Relaxed 12-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cardiff, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Wales are extraordinary.

National Museum Cardiff leaves a lasting impression. This museum is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Cardiff. Next, head to Gorsedd Gardens, a worthwhile park, known for its romantic features.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cardiff. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cardiff that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Cardiff to find the best options for you!

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Wales. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cardiff, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Cardiff. The bars in Cardiff make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Lab 22, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Dead Canary is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Wales!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Wales means 24 hours of making the best memories in Cardiff. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Cardiff. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Cardiff!

Cardiff Castle is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This symbolic castle is sure to impress.

Wales makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Wales also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Cardiff has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Servini's at The Summerhouse, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cardiff.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Cardiff and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Wales!

Your relaxed road trip in Wales continues on day 7 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Wales better by exploring the top attractions of Swansea and beyond. With 2 nights left in Swansea, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Brynmill Park Public Conveniences, a worthwhile park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Parc Singleton Park. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure.

Clyne Gardens is an increasingly popular botanical garden we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places 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 Swansea.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Swansea Grand Theatre, a highly-rated dining destination in Swansea. If you're eager to try something different, consider Belle Vue Bistro Swansea ltd, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hanson at the Chelsea Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Swansea this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Swansea.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Wales!

On day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Wales, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Swansea and visit amazing attractions in Swansea, Tregof, Loughor, and Llanrhidian, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Swansea, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Enjoy all that Plantasia has to offer. This is a worthwhile zoo you should not miss.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Tregof. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Buzz Trampoline Park, a beloved trampoline park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Swansea has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The New Slow Boat Cantonese Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bouchon De Rossi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Franco's is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Swansea.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Swansea.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Swansea can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Wales!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Wales will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place 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!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Margam, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Swansea to Margam may take around 31 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Margam, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the hamlet's best attractions, visit Margam Castle, a locally appreciated 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Glyncorrwg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Neath. This drive usually takes around 37 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Afan Forest Park, an up-and-coming hiking area in Glyncorrwg. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Wales as you make your way to Merthyr Tydfil. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the town, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Merthyr Tydfil has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the town.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Merthyr Tydfil and take the pulse of the town’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Wales.

Day 11 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Wales offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Ystrad Mynach and continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Crosskeys and Caerphilly. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 1 night.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Parc Cwm Darran and explore the instagrammable features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Crosskeys. This car ride takes around 26 min.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is a frequently visited museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its heritage-rich features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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: Crosskeys. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Crosskeys, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

In Cardiff, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Wales.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Wales. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cardiff, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Potted Pig, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Mowgli Street Food is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Angel Hotel Cardiff. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cardiff tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Cardiff. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Wales. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Wales tomorrow with new energy.