5-Day Wales Road Trip from Cardiff traveling north to Aberystwyth

Welcome to Cardiff, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Wales! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Cardiff's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cardiff. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Book a table at Cafe Citta, a famous dining establishment in Cardiff. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 504 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Cardiff is Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.3 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 2,663 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Cardiff’s The Alchemist Cardiff for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,213 satisfied diners.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the region. The Dead Canary is a popular option with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 700 customers.

Another top option is Old Arcade. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers.

Pasture Restaurant Cardiff is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Wales!

On day 2 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, St Fagans, and Aberystwyth. In the evening, you’ll end up in Aberystwyth, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Aberystwyth, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the region.

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Ultracomida. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Aberystwyth has received a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from around 632 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Little Italy should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Aberystwyth, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 522 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Medina. This highly regarded restaurant in Aberystwyth has earned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 1,121 satisfied guests.

Many locals go to The Glengower to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,453 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is Athro Lounge. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

Ship & Castle is another great option in Aberystwyth. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 396 customers.

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

On day 3 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Trawsfynydd, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the village. Since you will return to Aberystwyth for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Trawsfynydd, Portmeirion, Harlech, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Aberystwyth to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

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

Journey into the unknown at Portmeirion, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable village has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,584 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Portmeirion, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Your travel time is around 27 min.

Set your GPS to Trawsfynydd and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Trawsfynydd beckons with new experiences!

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Aberystwyth. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Reserve a table at Coffee#1 Aberystwyth, a renowned restaurant in Aberystwyth. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,103 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Sophie's while in Aberystwyth. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 836 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Aberystwyth at Baravin, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 664 customers.

The Libertine is one of the best bars in Aberystwyth and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 367 customers.

You may also want to check out Y Bañera. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Y Bañera is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 198 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Yr Hen Orsaf - JD Wetherspoon. Yr Hen Orsaf - JD Wetherspoon has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,769 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Tintern, Chepstow, Raglan, Abergavenny, Monmouth, and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

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

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Raglan, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Monmouth may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Monmouth, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Cardiff. Cardiff offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cardiff's best restaurants.

Reserve a table at Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, a renowned restaurant in Cardiff. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 759 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Bar 44 Cardiff while in Cardiff. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 733 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Cardiff at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 774 customers.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Cardiff. Kongs Cardiff often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 915 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Elevens Bar And Grill. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.

Lab 22 is another top-rated bar in the region. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 493 customers.

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

Day 5 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.

On your last day in Wales, take time to indulge in shopping at Cardiff’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, region’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Wales. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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!