How many days do I need for a Wales road trip featuring these 12 places?

Allow 7–10 days for a relaxed loop. If time is short, split Wales into North (Eryri/Snowdonia, Conwy/Caernarfon, Anglesey, Llandudno, Portmeirion) and South/West (Pembrokeshire Coast, St Davids, Brecon Beacons) and do each in 3–5 days.

What’s the best time of year to go?

May–June and September balance lighter crowds with long daylight. July–August is warmest but busier and needs more advance booking. Winter is atmospheric for Dark Sky stargazing, with shorter days and occasional mountain route closures.

Do I need to book castles and attractions in advance?

It helps in peak season and school holidays, especially for Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles, Portmeirion, and popular Pembrokeshire sites/parking. Walk-up is often fine off-season.

Is this itinerary suitable for campervans and motorhomes?

Yes. Wales has plentiful campsites and stopovers. Expect narrow rural roads; use passing places, avoid tight village centres at peak times, and check access/parking ahead.

Are there good family options if it rains?

Yes—castles with exhibitions, Portmeirion, St Davids Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, Llandudno’s attractions, and museums or heritage railways around Eryri/Snowdonia.

Can I combine Eryri/Snowdonia with the Pembrokeshire Coast in one trip?

Yes. Link them via Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). A popular loop is Cardiff → Brecon Beacons → Pembrokeshire → Eryri → Conwy/Anglesey.

Are the Dark Sky locations easy to access?

Yes. Bannau Brycheiniog and Eryri have signed car parks and visitor centres. Bring warm layers, a head-torch, and follow local advice for safe night access and parking.

What are the must-do walks for first-timers?

Try a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Great Orme at Llandudno (tram/cable car options), and a waymarked lakeside or valley trail in Eryri. For Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), pick a route to suit your ability or consider the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Any driving tips for coastal and mountain roads?

Keep daily distances modest; allow for single-track sections and photo stops. Top up fuel in rural areas and check mountain weather before committing to high passes.

Is Welsh widely spoken—do I need Welsh language basics?

English is widely used, but Welsh is common in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Ceredigion. Simple greetings such as 'Diolch' (thank you) are appreciated.

Many beaches have seasonal restrictions. Castles and attractions have specific rules; national parks welcome dogs on lead around livestock. Always check local signage.

What about accessibility?

Major highlights (Cardiff Castle, Conwy/Caernarfon, parts of Portmeirion, selected coast-path stretches) offer accessible facilities/routes. Consider heritage railways and viewpoint car parks for big scenery with minimal walking.

Do I need tickets or passes to save money?

If visiting multiple heritage sites, look at Cadw passes (e.g., Explorer Pass). Parking apps and council permits can also help at popular coastal car parks.

Is EV charging straightforward on this route?

Coverage is strongest on trunk roads and in larger towns (Cardiff, Conwy/Llandudno, Haverfordwest, Bangor, Carmarthen). In rural/coastal areas, plan ahead and arrive with a buffer.

The best 12 places to visit in Wales on your road trip

Top 12 places to visit in Wales on your road trip.

Explore the wild beauty of Wales, from its mountains to its coastlines to its old castles.
Take your time and find hidden gems and real Welsh culture.
Every route tells a new story and has a beautiful view that will stay with you.

A road trip to Wales is the greatest way to view its gorgeous and varied landscapes and learn about its long history. There are a number of spots in Wales that every traveller should see that will stick with them. Some of these are beautiful natural beauty, notable historical places, and active cultural resources.

A road journey through Wales will have something for everyone, whether you wish to explore the majestic peaks of Snowdonia, the tranquil shores of Cardigan Bay, or the mediaeval splendour of its historic castles. You may locate the country's hidden gems, walk through beautiful villages, and see its stunning scenery all at your own speed by driving around.

This book will help you plan your road trip in Wales so that you may make memories that will last a lifetime. Cardiff's dynamic culture, the Brecon Beacons' untamed beauty, and the Pembrokeshire Coast's historical charm are all examples of what makes Wales so special.

Get ready to hit the road, embrace the spirit of adventure, and take in all the beauty and charm of Wales. Let your road trip through Wales be a journey of exploration and inspiration that shows off the best of this magnificent country.

12 Places You Have to See for the Best Road Trip in Wales

Our top 12 list shows you the best locations to see and visit in Wales. You can travel across magnificent landscapes, walk along lovely beaches, or visit notable destinations to learn about old history. Every place we stop on this trip reveals how unique and beautiful the nation is.

This guide will help you organise your vacation to Wales so that you don't miss any of these great attractions. Whether you love Cardiff's dynamic culture, the untamed beauty of the Brecon Beacons, or the beautiful Pembrokeshire shore, get ready to be inspired.

Begin your journey in Wales and see the magic of this beautiful country. These 12 destinations are must-sees on any road trip through Wales.

Check out our ideas below or jump to the section:

If you're driving across Wales, you have to stop at Snowdonia National Park (Eryri). It provides a terrific blend of adventure and natural beauty. This magnificent national park is in northwest Wales and is famous for its gorgeous mountain peaks, quiet lakes, and green valleys. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the tallest peak in Wales, is in the middle of the country and has amazing views. Visitors can reach the peak by walking along its magnificent paths or on the old Snowdon Mountain Railway. If you drive through Wales and stop at Snowdonia, you'll have a great time in one of the most famous places in the country. Both the Cambrian Way road trips and Stargazing in Wales road trip have things to see and do.

☑ 1. Snowdonia National Park:

☑ 2. Caernarfon Castle:

You can't go on a road trip in Wales without stopping by the famous Caernarfon Castle, a beautiful mediaeval fortress in the historic town of Caernarfon, North Wales. This architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its tall walls, grand Eagle Tower, and important place in history. King Edward I built the castle in the 13th century as part of his plan to take over Wales. It is now a reminder of the country's troubled history.

Walk around its walls, up its towers, and through its large inner courtyards while taking in the stunning views of the beautiful town and the craggy peaks of Snowdonia. Adding Caernarfon Castle to your Wales road trip itinerary will make your vacation to the centre of Welsh culture and history even more unforgettable. Things to see and do on road trips via North Wales and Cambrian Way road trips.

Be sure to stop at Brecon Beacons National Park if you're going on a road trip in Wales. You won't forget how beautiful and culturally rich it is. People from all over the world travel to this national park in South Wales to admire the beautiful hills, valleys, and views.

People who prefer to be outside will adore all the activities they can do in the park. You can walk famous trails like Pen y Fan, which is the highest hill in southern Britain, or you can ride your bike through the beautiful countryside on the many cycling routes. The Brecon Beacons are a Dark Sky Reserve, which means that they are a great site to see stars. This makes them a great place for folks who like astronomy.

Visitors can learn about the area's history, eat traditional Welsh food, and feel the friendliness of the people in the park's many attractive market towns. Adding Brecon Beacons National Park to your trip to Wales will make it a full journey full of adventure, stunning views, and cultural discoveries. Trust us, it’s perfect for making memories that will last a lifetime. Features in the Cambrian Way road trip and Stargazing in Wales.

☑ 3. Brecon Beacons National Park:

Tall grass and reeds in a wetland area with water and a distant shoreline in the background

☑ 4. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park:

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a must-see on every road trip in Wales. It has a beautiful mix of nature and interesting things to do. This beautiful national park located in southwest Wales and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, rough cliffs, clean sandy beaches, and attractive communities. It is a must-see on your Wales road trip.
Outdoor lovers can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as hiking the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path and watching seals, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitats.

If you are someone who loves history and heritage you will enjoy visiting the many old castles, churches, and prehistoric sites that are spread out across the area. Adding Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to your road trip in Wales will make sure you tick the box of visiting impressive castles, ruins and ancient sites, as well as give you memories that will last a lifetime. Features in the Coastal Way road trip.

The Isle of Anglesey is a great place to go if you want to get away from it all and see beautiful scenery and learn about history by visiting some pretty unioque and spectaclar places. This lovely place has rocky shores, beautiful sandy beaches, and cute towns that you have to see on any trip.

While you’e here, make sure you visit Beaumaris Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bryn Celli Ddu, an old Druidic site. There are lots of things to do on the island that people who love the outdoors will enjoy. For example, you may walk along coastal trails, view different kinds of wildlife, or play water sports in the island's pristine waters.

The Isle of Anglesey is a unique and unforgettable element of every journey to Wales due of its gorgeous scenery and varied activities. Features within North Wales road trip.

☑ 5. Isle of Anglesey:

Scenic view of a castle with a bridge, situated by the water with several small boats floating in the harbor.

☑ 6. Conwy Castle:

Conwy Castle is one of those places that really stops you in your tracks. Sitting high above the River Conwy, this mighty medieval fortress – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was built for Edward I in the late 13th century and still feels incredibly imposing today. On a road trip across Wales, it’s well worth parking up and giving yourself time to wander. You can duck through stone doorways, explore echoing great halls, and climb the eight towers for wide, sweeping views over the town, estuary and surrounding hills. Walking the battlements, it’s easy to imagine soldiers on watch, or the bustle of a royal household going about its day.

Whether you’re into history or just love dramatic places with a sense of atmosphere, Conwy Castle is a real highlight – a stop that adds proper story and character to any Wales road trip. Features within North Wales and Cambrian Way road trips.

☑ 7. St. David's Cathedral:

St Davids Cathedral is one of those places that feels special the moment you see it. Tucked into a little hollow in Britain’s smallest city, it almost appears by surprise as you wander down towards it – all warm stone, towers and slate, framed by the Pembrokeshire hills. Inside, it’s calm and atmospheric, with creaking wooden pews, beautiful details to spot, and that lovely sense of a building that’s been quietly used for centuries.

Just next door, the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace are perfect for a slow wander, with arches, windows and worn stairways that hint at how grand it once was. Together, the cathedral and palace tell a big story in a very compact place: pilgrimage, Welsh identity and the legacy of St David himself. On a Wales road trip, it’s a brilliant stop to stretch your legs, pause for a moment of quiet, and feel properly connected to the country’s history. Features in the Coastal Way road trip.

☑ 8. Cardiff Castle:

Cardiff Castle is one of those places that completely surprises you. Right in the middle of the city – surrounded by shops, cafés and everyday bustle – you suddenly step through the gates into nearly 2,000 years of history. It began as a Roman fort, grew into a Norman stronghold, and was later transformed into a wildly extravagant Victorian palace by the Marquesses of Bute. The layers of history sit right on top of each other, and you feel it the moment you start exploring.

You can wander through quiet courtyards, climb the Norman keep for brilliant views over Cardiff, and then step inside the Victorian rooms where every surface is decorated, gilded or carved. They’re imaginative, over-the-top and genuinely fascinating – the kind of interiors you don’t forget.

It’s a perfect stop on a Wales road trip: easy to reach, packed with stories, and full of those moments where you think, “Wow… I wasn’t expecting that.” Features in the Cambrian Way road trip.

Portmeirion is one of those places that feels almost unreal when you first arrive. Hidden on a beautiful corner of the North Wales coast, it’s bright, colourful and joyfully odd – like stepping into a tiny Mediterranean village that somehow ended up surrounded by forests and tidal estuaries.

As you wander around, you’ll spot playful details everywhere: pastel houses with balconies, tiled courtyards, painted domes, little arches framing views of the sea. The gardens are just as lovely – full of winding paths, subtropical plants and quiet spots to sit for a moment.

It’s the sort of place where you slow down without even meaning to. You drift between quirky shops, admire the scenery, and keep stumbling across corners that make you smile. On a Wales road trip, it’s a delightful change of pace – charming, creative and unlike anywhere else in the country. Features in the Coastal Way road trip.

☑ 9. Portmeirion:

Add Llandudno to your Wales road trip itinerary

☑ 10. Llandudno:

Llandudno is one of those seaside towns that charms you instantly. With its graceful Victorian promenade and sweeping bay, it has a nostalgic feel but plenty of life and character too.

A gentle walk along the pier is a lovely way to start, with classic seaside stalls and big sea views. For something a bit different, take the Great Orme Tramway up the hillside or glide to the summit by cable car for incredible panoramas over the coast and mountains.

It’s relaxed, friendly and full of simple pleasures, such as sand between your toes, icecreams, and fosh and chips — an easy, rewarding stop on any Wales road trip. Features within North Wales road trip.

☑ 11. A Dark Sky Reserve:

Try to spend at least one evening in one of Wales’s Dark Sky Reserves — it’s one of the most magical experiences you can have on a road trip. Places like the Brecon Beacons or Snowdonia feel completely different after sunset, when the valleys fall quiet and the sky comes alive.

With almost no light pollution, you can see the Milky Way stretching overhead, pick out constellations you’ve never noticed before, and, if you’re lucky, catch a few shooting stars. You can simply wrap up warm and enjoy the view from a quiet lay-by or campsite, or join a local stargazing session for extra insight.

It’s peaceful, memorable and a lovely way to connect with Wales’s incredible landscapes in a whole new way. Features in Stargazing in Wales.

☑ 12. Aberystwyth:

No Wales road trip feels complete without a stop in Aberystwyth. This lively seaside town on the Ceredigion coast has a lovely mix of history, scenery and that easy-going coastal atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Take a wander along the Victorian promenade and watch the sun sink over Cardigan Bay — the sunsets here really are something special. If you’re feeling energetic, head up Constitution Hill for big views and a charming ride on the old Cliff Railway. You can dip into the town’s heritage too, from the impressive National Library of Wales to the atmospheric ruins of Aberystwyth Castle.

It’s one of those stops that gives your trip a real sense of place — relaxed, characterful and full of things to explore.Features in the Coastal Way road trip.

I© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

If you like our series of blogs, check out the Wales Way blog and our Wales road trip guides. Top 10 Scenic Drives in the UK, the Best Motor Museums in the UK and themed road trip ideas. If you need to find a leisure vehicle - check out our guides for buying a motorhome, hiring a car, or hiring a campervan or motorhome.

Wales' West Coast road trip travel guide

Wales Road Trips

Wales' West Coast road trip as part of the Wales region road trip bundle

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Wales' north coast road trip as part of the Wales region road trip bundle

Star Gazing in Wales as part of the Wales region road trip

Wales as a Region - £24.99

Forest of Dean & Wye Valley + North Coast of Wales + West Coast of Wales + Cambrian Way + Star Gazing

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Allow 7–10 days for a relaxed loop. If you’re short on time, split Wales into North (Eryri/Snowdonia, Conwy/Caernarfon, Anglesey, Llandudno, Portmeirion) and South/West (Pembrokeshire Coast, St Davids, Brecon Beacons) and do each in 3–5 days.
May–June and September balance lighter crowds with long daylight. July–August has the warmest weather but needs more advance booking. Winter is atmospheric for Dark Sky stargazing, with shorter days and occasional mountain route closures.
It helps in peak season and school holidays, especially for Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles, Portmeirion, and popular Pembrokeshire sites/parking. Walk-up is often fine off-season.
Yes. Wales has plentiful campsites and aires/stopovers. Expect narrow rural roads; use passing places and avoid tight village centres at peak times.
Yes—castles (often with exhibitions), Portmeirion, St Davids Cathedral & Bishop’s Palace ruins, Llandudno’s attractions, museums and heritage railways around Eryri/Snowdonia.
Absolutely—link Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) as the scenic spine between south-west and north-west. Many travellers run a Cardiff → Brecon Beacons → Pembrokeshire → Eryri → Conwy/Anglesey loop.
Yes. Bannau Brycheiniog and Eryri have signposted car parks and visitor centres. Bring warm layers, head-torch, and check local advice for safe night access/parking.
A section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Great Orme in Llandudno (tram/cable car options), and a waymarked valley or lakeside trail in Eryri. If summiting Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), choose a route matched to your ability or consider the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Plan shorter daily distances than you would on motorways; allow time for single-track sections and photo stops. Keep fuel topped up in rural areas and check mountain weather before committing to passes.
English is widely used, but Welsh is visible and heard—especially in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Ceredigion. Learning simple greetings (e.g., “Diolch” = thank you) is appreciated.
Many beaches have seasonal restrictions; most castles have specific rules (grounds vs. interiors). National parks welcome dogs on lead around livestock. Always check local signage.
Major highlights such as Cardiff Castle, Conwy/Caernarfon, parts of Portmeirion, and select coast-path sections offer accessible facilities/routes. Review venue access pages and consider heritage railways and viewpoint car parks for big scenery with minimal walking.
If visiting multiple heritage sites, look at Cadw passes (e.g., Explorer Pass) for castles/monuments. Parking apps and council permits can also save time at coastal car parks.
Coverage is growing on trunk roads and in larger towns (Cardiff, Conwy/Llandudno, Haverfordwest, Bangor, Carmarthen). In rural/coastal spots, plan ahead and aim to arrive with a buffer.