7-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling north to Tenby and Betws y Coed
Description
Included
Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through Wales. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Wales takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Cardiff, 2 nights in Tenby, and 2 nights in Betws y Coed. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Wales. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Cardiff, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Wales on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Wales. Cardiff Castle and Caernarfon Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Museum Cardiff, learn more about the unique Pembroke Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Wales Millennium Centre.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Pembroke, Tenby, St Davids, Bosherston, Manorbier, Aberystwyth, Devil's Bridge, Harlech, Betws y Coed, Llanberis, Beddgelert, Caernarfon, Brecon, and Coelbren, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Wales. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Wales.
Throughout your road trip in Wales, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Wales.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Wales fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Wales today!
Travel details
Set your travel details to find the best price
Flights
Compare and choose from the best flights to Cardiff
Car
Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Cardiff - Arrival day
- More
- Bute Park
- More
Your road trip adventure in Wales begins as soon as you reach Cardiff and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Cardiff is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Bute Park, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cardiff. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cardiff, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Elevens Bar And Grill offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Old Arcade. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cardiff.
Keep the evening going at Pennyroyal, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Borough Arms, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Libertine Cocktail Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Wales!
Day 2
- Cardiff
- Tenby
- More
Drive 182 km, 2 hours 55 min
- Wales Millennium Centre
- National Museum Wales Main Library
- Pembroke Castle
- Tenby Castle
- More
Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Cardiff, Pembroke, and Tenby, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Tenby. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Today’s agenda in Cardiff includes a performing arts theater, a museum, and a castle. Wales Millennium Centre is must-visit performing arts theater and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to National Museum Cardiff, a worthwhile museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Pembroke Castle, a stunning castle, also available for your discovery today.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Tenby. Tenby offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you explore more of Tenby, 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.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Tap & Tân, a popular restaurant in Tenby. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Tenby at Top Joe's Tenby, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Indie Burger. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Tenby tonight.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 3
- Tenby
- More
Drive 142 km, 3 hours 1 min
- St David's Cathedral
- Saint Govan's Chapel
- Manorbier Castle
- More
On day 3 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Tenby, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Tenby for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience St Davids, Bosherston, and Manorbier to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Start at the up-and-coming St. David's Cathedral School, a culturally significant church in Tenby. Next, go to St Govan's Chapel.
After visiting St. David's Cathedral School and St Govan's Chapel, have a stroll along Tenby's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Manorbier Castle. This visually striking castle offers a unique experience.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Tenby.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tenby. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Dine in style at Heywood Spa Hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Atlantic Hotel. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Tenby.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Wales!
Day 4
- Tenby
- Betws y Coed
- More
Drive 287 km, 5 hours 13 min
- Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
- Devil's Bridge Falls
- Harlech Castle
- More
On day 4 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, Devil's Bridge, and Harlech. In the evening, you’ll end up in Betws y Coed, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Aberystwyth Cliff Railway. This increasingly popular heritage railway is an eye-catching place to see in Tenby. Continue your discovery at Devil's Bridge Waterfalls, a romantic waterfall with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Tenby, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Harlech Castle. This worthwhile castle offers an UNESCO world heritage-listed encounter with Tenby. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Tenby.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Betws y Coed, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Betws y Coed. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the village, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Wales!
Day 5
- Betws y Coed
- More
Drive 117 km, 2 hours 40 min
- Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
- Llanberis Lake Railway
- Gelert's Grave
- Caernarfon Castle
- Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
- Pont-y-Pair Bridge
- More
Greet day 5 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Betws y Coed for your remaining 1 night in the village later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Llanberis, Beddgelert, Caernarfon, and Betws y Coed.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming town of Betws y Coed. Your adventure starts at Ceunant Mawr, a frequently visited local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Llanberis Lake Railway. This underrated heritage railway is known for its serene appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Betws y Coed's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Bedd Gelert. This culturally significant monument offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Caernarfon Castle is also worth visiting, along with Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Waterfall. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment. End your day at Pont-y-pair Bridge. This curiosity-inducing historical landmark provides a fitting finale to your sightseeing.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Betws y Coed and your accommodation.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Betws y Coed. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Say good night to Betws y Coed and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 6
- Betws y Coed
- Cardiff
- More
Drive 310 km, 5 hours 19 min
- Elan Valley Waterfall Trail
- Brecon Cathedral
- Brecon Canal Basin
- Henrhyd Falls
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Rhayader, Brecon, and Coelbren. 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.
A blend of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Betws y Coed on today’s itinerary. First up is the frequently visited waterfall, Elan Valley Waterfall Trail. Afterward, continue to Brecon Cathedral, a church every traveler should visit.
As you explore Betws y Coed’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Brecon Canal Basin. This increasingly popular marina is an essential stop. Following that, head to Henrhyd Falls, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cardiff. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cardiff's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Cafe Citta, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cardiff.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Rum & Fizz, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Kongs Cardiff provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.
Day 7
- Cardiff - Departure day
- More
- Cardiff Castle
- More
Day 7 of your road trip in Wales is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cardiff before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Cardiff Castle, a visually striking castle before you head out.
Make the most of your final day in Wales by visiting Cardiff’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing St. David's Dewi Sant. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Wales. Savor your final moments in Wales at a cozy cafe while relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.
Before you conclude your road trip in Wales, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cardiff.
You’ll then say farewell to Cardiff. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Wales!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.