9-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling west to Aberystwyth and Bangor

Day 2 of your road trip across Wales promises a magnificent time exploring Cardiff. You have 3 nights left in Cardiff. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today’s agenda in Cardiff includes a performing arts theater, a museum, and a park. Wales Millennium Centre is must-visit performing arts theater and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to St Fagans National Museum Of History, a well-known museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to National Museum Cardiff, a photogenic museum, also available for your discovery today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Wales is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cardiff. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cafe Citta, a top-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Clayton Hotel Cardiff, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.

Keep the evening going at The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Rum & Fizz, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Kongs Cardiff, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cardiff, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures await you in Cardiff on today’s itinerary. First up is the up-and-coming military museum, The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum. Afterward, continue to Brecon Canal Basin, a marina every traveler should visit.

As you explore Cardiff’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Brecon Cathedral. This intriguing church is an essential stop.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cardiff and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cardiff's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cardiff tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Lab 22, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Dead Canary is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!

On day 4 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cardiff for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Hay on Wye and Rhayader to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Cardiff, including a castle, a waterfall, and a monument. Start your day with a visit to Hay Castle. This increasingly popular castle is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Elan Valley Waterfall Trail, which may be one of the most stunning places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Cardiff on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Craig Goch Dam, an underrated monument in the town.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cardiff.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cardiff. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Servini's at The Summerhouse, a top-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Wales!

On day 5 of your road trip in Wales, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Aberystwyth. In the evening, you’ll end up in Aberystwyth, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Cardiff, including a heritage railway, a castle, a museum, an art gallery and much more! Start your day with a visit to Vale Of Rheidol Railway Museum. This frequently visited heritage railway is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Castell Aberystwyth Castle, which may be one of the most majestic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Cardiff on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Ceredigion Museum, a locally appreciated museum in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Aberystwyth Cliff Railway and Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Aberystwyth's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Baravin, a top-rated dining destination in Aberystwyth. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Y Consti, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Devil's Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aberystwyth this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Kanes Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Libertine offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Y Bañera, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Wales and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Wales. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Betws Garmon and Betws y Coed. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bangor. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Aberystwyth allows for both. Start by heading to Gorsaf Copa'r Wyddfa Summit Station. This increasingly popular visitor center provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Yr Wyddfa, a mesmerizing mountain range, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Pont-y-pair Bridge, a curiosity-inducing historical landmark.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bangor. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Bangor, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bangor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Wales.

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bangor, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bangor, featuring fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Llanberis Station, a locally appreciated heritage railway in the village. Then, head to National Slate Museum and soak in the ambiance of this picture-perfect museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Bangor, and when you are ready for more, go to Dolbadarn Castle. This is one of the village’s most often recommended historic spots of interest. After exploring the castle, visit the frequently visited Llanberis Lake Railway. Not far away, you'll also find Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum. This museum is a heritage-rich highlight in Bangor. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Caernarfon Castle, an interesting castle in the village.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bangor and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bangor. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Say good night to Bangor and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Wales!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Llangollen. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cardiff, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Bangor today. One of the most often recommended attractions included on the itinerary is Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. This historic heritage railway will help you start your sightseeing on top.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Llangollen Railway Station.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cardiff, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cardiff. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Potted Pig, a highly-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mowgli Street Food, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Angel Hotel Cardiff. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!