south wales road trip

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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 2024-04-19 / 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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The Best South Wales Road Trip 2024 (By A Local)

Want to do the ultimate South Wales Road Trip?

I am here to help!

There are lots of South Wales Road Trips Guides, so why not use one created by a local? – I was born and raised in South Wales so have been exploring these roads for my whole life.

With Friendly Locals, Celtic Coastlines and mountainous views, this is the perfect place for Road Trippers. I have done road trips in over 38 countries and always think this area of Wales has the most magical sites and things to do, no matter how long your stay is.

To help you have the ultimate road trip around South Wales, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about driving here. This includes the best routes, things to do and those must-visit spots that only those from Wales know about.

So let’s jump in so you to enjoy my home as much as I do!

Planning A Trip To Wales? Use The Resources Below!

► Accommodation – I Recommend Bookin g .Com

► Local Tours – I Recommend Viator.Com

► Car Rental – I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com

South Wales Road Trip: Quick Guide

Sometimes it’s best to just skip to the good part, I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and not have time to read a whole article- so let’s jump straight in!

🏆 Avis – Overall Best Car Rental Option

🚞 Trainline – How to get around if you do not want to drive (I use them to get around Wales and the UK and love that you can look at different ticket prices and times in the same place)

The 5 Stops you cannot miss when exploring:

• Pembrokeshire
• Brecon Beacons
• Neath Waterfalls

🐙Top Experience- Paragliding Experience Brecon Beacons

🏨 Best Place To Stay- Luxury Log Cabins Brecon Beacons

Other Important Information:

Car Rental Documents You Need – Passport , Valid Drivers License, Credit or Debit Card (preferably Credit). You will find plenty of car rental options at Cardiff Airport !

Road Trip Length – 3-4 Days

Best Time To Visit – For the best natural views and fewer crowds, visit during April-June

Map Of South Wales Road Trip Spots

To help you explore this region of the UK in the best way, use this map to see the best places to visit:

My Top South Wales Road Trip Spots

1. the gower.

The Gower offers over 30 amazing Beaches and Coves for you to explore. I visit these Beaches every few months (I have since I was little) and I will never get over how stunning they are!

📍Some of the best Beaches around the Gower area are Caswell Bay Beach, Three Cliffs Bay and Llangland Bay. I always find parking options are better here and even when the area is busy, these beaches never feel overcrowded.

If you are a lover of the outdoors or just want a drink with amazing views, The Gower has some epic places. My favourites for a relaxed vibe are The King Arthur Hotel and The Gower.

Must Stop Gower Location: Rhossili Bay

Rugged Rhossili offers some of the most picture-perfect views on the Gower Peninsular. This is my favourite spot in the Gower area when I’m driving because there is so much to do and the views are lush!

From relaxing on Rhossili Beach to adventuring over to Worms Head, this is a perfect place to get a taste of the Welsh Coast.

🌊To find out more about this Great (How to get here, the best places to park, facilities nearby etc), Use the Ultimate Rhossili and Worms Head Guide .

2. Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is a great stop on any car journey because of its beauty and the number of amazing things to do. I fall in love with this part of Wales every time I visit and always tell people to visit here!

Click on the Map below to explore some of the best things to do in Pembrokeshire ⬇️

Top Pembrokeshire Spots:

Pembroke Castle

Everywhere you look in Wales there is a Castle. So if you don’t have time to visit them all it can be hard to decide which ones are worth it.

Each Castle has its own unique story to tell. But if you want to visit a Castle that will Wow you on your trip , Make a Stop at Pembroke Castle.

Pembroke Castle sitting on the Water is such a pretty view. There are also lots of Coffee shops and bars close by so you can enjoy the view.

Simply strolling around the outside of the Castle will show you how beautiful it is. On a sunny day, I always grab a coffee or Ice cream from the Cafe opposite and take in the views.

You can also go inside the Castle and explore more of its history. One fun activity which is so worth doing is to rent a boat outside the Castle and explore from the Moat (just don’t forget your Camera)

This is one of the most popular spots when booking a tour from London to Wales and you will easily see why!

➡️ Click Here to find out more about the Boat rental at Pembroke Castle

St Govans Head- Huntsman’s Leap

A Local Legend is how this Coastal Cliff gets its unusual name.

A hunter is said to have jumped from one side of the cliff to the other on horseback. When looking back and seeing the gap he had managed to jump on his horse, and he died of shock.

You will find this Breathtaking Cliff at St Govan’s Head. It also offers some amazing views of the Pembroke Coast so take a camera.

There is a Car Park here which is a decent size but fills up pretty quickly. So if the Weather is nice, try and get here early so you can get a space.

St Govans Head-St Govans chapel

St Govans Head is home to some beautiful sites, this includes the Chapel built into the Rock.

Climb down the steps at St Govan’s Head to see this Welsh Coastal Gem.

Important Information for visiting St Govans Head: The Nearest toilets are in Bosherston (1 mile). If you want to walk around St Govans Head it is on the Castlemartin firing range. It is closed when the range is in use. 

Check if St Govans Head is Open for when you want to visit here to avoid disappointment! ⏎

Freshwater West Beach (Dobby’s Grave)

Who would have thought Wales had so many filmed in it?

Well if you are a Harry Potter Fan Head Down to Freshwater West Beach. Here you will find the spot of Dobby’s Grave.

Finding Dobby’s grave is a bit tricky.

Once you enter the beach from the car park head for the banking. The easiest way to spot it is probably to walk the footpath across the sand banks so you can spot it straight away.

If you want to find it without walking over the banks, the best way to get there is by climbing the steepest sand dune there (you can’t miss it).

A visit here is free (always a bonus) and there are lots of parking options which makes it a great stop even just for an hour to two!

You cannot visit Wales without seeing the Capital City!

With so much to see and do, Caerdydd is somewhere you don’t want to miss. I live 20 minutes away from here and I never get bored of visiting and always find something new to do.

It is also a great place to stay when visiting Wales because you can visit other spots in a day !

Top Cardiff Spots:

Cardiff Castle

With Wales’ rich History, Cardiff Castle makes a fantastic day out for all. You can walk around the ground for free but if you actually want to go inside you will have to pay (it is worth it!)

Other Must-Visit Places in Cardiff

✔️Cardiff Bay

✔️St. Fagans National Museum of History- If I could only visit one place in Cardiff, this would be it. It’s free to visit and they have so much to do and see here. The traditional bakery does the best cheese bread so make sure you try it!

✔️Bute Park

✔️Principality Stadium- Try and catch a Rugby Game when you are visiting. Just make sure you book tickets in advance because they can get expensive.

✔️Castell Coch- This stop isn’t close to the centre but trust me, you will want to stop here on any drive around South Wales. I visit here at least once a year and cannot recommend a day here enough!

4. Brecon Beacons

Wild Horses, Mighty Mountains and impassable Waterfalls make the Brecon Beacons an epic place to visit- I used to drive this area every weekend so I cannot recommend you add this to your itinerary enough!

Driving through the Brecon Beacons and surrounding areas you would never guess you were in Wales. This is my favourite place to drive in South Wales because the views are stunning and you feel totally remote, but the roads are in amazing condition.

You will also find the best log cabins with hot tubs to stay at during your trip here! 🤩

Top Brecon Beacons Stopsrecon Beacon Stops

Brecon Town

Brecon town is a lovely place to stop for a look through the shops and a bite to eat.

There are lots of places to park too so making a trip to the town is super easy.

If there is only one place you stop in Brecon Town, make sure it’s Brecon Chocolates. Here you can try the most mouth-watering Welsh Handmade Chocolate. (The Espresso Martini Bar is the best thing ever!)

The Black Mountains

Driving the roads surrounding the black mountains on your getaway will give you views upon views!

So even if you don’t get out of your car and just drive through, it is so worth it. One of the best places to park is in the main car park because even if the weather isn’t great, you can admire the Welsh landscape from the comfort of your car.

🚨 The area has lots of wild animals, especially sheep who like to hold up the traffic and even jump into the road. For a stress-free drive take your time navigating the roads in this area.

This is also a really popular place for locals to have a picnic in the summer months so it can get busy, especially during the weekends.

But if you do decide to stop, make the most of the amazing walks and the ice cream van in the Car Park. It’s worth knowing that the Ice cream van isn’t always here (especially in the winter months) so I bring a coffee or some snacks just in case.

💡The best walk to do is the one off the Car Park Where you can see some of Wales’ Limestone mining past.

The route has great places to admire the Beacons along the way and amazing sites that not many visitors know of like the old quarry buildings that are still here.

You do not have to be super in shape to walk this route but may be challenging for those with mobility issues as there is no man-made path.

5. Neath Waterfalls

Add chasing Waterfalls to your Trip itinerary for the most magical walks. I used to live in Neath so I would visit these waterfalls most weekends!

Just Drive down the M4 and you will be able to get to Waterfall County to start your adventures. This is a great way to explore the waters of Wales and get the best photos, without the crowds.

Top Neath & Surrounding Areas Stops:

✔️Aberdulais Falls

✔️Henrhyd Falls (Where Batman was Filmed)

Neath also has a stunning Canal which is the perfect place for a picnic and a gentle stroll. In the summer months, there is even a canal boat tour for around 5 pounds for you to explore its waters.

Visiting this Harbour Town in South West Wales will show you exactly why it’s one of Wales’ most popular destinations.

Tenby is full of brightly coloured houses, amazing views and the best places to try Welsh Products!

It’s full of unique shops, Beach Views and so many activities. No matter if you are visiting Solo, as a Couple or Family, you will find something to do here. I visit here during the summer months and love renting a paddleboard to explore the coves nearby.

Tenby has so much to do, you could spend a good few days here. However if you have places to go and other things to see, you can see a lot of Tenby in an hour or two. If you are looking for a great place to eat, I always go to the

How long does it take to drive around Wales?

To Drive around South Wales is roughly 123 miles.

But with all the Castles , Waterfalls, Wild Horses and other amazing sites, you will discover on the way, be prepared to stop a lot on your visit.

The roads are also in pretty good condition which will make exploring so much easier. Just keep an eye out for the occasional pothole in more rural places!

But with the M4 Motorway Corridor connecting the whole of South Wales, driving here will be a breeze. It’s so easy to drive and everywhere is well signposted so even the most nervous drivers will have no problems navigating the M4.

🚨 Just note that around Port Talbot and Newport, there are 50 MPH zones that get super busy around 8 AM and 4-5 PM so avoid them areas at them times if you can help it. Otherwise, it will take even longer to finish your journey.

💡To make your journey even better, make sure you have some r oad trip essentials with you.

What is the best month to visit Wales?

We may be slightly biased but Wales is a great place to visit all year round !

The exciting part about Wales is how completely unpredictable to weather is. So don’t plan your visit based on when the sun will be shining the most (it will probably rain).

But if you want to see Wales in full bloom, April-June is a great time to plan your Road Trip .

Thinking about visiting Europe after your South Wales Adventure? Don’t forget to pick up your Free Language Guide Below ⬇️

Do you need to Speak Welsh to get by?

Nope, even though Welsh is widely spoken, you will get around fine on your South Wales trip using English.

How many days do you need to see South Wales?

A 7-day Itinerary will allow you to see all the highlights and give you plenty of time to explore them for as long as you like.

But if you are pressed for time, 3 to 4 days is a good amount of time to explore many of the main sites in South Wales.

If you are planning to do a Wales Road Trip over a Weekend, it’s best to stick to one or two regions in Wales. You will lose a lot of time driving otherwise!

Renting a Car for a South Wales Road Trip

If you are not using your own car for your journey, there are plenty of places to rent a car across Wales. I always use and recommend Discover Cars !

👆They compare cars and prices from every single rental car provider. I love how they use real customer reviews so there are no surprises and you know exactly what you are getting.

They also have 24/7 customer service which really puts my mind at ease!

Just note that if you are visiting Wales from overseas, you may need to provide your passport when you collect your rental.

🚗 Check Rental Car Prices & Availability With Discover Cars Here

Pssst….If you want to know how to save some serious cash when booking your Welsh Adventure, grab your guide below ⬇️

Things you need to try on your South Wales Road Trip

Wales is full of amazing things you need to try on your adventure here. So make sure you don’t leave before trying some of these Welsh delights:

✔️ Welsh Cakes (they are best when they are fresh off the griddle) So Stop by a local Market to grab the best ones.

✔️ Welsh Whiskey (You can have a tour of the Penderyn whisky which is a fantastic way to try it)

✔️ Bara Brith

✔️ Welsh Laverbread

✔️ Welsh Rarebit (it’s basically the best cheese on toast ever)

👉 Make sure you check out this guide that helps you eat around Wales and Beyond for less money

South Wales Road Trip FAQs

I’m sure you have a few more questions you want to answer before starting your epic adventure around South Wales.

To help you have the most amazing road trip, here are the most frequently asked questions and answers for you all in one place:

Wales is easy to drive in and pretty much the same as the rest of the UK. The road signs are bilingual and speed limits are the same as other parts of the United Kingdom unless stated. But just like other places, be careful on the country lanes.

Compared to other places around the UK, Wales is a cheap place to live, work and travel. However, you will notice things like pints and hotels are more expensive in the larger cities across Wales.

 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres is the Alcohol driving limit in Wales so it is not recommended to drink and drive there. You can face fines, driving bans and even imprisonment.

Wales is part of the UK so you can drive here with a valid driving license with no problems at all. If you do not have a UK driver’s license you can drive in Wales for up to 12 months with it.

Wales is the same as driving in England. You drive on the same side of the road and have the same road traffic laws, the only difference is that the road signs are in Welsh and English.

You can car camp in designated zones where you are allowed to stay overnight like campsites. If you want to car camp in Wales somewhere else, you need the landowner’s permission.

South Wales Road Trip Final Thoughts

Discovering Celtic Cymru and all its amazing views will have you fall head over heels for Wales. No matter if you walk, swim or drive, you will find plenty to do along the way.

The public transport in Wales is pretty good, but you may struggle to get to some remote places. This is why if you can, I always recommend renting a car if you want to go to multiple places in South Wales.

However, if driving isn’t something you want to do on your trip I totally get it. Regardless of how you plan to explore, use this guide to start planning your own wonderful Wales Road Trip!

🚗 Check Rental Car Prices & Availability For The Best Wales Car Rentals Here

I hope you found this guide useful! Here are some more relevant posts to help with your trip:

✔️ 7 Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In North Wales

✔️ Where To Stay In Cardiff Best Areas & Hotels

✔️ 15 Best Road Trip Luggage Options

✔️ 12 Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips

Your Free Key Phrase Guide

Download the latest version of our European key phrase 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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ULTIMATE South Wales Road Trip: Route + Guide

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Going on a Wales road trip? You lucky thing! Use this guide to help you plan your Wales road trip itinerary and have a Welsh road trip of a lifetime ! Welsh cakes. Vast green valleys. Long, winding roads. Sheep. Sheep, and erm, more sheep (you’ll get used to the baa’ing quickly, I promise).

Visiting South Wales is one of the best things to do when visiting the UK , and definitely one of the prettiest.  Depending on distance, you can do this South Wales road trip route in as little as 2-3 days. Wales is one of the cheapest countries to visit in the UK , and an epic South Wales road trip can be done within a friendly budget!

If you want to see more of the country and head to north Wales as well, I’d recommend budgeting for at least 5-6 days. As this Wales road trip itinerary is for less than a week, it only focuses on south Wales.

This Wales road trip route can be altered and changed to suit your needs. It doesn’t require too much driving (around 6 hours spread across 3 days) and covers around 320 miles . Throughout this post, I have included handy resources and links for your road trip planning, as well as the best companies for car rentals and accommodation .

Other UK posts:

• 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District With AMAZING Views!
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide
• Getting Around the Lake District Without a Car FULL GUIDE
• BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

A South Wales Road Trip: A Summary

Wales is a country in the United Kingdom which borders England. It’s the second smallest country in the UK (after Northern Ireland), and is known for its beautiful countryside views and sandy coastlines.

With six major cities, Cardiff is the capital, and it attracts thousands of tourists each year for its history, nightlife and abundance of green space and parks. In fact, it has the greenest space out of any of the UK cities. Whilst the main language in Wales is English, some locals will speak Welsh. On your road trip, you’ll notice road signs are written in both Welsh and English!

On this South Wales road trip, you will be able to experience a glimpse of what Wales has to offer. Whilst less than a week is never enough to get to know a country properly, this South Wales road trip is enough to give you a taste and leave you wanting more Welsh paradise.

Where to stay on your Wales Road Trip

Looking for the best places to stay on your Wales road trip? These are some of the best hostels and Airbnbs that I recommend.

• Barry Island: I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.
• Pembrokeshire: I recommend this apartment for solo travellers, couples and groups.
• Mumbles: I recommend this cottage for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.
• Tenby : I recommend this cottage for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.
• Hay-On-Wye: I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.
• Brecon Beacons: I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.
• Cardiff: I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers, or this apartment for couples and groups.

What areas does South Wales include?

In this itinerary, we stick to South Wales only. This is to keep driving distances short and to maximise your time enjoying and experiencing each new location. Whilst we don’t visit every South Wales town or village, we visit some of the best!

South Wales Road Trip: Route and Itinerary

⏰ Duration: 3-5 days

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Locations in Wales: Barry > Cardiff > Brecon Beacons > Hay-on-Wye > Mumbles > Tenby > Pembrokeshire

This South Wales road trip is perfect for first-timers in the country, as we visit a few different landscapes and Welsh attractions. Whilst most travellers will start in Cardiff, you can also add the town of Barry to your list if you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan.

NOTE: This South Wales road trip does not include Snowdonia National Park. If you want to visit Snowdonia National Park, you can plan a different North Wales route with some of the following locations included, if you have time to do so. Not sure if you want to visit Snowdonia? You can check out an epic Snowdonia guide here!

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

Renting a car for a Wales road trip

If you can, take a car to get around Wales. If you only have a short amount of time, you don’t want to be spending hours waiting for public transport.  Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world. Be sure to pre-book your car rental before arriving in the country to avoid disappointment!

➡  LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Driving in Wales Tips

• Drivers from non-EU countries need a valid International Driving permit. and you must have at least 3rd-party insurance on your vehicle.
• Wales drives on the left-hand side. 
• If you’re not familiar with driving in the UK, be sure to check out some general road rules before you set off.
• Stay safe whilst following GPS by using a phone holder for your car. The phone holder will ensure you can follow directions hands-free.
• Don’t be alarmed when you see all of the road signs are in Welsh! Yes, that’s not English! Usually, the English words are underneath, but if in doubt, use Google Maps!
• Cash is still used for parking in Wales. We found a lot of the time we couldn’t pay with our card in car parks. Make sure you have pound coins (Welsh currency is GBP (Sterling).
• Your signal may dip in and out in the Welsh countryside. I recommend getting an eSIM (if you’re from overseas) to get mobile data across the country.
• Most drivers in the UK are sensible and follow the rules. Seatbelts are mandatory and you will be stopped and fined for not using one. Traffic lights are followed religiously.

➡  Need to hire a car in Wales?   We rent our cars in the UK from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗  LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

When’s the best time of year for a Wales road trip?

Knowing when to take your Wales road trip is really down to what kind of weather you want. Welsh weather is similar to the rest of the UK, with mild summers and cold winters.

☀️ If you’re interested in sunbathing on the beach and wearing a bikini, head to Wales during the summer months of June-August. These are generally Wales’ hottest months, but there’s no guarantee. Temperatures in these months can still drop and of course, we will still have some rain (it is the UK!)

🍂 Autumn temperatures in Wales fall between September-early November. If you’re looking for those aesthetic autumnal colours, your best bet is to take a Wales road trip during these months. 

🌸 Spring in Wales usually begins in late March and is until May. Temperatures are beginning to rise and there is less rain than in the winter months. Pink blossom trees are blooming and the fields are coated in daffodils. 

❄️ If you’re a winter baby and fancy wrapping up warm in your scarf and gloves, head to Wales during November-February. It may not get as cold as Finland , but the cold sea air and the low temperatures still require you to add lots of layers!

Best South Wales road trip destinations

1) barry island.

Head to Barry Island first on your south Wales road trip route for a traditional English seaside town experience. Pick up some famous Barry fish and chips, enjoy some classic arcade games and build sandcastles on the beach.

Backpacker budget activities in Barry Island:

• Eat fish and chips along the coast
• Play arcade games
• Take a photo in the arches, where Gavin and Stacey was filmed
• Walk around the fairground
• Buy an ice cream
• Sit on the beach walls and enjoy the views

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Barry Island? I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is worth planning into your Wales itinerary. Have a walk around Cardiff Bay or Cardiff Castle, and head to the high street in the evening for the nightlife.

If you fancy having a drink, book some accommodation for the night or park up your van somewhere quiet. Did you know it’s possible to have a day trip from London to Cardiff?! Take a look at this epic Cardiff to London itinerary!

Budget backpacker activities in Cardiff:

• Visit Cardiff Castle, a 2000 year old historical site
• Explore the Principality Stadium , which is home to the Welsh national rugby team. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and find out all there is to know about Welsh rugby.
• Visit Bute Park located in the heart of Cardiff. Have a picnic, take a walk or read your book in the pretty gardens.
• Drink in one of Cardiff’s cheap bars and clubs
• Go window shopping or actual shopping at Cardiff Market

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Cardiff? I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers, or this apartment for couples and groups.

3) The Brecon Beacons National Park

One of the most well-known areas and one of my favourite place in Wales is the Brecon Beacons National Park. If you’re looking for scenic hikes, long walks and iconic skylines, you’ll want to plan in a day or two for the Brecon Beacons.

Free and budget activities in the Brecon Beacons:

• Hiking the 886m Pen Y Fan , which is a well-known SAS training ground that has views across south and mid-Wales.
• Doing the beautiful Four Waterfalls walk , a circular woodland walk that takes a couple of hours
• Stop off at villages like Brecon and Crickhowell for a coffee and a slice of cake
• Go to the Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the local area
• Take a wild swim
• Walk around the acres of national park and take in the views
• Window shop in the small, independently owned stores

➡ Need somewhere to stay in the Brecon Beacons? I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers, or this apartment for couples and groups.

4) Hay-on-Wye

In the North of the Beacons national park, you’ll find a small village called Hay-On-Wye, known as the “Town of Books”. It’s one of the prettiest villages in the south of Wales and is a fun stop-off on your road trip if you’re into literature! With over twenty bookstores and book-themed cafes, you can spend the day losing yourself in your imagination.

Free and budget activities in Hay-On-Wye:

• Visit Hay Castle, a 13th-century building on the banks of the River Wye.
• Browse the town’s independent shops
• Go for a walk or bike ride in the surrounding countryside – the countryside around Hay-on-Wye is stunning!
• Sample some local food and drink in some of Hay-on-Wye’s best locally owned restaurants and bars.

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Hay-On-Wye? I recommend this hostel for solo backpackers, or this apartment for couples and groups.

The next leg will be the drive to start your Pembrokeshire road trip. En route, stop off at Mumbles, a quaint seaside town with colourful shops and cafes. There’s also a lighthouse and pier for you to enjoy on the beach!

Mumbles has some delicious fish and chip stalls along the seafront, as well as well-known ice cream stands and the atmosphere of a traditional British seaside. Treat yourself to a chippy lunch for under £5 ($6) and look out onto Swansea Bay (and spend half of your time making sure the seagulls don’t eat your chips).

Free and budget activities in Mumbles:

• Stroll along the pier and take photos of the Oystermouth Lighthouse
• Sample the local ice cream – Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour has over 30 flavours!
• Visit Swansea Bay, just a short drive from Mumbles where you can swim in the sea and sunbathe on the beach!

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Mumbles? I recommend this cottage for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.

Tenby is often referred to as one of Wales’ best seaside towns. Home of Tenby Harbour, you can try fishing, take a boat trip or just relax and sunbathe on the sandy Tenby beach. Head beyond the beach to the pastel-coloured houses for an Insta-worthy photoshoot, or rent a traditional English deck chair to sit and admire the coastline.

You can base yourself here to explore more of Pembrokeshire or continue on other parts of the national park, as detailed in the next section of this post.

Free and budget activities in Tenby:

• Eat fish and chips and ice cream along the coastline like
• Swim in the sea or sunbathe on the beach
• Take photos with the colourful beach houses
• Enjoy a pint at a local pub

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Tenby? I recommend this cottage for solo backpackers or this apartment for couples and groups.

7) Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The final part of this Wales road trip is for you to explore more of Pembrokeshire. Pembrokeshire National Park is made up of 240 square miles of coast, wildlife and history. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can find something new to discover around every corner, with the famous Coastal walk, or a visit to Carew Castle.

“From relaxing strolls and sunset spotting, to high-octane hobbies like surfing and coasteering, you can find your happy place on the Pembrokeshire Coast.” – Pembrokeshire Coast website

Popular Pembrokeshire Coast locations include Saundersfoot, Manorbier Beach, Church Door Cove, and Barafundle Bay. If you have time to spare, I’d recommend staying a few extra days in Pembrokeshire to really explore the area and enjoy it!

Free and budget activities in Pembrokeshire:

• Walk part of the 186-mile Coastal Path with views of the sea and surrounding cliffs
• Visit St David’s Cathedral, which is named after Wales’ patron saint. Climb to the top of the bell tower for the best views!
• Take a surfing lesson
• Spot wildlife from the cliffs. You may even see a dolphin or two!

➡ Need somewhere to stay in Pembrokeshire? I recommend this apartment for solo travellers, couples and groups.

Bucket list experiences in Wales

When on your South Wales road trip, try to plan in as many bucket list experiences as possible! Here are some of the best actvities in Wales that you can do whilst on your road trip.

☀️ Explore the stunning Welsh coastline, with its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and quaint towns.

🗻Visit Snowdonia National Park and hike to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

🌃 Discover the charming city of Cardiff, with its medieval castle, lively bars and world-class shopping.

🏰 Journey through Wales’s rich history at one of its many museums and historic sites.

🌳 Experience the natural beauty of Wales, from its rugged mountains to its pristine lakes.

🐬 Spot dolphins at Cardigan Bay.

🐦 Spot Puffins on Skomer Island (they are adorable)

With so much to see and do, Wales is the perfect destination for an unforgettable UK road trip!

A Wales Road Trip: FAQs

1) how many days should i spend in wales.

If you’re planning on seeing the whole of Wales, I recommend 5-7 days. However, if you’re only focusing on either north or south Wales, 3-5 days is sufficient.

2) How many miles long is Wales?

The entire country stretches about 130 miles (210km) north to south, and 90 miles (145km) east-west.  So, you could easily drive from one end of Wales to the other in a day. Of course, if you want to really see everything that Wales has to offer, you’ll need to take your time and explore at your own pace. But, even if you only have a few days to spare, or even 1 day in Wales, it’s still worth a visit.

3) How long does it take to drive from one end of Wales to the other?

Four hours (without stopping, and without being stuck behind a tractor). There isn’t a motorway connecting North and South Wales, but you can drive through the middle along the A470 which should take about 4 hours. 

4) Is North or South Wales prettier?

North and South Wales offer different types of scenery, both beautiful in their own right. If you prefer dramatic mountain views, North Wales may be better suited for landscapes of Snowdonia and adventurous activities.

But if you prefer epic coastlines and sandy beaches, South Wales may be prettier to you, as Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the whole of the UK.

5) How can I spend 3 days in Wales?

If you only have 3 days to spare for a Wales road trip, I recommend:

• Visiting Cardiff, the capital city
• Hiring a car and driving through some of Wales’ small villages
• Taking a walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park
• Heading to Pembrokeshire to see the epic coastlines

6) Is Wales cheaper than England?

Yes. It’s much cheaper to backpack and travel to Wales than it is in England! In fact, the cost of living in Wales is 15% cheaper than in England. Whilst travelling Wales, the cost of food, transport, accommodation and activities are cheaper in Wales than they are in England, making it the perfect budget backpacker destination!

7) What is the prettiest place in Wales?

It’s hard to narrow down the prettiest place in Wales, so here are some of the most beautiful and highly rated:

• Tenby, Pembrokeshire
• Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Brecon Beacons
• Snowdonia National Park
• Caerphilly town

8) What should I pack for a Wales road trip?

So, what should you pack for your Wales road trip? Here are a few things that you might not have thought of:

• A lightweight  waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots  (that won’t slip)
• An  umbrella
• A phone holder to be hands-free in the car
• A  waterproof day bag
• A  waterproof phone case
• A  portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro  for waterproof camera footage
• A  waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle  to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A  Dry Robe
• As well as using bug  spray , we have midge  repellent wristbands .

9)  Do I need a car to visit Wales?

If you’re visiting Wales and are short on time, I strongly recommend hiring a car. If you’re looking to hire a car in Wales, we rent our cars from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡  You can check out the  prices for car hire  in the UK now!

8)  Do I need a SIM card to visit Wales? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth  downloading an eSIM  on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs  are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are  eSIMs  available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡  You can check out the prices and packages for  eSIMs here!

A South Wales Road Trip: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about planning a South Wales road trip.  When you’re planning a trip to Wales, make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at  first-time backpackers on a budget.   I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend  (read more  here !), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Wales content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates  here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Hello Jennie…!! Loved your blog…!! Amazing little details & beautiful pictures, got me hooked right away!! My partner & I are looking to travel to Wales in the Middle of June & intend to do a Road Trip for 5 Nights starting & ending in Cardiff. We also wish to stay in different places each night & cover Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire & any other awesome places in between.

Can you please help out in planning the trip with the routes, stops & must visit places in the road trip?

Will be extremely grateful for your advice..!!

PS: Already done & dusted an epic 10 day road trip of Scotland & England starting in Glasgow & ending in London in 2017.. so have a fair idea of driving in the UK..

Thanks, Saurabh Fellow Travel Junkie from India

Wow, I really appreciate your comment Saurabh! I’m so glad you have found it enjoyable to read and helpful. Yes of course I can help you, if you contact me on [email protected] , we can discuss it a bit further 🙂

Comments are closed.

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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The Ultimate 5 to 7-Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Published on December 6, 2023

by Neota Langley

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Taking a Wales road trip from the majestic peaks of Snowdonia National Park (known as Eryri in Welsh) to the windswept shores of the Pembrokeshire Coast is the best way to immerse yourself in this land where breath-taking landscapes and charming towns and cities are combined.

Take 5 to 7 days in Wales to fully immerse yourself in the warmth of Welsh hospitality, sample traditional cuisine, and embark on a journey that reveals the fascinating Celtic heritage of this often underrated gem. 

Located on the windswept west coast of the United Kingdom, Wales is home to endless rugged landscapes, ancient history, and a vibrant cultural scene. This enchanting country is not to be overlooked, for it reveals a treasure trove of experiences. Perfect for those who seek to take the road less travelled. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Wales?

Wales is a country in itself but it is much smaller than the likes of Ireland or Scotland . This makes it the perfect location for a week-long getaway. Although you won’t be able to explore every corner with 5-7 days, that doesn’t mean you can’t easily experience the highlights. 

With 5 days in Wales, you will be able to hit the two largest national parks, the rugged and mountainous Snowdonia and the glorious coastline of Pembrokeshire.

For the purpose of this itinerary, we begin in the north and come to a close in the south which makes this a circular road trip. This means you can experience the variation of this country in a short amount of time.

Depending on your priorities, you could easily swap out some of the more outdoorsy activities for days spent in Wales’ towns and cities. That’s the joy of exploring such a small country.  

If you have 1 week in Wales, you will be able to visit all 3 national parks. Ramble along coastal footpaths, climb mountains and visit the country’s capital, Cardiff. Discover local cuisine such as Bara Brith (fruit loaf), Lava Bread (seaweed) and the incredibly moreish Welsh Cakes.

The Celtic past and delve into the myths and legends that surround Wales. One week is the perfect amount of time to spend in this varied country but if you do have more time on your hands, we have included some additional locations at the end of this itinerary that are worth adding to your route. 

Getting To & Around Wales

Getting to Wales is relatively straightforward, thanks to its air, rail, road and sea connections. This itinerary is set up as a Wales road trip so, the best way to make the most out of your time here, is by car.

If you are visiting the UK and don’t have a car with you, there are several hire locations across the country where you can pick up, and drop off your hire car. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare options.

There are public transport options if you are unable to hire a car but across the more rural parts, the timetables can be sparse. Visiting Wales is doable when relying on public transport but you will have to allow extra time for connections and there may be certain areas you won’t be able to explore. You can view schedules here.

If you are travelling from further afield, there is one major airport in Cardiff which offers flights to a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond. There are also direct ferries connecting Anglesey and Fishguard with Ireland . 

5-7 Day Wales Itinerary

Welcome to Wales, from the mountains in the north to the golden sandy beaches in the south, this road trip whisks you away on a journey of discovery. Take the slow road and explore the hidden gems throughout this Wales itinerary. 

Day 1 – Anglesey

For the purpose of this itinerary, our road trip begins in the north and you can’t get any further north than the island of Anglesey. Known as the “Mother of Wales,” this island, attached to the mainland by the Menai Bridge, is a wild place full of ancient ruins, windswept landscapes, and picturesque villages. 

Anglesey makes the perfect day trip, although you could easily take longer to explore the coast. Start your day by driving over the Menai Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge connecting Anglesey to mainland Wales.

If you have been stuck in the car for a few hours, you will find the National Trust property Plas Newydd on the other side of the bridge. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, with beautiful views across the Menai Strait, especially if you have a four-legged companion. 

There are a few options for spending the day on Anglesey, depending on what you want to see and do with your time. 

For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the serenity, head down to Newborough Forest. Take a peaceful stroll amidst the towering pine trees before reaching the stunning Llanddwyn Island. Explore its historic lighthouse, ruins, and peaceful beaches.

To get the best of both worlds, head to South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve, where the South Stack Lighthouse stands proudly against the dramatic coastal backdrop.

Take a stroll along the cliffs for breathtaking views out to sea. Then, in the afternoon, you will have time to explore Holyhead, the largest town on Anglesey. Visit St. Cybi’s Church and unwind beside the Holyhead Harbour. 

For the evening, return to the mainland, maybe making a pit stop a the incredible Conwy Castle or Caernarfon Castle on the north coast. For the first two nights of this itinerary, we will be based in or around Snowdonia National Park . 

Where to Stay Near Snowdonia National Park

Hafan Artro – This small hotel in the village of Llanbedr is a great base for exploring North Wales. They have free on-site parking, a full breakfast and a range of comfortable rooms available.

The Tilman – Those after luxury will love this 5-star hotel during their time in North Wales. They have several luxe rooms to choose from, a fab breakfast available and amenities including an on-site bar to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Snowdonia hotels!

Day 2 – Snowdon (Eryri)

After a peaceful day enjoying the sea breeze over on the island of Anglesey, it’s time to lace up those hiking boots to head up to the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Eryri in Welsh). 

For those who love walking and want to complete the challenge of the ascent, the hike up to the summit is beautiful and accessible for most fitness levels/ages during the summer months.

For those who would rather reserve their energy, there is a train that chugs up the steep mountainside to reach the top from Llanberis. No effort required. 

If you are hiking, it’s best to set out early. During the peak season, the path can become crowded, especially later in the day. There are 6 pedestrian routes to the summit but the two that start and finish on the Pen Y Pass road are the best.

You can also create a circuit with these two routes which gives a little more diversity than the other paths. You can park your car in the Pan y Pass car park but you will need to book ahead for a spot during the summer.

Head out on the ‘Pyg’ trail and return on the ‘Miners’ – this way, you could pack your swimwear and take a dip in the Llyn Llydaw, a chilly mountain lake, to cool off on the return. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear, pack a coat and take plenty of snacks and water.

The weather can change very quickly in the mountains so it’s always best to be prepared, even if it’s a beautiful sunny day in the car park. 

You will most likely spend the entire day in the mountains, the hike takes between 6-8 hours. If you are an inexperienced hiker and prefer to go with a guide you can  join a hiking tour  or  organise a private hike.

As you return to your car, it’s likely you will need to have a good meal to replenish your energy. There are plenty of cosy pubs offering meals beside the fire around the area, including ‘The Heights’ in Llanberis.

There is also a pizza restaurant serving the best wood-fired pizzas in North Wales called ‘ Hangin Pizzeria ’ in Betws-y-Coed a short drive away which is definitely worth the trip.  

Day 3 – Portmeirion/Mid Wales 

After spending 2 nights in North Wales, day 3 is a road trip day. We have added a few options for pit stops along the way so depending on how much time you have, you could visit one or all three.

The drive itself takes between 3-4 hours depending on where exactly your accommodation is. There is one main road down the west coast of Wales and you’re in luck, it’s an incredibly scenic drive through mountains and along the coast road. 

Our first stop is a slight detour from the main road but is well worth visiting, especially during the summer months when the sun is shining. 

Portmeirion – Is this really Wales? You’d be forgiven for confusing the village of Portmeirion with a quaint village in Italy. It defies convention with an enchanting blend of Italianate architecture and lush landscapes.

Conceived by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this colourful haven transports visitors to a Mediterranean-inspired realm, adorned with pastel buildings, cobbled streets, and exotic gardens. 

Stop number two is the charming coastal town of Aberystwyth. Mid Wales is often overlooked but it is a real hidden gem, with the Cambrian mountains on one side, and Cardigan Bay on the other.

Home to Aberystwyth University, this town exudes a youthful energy, with vibrant cafes, shops, and cultural spaces. You will find the mediaeval castle ruins on one side of the promenade and the funicular railway up Constitution Hill on the other.

Aberystwyth offers endless options for exploration, from spending time on the beach, treating yourself to some authentic Welsh cuisine, hiking in the hills, to rummaging through the independent shops along the high street. If you only have time to stop once on your journey south, Aberystwyth is the place to visit. 

The final stop is the quaint coastal market town of Fishguard. This maritime town is the gateway to Pembrokeshire but also serves as a ferry port to the Republic of Ireland.

The town is famed for the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, an event commemorated by the impressive tapestry found in the Town Hall. Take a stroll to enjoy breathtaking views from the cliff tops overlooking Fishguard Bay before exploring the winding streets lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture, uncovering local shops and cafes along the way.

For the next 3 nights on this Wales itinerary, we will be based around Pembrokeshire National Park. In terms of accommodation, selecting a central location is a strategic move and will help cut down on driving hours.  

Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire

Coach Guest House – This guesthouse in Tenby is a great base in Pembrokeshire. They have plenty of comfortable rooms to choose from and a wonderful breakfast each morning.

The Park Hotel – Situated in South Wales just outside of Tenby, this hotel is a great, peaceful getaway in the region. They have beautiful rooms (some with sea views) and a swimming pool on site.

Beachcomber B&B – This beachfront bed and breakfast is another excellent base for exploring Pembrokeshire. They have several delightful rooms to choose from along with an exceptional breakfast available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Pembrokeshire hotels!

Day 4 – Pembrokeshire – North

We kick off day 4 in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Home to meandering cliff paths, turquoise waters and long stretches of sandy beaches, this is Wales’ answer to the Riviera.

For the purpose of this itinerary, we have split this vast area into two days. It may look like a small national park but with most of the roads being windy country lanes, it can take time to get from one location to the next. 

The unofficial capital of this National Park is St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. Despite its city status, St Davids exudes a charming village atmosphere, characterised by its stunning cathedral, historic sites, local boutiques and a backdrop of rolling hills and pristine beaches. 

Any day trip to this micro-city should start at the magnificent St David’s Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful building stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance, drawing pilgrims from around the world. 

St Davids also serves as a gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a renowned long-distance trail hugging the rugged Welsh coastline. The nearby St Davids Peninsula, with its secluded coves and panoramic vistas and is within walking distance from the city centre,  giving you ample opportunity to explore its natural wonders. 

The centre of the city can become very crowded during the peak summer months and, due its size, parking can be tricky. It’s best to arrive early to make sure you bag a spot and can explore for the rest of the day without worrying. 

Pembrokeshire is a coastal paradise, so it’s only right that our next destination is a beautiful sandy beach. Framed by towering cliffs and rolling sand dunes, Marloes Sands is one of the more ‘off the beaten track’ beaches in this National Park and even during the busiest seasons, there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own slice of tranquillity.

The expansive sands reveal intricate rock formations, tidal pools, and the iconic “Church Rock,” a limestone stack rising dramatically from the sea.

The beach is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as seabirds soar overhead and seals often bask on the offshore rocks. Make sure you take note of the tide times before visiting, at high tide there is little to no sand visible. 

Day 5 – Pembrokeshire – South

Day 5 begins in the unassuming village of Bosherston. As with most of the destinations in Pembrokeshire, it’s best to arrive early to make sure you get a parking spot.

Bosherston is a very small village, with just a campsite, a handful of houses, a pub and a cafe. The reason this quaint village is so popular is what is hidden beneath the trees beyond the car park, the Lily Pools.

These beautiful lakes are full of lily pads and if you visit in July/August, the flowers will be in full bloom. There is a circular path around the lakes but if you take a short diversion, you will emerge from the treeline onto the coast at Broad Haven South Beach.

This hidden bay is complete with golden sands, surrounding countryside and breathtaking rock formations.  

After spending the morning soaking in the best of Wales’ coastline, it’s time to head into the seaside town of Tenby. Although Tenby is a town, it is much larger than St Davids and there are plenty of ways to spend your afternoon.

The town’s three golden-sand beaches invite sun-seekers from around the world, while the mediaeval town walls surround the quirky, vibrant atmosphere of the town’s shops, galleries, and cafes. Explore the bustling harbour, where fishing boats bob on the tide, or take a short boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a tranquil abbey and lighthouse.

If you only have 5 days for your trip to Wales, Tenby is the perfect place to round off your trip. From here, you will be able to reach the M4 in just one hour or, if you are using public transport, there is a train station just outside of the walled town centre.

Make sure you grab a bite to eat before you leave, Tenby is home to some excellent up-and-coming restaurants and street food stalls such as Tap & Tan, Ultracomida and Lokky’s. 

Day 6 – Brecon Beacons 

If you have dedicated a whole week to exploring Wales then you’re in luck, our next destination is the rugged Brecon Beacons National Park.

A true hiker’s paradise, the Beacons are much smaller than the mountains of Snowdonia but they can be equally as beautiful and are much more accessible for every level of adventurer. Encompassing lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient woodlands, this national park has it all. 

If you loved climbing to the summit of Snowdon, it’s only right that you also bag Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. Towering over the rolling hills that surround it, Pen Y Fan stands at 886m.

The climb is moderate and is accessible to most, with an easy-to-follow, non-technical path. The journey begins from the popular trailhead at Pont ar Daf, winding through heather-clad slopes and rocky terrain. As you ascend, the panoramic views are revealed, step by step. 

Climbing Pen Y Fan is a popular choice for a day trip in the Brecon Beacons, but for a unique adventure that is a little further from the beaten path, you’ll want to head over to the other side of the National Park to discover the magical trails of Waterfall Country.

Here, a meandering path leads you deep into the ancient forest, venturing along the trails of the Mellte and Hepste Rivers. The highlight is the Four Falls Trail, a mesmerising circular route leading to four breathtaking waterfalls – Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the awe-inspiring Sgwd yr Eira.

Each waterfall has its own unique charm but at Sgwd Y Eira, you can actually walk behind the curtain of water to the otherside. This is also a popular place to go wild swimming in the fresh Welsh mountain river. 

Last on our list of things to do in the Brecon Beacons is the Llyn Y Fan Fach circular hike. This horseshoe walk is much quieter than the Pen Y Fan horseshoe but the incredible views and dramatic geology make it a real hidden gem.

Ascent behind the lake to walk along the ridgeline then loop back around, passing another hidden lake. The real highlight is this legendary hidden valley, where the Lady of the Lake is said to have risen from the waters.

This mythological past, coupled with the tranquil beauty of the lake and mountain views, makes the Llyn y Fan Fach walk a must-do for any adventurer visiting the Brecon Beacons. Plan to spend the night in Cardiff.

Where to Stay in Cardiff

Parador 44 – This hip hotel is an excellent mid-range option in the centre of Cardiff. They have several modern rooms on offer, an on-site restaurant serving Spanish cuisine and a superb breakfast each morning.

Future Inn Cardiff Bay – This luxe hotel is wonderful for those after a plush stay in Cardiff. Located within easy walking distance of Bute Park and Cardiff Castle, there is a wonderful restaurant on-site along with amenities like room service to enjoy.

The Spires Serviced Apartments – These pet-friendly apartments are perfect for those looking for a self-catering option in the Welsh capital. They have several furnish flats to choose from and a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cardiff hotels!

Day 7 – Cardiff 

Seeing as we are rounding off our trip to Wales in the south, it would be a shame to miss out the country’s capital, Cardiff. This city blends its rich history with a modern day vibrancy, there is plenty to see and do whether you want to discover the castle, spend the day shopping or immerse yourself in Wales’ favourite sport, rugby. 

The city’s iconic skyline is dominated by Cardiff Castle, a mediaeval ruin nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

Take a stroll through Bute Park, a natural oasis perched along the River Taff, before immersing yourself in the cultural delights of the National Museum.

It’s also worth making a short detour to visit the recently modernised waterfront of Cardiff Bay which houses the Wales Millennium Centre and a plethora of shops and restaurants.

If you are a night owl, you will find plenty to do in the city centre as the darkness draws in. From mysterious cocktail bars to thumping nightclubs, this is a university city which really comes alive after dark. 

Have More Time?

If you have more than one week to spend exploring Wales, there are a few additional stops along the way that are worth adding to your itinerary. The first being the coastline just beyond the city of Swansea, known as The Gower Peninsula. 

Designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower is home to iconic spots like Rhossili Bay, with its sweeping sands and the famous rocky outcrop of Worm’s Head. The peninsula is dotted with mediaeval castles, such as Pennard Castle, overlooking Three Cliffs Bay.

A true haven for water enthusiasts, the Gower offers world-class surfing at Llangennith, and opportunities to discover secluded coves by paddleboarding and kayaking.

Wye Valley / Offa’s Dyke

On the border between Wales and England, you will find Offa’s Dyke, an ancient earthwork tracing this historic frontier built by King Offa in the 8th century. Spanning 177 miles, it weaves across diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to woodlands.

Today, the dyke serves as a long-distance trail for hikers and nature enthusiasts, revealing remnants of history along the way, including ancient forts and Roman ruins. 

You can explore this trail the entire way down the spine of Wales but the section that runs through the Wye Valley is the most breathtaking and is well worth taking a day to explore. Carved by nature, this UNESCO-listed Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty follows the river Wye, bordered by ancient woodlands and towering limestone cliffs.

Climb up to Symonds Yat Rock, a scenic viewpoint above the village, offering breathtaking vistas of the river winding through the valley. Don’t forget to visit Tintern Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece, founded in 1131. Its soaring arches and weathered stone walls stand as a thought-provoking testament to centuries past.

Llyn Peninsula

Another destination that is a little further from the beaten path is the rugged Llyn Peninsula. Often forgotten in favour of Snowdonia and Anglesey, this coastal haven juts out of north Wales into the wild Irish Sea.

Renowned for its rugged landscapes and picturesque villages, the peninsula boasts enchanting beaches like Porth Neigwl and Porth Oer. Aberdaron, a charming coastal village, marks the far western tip, with its quaint charm and the historic St Hywyn’s Church.

The Llyn Coastal Path meanders along the shoreline, offering panoramic views of Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia.  If you want a peaceful holiday away from the crowds, even in the high season, the Llyn Peninsula is the perfect destination. 

Wales may be a small country but with hidden valleys, towering mountains, golden sands and mystical waterfalls, it really does have everything. With ample opportunities to discover hidden gems, Wales is one of those destinations that will always leave you wanting more. 

Are you planning to visit Wales? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in the Brecon Beacons Itinerary: A Day Trip from Cardiff

9 Best Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire, Wales

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Snowdonia Itinerary

About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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Wales Road Trip: The Best Route & Itinerary + Map

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Wales Road Trip Planner

Small but perfectly formed, the glorious country of Wales is a road-trippers dream. With soaring mountains and valleys, miles of golden sands, craggy headlands, historical sites, and some incredible roads, Wales offers an adventurous and eclectic road trip.

We’ve spent many happy weekends and holidays in Wales, and have brought together all our favorite places into a road trip that showcases the very best of the country. In this Wales road trip planner, we share the best itinerary, travel tips, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect Wales road trip.

Where is Wales?

A small country that is part of the United Kingdom, Wales is on the island of Great Britain, with an open border to the west of England, and covers an area of 8,024 square miles. That’s around half the size of the Netherlands, a similar size to Slovenia, and slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey.

Wales has a varied geography with strong contrasts. In the south, flat coastal plains give way to valleys, then to hills and mountain ranges in mid and north Wales. There are three national parks and five areas of outstanding natural beauty, which cover a quarter of the land mass of Wales.

Getting to Wales

For those looking for a UK staycation, Wales makes a great destination on your doorstep. Otherwise, fly into Cardiff , Bristol , or Birmingham airports to start your Welsh road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices. You could also fly into London Heathrow , pick up a hire car, and drive to Wales from London along the M4 motorway to begin your Wales self drive itinerary in less than half a day.

You can hire a car  at any of these airports with a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Wales. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site that pulls together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English-speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Wales Road Trip Route & Map

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Wales
• The Rough Guide to Wales
• The AA Guide to Wales

Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Snowdonia – conwy – anglesey – caernarfon – portmeirion – blaenau ffestiniog – coed y brenin – barmouth – elan valley – new quay – pembrokeshire – gower peninsula – mumbles – brecon beacons – hay-on-wye.

• Distance: 450 miles
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Drive Time: 11 hours

Wales is an extraordinary country of rugged coastlines, mountainous national parks, dark skies, and beautiful beaches.

Alongside the spectacular wild landscapes, you’ll also find historic sites, world-class attractions, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re an outdoor activity lover, a history buff, or a family on your annual holiday, you can explore the best places to visit in Wales by car with our travel tips and Wales coastal road trip itinerary.

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

The starting point for your Wales road trip is the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, or  Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri  in Welsh, in north Wales. Our favorite place in Wales, you’ll find plenty of drama, huge skies, and outdoor adventures.

The perfect stop for your first day is Betws-y-Coed, a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, full of companies offering outdoor adventures, shops selling outdoor gear, and pubs and restaurants full of hikers talking about the day’s activities.

The town is a great base for outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining, caving, and mountain biking. You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Conwy Falls, the Fairy Glen, and Swallow Falls to visit nearby.

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales at 1,085m above sea level. Even relatively inexperienced hikes will be able to climb Snowden, just make sure you have the right hiking equipment and check the weather carefully before heading off. If you’re in Wales during peak season, start early and try to avoid the weekends, as queues have been known to form on the ascent.

If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike to Wales’ highest peak, you can get the Snowdon Mountain Railway up from Llanberis station, almost to the summit. From here it’s a short walk to cover the last 20m of elevation to the cairn, and you can conquer Snowdon on foot!

Snowdonia National Park is also perfect for star-gazing and only the second area in Wales to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. On a clear night in Snowdonia, you can see the Milky Way, all the major constellations, nebulas (bright clouds of gas and dust), and shooting stars.

• Where to Stay in Snowdonia

Upmarket: Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Slate – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia – Booking.com | Agoda

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Head to the northern coast of Wales to Conwy, to visit the fortified town and magnificent Conwy Castle, built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the 13th century.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval castle dominates the skyline for miles around and has amazing views from the battlements. It’s also a fantastic sight as you cross the 18th century Gothic-style Conwy suspension bridge, which frames the ancient castle perfectly between its struts.

Not far from the castle, on Lower Gate Street, is the smallest house in Great Britain. Perched at the end of a terrace of houses and painted pillar box red, the smallest house is just 72 inches / 183cm wide by 122 inches / 310cm high. It was occupied until 1900 by a local fisherman called Robert Jones, who was 6 foot 3 inches tall!

• Where to Stay in Conwy

Upmarket: The Gallery at Bull Cottages – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Gwynfryn – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Wales . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

From Conwy, follow the coast road past Bangor and over the Menai Strait on the iconic Menai suspension bridge to the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, home to some of the best beaches in Wales, and fantastic coastal hiking, and cycling paths. 

Newborough Beach is a favorite of many on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels. Take a walk through the forest and dunes to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating lighthouse and pilot’s cottages. 

• Where to Stay in Anglesey

Upmarket: Sandy Mount House – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Lastra Farm Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Bold Arms Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

As you leave Anglesey, you’ll pass by Caernarfon on the road south. It’s well worth stopping here to visit 13th century Caernarfon Castle on the banks of the River Seiont, widely recognized as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

The jewel in the crown of Edward I’s Iron Ring of Castles, a chain of fortifications and castles built in north Wales, this fortress-palace is grouped with Edward’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can follow this string castles along the North Wales Way , a 75 miles long north Wales road trip from Chester to Holyhead in Anglesey.

Used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again in 1969, Caernarfon Castle has benefitted from a recent £5m investment, including a multimedia interpretation focussing on the ordinary Welsh people who built and ran the castle, and redevelopment of the castle’s principal gatehouse, adding a viewing platform in the battlements with panoramic views of town, sea and mountains.

• Where to Stay in Caernarfon

Mid-Range: The Celtic Royal Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Anglesey Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Portmeirion

Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, Portmeirion’s colorful houses, ornamental garden, and iconic campanile are like nowhere else in the UK.

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales, Portmeirion is also known for Portmeirion Pottery (now made in Stoke-on-Trent) and its role in the 1960s cult TV show The Prisoner .

Look beyond the obvious though and enjoy local walks, tropical gardens, and interesting architecture.

You can also get to Porthmadog from Minffordd Station just a mile from Portmeirion. From there you can travel on the Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage railway which runs for 25 miles from Porthmadog through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and the picture-perfect village of Beddgelert, past the foot of Snowdon and on to Caernarfon.

• Where to Stay in Portmeirion

Mid-Range: Aberdunant Hall Country Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Golden Fleece Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog is a small town with a rich mining history and is famously known as the ‘slate capital of the world’ and the dramatic slate landscapes that encircle the town have recently been designated as the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wales, following the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.

Since Roman times, Welsh slate has been utilized on roofs worldwide and has significantly changed the landscape over the years. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, which spans Gwynedd, was the leading producer and exporter of slate in the world during the 1800s and remains a remarkable heritage site today, attracting thousands of visitors.

Over the past few years, Blaenau Ffestiniog has developed as an outdoor activities capital, and its location in the heart of Snowdonia, close to rugged mountains, lakes, and hiking and biking trails, makes it a popular choice for thrill-seekers.

• Where to Stay in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Upmarket: The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Plas Weunydd – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pisgah Guesthouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Coed y Brenin

A short drive south is Coed y Brenin, where cyclists should make a stop. The UK’s first and largest dedicated mountain bike trail center, with miles of exceptional single-track for intermediate, experienced, and expert riders, is also a great place to try MBX for the first time.

You can hire bikes at Beics Brenin and start a trail from there, or visit the Ffowndri skills area and bike park to test your skills.

You’ll also find hiking, geocaching trails, orienteering routes, and running tracks in the Coed y Brenin Forest Park, with even a half-marathon route if you’re feeling really energetic!

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, find out how to road trip on a budget , or get ideas and inspiration with our favorite European road trips .

Nestled between Snowdonia and the Mawddach estuary, Barmouth’s location on the west coast has to be one of the most beautiful in Wales.

Steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries, this is a good old-fashioned seaside resort.

The town’s beach, Abermaw, is west-facing with a mixture of sand and some fine shingle and is a popular spot for sea swimming and watersports. 

You’ll also find a land train that runs along the promenade, which also makes a pleasant coastal walk, traditional donkey rides, swing boats, and amusement arcades as well as lots of local pubs and restaurants.  

• Where to Stay in Barmouth

Mid-Range: The Tilman – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Tal Y Don Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

The Mach Loop

As you head south, check out the Mach Loop on the A487 between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, the latter of gives its name.

The Mach Loop is a series of valleys notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast jet and propeller-driven aircraft. With an average of two to five movements a day, this is one of the best places in the UK to see this type of aircraft flying.

The MoD says “ the best time to see aircraft in action through the Mach Loop is late spring and summer which are the busiest times for low flying as squadrons make full use of good weather to carry out their training “.

Elan Valley

Your next stop is the Elan Valley, a stunning area rich with wildlife and nature in the heart of Mid Wales. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the rural valley is now famous for its spectacular dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts – you should try and visit all of the six dams of the Elan Valley to really appreciate the history of these beautifully designed and engineered masterpieces.

One of the best ways to experience the valley is to take a hike or bike ride around one of the reservoirs of the valley or gain some height amongst the rocky crags and admire the breathtaking and peaceful landscape.

Over 80% of the valley is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Claerwen National Nature Reserve, encompassing 800 hectares of upland plateaux with gently rolling hills covered with acid grassland and in parts, blanket bog on a mantle of peat, is a beautiful place to visit.

The area also has International Dark Sky Park status, meaning that there is very little light pollution. On clear nights you can see constellations, planets, and stars so clearly you feel you could reach out and touch them – perfect if you’re camping or traveling in a motorhome.

RELATED POST – Motorhoming & Campervanning in Wales – Complete Guide

• Where to Stay in Elan Valley

Mid-Range: The Elan Valley Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Llanerch Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Castles in Wales

Wales is home to over 600 castles, more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Some have been lived in continuously for over a thousand years, while others are romantic ruins. Many are native Welsh castles , built by Welsh royal dynasties, often in very beautiful places and you’ll find lots along our suggested route. 

These are some of our stand-out castles to visit along the way;

• Dolwyddelan Castle in Conwy County is one of those romantic ruins – a stronghold built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd and Wales.
• Remote and evocative, the 13th century ruins of Castell y Bere are strung along a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris.
• Medieval Pembroke Castle was originally the family seat of the Earldom of Pembroke. A Grade I listed building since 1951, it underwent major restoration during the early 20th century.
• Shaped by conquest and conflict, Carew Castle is one of the most architecturally diverse castles in Wales and is set in stunning surroundings.
• Another romantic ruin, Pennard Castle is dramatic and beautiful, and the views are glorious.
• Cardiff Castle is a renovated medieval fortress and Victorian Gothic revival mansion dating from 1081, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England.

Head south through coastal mid-wales to the vibrant seaside town of New Quay, following the Coastal Way (which makes up part of the Wales Way , a trio of national road trips in Wales; the Cambrian Way, the Coastal Way, and the North Wales Way) along the entire length of Cardigan Bay and stopping at the stunning Llanrhystud Beach on the way.

For something really adventurous, the Mid Wales Paragliding Centre is just outside Aberystwyth, on your route to New Quay. Stop off for a few days and learn to fly with their BHPA School.

New Quay is a pretty fishing town, popular with tourists for its picturesque harbor and sandy beach, and an ideal base for exploring the west Wales coastal area for a few days.

There is so much to do in this little corner of Wales, but you’re mainly here for the sea. With every kind of water sport on offer and the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast offering wildlife and seabirds aplenty, you’ll find lots to pack in for a couple of days.

Start with a trip to one of the activity companies in the area, where you can organize (perhaps in advance) sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking, and canoeing.

There are several spectacular beaches nearby, including the beautiful Llangrannog Beach, which is good for surfing.

You can also take a boat trip from New Quay harbor to see bottle-nose dolphins and seals in Cardigan Bay, and sea fishing trips – fresh BBQ’d mackerel for dinner maybe?

The famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, lived in New Quay during World War II and it’s widely believed to be the setting for one of his most well-known works ‘Under Milk Wood’. You’ll find lots of places in the town connected to him and his work.

• Where to Stay in New Quay

Mid-Range: Rooms @ The Dolau Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Penwig Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Are you planning a motorhome trip to Wales?

Grab our flexible 10-14 day Wales itinerary, packed with campsites, attractions, adventures, and insider tips.

Get up every morning knowing your day is planned with driving routes, campsites, attractions, and activities marked out for you on your interactive map.

Make the most of your holiday and let us do the planning for you!

Pembrokeshire

Famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches, and remote islands, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most stunning places in the UK. 

It’s no surprise that National Geographic has voted the coastline the second best in the world.

Stop at beautiful Fishguard on the way south, famous for its role in the Battle of Fishguard. A military invasion of Great Britain by revolutionary France during the War of the First Coalition, the brief campaign in February 1797 is the most recent landing on British soil by a hostile foreign force and thus is often referred to as the “last invasion of mainland Britain”.

This is also the perfect place to try delicious Welsh Cakes, a traditional sweet treat that is a sort of cross between a biscuit, scone, and pancake but unlike any of them! The best place for a homemade Welsh Cake in Fishguard is Ffwrn on Main Street. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for somewhere lively for an overnight stay, then you’ll find Fishguard a great choice. The main attraction here is the activities that the location provides; right on the Pembrokeshire Coast path, there’s also sailing, coasteering, and sea kayaking on offer and you’ll find lots to keep you busy.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is an activity lovers paradise and as well as coasteering, you’ll also find surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canyoning, climbing, coastal path hiking, and many more activities in this gorgeous corner of the country. 

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, and it’s an activity you must try. The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling, and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun. There are guided expeditions and courses for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way.

The Wales Coast Path passes through Pembrokeshire on its 870 mile journey from Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south and follows the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. The total rise and fall of the Pembrokeshire section is approximately 35,000 feet or 10,668 meters – that’s as high as Mount Everest!

If you’re looking for child-friendly activities, check out Pembrey Country Park, perfect for a family day of adventure. Set in 500 acres of woodland and alongside eight miles of golden sands, there’s a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, crazy golf, pitch and putt, train rides, adventure play area, nature trails …in fact, pretty much everything a family on holidays wants!

Pembrokeshire is also home to St Davids, one of Wales’ major cities but the smallest city in the UK! With historic St David’s Cathedral, the UK’s first pollen trail , multiple artist galleries, and St Non’s Chapel, the city makes a great day trip.

Or check out Tenby, one of the prettiest seaside towns in Wales, steeped in history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. With several excellent sandy beaches, a colorful harbor, and narrow cobbled streets, this charming town is perfect for a relaxing day out with ice cream and fish and chips, in between sporting activities!

Finally, visiting the famous puffins of Skomer Island is a real must-do if you enjoy nature. A haven for migrant birds such as razorbills and guillemots, you may also see seals here, which come to molt in April, along with owls, buzzards, and peregrine falcons. In the spring, wildflowers cover the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

The boat over to the island works on a first-come, first-served basis, and numbers are limited. Tickets can be bought at Lockley Lodge visitor center just outside the small village of Marloes, make sure to get there early!

• Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire

Upmarket: Grove of Narberth – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Heywood Spa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Llwyngwair Manor – Booking.com | Agoda

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Gower peninsula.

Next up is the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its breathtaking coastline and 30 or so unspoiled beaches and coves.

Gower offers unrivaled coastal walking, including the gorgeous Rhossili Beach and Down, voted ‘Best Beach Wales’. The dramatic Worm’s Head, whose long ridged back rises straight from the sea before rearing up at the end of the promontory is an unforgettable hike, but does need careful planning as you can only cross the causeway to Worms Head for 2.5 hours on either side of low tide.

Some of the best beaches in Wales are on the Gower’s coastline, with the most famous being Oxwich Bay beach in the south and the huge Whiteford beach to the north.

If you like your sand a little more secluded, try Brandy Cove beach, only accessible by a cliff path, or head for Three Cliffs Bay, a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marsh, and limestone cliffs. 

Surfers and kitesurfers should check out Llangennith Beach or Broughton Bay Beach, both popular spots with good facilities.

• Where to Stay in Gower Peninsula

Mid-Range: LLwyn Country House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Ynyscedwyn Arms Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

The Mumbles

At the eastern end of the peninsula and often referred to as ‘the gateway to Gower’ is Mumbles, a traditional seaside town. Head here to walk along the bustling prom, where rollerbladers weave between pedestrians, and ice cream parlors tempt.

As well as the usual water-based activities, you can also hire jet skis and take a speed-boat ride into Swansea Bay from the Mumbles, the headland on the western edge of the bay. Perfect if you’ve spent the last week or so hiking, cycling, and paddling under your own steam!

• Where to Stay in The Mumbles

Upmarket: Norton House Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Oyster House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Coast House – Booking.com | Agoda

Black Mountain Pass

If you have time, take a detour to the western edge of the Brecon Beacons for one of the best driving roads in Wales.

The epic Black Mountain Pass of Top Gear fame gives unrivaled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and enough hairpin bends and switchbacks to satisfy any dangerous road enthusiast.

The Black Mountain Pass is actually the South Wales road A4069 which climbs from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, between the breathtaking viewpoints of the twin humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass, before arriving in Llandovery.

From here, you can head southeast on the A40 to Sennybridge, and then south on the A470 into the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Make sure to add Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Pont Aber, and Llandovery as via points in your sat nav, or you’ll be routed on a more main road.

Be aware that sheep will cross the road indiscriminately and it is known that mobile speed cameras are sometimes hidden along the route in things like horse boxes or small trucks.

RELATED POST – Why We Think These Are The Best Driving Roads in Europe

Brecon Beacons

Undulating dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park ( Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog ) encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

Known simply as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, these mountains are scattered with ridges and plateaus, glacial hollows that rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls, and gorgeous remote and empty landscapes.

There are many trails to choose from here, including the Cambrian Way, a long-distance hiking route from Cardiff to Snowdon through some of Wales’ most mountainous and wild landscapes. 

Pen Y Fan is a favorite, the route a challenging ten mile slog from the car park through forest and moorland to the steep ridge at the summit at 886m, where the views are superb.

But there is more hiking here than just Pen Y Fan. Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire is stunning and the beautiful Brecon Beacons waterfall walk is a must-do.

From the Brecon Beacons, you can head to your final destination; either north into the beautiful and protected landscape of the Wye Valley and the literary town of Hay-on-Wye or make your way south to the lively city of Cardiff.

Either of these provides excellent transport links back into England and your journey home.

• Where to Stay in Brecon Beacons

Mid-Range: The Plough Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Belle Vue Through The Looking Glass – Booking.com | Agoda

Gospel Pass

But, we have one more small detour for you, if you like great driving roads !

In the Black Mountains at the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park is the Gospel Pass, the highest road in Wales at 549m. The pass is possibly the most scenic drive in Wales with spectacular views and a few good hiking routes from the top.

Snaking along the narrow Vale of Ewyas the mostly single-track paved road rises steadily as you head north before dropping into the Wye Valley. To get to the pass, branch off the A465 five miles north of Abergavenny at Llanvihangel Crucorney. 

Most of the valley is in Monmouthshire but the last few miles, including the pass itself, are in Powys. The ridge line to the east, extending south from Hay Bluff, marks the border between Wales and England.

This single-track route is not for the winter months or those in motorhomes or larger campervans.

The final stop in Wales, the capital city of Cardiff is a unique blend of British culture, Welsh attributes, and Celtic personality.

Cardiff has a subtle charm that you learn through the independent stores, laneways of bars, medieval Cardiff Castle smack-bang in the city center, and a diverse culinary scene offering everything from street food to fine dining.

There is a lot to explore here, including the Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament) building in the lively Cardiff Bay area and nearby Barry Island, a bastion of Welsh seaside holidays and of course, the home of Gavin and Stacey!

RELATED POST – One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Cardiff

Upmarket: Parador 44 – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Beverley by Innkeeper’s Collection – Booking.com | Agoda

Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for books and the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts.

Known as Hay by locals, this charming market town in Wales sits on the gently flowing River Wye in the beautiful Wye Valley and abuts the Wales-England border.

The pretty center is made up of skinny sloping lanes characterized by a shabby elegance that suits the quirky bookshops and antiques emporia that thrive here.

• Where to Stay in Hay-On-Wye

Mid-Range: The Kilverts Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Swan At Hay – Booking.com | Agoda

Wales Road Trip FAQs

When is the best time to take a road trip in wales, december to february.

The winter months in Wales are generally cold and wet. It is likely to be cloudy in the mountains, leading to poor visibility, and there may well be snow. Although other visitors will be thin on the ground, this would be our least favorite time to roadtrip Wales!

March to May

Late spring is a good time for visiting Wales, as the cold and wet retreats. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again. But, remember that Wales is so green because it rains, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days.

June to August

The summer months bring sunshine to all of Wales, with Pembrokeshire getting the best of the warm Gulf Stream weather. This is the perfect time to road trip around Wales, especially for outdoor adventures such as hiking and coasteering.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Wales . The coasts will be quieter but still warm and the glorious colors of fall bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave your trip to Wales too late, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October.

What is the most beautiful road trip in Wales?

We think our itinerary is the most beautiful road trip in Wales! If you’re looking for some of the best road trips in Wales, explore the routes of the Wales Way .

The Cambrian Way crosses the spine of Wales for 185 miles between Cardiff and Llandudno, through stunning national parks and the wild and remote Cambrian Mountains. The Coastal Way travels the west coast around Cardigan Bay, a 180 mile road trip between the sea and mountains. The North Wales Way is a 75 mile road trip past mighty historic castles onto the beautiful island of Anglesey.

How many days do you need for Wales?

One of the best things about Wales is its compact nature and short distance between places, meaning that even if you only have a short amount of time, you can still get a flavor of Wales in seven days. But this won’t be enough to truly explore the different regions – we think ten days to two weeks will give you a much better experience of this eclectic country.

What is the famous driving route in Wales?

The most famous driving route in Wales is the Black Mountain Pass. Picked as a filming location for Top Gear in 2011, Jeremy Clarkson drove the road in a Mercedes AMG SLK.

Is it easy to drive around Wales?

Yes, it’s easy to drive around Wales. Roads are generally well maintained and other drivers are courteous and safe.

In some remote places, you may encounter livestock on the roads, but take it slowly and you’ll enjoy the experience.

Wales Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in the United Kingdom.

• Search for affordable flights to Wales and the UK with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Wales with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Wales with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Wales

Whether you’re road-tripping in a car, camper, or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition. If your Wales roadtrip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your license is not in English, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
• If you’re hiring a car, book well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• In 2023 the statutory speed limit on Welsh restricted roads, those with streetlights, was reduced from 30mph to 20mph unless road signs dictate otherwise.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to Wales!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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3 x Wales Road Trip Itineraries + Best Places To Visit

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

There are few places in the UK more beautiful than scenic, rugged Wales . I’ll be sharing three Wales road trip itineraries, as well as handy tips to make the most of your trip. I’ve broken this post into three categories:

• Pembrokeshire found towards the west of Wales (get ready for lots of gorgeous coastal scenery)
• South Wales including Cardiff and the Gower Peninsular
• North Wales which many locals claim is the most striking and impressive part of Wales overall. For the ultimate Wales road trip for 7 days, I have an itinerary for all three.

Why take a Wales road trip?

Well, Wales isn’t exactly the best place for public transport. Sure, you’ll be fine around Cardiff and other larger cities, as well as some parts of Pembrokeshire. But to save time, tick spectacular destinations off your UK bucket list , and also get off-the-beaten-track and find some solitude, it’s best to have your own set of wheels. In my opinion, Wales isn’t the most expensive part of the UK. But the more expensive accommodation will be found in tourist-friendly cities. So if you have a car, you’ll be able to stay in cheaper places and drive to popular spots during the days. If you’re interested in saving money and travelling cheaply, be sure to check out my guide to UK budget travel .

Make sure to check out my Wales fun facts before your visit!

WALES ESSENTIALS Copy of Lonely Planet Wales Accommodation: Booking.com Tours: GetYourGuide Public transport: Trainine Car hire: Rentalcars.com

How to plan a Wales road trip

Road tripping a whole country can be tiring, plus it’s hard to decide on a Wales road trip itinerary with so many destinations on offer. My best tip would be to pin the places below on Google Maps to get a lay of the land and work out the areas you’re most interested in visiting. If you end up with a cluster of pins in one part of Wales, I would suggest staying there. Plan to include 2-3 main attractions per day so you don’t get burnt out or run the risk of packing in too much. Don’t try to cram in everything during a 7 day Wales road trip! You’ll burn out and feel rushed.

How long does it take to explore Wales?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to drive around Wales, it depends how thoroughly you want to see the country. I’d set aside 3 weeks (or longer) for all the places below. If you have one week in Wales, pick one of the 3 itineraries below.

Where to stay during a Wales road trip

There are so many places to stay from popular Pembrokeshire to rural North Wales and the gorgeous Gower Peninsula in South Wales. Wales has abundant accommodation options including Airbnbs, hostels, glamping huts, cottages and more. If you choose to stay in Pembrokeshire, I can recommend Fishguard which is a pretty town near to many popular Wales locations. We stayed in Main Town and during downtime, trekked down the hill to Fishguard Harbour.

Use Booking.com to browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering private apartments in Fishguard . Top picks: Private apartment (sleeps 2) for £75pn // Ivy Bridge Guesthouse (sleeps 2) for £75pn .

Best season for a Wales road trip

The best season for good weather is the summer months from June to September . However, British weather is unpredictable at best so you may be subject to rain and grey skies – pack your rain mac! Summer is the busiest tourist season in Wales so you’ll want to book your accommodation in advance and arrive places early to beat the crowds. Personally, I would choose March-May or September for decent weather and fewer crowds. Winters in Wales can be cold especially in Northern Wales when it can easily drop below 0°C.

7 day Wales road trip itinerary – Pembrokeshire

A week is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring Pembrokeshire. This is the ultimate 1 week in Wales road trip… Day 1 – explore St David’s in the morning. Head over to the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon. Day 2 – take the boat to Skomer Island. Afterwards, relax on Marloes Sands. Day 3 – visit Freshwater West beach. Take a trip to Bosherston Lily Ponds in the afternoon. Day 4 – take a road trip along the west coast. Stop at Strumble Head Lighthouse, Fishguard and take a hike at Dinas Head. Day 5 – take an early morning dolphin boat trip at Cardigan Bay and relax on Poppit Sands afterwards. Day 6 – Visit Tenby and take a boat trip to Caldey Island. Day 7 – explore a few Welsh Castles. Pembrokeshire Castle and Manorbier Castle are both beautiful.

Pembrokeshire road trip destinations

There’s more to Wales than just Pembrokeshire but it’s undeniably a beautiful part of the country on the southwest coast of Wales heading inland. Pembrokeshire is one of the most popular areas of Wales for tourism because there are beautiful beaches and towns without overly long drives connecting them. More details for your Pembrokeshire itinerary…

Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy

This 25m-deep water hole in Pembrokeshire is an old flooded slate quarry. The brilliant blue water is prime for diving in – if you can handle the icy temperatures! The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has been held three times here. If you’re feeling energetic, you can try coasteering and kayaking at the Blue Lagoon. For a more leisurely visit, simply admire the striking lagoon from above and take a walk around the headlands. Park at the car park , stroll past beautiful Abereiddy Beach and climb up to higher ground for a windy yet refreshing walk with unrivalled coastal views.

Cardigan Bay

This large sweeping bay sits with Pembrokeshire at its south end. While there are some beautiful beaches, the intrique is out at sea. The area is known for having the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in Europe, as well as a colony of porpoise, seals and plenty of birdlife. During your Wales road trip, I’d highly recommend parking up at Patch Beach and taking a boat tour with A Bay To Remember . Remember to book your tickets in advance for £26pp.

Poppit Sands

With 7 days road tripping Wales, you won’t have time for all the beaches. But don’t miss Poppit Sands on the West Wales coast near Cardigan. It’s an expansive, unspoilt beach backed by low dunes, perfect for beachcombing. The gorgeous beach lies between two headlands on the edge of the Teifi Estuary and has a gentle incline into the sea making it ideal for swimmers and surfers. This scenic area is also popular with hikers . Inland walks from Poppit wind through dense forest, pretty river valleys and fields of sheep. Poppit also lies at the start (or end!) of the 300-kilometre-long Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Cliff paths (accessible on foot from Poppit) provide sweeping views of the dramatic West Wales coastline and the chance to see dolphins and seals in the clear water below. The coastal paths are well maintained with good signposting, and hikers can take advantage of the Poppit Rocket bus service that will bring you back to your starting point in Poppit.  Due to its remote location, Poppit is best visited by car. Access to Poppit Sands and the coastal path is free but there’s a charge for parking in Poppit village car park. Poppit entry submitted by Sinead from Map Made Memories .

Cenarth Falls

An hour’s drive from Aberystwyth and just 20 mins drive from Aberporth lies Cenarth Falls. It’s located in the quaint village of Cenarth with just two pubs, a restaurant and a church. Teifi River runs through the village, cascading down some rocks and resulting in  Cenarth Falls . No difficult hiking or climbing is required, just a pleasant walk along the riverside to an old bridge leading to scenic views in peaceful surrounds. A circular trail passing along a small gorge with trees and birds will bring you back to the village. Cenarth is also known for its abundant seasonal salmon which leap over the falls.  Cenarth Coracle Museum in the village is a unique place to learn about coracles, small circular wooden boats used by fishermen until the 1940s. Before you leave Cenarth, stop at Ty-Te Tearoom or the White Hart Inn for Welsh scones and pub grub.  Cenarth Falls entry submitted by Jan from Leisurely Drives .

The beautiful coastal town of Fishguard isn’t the best-known place in Wales but it’s surely one of the best UK hidden gems . The Main Town has basic amenities while Lower Fishguard has a peaceful harbour with colourful houses and gently-lapping waves. Sitting here with a coffee overlooking the ocean was the perfect respite from a busy Wales road trip and I’d recommend squeezing in Fishguard if you have the time. A scenic hike nearby that I’d recommend is…

This peninsula jutting off the mainland of Pembrokeshire (en route between Fishguard and Cardigan) is Dinas Head. A few hours hiking the peninsular to the headland is time well spent. Park at Pwllgwaelod Beach and take the Dinas Island circular walk which starts with a 40 step incline but is mostly downhill later on. Stop at Needle Rock to watch local birds and paddle at Cwm-yr-Eglwys Bay before returning to the car park.

Strumble Head Lighthouse

Another worthwhile stop on the Pembroke coast is Strumble Head Lighthouse . Although the weather was bad when we visited, it was still striking in a gothic way especially with the persisting flashes from the lighthouse. It made me think of boats 100 years ago crossing the rocky stretch from Wales to Ireland. The Lighthouse is perched precariously on a small island connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge. Just a few minutes’ drive away is Carregwastad Point where French soldiers landed in 1797 during the last invasion of Britain.

St David’s

Dedicate a long afternoon to exploring the smallest city in the UK found on the St. David’s Peninsula. visit St. Davids Cathedral and stop for a pint at one of the many local pubs. As well as plenty of things to do in St. David’s , it’s also a perfect base to explore this area of Wales with boat tours and sweeping scenery. Why not spend a weekend in the region and go hiking and explore more of the peninsula? There’s parking at Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre if you’re stopping as part of a Wales road trip. Since St. Davids is a transport hub for this area of Pembrokeshire, you can also catch local buses from St. Davids. It’s also a popular stop on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. St David’s entry submitted by Naomi from Probe Around The Globe .

This pretty Welsh town is worth a quick stop during a Wales road trip. As well as quaint, colourful shops and a pretty walk around the headlands by the beach, the highlight is Mamgu Welshcakes . For those that don’t yet know Welshcakes, they’re tasty delicacies made with flour, butter and currants, dusted with sugar. Swing by Mamgus and try them for yourself. The Welsh rarebit on the menu was also delicious! If you want to work it off, you can take a 7km coastal walk from Solva to St David’s .

Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay, reminiscent of a Welsh Greek Island, is one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and has recently been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Backed by dunes and woods, its golden sands lapped by crystal clear emerald waters are the perfect place to relax. The crescent bay is unspoilt, bounded by limestone cliffs at each end. Accessed by way of a 20-minute clifftop walk, you’ll be blown away by the coastal views. Ducking through a crumbling stone archway, follow the steep stone steps down to the pristine sand. Alternatively, arrive in style by canoe from the launch point at Stackpole Quay car park . There are numerous walking trails and the coastal path continues to another stunning beach, Broadhaven South. Visitors info: Barafundle Bay is a 30-minute drive from Tenby. There’s only one car park, halfway around a mile-long circular loop, so it’s best to arrive early on a summer’s day. There are facilities, a cafe and abundant space to make sandcastles making it a perfect location for those travelling in Pembrokeshire with kids. Barafundle entry submitted by Helen from Holiday With Hels .

Tenby is a well-preserved town found on the South Wales coast with its 13th-century city walls still intact. There are plenty of things to do in Tenby from relaxing on Castle Beach, North Beach or South Beach, to strolling around the harbour clutching an ice cream. Visit Castle Hill for Tenby Castle and Tenby Museum & Art Gallery or take an eerie ghost tour of Tenby; any city this old surely has a few creepy tales to tell! From Tenby, you can take a 4.5-mile walk to Saundersfoot , drinking in views of Saundersfoot Bay from Monkstone Point. There are plenty of places to park in Tenby and you can easily see the main sights during a day trip, although Tenby would also be a lovely place to base for a few days with lots of quality restaurants and abundant ice cream!

Where to stay in Tenby: Budget – The Belgrave Hotel (£96pn) // Treat – The Park Hotel (£145pn) . Browse all Tenby accommodation on Booking.com .

Another fantastic excursion from Tenby is…

Caldey Island

Caldey Island  can be seen from the golden beaches of Tenby and, during the summer months, small boats will take you to the island. The island has a long history and today is a Cistercian monastery with the monks maintaining the island. When you leave the boat and pretty beach adjacent to the jetty, a path will take you to the main green with the monastery on the hill then onwards to the Old Priory. On the very edge of the island, perched on the clifftop, is Caldey Island Lighthouse which is still in operation. From here, you can see Lundy Island in the distance as well as the Pembrokeshire coast. There are no vehicles on the island so you’re in for a day of walking but the distances aren’t huge, and the meadows and clifftops are beautiful to explore. Visitor info : The boat runs Monday-Saturday from May to September. Tickets can be bought from the kiosk at the top of Tenby Harbour or the beach where the boats depart. Prices are as follows:

Caldey Island submitted by Suzanne from Meandering Wild .

Freshwater West

My favourite beach during my 7 day Wales road trip was Freshwater West near Castlemartin. I was excited for two reasons: seeing Dobby’s Grave from the Harry Potter movie, and trying a lobster roll at Cafe Mor. In addition to these activities, Freshwater West is worth a visit with its striking cliffs, sand dunes and distinctive blackened rocks. It’s a popular spot for surfers although not a beginners destination due to the strong currents. To visit Freshwater West during a road trip in Wales, park beside Cafe Mor and grab a coffee and seafood roll before heading down to the beach.

Bosherston Lily Ponds

Another spot for your Pembrokeshire itinerary is Bosherton Lily Ponds close to Broad Haven South and Barfundle Bay. Walking around these gorgeous ponds is an easy activity suitable for all fitness levels.

There’s plenty of parking at Bosherston as well as public toilets. Park up and cross Bosherston Causeway (the bridge pictured above) then make your way around the track looking out over glorious scenery. For the full experience, cross over Grassy Bridge and continue to Mere Pool Valley . Return along the other side of the Fish Pond to make it a circular walk.

Pembroke Castle

The birthplace of Henry VII is a beautiful, serene location beside a peaceful pond (connected to Pembroke River) where you can hire small boats and row around the fortress. It was built in 1093, restored in Victorian times, and remains an iconic fairytale castle for your Wales road trip. Entry to Pembroke Castle is £7 for adults; £6 for seniors and children; and free for under 3s. Set your sat nav to SA71 4LA and find public parking a short walk from the castle.

Manorbier Castle

This 11th-century Norman castle is another must for a road trip in Pembrokeshire. Spend an afternoon admiring the architecture, wandering the landscaped gardens and imagining how the residents would have lived 900 years ago… Manorbier is just a 15-minute drive from Tenby. Entrance is £5.50 for adults and £15 for families. Afterwards, wander quaint Manorbier village and Manorbier Beach.

Skomer Island

Photography and birdwatching fans won’t want to miss Skomer . It’s a small island of just 3km located off the coast of South Wales. While it’s not possible to visit with your own car, it’s still a must for your Wales road trip – you can leave your vehicle on the mainland and catch a boat over to Skomer. Skomer is one of the most important places in Europe for nesting birds, particularly puffins. From late May to late July, they come to lay their eggs. When a chick hatches, its parents alternate feeding, carrying small fish to the nest until it becomes independent. You can also spy other birdlife and seals. Skomer is open from April to October and access is only granted to 250 people per day; limitations are to preserve the wildlife heritage. The cost for access is £11 arranged at Lockley Lodge , plus £11 for a boat that reaches the island in 15 minutes. It’s not possible to book in advance so arrive early. Skomer entry submitted by Miry from Miry Giramondo .

7 day South Wales itinerary

There are plenty of attractions in South Wales famous for the Gower Peninsular, Brecon Beacons and Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Here are a few of the best destinations for a South Wales road trip in 7 days…

To experience the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons, follow this itinerary. Day 1 – visit The Mumbles and Oystermouth Castle. Day 2 – visit Rhossili Bay Beach and take a walk along part of the Gower Coast Path. The stretch from Langland to Caswell Bay is lovely. Three Cliffs Bay is a beautiful beach. Day 3 – visit Kidwelly Castle. Day 3 – drive to the Brecon Beacons and check out Brecon town. Day 4 – spend a day hiking for example on the Waterfall Valley Hike or the Peaks Hike. Day 5 – visit Hay-on-Wye then take a trip to Llanthony Priory and the Black Mountains. Day 6-7 – spent a day in Cardiff to explore the capital’s highlights.

Looking for accommodation? Browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in South Wales on Booking.com .

South Wales road trip destinations

More details on these South Wales destinations…

The Gower Peninsula

South Wales is known for its rugged natural beauty but visitors and locals will agree the highlights can be found on the glorious Gower Peninsula . For a South Wales road trip lasting 7 days, spend a couple of nights in the region. With sprawling beaches and rolling farmland that never seems to end, it’s no surprise this sandy strip of the world was designated the UK’s first AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) – and boy is it outstanding! Hike with wild horses along the craggy clifftops of Rhossili Bay, or traverse your way to the beach below for some of the best surfing in the UK. Cycle the country lanes from pub to pub, or cruise the promenade to the seaside village of Mumbles for ice cream, fish and chips and BBQs in secluded beach coves.

For budget accommodation, Swansea is a convenient base for your Wales road trip itinerary. You can nibble your way around the market and visit the house of legendary Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. Croeso i Gymru!  Other Swansea foodie gems are Square Peg Coffee (order the Mexican brunch) and Takumi Sushi & Noodle Bar . Gower entry submitted by Ben from Driftwood Journals .

If you want to base in the Gower during your South Wales road trip, browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in The Gower on Booking.com .

The Mumbles

While exploring the Gower Peninsula , you won’t want to miss the Mumbles from your Wales road trip. The Mumbles has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era and has even been listed as the best place to live in Wales.

Things to do in the Mumbles including visiting 12th-century Oystermouth Castle and the iconic Lighthouse where you can relax on a sunny day at the small sandy beach beside it. Walk along the 255m Mumbles Pier and grab some fish and chips from one of the chippies. For the perfect dessert, head over to Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour for its world-famous vanilla ice cream!

You can easily spend a day exploring the gems of the Mumbles. There are plenty of pay and display car parks in the fishing village. It’s also easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation for example bus, bike or even by foot from Swansea along Swansea Bay.

Mumbles entry submitted by Kitti from Kitti Around the World .

Where to stay in The Mumbles: Patrick With Rooms (£130pn).

While in the Gower, don’t miss Rhossili which is a region at its southwestern tip. Rhossili Bay Beach , voted the 10th most beautiful beach in the world , is ideal for surfing and other watersports, as well as long, leisurely walks along the seemingly-endless coastline. Make sure to eat fish and chips at the King’s Head in nearby Llangennith! To work up an appetite…

Hike Worm’s Head

If you have good weather, take the Worm’s Head hike beside Rhossili Beach. I mention the weather because I visited on a September day that could have been December – it tipped it down with rain and I only made it halfway because the rocks were hazardously slippy. This small island/peninsular was named by the Vikings after the Norse word ‘wurm’ meaning dragon. From the right angle, it does indeed look like one. It can be only be hiked 2.5 hours either side of low tide . For that reason, it’s important to check the tidal boards (don’t worry, you can’t miss them) to see how long you’ve got. People do occasionally need to be rescued for ignoring the times which must be very frustrating for the services. To visit Rhossili Bay Beach and Worm’s Head during the same day, park at the National Trust car park at Rhossili (SA3 1PP / £3.00 for 3 hours / £6 for the day)

Three Cliffs Bay

After Rhossili Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful sandy stretches of the Gower is Three Cliffs Bay . With white sand dunes, scenic coastal hikes and Penard Castle overlooking it, you could easily spend a day here. Park in small town, Southgate, and walk down to the beach from the coastal path near the National Trust car park . After the beach, hike up to Penard Castle and follow the path back to Southgate. The Muddy Mail Room is an atmospheric place to eat lunch after a morning spent exploring.

Leaving the Gower, here are some more South Wales stops…

Kidwelly Castle

Kidwelly Castle  is a large well-preserved Norman castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the small town of Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire. Although the castle changed hands several times in the 12 th  and 13 th  centuries within the hierarchy of Welsh royalty, it remains a symbol of power and conquest. Walk around the battlements and dungeons whilst learning about the local ghost, Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, who was the unhappy wife of a former resident. As a further claim to fame, the castle was used as a location for the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail . But it’s best remembered for its remarkable history and the fact that it was once besieged by Owain Glyn Dŵr, the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. The castle is perfect for a summer picnic, great for kids and also dog-friendly. To add it to your South Wales road trip itinerary, arrive via the A484 to Kidwelly (near Carmarthen). A family entry ticket costs £12.00. Kidwelly Castle entry submitted by Tracy from  PackThePJs .

National Showcaves

If you’re heading to Wales, you need to visit the National Showcase Centre For Wales at Dan yr Ogof. This incredible location allows you to enter some of the largest caves not just in Wales but the whole of Europe. In the largest is a spectacular waterfall. You can get married inside the cave if you wish – it’s that big! The noise and power of the falls are breathtaking. There are several other caves on the complex including a huge labyrinth you can walk around. You can also pay to go further inside during a guided caving tour.  For kids, there’s a dinosaur park (with life-size dinosaurs!), a petting zoo and a playground. There’s also a restaurant and cafe on site. If you’re camping or  motorhoming in Wales , there’s a brilliant campsite right next door. The showcaves are on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and cost £15.50 for adults and £12.50 for children aged 3-16 (under 2s are free). Showcaves entry submitted by Kat from Wandering Bird .

Brecon Beacons

An hour’s drive from Cardiff is Brecon Beacons National Park. Depending how much time your South Wales road trip itinerary allows for, it might be worth spending a couple of nights here. You can spy striking mountain ranges, hike epic trails and stop by the Libanus Visitor Centre for souvenir shopping. From the terrace, there are spectacular views of the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan and Corn Du . In the Brecon Beacons, you’ll spot wildlife including wild horses. They’re so used to human interaction that they’ll come close enough to steal your lunch! After soaking in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, journey towards Brecon Town for a bite to eat. There are several options to choose from including Brecon Tap for great pies, Chang Thai Cuisine (Thai is very popular in Wales) or Easts of Brecon for homemade goodies. If you have free time, stop by Brecon Cathedral. Brecon entry submitted by Emily from Dalton’s Destinations .

Looking for accommodation? Browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in The Brecon Beacons on Booking.com .

Driving the Top Gear Road

Fans of Top Gear may be interesting in driving the Brecon Beacon’s Black Mountain Road (A4069) made famous by Jeremy Clarkson. The twists and curves will impress thrill-seekers!

Gorge walking in the Brecons

Gorge walking in Wale s  is an unforgettable experience. The best place to do it is Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, also known as waterfall country. In a nutshell, gorge walking involves a journey through the paths of a gorge to ascend or descend through a valley. It can be challenging but the guides are experts and adapt the route based on the ability of their group. Since you’re with a guide, gorge walking is stress-free: they provide all equipment (including a wetsuit and helmet) and know the gorges inside out. It usually lasts 3-4 hours and costs around £40pp depending on the size of your group. A tour guide will usually pick you up from your accommodation to reach the gorge. If you’re not already in the area, book a day tour from Cardiff . Entry submitted by Rachel from Average Lives .

Langorse Lake

While  visiting the Brecon Beacons don’t miss Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales. There are lots of things to do from watersports including kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to rowing and sailing courses. Llangorse has the only surviving Welsh crannog: an ancient lake dwelling (looking very much like Hagrid’s hut) on an island on the lake. The visitor centre tells you more about the local legend that Llangorse Lake was the body of water where King Arthur threw the famous sword back to the ‘Lady of the Lake’. Llangorse Lake also has a lovely walk through lush green fields to a bird hide and a Victorian gothic church. The return walk takes around 90 minutes. To reach Llangorse Lake, take a 15-minute drive from the town of Brecon. There’s plenty of parking, open space for outdoor games, and a cafe with public facilities. Entry submitted by Angie from Where Angie Wanders .

Straddling the English-Welsh border is the Wye Valley , an AONB known for its mountains, countryside and the River Wye which winds for 58 miles through the Valley. Here you can row, paddleboard, hike, walk, visit ancient abbeys, eat locally-sourced food and spot wildlife. A few highlights fo the Wye Walley include…

One of the best places to visit in the Wye Valley is Hay-on-Wye. Known as the ‘Town of Books’, Hay-on-Wye draws visitors every year to browse its many second-hand bookshops. There are over 20 bookshops around the town. If you’re short on time, don’t miss Richard Booths, Addyman Books and the honesty bookshop at Hay Castle. Other things to do in Hay-on-Wye include visiting the Globe at Hay: Institute of Art and Ideas for fun events and performances, browsing the town’s antique shops and walking along the River Wye to the Warren for a taste of the Welsh countryside. Time your visit right and catch the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts which takes place at the end of May. Hay-on-Wye entry submitted by Maja from Come Away With Maja .

The Black Mountains

Bordering the  beautiful Wye Valley , the Black Mountains are a group of hills with several stunning ridge trails. The best way to visit is by driving the Gospel Pass, one of the best places in Wales for a road trip. It skirts the top of a long, steep-sided valley with views over the rolling countryside on one side and the Black Mountains on the other. The single-track road is the highest in Wales and reaches its zenith at the Hay Pass car park. From here you can walk up to Hay Bluff: a tough slog up to one of the highest points in the Black Mountains. With stunning views of the rocky landscape surrounding the area, it’s well worth the effort. Further along, the thoroughly atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory are set crumbling against the backdrop of the mountains. A pint here in the late afternoon is a great way to end a Wales road trip.  The Black Mountains are located in southeast Wales about 1 hour’s drive from Hay on Wye. Black Mountains entry submitted from Anywhere We Roam .

Monmouth is the county town of the county of Monmouthshire close to the England-Wales border. This pretty town on the River Wye is worth a visit for its rich heritage and surrounding countryside. Because of this,  Monmouth is popular with outdoor enthusiasts including hikers and kayakers. One of the most popular routes is from Symonds Yat Rock down the river through the valley to the town. Monmouth has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times, however other eras have also shaped the town’s heritage. One of the best places to learn about this is Monmouth Castle also home to the Monmouthshire Regiment Museum. Another unique feature of the town is Monnow Bridge, the last remaining fortified bridge in Great Britain. The town has a dedicated heritage trail to ensure visitors can see the history of the town and its buildings of many eras. Monmouth entry submitted by RJ from RJ On Tour .

Abergavenny

Abergavenny is known as the Gateway to Wales but before you begin exploring, stop to enjoy the town. Set in stunning countryside and surrounded by three mountains, the Skirrid, the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny is perfect for walkers and hikers. Visit the museum in the grounds of the Abergavenny Castle ruins which takes you through the history from prehistoric, Roman and Victorian life in Abergavenny . Wander into town, visit the markets which take place most days, and explore the art on the walls of the buildings. Try Bean and Bread or the Oak Rooms for excellent local food. Finally, head out of town to White Castle , an 11th-century castle not far from Abergavenny, or Goytre Wharf to take a walk by the canal or maybe paddle a kayak. If you’re in Abergavenny during September, don’t miss the Food Festival to sample food and drink from the area.  Abergavenny entry submitted by Larch from The Silver Nomad.

Don’t miss the vibrant capital of Wales. If you have 7 days for your Wales road trip, take a break and rest here. Whether you’re into shopping, fine dining, nightlife or history, there’s loads to do in Cardiff . Visit Cardiff Castle for almost 2,000 years of history and Cardiff National Museum for your culture dose. St Fagan’s Castle and Castell Coch are also worth a visit. On a sunny day, wander around Cardiff Bay and walk to Penarth , a cute town with vintage stores, bookshops (don’t miss Griffin Books) and cafes (Waterloo Tea is a lovely spot for brunch). Walk through Alexandra Park to Penarth Pier Pavilion to spot quirky, Wes Anderson-style architecture.

Read next: the ultimate Cardiff itinerary for 1 day

For an evening in Cardiff, head to the impressive Wales Millennium Centre for opera, dance and musical concerts. To try the local cuisine, book a food walking tour with GetYourGuide or simply pay a visit to Cardiff Central Market , especially Thai & Asian Delish cafe and Ffwrnes Pizza . To get out of the city, take a hike along Taff Trail . The full trail runs 50+miles to the Brecon Beacons and takes several days to hike, however you can take a shorter hike from the city and turn back. Browse accommodation in Cardiff on Booking.com .

Barry Island

One of the best places to visit during a South Wales road trip is Barry Island . Located in South Wales just 20 minutes from Cardiff, Barry Island has everything you want in a Welsh seaside town. To fully immerse yourself in the South Welsh culture and enjoy all the sights, spend two days.  On your visit to Barry Island, walk the perimeter of the peninsula along the Wales Coast Path and dip your toes in the ocean. Allow a few hours for your inner child at the fairground, indulging in the many arcades and traditional games like hook-a-duck and the chance to win a big teddy. For lunch, eat fish and chips and, for a sweet treat, grab a huge bag of candy floss. Of course, you cannot visit Barry Island without ticking off the Gavin and Stacey filming locations . Make sure to take a photo with the billboard outside Marco’s cafe. The best souvenirs to buy are Barry Island stick-a-rocks, a ‘Barrybados’ towel and an ‘Oh, what’s occurring?’ mug. To reach Barry Island, use the postcode CF62 5TH which will take you to the train station. Here there are limited free car park spaces and you can stay for 2 hours; the better options are the dedicated car park at the start of Barry Island near the ‘Old Harbour’ and the car park behind the fairground. They both cost around £6 a day. Barry Island entry submitted by Shireen from Happy Days Travel .

Caerphilly Castle

Another Wales road trip essential is located just 30 minutes north of Cardiff. This small Welsh village has one of the  best castles in Wales , dating from the 13 th  century and surrounded by lakes and moats. Caerphilly was a medieval fortification and is the second largest castle in Britain after Windsor Castle. As well as the usual castle features such as the Great Hall, battlements and various nooks and crannies, Caerphilly has a secret in store for visitors. Dragons! Yes, you read that right. Two adult dragons and their babies have a lair at the castle. There’s also a fun maze at the rear of the castle. Caerphilly is also home to a leaning tower, ‘held up’ by a knight. This leans to a greater degree than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Keep an eye on the Cadw website for special events where the trebuchets are fired.  Caerphilly Castle entry submitted by Cath from Passports and Adventures .

7 day North Wales road trip itinerary

With its waterfalls, hikes and many castles, North Wales is a captivating part of the country that’s well worth visiting. For a 1 week Wales itinerary, check out… Day 1 – have a day in Llandudno. Walk the pier and check out the beach. Day 2 – visit Conwy, a charming walled town with medieval history Day 3 – explore the best things to do in Snowdonia including nature and hiking. Take the Pyg Track up Mount Snowdon if you’re feeling energetic. Day 4 – journey to the Isle of Anglesey. Consider staying overnight on Anglesey. Day 5 – spend a day exploring Anglesey and driving over to Holy Island. Day 6 – explore postcard-perfect Portmeirion.

North Wales road trip destinations

More details on these North Wales destinations…

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park encompasses a mighty 823 sq. miles in northern Wales. It’s home to the tallest mountain in Wales, Mt Snowdon at 1085m and it’s also this mountain that gives the park its name.   While there are many  things to do in Snowdonia , reaching the summit of Mt Snowdon is by far the most challenging. There are several different trails to hike to the summit with varying levels of difficulty. One of the most popular is the Pyg Track, which is the shortest hike and offers the most diverse views along the way. If you’re visiting Snowdonia National Park from April to October, you’ll also have the option to rest your legs and reach the peak via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Tickets start from £22 for a single trip or £36 for a return. Although reaching the summit of Snowdon is certainly the crown jewel of Snowdonia, there are many other beautiful places within Snowdonia including waterfalls, lakes, picturesque villages, castles and more. Snowdon entry submitted by Sophie and Adam of We Dream of Travel . Browse accommodation in Snowdonia on Booking.com.

The picturesque walled market town of Conwy is 30 minutes from Snowdonia National Park, just 3 miles from Llandudno and provides easy access to the Isle of Anglesey. It’s also a worthwhile stop in its own right. One of the best Conwy is visit the majestic Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fine example of 13th century fortified architecture. You can also walk the 1.3km long medieval town walls and enjoy the views of Conwy and its surrounds, as well as check out the smallest house in Britain . Built in the 16th century, this tiny house was in use until 1900 and can fit just four people at a time! Conwy entry submitted by Anuradha from  Country Hopping Couple .

Read next: 15 things to do in Conwy, North Wales

Glamping Llechwedd Mountain Slate Mines 

Glamping is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of travel accommodation. For a unique experience during a 7 day Wales road trip, check out   Llechwedd Mountain Slate Mines  just out of Blaenau Ffestiniog Wales. Located on the side of an old slate mine, you can soak up incredible views at any time of day. It’s the perfect place to sit on the deck and watch the time slip away. The glamping tents are spacious with their own bathrooms and small kitchens where you can cook a meal made from local produce. The beds are comfortable and can accommodate couples on a weekend, as well as family getaways. In the winter, there’s also a wood fire to light. Llechwedd Slate Mine now offers tours of the old mine both underground and up into the mountains. You can zipline above the old mine, mountain bike, hike or spend your time on the deck with a good book. Recommended by Bec from Wyld Family Travel .

For a holiday hotspot reminiscent of the Victorian era, you can’t beat Llandudno, the most prominent beach town on the North Wales coastline. Come the summer, the Grade II* listed pier is just as busy and popular as when it first opened in 1877. As well as all your usual holiday pastimes like building sandcastles on North Shore beach and guzzling quickly-melting ice creams while promenading along the pier, you can follow the Alice in Wonderland trail , treat your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Experience and soak up the scenery on the Great Orme Tramway.

Read next: 13 fun things to do in Llandudno, Wales

Isle of Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey may be disconnected from the Welsh mainland but it’s easy to cross via Menai Suspension Bridge (by car or bus), and the Wales Coastal Path continues around the outside meaning that hikers taking on the challenge of completing it can soak up the beauty of the island. There are plenty of attractions in Anglesey such as The Copper Kingdom (once the largest copper mine in the world and now a tourist site due to its unique scenery), Beaumaris Castle, Plas Newydd House & Gardens and Dingle Nature Reserve. Pick up local delicacies like Welsh crab at Anglesey Farmers’ Market held on the third Saturday of every month. Visit as day trip from the mainland or stay overnight on the island. Browse accommodation on Anglesey here .

Holy Island

It’s only possible to visit this island (measuring just 15 square miles) via the larger island of Anglesey. To add it to your Welsh road trip itinerary, follow the North Wales Expressway or the B4545 and spend a day finding prehistoric sites and sleepy beaches like Trearddur Bay. A more energetic option is climbing 220m Holyhead Mountain. Don’t miss South Stack Lighthouse located on its own tiny island found at Holy Island ‘s most westerly point.

Read next: Things to do on Holy Island, Anglesey

For a taste of the Mediterranean during your North Wales road trip, don’t miss the village of  Portmeirion . Portmeirion was created by eccentric architect, Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, who took an abandoned village in the 1920s and filled it with historic buildings from around the UK which were due to be demolished. He combined them with his own designs to create something unique. You’ll find Greek, Art Deco, Italian and Far Eastern-inspired buildings painted in pastel shades of pink, lemon, blue and green. Portmeirion looks like a film set, so it’s no surprise it’s been used as one. Most notably it featured in cult 1960s show,  The Prisoner , and an annual convention dedicated to the series is still held there each year. Portmeirion is a great place to spend a day. Take a walk through the gardens and along the wide sandy beach, have an ice cream from Caffi’r Angel Ices or lunch in Castell Deudraeth . You can also stay overnight in the village – as well as a hotel on the waterfront, several of Portmeirion’s quirky buildings have been converted into self-catering cottages. Portmeirion is located a few miles from Porthmadog in North Wales. A day ticket to enter the town costs £8 for adults and £7 for students/over 60s or it’s free if you’re staying overnight. Portmeirion entry submitted by Lucy from On The Luce .

Read next: things to see and do in Portmeirion

Bucket list experiences in Wales

Now we’ve been through the best destinations, let’s focus on a few must-have experiences to tick off whilst visiting Wales. These include…

• Seal and dolphin watching in Cardigan Bay
• Visit Dobby’s Grave on Freshwater West Beach
• Reach the top of Mount Snowdon
• Walk the Wales coastal path
• Tick off as many Welsh castles as possible
• Eat Welsh cakes at least once
• Try glamping in a cool location
• Take an 870 mile hike along the Wales Coastal Path
• Or try the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path at 186 miles
• Spot puffins on Skomer Island.
• How many can you tick off?

Driving in Wales FAQs

Do you drive on the left or right? In Wales they drive on the left (like the rest of the UK). Are signs in Welsh? Road signs in Wales are in both Welsh and English. As you’ll notice when you travel in rural parts of Wales (and especially the north), many people speak Welsh but can generally speak English, too. Are the roads good in Wales? For the most part, yes. But expect small lanes in rural places – sometimes you’ll end up driving down tight, winding lanes. Keep your speed low and your patience high!

Driving tips for a Wales road trip

These are my tips for driving in Wales: Signs are in Welsh first – you probably already know this if you’re from the UK! Sometimes there’s no mobile signal – regardless of what network you’re with, sometimes there’s just no signal in Wales. Pre-load journeys in advance or risk getting lost! Bring cash for parking – most places in Wales don’t accept card when it comes to parking. You’ll want to have plenty of £1 coins to hand. A day’s parking will often cost around £5.

Eat these foods during your Wales road trip

If you’ve ever read my food blogs before, you’ll know how much food makes my world go round! I didn’t get time to try all the Welsh dishes I wanted but no doubt I will be back before too long. These are the best things I tried…

Lobster roll at Cafe Mor

Despite there being loads of sophisticated restaurants in Wales, I was most excited about eating lobster rolls at Cafe Mor, a food truck in a repurposed fishing boat beside Freshwater West Beach. I thought I’d read the lobster roll was £8 and gasped when I was charged £18… I guess I’ve spent too long in Asia as that’s a perfectly reasonable price for fresh lobster in the UK! It was worth it. Make sure to order the brownie flavoured with laverbread. This delicacy made with edible seaweed sounds weird but tasted delicious.

Welsh cakes

I mentioned Welsh cakes already in this blog but they can have a second slot as they’re so very tasty. There are plenty of places to try Welsh cakes in Wales but some top spots include Little Valley Bakery in Swansea and Fabulous Welsh Cakes in Cardiff.

One maybe to miss – savoury Welsh cakes!

Before understanding Welsh cake etiquette, I offended my Welsh followers by sharing this serving of Welsh cakes topped with beans and cheese. Despite the fact I was served this by Welsh locals, I would agree with my aggrieved followers that Welsh cakes taste way better with currants and sugar!

Welsh rarebit

H.E.A.V.E.N! Not to be confused with bog-standard cheese on toast, a Welsh rarebit is a blend of cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and even beer, generously layered over toast. Paired with tangy chutney, it was bliss.

WALES QUICK LINKS Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet Wales / L onely Planet Great Britain . Flights (international and domestic):  I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For trains , use Trainine . The search feature allows you to compare prices and see live departures. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith .  Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for following my Wales road trip itinerary!

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

5 thoughts on “ 3 x Wales Road Trip Itineraries + Best Places To Visit ”

Thanks – Doing a self drive self guided tour of Wales and Scotland The info you provided was invaluable.

Glad to hear it!! Enjoy your trip 🙂

Thanks Ross, this was really useful! Doing a roadtrip this summer 🙂

Thanks Ross. It has been very useful to plan the road trip. You have given multiple options to explore and plan so that anyone can customise their Wales road trip easily. Thank you very much.

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s Rose not Ross btw

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The 5 most phenomenal road trips in Wales

Oct 5, 2021 • 5 min read

A winding country road at sunset near Machynlleth in Powys in Wales © chrisatpps / Shutterstock

Wales is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful drives. Beyond the more densely populated south (where you’ll find the Wales' only highway), narrow, undulating lanes criss-cross the land, meaning travel can be slow – but there’s no need to rush when your surroundings consist of sky-skimming mountains, deep green valleys and swaths of pristine coastline.

Fasten your seatbelts. Here are the best road trips to take in Wales .

The Coastal Way

Best road trip for sea views and beaches.

Start – Aberdaron; End – St Davids; Distance – approx 180 miles

This route covers the entire length of Cardigan Bay – the sweeping curve of Irish Sea that looks like it’s taken a huge bite out of the Welsh west coast – and spoils travelers with its secluded beaches and charming seaside towns.

Scour the sand for fossils, shells and rockpool-dwelling crabs at Aberdaron Beach, on the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula , and then hit the road, heading east along winding coastal lanes toward Porthmadog. Here you can hop on a heritage steam train, a relic of the region’s mining history, to give Snowdonia’s skyline your undivided attention.

Once you’re back in the driver’s seat, myriad potential pitstops await as you swerve south including the village of Portmeirion , with its ornate, Italian-inspired facades; Harlech’s expansive beach overlooked by a Unesco-listed castle; and the buzzy student town of Aberystwyth, a fine spot to stay overnight.

The next day, take an early morning dip at Mwnt Beach, a sheltered bay known for its decent dolphin spotting, before searching for hidden coves and cliff-top selfie spots in Pembrokeshire . The county’s entire coastline is a designated – and dazzling – national park.

The Cambrian Way

Best road trip for mountain scenery.

Start – Cardiff; End – Conwy; Distance – approx 185 miles

The human eye is said to be able to perceive more shades of green than any other color. The Cambrian Way, which cuts north to south through the verdant heart of Wales, is a fantastic place to test that theory, thanks to its patchwork fields, dense forests and rolling, sheep-dotted hills.

Primarily following the A470, the route becomes increasingly wild and rugged as it weaves north from the capital city of Cardiff through the Brecon Beacons and into Powys . Spend the night in Rhayader, gateway to the stargazer’s paradise of Elan Valley, but don’t stay up too late – you’ll need plenty of energy for the next day’s adventures, which could include hiking up Pumlumon Fawr (the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains at 2467ft), or mountain biking along the trails at Coed Y Brenin Forest in Snowdonia National Park .

Continuing north, you’ll know you’re near Blaenau Ffestiniog when you realize the roadside slopes are in fact heaving piles of slate. The town and surrounding region were granted World Heritage status in 2021 to recognize its mining legacy. Tour nearby Llechwedd Mine to learn more. Before you reach the north coast, stop for a surf lesson at Adventure Parc Snowdonia , or dig into some delicious local produce at Bodnant Welsh Food (book ahead for a guaranteed table).

The North Wales Way

Best road trip for castles and culture.

Start – Mold; End – Holyhead; Distance – approx 75 miles

Spanning Wales’ short but scenic north coast, this route offers road trippers a chance to encounter Welsh history, language and culture in a spectacular setting.

Head west through the uncrowded Clwydian Hills – stopping to summit Moel Famau (1820ft) on the way for epic views of Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast – until you reach Ruthin, a little town brimming with history (exemplified by its restored castle, century-spanning museum and Victorian Ruthin Gaol ).

Veer north to explore the nostalgia-inducing seaside resort towns of Colwyn Bay and Llandudno – lingering for a day or two if the weather’s on your side – before crossing the River Conwy to wander its namesake market town and castle . As you head west towards Bangor, hook a left into Snowdonia National Park to walk to Aber Falls, or treat yourself to a warming Welsh whisky at Aber Falls Distillery .

Save time for a detour to Caernarfon Castle before making your way across Menai Bridge to set tire to tarmac on the Isle of Anglesey . Highlights include the laid-back town of Beaumaris, pine-trimmed Newborough Beach and bird spotter’s paradise South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve .

Border Country

Best road trip for crowd-free escapes.

Start – Chepstow; End – Wrexham; Distance – approx 171 miles 

Tracing the dotted line that separates England and Wales on a map, this border-hugging route will take you to some of Wales’ most underrated sites – slowly, if you stick to the narrow back roads.

Starting in the border town of Chepstow in Southeast Wales , wend your way northward through the lush Wye Valley, stopping to admire the roofless ruins of Tintern Abbey and lesser-known castles Skenfrith and Grosmont, until you reach Hay-on-Wye for a spot of second-hand book shopping. This is also a fine spot to stretch your legs along Offa’s Dyke Path before driving on to explore the fabulous gardens at Welshpool’s Powis Castle .

Don’t miss the chance to walk across Unesco-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen – at 125ft high, it’s the highest canal aqueduct ever built. Finish up in Wrexham, where you can climb the tower of the largest medieval church in Wales and explore Erddig , a large stately home on the outskirts of town.

South Wales Circuit

Best road trip for a bit of everything.

Start – Cardiff; End – Chepstow; Distance – approx 333 miles

This lengthy loop encapsulates everything that makes Wales wonderful, from culture-packed cities and chocolate-box towns to gawp-worthy beaches and mountains galore.

Spend a day or two restaurant hopping in Cardiff and Swansea before turning your attention to some of Wales’ best beaches, found around the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park . Stop over in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids ; the surrounding coastline is prime walking territory, tempting travelers with secret coves, rugged cliff tops and a sparkling blue lagoon.

Head northeast to Cardigan and then make a beeline for inland treasures including Brecon Beacons National Park , where you can summit South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan ; foodie town Abergavenny; and the crumbled ruins of Tintern Abbey near Chepstow.

You might also like: 10 unmissable places to visit in Wales Introducing Wales’ epic national parks The best time to visit Wales for food, hiking or bog snorkeling

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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: April 17, 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 generally first recommend using a price comparison service like Discover Cars , which compares prices across a number of providers, 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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South Wales Road Trip: 7 Day Itinerary Guide

Wales is one of those countries that’s made for road-tripping. With beautiful rolling landscapes and a huge variety of activities from museums to hikes. But there are so many places to visit that choosing between them can be difficult.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to make life easier for you. I’ll share the top destinations to visit and I’ve even put together a suggested itinerary for 3, 5, and 7 days in South Wales.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

🏨 Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com ✈️ Flights: for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner 🚗 Rental Car: I recommend Discover Cars 🛡️ Travel Insurance: for the best deals I rely on SafetyWing

Best Time For a South Wales Road Trip

The best time to visit Wales for the weather is generally between June and August. Although it can be unpredictable in the summer months so you are never guaranteed sun, you know that the days will be long and most attractions will be open.

If you visit during shoulder season, typically March to May or September, you might benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices. Whilst the winter months can be a great time to enjoy the festive markets in South Wales and cosy hot tub holiday homes, you may encounter bad road conditions so check the weather before travelling.

Scroll on to read: South Wales Road Trip: 7 Day Itinerary Guide

South Wales tourist information

How to get there.

The nearest airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL) 9 miles away. Bristol International (BRS) is the other nearest airport, 21 miles away. Click here for airport transfers to Cardiff.

Getting around South Wales

South Wales’ cities are very compact and modernised with mostly flat surfaces making them very walkable and bike-friendly, with superb public transport options.

Walking: Cities like Cardiff and Swansea are quite small with attractions close to each other. I recommend the hop-on hop-off bus to explore all the cities top sights.

Cycling: There are plenty of bike racks and traffic-free cycle paths around the South Wales coastal towns and cities.

Bus: Buses are easy to use and run regularly from numerous stops. An adult trip costs £2 (cards are accepted). Use Cardiff Bus to plan your route.

Train: The main station is Cardiff Central right in the heart of the city and has great transport links to the rest of the UK. You can get a train from London to Cardiff in just 2 hours!

Car: Wales’ roads are very easy and convenient to navigate. You can hire a rental car here .

South Wales Essentials Checklist:

• An excellent pair of walking shoes (for all that walking and trekking)
• A hoodie or warm sweater (for chilly evenings especially in winter)
• A decent raincoat (it rains a lot here)
• A good quality compact camera (for taking great pics)

Places to Visit on a South Wales Road Trip

South Wales has much to offer. Gone are the dark days of the industrial revolution and its accompanying pollution. Today, the area is lush with green mountains, woodlands, and parks.

And for the not-so-outdoorsy type, there are plenty of attractions, from museums and medieval castles to traditional seaside resorts, and of course an array of entertainment, shops, and eateries in the capital city – Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh).

There are so many great places, but I have managed to narrow it down to the very best and included most of them in my itineraries:

• Cardiff City and Cardiff Bay
• Barry Island (not an island – read on to find out more!)
• St. Fagan’s National Museum of History
• Porthcawl Fairground and Seaside Resort
• Blaenavon (Big Pit National Coal Museum and Blaenavon Ironworks)
• The Brecon Beacons National Park
• Aberdulais (Tin Works and Waterfall)
• The Gower Peninsula
• Swansea City
• Tenby (Harbour Town, Oakwood Theme Park, and Heatherton World of Activities)

South Wales Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary

Here is my suggested road trip itinerary for 3 days in South Wales:

Day 1, Cardiff City, Castle, Gardens and Bay.

Begin in the capital city, with the mighty Cardiff Castle , a 200-year old fortress in the middle of the city.

Then wander around the city centre’s vast selection of shops and eateries before making your way to the beautiful Sophia Gardens.

At the gardens you can take a boat to Cardiff Bay, a freshwater lake (former tidal bay and estuary) surrounded by shops, eateries, and Wales Millennium Centre.

Stay the night at The Angel Hotel , near to Sophia Gardens or one of the many other hotels, such as The Hilton , or The Marriott . There are also many B&Bs at reasonable prices just on the city edges/outskirts.

Tip: If you’re more of a city than an outdoors lover, you may want to split this itinerary into a two day adventure and skip another suggested itinerary day.

Day 2, Barry Island

You will not need a boat to reach this island! Take a 30-minute drive today for a traditional Welsh seaside experience. The name is deceiving as this area has not been an island since before the 1800’s. It was linked to the mainland when as Barry expanded.

If you are traveling with children, they will especially love a day here! Stroll along the promenade, have fun on the fairground, and bring out your competitive side with a game of crazy golf.

Enjoy some chips (with plenty of salt and vinegar), and a ‘stick of rock’ on the beach. If it’s warm enough, sunbathe, build some sandcastles, have a paddle or even a swim in the sea.

Barry Island is also the filming location of a Welsh TV series ‘Gavin and Stacey’! You can stop for a snack at Stacey’s fictional place of work, Marco’s Café, or pop into another character’s workplace, ‘Nessa’s Slots’ arcade for some fun!

Note: the beach is not dog friendly all year round so you would need to check the dates if wanting to take your dog on the beach.

For beach-lovers, here’s a guide to the 15 best beaches near Cardiff .

Stay at a hotel , (there is a premier Inn about a 5 minute drive away), or a B&B.

Fan of Gavin and Stacey? You can book a Gavin and Stacey TV locations tour on Barry island here:

Related post: 24 Memorable Things to Do in Cardiff

Day 3, big pit national coal museum and blaenavon ironworks.

Just over one hour’s drive will bring you to Blaenavon in the South Wales Valleys where you can experience an actual working coal mine. You can travel deep down into the mine via a shaft and gain an insight into the life of miners and their work partners – The Pit Ponies, from the guide that will accompany you.

In the Mining Galleries, exhibitions can be seen in the Pithead Baths and historic colliery buildings, as well as a multimedia tour of a contemporary coal mine with a virtual miner.

Just a 5-minute drive down the road, you can find Blaenavon Ironworks. At these ironworks from 1789, you can still see the spectacular remains of the foundry, cast house, and water balance tower that could lift carts 80 feet into the air, in addition to the wrecked furnaces. Discover their reconstructed ‘truck store’, where they spent their meagre salaries, as well as their furnished cottages.

Stay at the night at a hotel, Inn, B&B , or Premier Inn the nearby market town of Abergavenny just a 20 minute drive away.

South Wales Road Trip 5 Day Itinerary

Realistically, 5 days is the minimum time you should allow for a proper road trip in South Wales. I would stick to the original plan for days 1-3, then this would be my itinerary for day 4 and 5.

Day 4, Pen y Fan in The Brecon Beacons

From Abergavenny drive around 40 minutes to where you can take a break and get great views of the beautiful Welsh countryside from the summit of Pen Y Fan (the highest peak in South Wales). ‘Beacons’ refers to the range of old red sandstone peaks found in the south of Brecon and Pen Y Fan means ‘top of this place’ in English.

There are four different routes up to the summit for different abilities. Choose a route here .

Remember to take a packed lunch and plenty of drinks as regardless of the route you take, you will need them as well as a well-deserved break when you get to the top! If you are taking an energetic dog, they will love it but take plenty of water for them too and perhaps even a snack for them.

If mountain walking isn’t your thing, then why not book up, why not hire a bike, go rock climbing, abseiling, paddleboarding canoeing or chose from many other outdoor adventures within the National Park.

After your walk or other outdoor activity, head to Brecon town centre for some quaint little shops and old, traditional Welsh pubs and inns where you can stay the night.

Day 5, Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall

Travel just over an hour from Abergavenny or 50 mins from Brecon to Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall.

Learn how a little community in the Welsh valleys harnessed cutting-edge technologies to exploit the breath-taking waterfalls and ice age terrain to create the industries that revolutionised the globe.

There’s not much else in Aberdulais, so travel around 20 mins to Swansea city for some food, drinks and maybe some partying on the famous ‘Wind Street’ which is full of pubs and clubs.

Stay in the city centre or a very reasonably priced B&B along Swansea City or The Mumbles Seafront areas.

South Wales Road Trip 7 Day Itinerary

If you can spend 7 days road tripping around South Wales, you’ll get to experience a little bit of everything. Here is how I would spend day 6 and 7 before you head home.

Did you know: 50% of the world’s commercial aircraft wings are made in Wales! For more fun facts, head over to 52 Fun Facts About Wales

Day 6, Swansea City, The National Waterfront Museum, and Beaches

Have a wander around the shops, visit the National Waterfront Museum (the oldest museum in Wales), and then have a long walk along Swansea Beach and The Mumbles Beach with pubs to stop at along the way.

In the evening, rest your by now very weary legs and enjoy a theatre show at the Victorian Swansea Grand Theatre.

Or for the more active traveller, swim, play, surf, or climb at the city’s LC Leisure Centre before heading back to your seafront hotel or B&B.

Don’t Miss: The 20 Best Zoos in the UK for the Perfect Day Out

Day 7, heatherton world of activities and tenby harbour town.

A 1 ¼ hour drive will get you to Heatherton World of Activities .  Here you will find an amazing selection of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including go karting, high ropes, escape rooms, golf, bowling, bumper boats, a hedge maze, slides, archery, shooting, and for the very brave paintballing (which I find a tad painful)! You can also bring your dog!

When you are worn out, travel around 3 miles to the picturesque Tenby harbour town which is one of the best seaside resorts in Wales.

Some of the top things to do in Tenby include visiting a tidal island with an abandoned fort, enjoying what’s left of the sun on one of the five beaches, and in the evening, taking a ghost walk to learn tales of ghosts and ghouls.

You can stay the night at one of the many hotels, B&Bs or Premier Inn before heading home the next morning

Hiring a Car in South Wales

Wales is a ideal country to explore by road but if you are not bringing your own vehicle to Wales, you can rent a car . Of course, car rentals don’t always go as planned. Ensure you find out the excess charges (what you must pay if the car gets damaged) and deposit amounts (what you will have to pay upfront) before selecting your rental.

There may also be unclear or hidden charges you need to check on before signing any paperwork or paying the deposit, such as whether you need to refuel before returning the car or you may end up paying an extortionate amount for the rental company to re-fuel! Similarly, there may be a maximum amount of mileage you will have to pay heftily for if you exceed it.

Finally, be ready for car rental sales workers to try to sell you additional insurance. It may be a good deal that you feel is worth adding but think about if it is needed but if they pressure you too much go elsewhere.

Remember that your car will be left-hand drive and automatics are not always available as readily as manual cars.

Key Things to Know on a South Wales Road Trip

1. Drive on the left! If you are coming from a country that drive on the right-hand side, this may take a bit of adapting to so take it slowly.

2. Respect local speed limits: Local speed limits will be signposted at the side of the road but are generally the same as the rest of the UK.

3. Roundabouts: the UK in general has a lot of roundabouts, so be prepared to encounter these often and remember to go round clockwise!

4. Tourist signs are brown: These are useful to look out for as a tourist to help you more easily find your destination.

5. Bilingual: Wales is a bilingual country so you will see most signs in Welsh and English. The Welsh will normally be written before the English. In some parts of Wales, Welsh is spoken as a first language, but most people speak English too.

General Information about Wales

• Area: 20,779km squared
• Weather: 4C (winter), 23C (summer)
• Population: 3.1 million
• Founded: 1056 AD
• Official languages: Welsh, English
• Famous Welsh people: Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Charlotte Church, Michael Sheen, Gareth Bale

Wales Roadtrip FAQs:

How long would it take to drive around Wales?

Although Wales is a small country it does have mountainous landscapes and lots of countryside, as well a long coastline. You might be able to do a drive around Wales in a week if you drive a lot, and take turns with someone else at the wheel. It’s recommended to take at least 10-14 days to do the entire route.

Is it difficult to drive in Wales?

The roads in Wales are well maintained and are very similar to driving anywhere else in the United Kingdom when it comes to speed limits, laws and general rules of the road. As long as you’re familiar with driving on the left, it is fairly easy and straightforward to drive in Wales.

What is South Wales known for?

The stunning southern part of Wales consists of the South Wales Valleys, an area once famous for its coal and iron, as well as the Wye Valley, the Vale of Usk, and the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Is north or South Wales nicer?

South Wales is home to picturesque coastal getaways whilst north Wales boasts stunning landscapes, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities.

What’s the nicest beach in South Wales?

Here’s the 10 best beaches in South Wales that you must visit:

• Penarth Beach, Vale of Glamorgan
• Mumbles Beach, Swansea
• Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island
• Rhossili Bay Beach, Gower Peninsula
• Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula
• Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire
• Dunraven Bay, Vale of Glamorgan
• Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
• Rest Bay Beach, Porthcawl
• Swansea Beach, Swansea

You might also like:

• 71 Fun Facts about England
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The Best Wales Road Trip Itinerary With Map

March 25, 2021

Ah, beautiful, beautiful Wales! I love the place so much, I’ve made it home. This is the Wales road trip itinerary that I’ve been meaning to write about for years and finally, here it is. Move over muddy sheep on country roads, a Welsh road trip will bring you history, architecture, wild skies and landscapes to set your heart on fire. Here’s how to plan your own unforgettable trip to Wales.

Table of Contents

The Best Wales Road Trip Itinerary: An Overview

This 12 day Wales road trip itinerary starts in the south by sweeping through the capital city of Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons. It travels along past Swansea and the Gower and then north through Pembrokeshire to university town Aberystwyth  and into the north proper.

The northern part of the loop takes in Anglesey, Snowdonia and Llandudno, before sweeping east via the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. After that, it’s back into England’s rolling pastures or international airports to fly home.

To complete the loop takes at least two weeks, or ten days if you want to push it.

Wales Self-Drive Itinerary Map

Driving in Wales and Splitting the Itinerary into North or South Wales

Roads through the middle of Wales are windy, twisty and a third word for winding again.

Progress this way is slow. So, too, is the progression up the west coast of the country. For this reason, and because the airports in Wales are close to both the northeast and southeast points, many visitors choose to split their Wales road trip itinerary in two.

One road trip through south Wales. And then a separate trip that zips around the best places to visit in north Wales.

If you’re currently based in the UK, or even anywhere else in Europe, this is probably the best course of action. But if you live further afield and this Wales road trip is the only one you’ve got, then this two week itinerary works fine.

One Week in Wales

With only one week in Wales, I would advise either following the North Wales way or the South Wales portion of the road trip.

Regional Road Trips in Wales

Another popular choice is to base yourself in one of the picturesque regions (the Brecons, Gower, Pembrokeshire or Snowdonia) and take day trips from your base. You won’t cover all the highlights of this Wales road trip itinerary if you do it like that, but crossing everything off is rarely the point of travel!

Wales excels in pristine landscapes, rugged coastlines and wild country escapes. It’s perfect for hiking, canyoning, cycling and playing on the beach, as much as it is about scrambling up and down castle walls and listening to music.

So, don’t feel as though you’re missing out if you choose to base yourself in a region and drive from there. You’re not. In fact, you may be making the most of life :-)

If you want a livelier home base, then settle yourself in Cardiff and take road trips into the Brecons, the Gower and Caerphilly Castle from there. As the capital city, there’s lots going on. That said, Cardiff is a European city, not a vast skyscraper behemoth like you’ll find in the Americas and Asia. It’s still on the small side and incredibly walkable.

When to Visit Wales

Ah, the weather. The downfall of the British Isles is the unreliability of the weather! The summer months, which generally run from May to September, give you your best chance to enjoy the beaches, hiking and the otherwise chilly castles.

Winter can look beautiful in snow and fairy lights, but snow is far from guaranteed and you’ll need to wrap up warm.

Spring and autumn offer respite from the crowds, especially in popular spots like Snowdonia, Tenby and St David’s.

Rugby remains something of a religion in Wales, so check the international fixtures if you plan to stay in Cardiff at the same time as a game. Prices skyrocket and it can be difficult to find accommodation then.

Where to Stay in Wales

Wales offers a wide variety of places to stay but brand lovers may be surprised to learn that you’ll find few of the big chains beyond the capital. Wales specialises in rustic homestays, boutique hotels and no-frills farm houses.

It also excels in self-catered accommodation. Think cottages with sea views, sloping beams and all the mod cons in the kitchen. Outside the cities, parking rarely costs extra with accommodation, which makes visiting Wales on a road trip all the more pleasurable.

Finally, of course, in Wales, you can stay in a castle.

At the other end of the scale, you can take your bed with you by hiring a cool campervan or motorhome.

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

What to Eat in Wales

Traditional Welsh food isn’t too well known on the world stage but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Our Welsh food guide will introduce you to the world of cockles and laverbread, Welsh cakes, cawl and Welsh rarebit.

Beyond that, expect to find most international cuisine in the cities and lots of hearty “pub food” in the countryside. What’s that, you ask? Pastry laden pies, Indian influenced curries, roast meats and, of course, fish and chips by the sea.

Road Trip Wales: At a Glance

• Day 1 – Cardiff
• Day 2 – Brecon Beacons National Park
• Day 3 – Gower Peninsula
• Day 4 – Carmarthenshire
• Day 5 – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Day 6 – Pembrokeshire St David’s
• Day 7 – Aberystwyth & Cardigan Bay
• Day 8 – Snowdonia National Park
• Day 9 – Snowdonia National Park
• Day 10 – Anglesey or Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula
• Day 11 – Llandudno
• Day 12 – Llangollen and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Your 10-14 Day Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Travel in Wales gives a real sense of escape into wild landscapes, poetic legends and crumbling castles. Plus some good food. Here’s your Wales road trip itinerary, plus some highlights for when you visit Wales.

We’ll start in Cardiff and then head into south west Wales.

Start in Cardiff , Capital of Wales

Begin in Cardiff, Europe’s youngest capital city with history that dates back millennia.

Cardiff may be small but she has plenty of unusual things to do, from strolling or cycling around the renovated Tiger Bay area, catching a performance at the Armadillo Opera House or shopping for cockles and olives in the covered Cardiff Market.

Cardiff castle began life under the Romans in around 55 AD and now sits right in the centre of town, with banquet halls, air raid shelters and the unexpected history of having helped tutor Sir Anthony Hopkins in his early drama school days.

The National Museum Cardiff offers Monet and his waterlilies, great dinosaur skeletons and collections of precious jewels.

And for a a bite to eat, I’d recommend the centrally based Cardiff Central Market.

You can read more about fun things to do in Cardiff here .

Detour to the Brecon Beacons

After a day spent exploring the city of Cardiff, lace up your walking boots and take the 40 minute drive into the Brecon Beacons. Covering 520 square miles and established in 1957, this green and fierce National Park is everything that the genteel Cotswolds are not.

The SAS complete training exercises up here and, sadly, every few years someone perishes.

So, enjoy the drive but stop off at the visitor centre for information before you decide to hike.

• The big name in the Brecons is Pen y Fan, which you can easily reach from Cardiff and which should take around two and a half hours to summit.
• Top scenic drives include A4609. It’s known as one of the most scenic drives in Wales.

Another great road trip from Cardiff involves heading to Tintern Abbey, an historic site set amid a picturesque village. From there, drive along the gorgeous Wye Valley to Hay on Wye, home to the famous book festival.

Explore the Stunning Gower Peninsula

The sprawling sandy beach at Llangennith and across Rhossili Bay is one of the best beaches in Wales, if not the world.

If you’re used to your beaches coming with shopfronts, lifeguards and deckchairs, then this wilderness will come as a surprise. The coast itself is virtually untouched, with just a few sheep around for company.

Elsewhere on the Gower Peninsula, you’ll find the family friendly Oxwich Bay beach and if you can handle the cliff path from Caswell Bay, then the secluded Brandy Cove is all yours.

Dylan Thomas fans may wish to stop off in nearby Swansea, where you can visit the poet’s childhood home and former drinking haunts along the famous Mumbles Mile.

But the highlight, for me, is watching the sun set over Worm’s Head, a place the Vikings thought was a sleeping dragon.

Get Cultural in Carmarthenshire

Most visitors to Wales zoom past Carmarthenshire in a rush to reach Pembrokeshire, it’s more popular sister and neighbour.

But there are several good reasons to spend a day around here before travelling further West.

• The National Botanic Garden of Wales – an inspiring horticultural complex with a bubble to rival the Eden project and the world’s largest single span glasshouse.
• The Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne – visit the writer’s waterside studio and contemplate a life wasted.
• The Aberglasney Gardens – yes, I know I’m talking a lot about landscapes and gardens here! But this beautiful spot includes tropical gardens inside a former castle. That’s just not the kind of thing you can find everywhere in the world!

I’d highly recommend an overnight stay in The Welsh House, a lovingly restored 18th century Welsh cottage set in the countryside. A pit stop for food at Wright’s Emporium is one of the best places to eat in this part of Wales.

Explore Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is the mighty tourist hotspot for Wales and deserves its every visitor. This Pembrokeshire road trip spans two days, but in all honesty, you could spend two weeks here and not run out of things to do.

• Take a boat to Skomer Island and walk amid flocks of puffins as well as seals and peregrine falcons.
• A trip to Tenby is another highlight of travelling to Wales. This seaside down with pastel-pretty houses also has a reconstructed Tudor Merchant’s House to retrace steps into the past.
• The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path stretches for 186 miles along the clifftops of west Wales. The walking routes are simply spectacular, full of small coves, narrow pathways and invigorating sea views.
• Leap from the cliffs and go coasteering in the Preseli Hills.
• Read about more unusual things to do in Pembrokeshire here.

When it comes to where to stay in Pembrokeshire, you will be spoiled for choice. This is an area with so many options, from remote cottages to bustling seafront apartments. However, if you’re looking for a base that helps you to see a lot in a little time, then I’d recommend staying in Fishguard.   It’s a lovely corner of Wales.

Head North to Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay

It took me years to make it to Aberystwyth – and what a mistake that was. Wales is home to this university town which sits right on the seafront at the midpoint of the coast in west Wales. It’s also, if we’re being a little less cerebral, the place where a young Prince Charles visited in The Crown (and real life, of course) and the home for the police station in hit detective show Hinterland (if you haven’t watched it yet, dig it out, it makes for a fantastic introduction to the wild beauty of rural Wales!)

Half a day in Aberystwyth itself allows plenty of time to see the main highlights of the National Library of Wales and Constitution Hill and to have fish and chips on the promenade.

Surrounding Cardigan Bay also has plenty to keep you occupied and the West Wales Coast is just as pretty as the rest.

Itinerary ideas for this section include:

• Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort – while technically part of Pembrokeshire, I think it’s easier to plan for it in this section of your Welsh road trip itinerary. It’s a fabulous reconstructed iron age village with actors in costume to walk you through the past.
• The Devil’s Bridge Falls, a menacing yet captivating natural feat around 12 miles from Aberystwyth. It’s one of the spookiest sites in Wales.

And then it’s time to make your way on to the north.

Hit the Peaks of Snowdonia National Park

Now you enter the first part of your north Wales road trip.

Snowdonia is one of the most popular places to visit in north Wales. And it’s easy to see why. First, the stats.

Not only is Snowdonia the largest national park in Wales but it contains the largest lake and, for its star turn, the highest mountain in both England and Wales: Snowdon.

All that said, compared to other mountain ranges, Snowdon isn’t that high. It measures up to 1085 metres and can be climbed through a brisk walk in around 3 – 4 hours.

It’s a big old place and you wont’ have time to see it all in just two days. Here are the highlights:

• Snowdon Mountain Railway which travels up some of the steepest tracks in the world to reach the most popular part of the park.
• The picturesque village of Betws-y-coed, which means “temple in the wood.” It’s also the home to the postcard perfect but strangely named Ugly House.
• Climbing Mount Snowdon itself, of course, is a big draw for hikers. Several different routes take you to the summit on foot. Unlike most peaks, though, you can always take the train back down again…
• Finally, the views from those mountain roads also make it all worth it.

Head West to Anglesey or the Llyn Peninsula

For this stretch of your Wales road trip itinerary, you can either head northwest to Anglesey, the lighthouse strewn outpost where Prince William and Kate spent their early married years. Or take a left turn into Snowdon’s Arm, the Llyn Peninsula.

Either way, north west Wales in stunning.

Highlights of the Anglesey Option

• Getting that photo at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest place name in Britain. But not, quite, the world.
• The Menai Suspension Bridge, the largest in the world at the time of its construction in 1826. This carries visitors across to Anglesey, the biggest island in Wales.
• Llanddwyn beach. Anglesey has many beautiful beaches but this one makes the cut because of its soothing views across to the Snowdonia peaks.
• Cemaes – go for a brisk walk around the most northerly village in Wales.
• Visit the lighthouse at South Stack.

Highlights of the Llyn Option

Often described as the Cornwall of the past, this area of Wales offers sandy shores and fairly gentle coves without the celebrity buzz.

• Abersoch is one of the busier seaside villages, with cafes and bars along the sandy beach. It hosts the annual “Wakestock” festival for wakeboarding.
• Bardesey Island draws pilgrims to its wild coastline as the burial spot for more than 20 000 saints.
• Tre’r Ceiri means “town of the giants” and it refers to the remains of the Iron Age hillfort that still stands here, more or less. At 450 metres above sea level on the slopes of mount Yr Eifl, you’ll also be rewarded with sweeping and stunning views.

Stop in Llandudno, the Victorian Seaside Town

Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in Wales and is an area where you can, to an extent, travel back in time to a world of Punch & Judy shows, sandcastles and walks along the pier.

You can ride the cable car to the top of Great Orme to find views not only across the seaside strip, but also south towards Snowdonia. If you’re short on time, you can squeeze this down into a half day trip but if time is on your side, take the chance to relax and have a bit of fun as part of your Wales road trip itinerary.

Find UNESCO World Heritage in Llangollen with the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

For the final stretch of your Wales road trip itinerary, we’re going to turn inland and drive you through another Area of Natural Beauty to a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Llangollen.

This is the land of slow boat trips along canals, leafy walkways and a hulking great feat of engineering right in the middle of it all. Built in 1805, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen canal across the River Dee. But it’s the pedestrian walkway that earns its place as one of the best things to do in Wales. Not only is this the longest aqueduct in Britain but it’s the highest in the world, carrying iron, water, boats people 38 metres above the ground.

You can, quite literally, teeter along the edge either on foot or in a boat. Or, if you have an entirely reckless approach to heights and possibly your life, you can cycle. It’s a different taste of the history of Wales.

Other fun things to do in the area include visiting the charming grounds of Chirk Castle and the oldest Welsh bible in St Asaph’s Cathedral.

And then from here, you’ll head out of Wales, back to England to fly home. Or, well, be home, of course.

How to Arrange a Road Trip From London to Wales

A drive from London to Wales takes around two hours from west London to cross the border along the M4 if everything goes well. Allow extra time to cross London and watch out for rush hour traffic on the Severn bridge that leads into Wales. From London to Wales, you’ll also pass by some of England’s greatest hits.

If you haven’t seen these places then see if you can make room for them in your itinerary. You can easily take a detour and drive through some of the Cotswolds. Traffic in and out of the other three cities means you should avoid rush hour and leave a big chunk of your day to see each.

Find some more details for your trip back through the articles below:

• The Cotswolds – find a detailed itinerary for the Cotswolds here.
• Bristol – uncover art and science in the gritty but brilliant city of Bristol.

Itinerary Ideas for the Best Scenic Road Trips in Wales

To really see the best of Wales, these are the routes to follow, the best scenic drives in Wales.

Most of these routes are already baked in to this road trip itinerary through Wales. You would need to take a moderate detour from either the Brecons or Aberystwyth to reach the Abergwesyn Pass in mid Wales.

And just plan your route through the Brecon Beacons to include the A4609.

If you’re short on time, take a detour from Haverfordwest to Little Haven and then drive up to Solva through Druidston Haven for a taste of the truly spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline. It’s one of the most scenic road trips in the world.

• From Swansea to Rhossili Bay in the Gower peninsula along the coast
• The A4609 Black Mountain Pass through the Brecon Beacons
• From Tenby to St Davids in Pembrokeshire
• Pretty much anywhere through Snowdonia
• The Abergwesyn Pass (not on this Wales road trip itinerary)

Wales Road Trip FAQs

Here are some other handy things to know when you’re planning a road trip through Wales.

Do people in Wales speak Welsh?

Some do, some don’t. Most speak English. As a visitor, you will be fine in English but as ever, it helps if you can learn a few phrases.

Diolch – (dee – och as in loch) means thank you.

Bora da – hello.

Road signs are in both English and Welsh and you’ll find that many hotels and restaurants draw on Welsh names to provide a little more depth and character.

Is Welsh similar to English?

Nope. Not at all. Some of the place names might look a little intimidating if you’re not used to the Welsh language, so I’ve added in some (approximate!) pronunciation guides for some place names.

What currency do people use in Wales?

As part of the United Kingdom , Wales uses pounds sterling (GBP.) Although geographically part of Europe, the UK is no longer part of the EU and has never been part of the Euro. As an aside, this whole topic is one to avoid unless you’re ready for a prickly conversation!

Do people drive on the left or the right in Wa les?

As part of the United Kingdom, Wales drives on the left. Road signs in Wales are clear and easy to follow, although many roads are narrow and you may have to share the road with passing sheep. Seriously. Your time on the road may be unpredictable for this reason, particularly in rural areas, although main roads are of course fine.

And driving is certainly the easiest way to get across Wales; Wales really is made for road trippers. The only realistic alternative is to take a tour of Wales, like this xx

How long should you spend in Wales?

A one week trip in Wales will give you a good sense of the place but it’s a huge rush to try to to combine the south Wales road trip with Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. That’s why I recommend at least 12 – 14 days to see the whole country. Wherever you go, you’ll find stunning scenery and castles in Wales, so don’t stress too much if you can’t see it all.

Why not bookmark this suggested Wales road trip itinerary on Pinterest for later.

More About Exploring Wales

As you enjoy this road trip around Wales, why not check out…

• Unusual things to do in North Wales
• 21 Fun and  unusual things to do in Cardiff
• Cwtch:  a new way to hug from Wales
• Unusual things to do in Pembrokeshire , the land of coastal parks in Wales
• The best  things to do in Fishguard , Pembrokeshire

Looking to drive through both Scotland and Wales? Combine this Wales itinerary with this road trip through Scotland.

How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

We can help you plan a Wales road trip with everything from a full list of road trip essentials to the Ultimate Road Trip Planner for people who love freedom and hate spreadsheets. We have endless road trip ideas.

Stop worrying about parking charges and rules of the road and get ready for an epic road trip with a great road trip playlist instead. Adventure is waiting…get ready to hit the road!

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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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Complete Wales Road Trip Itinerary with Best Places to Stop

Wales is a tiny country, taking up about just as much space as the state of New Jersey. But for a small country, this part of the United Kingdom packs a big punch. And it isn’t the sort of place where you can fly in for a quick visit to the capital city of Cardiff before moving on to London and think you have “done” Wales. To be honest, Cardiff isn’t even the best part of Wales, it is more about the pretty villages and beautiful coastline. No, to experience Wales, you need to plan a Wales road trip.

This summer, my friends and I planned a girls’ trip to the United Kingdom, splitting our time between Scotland and Wales, with a quick stop in the Lakes District of England in between. While I was looking forward to returning to Edinburgh and taking our Scotland road trip , I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Wales. But sometimes, the best travel experiences come when you aren’t expecting them.

If you are looking for an underrated travel destination that offers history, natural scenery, quaint towns, and oodles of charm, consider planning a Wales road trip. Not only is Wales much less crowded than places like Scotland or Ireland, but it is also affordable. Plus it makes for a great summer destination to avoid the sweltering heatwaves in southern Europe.

Wales Road Trip Route

Your Wales road trip route will depend on how long you have to spend and your interests. However, to provide a perfect overview of the best the country has to offer — from castles to villages to coastal towns to national parks — I’ve created a round-trip route that starts in Cardiff and loops along the coast and back through the interior to finish up in Cardiff.

This is a little different than the route we took since we traveled from Scotland to start in North Wales and finish in Cardiff. Since Wales deserves its own trip, I’ve designed this to be a stand-alone road trip itinerary.

Wales road trip route:

Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Note: My accommodations in Wales and certain attractions were provided by Visit Wales. All opinions are my own.

I’ll walk you through a day-by-day Wales road trip itinerary that includes the best destinations to visit in Wales and many of the popular things to do in Wales too. This itinerary is designed for one week in Wales, but I’ve shown how to easily extend your stay in certain destinations to see and do more if you have the time.

This Wales road trip will cover:

• 2-3 nights in Cardiff
• 1-2 nights in Tenby
• 2 nights in St Davids
• 2-3 nights in Caernarfon or Conwy
• Return to Cardiff with an optional 1 night stay

Day 1: Arrival in Cardiff

On your arrival, the first place to go in Cardiff is to Cardiff Castle . Why not start your trip to Wales with one of the most famous of the country’s 641 castles? The history of Cardiff Castle goes back 2,000 years, as the original castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a third-century Roman fort that was established in the late 50s A.D.

The Castle was passed through many noble families until 1766, when it passed by marriage to the Bute family. By the 1860s, the 3rd Marquess of Bute was the richest man in the world due in large part to the family’s coal exporting business. He built a Victorian Gothic revival mansion on the site and today, you can add a tour of the house rooms to your entry ticket and it is well worth the additional fee to see the decadence and splendor of the mansion.

When you are done exploring the castle (or before depending on when you arrive), I’d suggest afternoon tea at Barkers Tea Rooms in the High Street Arcade. This sweet tea room offers indoor or “outdoor” (in the covered arcade) seating and a very nice presentation for high tea. If that is not to your liking, High Street is lined with restaurants, bars, and indoor arcades with plenty of dining options. The Potted Pig is a local favorite.

Where to Stay: Hilton Cardiff is very centrally located, right near the castle, and would make a good home base for exploring the city. Search below for other options:

Day 2: Cardiff & Surrounding Area

On your second day in Cardiff, you have two primary options. First, you can stay around Cardiff or you can take a day trip into Brecon Beacons National Park for some outdoor adventure. The first is perfect for families and the second is ideal for anyone that loves spending time in nature. If you would like to do both, plan on spending an extra night in Cardiff (if you have the extra time.)

St. Fagan’s National Museum of History , located just 15 minutes drive outside of the city center, is an open-air museum featuring refurbished buildings from all over Wales, representing different eras of history dating back to the iron age. Many of these buildings have costumed interpreters or daily presentations. It is easy to spend at least half of a day exploring here and you can either pack a picnic or purchase lunch at one of the cafes on site.

Back in town, Mermaid Quay is located in Cardiff Bay, just a short 15-minute waterbus or train ride or 30-minute walk from the city center. Designed to resemble places like Baltimore Inner Harbor, Mermaid Quay offers plenty to entertain everyone. There are shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. You can ride a giant Ferris wheel, visit the Techniquest Science Museum, or take a boat tour of Cardiff Bay.

Another option downtown is to visit the world-class National Museum Cardiff , which has an excellent exhibit of Impressionist paintings, or follow the Wales Coast Path past the Millennium Centre, a fantastic arts and cultural venue, the slate and glass Welsh Parliament Building, and the Principality Stadium with its sliding roof.

If you would rather get out in nature, Brecon Beacons National Park is only about one hour outside of Cardiff. This is a great spot for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even water sports. Since it is challenging to figure out what to do in such a big area in just one day, you may want to consider taking a guided hike to the six waterfalls of Brecon Beacons , or a guided hike up Pen y Fan , the highest point in Southern Britain. If you really love adventure, there is even a gorge walking adventure tour in the park (although you will have more chances to do coasteering later in the trip!)

Day 3: Drive to Tenby

It is less than a two-hour drive from Cardiff to Tenby, but there are many things that you can stop and do along the way. One is the National Botanical Gardens of Wales , which features extensive outdoor gardens and the largest single-span glasshouse in the world. There are 500 acres of Nature Preserve to explore, along with a walking trail featuring hand-carved sculptures of the Gruffalo characters, and the British Birds of Prey Centre. The Botanical Gardens are close to the highway and just require a small detour along your route.

Another, more scenic option, is to spend the day exploring the Gower Peninsula , home to the Gower Area of Outstanding Beauty, which just sounds like something out of The Princess Bride. Gower Peninsula is home to 10 nature reserves, 24 Wildlife Trust reserves, 32 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and five Special Areas of Conservation, so yeah, there is a lot to explore! On top of that, Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula has been voted among the top 10 beaches in the world.

The southern coast of the peninsula also consists of a series of beautiful, small, rocky, or sandy bays like Langland and Three Cliffs Bay. The north side is also famous for the cockle-beds and the Salt Marsh Lamb of Penclawdd. Three Cliffs Bay is a nice place to stop for a short hike. There is a 2.5-mile walk along open stretches of sandy beaches with great views of Three Cliffs Bay. You can walk underneath the cliffs through an archway. There are stepping stones to cross the river on the Penmaen side of the bay with views of Pennard Castle. 

Be sure to make your way to Tenby before sunset so that you can take some time exploring this colorful seaside town with its pastel-painted houses that just gleam in the sunlight. Tenby has been called the “Peoples Favourite Place” in Wales it’s not hard to see why. The town is wedged between two massive sandy beaches and it has a castle and medieval town walls.

The wide sand beaches stretch out even farther at low tide, when the boats in the harbor sit askew on the sand. Like most classic coastal towns, Tenby has a wide selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and even more ice cream shops. For dinner, check out Plantagenet House (which even has a chimney you can sit in), Billycan , or Tap and tan at Tenby Brewing Company .

Where to Stay: We were hosted at the Imperial Hotel, which had a great location but is in desperate need of a complete renovation. For something a bit more up-to-date, try the  Broadmead Boutique B&B , which is just a short walk outside of the downtown area. Search below for other options:

Additional Day in Tenby

If you have the time to take a full day in Tenby, this is a great spot to relax and enjoy the seaside. Those wide sand beaches have the best sand for building sand castles and at low tide, you can walk over to St. Catherine’s Island to explore Palmerston Fort. You can also take a day trip by boat to Caldey Island, located just off the coast. There are numerous boat tour options for seal-watching tours, rib boat rides, fishing charters, and sunset cruises.

Day 4: Drive to St Davids

It only takes an hour to drive from Tenby to St Davids, but there are so many beautiful stops to make along the way on the Pembrokeshire Coast. Alternatively, if you don’t feel like scenic walks, you can also stop in the town of Pembroke for a visit to Pembroke Castle . This castle is noteworthy because it is the birthplace of King Henry VII of England, the patriarch of the Tudor Dynasty that ruled until Queen Elizabeth I. There are great exhibits to visit and you can also take a walk along the castle walls, explore its many rooms, and climb the stairs to the Keep.

If you would prefer to visit sights along the coast, drive out to Stack Rocks Car Park and then walk over the cliffs along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Barafundle Bay, which was named by Conde Nast as one of the finest beaches in the world. 

For a longer walk, continue to St. Govans Chapel. The hike from Stackpole Quay to St. Govans Chapel is five miles with four long flights of steps (173 in total), passing by Lily Ponds, which are rock formations covered in seabirds, Barafundle Beach, and St Govan’s Chapel. This one-room building dates back eight to 14 centuries. The path hugs the cliffs and the rugged rock formations that line this section of the coast. You will also often see seals in the water in this area.

Harry Potter fans may want to also stop at Freshwater West Beach , where Shell Cottage was built for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Parts 1 and 2. Although the cottage was taken down after filming, you can still walk in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron to see the fictional burial spot of Dobby the House Elf. Dobby is “buried” in the sand dunes on the northern end of the beach a short walk from the top car park. Sometimes his grave is marked with a simple stone and a few socks.

Plan to arrive in St Davids by sunset, where you can enjoy a beautiful view overlooking the St Davids Cathedral in town or from the top of Carn Llidi near Whitesands Beach. For dinner in town, the best spot is St Davids Gin & Kitchen , but you may also want to check out the local pubs such as The Bishops.

Where to Stay: We were hosted at the  Twr Y Felin Hotel , located just a very short walk to town and the beach. This is a great option for those looking for a full-service hotel for a short stay. You may also consider a  vacation cottage  or find a local inn or bed and breakfast below:

Day 5: St Davids

St Davids is the smallest town in Britain, with only 1,800 full-time residents. But just like Wales, while St Davids is small, it is very charming and is a great home base for exploring the gorgeous Pembrokeshire coast. St. Davids is most well-known for being the birthplace of St David, the patron saint of Wales. It is here that you will find the St Davids Cathedral , which is an architectural stunner and a complete surprise in a small town. The Cathedral continues to have religious significance, but centuries ago it was an important pilgrimage site, as two pilgrimages to St Davids were equal to one to Rome.

It would be easy to spend a full week in St Davids and spend your days enjoying the beaches and parts of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path , which is part of the longer Wales Coastal Path. Even with just one day in town, there are two sections of the path that you shouldn’t miss. The first starts above Caerfai Beach, where you can join the path at the Caerfai campsite, which is just a short walk from the town center. From there, head east along the path to Porthclais Harbor. This section takes about 45 minutes and follows the cliff line around Caerfai Bay and St. Non’s Bay.

The trail also takes you past the remains of St. Non’s Chapel and Well. St. Non was the mother of St. David. The route finishes up in the charming harbor of Porthclais and from there, it is a short walk back into town.

Another excellent walk in this area is from Porthgain to Abereiddy , just a short drive outside of town. You can either have lunch first at either The Sloop or The Shed in Porthgain, or start in Abereiddy and have lunch in Porthgain before the return walk to Abereiddy as this is an out-and-back trip. This walk also takes about 45 minutes to one hour in each direction (depending on how many times you stop to take photos — which, trust me, will be a lot!)

Along the way you will see the beautiful rolling cliffs, dramatic rocks, and beautiful beaches. Both of these walks are relatively easy, with just a couple of steep sections. I’d still recommend wearing sneakers or hiking shoes/boots as the loose gravel on some of the paths can be a bit slippery.

Near Abereiddy Beach, you will find the Blue Lagoon . Not quite as famous as its namesake in Iceland, this Blue Lagoon is a swimming hole made from an abandoned slate quarry, which often has gorgeous blue-green hues in the sunlight. Locals love to jump off of the rocky cliffs into the lagoon and you will also see tour groups coasteering here and along the coast. If you like adventure, there are several coasteering and sea kayaking companies that offer tours in St Davids. Personally, jumping off of cliffs into the sea seems like one of the more terrifying things to do but others love it.

If you like to get out on the water but not in the water, Voyages of Discovery offers boat tours to Ramsey Island or Skomer Island (where you can see puffins in season). On these boat tours, you can often spy Atlantic grey seals, harbor porpoises, and many varieties of seabirds.

It is hard to visit St Davids and not be left wanting more. I’m already thinking about a future walking trip back to the Pembrokeshire Coast!

Day 6: Drive to Caernarfon or Conwy

From St Davids, it is a four-hour drive to Caernarfon on the North Wales Coast and you will drive through many beautiful coastal towns along the way. It is only another 30 minutes from Caernarfon to Conwy, but if you have time I’d highly suggest adding a day in Northern Wales because there is so much to see and do. If you are looking for a stop along the way, the towns of New Quay and Aberystwyth are both cute towns with plenty of places to eat.

Another option closer to Caernarfon is the touristy town of Portmeirion.   Portmeirion was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis to showcase various forms of architecture and demonstrate how a beautiful place could be enhanced by buildings. It is a bit of a tourist attraction, as you need to pay for a day pass to access the town and walk around the shops and gardens. There are a few restaurants on-site as well. See this full guide to visiting Portmeirion.

I liked Caernarfon better because of its cheerful shopping streets and colorful Caernarfon Harbor. But most of all, I loved the Caernarfon Castle. The Castle is a medieval fortress that was built by Edward I in the 13th century and is one of the better castles to visit in Wales. It is set on the banks of the River Seiont and you can get great views of the castle from just across the river.

In Caernarfon, you can also visit Bar Bach, which is the smallest bar in Wales, if you enjoy visiting those “smallest” or “largest” types of attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cute shopping streets in Caernarfon as well. For great views of the town, take a boat tour with  Menai Strait Cruises  for views of the Caernarfon Castle, the Snowdonia mountain range, and the Isle of Anglesey.

Ideally, I would suggest that you spend one night in Caernarfon and one night in Conwy, if you don’t mind moving around a bit. It will save you a bit of driving but the towns are only about 30 minutes apart so it is ok if you would rather just stick to one spot.

Where to Stay: Plas Dinas Country House  and its Gunroom Restaurant have both received numerous awards. Find other options below:

Day 7: Conwy

While it is only a 30 minute drive from Caernarfon to Conwy, you will want to take a large part of your day to explore either Snowdonia National Park or Anglesey Island. Located off the northwest corner of Wales, Anglesey Island is a historic and beautiful spot to visit with plenty to see and explore. Two spots I wouldn’t miss would be a quick stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Yes that is the town with the longest name in the United Kingdom. It used to be shorter but was changed to attract more train travelers and it has worked. You can stop by the train station for a photo opportunity and a wander through the shop there. If you are wondering what it translates to, it means “Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio of the red cave.”

The next spot to visit is Llanddwyn Island. Llanddwyn Beach is popular with kite surfers, so as you can imagine, it is quite windy, but this wide and long sand beach is also beautiful. From there, you can walk out to Llanddwyn Island. Note that I said ISLAND. When we visited we thought it was a peninsula and didn’t pay attention to the tides. Luckily we left when we did and only had to wade through knee deep water to get back to the mainland but the tide was coming in fast and many people were still on the island. If you want to walk out to the tip and see the lighthouse and Celtic cross, you need to pay attention to the tide tables (which are not well signed.)

The island is truly picturesque and also home to a ruined church which was once home to Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers from the 5th century A.D. It is easy to spend at least half a day in this area (pack a picnic!) However, if you want to take a full day on Anglesey Island, you can also visit Beaumaris Castle, which was the last great castle built, but never completed, under Edward I in the 13th century. Also, if you don’t mind heights and a bit of a hike, the South Stack Lighthouse can be reached using 400 steps in the cliffside and a bridge high above the roaring waves. Once there, you can get epic views and do some bird watching, as this area is home to colonies of guillemots and razorbills, and sometimes puffins.

While there is plenty to do in Anglesey or Snowdonia, be sure to leave time to walk around the cute town of Conwy. Conwy is home to another 13th century castle built by King Edward I. Conwy Castle is very well preserved for a 700+ year old castle, and contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. In addition to touring the castle, you can also walk along the medieval walls for the city for views of the castle and the harbor.

The town itself is charming, with boutiques, a handful of restaurants, and more than its share of bakeries specializing in giant merengues. Another not-to-be-missed place to see in Conwy is the smallest house in Great Britain .

Where to Stay:  We were hosted at The Erskine Arms , which has a fabulous location right in town. This small inn offers nicely appointed rooms and a great restaurant and bar. The only drawback is that there isn’t a lift so either request a lower floor room or pack light! Find more places to stay in Conwy:

Additional Day in Caernarfon or Conwy

If you have an additional day or two, I’d highly recommend spending some time in Snowdonia National Park. The park is home to over 100 lakes, nine mountain ranges, nearly 1,500 miles of trails, and Wales’ tallest mountain, Mount Snowdon. The park is popular with hikers and rock climbers. If you just have one day, I’d suggest pre-booking tickets to ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Mount Snowdon. Just keep in mind that tickets sell out about one week or more in advance during the summer season.

Snowdonia is a perfect spot for adventurers, with hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, wild swimming, paddle boarding, and zip lining. At Zip World, you will find the fastest zip line in the world, where you can soar over Penrhyn Quarry at speeds of up to and over 100 mph. Another heart-pounding option is gorge walking, which really is more climbing, scrambling, jumping, swimming, and wading through gorges on a fun adventure.

If you just want to drive through the park, be sure to stop in the cute villages of Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed for food and bathroom breaks, as you won’t find many facilities elsewhere. There also aren’t many scenic pull offs throughout the park, so you may want to plan ahead if you want to take any hikes to get out and enjoy the park.

Day 8: Return to Cardiff

On your final day of your Wales road trip, it is time to head back to Cardiff, unless you choose to depart from Manchester Airport instead. The drive takes about 4.5 hours, but I’d recommend making a stop about three hours in at Hay-on-Wye. Now Hay-on-Wye bills itself as the World’s First Book Town. This is a must visit for any bibliophile. There are over 20 bookstores in this cute little town, specializing in all sorts of books from new releases, second-hand, specific genres, children’s books, and more.

If you need a place to eat, the Cosy Cafe in Hay-on-Wye offers a great selection of crepes, salads, sandwiches, and sweets.

Once you arrive in Cardiff, you can plan a late departure or stay one more night before departing Wales. If you don’t have this much time, you can adjust this itinerary to meet your interests and time available. But whatever you do, don’t overlook Wales!

Getting to Wales

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It makes sense to start and end in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, as it is the easiest city to get to from international destinations. Cardiff Airport offers daily direct flights from many European cities in the summer, including Paris, Amsterdam, Belfast, Dublin, and Edinburgh, as well as flights from eight other countries.

From the United States, it is possible to get a connecting flight through one of these cities, such as through Dublin on Aer Lingus. However, one of the easiest and most affordable ways may be to fly into London Heathrow and take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. From there, it is only about two hours by train to the Cardiff Central train station and there are over two dozen train options per day. Alternatively, you can also fly into Manchester Airport and start this road trip in North Wales (Conwy) instead.

I subscribe to Going to get alerts about flight deals and you can set your destination cities to London or Cardiff.

Once you have arrived in Wales, you are going to need to rent a car. I’d recommend getting one as small as will fit your luggage to make it easier to manage some of the narrow roads and spending a bit extra for an automatic transmission (unless you are very comfortable driving stick!) Just remember, in Wales they drive on the left! I use AutoEurope to search for the best car rental rates.

How Long Should you Spend in Wales?

Before visiting, I figured you could “do” Wales in just a couple of days. However, after spending a week in Wales and not fitting in everything that I wanted to do, I would recommend that you plan on at least a week to 10 days on a Wales road trip. I’ve created the Wales road trip itinerary below based on a one week trip, but have provided options for up to 10 days if you can stay longer and want to spend more time adventuring.

When is the Best Time to Plan a Wales Road Trip?

Summer is high season in Wales, but that hardly means anything when you think about the typical crowds in Europe’s more popular tourist destinations. It is still the ideal time to plan a Wales road trip, as you will find more restaurants and lodging open. Just keep in mind that while there aren’t throngs of people, there also aren’t the same number of hotel rooms to accommodate crowds. You should plan to make your hotel reservations two or months in advance to find the best availability. Also, make dinner reservations in advance since many towns, outside of Cardiff, have only a handful of options to choose from.

Shoulders seasons from March to May or September through November can also be a nice time to visit Wales, but you may find more limited availability and weather will be more likely to make an impact on your plans.

Tips for Planning a Wales Road Trip

• Remember that in Wales, they drive on the left. Make sure you have a driver that is comfortable driving on the left side of the road.
• Rent a car that is the smallest you can manage that will still fit your luggage. Keep in mind that car rental companies show how many suitcases will fit but they often refer to carry-on size bags or just slightly larger.
• Splurge for an automatic unless you are comfortable driving stick (keep in mind that the gear shift will be on the opposite side that you are used to.)
• Road signs in Wales are bilingual, featuring both Welsh and English. Don’t even try to read the Welsh!
• Roads can be quite narrow and at times, reduce down to a one-way track. Keep an eye out for oncoming cars and use the designated pullouts to make room for two-way traffic. Overall, the roads are a bit easier to navigate than in Scotland or Ireland.
• Make your hotel reservations at least two months in advance as inventory can get quite limited.
• Keep in mind that many inns and bed and breakfasts do not have a lift and some will not have air conditioning. It helps to pack light and plan ahead.
• Make dinner reservations in advance when staying in small towns, as there are very few restaurants available. This is especially true when visiting early in the week when many establishments may be closed.
• Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards and can take contactless payments. That said, it still helps to carry a small amount of local currency (British pounds).
• When getting gas, you will usually need to pump your gas first and then pay inside. Just note your pump number when you go inside to pay.
• Car parks typically charge for parking and you can either pay at a machine using a credit card or use a parking app. Take a picture of your plate number because you will either need to enter your plate number or put the ticket receipt in your window to show you have paid.
• Parking tickets are costly so don’t skip this step!
• Wales also uses speed cameras so watch your speed, especially when driving through small towns. Not only will you get a ticket in the mail, but you will also get a fee charged from your car rental company.

Fun Facts about Wales

• Wales has 641 castles, making it the “Castle Capital of the World.” Some notable ones include Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, and Cardiff Castle.
• The Wales Coastal Path spans 870 miles of Welsh coastline.
• Wales is one of a few countries in the world to have a continuous coastal path stretching it’s entire length.
• Wales has more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK.
• The Welsh language, known as “Cymraeg,” is one of the oldest languages in Europe and the government has instituted programs to ensure children learn Welsh to keep the language alive.
• The red dragon, which features on the Welsh flag, has been a symbol of Wales for centuries, symbolizing strength and bravery.
• Cardiff is the youngest capital city in Europe. It became the official capital only in 1955.
• The Welsh are famous for their love of singing. Eisteddfodau, traditional music and poetry festivals, are held regularly throughout the country.
• St. David’s Day, celebrated on March 1st, is the national day of Wales, honoring the patron saint of Wales, Saint David.
• Wales has a strong association with the legend of King Arthur. It is believed that Arthur’s legendary sword, Excalibur, was forged in a Welsh lake.

Visiting the United Kingdom? Read more:

• 2 Days in Edinburgh itinerary
• Scotland road trip itinerary
• Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path across England
• Prettiest villages in Wales

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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A legendary South Wales road trip itinerary

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2020

South Wales was where I spend my first holidays – long beach days of sandcastle-building, rock-pooling and ice-cream eating. But this part of Wales isn’t just about the beautiful beaches, it’s got plenty of historical, cultural and literary sights to explore well as some fantastic foodie spots, individual, locally owned gems taking advantage of the delicious seasonal produce on their doorstep. So as part of South West Wales’ Year of Legends, I set out on a South Wales road trip for a long weekend of castles, beaches, gardens, shopping, eating and drinking.

Read more: Snowdonia road trip – is this Wales’ most scenic drive?

Shells on the beach in Llansteffan

South Wales road trip route

How long do you need for this South Wales road trip? We spread it over three days and two nights (one night in Laugharne and one in Llansteffan). But you could also squeeze it into two days or take a more leisurely pace and do it over four. Another option is to base yourself in one location for a week and combine day trips out with a few lazy days on the beach.

Margam Country Park

After travelling west from Cardiff (30 miles), the first stop on my South Wales road trip was Margam Country Park near Port Talbot. This historic estate stretches over 850 acres and is a lovely open green space with lots of walking and cycling routes. But there are also some of the estate’s historic buildings still standing, like the orangery and 12th-century abbey.

We took a tour around Margam Castle to find out more about the building’s history. This 19th-century Tudor Gothic mansion was built for the Talbot family. Outside it looks pretty well preserved – I could almost picture its Victorian residents parading around the gardens in their finery – but inside most of the interiors were gutted in a fire in the 1970s.

Now it has an eerie deserted feel with big echoing rooms, crumbling towers and an impressive sweeping staircase at the centre. Its emptiness has made it the perfect blank canvas for film shoots. Though as it’s a listed building, everything that’s added has to be taken away at the end of each shoot as it’s returned to its original ruined state. But fans of Doctor Who , Da Vinci’s Demons (or TV spook hunters Most Haunted !) might recognise it from on screen.

Margam Castle

From Margam we travelled 30 miles further west to the Gower. This peninsula was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 60 years ago, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Swansea but feels like a different world, swapping the city suburbs for wild moorland, dramatic cliffs and miles and miles of sandy beaches.

Most famous of the beaches is the three-mile-long Rhossili Bay, which has been voted one of the UK’s best beaches, but there’s also Three Cliffs Bay with its ruined castle and over 20 other beaches. If you want to get adventurous you can try surfing, coasteering, climbing or abseiling. But we stuck to a more sedate – but stunning – walk along a stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

The Gower Peninsula

Our next stop was the coastal town of Laugharne, 54 miles away in Carmarthenshire. It’s on the Taf Estuary with a ruined medieval castle and a big, wide open bay stretching as far as you can see. But a former resident is Laugharne biggest claim to fame. It’s where legendary Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas found inspiration for some of his most famous works.

Thomas described Laugharne as a ‘timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town’ (or ‘the strangest town in Wales’ if you’d rather) and it was the real-life setting for his book Under Milk Wood . He fell in love with the town when he was just 19, and it’s where he spent his final days – he’s buried under a simple cross in the churchyard of St Martin’s Church in the town.

The boathouse Thomas and his family lived in is now a museum about his life and work. Some rooms have been left as they would’ve been in the 1950s and others display his manuscripts and letters. But his real sanctuary was a writing shed on the cliff above the house, a tiny place with an imposing position looking over the bay. Peer through the window and you can see cigarette butts and piles of paper, making it seem almost like he’s just popped out for a minute.

You can visit the locations which inspired him on the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, which traces his Poem in October line by line along a two-mile stretch of the coast. Or take a pilgrimage of another kind and raise a glass in his favourite pub, the 1950s-style Brown’s Hotel .

Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse

Saundersfoot

Next we followed the coast road to Saundersfoot (13 miles) past Pendine Sands, a beach so wide and flat it was used to set the World Land Speed Record back in the 1920s. The Pembrokeshire seaside resort of Saundersfoot was the base for years worth of family holidays when I was young, so arriving back in the town brought back all kinds of memories.

There was the street where my favourite fudge shop was, the tunnels through the cliffs to get to the quietest patch of beach with the best rockpools, and the massive hill we had to climb to our holiday cottage. Saundersfoot’s vast stretch of sand is just perfect for a good old-fashioned seaside day trip of sandcastles, sticks of rock and long walks along the beach.

Seaside days in Saundersfoot

North of Saundersfoot (8 miles), Narberth is a pretty market town with pastel-coloured Edwardian and Georgian buildings lining its streets. It’s got old-fashioned charm in buckletloads, and is also an unexpected shopping hotspot, with a great set of independent shop – antique emporiums, art galleries, boutique interior design, delis, clothes, jewellery and gift shops. 

It’s a good place to wander around, browse and see what catches your eye. Narberth’s also home to one of the cutest town halls imaginable and, being Wales, of course there’s a ruined medieval castle to explore in there too. There isn’t much left of Narbeth Castle but it’s home to fascinating myths and legends going back to 12th-century Welsh folk tales called the Mabinogi .

Narbeth’s pretty streets

Llanarthney

From Narbeth we headed east to Llanarthney and one of South Wales’ most impressive gardens, the National Botanic Garden of Wales (29 miles). The gardens cover 570 acres with a mix of meadows, lakes and gardens. There’s an arboretum, traditional apothecary’s garden, Japanese gardens and eco education exhibits. But the centrepiece of the site is its giant glasshouse – the largest of its kind in the world – bringing the Mediterranean to South Wales.

You can walk across bridges past lakes and waterfalls, through trees from South Africa and past flowers from Australia, all without going outside (making it a great place to visit on a wet day). But my favourite spot had to be the butterfly house, a sub-tropical rainforest oasis with colourful butterflies drifting through the air and a hatchery where you can see newborn butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and spread their wings for the first time.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales

Our final stop took us 10 miles further east of the Botanic Gardens to Llandeilo, another of Wales’ picturesque market towns, this time on the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons. Llandeilo is known for its impressive setting, with brightly painted houses lined up alongside Wales’ biggest single arch bridge. But as we arrived the rain started poring down so there was more dashing for cover between its shops than exploring the outdoors.

Llandeilo is another place with lots of independent shops and restaurants, including Ginhaus Deli – a café-come-deli that’s a must-visit for gin lovers with over 240 different varieties. There’s also a good range of boutique clothes, craft, antique and interiors shops to browse. From Llandeilo we finished our South Wales road trip by heading back to Cardiff, but if you’ve got more time you could carry on east to explore the Brecon Beacons or Wye Valley .

Gin heaven at Ginhaus

Where to stay

Mansion house hotel, llansteffan.

Mansion House is tucked away among five acres of gardens on the top of a hillside overlooking Carmarthen Bay, and would be a great spot for a romantic break. The original Georgian mansion has been lovingly restored by owners Wendy and David, who’ve retained lots of its period charm. The main house holds most of the bedrooms as well as the bar and Moryd Restaurant, with a couple of extra rooms in a modern annexe. Rooms from £115 a night B&B.

Mansion House Hotel

St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot

For a seaside hotel with a touch of luxury, the St Brides Hotel and Spa sits on a headland overlooking Saundersfoot’s harbour and beach. Inside it’s light and airy, with big windows to make the most of the views and a few nautical-inspired decorative touches. There’s a bar and restaurant and an award-winning spa, with a wow-factor outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool where you can watch the boats come in as you soak. Rooms from £185 a night B&B.

St Brides Spa Hotel

Holiday rentals in Laugharne

Although there aren’t many hotels in Laugharne, there’s a good selection of rental properties. These include the historic Great House which sleeps 10 with four-poster beds and roll-top baths, and has its own heated pool in summer and a wood burner for winter nights. Or you can rent Dylan Thomas’ former home Seaview , where he lived before moving to the Boathouse, a Grade II listed property which sleeps nine in five bedrooms and has a courtyard garden.

Where to eat

Cefn Bryn is the highest point in the Gower, and on a clear day you can see the coast and beyond to the Bristol Channel and Brecon Beacons. But if the weather’s not so good, you can hole up next to a roaring log fire in the King Arthur Hotel in nearby Reynoldston instead.

The cosy dining room at this historic pub was just what we needed to warm up on a blustery day, with a glass of local Gower gin and the prettiest pumpkin risotto I’ve ever seen, decorated with colourful edible flowers. And we weren’t the only ones, the place was packed with windswept walkers, tucking into classic pub dishes and eyeing up my coveted spot by the fire.

Warming up in the King Arthur

The quirky Cors is one of those places you need to be tipped off about, set in a country house down a long driveway. It feels more dinner party than restaurant, with lots of local regulars and owner, chef and former artist Nick chatting as we gathered in the lounge for drinks.

The handwritten menu is small but packed with local produce, from saltmarsh lamb to the intriguing smoked haddock crème brulée and my tasty monkfish with local samphire and Bloody Mary sauce. Tables are spread through the ground floor dining room, lit by candles with abstract artworks on the walls. It’s a relaxed place where you can easily go in for dinner and come out several hours (and several glasses of wine) later, wondering where the time went.

Dinner at The Cors

Coast Restaurant is a new addition to Saundersfoot’s seafront since my childhood holiday days, but has a fantastic location right on the edge of Coppett Hall Beach. It’s ultra-modern with a big outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the sea air and the views of the beach.

As you’d expect the menu is heavily focused on seafood, with fish straight from Saundersfoot Harbour plus a few more unusual options like cuttlefish. It’s open for lunch (from Wednesday–Sunday during autumn and winter) and dinner, and if you don’t manage to time it right then there’s a café downstairs in the same building where you can get drinks and snacks.

Coast restaurant

Right in the centre of Narbeth, PlumVanilla Café is a tiny, bustling place that was packed full when we visited. The café is run by the brilliantly named sisters Plum and Vanilla Harrison, who’ve created a bright and colourful, boho-style café with a menu that features some surprisingly exotic dishes like Thai curries and Moroccan tagines.

There’s a good selection of veggie and vegan options available too, with colourful salads, healthy juices and not-so-healthy but delicious cakes. I went for a bacon, roast potato and blue cheese salad which tempted me to abandon my usual soups despite the chilly autumn weather.

Lunch at Plum Vanilla

Wright’s Food Emporium is just a few miles from the Botanic Gardens. From the outside it looks like a traditional roadside inn, and that’s what it was for two centuries. But it’s had a modern makeover and is now more bistro than pub, with light airy rooms and bright modern décor.

One one side there’s a deli where you can pick up local produce or refill your bottles of wine. And on the other there’s a café which serves breakfasts and lunch dishes like sandwiches, salads and quiches. We tucked into tasty Welsh rarebit and a warming pumpkin soup – and made sure to leave room for a giant slice of homemade coffee and walnut cake.

Wright’s Food Emporium

When it’s grey and rainy, what do you need? A big dose of hot chocolate and cake of course, and we found the perfect spot for it at Heavenly Chocolates in Llandeilo. The shop is a treasure trove of chocolatey goodness, packed with their own delicious handmade creations.

The interiors are cosy and colourful, with bright fabrics and vintage lampshades – the sort of place to cheer you up however bad the weather is outside (though I left their famous ice cream for another trip). I went for a gluten-free chocolate macron heart with chocolate filling but there were lots of tasty options, and some seriously impressive wedding cakes on display.

Just Heavenly

Read more Wales posts

Many thanks to Carmarthenshire , Neath Port Talbot , Swansea and Pembrokeshire for hosting me on my South Wales road trip. All views and opinions are, as always, my own. This article contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thanks.

Wednesday 4th of August 2021

Hey Lucy, That's a great read. We are planning a trip to south wales and would love to explore these wonderful destinations. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!! Looking forward to reading more of these awesome blogs.

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 6th of September 2021

Thanks so much, great to hear it was useful!

Wednesday 5th of May 2021

Lovely post, but isn't this more West Wales/South West Wales - South Wales is mostly Newport/Cardiff/Barry area right?

Monday 10th of May 2021

I'm not sure there's an official definition – Wikipedia says "South Wales is a loosely defined region of Wales bordered by England to the east and mid Wales to the north" so I've gone with that but definitely open to interpretation!

Uncia Trails

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

Hey Lucy, can you tell me the best hotel in south wales for honeymoon?

Monday 28th of September 2020

Either the Mansion House Hotel in Llansteffan or St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot would be good for a honeymoon – Penally Abbey in Tenby is supposed to be lovely too.

Louise Jones

Thursday 26th of September 2019

Ah I loved reading your post on SWW. I used to live there, only for 9 years and I met my husband there, he grew up in Laugharne and we have some beautiful memories of that area. But you're right it does rain a lot!

Ah glad to bring back some good memories! I grew up near the Welsh border and I swear the weather would change as soon as we crossed over!

Twinkle Garg

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!….. I’ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Thanks so much!

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Ultimate South Wales Road Trip Itinerary (2023)

Looking to experience a South Wales road trip? Then make sure to use this guide to help you plan the ultimate Wales road trip itinerary so that you and your companions can have a holiday of a lifetime!

Wales is small, but mighty in what it can deliver. There are more castles per square mile than in any other European country, and there are many Blue Flag beaches , some of which are known for being the best in the world. Several twee villages have magnificent cathedrals , independent restaurants , and centuries of myths and legends . Connecting these places together are miles of zigzagging roads, passing undulating fields, craggy headlands and soaring mountains and valleys .  

My favourite region to take a road trip in is South Wales . The scenic roads of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion are some of the finest in the country and are also known as Celtic Routes , which you can follow to find your own “Celtic Spirit” . Along the way, the irresistible appeal of nature couples with history, whether at a glacial lake sitting at an altitude of 510 metres or facing a statue of the ‘Welsh Braveheart’.

I embarked on a ten-day road trip, but depending on timings, you can do this South Wales road trip route in 2-3 days. Or, if you’ve got time, head to North Wales to discover a Welsh-Italian village that looks plucked out of a fairy tale book. And, if you needed another reason to take a Wales road trip, then how about the fact that Wales is one of the cheapest countries to visit in the UK .

I personally started in Llandovery , a historic market town, before heading toward Llandeilo, Laugharne and further afield to Pembrokeshire , where I found St Davids – Britain’s smallest city . I finished in Ceredigion , marvelling at waterfalls and magnificent abbeys!

Wales Road Trip Map

This South Wales road trip route is ideal for hardcore adventurers and travellers looking for a slow-paced holiday . You’ll have plenty of time to explore the Welsh countryside and have the option to add or deduct stops along the way .

If it’s easier for you, there’s an option to start in Cardiff, Brecon, or Hay-on-Wye !

A ten-Day South Wales Road Trip Route

Day one: llandovery – llyn y fan fach.

Start your road trip in Llandovery , a small market town close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the astounding Cambrian Mountains , and tricking around its centre is the River Tywi . While Llandovery might seem like any other Welsh country town, it is rich in history and culture, with links to the historic Drovers Route and a ‘Welsh Braveheart’ .

You’ll find this Braveheart – a 16-foot-high stainless-steel statue – of Llywelyn ap Gruffyd Fychan at Llandovery Castle . This fortress (only the crumbling twin-towered gatehouse survives) was where King Henry IV ordered the disembowelment and dismemberment of Llywelyn’s body. This was a punishment believed to fit Llywelyn’s crime of supporting Owain Glyndŵr’s guerrilla war against the English king.

Pick up a snack at one of the bakeries or head to the West End Café for a hearty lunch. Then check into The Castle Hotel . I would recommend spending only a few hours in Llandovery before detouring to Llyn y Fan Fach (“little lake near the peak”), which is about a 30-minute drive away.

From the Llyn y Fan Fach car park ( SA19 9UN ), it’s a moderate four-mile wal k to the lake, which sits at an altitude of 1,600 feet in the Fforest Fawr Geopark. This park has over 480 million years of history buried within its landscape, including a large Bronze Age round burrow crowning the Picws Du summit . This summit sits directly behind the lake, and you can reach it by walking the path to the water’s right.

What makes Llyn y Fan Fach special is that it’s supposed to house the mythical Lady of the Lake, who dwells beneath the water’s surface. She is meant to have married a local farmer, but after he hit her three times, she returned to her watery home, leaving behind three sons. These sons became the renowned royal Physicians of Myddfai . 

DAY TWO & THREE: LLANDEILO – CARREG CENNEN CASTLE – LLANARTHNE

Your South Wales road trip will take you from Llandovery to the “Balamory” town of Llandeilo , known for its pastel-coloured houses. Spend a couple of days here  as Llandeilo was once the ancient Kingdom of Deheubarth,  whose princes formed the Wales we know today, meaning there is a lot to see! Its charming hilltop location makes it ideal for a UK staycation , and the Cawdor Hotel – excellent for fine dining – will do just the trick with its cosy bedrooms. Make sure to pop into Heavenly Chocolate Emporium , which is a chocoholic’s paradise, as it has chocolate boxes wrapped with cute red bows!

Next up is Dinefwr Estate, home to Newton House , an ancient deer park and Dinefwr Castle : the main court of the Deheubarth princes, especially Wales’s beloved Lord Rhys. Newton House is the most haunted property in the National Trust’s care, and it has one of the couches featured in the Downton Abbey TV series! The castle is the first of three Deheubarth strongholds within 10 miles of each other.

Dryslwyn Castle , visible from Dinefwr’s battlements, is the second fortress and best example of a Welsh masonry castle. It takes only 14 minutes to drive to Dryswlyn from Dinefwr. Then circle back to Carreg Cennen Castle , which is the third Deheubarth fortress and is associated with a prince sleeping in the castle’s cave .

On the third day, pop to Llanarthne, which is only 10 minutes from Llandeilo. Here you’ll find St David’s Church, which is a Grade-II-listed building with medieval origins, Paxton’s Tower, and Wright’s Food Emporium . Wright’s is famous in this part of Wales, and their pork belly Cubano is a musty try!

End the day by visiting the National Botanic Garden of Wales , which is one of the best things to do in Wales – and that’s a fact! It recently reopened following a five-year, £7-million redevelopment project. Its Waun Las National Nature Reserve is a must-visit as it has several walking routes, some of which take you through woodlands, meadows, and past Regency lakes !

DAY FOUR: CARMARTHEN – KIDWELLY

On the fourth day of your South Wales road trip, delve deeper into Carmarthenshire, passing Carmarthen – the county’s ancient capital – where you should stop at The Warren . This is by far one of the best places to eat in Carmarthen, as its low-carbon beef burger is an excellent example of the county’s cuisine. Or slightly further afield is Jabajak Vineyard and Restaurant , which grows a special kind of cold climate grapes and has ties to President John Adams and THE White House in Washington .

From here, venture to Kidwelly to see Kidwelly Castle , whose medieval foundations you might recognise from the first scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail . To locals, this is where Wales’s only warrior princess led an assault against a Norman army! Unfortunately, Gwenllian was captured and beheaded, but you can visit her monument near Kidwelly’s gatehouse.

After a day of exploring, Kidwelly Farm Cottages is a great base for the evening!

DAY FIVE: LAUGHARNE

Day five must be dedicated to Laugharne , which is one of the cutest villages in Wales, with the River Taf flowing past the 900-year-old Laugharne Castle  directly into Carmarthen Bay . It was dubbed “the strangest town in Wales” by our beloved poet Dylan Thomas who lived and worked here.

The castle is one of the finest examples of a 1 6 th -century Elizabethan manor house , and it has the UK’s best 19 th -century ornamental garden !

The town is arguably still consumed by Dylan’s everlasting presence as several of his homes remain intact, including the Boathouse , writing shed and Brown’s Hotel . The latter was Dylan’s favourite watering hole; he often gave the hotel’s phone number as his own. Today the hotel’s restaurant , Dexter’s , serves some great beef burgers and has some wonderfully cosy rooms.

Make sure to walk the coastal “ Dylan Birthday Walk ”, which follows the route the poet took on his birthday. He immortalised this walk in his ‘Poem in October’. It’s an easy two-mile walk and will finish at Sir John’s Hill , which has some incredible views of Carmarthenshire’s countryside.

DAY SIX: ST GOVAN’S CHAPEL – ST DAVIDS

Now that you’re halfway through this South Wales road trip, it’s time to leave Carmarthenshire and venture into Pembrokeshire , travelling along the serpentine coastline.

The first stop in this county is St Govan’s Chapel , a small religious building that defies logic. The building is built into the rocky Pembrokeshire coastline at Castlemartin Range which makes the chapel look like the rock’s extended limb. As the legend goes, a 5 th or 6th-century saint by the name of Govan was seeking refuge from a band of pirates when the cliff above him miraculously opened, providing a place of refuge. This is the chapel we see today.

The ’bell rock’ at the top of the church is reputed to have been rung by Govan when the pirates returned, warning locals to find safety! You can also see a holy well!

A little over an hour away is St Davids – Britain’s smallest city and Wales’s first bee-friendly city . Now there’s a lot to do here – in fact, you could spend an entire weekend or week in St Davids. But for this South Wales road trip, I’d recommend seeing the highlights, which include the gold-and-purple-hued St David’s Cathedral , which is named after Wales’s patron saint and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In the 12 th century, Pope Callixtus II declared two pilgrimages to St David’s were equal to one to Rome, while three were equivalent to one pilgrimage to Jerusalem! St Non’s Chapel and The Bishop’s Palace are also must-sees!

If you’ve got time, visit The Bug Farm and Grub Kitchen – the only full-time edible insect and bug restaurant in the UK ! This will make your South Wales road trip a UK staycation like no other, as will a night spent in Twr y Felin Hotel . The latter is a former windmill turned into Wales’s first art hotel , with over 100 artworks decorating the walls.

Before calling it a day, head to Really Wild Emporium (only open on select days) to try a six-course tasting menu , which is designed around wild ingredients and local seaweed .

DAY SEVEN & EIGHT: NORTH PEMBROKESHIRE

After a restful evening, swap saints for Celtic warriors by travelling to North Pembrokeshire; a land once riddled with prehistoric tribes.

Your first stop is at Britain’s only reconstructed Iron Age village to exist on the same spot tribes lived 2,000 years ago . This is Castell Henllys Iron Age Village , with roundhouses built from oak, hazel poles, hemp twine and wheat straw, which are the same materials Celts used. A costumed guide – supposedly from the real Demetae tribe – takes you on a tour of the site , passing the Barefoot Trail – a route following the exact terrain Celtic warriors traversed – and Chevaux-de Frise . They’ll also teach you how to make Iron Age bread , start a fire and build your own Celtic home .

From here, visit Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber , a 5,000-year-old megalithic monument framing Carn Ingli (The Mount of Angels). This prehistoric tomb has six enormous standing stones delicately holding the weight of an even bigger horizontal capstone, spanning 16 ½ feet!

Then head into Newport and drop your bags at Llys Meddyg Hotel . This is another town that could be explored over a whole weekend or week. So, if you’re looking for a UK staycation , then add Newport to your list.

Leave the car behind, and venture on foot to Carreg Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber and Britain’s oldest intact medieval kiln . The latter can be found on the high street next to the Memorial Hall . There are many independent shops and galleries to visit, while The Castle Inn serves a delicious Sri Lankan curry. For architecture lovers, the 13th-century church will tickle your fancy as it has a magnificent medieval font and holy water stoup! If you’re looking to spend some time in the Welsh countryside , head to Newport’s beach , but be aware it can get very windy here!

DAY NINE & TEN: CENARTH – STRATA FLORIDA ABBEY

Your final two days will be spent in Ceredigion , spotting waterfalls and watching salmon at Cenarth Falls .

But before you arrive here, stop at Cilgerran Castle , known for housing Wales’s very own Helen of Troy . As the story goes, a Welsh princess called Nest, who was the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr – once the ruler of southern Wales – was married to Gerald of Windsor. But in 1109, Nest was abducted by her second cousin, Owain ap Cadwgan, and later became mistress to a number of powerful men , including King Henry I. This earned her the nickname ‘Helen of Wales’ .

On the last day of this South Wales road trip, pop to Strata Florida Abbey , an important Welsh Cistercian church once known as “the Westminster Abbey of Wales” . It was founded in 1164 by Robert fitz Stephen and later patronised by Rhys ap Gruffudd , who is now known as Lord Rhys, ‘Glory of Wales’ and ‘Prince of Wales’.

While here, make sure to look out for the graves of several Welsh princes , as well as richly decorated 14 th -century tiles . These designs highlight the fleur-de-lis (hinting at the abbey’s Norman origins), a griffin, birds, coats of arms and images of a man looking at a mirror, which alludes to the perils of personal vanity.

A South Wales Road Trip: The Essential Information

Best time to take a South Wales road trip:

I’d highly recommend coming to South Wales during the shoulder seasons when the weather is still warm and dry (as dry as Wales can get), plus there will be fewer crowds.

• December to February : The winter months are colder and stormier, which is great for photography. Many historic sites will be closed , but mountains, beaches, and nature-based activities will be all yours.
• March to May : This is my favourite time to explore Wales, as spring brings sunshine, daffodils, and lambs to the countryside. Plus, many heritage sites, restaurants, and day-trip activities will be open, and there will be fewer tourists .
• September to November : Autumn is my second favourite time to visit Wales because the countryside is awash with amazing colours , plus there are fewer tourists . My favourite place to visit at this time of year is the Elan Valley.

If you’re short on time …

If you can’t do the full ten-day South Wales road trip, here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• Llyn y Fan Fach : The views of the Brecon Beacons National Park are outstanding
• Laugharne : The hometown of Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most beloved poet
• Jabajak Vineyard and Restaurant : The only property to have ties to President John Adams and THE White House in Washington
• Kidwelly Castle : This is the site where Wales’s only warrior princess led an army against the English
• St Davids : Britain’s smallest city and has the only full-time edible bug restaurant in the UK
• St Govan’s Chapel : The most unusual church in the UK

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY SOUTH WALES ROAD TRIP

So there you have it, my ultimate South Wales road trip itinerary! I took ten days to complete this road trip, but you can change it to fit a weekend schedule or even add to it and go north to Snowdonia. 

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Wales.

Is there somewhere you’re looking forward to visiting the most?

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Wow a real eclectic mix of places and venues – all backed by the beautiful Welsh hills!

Wales can be extraordinary if you know where to look. 🙂

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Complete South Wales Itinerary For A Lush 1 Week in South Wales!

Categories Itinerary , U.K , Wales

South Wales offers everything! On your South Wales itinerary, you can visit cities, villages, beaches, mountains, cliff edges, waterfalls, waterparks and so much more!

South Wales is the best place to explore if you are travelling from London or South & Central England and it’s perfect for families, friends, couples and a solo trip!

Whether you are spending 1 week in Wales exploring South Wales or perhaps you only have 3 days in Wales or 5 Days in Wales . In this Wales travel blog, I give you a 1 week South Wales itinerary which you can adapt depending on how long you have to spend in Wales!

I grew up between England and South Wales and now I live in Cardiff so I know exactly just how much this amazing part of the UK has to offer and I’m going to help you with where to go in South Wales, places to visit in South Wales and how to plan your Wales travel itinerary!

South Wales Itinerary

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South Wales Itinerary Map

I have pinned all of the places I recommend visiting in this South Wales 1 week itinerary so you can use my itinerary or amend it and create your own South Wales travel itinerary!

Best time to visit South Wales

Wales is good to visit all year round… as long as you are prepared for the weather that comes with it!

However, for the very best time to visit Wales and South Wales, I recommend the Spring, Summer and Autumn months so you will have more pleasant weather and there are more activities on and open!

Although note that school holidays do get considerably busier in Wales so if you can avoid them then I would!

Here’s my full post on the best time to visit Wales !

How to get around South Wales

Driving is the best way to get around South Wales, and all of Wales in fact. Although there are public buses and a train line that runs throughout South Wales, it can take a lot of time to get to each place using public transport.

If you have a car then great! If you don’t, I recommend hiring a car ! Cardiff has a few car hire places and Bristol Airport is a popular place to hire cars from. You could get the train to Cardiff or Bristol Airport and hire a car from there, or you can hire a car from where you start.

For example, it would be quicker to hire a car in London and drive to South Wale s rather than get the train.

I recommend Rental Cars for car hire in Wales as they search all the top car rental companies! Search for car rental in Wales here!

The roads in Wales are very good but they can seem scary to some as they are very small.

This South Wales travel itinerary will take you to places where you need to drive on country lanes which look like they are one-way roads but they are actually for two cars! But drive slowly and you will be ok! This is how you get to the best spots in Wales, especially in Pembrokeshire!

Here are my driving in Wales tips !

1 Week in South Wales

Day 1 – cardiff.

Start your first day in Wales getting to Cardiff. If you are travelling from London to Wales or South England to Wales you can stop off at a few places like Bath, the Cotswolds and the Wye Valley on the way into Wales, even though they are all in England they will start off your Wales trip well, especially the Wye Valley which borders England and Wales!

Spend late afternoon and early evening seeing Cardiff City , you can park in the city centre and head to see Cardiff Castle which will take you through the main shopping area of the city.

Click here for my full 1 day in Cardiff itinerary!

Afterwards, drive down to Mermaid Quay and have dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the water on Cardiff Bay which shows off a cosmopolitan side of the city and check out the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve if it’s a nice evening. This will be a great first look at Wales on your 1 week in South Wales.

Stay overnight in – Cardiff

Day 2 – Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park is a must-visit in Wales and because you spent the night in Cardiff they are practically on the doorstop, well, not quite but they are only 1 hour away which is a good driving distance in Wales!

There are a few options for seeing the best of the Brecon Beacons on this South Wales itinerary and you will have time to do a mixture of these options!

If you like hiking then you have to hike up Pen Y Fan ! It’s the highest peak in the South of the UK and it will take you a few hours to hike!

If you like adventure then you can check out some of the waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons . You can do a full waterfall walk seeing up to 4 waterfalls or you can see some smaller ones individually which will be easier if you have children or don’t enjoy walking.

If you prefer culture and pretty villages then you can visit some of the villages in the Brecon Beacons. Hay on Wye is one of the best and most popular villages to visit because it is full of book shops and perfect for literature lovers or people who like to see quirky places!

Lastly, if you love driving and appreciate scenic roads then make sure you drive along Black Mountain Road which is known as the Top Gear road in the Brecon Beacons , it takes you right through the middle of the National Park and is an incredible drive!

Stay overnight in – Cardiff again or near the Brecon Beacons

Day 3 – Gower Penninsula

Check out of your accommodation and head towards Pembrokeshire in the South Western side of Wales!

However, because you have plenty of time in Pembrokeshire on this South Wales itinerary and 1 week in South Wales, I recommend you spend most of the day on the Gower Penninsula by Swansea!

The Gower is packed full of beaches and places to go walking and it is just off the M4 and on your way to Pembrokeshire!

Stop in the seaside town of The Mumbles first and walk along the beach to The Mumbles Pier , then continue driving along the country roads of The Gower and visit popular beaches like Three Cliffs Bay , Oxwich Bay , Rhossili Bay and Llangennith !

There are lots of small villages in the Gower where you can get lunch and relax. When you are finished then continue driving to your accommodation in Pembrokeshire.

Now you’ve spent 3 days in South Wales, see if you can notice and recognise these phrases you hear in Wales !

Stay overnight in – Pembrokeshire

There are so many places to visit in Wales and too many to mention in just this 1 week Wales itinerary, to see even more places to visit read my post with 36 Stunning Places to Visit on Your Wales Road Trip Itinerary!

Day 4 – Pembrokeshire

There is so so much to see in Pembrokeshire and it is easily my favourite part of South Wales.

There are beaches here that you couldn’t imagine belong in Wales, there are seaside towns and pretty villages, a theme park and there is a coastal path running all the way along it so there are plenty of places to walk.

The best way to see Pembrokeshire and to plan your Pembrokeshire itinerary is to break it down into areas which is what I have done below in this South Wales itinerary for you because you do not want to be driving from corner to corner every day!

Start off your first day in Pembrokeshire on the South Coast. Drive to St Govan’s Chapel first which is a hidden chapel in the rocks and you will be amazed at what Wales has to offer!

Afterwards, stop in Bosherston and talk a walk to the Bosherston Lilly Ponds . Nearby is Barafundle Bay which has been voted as one of the best beaches in Wales!

Spend late afternoon and the evening in the popular seaside town of Tenby and Saundesfoot .

• My related posts:
• The Best Beaches in Pembrokeshire You Can See in ONE DAY!
• 10 Delightful Tenby Cottages for Self Catering in Tenby!
• 10 Best & Beautiful Campsites Near Tenby And Close to the Beach!
• 12 Unique Places To Go Glamping in Pembrokeshire!

Day 5 – Pembrokeshire

Today on your 1 week in South Wales , head to the West side of Pembrokeshire to explore. Start the day in St David’s which is the only city in the area and the smallest city I have ever seen!

St David’s is very pretty though and nice to walk around and to get some food in. St David’s Cathedral is the most popular place to visit here and is a must-see!

From St David’s, if the weather is good I recommend booking a boat trip to Ramsey Island to see local seals and get out onto the water!

Later on in the day, drive along St Brides Bay which is full of amazing beaches. Newgale Beach is huge and brilliant for a big walk and you can end the day in the seaside towns of Broad Haven and Little Haven .

If you are all beached out then head to Pembroke Castle instead! This is one of the top Castles in Wales !

Day 6 – Pembrokeshire

If you have children and need a break from beaches in this Pembrokshire itinerary then look into places for children in Pembrokeshire like Oakwood Theme Park, Folly Farm, Manor Wildlife Park, West Wales Karting .

If you are happy to see more beaches and more countryside then head to the North Western side of Pembrokeshire!

I recommend starting the day in the quirky village of Narberth which is full of independent shops and colourful buildings, then head to the Blue Lagoon near Abereiddy and up the coast to Fishguard and Newport if you have time.

Day 7 – Back to Cardiff

Use today to drive back home, if you want a few stops on the way from Pembrokeshire back to Cardiff you can stop at Pembrey Country Park, Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot or Margam Country Park in Port Talbot .

These places will help break up the journey back to Cardiff and beyond.

Looking for more places to visit in Wales?? Here are 36 places in Wales to visit on a Wales road trip throughout the country!!

South Wales FAQ

Is south wales worth visiting.

Yes! There is so much to see in South Wales from beaches, mountains, villages, waterfalls and more and you can spend from 2 days in South Wales to 2 weeks in South Wales trying to see all of the beautiful natural sights!

Which is better North or South Wales?

Both North Wales and South Wales offer a lot in terms of beautiful places to visit, holiday amenities, hotels, shops and restaurants. The best area will depend on where you are travelling from.

If you live in London, South Wales is easiest to get to. If you live in Manchester, North Wales is easiest to get to and therefore best.

What is the most beautiful place in South Wales?

I think Pembrokeshire is full of the most beautiful places in South Wales. It has award winning beaches, seaside towns and villages and a coastal track that takes weeks to walk!

How many days do you need to see Wales?

3 days in Wales is enough to see a few places in Wales but 5 days in Wales or 1 week in Wales is best to see the most varied side of the country because Wales is small but it takes a while to drive from place to place.

I hope this South Wales itinerary has helped you plan your 1 week in Wales!

• For more of my Wales posts see:
• 3 Day Wales Itinerary!
• 16 Beautiful Staycations in Wales To Feel Like You’re Abroad
• 10 Lush Glamping in Wales With A Hot Tub Pods, Cabins & Tents
• 16 Day Trips From Cardiff Visiting South Wales & England
• 15 UK Staycation Ideas For This Year! Visit The Best Of The UK

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Clare Harrison

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

Thank you so much for your guide. I am planning a trip from France with my family. I will be sure to get the most of my visit.

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South wales road trip – motorhome travel guide.

Introduction to The South Wales Road Trip

In many ways, Wales is one of the most underrated road trip locations in the UK. It has beaches to rival the south coast of England, mountains to compete with the Scottish highlands, and medieval history to contest the historic towns of Britain. Yet few would consider a South Wales road trip as their primary destination to travel in a motorhome.

Clearly, many van travellers are missing out. Wales – and the south in particular – is a fantastic place to explore. A journey across South Wales will take you to National Parks and beaches that are far more remote and less crowded than they have any right to be given their beauty. Renting a campervan or motorhome will give you the best springboard to explore this area in detail. Next, to keep you in the loop, here is the best way to plan a South Wales road trip.

Where is South Wales?

South Wales is a relatively undefined region of the UK. Unofficially, it includes Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and the southern Welsh counties that border England and the Bristol Channel. It is home to the Welsh capital of Cardiff and the country’s second biggest city, Swansea. The Black Mountains, River Wye, and River Severn all form natural borders with England while the rest of the region is surrounded by a marine border.

How To Start a South Wales Road Trip?

Wales has only one major motorway linking Bristol with Cardiff and Swansea. Therefore, on your South Wales road trip, it is best to make use of this rapid route rather than taking country lanes through the rest of the country. If you choose to rent a motorhome from Life’s an Adventure, you can hop on the M6 and M5 through Birmingham. You can then join the M50 south before crossing the beautiful Wye Valley to the Welsh border. This puts you in a great location for beginning your South Wales road trip with all major sites accessible from this starting point.

When to Visit?

As with most campervan holidays, it is best to embark on your South Wales road trip in good weather. Hours of daylight are longer, driving conditions are safer, and you will have more freedom to explore in good weather. Naturally, the summer months will be great for beach days but expect more people to be about.

If you want to enjoy the birdlife and nature of southern Wales, spring can be a wonderful time to make a trip. The ever-present sound of bleating lambs in the meadows is also a lovely addition. Autumn will be quieter, but the cooler days and clear skies are excellent for hillwalking. This is also the best time of year to see the Atlantic grey seals that flock to the Pembrokeshire coastline in their hundreds to rear their pups.

Where to Stay?

The great thing about going on a South Wales road trip is the variety of accommodation options on offer. If you want to visit the bright lights and big city, head to Cardiff for bars and restaurants galore. Swansea and Newport offer similar settings but smaller scale, plus, they will be easier to navigate in a hired motorhome. Pembrokeshire is home to some lovely port towns such as Tenby, Fishguard, and Saundersfoot. You can also stay in St David’s, the UK’s smallest city, or the villages of Brecon and Abergavenny near the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Of course, as you are embarking on a South Wales road trip in a campervan, you should make use of this home on wheels by staying in campsites. The great thing about campgrounds is that they are usually positioned near nature areas, and they offer a much quieter experience than staying in a city.

If you choose to rent a motorhome or campervan through us at Life’s an Adventure , you can benefit from the loyalty scheme we share with the Camping and Caravanning Club . That means you can receive up to 30% discount per booking at their sites near the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire. Otherwise, you can find campsites dotted throughout South Wales if you simply do a quick Google search!

The Brecon Beacons is an unmissable site on your South Wales road trip. In many ways, it is considered the little sister of Snowdonia, but its landscape is actually more similar to the Yorkshire Dales or Peak District. If you like hiking, try climbing Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. If you want something a little more secluded, head to the Black Mountains for a sunrise walk in the hills. For those adventurous folk, try wild swimming in Llyn y Fan Fach! Alternatively, enroute to the Gower, you can stop at the Vale of Neath – South Wales waterfall country!

If you want to explore the coast on your South Wales road trip, check out the Gower Peninsula. This spot is an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), but the diversity of landscapes on offer really should earn it a National Park badge in our opinion! Check out surfing on Rhossili Bay Beach or get an aerial view from Rhossili Down. Go coasteering around the Worm’s Head, or cruise along the country and coastal lanes enjoying the sheep grazing in the fields.

Does the Pembrokeshire Coast have some of the most stunning beaches in the United Kingdom? Quite possibly. They are wilder than Cornwall or Devon and the weather is generally better than up in Scotland. You could easily spend your whole South Wales road trip driving between seaside towns, eating fish and chips, walking along the beaches, swimming, surfing, and wildlife watching! Don’t miss Barafundle, Freshwater West, Marloes Sands, or Whitesands.

If history and urban culture are more your cup of tea, venture into the cities of Swansea or Cardiff. In Swansea, you can watch a football match and stroll along the pleasant beach promenade. In Cardiff, you should visit the Principality Stadium or at least be in the city for an international rugby game. Cardiff Castle and the St. Fagans National Museum of History are also well worth visiting, alongside Caerphilly Castle to round off your medieval history fix.

What to Pack for a South Wales Road Trip?

Rugby is something of a religion in Wales. Even tiny towns in the valleys will have a rugby pitch somewhere in the vicinity. In South Wales, there are four club rugby sides alongside the international stadium. With so much sport going on, why not pack a rugby ball on your South Wales road trip? Have a kick around on the beach or practice passing on a grass pitch. Who knows? Before long, you might attract enough locals for a game of touch!

Wales, like much of the UK, is prone to some poor weather. South Wales receives much of the brunt of the Gulf Stream. That means warmer summers, but it also means higher precipitation and gusts of wind whipping off the Atlantic. To make sure you enjoy your South Wales road trip, pack with this in mind. A windbreaker rain jacket will put you in good stead for countryside and coastal walks. A warm hat, pair of woolly socks, and a cosy fleece will ensure you stay toasty on those particularly chilly days.

Food & Drink

South Wales is great for both surf and turf. Along the coastal plains, you will see fields filled with sheep. This salt marsh lamb is particularly revered and van travellers should make sure to try a dish at least once. If you time your visit over the Easter holidays, you will likely find it on offer in most pubs and restaurants.

Seafood is delicious in South Wales. Cockles, seaweed, mussels, and line-caught fish are all mouth-watering dinner options. If you are particularly confident in your wildlife knowledge, you can try seashore foraging and fishing to prepare your dinner. Otherwise, check out some of these eateries to enjoy a hearty seafood meal: The Shed Bistro in Porthgain, The Langland Brasserie in the Gower, Tŷ Madeira Restaurant in Cardiff.

If pubs are your thing, you’re in the right place with nearly 40,000 of them spread across England and Wales. For a post-hike pint, head to the Three Horses Inn or the Brecon Tap in Brecon town. Alternatively, for a cask ale at a seaside tavern, check out the King’s Head Inn, Llangennith, the 18 th -century Britannic Gower Inn, or the numerous other pubs you’ll find dotted around the ports of the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Going on a South Wales road trip should not be rushed. You could easily spend a week in Pembrokeshire alone. If you give yourself 10 days or two weeks for your holiday, you will get the most out of the area. Even though it’s tempting to speed around in your campervan, try to focus on a few key areas to enjoy them in greater depth.

Lastly, before you embark on your adventure, make sure you choose the right vehicle for your trip. At Life’s an Adventure, you can rent a motorhome that fits your style and budget. Whether your trip is a short vacation or a longer travel experience, we can set you up with a fully-equipped campervan ready for you to embark on the perfect South Wales road trip. If you are looking for some advice, do not hesitate to contact us , and one of our friendly team will be happy to help!

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North Wales Road Trip Itinerary: Beautiful Castles & Waterfalls

I f you are looking for one of the most scenic road trips in the UK, visit North Wales. This part of the country is known as the Kingdom of Gwynedd with many beautiful North Wales castles . There are several mountains to climb and great valleys to explore. Not to mention that North Wales has also one of the best waterfalls in Wales and charming towns to visit on your North Wales Road Trip.

You will enjoy your road trip along the Welsh coast with many incredible views. The North Wales Expressway (A55) is a great way to start exploring some of the best spots in this beautiful country. It will take you to Conwy Castle, Anglesey Island, and many other amazing places.

Due to its great connection to Manchester or Liverpool exploring North Wales by car is very popular. It takes less than a 1-hour drive from those two cities to the border between Wales and England. If you want to escape from busy life and spend some quality time surrounded by beautiful nature, look no further than North Wales.

This region includes six local authorities such as Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, and the Isle of Anglesey . The number of Welsh speakers is higher in this area than in South Wales. Rich in tradition and unique culture, North Wales is a perfect destination for an amazing road trip.

7 Day North Wales Road Trip Itinerary

With a plethora of attractions in North Wales, it might be difficult to plan a perfect road trip itinerary. That’s why I want to share with you the top places to visit in this part of the country during a 7 days road trip. 

Day 1 – Wrexham 

If you want to tick off at least one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, visit Wrexham. St Giles’ Church is a beautiful 16th-century building that really stands out. This 41m tall medieval architectural masterpiece looks really beautiful inside and outside.

As you enter the church, you will notice stunning arcades above your head. The interior of St Giles’ Church has really interesting decorations. You can see some old paintings at the end of the nave or the face of the devil on the inside of the roof. 

Apart from St Giles’ Church, Wrexham has also some other amazing places to visit. Just a 10 minute drive from the city center, you can see a small, but very beautiful waterfall. In Plas Power Woods you will find a hidden waterfall which is the best to visit in spring or summer.

Another attraction near Wrexham is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It takes only 15 minutes to get there and it is an amazing place to see. If you want to take a picture of the highest canal aqueduct in the world, look no further than North Wales.

You can stand 38m above the River Dee or watch narrowboats crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This UNESCO World Heritage Site with the longest aqueduct in the UK is one of the top attractions to visit during a road trip in North Wales.

Day 2 – Wrexham to Llandudno (1-hour drive)

Along the North Wales coast, you will find plenty of sandy beaches such as Rhyl Beach or Colwyn Bay Beach. However, one of the most beautiful towns with sandy beaches in North Wales is Llandudno.

This popular holiday destination has beautiful hotels with views of Llandudno Bay and Great Orme Country Park. You can go to Llandudno Pier and take some amazing photos or relax at North Shore Beach. Llandudno Pier is the longest in Wales with great bars, cafes, and amusement arcades. It is a perfect place to visit with kids. 

The best views in this area offer the Marine Drive that starts near Llandudno Pier. Driving around the Great Orme takes only 25 minutes and it is one of the most scenic routes in the UK. You can also drive up to the Great Orme Summit Pay & Display Car Park to admire beautiful views from the top.

If you are looking for a beachfront hotel in Llandudno which is also pet friendly , stay in Belmont Llandudno. The hotel has great facilities and you also can hire a bike there if you want to drive a car around the town.

Day 3 – Llandudno to Conwy (10 minutes drive)

When driving the North Wales Expressway (A55), you will see plenty of amazing castles. Some of the best are Rhuddlan Castle, Gwrych Castle, or Conwy Castle . With such a plethora of choices, it is hard to choose where to stop. If you want to see not only one of the best medieval castles but also explore the beautiful town, visit Conwy. 

This historical location will offer you incredible views of River Conwy and Snowdonia National Park. You will also find there the smallest house in the UK that is one of the top attractions in Conwy. However, nothing will be more impressive than a visit to the 13th-century fortress – Conwy Castle.

When you enter this medieval masterpiece, you will understand why Edward I spent so much money on it. This massive structure with tall towers stands out in North Wales. You can admire beautiful views of the town from the castle or explore Conwy Town Walls. Conwy is a beautiful place to visit, so make sure to spend a nice day.

Day 4 – Conwy to Aber Falls (40 minutes drive)

During your road trip, you should not miss visiting one of the best waterfalls in Wales. Aber Falls is just next to the North Wales Expressway (A55). You can park at Aber Falls Car Park and it takes only 30 minutes to walk to the waterfall.

This short hike is easy and offers incredible views. Between March and May, you can also admire bluebells in Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve. A 40m high waterfall is a great stop if you want to explore one of the most magical places in North Wales. 

Between Conwy and Aber Falls there is also a historical landmark – Druids Circle. It will require a bit of hiking to get there, however, if you are lucky you can also see some ponies there. If you want to combine a bit of history with great views of the Welsh coast, spend some time in this beautiful scenery.

Day 5 – Aber Falls to Snowdon (1-hour drive)

When visiting North Wales, Snowdonia National Park is a must-see attraction. Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales with a height of 1085m offers incredible views. You can admire a few lakes from the summit such as Llyn Glaslyn or Llyn Llydaw. 

One of the easiest paths to Snowdon is Llanberis Path. There is plenty of parking nearby and also Llanberis Station that can take you to the top of the mountain. If you are looking for a bit more difficult route, park at Pen y Pass Warden Centre. You can choose between Pyg Track or Miner’s Track to climb the mountain.

The most challenging path is Crib Goch, which is only recommended during nice weather. In summer it is also worth considering Watkin Path, which is a very picturesque route with views of waterfalls. You should allow for at least 6 hours to spend in this beautiful part of Wales.

Day 6 – Snowdon to Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey Island (1-hour 10minutes drive)

You could spend a whole week just driving along the coast of the largest island in Wales. There are many beautiful beaches and places to explore in Anglesey. However, the most popular is Traeth Llanddwyn which offers amazing views of the smaller tidal island Ynys Llanddwyn and Snowdonia National Park.

The long golden sandy beach is a perfect place to visit with families. However, make sure to arrive there early as the road to the beach can be very busy, especially in peak season. From Traeth Llanddwyn beach you can walk to Ynys Llanddwyn island which has two beautiful lighthouses and lovely places to relax. You can stay nearby at Awelfryn Campsite which is less than 20 minutes drive from this beautiful location.

Day 7 –  Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey Island to South Stack in Holy Island (50 minutes drive)

If you want to see more lighthouses, make sure to drive to South Stack. Goleudy Ynys Lawd is an amazing historic building set on tall cliffs. This lighthouse offers breathtaking views and it is one of the best places to visit in North Wales.

There are 400 steps that lead to Goleudy Ynys Lawd so this place looks really impressive. It is just a stone’s throw away from the South Stack Car Park which makes it a perfect stop during a road trip.

This whole area is really beautiful with incredible rock formations and views of the sea. In Elin’s Tower, you can also observe rare species of birds. Holy Island is definitely a breathtaking place to visit in North Wales.

This 7 days road trip itinerary will take you to some of the most beautiful places in North Wales. During one week, you will drive 169 miles (111km) from Wrexham to Holy Island. If you would like to add some additional attractions, my recommendations are Beaumaris Castle, Penmon Point, Llangollen, and Betws-y-Coed.  

Guest post by Paulina, author of ukeveryday.com . Her blog was shortlisted as one of the Top 70 UK Travel Blogs to follow. She loves exploring hidden places in England, Wales, and Scotland. Follow them in Instagram , Facebook , or Pinterest .

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Moscow to Rostov via Elektrostal

Moscow to rostov road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moscow to Rostov. If you're planning a road trip to Rostov, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Moscow drive for about 1 hour

12:07 pm   Elektrostal stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:07 pm drive for about 3 hours

4:09 pm  arrive in Rostov

driving ≈ 4 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Elektrostal

What are some things to do in Rostov?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Rostov.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Rostov to Moscow drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Moscow to Rostov . Or get a full Moscow to Rostov flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Moscow well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Moscow!

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