11-Day Wales Road Trip from Cardiff to Builth Wells, Rhyl, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil

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 4 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 Alexandra Gardens or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cardiff. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Wales. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Dine in style at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Elevens Bar And Grill boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Old Arcade. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cardiff.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Pennyroyal, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Borough Arms. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Libertine Cocktail Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day road trip in Wales!

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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Museum Cardiff. This extraordinary museum building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,980 visitors. Each year, around 373,191 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Cardiff Castle. This top attraction is a castle with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,549 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Gorsedd Gardens. This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 907 travelers.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Wales that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Cardiff has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

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

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.

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

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.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Cardiff, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Cardiff below.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a popular restaurant in Cardiff. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cardiff at Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cardiff tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Lab 22, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Dead Canary provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cardiff. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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.

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 satisfied 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 Caldicot, Tintern, Chepstow, Abergavenny, and Raglan. In the evening, you’ll end up in Builth Wells, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cardiff and set your GPS to Caldicot. 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 43 min. Upon reaching Caldicot, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Caldicot Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,139 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tintern. This car ride takes around 21 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Abaty Tyndyrn / Tintern Abbey. This much-appreciated place of worship is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,790 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Builth Wells, 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 Builth Wells's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

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 4 vibrant destinations - Welshpool, Chirk, Marchwiel, and Trevor. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rhyl. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Welshpool’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Chirk. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 50 min. When you arrive in Chirk, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at National Trust - Powis Castle And Garden. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,703 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Chirk. This drive usually takes around 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take the opportunity to see National Trust - Chirk Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,937 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Rhyl, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Rhyl. 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 Rhyl and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno, and Graig, 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 Bangor. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Colwyn Bay’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rhyl behind. This drive usually takes around 25 min. Colwyn Bay welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Welsh Mountain Zoo, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,576 reviews.

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Conwy Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,380 reviews.

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 Bangor. Bangor 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.

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.

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

Wake up to day 8 of your extraordinary road trip in Wales. With 1 night left in Bangor, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Set your GPS to Beaumaris and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Beaumaris beckons with new experiences!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Trwyn Penmon Point. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,551 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Beaumaris, 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 Llangoed to Beaumaris may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Beaumaris, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Beaumaris Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,281 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Llanddaniel Fab, 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 Beaumaris to Llanddaniel Fab may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Llanddaniel Fab, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to National Trust - Plas Newydd House And Gardens. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Llanddaniel Fab, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,744 visitors.

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

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.

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

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Trawsfynydd. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Merthyr Tydfil, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Caernarfon, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Porthmadog. This drive usually takes around 31 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Caernarfon Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,857 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Caernarfon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Porthmadog. Your travel time is around 31 min.

Journey into the unknown at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,236 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Wales!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, and Cefn Hengoed. 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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Parc Cwm Darran. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 785 visitors.

After soaking in Ystrad Mynach’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Caerphilly. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 20 min. When you arrive in Caerphilly, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Llancaiach Fawr Manor. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 790 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cardiff, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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.

Make sure to book a table at The Potted Pig, a popular restaurant in Cardiff. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cardiff at Mowgli Street Food, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The Clink Restaurant Cardiff. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cardiff tonight.

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

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.

Maximize your last day in Wales and go on a shopping spree in Cardiff’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Wales.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Bute Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,575 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Wales, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cardiff.

If you're eager to try something different, consider Bar 44 Cardiff, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

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!