Welsh countryside photos.

We did a quick shop in Wrexham before pulling off the highway for another cheap Travelodge stay.

Liverpool (England)

Accommodation: Ibis Liverpool Hotel ( check prices ) Distance: 33 km

Now I know Liverpool is not in Wales, but the hometown of The Beatles really was just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from north Wales, so I decided to make a quick detour.

The Ibis Liverpool Hotel is in a prime spot on the harbour and within easy walking distance to the centre of town. I was able to leave my rental car in the hotel parking lot and the kids and I made our way around on foot in this beautiful city.

For dinner we explored Liverpool One, the city’s modern pedestrian-only outdoor mall. Most restaurants were full so we picked up takeaway before checking out the cute Christmas markets and exhibits.

Liverpool (England)

Accommodation: Ibis Liverpool Hotel ( check prices ) Distance: 0 km

I knew the kids were going to love our visit to the Ice Festival today. They got to meet Santa, do some ice-skating and even ride the ice slide a few times, until we were finally so cold that we retreated to the Central Library.

Such a beautiful library that we ended up spending a few hours reading in the warmth of the vast children’s room.

After a buffet lunch we rolled back to the hotel and caught up on much-needed sleep. Consider doing a Liverpool tour.

Gwynedd (North Wales)

Accommodation: Abergwynant Farm Holiday Cottages ( check hotel prices in area ) Distance: 119 km

Finally it was time to head back on the north wales way and continue our Welsh road trip. our ultimate destination was Machynlleth, but I decided to break the journey up along the way. I made a number of B&B stops, however most were shut for the season.

It was quite a coincidence that I stumbled on Abergwynant Farm Holiday Cottages in north Wales. It was a sweet, spacious cottage, nestled in the quiet countryside.

I also had a quick stop at Llyn Tegid Lake for photos.

Day 22 – 31

Machynlleth (mid wales).

Accommodation: Quality Cottages ( Check Prices in Pandy Bach ) Distance: 56 km

Before we departed the area we took a quick drive through the pretty town of Dolgellau. From there we headed to Barmouth, a lovely beachside town. With a lot of kilometres under our belts from recent weeks we were really looking forward to a long stay at our cottage in Machynlleth found on Quality Cottages.

And as predicted it was heaven. And one of the best places I’ve ever spent my birthday.

During our week in Machynlleth we visited surrounding areas –

Devil’s Bridge  – Gorgeous hike through the woods to see waterfalls and the infamous Devil’s Bridge.

Aberystwyth  – Beautiful town on the seaside with a oceanfront playground, castle ruins and yummy donuts (on the pier).

Barmouth  – We returned to this beachside town for a hike along the “Panorama Walk”, overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Harlech Castle  – An ancient, yet well-preserved, fortress with a rich history.

Bounce Below – The highlight of our entire Wales road trip itinerary was found at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in northern Wales. Do not miss it!

Day 31 – 32

Tamworth (england).

Accommodation: Drayton Manor Hotel ( check prices here ) Distance: 174 km

After over a week in our cottage it was time to finish our Wales road trip and head back to England. My daughter’s 6 th  birthday was upon us so as a special surprise we decided to head to Drayton Manor for a day of ThomasLand fun. On top of that we were upgraded at Drayton Manor Hotel to the Presidential Suite – woohoo!

And on top of that Mia received a surprise mini birthday cake at Grill Inn (opposite Drayton Manor Hotel), complete with a hearty “happy birthday” sung by the staff.

Day 32 – 33

Stratford-upon-avon & oxford (england).

Accommodation: Travelodge Oxford Peartree ( check Oxford prices ) Distance: 125 km

After Drayton Manor, Brighton was next on the list, with a quick visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford.

As the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon holds a unique place in literature and history but is also a beautiful town in it’s own right. Plus it happens to be the home of my grandfather, so I hold it close to my heart.

Oxford, on the other hand, was relatively expensive and uninspiring, with a room off the highway at the local Travelodge cost nearly triple the amount as in Caernarfon. It was disappointing.

Day 34 – 36

Brighton (england).

Accommodation: Travelling family Distance: 178 km

From Oxford we made our way to Brighton – London’s summer playground. I make a lot of friends online and one particular family offered to host us for the next two nights. We spent our time in Brighton socialising and playing on Brighton Pier.

London (England)

Accommodation:  GlobalHelpSwap , London Distance: 81 km

Accommodation: Central London Apartments (Check London prices here) Distance: 12.5 km

It was nice to move into something a bit more roomy and this central London apartment was fabulous. Just a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. It was the perfect base to explore London with kids.

After relishing the dreamy countryside of Wales during our Wonders of Wales road trip, it was time to return our car at London City Airport and bid adieu to this enchanting country-within-a-country.

The experience was simply intoxicating, leaving no doubt that it is one of the most deliciously picturesque places to be found. In fact, I would readily go back for another visit in a heartbeat. To see Snowdonia National Park , World Heritage site like Conwy Castle or Beaumaris Castle, and of course the Dr Who Experience.

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Join us in for the biggest classic car pilgrimage to Europe and be a part of the popular Circuit Historique de Laon, the largest and most popular event of its kind in Europe with over 700 cars attending this event every year.

JEC Club Tours

Call us to discuss your  next driving tour, 01732 879153, open monday to friday 9am to 5pm .

NORTH WALES

& snowdonia national park, enjoy a wonderful 4 day, 3 night tour to north wales. great mountain ranges, lush valleys and ancient castles are just some of the reasons why wales was voted the 'best place' in the world to visit in 2014. from its beaches through to its mountain ranges wales is bursting with natural drama. the nation’s history is told through its ancient monuments and museums., north wales is welsh through and through. this is a region that is passionate about language, music and history, with magnificent castles, railways and festivals offering something for everyone. snowdonia, the mountainous heart of southern britain, is one of the uk’s most popular destinations, however, there’s more to this region than craters and crags. it’s blessed with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in wales on the llŷn peninsula and cambrian coastline, plus its reputation for fine dining using welsh meat, fish and cheese is growing all the time. the victorians and edwardians loved to visit llandudno and graced it with some of the most elegant seaside architecture in britain.  you can delve further into the past at the 4000-year-old copper mine or the medieval castle at conwy. in the hills and valleys of the borderlands, there are plenty more views, plus fantastic local food and a buzzing arts scene. driving in wales  will offer you some of the most scenic drives in britain. stunning scenery will greet you at every corner, which makes the journey just as fun as arriving at your destination.

North Wales

Tour itinerary.

Depending on where you are travelling from today you have the opportunity to plan your route to take in some local sights or attractions en-route. to Caernarfon. 

Overnight at the Celtic Royal Hotel including welcome dinner

• 3 Nights at the Royal Victoria Snowdonia, Llanberis • Breakfasts each Morning and dinners as meal basis below • Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions • Commemorative Tour Rally Plate • Car Parking at Hotel

OUR TOUR HOTEL

The hotel on this tour has been hand-picked for its quality, facilities and location. 

Dates & Prices

Staying at the royal victoria hotel, *please note: all prices shown above are per person and based on 2 persons sharing a car and a twin/double room meal basis  -​ breakfast each day & 3 dinners single occupancy supplement - royal victoria hotel - £110.00, other welsh tours include.

SOUTH WALES

June & September

BEST OF WALES 2 CENTRE TOUR

Home Page › Our tours › Moscow tours

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Moscow Bike TOur

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Description

Highlights:.

• Find adventure at every turn
• Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
• Enjoy the icons in style
• Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
• Expert commentary as you travel around the city
• Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
• Get an Endorphin Rush
• Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

• what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
• names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
• what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
• how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
• what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
• what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
• what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

• where is hidden an island Moscow;
• where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
• why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
• the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
• the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
• why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
• where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
• myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
• story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
• how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
• what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
• why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

• where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
• why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
• why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
• what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

• the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
• pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
• the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
• the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
• English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
• Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
• the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow
• + Private & customized tour
• + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
• + An authentic experience of local life
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

Write your review

Off the Unbeaten Track Edward Adrian-Vallance's travel site

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View when driving from Yelisovo airport to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The first myth I want to disprove is that getting to Kamchatka is extremely costly. It’s not. Going between February and April, a return flight from Moscow can be had for 11,000 roubles (US$380 / £220). Not bad for 18 hours total flying time. In summer the flights are more expensive but still, if you book them a few months in advance, can be got for 16,000 roubles return.

It’s true, many people will tell you that March and April are the worst months to visit because the snow is starting to melt and everything’s a bit sloshy and dirty in settlements. On the other hand, these are great months for the independent traveller! During winter zimniki (temporary winter roads made of compacted snow or simply frozen river surfaces) open up all over Kamchatka, granting access to communities that in summer are totally isolated. Hitch hiking is possible right from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the very north of the peninsula. Alternatively, vehicles can be hired in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from tour firms. Also in the winter or early spring months places can be reached that are away even from the zimniki, either by snowmobile or by the use of cross country skis. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Eurasia’s largest active volcano, can be accessed from the village of Klyuchi without the need even for a guide by a traveller with a pair of cross country skis. Bears do not wake up until mid-April so this is not a danger, but bears almost never attack anyone anyway.

The main disadvantages of winter travel in Kamchatka are that it is cold, there is no greenery and there are no bears, which some people come here especially to see.

The second myth I’d like to dispel is that travel around the peninsula requires hiring a helicopter. As mentioned above, in winter you can get almost anywhere by hitch hiking. I even hitched a lift with bear hunters on snowmobiles from their village to a reindeer herder encampment 100km away. In summer snowmobiles are replaced by horses, and transport is reduced from long distance ice-road journeys to irregular inter-settlement all-terrain vehicle trips. Hitch hiking is possible on these all-terrain vehicles though.

Throughout the year there are fairly expensive public helicopter flights to all settlements which are nevertheless much cheaper than hiring your own helicopter. There is also one permanent, year-round dirt road leading halfway up the peninsula. Some distance after the town of Milkovo, about 350km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky , it forks. The right fork leads to Klyuchi , site of Eurasia’s largest active volcano, and further to the port town of Ust-Kamchatsk. The left fork leads to the indigenous Even villages of Anavgay and Esso. Daily buses go from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Klyuchi , Anavgay and Esso, costing about 1000 roubles each way. In winter a zimnik passable by lorries heads north from Anavgay 36 hours to the otherwise isolated town of Palana. From Palana more zimniki head further north to yet more isolated settlements. From the peninsula’s very northernmost settlements there are even EXTREMELY irregular snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle connections with Magadan Oblast and Chukotka. Another zimnik, only passable by all-terrain vehicle, heads from Anavgay to the village of Ust-Khayryuzovo on Kamchatka’s west coast.

• Kamchatka’s Indigenous
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

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