9-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling north to Aberystwyth and Bangor

On day 3 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cardiff for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Talybont on Usk and Brecon to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cardiff, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cardiff. This drive usually takes around 57 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Torpantau Railway Station - Bmr is a locally appreciated heritage railway we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its breathtaking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Brecon, 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 Cardiff to Brecon may take around 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Brecon, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your self-guided tour starts at The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, a locally appreciated military museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Brecon Canal Basin and admire its awe-inspiring features. When you’re ready, continue to Brecon Cathedral, a beloved church beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Pasture 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 Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, 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 The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon, a hidden gem nestled in Cardiff. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lab 22. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Dead Canary, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Talgarth, Bronllys, Three Cocks, and Hay on Wye. You still have 1 night left in Cardiff.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Talgarth allows for both.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Talgarth. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make your way to Pwll Y Wrach Nature Reserve, a frequently visited nature reserve that draws attention for its serene features.

Set your GPS to Bronllys and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bronllys beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Castell Bronllys, a curiosity-inducing castle known for its culturally significant features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Three Cocks. This car ride takes around 3 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Black Mountain Adventure, an often recommended adventure park known for its mesmerizing features.

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

As you explore more of Cardiff, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Servini's at The Summerhouse, a highly-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're eager to try something different, consider Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Aberystwyth. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Aberystwyth, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Aberystwyth. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make your way to Vale Of Rheidol Railway Museum, a worthwhile heritage railway that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, an instagrammable heritage railway that stands out in the town. Next, visit Ceredigion Museum, an up-and-coming museum that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Castell Aberystwyth Castle, a nearby castle, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

Your self-guided tour starts at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, an increasingly popular art gallery that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Aberystwyth. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Aberystwyth. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Baravin, a top-rated dining destination in Aberystwyth. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Y Consti, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Devil's Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aberystwyth this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Kanes Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Libertine offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Y Bañera is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Wales!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Betws y Coed, Betws Garmon, and Llanberis. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bangor, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Gwydir Forest Park, an up-and-coming hiking area that draws visitors from near and far.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Betws y Coed, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Betws y Coed, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pont-y-pair Bridge. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Waterfall. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop.

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 Bangor. Bangor 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.

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

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

Greet day 7 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Bangor for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Dinorwig, Llanberis, Y Bontnewydd, and Caernarfon.

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

Begin your journey at National Slate Museum and explore the eye-catching features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Llanberis and set your GPS to Y Bontnewydd. 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 14 min. Upon reaching Y Bontnewydd, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to Dolbadarn Castle, an increasingly popular castle in Llanberis. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Llanberis Lake Railway. This underrated heritage railway is a top recommendation in the area.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Y Bontnewydd. This drive usually takes around 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Gypsy Wood Park, a curiosity-inducing park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bangor. 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.

Head back to your accommodation in Bangor and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!

On day 8 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 Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Llangollen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cardiff, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Bangor, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Porthmadog. Your travel time is around 47 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the heritage railway before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking in Portmeirion’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Llangollen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive in Llangollen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Castell Dinas Bran is an often recommended castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour to Llangollen Railway Station, a breathtaking heritage railway that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Llangollen Bridge, a visually striking historical landmark.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cardiff, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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 Potted Pig, 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 Mowgli Street Food, 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 Angel Hotel Cardiff, a hidden gem nestled in Cardiff. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!