One-Week Wales Road Trip from Cardiff traveling north to Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea, and Builth Wells

Say hello to Cardiff! Your exciting road trip through Wales is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cardiff for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Cardiff is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Cardiff. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Wales. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, an iconic dining spot in Cardiff. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Elevens Bar And Grill, a popular restaurant in Cardiff. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Old Arcade, a hidden gem nestled in Cardiff. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Pennyroyal. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Borough Arms offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook The Libertine Cocktail Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Wales!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cardiff has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cardiff by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Cardiff has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Cardiff offers and add your favorites to your Wales travel package 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.

Make sure to book a table at Cafe Citta, 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 Clayton Hotel Cardiff, 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 Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cardiff tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Rum & Fizz offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Kongs Cardiff, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 3 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 Cardiff, and Caerphilly. In the evening, you’ll end up in Merthyr Tydfil, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Cardiff Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,549 reviews.

Next up is Gorsedd Gardens. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 907 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is National Museum Cardiff. This museum building has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,980 reviews. Every year, 373,191 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

Make Roath Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,728 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 Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr Tydfil 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.

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

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Abercanaid, Pant, Neath, and Margam. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Swansea, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Abercanaid’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Merthyr Tydfil behind. This drive usually takes around 9 min. Abercanaid welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Bikepark Wales, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable cafe has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,721 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Pant, 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 Abercanaid to Pant may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Pant, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Brecon Mountain Railway, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,628 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Swansea, 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Swansea. 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.

Make sure to book a table at The Perch, a popular restaurant in Swansea. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Swansea at Pant-y-Gwydr restaurant, 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 Turtle Bay Swansea. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Swansea tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Popworld Swansea, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, No Sign Wine Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Copper also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Rhossili, Llanarthney, and Trap, 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 Builth Wells. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Drop by the renowned Clyne Gardens. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,646 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rhossili.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Trust - Rhossili And South Gower Coast. This park is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 5,560 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.

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

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

Wake up to day 6 of your extraordinary road trip in Wales. With 1 night left in Builth Wells, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Llanfair Caereinion. This car ride takes around 20 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Trust - Powis Castle And Garden. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,703 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Welshpool, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Llanfair Caereinion. This drive usually takes around 20 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. This cafe is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,389 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Llanfair Caereinion, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Elan Village. Your travel time is around 1 hour 8 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Caban Coch Dam. Previous visitors have rated this dam an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 579 reviews.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Wales!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Raglan, Chepstow, Tintern, and Blaenavon. 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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Raglan and set your GPS to Chepstow. 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 29 min. Upon reaching Chepstow, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Raglan Castle is a great place to start. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,420 visitors.

After soaking in Raglan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Chepstow. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Chepstow, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Castell Cas-gwent / Chepstow Castle. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,675 visitors.

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 Cardiff. Cardiff 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 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a top-rated dining spot in Cardiff. If you're in the mood for something new, try Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cardiff.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Lab 22, known for its lively atmosphere. The Dead Canary is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

Day 8 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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Bute Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 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.

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!