9-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Brecon, Aberystwyth, and Betws y Coed

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Brecon, Tretower, and Llangorse. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Brecon, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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 Brecon. Your travel time is around 1 hour 2 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Brecon Cathedral, a beloved church that everyone visiting Brecon should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Tretower, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Brecon to Tretower may take around 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Tretower, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Llys A Chastell Tre-tŵr / Tretower Court And Castle and explore the romantic features.

After soaking in Tretower’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Llangorse. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 12 min. When you arrive in Llangorse, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre and explore the picture-perfect features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Brecon. Brecon offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Brecon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Wales.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Aberystwyth. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Aberystwyth, where you'll spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brecon and set your GPS to Aberystwyth. 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 1 hour 43 min. Upon reaching Aberystwyth, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Aberystwyth Cliff Railway. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the heritage railway before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Ceredigion Museum. This up-and-coming museum is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Vale Of Rheidol Railway Museum. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the heritage railway. Next, take your journey to Castell Aberystwyth Castle, a locally appreciated castle.

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

Savor the flavors at Baravin, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Y Consti beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Little Devil's Café. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Aberystwyth tonight.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day 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 3 places, which are Llanberis, Dinorwig, and Betws Garmon. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Betws y Coed, where will spend 2 nights.

As you explore Llanberis’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Llanberis. This car ride takes around 2 hours 10 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Llanberis Lake Railway, an intriguing heritage railway in Llanberis. Explore its standout features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Dinorwig’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Betws y Coed. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 34 min. When you arrive in Betws y Coed, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Llanberis Station, a worthwhile heritage railway that everyone visiting Dinorwig should see. Next, head to National Slate Museum. This historic museum is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region.

Set your GPS to Betws y Coed and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Betws y Coed beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Yr Wyddfa, a beloved mountain range that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Betws y Coed 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 Betws y Coed.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Wales.

On day 7 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Betws y Coed, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the village. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Betws y Coed, there’s no need to rush. Experience Conwy to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Conwy Quay is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Conwy, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the town. Be sure to also visit Mostyn Street, a street that showcases another side of Conwy.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Waterfall, an up-and-coming waterfall that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Betws y Coed may take around 4 min. Upon your arrival in Betws y Coed, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Plas Mawr, an increasingly popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Smallest House In Great Britain and admire its history-steeped features.

When you’re ready, continue to Conwy Castle, a captivating castle beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Betws y Coed's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in Wales includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Harlech. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cardiff, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Betws y Coed’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Porthmadog. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 40 min. When you arrive in Porthmadog, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, a beloved heritage railway that draws visitors from near and far.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Portmeirion. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Portmeirion and set your GPS to Harlech. 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 22 min. Upon reaching Harlech, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Harlech Castle, a frequently visited castle 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 Cardiff. Cardiff offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cardiff's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cardiff.

Continue your lively evening at Lab 22, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Dead Canary is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!