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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Brecon.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brecon may take around 1 hour 2 min. Upon your arrival in Brecon, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum is an increasingly popular military museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Brecon Canal Basin, an awe-inspiring marina that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Brecon Cathedral, a grand church.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a popular restaurant in Cardiff. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cardiff at Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, 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 The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Cardiff tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Lab 22. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Dead Canary offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Hay on Wye and Rhayader. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cardiff, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Hay on Wye. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 23 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Hay Castle, an often recommended castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Cardiff and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cardiff beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Elan Valley Waterfall Trail, an up-and-coming waterfall that everyone visiting Rhayader should see. Next, head to Craig Goch Dam. This history-steeped monument is one of the most increasingly popular attractions in the region.

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 a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Servini's at The Summerhouse, a highly-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're eager to try something different, consider Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent 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!

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Wales includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Aberystwyth. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Aberystwyth, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Cardiff, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Aberystwyth. Your travel time is around 2 hours 35 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Vale Of Rheidol Railway Museum. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the heritage railway before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Castell Aberystwyth Castle. This intriguing castle is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Ceredigion Museum. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum. Next, take your journey to Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a curiosity-inducing heritage railway.

Spend your afternoon discovering Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a beloved art gallery known for its picture-perfect features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

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 Aberystwyth, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Baravin, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Y Consti offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Little Devil's Café. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Aberystwyth.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kanes Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Libertine for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Y Bañera is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Betws Garmon and Betws y Coed. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bangor, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Bangor and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 57 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bangor beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Gorsaf Copa'r Wyddfa Summit Station, a curiosity-inducing visitor center that everyone visiting Betws Garmon should see. Next, head to Yr Wyddfa. This eye-catching mountain range is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region.

When you’ve had your share of Aberystwyth, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Betws y Coed. Your travel time is around 34 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Betws y Coed is Pont-y-pair Bridge, an up-and-coming historical landmark that draws attention for its romantic features.

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

Bangor is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bangor.

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

Wake up to day 7 of your road trip in Wales. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Dinorwig, Llanberis, and Caernarfon. With 1 night to stay in Bangor, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

When you’ve had your share of Bangor, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dinorwig. Your travel time is around 26 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Llanberis Station. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the heritage railway before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to National Slate Museum. This curiosity-inducing museum is a traveler-favorite in the village.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Caernarfon, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Llanberis to Caernarfon may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Caernarfon, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Dolbadarn Castle is a frequently visited castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Llanberis Lake Railway, a picture-perfect heritage railway that’s well-regarded in the area.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Caernarfon. This drive usually takes around 17 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, a beloved museum in Caernarfon. Explore its heritage-rich features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Caernarfon Castle. This captivating castle is a top recommendation in the area.

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.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Wales!

On day 8 of your road trip in Wales, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Llangollen are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cardiff, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Porthmadog, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bangor to Porthmadog may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Porthmadog, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways is an often recommended heritage railway we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Portmeirion and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Portmeirion beckons with new experiences!

Portmeirion is a curiosity-inducing village we recommend visiting today.

Llangollen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Portmeirion behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 22 min. Llangollen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Llangollen Railway Station, a beloved heritage railway that draws visitors from near and far.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Potted Pig, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Mowgli Street Food? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Angel Hotel Cardiff as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cardiff.

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