9-Day Wales Road Trip from Cardiff traveling north to Builth Wells, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-day road trip through Wales.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Wales. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Cardiff, 2 nights in Powys, 2 nights in Bangor, and 1 night in Merthyr Tydfil, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Wales. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Cardiff, Powys, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil. We'll help you experience the best 9 days in Wales you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Cardiff, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Wales, including the stunning St Fagans National Museum of History and Cardiff Castle.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Wales. From the magnificent National Museum Cardiff to the breathtaking Caernarfon Castle and Portmeirion, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and learn more about the unique Conwy Castle to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Powys, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Wales. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Wales.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Wales. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Wales.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Wales.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Wales has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Wales. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Wales extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Wales fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Wales today!
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Day 1 – Cardiff - arrival day
- Cardiff - Arrival day
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- SWALEC Stadium
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Your road trip adventure in Wales begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cardiff. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Cardiff has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible SWALEC Stadium. This attraction is a sport venue and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,286 visitors.
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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cardiff, Cafe Citta. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 504 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cardiff is Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,663 customers.
Locals recommend Pasture Restaurant Cardiff as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cardiff. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.
Cardiff also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cardiff is The Dead Canary. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Cardiff is The Alchemist Cardiff. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.
Locals also enjoy Old Arcade. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Wales!
Day 2 – Cardiff
- Cardiff
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour
- Insole Court
- St Fagans National Museum of History
- Techniquest
- Roald Dahl Plass
- Wales Millennium Centre
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Day 2 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.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Cardiff. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations like the extraordinary Insole Court. This attraction is a cafe and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,093 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Cardiff, which gets around 610,155 annual visits, is the spectacular St Fagans National Museum of History. This attraction is an open-air museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,708 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Techniquest. This science center has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,326 visitors.
Roald Dahl Plass is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This architectural structure is a popular destination among visitors in Cardiff. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 998 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Wales Millennium Centre. Wales Millennium Centre is a convention center and popular attraction in Cardiff. More than 6,729 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Your discovery of Cardiff does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Cardiff on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Wales, be sure to eat at Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cardiff. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 759 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cardiff is the popular Bar 44 Cardiff. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 733 customers.
Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cardiff is Elevens Bar And Grill. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, Pasture Restaurant Cardiff is one of the best bars in the city of Cardiff for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.
Kongs Cardiff is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cardiff. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 915 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cardiff is The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff. The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 774 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cardiff!
Day 3 – Cardiff and Builth Wells
- Cardiff
- Builth Wells
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Drive 98 km, 2 hours 6 min
- Cardiff Castle
- National Museum Cardiff
- Roath Recreation Ground
- Roath Pleasure Gardens
- Roath Park
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Day 3 of your road trip through Wales gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Cardiff and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Builth Wells. You will stay in Builth Wells for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Cardiff is the amazing Cardiff Castle. This attraction is a castle that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,028 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible museum building, National Museum Cardiff. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,751 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, National Museum Cardiff welcomes around 373,191 yearly visitors.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Cardiff is the outstanding Roath Recreation Ground. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,636 visitors.
The spectacular Roath Pleasure Gardens is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 840 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Roath Park. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,598 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Cardiff by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Wales. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Builth Wells, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Wales!
Day 4 – Builth Wells
- Builth Wells
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Drive 226 km, 4 hours 9 min
- National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden
- Pistyll Rhaeadr
- Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
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On day 4 of your road trip across Wales, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Builth Wells. You’ll stay in Builth Wells for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the The Royal Oak Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Builth Wells. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,579 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Builth Wells is the 5-star Foyles of Glasbury. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 264 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Builth Wells is the 3-star Radnorshire Arms Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 693 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations like the outstanding National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,402 visitors.
Pistyll Rhaeadr is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a waterfall and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,640 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. This cafe is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,341 reviews.
Come to Builth Wells prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Builth Wells.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Builth Wells.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Wales.
Day 5 – Conwy and Bangor
- Bangor
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Drive 238 km, 3 hours 56 min
- Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
- Pont-y-Pair Bridge
- National Trust - Bodnant Garden
- Conwy Castle
- Venue Cymru
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bangor. You’ll stay in Bangor for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Conwy’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Conwy, start your day with a visit to the amazing Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,452 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Pont-y-Pair Bridge. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,717 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular National Trust - Bodnant Garden to make the most of your road trip across Wales. The spectacular National Trust - Bodnant Garden is a park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,887 visitors.
The lovely Conwy Castle is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 17,853 visitors have left this castle average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Venue Cymru. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,808 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Conwy has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bangor. Bangor offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Wales!
Day 6 – Isle of Anglesey and Bangor
- Bangor
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Drive 127 km, 2 hours 27 min
- RSPB Cymru Ynys Lawd, RSPB South Stack
- Trearddur Bay
- Plas Newydd House and Gardens
- Beaumaris Castle
- Penmon Point
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You still have 1 night left in Bangor.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is RSPB Cymru Ynys Lawd, RSPB South Stack. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,446 visitors.
Trearddur Bay is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,058 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Plas Newydd House and Gardens. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,654 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Beaumaris Castle. This castle and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,088 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Penmon Point. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,467 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Wales to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Bangor.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Wales!
Day 7 – Bangor and Merthyr Tydfil
- Bangor
- Merthyr Tydfil
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Drive 266 km, 4 hours 22 min
- Caernarfon Castle
- Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
- Portmeirion
- Snowdonia National Park
- More
Day 7 of your road trip through Wales gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bangor and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Merthyr Tydfil. You will stay in Merthyr Tydfil for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Bangor is the amazing Caernarfon Castle. This attraction is a castle that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,468 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,019 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bangor is the outstanding Portmeirion. This popular village and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,584 visitors.
The spectacular Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 23,832 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Bangor by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Wales. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Merthyr Tydfil, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Wales!
Day 8 – Merthyr Tydfil and Cardiff
- Cardiff
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Drive 54 km, 1 hour 28 min
- Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
- Brecon Mountain Railway
- Morlais Castle
- BikePark Wales
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As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Wales, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Merthyr Tydfil. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Cardiff. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Merthyr Tydfil’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Merthyr Tydfil, start your day with a visit to the amazing Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,205 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Brecon Mountain Railway. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,507 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Morlais Castle to make the most of your road trip across Wales. The spectacular Morlais Castle is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 178 visitors.
The lovely BikePark Wales is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,688 visitors have left this cafe average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Merthyr Tydfil has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Cardiff. Cardiff offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Mowgli Street Food. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 573 reviews.
The remarkable Park Plaza Cardiff is another top restaurant in Cardiff we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Cardiff, the fantastic Elevens Bar And Grill. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lab 22. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Wales!
Day 9 – Cardiff - departure day
- Cardiff - Departure day
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- Bute Park
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Day 9 of your road trip in Wales is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cardiff before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Bute Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cardiff. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,423 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cardiff and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Wales.
You’ll then say farewell to Cardiff. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Wales!
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