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This 7 day road trip in Wales captures some of the most scenic countryside views, best beaches and epic castles this country has to offer.
The itinerary takes a clockwise course amongst the mountains of Brecon Beacons National Park, past the golden sands of the Gower Peninsula and onto the picturesque county of Pembrokeshire. The route then heads north, cruising along Cardigan Bay through charming fishing villages before taking in several fortified towns along the fringes of Snowdonia.
Day 1: Hay-on-Wye,
Wales Road Trip Itinerary
The road trip begins in Hay-on-Wye on the border with England, made famous for its abundance of book shops and annual literary festival. Rent a local holiday home with parking and start your Welsh adventure on a relaxing note, hopping between the book and coffee shops.
Day 2: Brecon Beacons National Park
After a restorative first day in Wales, lace up the walking boots and explore Brecon Beacons National Park on the Four Falls Trail, or hike up the highest mountain in Southern Britain, Pen-y-Fan, weather permitting of course.
Take a picnic to restore those burnt calories, or visit a nearby pub like The New Inn in Ystradfellte or Penderyn’s Red Lion Inn for a plate of something warm and comforting.
Ad (Visit Swansea Bay): An overnight stay in Swansea Bay
Finish the day in the Mumbles area of Swansea, an idyllic seaside spot with miles of coastal paths to stroll along. Then, rest your weary legs in a local hotel or holiday home with a sea view.
Day 3: Gower Coast,
Wales Road Trip Itinerary
Start your day with a traditional Welsh breakfast in one of Mumble’s restaurants or cafes before driving to Rhossili Bay where you’ll soak up one of the best views in Britain. If you’re feeling adventurous there’s a couple of local tour companies you can contact for coasteering.
This is another great opportunity for a picnic with a view, but alternatively you can head back inland for lunch at a local Inn.
With evening looming, drive to the seaside town of Tenby and wander around the beautiful harbour, castle hill and onto the beach (pictured above) for sunset. There’s plenty of places to eat in Tenby for dinner, follow your nose to a local chip shop or gastropub before retiring for the night in local accommodation.
Day 4: Tenby (Pembrokeshire) and Cardigan Bay
Enjoy the delights of Tenby before continuing your road trip through Wales to the fishing village of Aberaeron or New Quay town on the coast of Cardigan Bay. After stretching your legs or enjoying a seafood lunch, drive up the coast to Aberystwyth where you’ll stay for the night.
Aberystwyth is a large University town with a sweeping promenade and pebble beach. As a first time visitor you’ll want to stroll along the promenade to ‘kick the bar’, explore castle remains and ride the funicular train (check operating hours) for a panoramic view of the town and coastline.
Day 5: Snowdonia National Park,
Wales Road Trip Itinerary
After breakfast, drive away from Aberystwyth towards Snowdonia and you’ll notice how the landscape evolves – gentle hills grow taller and steeper and eventually give way to a wide river valley, linked together by a long bridge.
Overlooked by the first piece of protected land of the National Trust, Dinas Oleu, Barmouth is a beautiful harbour town to spend a few hours before continuing on to Harlech in Snowdonia National Park.
Harlech is dominated by an epic hillside fortress which you can explore inside and admire from the sand dunes of the nearby beach.
End your fifth day at The Victoria Inn in Llanbedr or The Ysgethin Inn in Tal-y-bont and retire for the night in a nearby B&B or holiday park.
Day 6: Portmeirion and Caernarfon
Take advantage of an early start and drive to the pretty Portmeirion Village, which typically opens for day visitors from 9:30am – refer to their website for booking requirements and opening hours. Portmeirion’s colourful properties resemble those along the Italian Riviera, dreamed up by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis who purchased the site in 1925.
Related: 7 Scenic Towns and Villages to Visit in North Wales
After a couple of hours exploring Portmeirion and its numerous viewpoints, drive to Caernarfon via the beautiful village of Beddgelert. For an hour or two enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful place with a stroll along the river and visit the grave of Gelert where you’ll learn about a local legend.
Then it’s onto Caernarfon, home to another impressive castle where Prince Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales took place in 1969. You may have just enough time to explore inside, but if not, unwind with a drink outside the Anglesey Arms if the weather is fair, or see what grabs your attention as you roam around the castle square.
Book an overnight stay in Caernarfon or depart for Conwy where you’ll spend most of your seventh day. If you decide on the latter, spare enough time for a photo stop off in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerythwyndrobllllantsiliogogogoch nearby on Angelsey, the longest place name in Europe!
Day 7: Conwy and Llandudno,
Wales Road Trip Itinerary
Conwy has several points of interest to fill your final day on your road trip in Wales, the most impressive being the castle and its walls which surround the town. After discovering the history of Conwy Castle, walk down to the Quay and step inside the smallest house in Great Britain before driving across the river to Llandudno.
With your 7-day road trip in Wales almost coming to a close, end it on a high by taking a ride on Llandudno’s tramway or cable car to the top of the Great Orme.
If you’ve time afterwards, stroll along Llandudno’s seafront and head into the town centre to pick up some souvenirs from your road trip adventure in Wales – and if you haven’t tried them already, a paper bag of Welsh cakes or Bara Brith for the journey home.
Don’t forget to save this post and the map below for your road trip in Wales.
Absolutely epic! Would love to do this. And we live here 😆
Hoping to revisit a few myself this summer – thank you Ross!