Relaxed 11-Day Wales Road Trip from Cardiff to Swansea and Builth Wells

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Wales begins when you reach Cardiff, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Cardiff is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Alexandra Gardens. Around 548 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cardiff offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 774 customers.

Elevens Bar And Grill serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cardiff has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 787 reviews.

Old Arcade is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,079 customers, Old Arcade is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cardiff looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Pennyroyal, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151 reviews.

The Borough Arms offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cardiff. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 802 customers.

Locals like unwinding at The Libertine Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 213 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Wales! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Wales!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you'll explore the best attractions in Cardiff at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cardiff, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Cardiff Castle. This incredible castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,028 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Wales by seeing another popular site in Cardiff, the wonderful Gorsedd Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,028 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible National Museum Cardiff. This museum building has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,751 visitors. Up to 373,191 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cardiff itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cardiff. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Cafe Citta. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 504 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Clayton Hotel Cardiff, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Clayton Hotel Cardiff is rated 4.2 stars out of 5 by 2,259 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Pasture Restaurant Cardiff. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 697 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cardiff and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular The Great Western - JD Wetherspoon. This vibrant bar is rated 4 out of 5 stars by 4,066 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Rum & Fizz. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 108 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Kongs Cardiff. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Kongs Cardiff has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 915 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Techniquest. This incredible science center has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,326 travelers.

This architectural structure is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,326 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Wales Millennium Centre. This convention center has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,729 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 759 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon is rated 4.1 stars out of 5 by 6,543 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Servini's at The Summerhouse. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 403 food lovers.

Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Lab 22. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Dead Canary. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Roath Pleasure Gardens. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 840 travelers.

This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 840 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,001 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,663 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Potted Pig. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 492 food lovers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 5 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Wales. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Wales.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Barry. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of St. Nicholas. You’ll spend 3 nights in Swansea.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Knap Gardens. This park and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 1,164 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing Cold Knap beach. This top-tier point of interest and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 1,617 travelers.

While exploring the city of Barry, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Wales, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Barry, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of St. Nicholas. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Wales and discover the wonderful St. Nicholas.

While in St. Nicholas, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens. This park and popular site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,481 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in St. Nicholas.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Wales comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Swansea. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Swansea, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Swansea. Check out The Perch, a top choice in Wales due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Swansea restaurant to try is a local favorite, Pant-y-Gwydr restaurant.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Turtle Bay Swansea is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Swansea has a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,808 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Swansea. The popular Popworld Swansea has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 300 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Wales.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like No Sign Wine Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.5 from 879 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of Swansea recommend Copper. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.3 over 5 stars from 335 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Wales with a toast at a top-rated bar in Swansea!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Rhossili, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Rhossili will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Wales.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination, the stunning Old Coastguard Station. Around 522 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular National Trust - Rhosili and South Gower Coast, a popular park and another top-rated attraction in Rhossili.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Wreck of the Helvetia. This local attraction is an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 505 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rhossili. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Rhossili and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rhossili that will make your self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Rhossili to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Swansea for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Swansea.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 423 customers, the dining experience Steak By Night offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Wales.

The River House is another pleasant place to eat in Swansea. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 671 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Premier Inn Swansea City Centre hotel and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 887 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At The Hanbury, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Swansea is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 164 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Clyne Gardens. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,610 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Gershwins Coffee House. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 324 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Swansea Grand Theatre, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Swansea Grand Theatre is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 2,017 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Belle Vue Bistro Swansea ltd. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 284 food lovers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Wales will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Wales, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Pembrey, and continue your explorations in the city of Llandeilo. The charming Builth Wells is where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Your first stop is the great neighborhood of Pembrey, where you will see the amazing Pembrey Country Park. This famous country park has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,434 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Pembrey than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the neighborhood’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the neighborhood of Pembrey, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Wales, the lovely Llandeilo!

In Llandeilo, you’ll find the magnificent Dinefwr Castle. This popular castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,668 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Llandeilo by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular National Trust - Dinefwr. This popular site is a wonderful park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,163 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Builth Wells for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Wales, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Builth Wells.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Builth Wells and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Let’s toast to day 8 of your laid-back self-drive in Llandeilo! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Wales!

On day 9 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Tan-y-pistyll, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Tan-y-pistyll will make you fall even more in love with the hamlet and uniqueness of Wales.

One of the hamlet’s best travel destinations is a fascinating waterfall, the stunning Pistyll Rhaeadr. Around 3,640 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Tan-y-pistyll. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Tan-y-pistyll and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Tan-y-pistyll that will make your self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the hamlet of Tan-y-pistyll to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Builth Wells for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Builth Wells.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

On day 10 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Wales. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Wales.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Chepstow. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Raglan. You’ll spend 1 night in Cardiff.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Chepstow Castle / Castell Cas-gwent. This top-tier point of interest and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 3,594 visitors.

While exploring the city of Chepstow, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Wales, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Chepstow, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of Raglan. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Wales and discover the wonderful Raglan.

While in Raglan, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Raglan Castle. This castle and popular site has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,277 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Raglan.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Wales comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Cardiff. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Cardiff, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Cardiff. Check out Mowgli Street Food, a top choice in Wales due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Cardiff restaurant to try is a local favorite, The Clink Restaurant Cardiff.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Angel Hotel Cardiff is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Cardiff has a score of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,598 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Cardiff.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Wales with a toast at a top-rated bar in Cardiff!

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip in Wales is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cardiff.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cardiff once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Wales on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Bute Park is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cardiff. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,423 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 11 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cardiff or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Bar 44 Cardiff. Dining at Bar 44 Cardiff is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cardiff. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 733 customers.

Another top recommendation in Cardiff is The Alchemist Cardiff. If you go to The Alchemist Cardiff, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Park Plaza Cardiff. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Park Plaza Cardiff is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cardiff and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 11-day relaxed road trip in Wales is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.