11-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling north to Brecon, Aberystwyth, Betws y Coed, and Conwy
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 11-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 3 nights in Cardiff, 2 nights in Brecon, 1 night in Aberystwyth, 2 nights in Betws y Coed, and 2 nights in Conwy. 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 Conwy Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable St Fagans National Museum Of History, learn more about the unique National Museum Cardiff, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Beaumaris Castle.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Llangorse, Brecon, Bronllys, Three Cocks, Hay on Wye, Aberystwyth, Llanberis, Dinorwig, Betws y Coed, Conwy, Beaumaris, Llandynan, Llangollen, and Trevor, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Cardiff - Arrival day
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- Bute Park
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Welcome to Cardiff, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Wales! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Cardiff's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
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.
Find your way to your hotel in Cardiff. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Wales. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
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.
Savor the flavors at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Elevens Bar And Grill beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Old Arcade. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cardiff tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pennyroyal, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Borough Arms provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Libertine Cocktail Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day road trip in Wales!
Day 2
- Cardiff
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Drive 20 km, 1 hour 16 min
- St Fagans National Museum of History building
- Llandaff Cathedral
- National Museum Wales Main Library
- Gorsedd Gardens
- Sophia Gardens
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Cardiff for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Cardiff. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! St Fagans National Museum Of History is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Cardiff. Next, head to Llandaff Cathedral, a frequently visited church, known for its picture-perfect features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to National Museum Cardiff. This history-steeped museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Gorsedd Gardens and Swalec Stadium. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
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 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.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cafe Citta, a top-rated dining spot in Cardiff. If you're in the mood for something new, try Clayton Hotel Cardiff, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cardiff.
Continue your lively evening at The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Rum & Fizz is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Kongs Cardiff ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!
Day 3
- Cardiff
- Brecon
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Drive 81 km, 1 hour 40 min
- Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
- The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
- Brecon Canal Basin
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Llangorse and Brecon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brecon, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Get ready for an exciting day in Cardiff. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes an adventure park, a military museum, and a marina. Begin your adventure at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre. This is an often recommended adventure park you should not miss. Another must-see is The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, an often recommended military museum in Cardiff.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Brecon Canal Basin.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Brecon, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Brecon, 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.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.
Day 4
- Brecon
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Drive 51 km, 51 min
- Bronllys Castle
- Black Mountain Activities
- Hay Castle
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On day 4 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Brecon, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Brecon for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bronllys, Three Cocks, and Hay on Wye to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots in Brecon. Begin your sightseeing with Castell Bronllys. This intriguing castle is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Black Mountain Adventure, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Brecon, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Hay Castle. This often recommended castle is a traveler-favorite.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Brecon.
As you explore more of Brecon, 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.
Head back to your accommodation in Brecon and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 5
- Brecon
- Aberystwyth
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Drive 108 km, 2 hours 16 min
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
- Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum
- Aberystwyth Castle Grounds
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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.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Brecon, including an art gallery, a heritage railway, a museum, a castle and much more! Start your adventure at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. This intriguing art gallery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Aberystwyth Cliff Railway located in Brecon for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Ceredigion Museum. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Castell Aberystwyth Castle. Visitors usually appreciate the romantic features of this castle.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Baravin, a highly-rated dining destination in Aberystwyth. If you're eager to try something different, consider Y Consti, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Devil's Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Aberystwyth this evening.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kanes Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Libertine, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Y Bañera provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Head back to your accommodation in Aberystwyth and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 6
- Aberystwyth
- Betws y Coed
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Drive 167 km, 3 hours 22 min
- Llanberis Lake Railway
- Llanberis Station
- National Slate Museum
- Snowdon
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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 Llanberis, Dinorwig, and Betws Garmon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Betws y Coed, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
Immerse yourself in Aberystwyth’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Llanberis Lake Railway. This breathtaking heritage railway is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the gorgeous features of Llanberis Station, a must-visit heritage railway in the town.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to National Slate Museum, a worthwhile museum. For a change of scene, check out Yr Wyddfa, known for its romantic features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Betws y Coed. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the village.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Betws y Coed. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!
Day 7
- Betws y Coed
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Drive 24 km, 47 min
- Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
- Pont-y-Pair Bridge
- Conwy Valley Railway Museum
- Gwydir Forest Park
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On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Betws y Coed. You’ll stay in Betws y Coed for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
Get ready for an exciting day in Betws y Coed. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a waterfall, a historical landmark, a museum, a hiking area and much more! Begin your adventure at Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Waterfall. This is an up-and-coming waterfall you should not miss. Another must-see is Pont-y-pair Bridge, an increasingly popular historical landmark in Betws y Coed.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Conwy Valley Railway Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Gwydir Forest Park, another of the village’s increasingly popular attractions.
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 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.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.
Day 8
- Betws y Coed
- Conwy
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Drive 27 km, 40 min
- National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge
- Conwy Castle
- Smallest House in Great Britain
- Plas Mawr
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Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Conwy, 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 Conwy. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Betws y Coed, including a historical landmark, a castle, and a museum. Start your day at National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge. This picture-perfect historical landmark is an intriguing place to see in Betws y Coed. Then, wander over to Conwy Castle. If breathtaking sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Smallest House In Great Britain. This photogenic historical landmark is a favorite among visitors.
Betws y Coed offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Plas Mawr is a worthwhile spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Conwy, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Conwy's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!
Day 9
- Conwy
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Drive 111 km, 2 hours 11 min
- Penmon Point
- Beaumaris Castle
- Beaumaris Gaol and Court
- Anglesey Sea Zoo
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Greet day 9 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Conwy for your remaining 1 night in the town 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 Llangoed, Beaumaris, and Foel.
Start by visiting Trwyn Penmon Point, a prime spot to begin your journey. This eye-catching lighthouse is sure to impress. Next on your list is Beaumaris Castle, another must-visit landmark and underrated castle renowned for its awe-inspiring features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Conwy by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Beaumaris Gaol. This history-steeped museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Conwy experience. We also recommend visiting Anglesey Sea Zoo, an often recommended aquarium.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Conwy and your accommodation.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Conwy. 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.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Wales.
Day 10
- Conwy
- Cardiff
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Drive 296 km, 4 hours 35 min
- Valle Crucis Abbey / Abaty Glyn Y Groes
- Llangollen & Corwen Railway
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your road trip in Wales. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Llandynan, Llangollen, and Trevor. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cardiff. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the up-and-coming Abaty Glyn Y Groes / Valle Crucis Abbey, a picture-perfect monastery in Conwy. Next, go to Llangollen Railway Station.
After visiting Abaty Glyn Y Groes / Valle Crucis Abbey and Llangollen Railway Station, have a stroll along Conwy's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This UNESCO world heritage-listed monument offers a unique experience.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cardiff. Cardiff offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cardiff. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a top-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Lab 22, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Dead Canary is another popular option for a drink or two.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 11
- Cardiff - Departure day
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- Cardiff Castle
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Day 11 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 majestic castle before you head out.
On your last day in Wales, take time to indulge in shopping at Cardiff’s popular marketplace, Royal Arcade. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.
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!
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