12-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Builth Wells, Rhyl, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cardiff has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Cardiff by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Just a short distance away is Gorsedd Gardens, an enchanting park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Alexandra Gardens, one of the city’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

Keep the evening going at Lab 22, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Dead Canary, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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 Chepstow, Tintern, Raglan, Goytre, and Abergavenny. In the evening, you’ll end up in Builth Wells, where you will stay for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cardiff, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Chepstow may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Chepstow, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Castell Cas-gwent / Chepstow Castle and explore the breathtaking features.

Tintern’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Chepstow behind. This drive usually takes around 14 min. Tintern welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Abaty Tyndyrn / Tintern Abbey, an underrated monastery known for its culturally significant features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Tintern, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Raglan may take around 27 min. Upon your arrival in Raglan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Raglan Castle, a locally appreciated castle in Raglan. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Builth Wells. 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.

Head back to your accommodation in Builth Wells and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Welshpool, Chirk, Trevor, and Newbridge. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rhyl, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Chirk’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Welshpool behind. This drive usually takes around 47 min. Chirk welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to National Trust - Powis Castle And Garden, a frequently visited castle that draws visitors from near and far.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Welshpool, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Chirk may take around 47 min. Upon your arrival in Chirk, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Chirk Aqueduct is an increasingly popular monument we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to National Trust - Chirk Castle, a history-steeped castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Chirk, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Trevor. This drive usually takes around 9 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an underrated monument we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its UNESCO world heritage-designated features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Rhyl. Rhyl offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

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

On day 8 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Bangor, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bangor for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Llangoed, Beaumaris, Llanddaniel Fab, and Trearddur to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Llangoed, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Beaumaris. This drive usually takes around 14 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your self-guided tour starts at Trwyn Penmon Point, a beloved lighthouse that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’ve had your share of Llangoed, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Beaumaris. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Beaumaris Castle, an intriguing castle known for its picture-perfect features.

Llanddaniel Fab’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Beaumaris behind. This drive usually takes around 17 min. Llanddaniel Fab welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at National Trust - Plas Newydd House And Gardens and explore the visually striking features.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bangor. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Caernarfon, Y Bontnewydd, and Trawsfynydd, 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 Merthyr Tydfil. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Y Bontnewydd. This car ride takes around 6 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Caernarfon Castle, a locally renowned castle known for its historic features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Y Bontnewydd, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Caernarfon to Y Bontnewydd may take around 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Y Bontnewydd, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Gypsy Wood Park, a frequently visited park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Y Bontnewydd and set your GPS to Trawsfynydd. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 45 min. Upon reaching Trawsfynydd, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Eryri National Park (snowdonia), an interesting national park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Merthyr Tydfil, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Pant and Abercanaid. You still have 1 night left in Merthyr Tydfil.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Merthyr Tydfil and set your GPS to Pant. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 10 min. Upon reaching Pant, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Morlais Castle, an underrated castle known for its picture-perfect features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Brecon Mountain Railway, a beloved heritage railway that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Abercanaid. This drive usually takes around 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Bikepark Wales, an increasingly popular bike park in Abercanaid. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cyfarthfa Castle Museum And Art Gallery, an up-and-coming museum known for its instagrammable features.

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

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

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

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