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Best motorhome sites in Wales 2023

If you're planning to tour to this beautiful country, you'll want to make sure you're staying at one of the best motorhome sites in Wales

By Jo Davies Published: April 12, 2023

The small but mighty country of Wales remains as popular as ever for touring, and it’s not hard to see why. If it’s a destination you’re thinking of visiting, one thing’s for sure – you’ll want to stay at one of the best motorhome sites in Wales, to get the most from your trip. That’s where this guide comes in.

There’s certainly a lot to see in the country. The landscape merges mountain ranges with waterfalls, valleys and rolling fields, all surrounded by 1680 miles of spectacular coast, home to some of the UK’s best beaches.

Visitors flock year-round to Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, while the cultural gems of Cardiff, Hay-on-Wye and Tenby are packed with history and art. Enjoy Pembrokeshire’s unrivalled beaches, Abersoch’s exciting watersports and Anglesey’s seclusion – Wales has something for everyone.

As a result, it’s not surprising that the country enjoyed a strong performance in our Top 100 Sites Guide 2023, where we reveal the standout campsites to stay at in the UK, so you can find the best motorhome site for your next tour. 10 destinations made it into our guide, as we reveal here.

The best motorhome sites in Wales are:

Tyddyn Isaf Camping & Caravan Park Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park Cim Farm Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park Parc Derwen Touring Caravan Park Red Kite Touring Park South Wales Touring Park Tyddyn Du Touring Park Tyddyn Llwyn Caravan Park Woodlands Caravan Park

The best motorhome site in Wales is:

Tyddyn isaf camping & caravan park.

Lligwy Bay, Dulas, Anglesey LL70 9PQ, tyddynisaf.co.uk

• Open: 11 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches: 34
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £29

Congratulations to Tyddyn Isaf, our Regional Winner for Wales!

Tucked away in the sprawling coastal countryside of the Isle of Anglesey is this extensive and wonderfully equipped touring site. With unrivalled views over Lligwy Bay and close proximity to several seaside gems, the Welsh motorhome park is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers.

Pitch options include standard and premium fully serviced, with all pitches dispersed across five fields of well-maintained greenery and surrounded by hedges and woodland. The washroom facilities recently won the Platinum Loo of the Year award and every touring pitch is within 200m of a toilet and shower block.

At The Market Place, you can pick up food, camping equipment and beach essentials, along with baked goods and local produce, while delicious meals can be bought from the Hen Ysgubor takeaway.

Coming soon to the site is a new café/bar that will be serving beverages and snacks throughout the day. The park is perfectly placed for exploring the east coast of Anglesey, with its own path to Lligwy Beach.

Walking and cycling trails are easily picked up from the site, while historical attractions like Mynydd Parys and the Copper Kingdom Centre are a short drive away

• Beautiful site overlooking bay, accessible to coastal walk. Friendly and welcoming. Quiet. Good amenities.
• Excellent facilities and the staff are very welcoming. Pitches are spacious, grounds and facilities well kept.

The standout contenders for the best motorhome site in Wales are:

Bron derw touring caravan park.

Llanrwst, Conwy, North Wales LL26 0YT, bronderw-wales.co.uk

• Open: 25 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches: 21
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £32

Bron Derw is a spacious motorhome site in Wales, with grassy areas separating the hardstanding and multi-serviced pitches.

The picturesque market town of Llanrwst is just a few minutes’ stroll away, and there’s plenty to see in the surrounding area too. The site offers a great base for exploring Llandudno, Gwydir Forest Park and Snowdonia National Park. Then there’s Betws-y-Coed, which is only five miles away.

Site facilities include a toilet and shower block, a dog-walk, a utility room and chemical disposal, while there’s also the option of staying in an adults-only section if guests are after a more peaceful stay.

• Excellent site, cleaned throughout the day, amazing views and surroundings, gardens are kept beautifully, thanks to Beryl and John’s hard work.
• Immaculate site overall, exceptionally friendly owners, beautiful views, pitches are large and spread out, owners cannot do enough for you to ensure your stay is excellent

Bwlchtocyn, Abersoch LL53 7BY, cimfarm.co.uk

• Open: 1 April – 31 October

The best campsites in Wales with sea views will always offer beautiful coastal sights, and that’s certainly something that Cim Farm provides.

Overlooking Abersoch, the site sits on a 400-acre working farm and provides guests with 2.5 miles of private coastline.

Each pitch offers electric hook-up and the site also offers toilets and showers, laundry facilities, a play zone and a dishwashing area.

The site provides plenty of open green space, and makes a great base for visiting Abersoch, Porth Neigwl Beach, Pwllheli and Caernarfon Castle.

• Fabulous, friendly family site, excellent facilities, managers who go above and beyond.
• The site is well maintained by the managers, who are extremely helpful. It’s always clean and tidy. I would highly recommend it.

Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park

Ffinnant, Trefeglwys, Powys SY17 5QZ, meadowsprings.co.uk

• Open: All year
• Touring pitches: 42
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £30

With a wealth of amenities and spacious, hardstanding pitches, Meadow Springs is a motorhome site in Wales that provides a peaceful retreat.

The lovely countryside location provides far-reaching views and is well connected to cycling and walking routes.

The excellent site amenities include luxurious washrooms, a dedicated dog-exercise area, children’s play zone and half a mile of private river fishing. Also onsite is Arthur’s Bar, a popular bar and restaurant serving locally sourced food.

• New campsite, thoughtfully planned and laid out. Spacious pitches, good facilities and a wonderful restaurant. Set in a scenic location.
• Fantastic site, everything is new and has more to offer in future. Great staff and views, lovely, quiet place to stay.

Parc Derwen Touring Caravan Park

Llanrwst, Conwy LL26 0YT Web bronderw-wales.co.uk

• Open: 10 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches:  34

As the adults-only neighbour to Bron Derw, this is another great base for Snowdonia National Park. Offering 34 multi-service pitches and well-maintained toilets and showers, along with a purpose-built accessible suite, this immaculate touring park has everything you need.

There is a dog-walking area, and laundry and dishwashing facilities. While the site itself is a great starting point for walking and cycling, the nearby A470 will bring you to Conwy, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed and other local attractions.

• Well laid out site, beautiful surroundings, very peaceful, owners welcoming, lovely clean toilet block.
• Beautiful park. Always clean and tidy. Staff lovely. Pop-up trailer serves fantastic food.

Red Kite Touring Park

Van Road, Llanidloes, Powys, Mid Wales SY18 6NG, redkitetouringpark.co.uk

• Open: 1 March – 3 January
• Touring pitches: 62

Set in the heart of Wales, this adults-only motorhome site guarantees a tranquil escape.

Spacious pitches provide panoramic views of the Welsh countryside and the amenity block has modern toilets and showers. The site is home to a 10-acre dog-walking area, complete with doggy pond and fenced training section, ideal if you’re touring with a pet .

There’s a recreation zone around a coarse fishing pool and the park is regularly visited by wildlife, including birds of prey. Llanidloes is a short walk away and also nearby is Llyn Clywedog Reservoir.

• Amazing views, beautifully kept, well-equipped site. Extremely helpful staff.
• Excellent facilities, clean and well organised. Staff fantastic, pitches wonderful.

South Wales Touring Park

Trosserch Road, Llangennech, Llanelli SA14 8AX southwalescaravansite.co.uk

• Open: 5 January – 1 March
• Touring pitches: 25
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £20

This lovely family-run site is a tranquil spot for adults-only touring in South Wales . All pitches are hardstanding, with beautiful views, and are serviced by heated shower rooms and toilets.

There are 10 fully serviced pitches and an electric vehicle charging point. The site has weekly deliveries of local produce for guests to purchase. The location is also perfect for accessing Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park and Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• Beautiful, serene spot. Facilities immaculate. All well planned. Owners can’t do enough for you.
• Everything is well thought through for guests. Facilities well designed and immaculate. Lovely peaceful campsite.

Tyddyn Du Touring Park

Conwy Old Road, Penmaenmawr, Conwy LL34 6RE, tyddyndutouringpark.co.uk 

• Open: 22 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches: 80
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £33

Located at the northern tip of Snowdonia National Park, this campsite is tucked away in woodland just a mile from Penmaenmawr Beach.

This quiet, adults-only site provides hardstanding pitches with hook-ups and benefits from stunning views over the North Wales coastline. There is a luxurious toilet and shower block, along with laundry and dishwashing facilities, and a dog-walk.

With easy access to the A55, the site is well placed for the national park and other attractions, such as Llandudno and Colwyn Bay

• Beautiful site, well-kept facilities, views over the Irish sea to Puffin Island.
• Amazing site. Picturesque views, immaculate facilities and grounds. Staff are so friendly.

Tyddyn Llwyn Caravan Park

Morfa Bychan Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9UR, tyddynllwyn.com

• Open: 1 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches: 153
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £28

This site sits within 18 acres of wooded parkland at the foot of Moel-y-Gest. Every touring pitch is all-weather and fully serviced, while onsite facilities include three toilet and shower blocks, three dishwashing areas and a children’s play zone.

Tyddyn Llywn also hosts a licensed bar and restaurant, as well as a heated outdoor patio, games room and shop. Within easy walking distance are the seaside towns of Porthmadog and Borth-y-Gest, while the delightful beach at Black Rock Sands is a short drive away.

• Very inviting, well presented, great amenities, friendly staff and a peaceful location, most definitely a 5* site.
• Very clean and well-kept pitches, friendly and helpful staff, nice onsite pub.

Woodlands Caravan Park

Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Sir Ceredigion SY23 3JW, woodlandsdevilsbridge.co.uk

• Open 1 March – 31 October
• Touring pitches: 50
• Pitch+2+hook-up: From £23

Offering grass and hardstanding pitches against the dramatic backdrop of the Cambrian mountains, Woodlands is just 12 miles from Aberystwyth.

There’s plenty to do onsite, with a football field, children’s play area and indoor table tennis. Visitors can also enjoy the tea room, serving lunches, cakes and afternoon tea. Facilities include a modern, centrally heated toilet block with showers, a separate family bathroom and a laundry room.

There is a pub within walking distance and plenty of hiking and cycling trails from the site.

• Having nature all around is wonderful. Very friendly staff, peaceful stay every time.
• Fantastic campsite, facilities immaculate, huge pitches, beautiful views.

If you’re after ideas for other destinations to visit, why not take a look at our guide to the best motorhome sites in Eastern England ? It’s a beautiful region to explore, with plenty to see and do.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.

Joanna Davies

Jo joined the team in March 2022 as a Staff Writer for Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan. After graduating with an English degree, her passion for writing and travel brought her to the Practical magazines, where she works across print and web. Her role involves writing travel features, campsite round-ups, and sourcing gear recommendations. Last year, Jo converted a 2009 Renault Grand Scenic into a micro-camper that has taken her to Shropshire, the Peak District and beyond.

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Wales Road Trip: The Best Route & Itinerary + Map

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Wales Road Trip Planner

Small but perfectly formed, the glorious country of Wales is a road-trippers dream. With soaring mountains and valleys, miles of golden sands, craggy headlands, historical sites, and some incredible roads, Wales offers an adventurous and eclectic road trip.

We’ve spent many happy weekends and holidays in Wales, and have brought together all our favorite places into a road trip that showcases the very best of the country. In this Wales road trip planner, we share the best itinerary, travel tips, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect Wales road trip.

Where is Wales?

A small country that is part of the United Kingdom, Wales is on the island of Great Britain, with an open border to the west of England, and covers an area of 8,024 square miles. That’s around half the size of the Netherlands, a similar size to Slovenia, and slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey.

Wales has a varied geography with strong contrasts. In the south, flat coastal plains give way to valleys, then to hills and mountain ranges in mid and north Wales. There are three national parks and five areas of outstanding natural beauty, which cover a quarter of the land mass of Wales.

Getting to Wales

For those looking for a UK staycation, Wales makes a great destination on your doorstep. Otherwise, fly into Cardiff , Bristol , or Birmingham airports to start your Welsh road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices. You could also fly into London Heathrow , pick up a hire car, and drive to Wales from London along the M4 motorway to begin your Wales self drive itinerary in less than half a day.

You can hire a car  at any of these airports with a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Wales. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site that pulls together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English-speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Wales Road Trip Route & Map

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Wales
• The Rough Guide to Wales
• The AA Guide to Wales

Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Snowdonia – conwy – anglesey – caernarfon – portmeirion – blaenau ffestiniog – coed y brenin – barmouth – elan valley – new quay – pembrokeshire – gower peninsula – mumbles – brecon beacons – hay-on-wye.

• Distance: 450 miles
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Drive Time: 11 hours

Wales is an extraordinary country of rugged coastlines, mountainous national parks, dark skies, and beautiful beaches.

Alongside the spectacular wild landscapes, you’ll also find historic sites, world-class attractions, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re an outdoor activity lover, a history buff, or a family on your annual holiday, you can explore the best places to visit in Wales by car with our travel tips and Wales coastal road trip itinerary.

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

The starting point for your Wales road trip is the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, or  Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri  in Welsh, in north Wales. Our favorite place in Wales, you’ll find plenty of drama, huge skies, and outdoor adventures.

The perfect stop for your first day is Betws-y-Coed, a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, full of companies offering outdoor adventures, shops selling outdoor gear, and pubs and restaurants full of hikers talking about the day’s activities.

The town is a great base for outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining, caving, and mountain biking. You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Conwy Falls, the Fairy Glen, and Swallow Falls to visit nearby.

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales at 1,085m above sea level. Even relatively inexperienced hikes will be able to climb Snowden, just make sure you have the right hiking equipment and check the weather carefully before heading off. If you’re in Wales during peak season, start early and try to avoid the weekends, as queues have been known to form on the ascent.

If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike to Wales’ highest peak, you can get the Snowdon Mountain Railway up from Llanberis station, almost to the summit. From here it’s a short walk to cover the last 20m of elevation to the cairn, and you can conquer Snowdon on foot!

Snowdonia National Park is also perfect for star-gazing and only the second area in Wales to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. On a clear night in Snowdonia, you can see the Milky Way, all the major constellations, nebulas (bright clouds of gas and dust), and shooting stars.

• Where to Stay in Snowdonia

Upmarket: Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Slate – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia – Booking.com | Agoda

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Head to the northern coast of Wales to Conwy, to visit the fortified town and magnificent Conwy Castle, built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the 13th century.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval castle dominates the skyline for miles around and has amazing views from the battlements. It’s also a fantastic sight as you cross the 18th century Gothic-style Conwy suspension bridge, which frames the ancient castle perfectly between its struts.

Not far from the castle, on Lower Gate Street, is the smallest house in Great Britain. Perched at the end of a terrace of houses and painted pillar box red, the smallest house is just 72 inches / 183cm wide by 122 inches / 310cm high. It was occupied until 1900 by a local fisherman called Robert Jones, who was 6 foot 3 inches tall!

• Where to Stay in Conwy

Upmarket: The Gallery at Bull Cottages – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Gwynfryn – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Wales . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

From Conwy, follow the coast road past Bangor and over the Menai Strait on the iconic Menai suspension bridge to the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, home to some of the best beaches in Wales, and fantastic coastal hiking, and cycling paths. 

Newborough Beach is a favorite of many on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels. Take a walk through the forest and dunes to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating lighthouse and pilot’s cottages. 

• Where to Stay in Anglesey

Upmarket: Sandy Mount House – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Lastra Farm Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Bold Arms Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

As you leave Anglesey, you’ll pass by Caernarfon on the road south. It’s well worth stopping here to visit 13th century Caernarfon Castle on the banks of the River Seiont, widely recognized as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

The jewel in the crown of Edward I’s Iron Ring of Castles, a chain of fortifications and castles built in north Wales, this fortress-palace is grouped with Edward’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can follow this string castles along the North Wales Way , a 75 miles long north Wales road trip from Chester to Holyhead in Anglesey.

Used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again in 1969, Caernarfon Castle has benefitted from a recent £5m investment, including a multimedia interpretation focussing on the ordinary Welsh people who built and ran the castle, and redevelopment of the castle’s principal gatehouse, adding a viewing platform in the battlements with panoramic views of town, sea and mountains.

• Where to Stay in Caernarfon

Mid-Range: The Celtic Royal Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Anglesey Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Portmeirion

Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, Portmeirion’s colorful houses, ornamental garden, and iconic campanile are like nowhere else in the UK.

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales, Portmeirion is also known for Portmeirion Pottery (now made in Stoke-on-Trent) and its role in the 1960s cult TV show The Prisoner .

Look beyond the obvious though and enjoy local walks, tropical gardens, and interesting architecture.

You can also get to Porthmadog from Minffordd Station just a mile from Portmeirion. From there you can travel on the Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage railway which runs for 25 miles from Porthmadog through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and the picture-perfect village of Beddgelert, past the foot of Snowdon and on to Caernarfon.

• Where to Stay in Portmeirion

Mid-Range: Aberdunant Hall Country Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Golden Fleece Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog is a small town with a rich mining history and is famously known as the ‘slate capital of the world’ and the dramatic slate landscapes that encircle the town have recently been designated as the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wales, following the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.

Since Roman times, Welsh slate has been utilized on roofs worldwide and has significantly changed the landscape over the years. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, which spans Gwynedd, was the leading producer and exporter of slate in the world during the 1800s and remains a remarkable heritage site today, attracting thousands of visitors.

Over the past few years, Blaenau Ffestiniog has developed as an outdoor activities capital, and its location in the heart of Snowdonia, close to rugged mountains, lakes, and hiking and biking trails, makes it a popular choice for thrill-seekers.

• Where to Stay in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Upmarket: The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Plas Weunydd – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pisgah Guesthouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Coed y Brenin

A short drive south is Coed y Brenin, where cyclists should make a stop. The UK’s first and largest dedicated mountain bike trail center, with miles of exceptional single-track for intermediate, experienced, and expert riders, is also a great place to try MBX for the first time.

You can hire bikes at Beics Brenin and start a trail from there, or visit the Ffowndri skills area and bike park to test your skills.

You’ll also find hiking, geocaching trails, orienteering routes, and running tracks in the Coed y Brenin Forest Park, with even a half-marathon route if you’re feeling really energetic!

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, find out how to road trip on a budget , or get ideas and inspiration with our favorite European road trips .

Nestled between Snowdonia and the Mawddach estuary, Barmouth’s location on the west coast has to be one of the most beautiful in Wales.

Steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries, this is a good old-fashioned seaside resort.

The town’s beach, Abermaw, is west-facing with a mixture of sand and some fine shingle and is a popular spot for sea swimming and watersports. 

You’ll also find a land train that runs along the promenade, which also makes a pleasant coastal walk, traditional donkey rides, swing boats, and amusement arcades as well as lots of local pubs and restaurants.  

• Where to Stay in Barmouth

Mid-Range: The Tilman – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Tal Y Don Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

The Mach Loop

As you head south, check out the Mach Loop on the A487 between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, the latter of gives its name.

The Mach Loop is a series of valleys notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast jet and propeller-driven aircraft. With an average of two to five movements a day, this is one of the best places in the UK to see this type of aircraft flying.

The MoD says “ the best time to see aircraft in action through the Mach Loop is late spring and summer which are the busiest times for low flying as squadrons make full use of good weather to carry out their training “.

Elan Valley

Your next stop is the Elan Valley, a stunning area rich with wildlife and nature in the heart of Mid Wales. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the rural valley is now famous for its spectacular dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts – you should try and visit all of the six dams of the Elan Valley to really appreciate the history of these beautifully designed and engineered masterpieces.

One of the best ways to experience the valley is to take a hike or bike ride around one of the reservoirs of the valley or gain some height amongst the rocky crags and admire the breathtaking and peaceful landscape.

Over 80% of the valley is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Claerwen National Nature Reserve, encompassing 800 hectares of upland plateaux with gently rolling hills covered with acid grassland and in parts, blanket bog on a mantle of peat, is a beautiful place to visit.

The area also has International Dark Sky Park status, meaning that there is very little light pollution. On clear nights you can see constellations, planets, and stars so clearly you feel you could reach out and touch them – perfect if you’re camping or traveling in a motorhome.

RELATED POST – Motorhoming & Campervanning in Wales – Complete Guide

• Where to Stay in Elan Valley

Mid-Range: The Elan Valley Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Llanerch Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Castles in Wales

Wales is home to over 600 castles, more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Some have been lived in continuously for over a thousand years, while others are romantic ruins. Many are native Welsh castles , built by Welsh royal dynasties, often in very beautiful places and you’ll find lots along our suggested route. 

These are some of our stand-out castles to visit along the way;

• Dolwyddelan Castle in Conwy County is one of those romantic ruins – a stronghold built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd and Wales.
• Remote and evocative, the 13th century ruins of Castell y Bere are strung along a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris.
• Medieval Pembroke Castle was originally the family seat of the Earldom of Pembroke. A Grade I listed building since 1951, it underwent major restoration during the early 20th century.
• Shaped by conquest and conflict, Carew Castle is one of the most architecturally diverse castles in Wales and is set in stunning surroundings.
• Another romantic ruin, Pennard Castle is dramatic and beautiful, and the views are glorious.
• Cardiff Castle is a renovated medieval fortress and Victorian Gothic revival mansion dating from 1081, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England.

Head south through coastal mid-wales to the vibrant seaside town of New Quay, following the Coastal Way (which makes up part of the Wales Way , a trio of national road trips in Wales; the Cambrian Way, the Coastal Way, and the North Wales Way) along the entire length of Cardigan Bay and stopping at the stunning Llanrhystud Beach on the way.

For something really adventurous, the Mid Wales Paragliding Centre is just outside Aberystwyth, on your route to New Quay. Stop off for a few days and learn to fly with their BHPA School.

New Quay is a pretty fishing town, popular with tourists for its picturesque harbor and sandy beach, and an ideal base for exploring the west Wales coastal area for a few days.

There is so much to do in this little corner of Wales, but you’re mainly here for the sea. With every kind of water sport on offer and the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast offering wildlife and seabirds aplenty, you’ll find lots to pack in for a couple of days.

Start with a trip to one of the activity companies in the area, where you can organize (perhaps in advance) sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking, and canoeing.

There are several spectacular beaches nearby, including the beautiful Llangrannog Beach, which is good for surfing.

You can also take a boat trip from New Quay harbor to see bottle-nose dolphins and seals in Cardigan Bay, and sea fishing trips – fresh BBQ’d mackerel for dinner maybe?

The famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, lived in New Quay during World War II and it’s widely believed to be the setting for one of his most well-known works ‘Under Milk Wood’. You’ll find lots of places in the town connected to him and his work.

• Where to Stay in New Quay

Mid-Range: Rooms @ The Dolau Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Penwig Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Wales 10-14 Day Motorhome Itinerary

Let us do the planning for you with our Wales motorhome itinerary, packed with campsites, activities, attractions and insider tips.

Let us do the hard work for you! Get up every day knowing your campervan trip is planned with driving routes, overnight stops and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

Pembrokeshire

Famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches, and remote islands, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most stunning places in the UK. 

It’s no surprise that National Geographic has voted the coastline the second best in the world.

Stop at beautiful Fishguard on the way south, famous for its role in the Battle of Fishguard. A military invasion of Great Britain by revolutionary France during the War of the First Coalition, the brief campaign in February 1797 is the most recent landing on British soil by a hostile foreign force and thus is often referred to as the “last invasion of mainland Britain”.

This is also the perfect place to try delicious Welsh Cakes, a traditional sweet treat that is a sort of cross between a biscuit, scone, and pancake but unlike any of them! The best place for a homemade Welsh Cake in Fishguard is Ffwrn on Main Street. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for somewhere lively for an overnight stay, then you’ll find Fishguard a great choice. The main attraction here is the activities that the location provides; right on the Pembrokeshire Coast path, there’s also sailing, coasteering, and sea kayaking on offer and you’ll find lots to keep you busy.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is an activity lovers paradise and as well as coasteering, you’ll also find surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canyoning, climbing, coastal path hiking, and many more activities in this gorgeous corner of the country. 

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, and it’s an activity you must try. The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling, and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun. There are guided expeditions and courses for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way.

The Wales Coast Path passes through Pembrokeshire on its 870 mile journey from Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south and follows the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. The total rise and fall of the Pembrokeshire section is approximately 35,000 feet or 10,668 meters – that’s as high as Mount Everest!

If you’re looking for child-friendly activities, check out Pembrey Country Park, perfect for a family day of adventure. Set in 500 acres of woodland and alongside eight miles of golden sands, there’s a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, crazy golf, pitch and putt, train rides, adventure play area, nature trails …in fact, pretty much everything a family on holidays wants!

Pembrokeshire is also home to St Davids, one of Wales’ major cities but the smallest city in the UK! With historic St David’s Cathedral, the UK’s first pollen trail , multiple artist galleries, and St Non’s Chapel, the city makes a great day trip.

Or check out Tenby, one of the prettiest seaside towns in Wales, steeped in history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. With several excellent sandy beaches, a colorful harbor, and narrow cobbled streets, this charming town is perfect for a relaxing day out with ice cream and fish and chips, in between sporting activities!

Finally, visiting the famous puffins of Skomer Island is a real must-do if you enjoy nature. A haven for migrant birds such as razorbills and guillemots, you may also see seals here, which come to molt in April, along with owls, buzzards, and peregrine falcons. In the spring, wildflowers cover the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

The boat over to the island works on a first-come, first-served basis, and numbers are limited. Tickets can be bought at Lockley Lodge visitor center just outside the small village of Marloes, make sure to get there early!

• Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire

Upmarket: Grove of Narberth – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Heywood Spa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Llwyngwair Manor – Booking.com | Agoda

United Kingdom Road Trip Ideas

UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

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Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

North Coast 500 Route Planner + Itinerary, Map & Tips

Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

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The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK for an Amazing Adventure!

Gower peninsula.

Next up is the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its breathtaking coastline and 30 or so unspoiled beaches and coves.

Gower offers unrivaled coastal walking, including the gorgeous Rhossili Beach and Down, voted ‘Best Beach Wales’. The dramatic Worm’s Head, whose long ridged back rises straight from the sea before rearing up at the end of the promontory is an unforgettable hike, but does need careful planning as you can only cross the causeway to Worms Head for 2.5 hours on either side of low tide.

Some of the best beaches in Wales are on the Gower’s coastline, with the most famous being Oxwich Bay beach in the south and the huge Whiteford beach to the north.

If you like your sand a little more secluded, try Brandy Cove beach, only accessible by a cliff path, or head for Three Cliffs Bay, a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marsh, and limestone cliffs. 

Surfers and kitesurfers should check out Llangennith Beach or Broughton Bay Beach, both popular spots with good facilities.

• Where to Stay in Gower Peninsula

Mid-Range: LLwyn Country House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Ynyscedwyn Arms Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

The Mumbles

At the eastern end of the peninsula and often referred to as ‘the gateway to Gower’ is Mumbles, a traditional seaside town. Head here to walk along the bustling prom, where rollerbladers weave between pedestrians, and ice cream parlors tempt.

As well as the usual water-based activities, you can also hire jet skis and take a speed-boat ride into Swansea Bay from the Mumbles, the headland on the western edge of the bay. Perfect if you’ve spent the last week or so hiking, cycling, and paddling under your own steam!

• Where to Stay in The Mumbles

Upmarket: Norton House Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Oyster House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Coast House – Booking.com | Agoda

Black Mountain Pass

If you have time, take a detour to the western edge of the Brecon Beacons for one of the best driving roads in Wales.

The epic Black Mountain Pass of Top Gear fame gives unrivaled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and enough hairpin bends and switchbacks to satisfy any dangerous road enthusiast.

The Black Mountain Pass is actually the South Wales road A4069 which climbs from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, between the breathtaking viewpoints of the twin humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass, before arriving in Llandovery.

From here, you can head southeast on the A40 to Sennybridge, and then south on the A470 into the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Make sure to add Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Pont Aber, and Llandovery as via points in your sat nav, or you’ll be routed on a more main road.

Be aware that sheep will cross the road indiscriminately and it is known that mobile speed cameras are sometimes hidden along the route in things like horse boxes or small trucks.

RELATED POST – Why We Think These Are The Best Driving Roads in Europe

Brecon Beacons

Undulating dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park ( Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog ) encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

Known simply as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, these mountains are scattered with ridges and plateaus, glacial hollows that rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls, and gorgeous remote and empty landscapes.

There are many trails to choose from here, including the Cambrian Way, a long-distance hiking route from Cardiff to Snowdon through some of Wales’ most mountainous and wild landscapes. 

Pen Y Fan is a favorite, the route a challenging ten mile slog from the car park through forest and moorland to the steep ridge at the summit at 886m, where the views are superb.

But there is more hiking here than just Pen Y Fan. Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire is stunning and the beautiful Brecon Beacons waterfall walk is a must-do.

From the Brecon Beacons, you can head to your final destination; either north into the beautiful and protected landscape of the Wye Valley and the literary town of Hay-on-Wye or make your way south to the lively city of Cardiff.

Either of these provides excellent transport links back into England and your journey home.

• Where to Stay in Brecon Beacons

Mid-Range: The Plough Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Belle Vue Through The Looking Glass – Booking.com | Agoda

Gospel Pass

But, we have one more small detour for you, if you like great driving roads !

In the Black Mountains at the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park is the Gospel Pass, the highest road in Wales at 549m. The pass is possibly the most scenic drive in Wales with spectacular views and a few good hiking routes from the top.

Snaking along the narrow Vale of Ewyas the mostly single-track paved road rises steadily as you head north before dropping into the Wye Valley. To get to the pass, branch off the A465 five miles north of Abergavenny at Llanvihangel Crucorney. 

Most of the valley is in Monmouthshire but the last few miles, including the pass itself, are in Powys. The ridge line to the east, extending south from Hay Bluff, marks the border between Wales and England.

This single-track route is not for the winter months or those in motorhomes or larger campervans.

The final stop in Wales, the capital city of Cardiff is a unique blend of British culture, Welsh attributes, and Celtic personality.

Cardiff has a subtle charm that you learn through the independent stores, laneways of bars, medieval Cardiff Castle smack-bang in the city center, and a diverse culinary scene offering everything from street food to fine dining.

There is a lot to explore here, including the Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament) building in the lively Cardiff Bay area and nearby Barry Island, a bastion of Welsh seaside holidays and of course, the home of Gavin and Stacey!

RELATED POST – One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Cardiff

Upmarket: Parador 44 – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Beverley by Innkeeper’s Collection – Booking.com | Agoda

Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for books and the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts.

Known as Hay by locals, this charming market town in Wales sits on the gently flowing River Wye in the beautiful Wye Valley and abuts the Wales-England border.

The pretty center is made up of skinny sloping lanes characterized by a shabby elegance that suits the quirky bookshops and antiques emporia that thrive here.

• Where to Stay in Hay-On-Wye

Mid-Range: The Kilverts Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Swan At Hay – Booking.com | Agoda

Wales Road Trip FAQs

When is the best time to take a road trip in wales, december to february.

The winter months in Wales are generally cold and wet. It is likely to be cloudy in the mountains, leading to poor visibility, and there may well be snow. Although other visitors will be thin on the ground, this would be our least favorite time to roadtrip Wales!

March to May

Late spring is a good time for visiting Wales, as the cold and wet retreats. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again. But, remember that Wales is so green because it rains, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days.

June to August

The summer months bring sunshine to all of Wales, with Pembrokeshire getting the best of the warm Gulf Stream weather. This is the perfect time to road trip around Wales, especially for outdoor adventures such as hiking and coasteering.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Wales . The coasts will be quieter but still warm and the glorious colors of fall bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave your trip to Wales too late, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October.

What is the most beautiful road trip in Wales?

We think our itinerary is the most beautiful road trip in Wales! If you’re looking for some of the best road trips in Wales, explore the routes of the Wales Way .

The Cambrian Way crosses the spine of Wales for 185 miles between Cardiff and Llandudno, through stunning national parks and the wild and remote Cambrian Mountains. The Coastal Way travels the west coast around Cardigan Bay, a 180 mile road trip between the sea and mountains. The North Wales Way is a 75 mile road trip past mighty historic castles onto the beautiful island of Anglesey.

How many days do you need for Wales?

One of the best things about Wales is its compact nature and short distance between places, meaning that even if you only have a short amount of time, you can still get a flavor of Wales in seven days. But this won’t be enough to truly explore the different regions – we think ten days to two weeks will give you a much better experience of this eclectic country.

What is the famous driving route in Wales?

The most famous driving route in Wales is the Black Mountain Pass. Picked as a filming location for Top Gear in 2011, Jeremy Clarkson drove the road in a Mercedes AMG SLK.

Is it easy to drive around Wales?

Yes, it’s easy to drive around Wales. Roads are generally well maintained and other drivers are courteous and safe.

In some remote places, you may encounter livestock on the roads, but take it slowly and you’ll enjoy the experience.

Wales Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in the United Kingdom.

• Search for affordable flights to Wales and the UK with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Wales with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Wales with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Wales

Whether you’re road-tripping in a car, camper, or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition. If your Wales roadtrip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your license is not in English, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
• If you’re hiring a car, book well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• In 2023 the statutory speed limit on Welsh restricted roads, those with streetlights, was reduced from 30mph to 20mph unless road signs dictate otherwise.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to Wales!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Wales Motorhome Itinerary, Diary & Map: Overnight Sites, Stop Offs and Costs (part 1)

March 13, 2024 by Jennifer 8 Comments

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Planning a trip to Wales in your motorhome or campervan or just fancy having a look at what the country has to offer families on a road trip? Here is our Wales Motorhome Itinerary, Diary and Map for the first 8 days of our Wales Road Trip in the motorhome with our children. We absolutely loved this trip and even putting all the information together for this blog post has me dreaming of going again!

This post is the first in a series on our travels through Wales and into England in the Motorhome with our children for 3 weeks. In this blog post I will outline our basic travel itinerary, chat about what we thought of each place and the interesting places we stopped off along the way and provide the cost for each overnight, for the first 8 days. If you want to know what we packed for our trip then check out my ultimate family motorhome checklist ; which I keep up to date with any handy items I find. Read to the end of this post to find out which apps we use regularly to find places to stop in our motohome when we travel around the UK and Ireland.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means Barefoot Bliss and Books make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See the full disclosure  here .

Where is Wales?

Before I get stuck into telling you where we went around Wales let’s start by explaining where Wales is for anyone that is unfamiliar. Wales is nestled in the western region of Great Britain and is part of the United Kingdom along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is bordered by England to the east and the Irish Sea to the north and west. Wales boasts a diverse landscape characterised by rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and lush valleys. Its capital city, Cardiff, is located in the southern part of the country, while historic towns like Conwy and Caernarfon grace the northern coastline. With its rich cultural heritage, ancient castles, and breathtaking scenery, Wales offers a magical escape for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility alike.

Why Visit Wales ?

For me personally, my mother is Welsh and so I always wanted to travel around the country and visit the village she was born in. From a wider perspective, Wales is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant traditions. One of its most iconic symbols is the majestic Welsh dragon, proudly emblazoned on the national flag. The country’s ancient castles, including Conwy, Caernarfon, and Cardiff Castle, stand as testament to its storied past and offer a glimpse into its medieval history. Wales is also celebrated for its rugged coastline, which stretches for over 870 miles and is dotted with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside villages. The Welsh language, one of Europe’s oldest living languages, adds to the country’s unique identity, while its music, poetry, and festivals, such as the Eisteddfod, showcase its cultural richness. Additionally, Wales is famous for its passionate rugby tradition, with the national team, known as the Welsh Dragons, stirring the hearts of fans across the globe.

Wales Road Trip Itinerary and Route Map

We started our Journey from Belfast as we live in Northern Ireland:

Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Belfast – Annagassan – Caernarfon – Llanystumdwy – Trawsdir – Barmouth – Aberystwyth

Wales Road Trip Map

Wales Travel Guides

Grab a guide to help with your planning or to take with you on the road:

• Lonely Planet Wales
• The Rough Guide to Wales
• Wild Guide Wales
• The AA Guide to Wales

First 8 Days of Our Wales Road Trip

We left Belfast on day one and travelled to Annagassan which is not far from Drogheda and we stayed there for the night before travelling on to the Ferry Terminal in Dublin on day two. The Ferry took us from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales and we journeyed on to Caernarfon for our second overnight stop. On day three we carried on to Llanystumdwy which was our first campsite of the trip and from there we actually stopped for another two nights at a different campsite near Barmouth called Trawsdir. After spending our 6th night in Barmouth town at the Dragon Theatre we travelled on to Aberystwyth and stayed there for two nights. Read about each of our overnight stops in more detail below, find out about the best places we stopped on route and discover what we paid for our overnight stays.

Night One Annagassan (FREE)

First stop was in Annagassan on the way to the Ferry. Annagassan is a picturesque coastal village nestled in County Louth, Ireland. Known for its scenic harbor, historic ruins, and charming atmosphere, Annagassan offers visitors a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Irish Sea. Whether strolling along the shoreline, exploring the medieval remnants, or enjoying fresh seafood at local eateries, this hidden gem captivates travelers seeking a serene escape in Southern Ireland. We were able to stay here at the harbour for free and there is a beach right beside the parking area which is great for letting the kids out for a run about on.

Night Two Caernarfon (FREE)

After getting off the Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead we travelled 29 miles to Caernarfon for our first overnight stop in Wales. Caernarfon , situated in northwest Wales, is renowned for its imposing medieval castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were able to park just down the road from the castle and stop overnight for free before exploring the town the next day.

There’s plenty to do in Caernarfon from exploring the iconic fortress to wandering along the bustling harbor to exploring the quaint town centre. As well as enjoying all of this though we did manage to find the kids a brilliant park complete with skate park and excellent view.

Night Three Llanystumdwy (£22)

Llanystumdwy (pronounced clan-eestum- dwee) Campsite , nestled in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales, was our stop over for night three. Surrounded by rolling green hills and tranquil countryside, this campsite offers a peaceful retreat. The campsite provides all the necessary facilities and amenities. With easy access to nearby beaches, hiking trails, and quaint villages.

The Grave of David Lloyd George

Nestled in the tranquil village of Llanystumdwy, you’ll find the final resting place of David Lloyd George, one of Britain’s most esteemed statesmen. David Lloyd George, affectionately known as the “Welsh Wizard,” was a trailblazing figure in British politics, serving as Prime Minister during World War I and leading the nation through turbulent times. His dynamic leadership and bold reforms left an enduring legacy, shaping the course of British history and inspiring generations to come. We always try to slip in places of interest to ourselves as well as for the children as afterall these trips are for us as well as them.

Night Four and Five Barmouth Trawsdir (£22 per night)

On nights four and five we stayed at Trawsdir Caravan and Camping Park , which is located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Situated just a stone’s throw from the charming seaside town of Barmouth. With its modern facilities, including shower blocks, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked shop, Trawsdir is an excellent stop for recharging your batteries and taking care of all the wee jobs. We really enjoyed our stay at this campesite which also had an excellent on-site play park. My top tip here is to always pack bubbles as they are a great kid pleaser.

We relaxed here for two days and got caught up on our laundary as there’s always plenty when travelling with kids. We also enjoyed the amazing beaches which were in walking distance from the campsite and a meal out.

Night Six Barmouth Dragon Theatre (£9)

Nestled along the breathtaking Welsh coast, Barmouth beckons visitors with its scenic beauty and rich cultural offerings. For our 6th night we drove into Barmouth and our intention was to look round the town and then drive on but there was so much to see that we took local advice and stayed in the car park of the Dragon Theatre that night. The town’s historic Dragon Theatre stands as a focal point for arts and entertainment, hosting a vibrant array of performances, from live music and theater productions to film screenings and community events.

Beyond the theater’s doors, Barmouth invites exploration with its sandy beaches, picturesque harbor, and charming streets lined with quaint shops and eateries. Adventure seekers can embark on scenic walks along the Mawddach Estuary or ascend nearby Cadair Idris for panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park. History buffs will delight in Barmouth’s heritage, including the 19th-century railway bridge and the imposing ruins of Dinas Oleu, reputedly the first piece of land donated to the National Trust.

King Arthur’s Labyrith

On our way to Aberystwyth we stopped off at King Arthurs Labyrith in Corris on the main A487 road. King Arthur’s Labyrinth is a legendary site steeped in mystery and folklore. This underground adventure beckons visitors to embark on a journey through the ancient tales of King Arthur and his knights. As you drift along the winding underground river, shrouded in darkness and mystery, the echoes of Arthurian legends resonate through the labyrinthine passages. The ethereal atmosphere and immersive storytelling transport travelers back in time, where they can envision the valorous deeds of Arthur and his noble companions. Each twist and turn reveals a new chapter of the timeless saga, weaving together history and myth in a captivating tapestry of Welsh heritage. King Arthur’s Labyrinth is not merely a tourist attraction; it’s a portal to a bygone era, where the spirit of chivalry and adventure lives on in the heart of Wales.

Nights Seven and Eight Aberystwyth (£6.50 per night)

We travelled on to Aberystwyth and we stayed on the side of the road beside the beach for only £6.50 a night. In Aberystwyth visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoy the beaches while taking in panoramic views of Cardigan Bay, or explore the bustling town center with its array of shops, restaurants, and traditional pubs.

History enthusiasts will appreciate attractions such as the iconic Aberystwyth Castle and the National Library of Wales, while nature lovers can wander through the tranquil grounds of the Aberystwyth University Botanic Garden. I will issue a word of warning here though and tell you that when visiting the castle to not let children climb on the walls as I almost found out to my cost that some of the drops on the other side are massive.

How Do We Find Places to Stay Overnight?

When we are travelling anywhere in the motorhome we have two apps downloaded on to our phones so we can easily find suitable places to stay that have been reviewed by other motorhome owners.

Park4Night is a must-have app for travelers seeking convenient and reliable parking options for their motorhome or campervan adventures. With a vast database of over 150,000 listings worldwide, Park4Night allows users to discover and share parking spots, campsites, and overnight stops tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot by the beach, a quiet forest retreat, or a convenient urban stopover, Park4Night offers a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget. Users can easily filter listings by location, amenities, and user ratings, ensuring a hassle-free experience wherever their journey takes them. With offline maps, user reviews, and real-time updates, Park4Night lets travelers to find the perfect parking spot for a memorable and stress-free adventure on the road.

Campercontact

Campercontact is a comprehensive app designed for motorhome enthusiasts, offering a vast array of campsite listings, parking areas, and service points across Europe. With detailed information on facilities, prices, and user reviews, Campercontact provides travelers with essential resources for planning their trips and discovering hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re seeking a secluded spot in nature or a bustling campground with all the amenities, Campercontact makes it easy to find the perfect destination for your next adventure on the road.

What to Expect Next Time

I hope you have enjoyed hearing about the first leg of our journey around Wales and perhaps it has even given you a few ideas of where you would like to travel to next. In my next post I will be covering the next 7 days of our tour including a couple of days at a folk festival. Let me know in the comments which stop sounded best to you.

Reader Interactions

March 14, 2024 at 1:46 pm

What a wonderful adventure! I really enjoyed this blog post and seeing your family having so much fun bonding and learning at the same time.

March 14, 2024 at 2:06 pm

Thank you Rebekah! It was a wonderful trip

March 14, 2024 at 1:56 pm

We also love bubbles. Your trip looks like so much fun.

Thank you Alisha! Bubbles have saved the day many times for me.

March 14, 2024 at 4:50 pm

LOVE! Such a dream trip 🙂

March 14, 2024 at 4:56 pm

Thank you Courtney writing it up makes me want to go again

March 14, 2024 at 10:51 pm

I’m ready wander to Wales!! shared this with my cousin who is a travel agent!

March 15, 2024 at 3:02 pm

Thanks Penny its a great place to go

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Best places to take your motorhome and campervan in Wales

Hop in the van and explore these beautiful destinations in Wales

• 16:51, 29 MAR 2022
• Updated 15:53, 30 MAR 2022

We all know that Wales is a fabulous road trip destination, with many scenic driving routes and destinations where you can bring your campervan, motorhome or car for a trip to remember.

There's a whole network of mountain roads, coastal views and campsites where you can park up for the weekend and enjoy exploring or relaxing.

Caravanning experts, We Buy Any Motorcaravan have recently named Wales as the 5th best UK destination to travel with a motorhome this Easter break.

Read more: 17 holiday parks in Wales for the perfect family getaway

Wales comes just after The Lake District, Devon, Cornwall and The Peak District on the list, all of which are brilliant places to take a van.

Shane Malpass from We Buy Any Motorcaravan says, "The United Kingdom is filled with everything from small, quaint, countryside villages to concrete jungles – it just depends on where you go. There really is something for everyone which is why many avid campers choose to explore the UK in their motorhome."

Wales is always a brilliant choice for a campervan or motor home trip no matter the season. We have lively cities, charming towns, national parks and coastal campsites to discover.

If you don't own a campervan or a motorhome, you can look at hiring one from rental companies such as Goboony and take advantage of a wide selection of vans and in-house insurance.

If you're planning a campervan or motor home trip this spring or summer, here are a few of the top destinations in Wales.

Brecon Beacons National Park

The wildly popular Brecon Beacons National Park has some of the most glorious landscapes and flowing waterfalls in South Wales. Its impressive peaks and ridges bring a sense of haunting beauty and provide a range of strenuous hill walking opportunities.

Stretching from Llandeilo in the west and the Black Mountains in the east, the Brecon Beacons National Park covers more than 500 square miles and therefore has plenty of attractions within its boundaries.

The Brecon Beacons are an ideal place to bring the van for scenic views, hiking, biking and camping, so long as you follow all the parking rules and leave no trace.

Take a sunrise walk up Pen Y Fan, go paddleboarding on Llangorse Lake, or go to a stargazing event and gaze up at the cosmos.

If you like mountain biking and can fit bikes in your van, then there are plenty of trails in the Brecon Beacons. A popular trail is the Black Mountain Blitz Trail, which is a challenging ride.

The trail includes some epic climbs, white-knuckle descents and some great single-track sections. Taking in the heart of the Black Mountains range this route offers spectacular views of the National Park from several vantage points.

There are plenty of official car parks and parking places here where you can leave the van for a day of hiking.

For an overnight stay, you are better off going to a campsite that has van and motorhome pitches. Wild camping is generally illegal in England and Wales, though some landowners will allow people to camp for a small fee.

The Brecon Beacons Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is a great choice for a stay as they have superb views of the mountains and lots of facilities including toilet blocks, a well-stocked shop and play areas for children.

Pembrokeshire

With beautiful coastal roads, sandy beaches, campsites and gastro pubs, Pembrokshire has to be the best place for a coastal campervan trip in Wales.

Take a drive down winding roads and discover lovely rest stops, beaches and bays where you can pull up and admire the view.

There are so many places to visit in Pembrokeshire, that it's hard to know where to begin?

You could plan a Pembrokeshire road trip in the van and try and see some highlights along the way.

Take a drive from Blackpool Mill through Narberth to the Preseli Hills, then Newport on to St Davids and Marloes before arriving at Tenby to see dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and wildlife.

Tenby is another great place to visit as this seaside town has beaches, pubs, shops and indie cafes and it has places where you can park the van for the day.

If you like hiking, there are plenty of places in Pembrokeshire where you can park for the day and enjoy the beautiful coastal routes.

The village of Dale has a large car park where you can leave the van for a few hours and explore the Wales Coast path or rent a SUP board for the day and paddle on clear waters. Dale Hill Farm also has pitches for vans and motorhomes.

Van blogger Luci from Van Life with Luci recommends exploring Pembrokeshire by van and camping along the way. She said: "The Pembrokeshire coast is spectacular and I have hiked sessions of the trail for miles. If you're camping along the coast, make sure to check out Fishguard for the local little bays and tasty icecreams and towering sheer drop cliffs."

It's vital that van trippers and motorhome visitors do their research when planning a van trip in this area. Singletrack roads are commonplace in Pembrokeshire, so you must be prepared to stop and maybe reverse for oncoming traffic.

It's also important to never block any roads or illegally camp in Pembrokeshire as this causes a lot of problems for locals and emergency services.

If you are looking to spend the night in your van or motorhome make sure to book a pitch – enjoy all the amenities of a campsite whether you’re after a holiday park or a rural retreat. There are numerous campsites in Pembrokeshire where you can stay all with lots of facilities.

Fishguard Bay Resort is a great option for those seeking coastal views and a peaceful campsite in Wales. All of their pitches have electric hook-up if needed and nearly all offer dramatic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The Elan Valley

Taking the van to explore the Elan Valley is a must, the 45,000-acre estate, now managed by Welsh Water, is an ideal place to explore by van and motorhome.

Drive around Elan’s stone Victorian dams, see highland cattle and discover epic hiking and biking routes.

There are miles of spectacular waterside walks where you may not see another soul for hours – just the buzzards, kites, goshawks and peregrines that wheel overhead.

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre offers a wealth of information, exhibitions, guided walks and will be able to assist you with driving routes in the area.

For van visitors travelling with bikes, The Elan Valley offers exhilarating off-road biking through rivers, over hills and along bridleways through some pretty epic landscapes.

Book a guided tour with MTB Wales and let the experts guide you through awe-inspiring scenery through some of the most isolated parts of Wales.

After a taxing cycle, refuel at the quirky Lost arc Café in Rhayader. Make sure to order their homemade Welsh Rarebit that oozes cheesy goodness with a hint of Welsh ale.

The Elan Valley is also a wonderful place to go stargazing in Wales Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status in 2015 and became the first privately-owned but publicly accessible park in the world to do so.

Several optimal stargazing sites in the Elan Valley offer the best chances of seeing the cosmos, including the Teifi Pools, Claerwen Dam and the Craig Goch car park.

Park the van at one of the dark sky discovery sites and spend an evening spotting constellations and planets in one of the darkest places in Wales.

There are a few campsites where you can stay the night in the Elan Valley in the van. Elan Oaks is a camping and caravan site based right at the entrance to the beautiful Elan Valley.

The site has direct access to the estate and is less than 2 miles from Rhayader with its shops and pubs.

Their well-equipped campsite is the perfect place to pitch up and discover the Elan Valley and all it has to offer.

The mountain roads and countryside stops make Snowdonia a wonderful campervan or motorhome destination.

Explore miles of scenic routes around the National Park where you'll want to pull over every two minutes to grab a photo of the mesmerising landscapes.

If you're prepared to do a little driving around the National Park, there are plenty of adventure and adrenaline activities and hiking and biking routes to discover that are quite spaced out.

Van blogger Luci from Van Life with Luci loves exploring Wales in her Van, especially Snowdonia. She said: "One of my favourite places is just down from Lake Dinas in Snowdonia National Park to take in the best views of the pass, Snowdon itself and undertake a walk and swim."

"Furthermore, in Snowdonia, the Watkin Path is arguably a more gentle path up Mt Snowdon which starts from the main A498 road, outside Beddgelert. This is just up from Caffi Gwynant, book ahead to secure a table for lunch or tea after a walk on weekends."

Thrill-seekers travelling by van around Snowdonia should head straight to the Zip World site at Blaenau Ffestiniog to ride Titan 2, a zip line and heritage experience that will get your heart racing.

Combine adventure and history on an exhilarating four-person parallel zip line, with a unique tour of the Llechwedd slate quarry.

Their robust, former army truck will take you to a 1,400 ft height that overlooks the captivating manmade, industrial mountains, while a guide explains the history and significance of the mining community.

You'll then travel back down via a kilometre of zip line that provides thrilling views of the quarry below and a panorama of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

On the same site, you'll find the unique Bounce Below attraction. Here, giant trampolines and nets are suspended across two levels in atmospheric caverns illuminated by neon lights.

If you fancy a hiring challenge when visiting the area why not attempt to get to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, [Snowdon].

This is the highest mountain in Wales towering at 1,085 metres [3,560 ft] above sea level and is a challenging hike and bucket list activity for your Wales road trip.

There are six main paths to the summit of Snowdon, they include Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path and the Snowdon Ranger Path.

What path you choose will determine what your starting point will be in Snowdonia and where you will park for the day. Make sure to research and plan your route before you set off to the mountain and dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Each of the mountain routes has its own unique, natural features and challenges and it's important to be properly prepared for each path as you attempt the summit.

When visiting Snowdonia in a van or a motorhome, it's really important to observe the rules of the national park and not stay anywhere overnight that you aren't supposed to.

The National Park Authority has previously lamented that “high numbers of motorhomes and campervans are staying overnight in roadside laybys". This has caused much backlash from locals who aren't happy with vans and motorhomes camping illegally in the area.

While it's tempting to pull up for the night in a beauty spot the law in England, Scotland and Wales is is pretty clear on this matter. Parking up overnight, either on laybys or in the countryside, is illegal without consent from landowners.

In Wales, there tends to be less tolerance for illicit parking than elsewhere, especially as some people have not taken their rubbish away or started fires.

It's best to book an official campsite with facilities, so you can enjoy your stay knowing you aren't having an impact on the environment or causing problems for the National Park Authority.

The Llyn Gwynant Campsite is a great spot to spend the night with its 'back to nature' ethos. The site isn't overdeveloped but still has enough facilities for a comfortable stay including hot showers, a small shop and a chemical toilet emptying point.

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers 14 miles of unspoilt coastline with Jurassic features and waymarked trails that wind through charming villages, rural farmland and hidden bays.

There are some lovely drives and places to stop along the heritage coast and in the wider Vale of Glamorgan area.

For hikers, there are a series of marked and numbered Vale Trails that will take you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features.

Many of the short walks in the Vale have a variety of heritage and maritime points of interest, including the last manned lighthouse in Wales, a Neolithic Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, churches and castles.

Visitors with vans should head to Ogmore Beach which has a lot of parking where you can leave the van for a few hours during the day.

It's a popular sand and shingle beach along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with the sandy part exposed at low tide. It's a great beach for a long walk, or a dip in the summer as it has a reputation as being one of the cleanest beaches in the region.

It's a great place to come for sunset as well. Open up the van doors and watch the sky blaze with colour as the sun dips into the ocean.

Not too far away from Ogmore, Llantwit Major is a small town that might not be on everyone's radar, but it's a great spot for history, decent pub food and a beach stroll if you want to get out of the van for a while and stretch your legs.

The town has managed to develop and improve whilst maintaining its medieval streets and Impressive stone buildings.

You can park here and have lunch at The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major's oldest pub with ornate windows and weathered cobbles.

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers miles of coastline to explore via waymarked trails, you can attempt the entire route or walk smaller sections of the coast if you just want a short day walk.

One of the easier trails is the Nash Point loop walk, a 4½-mile, mostly gentle hike across windswept clifftops. The route takes in a number of historical sites, including the Nash Point Lighthouse, Atlantic College and Holy Trinity Church, Marcross.

There's a small car park at Nash Point where you can pull up and leave the van for the day and walk this scenic trail.

Like most other parts of Wales, you'll need to spend the night in an official campsite rather than a beach car park or layby.

The Heritage Coast Campsite near Monk nash beach is one of the best spots to spend the night in the van. It's just a 10-minute walk from Monknash Beach across public footpaths and the campsite has a swish cafe, shower blocks and campfires are also allowed.

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Eight unmissable locations for a road trip in Wales

Wales is home to the mythical King Arthur, the Welsh language, Rugby and has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. You'll love the world-class culinary delights such as Welsh lamb, award-winning cheeses, the diverse landscape, unique culture, rich history and sunny locals. Wales has a great many places to visit, and we've put together a small list for you and, you'll be sure to keep returning again and again. Here are our recommendations for some places you can drive to, walk in and camp at.

01. Hike up to Corn Du, the second-highest peak in Wales

Photo credit: Stuart Herbert on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Set off into the Brecon Beacons National Park and take a strenuous 3-hour hike up Corn Du's (pronounced Corn Dee) 873m height and be rewarded with unmatched views from the top comprising of Cwm Llwch, the Usk Valley and views of the Sugar Loaf peak. Many paths lead to Pen y Fan (pronounced Pen a Van) which is the highest mountain in South Wales standing at an impressive 845m. If you enjoy hiking and eagerly anticipate a chance to stretch your legs on a delightful stretch of wild walking, you can't miss Corn Du!

View from Corn Du, Brecon Beacons, Wales. Image by Barry Marsh on Flickr

The Brecon Beacons is a fantastic location to set up camp and nestle amid stung panoramas, with zero to minimal human interaction. Wild camping is not legally permitted in the national park: however, with the right camping etiquette setting up camp in the wild can be fun, and memorable. An estimated seventy per cent of the park is privately owned so first secure the permission of the landowner. Some landlords are happy to let campers stay in their fields. Facilities vary greatly; with some campsites only supplying a camping area with a stream running through it. If you are camping without the explicit permission of the property-owner, refrain from lighting fires, and aim to camp away from the view of houses, farms, plus roads. Do not park in proximity to livestock. Ideally, you pitch late, vacate the location early, and never stay for more than a single night in one spot. Llyn Cwm Llwch is a fantastic camping spot with access to water: however, you'll have to leave your campervan or motorhome behind at National Trust car park in Cwm Gwdi (cost £3:50). There is a lovely, lesser-known route proceeding up the north of Pen Y Fan, and Corn Du before inclining down to Obelisk raised in honour of little Tommy Jones who went missing in 1990.

Short stop or extended stay - Abergwesyn Pass

Exit Brecon Beacons to drive along one of the most scenic drives in Britain - Abergwesyn Pass. The narrow, meandering path leads across the roof of mid-Wales, encompassing a range of lovely sights including the Cambrian Mountains and the charming town of Tregaron. The magnificent route once served as an ancient cattle herders’ road.

Abergwesyn road. Image by eleanor_bolt on Instagram

You’ll breeze past the tranquil wooded valley of Afon Irfon, marvel at the jagged crags of Esgair Irfon, navigate along the perilous Devil’s Staircase, and have the opportunity to enjoy a cuppa at Llanwrtyd - the self-proclaimed town in Britain. Remote routes lead into dense forests, hillsides and isolated chapels. Navigate gently over the hairpin bends and keep an eye out for menacing rocks, and roving sheep! Be sure to take a breather, pose for some photos, and even enjoy a picnic by Llyn Brianne reservoir.

02. Discover the lovely village of Usk

Image by Photo Monkey on Flickr

The charming village of Usk doesn't fail to soothe the senses with its enchanting collection of open gardens, an elegant crumbling 11-century castle and perhaps one of the most excellent fishing opportunities in Wales owing to numerous salmon-rich rivers including the River Usk.

Usk Reservoir. Image by Andrew Hill on Flickr

To escape the crowds, leave your campervan or motorhome at the Usk Reservoir car park, which is peaceful and out of the way. Strap on your camping gear, food plus cooking equipment and take a forty-five-minute walk to secure a camping spot around the reservoir. Be discreet, and if you don't feel like taking a lengthy stroll, you can stay at the Usk Reservoir car park and drink in the breath-taking scenery.

03. Costal fun at Tenby!

Image by discovercymru on Instagram

Tenby is a delightful coastal town comprising of a charming mix of elegant Victorian houses, quaint cobbled streets, stunning beaches and an unbeatable ambience! Owing to its remote location, the village of Tenby was only made accessible during the Victorian Era. A flood of well-off merchants soon elevated the town's status as a popular holiday destination. Walk the cobbled streets packed with old-world cafes and shops or get pleasantly crisped under the warm sun at any of the towns inviting beaches. Cars are banned during the summer months to keep with the town's laid-back appeal. Try and make a quick stop at the picturesque Caldey Island, which is owned by a group of Cistercian monks.

Image by imo_r_on Instagram

Pembrokeshire is an excellent location to enjoy wild camping in Wales. The history, views and the coastline is terrific, and wanderers can secure a spot overlooking the sea with ease. Lively campsites are buzzing with shops and bars with quieter campgrounds sprinkled across the town. Family sites like Meadow Farm and its stunning views across Tenby and Caldey Island are widespread; however, they tend to get busy during the holiday months.

Short stop or extended stay - Black Mountain Road

Black Mountain road has earned a reputation as one of the best driving ways in Wales. The driving path extends over 19 miles, rises an asto9nishing 493 metres above sea-level, and contains four hairpin turns. The swooping mountain route rests in the western region of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is often called the “Top Gear road” after Jeremy Clarkson was filmed conquering its sharp hairpins. The road is best explored from north to south and provides magical views of the Welsh countryside.

Black Mountain Pass. Image by joshholman on Instagram

The adrenaline-pumping experience consists of speedy and tight sections, sharp turns, exhilarating bends, and blind corners. The rolling landscape provides unobstructed panoramas of the curving road ahead and contains several laybys to hop out of your campervan or motorhome and drink in the spectacular views. Stroll through a remote path to stumble across thundering waterfalls or make the most of the excellent wild camping locations plus numerous excellent hiking and cycling routes. Keep an eye out for tractors and dawdling sheep!

04. Discover the magnificent Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Image by Andy Gocher on Flickr

Take a walk on the nine splendid miles that make up the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and you'll be blown away by the awe-inspiring beauty that blankets Wales. Crunching shingle underfoot, waters whispering up to the shore and views from towering cliffs are often overlooked in favour of more touted locations. There are plenty of surfing and parasailing locations as well!

Image by jon_smith321 on Instagram

The Heritage Coast Campsite is a lovely location to sit back and take in the views. With easy access and routes to Monknash Beach, the quiet campsite is ideal for surfers, walkers, and cyclists. It may get a little busy during the holiday seasons and doesn't quite provide the same serenity as wild camping; nevertheless, the location is perfect for exploring the surrounding areas, and areas of historical importance. For a touch of extravagance, purchase fresh-made breakfast baps and local produce stocked daily.

05. Abergavenny blends old world charm and modern appeal

Image by Richard Szwejkowski on Flickr

Aptly named the 'Gateway to Wales' the market town of Abergavenny holds an eclectic mix of new and old. Offering an ideal opening for exploring the Brecon Beacons and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, Abergavenny is something of a food mecca and hosts the famous annual Abergavenny Food Festival. Be sure to drop in at the Skirrid Mountain Inn at the village of Llanfihangel Crucorney. The public house is said to be the oldest in Wales, serving ales and beer since Norman times. Stay clear of the first floor if you're easily spooked! The first floor served as a courthouse where criminals were tried and hung! Eek!

Keeper's Pond. Photo credit: Kent Wang on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA

For a spot of wild camping stop overnight at Keepers Pond in Blaenavon. Set approximately fifteen minutes away from the town of Abergavenny, the site is often busy during the day yet offers striking views of the area, peppered with grazing sheep and wild horses. It is an ideal base for strolls around the pond and walks through the moorland.

06. Fall in love with Machynlleth and the Dyfi Valley

Image by janbx on Instagram

The Dyfi Valley is a heaven of gold-sand beaches and dunes. Placed on the southern region of Snowdonia National Park, the district is well-known to stun visitors with expansive landscapes and thriving wildlife, many areas of which are declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The town of Machynlleth fondly referred to as Mach sits prettily at the opening of the Dyfi estuary and hosts many weekly markets and fairs. The city once served as the 'Ancient capital of Wales'. The Centre for Alternative Technology makes for an intriguing visit, and the centre is active in promoting green technology within the UK and around the globe. The town holds many independent shops that sell anything from organic food to local arts and crafts.

Image by gwaliafarm.co.uk

Set a smooth 25 minutes' drive from Machynlleth, Gwalia Farm rests around a lake and gives campers beautiful views of Snowdonia. Facilities are kept lowkey to impact the local ecosystem as little as possible. The site only accepts adults presenting visitors with an excellent chance of watching otters, glow worms, frogs, newts, buzzards and dragonflies. The campground is spread out over a working organic farm and does not provide facilities for cars on the pitch, so make sure to pack in your camping equipment. While camping outside a campervan rental or motorhome hire may not be everyone's cup of tea: however, the wild swimming spots, dark skies, excellent vistas, and tranquillity make it worthwhile.

Short stop or extended stay - The mountain of Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris (translates to Chair of Idris in Welsh) is considered Snowdown’s twin and rests in the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park. Regarded as one of Wales’s most iconic mountains in Wales, Cader Idris is said to be the mythical chair of giant Idris Gawr – a blend of historic King and legend. Hike or climb to the top to behold jaw-dropping, bird’s-eye views of the beautiful Welsh landscape and the glittering sea beyond. There are a number of paths varying in difficulty leading to the summit, offering some of the most diverse trails in Wales.

Llyn Cau, in the crater of Cadair Idris

The four main paths are Foxes Path (the most direct) , Pony Path, Minfordd Path, and the Llanfihangel y Pennant Path. The weather is exceptionally unreliable so if your visit coincides with a blanket of mist, op for a scenic drive around the vicinity. If you’re planning to camp overnight, beware the legend given rise by King Idris Gawr proclaiming all overnight lodgers will wake the following morning either as an accomplished poet or a madman! If you’d like to use Gwynedd as a base to explore Wales, speak to Gwynedd campervan owners on Camperbug.

07. Rock out at the Green Man Festival

Image by greenmanfest on Instagram

2018 marks the 16th year Green Man festival is in action, and you're invited to join in the festivities that cater to revellers of every age! Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, you'll have ample opportunity to rock out to a great lineup, savour local cider and beer plus taste a variety of Welsh delights! Unwind amongst a warm and relaxed crowd and learn a smattering of Welsh while you're at it!

08. Marvel at diverse habitats in Coed Felinrhyd and Llennyrch

Image by pwd.photo on Instagram

Coed Felenrhyd and Llennyrch encompass stretches out over whopping 765-acres, sweeping from Llyn Trawsfynydd in the east to the Dwyryd rivers in the west. The woods are home to a surprisingly diverse collection of habitats and wildlife. Make time to discover the open grassland, boggy woodland, and upland woods, all brimming with wildlife, and plants. The rengion stands as a reminder of the once magnificent ancient Atlantic Oak woodlands that extended from Portugal to northern Scotland. Placed above the Vale of Ffestiniog, the forest is bordered by thundering waterfalls of the Afon Prysor gorge in Snowdonia National Park. Hop out of your campervan or motorhome rental to explore the rugged uplands, enjoy a picnic by a glittering pool, or sit back and take in the beautiful views of towering Snowdon to the south. Enter Coed Felenrhyd & Llennyrch through several permissive paths, or via two public rights of way. The area is perfect for bird watching so don't forget to take your field glasses.

Image by shrinkwrapped on Instagram

Watch ravens soar alongside cliffs, marvel at migrant birds or view dippers in the rushing waters of the river. Spot otters hunting by the river or see badgers and swift foxes in the woods. Catch a glimpse of cuckoos flutter over trees, and common lizards blending into the immediate background. The humid atmosphere is ideal for fungi, plants and trees. Observe liverworts, mosses, and lichen flourishing by streams or stroll through a sea of bluebells. The woods are rich in plant life including maple, birch, red oak, wild garlic, hazel, hemlock, holly and rowan. Coed Felenrhyd and Llennyrch create a beautiful setting to enjoy a scenic walk along the walking paths and waymarked trails. Bring Fido along as dogs are welcome for a walk; however, it is best to use a leash to ensure the safety of tree routes and ground flora. Camping on the premises is not permitted :however, there is a car park to leave your van while you get lost in the magical woodlands!

We wouldn't mind shouting from the rooftops about how incredibly picturesque the country of Wales is. Appreciate the beauty first-hand on your next road trip across Wales!

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Motorhome Holidays Wales Motorhome holiday routes

Inspiring routes for motorhome holidays in wales.

If you are planning a campervan or motorhome holiday in Wales but you are unsure on where to go, where you can stay and what to do, we have put together several example routes based on positive feedback from past customers. Browse our suggested routes below for motorhome holidays in wales.

If you have had a positive experience in following the routes below please get in touch. We would also love to hear from you if you have your own routes that you would like to share on our website.

Snowdonia and mid Wales

Explore the stunning scenery, mountains and coastline, Snowdonia and mid Wales has to offer, with our suggested 14-day route.   Scale the highest peak in Wales and drink in the breath-taking mountainous scenery, beautiful beaches and vast culture and history on our whistle-stop tour of the north.

Great for families

Pembrokeshire

Protected by Britain’s only coastal national park, Pembrokeshire’s award-winning beaches and numerous attractions make it the perfect destination for a family break.

2016 is Pembrokeshire’s year of adventure. Why not follow our seven-stop suggested route, to give yourself a flavour of an area that we suspect you will want to revisit again and again.

Coastal and activities

258.6 miles

South Wales & The Brecon Beacons

This route takes in some of the most beautiful scenery, hills, countryside and coastline in Wales. Our week-long, south Wales and Brecon Beacons route takes you 440 miles, with just under an hour on the road every day.

To help you make the most of your road trip, we’ve put together some routes for you to follow, complete with attractions to visit and suggested places to stay.

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Welsh tours

Whether you enjoy rambling along rugged landscapes, basking on beautiful beaches or enjoy spectacular scenery and architecture, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Wales.

Your favourite places to visit

We asked our members to tell us their favourite places to visit in Wales. We've taken your ideas and have put together great suggested tours. Choose from four fantastic routes or create your own, using our video guide to get you started, for an unforgettable holiday in Wales.

Tour 1: The coastal trail

The coastal trail (Y llwybr arfordirol)

7 campsites, 16 nights minimum

See the very best that Wales has to offer on this memorable tour. This route will take you along the coast, stopping at much-loved places of interest. You also have the option to extend your stay and see even more stunning sights.

The coastal trail tour is recommended by Club members.

1. Tredegar House

• See the remains of Caerleon Roman fortress and baths
• Explore Cwmcarn Forest and Visitor Centre

2. Brecon Beacons (optional add-on)

• Visit Brecon Beacons National Park
• Tour the mines at the Big Pit National Coal Museum
• Ride Brecon Mountain Railway

3. Pembrey Country Park

• Visit the historic Kidwelly Castle
• Stroll round the National Botanic Garden of Wales
• Enjoy the breathtaking beaches of the Gower Peninsula

4. Freshwater East (optional add-on)

• Visit majestic Pembroke Castle
• Take a trip to Caldey Island

5. St David’s Lleithyr Meadow

• Walk in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Visit the RSPB Ramsey Island Nature Reserve
• Take a wildlife boat trip

6. Shawsmead

• Visit Llanerchaeron National Trust House
• Walk the nature trail and see 300ft falls at Devil’s Bridge waterfalls
• Hop on the Vale of Rheidol Railway

7. Gwern-y-Bwlch

• Visit the RSPB Ynys-hir nature reserve
• Take a trip on the Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway
• Visit the spectacular Powis Castle and gardens

Tour 2: Outdoor adventurers

Outdoor adventurers (Anturiaethau awyr agored)

5 campsites, 12 nights minimum

If you enjoy spectacular scenery and touring in the great outdoors, then we have a tour idea for you. Roam wonderful Welsh landscapes and sample the country’s fascinating history on this five-site tour.

1. Min y Don

• Visit historic Harlech Castle
• Walk in Snowdonia National Park
• Spend the day at Royal St David’s Golf Course for a few rounds

2. Coed-y-Llwyn

• Stroll around the stunning Portmeirion gardens
• Journey along the  Welsh Highland Railway and enjoy the scenery
• Explore the Sygun Copper Mine Venture underground

3. Penrhos or Cae Mawr

• Walk the 190-year-old Menai Bridge
• See the awe-inspiring Beaumaris Castle  remains
• Visit the Inigo Jones Slate Works

4. Riverside

• Stroll around beautiful Bodnant Gardens
• Trek up the craggy peaks of Snowdon

5. Lady Margaret’s Park

• Visit magnificent Chirk Castle
• Take a trip on the historic Llangollen Railway
• Explore the Erddig House National Trust site

Tour 3: History and nature lovers

History and nature lovers (Natur a hanes)

8 campsites, 21 nights minimum

• Midweek discounts  and the Kids stay for £1 offer is available at this site
• Visit the must-see Tredegar House and Park
• Soak up the history at Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

2. Gowerton

• Enjoy stunning scenery and beaches at Gower Peninsula
• Visit the waterfall at Aberdulais Tin Works
• See fantastic wildlife at the RSPB Cwm Clydach reserve
• Enjoy a peaceful woodland walk at Pembrey Country Park
• Visit the mighty Kidwelly Castle
• Amble round the National Botanic Garden of Wales

4. Freshwater East

• Visit mighty Pembroke Castle
• Enjoy spectacular scenery at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Sail across to charming Caldey Island

5. St David’s Lleithyr Meadow

• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Spot puffins, seals and seabirds at the RSPB Ramsey Island Nature Reserve
• Cast off on a wildlife adventure boat trip
• Visit 18th-century mansion and National Trust site, Llanerchaeron
• Enjoy walks around Devil’s Bridge waterfalls 
• Ride the Vale of Rheidol Railway

7. Dolaucothi Estate

• Go on an underground tour of  Dolaucothi Gold Mines
• Enjoy beautiful surroundings at Dinefwr Park and Castle
• Walk through enchanting woodlands at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas

8. Brecon Beacons

•   Kids can stay for £1  at this site
• Adventurers and keen walkers will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and activities at Brecon Beacons National Park
• Head underground at Big Pit National Coal Museum
• Ride the Brecon Mountain Railway

Tour 4: The west coast wander

The west coast wander (Yr arfordir gorllewinol)

5 campsites, 14 nights minimum

Travel the length of the Welsh coastline, stopping at five fantastic sites along the way. You'll pass through picturesque scenery and see some unforgettable places of natural and historical interest on this charming route.

1. Freshwater East

• Visit Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry VII
• Walk the beautiful beaches of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Take a boat to Caldey Island

2. St David’s Lleithyr Meadow

• Visit RSPB Ramsey Island Nature Reserve
• Set sail on a wildlife adventure boat trip

3. Shawsmead

• Walk a wonderful waterfall trail at Devil’s Bridge Falls
• Immerse yourself in history at the National Trust House, Llanerchaeron

4. Min y Don

• Visit majestic Harlech Castle
• Enjoy walking and outdoor activities at Snowdonia National Park
• Work on your handicap at Royal St David’s Golf Course

5. Choose from Penrhos or Cae Mawr

• See the 'walls within walls' of Beaumaris castle
• Take a trip to Menai Bridge and walk over the historic suspension bridge
• Get a slice of Welsh history at Inigo Jones Slate Works

Sites featured in the coastal trail tour

Tredegar House

This seven-acre campsite boasts an ornamental lake plus a 17th century orangery, gardens and woodland.

Brecon Beacons

This campsite boasts some of the best views of the central Beacons, with dramatic views of Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn and Corn Dufeatures.

This campsite is great for a range of outdoor activities with the use of the seven-mile stretch of safe, sandy beach only a mile away.

Freshwater East

This campsite boasts many picturesque walks along the coastal path with stunning cliff top views and fresh coastal air.

Lleithyr Meadow

St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite, offers swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing from Whitesands Bay, just over a mile away from the site.

A peaceful meadowland campsite, you'll feel tiny amongst the vast open areas and wondrous views towards the coast.

Gwern-Y-Bwlch

Situated in Mid Wales between Snowdonia and old Montgomeryshire, this campsite features terraced pitches, some with views across the valley. 

Sites featured in the outdoor adventurers tour

Min Y Don is situated between the coast road and the beach, set against a backdrop formed by Snowdon and the mountain range. 

Coed-Y-Llwyn

This campsite is particularly geared up for outdoor lovers, who can venture up Snowdon and enjoy a number of outdoor activities.

With views of Snowdonia from the caravan site, the safe and sandy beaches provide space and tranquillity. 

Cae Mawr Club Campsite is an unspoilt, secluded spot, with miles and miles of varied and beautiful coastal scenery. 

Riverside Touring Park is set within the heart of North Wales, in the laid back village of Betws-y-Coed.

Lady Margaret's Park

Lady Margaret's Park Club Campsite boasts a range of pitches that are located in intimate tree-shaded glades and in open grassed areas.

Sites featured in the history and nature lovers tour

An easy drive to the beautiful Gower Peninsula, this campsite is ideally placed to visit this 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

Sites featured in the west coast wander tour

The Wales Way

Discover three routes across the heart of Wales - inspired by Visit Wales.

Club campsites in Wales

It may be a small country but it’s packed with outstanding landscapes and natural beauty.

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The Wales Way driving routes (visit breathtaking places in Wales)

Planning a road trip to Wales with a car, motorhome, campervan or caravan? Want to know more about the Wales Way- the national driving routes in Wales? Confused about which one is best for you? Here’s everything you need to know about touring the Wales Way with a vehicle, details about the three routes (North Wales Way, Cambrian Way and Coastal Way- with map!), plus places in Wales to visit and where to stay.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Wales Way downloadable guide to help you plan your trip (see below)

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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What is the Wales Way?

Did you know the Wales Tourist Board have created three tourist driving routes, designed to show off some of the best parts of the country? Designed in a similar way to the NC500 in Scotland , these three routes are collectively called the Wales Way.

WARNING: This post is about the DRIVING/ ROAD TRIP routes for the Wales Way. There are many similar walking and hiking routes around the same areas, which has caused plenty of confusion, especially with the Cambrian Way and the Coastal Way. Although there are plenty of places to park up and enjoy a beautiful hike, we won’t be covering those here.

Which places in Wales can you visit on the Wales Way?

Although there are plenty of places you could include in a Wales road trip itinerary , the national driving routes cover specific routes, showcasing some of the prettiest places in the country (see map below)

• The North Wales Way covers the north coast and Anglesey.
• The Cambrian Way winds through the centre of the country, including Snowdonia, the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.
• The Coastal Way follows the beautiful west coast around Cardigan Bay

If you want to download your FREE guide to the routes, you can grab it here

Planning a trip to Wales?

Grab your FREE guide to the Wales Way road trip routes, including:

• suggested routes around Wales
• best places to see on your trip
• campsites to stay at along the way
• and other tips for touring Wales

Wales Way Map

Here’s a map of the Wales Way national driving routes, visiting some of the best places in Wales

Planning a Wales Road Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Wales, you might find these useful:

You can also grab our interactive map and online guide filled with places to visit in Wales- check it out here

Driving the Cambrian Way in Wales

The Cambrian Way starts in Llandudno on the North Coast and runs through the centre of Wales down to Cardiff.

The route is 185 miles (300km) long and travels through two National Parks (Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons), as well as the Cambrian Mountains- truly one of the most scenic road trips in the UK.

Highlights of the route include:

• some of the best walking, climbing and hiking in the UK
• Adventure Parc Snowdonia- indoor surfing. (home to a world-first inland surf lagoon).
• Zip Fforest- crazy fast zipline.
• Tudor mansion at Gwydir Castle
• Tu Hwnt ir Bont – at Llanrwst- possibly the world’s most famous tea room
• Swallow Falls at Betws-y-Coed

Best Cambrian Way stops for history lovers

The Rhondda Heritage Park is a must. Follow the footsteps of coal mine workers at this living museum and take a tour with a retired miner.

There’s also Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, built in 1824 and later turned into a museum and art gallery.

Another home to visit is the tudor Gwydir Castle- which also runs as a Bed and Breakfast.

Best Places on the Cambrian Way for Foodies

For fine dining, visit the Michelin starred restaurants of The Walnut Tree and The Whitebrook .

Want to learn more about mushrooms? Visit Snowdonia Mushrooms and learn more about growing and cooking your own.

For local wines, check out the oldest family estate in Wales, Glyndwr Vineyard – don’t miss their resident llamas.

If you enjoy cider, visit the Apple County Cider in Skenfrith. You can sample traditional ales and lager at Tomos Watkin Brewery in Swansea or learn more about making beer at Monty’s Brewery in Powys.

Best Cambrian Way Stops for Adventure-Seekers

This route is FULL of things to do for adventure seekers.

Visit Adventure Parc Snowdonia (home to the worlds first inland surf lagoon). There are 25km of graded single track and mountain bike trails at Gwydir Forest.

Fancy ziplining at 100mph? Visit Zip Forest – there’s also an Alpine rollercoaster and dare-devil freefalls.

Check out Go Below if you’d like to bounce on trampolines… underground in a cave!

There’s also the National White Water Centre for kayaking and other watersports- a little off the main route but worth it for the experience. There are also plenty of wonderful Wales Motorhome sites in the area to stay at with a motorhome, campervan or caravan.

Fun fact: Betws-y-Coed is the most misspelt place name in Britain, with around 360 variations! In case you were wondering, it means ‘prayer house in the woods’.

Watch the video of the Wales Way driving routes

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Driving the North Wales Way

The North Wales Way follows the old trading route from Holyhead to Broughton. It’s a 75-mile (120km) long route and can easily take 4/5 days to explore.

• World Heritage Castles
• National Slate Museum
• Conwy and Llandudno
• the Menai Straits
• the Isle of Anglesey

The North Wales Way route starts near Chester- one of our favourite cities in the UK. It’s full of timbered houses and is famous for its ‘Rows’- a second row of shops above those at street level. It’s also home to the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, as well as incredible city walls that surround the inner city.

Once you leave Chester, head north-west towards Holywell or head west into the hills towards Ruthin. Near Rhyl, you’ll find St Asaph- home to the UK’s smallest Cathedral.

Cross the Menai Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views back towards Snowdonia.

Finally, you’ll arrive in the old port town of Holyhead on Holy Island, Anglesey.

Best North Wales Way Stops for history lovers

The castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris are all World Heritage Sites and well worth a visit.

Conwy Castle is a medieval fortress over 700 years old. It’s home to the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales.

Beaumaris was started by Edward 1 but remains unfinished. Despite this, it’s still imposing with its 6 towers.

Caernarfon, another medieval castle, has the most spectacular location and is the investiture of the Princes of Wales.

There’s also the incredibly opulent Penrhyn Castle, built in the 19th century and home to an impressive fine art collection and spectacular views across Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.

Best North Wales Way Stops for Adventure-Seekers

If you’re looking for a little activity, one of the major hikes along the North Wales Way is Tryfan- a challenging climb up for experienced hikers.

Snowdonia National Park is home to a while range of outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, zip-lining (on the fastest zip line in the world), cave trampolining, white water rafting, golfing, and endless hiking trails, including Mount Snowdon- the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 meters (3,650 feet) above sea level.

If you don’t fancy climbing up it, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit. There are also hundreds of hikes and short walks along the north Wales coastline- plenty of places to explore and enjoy outdoors.

Best North Wales Stops for Foodies

If you enjoy trying local dishes, Be sure to visit Halen Mon- a producer of sea salt on Anglesey.

You can sample Welsh wine at the Gwinllan Conwy vineyard or enjoy a brewery tour at Bragdy Conwy Brewery

For fine dining, try the Michelin star restaurant of Sosban and the Old Butchers , which doesn’t have a menu.

Best Things to do in Anglesey

Anglesey is regularly mentioned as one of the best places to visit in Wales. Here are some of the highlights you can include in your Wales road trip itinerary:

• Coastal hikes — there are SO many to choose from and all will deliver incredible views over the sea.
• Parys Mountain — an abandoned copper mine that now looks like the surface of Mars.
• Beaumaris Castle — built during the late 13th century and considered to be the most technically perfect castle (its symmetry is incredibly accurate)
• Visit a lighthouse — dotted all across the coastline of Anglesey, you’ll find a number of beautiful lighthouses. You can even stay in one!

Does it cost money to get to Anglesey if it’s an island?

No- there’s a suspension bridge (the Menai bridge – although sometimes called the Telford Bridge by locals), and it’s free to cross. Cars and motorhomes can get across no problem.

Driving the Coastal Way in Wales

The Coastal Way runs the entire length of Cardigan Bay- 180-mile (290km). It starts at Aberdaron and ends at St Davids ( the smallest city in the UK) Of course, you can drive it in the opposite direction if you wish.

Some of the highlights (or places close to the route) include:

• Cardigan Bay- famous for frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins
• Ramsey Island
• Fishguard- a pretty harbour and village
• Strumble Head lighthouse
• Aberystwyth- an ancient market town and home of the National Library of Wales

Best Coastal Way Stops for Nature lovers

Don’t miss a trip to Ramsey Island- home of the highest cliffs in Wales and the largest grey seal colony in the UK, plus countless birds such as ravens and peregrines. In spring and summer the island is full of colour from bluebells, pink thrifts and heather.

You can only access the island via a boat from St Justinians, near St Davids.

Coastal Way- best places in Wales for history lovers

Don’t miss the impressive Cardigan Castle- the first stone castle built by a Welshman over 900 years ago. You can also enjoy a meal at the castle’s restaurant, a contemporary floor to ceiling glass venue offering panoramic views over the countryside.

The city of St David’s (smallest city in the UK) is famous for pilgrimages and is one the great ‘historic shrines’ in Christendom.

Best places in Wales on the Coastal Way for Food lovers

For traditional honey, cakes and ice-cream, don’t miss New Honey Quay Farm tea room. If you have a sweet tooth, the Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company is about to be your new best-friend.

For alcohol, visit the Dà Mhìle Distillery in Ceredigion, Cwm Deri vineyard or Bluestone Brewing, both in Pembrokeshire.

There’s also Pizzatipi in Cambrian for wood-fired pizzas, the highest pub in Pembrokeshire Tafarn Sinc , or delicious fish and chips at The Shed Bistro.

Coastal Way Stops for Adventure-Seekers

The Coastal Way has several sandy beaches and is popular with surfers and water sport enthusiasts. The waves are decent due to the influence of the Atlantic, particularly at Porth Neigwl Beach, (also known as Hell’s Mouth) and Porthor to the north (National Trust property).

Even if you don’t surf, you can still enjoy the Whistling Sands of Porthor- each step on the sand produces a ‘whistling sound’.

You can also enjoy coasteering along the coastline of the Llŷn Peninsula. This is an opportunity to see the coastline from the water through a mix of swimming, bobbing, scrambling and jumping on courses for beginners to experts- do NOT do this without an experienced and insured guide.

If you found all that useful, don’t forget to grab your FREE guide to the Wales Way routes

You might also be interested in these related posts:

• 5 breathtakingly scenic drives in Scotland
• Unmissable England road trip ideas
• The best UK motorhoming holiday destinations

See all our UK road trip itineraries and tips here

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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North wales road trip – your motorhome travel guide.

Introduction to The North Wales Road Trip

Wales is a spellbinding country. It is a landscape rich with Celtic history, natural wonders, and mystical places. In North Wales, you will find a particularly impressive concentration of these cultural and environmental sites. From lofty peaks and crashing coastlines to riviera-style towns and medieval castles, a North Wales road trip has a variety of activities to offer for all types of travellers.

As this region is 6,172 square kilometres in size, with many of the key sites spread across different locations, it is best to visit this area in a motorhome or campervan. This allows you to drive during the day yet sleep in the comfort of your mobile home each night. It is a convenient yet liberating way to complete a North Wales road trip in style! With that in mind, here are some top tips for driving around North Wales.

Where is North Wales

North Wales, or Gogledd Cymru in Welsh, is a rural region of the United Kingdom. It contains the Isle of Anglesey along with the northernmost Welsh counties of Conwy, Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham. This region is fronted by the Irish Sea along its coastline and the English border to the east. It is perhaps best known for its impressive mountain ranges in Snowdonia National Park.

Starting a North Wales Road Trip

North Wales is a deceptively difficult area to access. Rail and bus links are sparse in this region which makes driving the easiest mode of transport. If travelling from Manchester or Liverpool, the M53 and M56 will take you to the Welsh border in no time. After that, it’s A-roads between the bigger towns and country lanes to access the remote tourist destinations! Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this region by hiring for at least 7 days – more if possible!

When to Visit?

North Wales is a very seasonal place. Choosing the right season depends on what you want to do and see. For example, the winter can be bitterly cold with lashings of snow and rain making for poor road trip conditions. However, in the summer, the weather is steady with calm days and more hours of sunshine.

If your North Wales road trip is focused on hiking, summer will be the prime season for you. The trade-off is that trails in Snowdonia National Park will be brimming with people. However, beach days are lovely, and the long evenings are perfect for camping.

If you want to go surfing on your North Wales road trip, autumn brings some decent swells to the coast. Autumn is also a good time to see the Atlantic grey seals. They swim into the coves to raise their pups in September and many of these animals can be spotted from lookouts in Cardigan Bay.

Spring is a lovely time to watch birdlife or go coarse fishing in the lakes and rivers. Daffodils are in bloom and the country is in a particularly buoyant mood on the 1 st of March for St David’s Day. Outside of the Easter Holidays, much of North Wales will be a quieter affair, perfect for visiting cultural sites and historical monuments.

Where to Stay?

North Wales is a truly bucolic place. This is great news for any van travellers as it means there are idyllic campsites dotted throughout the region. If you hire a motorhome from Life’s an Adventure, you can benefit from the Camping and Caravanning Club loyalty scheme. Therefore, if you visit the sites at Bala or Llanystumdwy you can receive a discount of up to 30%!

If you are interested in staying close to an urban area, Bangor is one of the biggest settlements in North Wales. Alternatively, adventure lovers should base themselves at Camping in Llanberis on the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park. If you want to soak up the coastal scenery, head up to Blackthorn Farm near Holyhead.

During your North Wales road trip, you should make the most of the countryside campsites in this area. Beddgelert Campsite, Garth Farm, and Glanllyn are all hotspots for hillwalkers as they’re situated inside Snowdonia National Park.

If you want to go off-grid camping in your motorhome, try boondocking. This is when you park your vehicle in an unofficial location to sleep for the night. You can’t do this in a National Park or AONB, but a country layby or beach car park could be possible. Make sure you read any signs within the vicinity and try using an app like Park4Night to help you find the ideal location.

An unmissable location on your North Wales road trip is Snowdonia ( Eryri ) National Park. Here you’ll find alpine-style peaks and glacially-formed landscapes. Many ancient myths swirl among the mists and waters of this National Park, such as the legends of King Arthur and stories about dragons. Snowdonia is also home to Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon ( Yr Wyddfa ) and many fantastic hiking areas such as the Ogwen Valley, Carneddau, and Glyders.

If you want to drive to some cultural sites, check out Portmeirion. This town was built in the early 20 th century with much of the architecture resembling an Italian alpine village! For some Victorian promenades and pleasure piers, head to Wales’ oldest cathedral city of Bangor.

On your North Wales road trip, it would be a shame to miss some of the country’s most impressive ruins and fortifications. The World Heritage Caernarfon Castle is one highlight that sits on the tidal flats overlooking the Menai Strait. There’s also the 13 th -century Conwy Castle which is perched above the National Trust Telford Suspension Bridge.

For island escapes and coastal camping, head to the top corner of the country on your North Wales road trip. Here you’ll find Anglesey, a windy and wild isle home to nesting sea birds, lighthouses, and bracing beach walks. Further south, the Llŷn Peninsula also offers remote beaches and thrilling surf spots.

For another intriguing location in North Wales, check out the UNESCO World Heritage “Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”. This includes the Penrhyn and Dinorwig slate quarries amongst other smaller mines throughout the region. If you want to see these slate mines but also go on an adventure, check out Zip World activities in North Wales.

What to Pack for a North Wales Road Trip?

Depending on what excursions you want to do on your North Wales road trip, there are a few essentials to bring with you. If heath camping and coastal drives are your thing, why not bring a surfboard to catch some waves? (Alternatively, rent a board from Abersoch Watersports on the Llŷn Peninsula). For an easier-to-store item, pack a pair of binoculars to enjoy birdwatching at the coastal nesting sites.

If you want to go hiking or country walking, make sure you carry some appropriate equipment with you. Wales is prone to rain and waterproofs are usually required. A sturdy pair of hiking boots help to tackle mud and loose rock. Lastly, pack a warm fleece and woolly hat to fight off the nipping wind that blows off the Irish Sea!

Food & Drink

A North Wales road trip would hardly be complete without sampling a Welsh tea cake or bara brith (traditional fruit cake). You can find these tasty treats in many cafes throughout the region but there are some particularly good ones at Popty Conwy Bakery or Pen Ceunant Isaf.

Throughout the country, Wales has some fine dishes to enjoy. On your North Wales road trip, keep an eye out for the world’s best cheese on toast, a.k.a. Welsh rarebit. Leek is another typical Welsh ingredient, and you’ll find it in everything from soups and stews to tarts and pastries. Lastly, if you’ll feeling brave, opt for a side of laverbread (seaweed and cockles) with your full Welsh breakfast!

When in Conwy, make sure you sample some of their renowned mussels. In this location, the River Conwy meets the Irish Sea to produce cross-varieties of salt and freshwater molluscs. For top-tier mussels, check out The Erskine Arms or buy them fresh from Conwy Mussels Company to have a go at cooking them in your campervan!

North Wales is a relatively large region. To make the most out of your North Wales road trip, pick a few key areas to target. Focus on a handful of spots rather than trying to zip through the entire area at breakneck speed. It is a much safer way to travel, allowing you to explore the local scenery at a leisurely pace, without rushing to numerous destinations within a certain time scale.

For example, when starting in Manchester, you can head along the coastal road to Conwy. From there, you can either cut south to Snowdonia or continue west to Anglesey and then down along the Llyn Peninsula. You can choose to spend most of your time in these brilliant locations or cut back up through the Clwydian Range and Wrexham before returning north to round off your epic North Wales road trip. If you are looking for any advice, do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team who are always happy to help!

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Campervan at Oxwich Bay, West Wales

Find the right caravan holiday in Wales

Whether you're a walker looking for epic views, a surfer chasing breaks or a family on the hunt for the perfect beach, the wealth of friendly Welsh caravan parks with excellent facilities means you'll find the perfect spot.

How to prepare for a caravanning holiday in Wales

Even if you're a seasoned caravanner or motorhome owner, it's important to prepare before you set off for your holiday in Wales. Some of our roads are steep and narrow, so be sure to plan your route carefully. And popular caravan parks in Wales are often full in peak months. Book pitches in advance or chances are you might be disappointed.

Importantly, please don't park your caravan, campervan or motorhome anywhere other than a designated camping site. Parking in unauthorised locations often damages natural habitats and it can also cause strain on local services and infrastructure.

For more useful information take a look at the advice and training section on the Caravan Club website.

Views of the interior of a campervan

© Snowdonia Classic Campers

Courtesy www.davidbroadbent.com

Caravan parks in West Wales

West Wales is hugely popular for family caravan holidays because there's mile upon mile of sandy beach. Kids of all ages will love it!

Broad Haven

Ros and John who own Creampots Touring Caravan & Camping Park used to be caravanners themselves so they know exactly what they're doing at this 61 pitch park in Pembrokeshire. With beaches on tap, boat trips to see the puffins of Skomer Island nearby and Oakwood Theme Park a short drive away there's plenty to keep everyone happy. Dogs are welcome too.

Read more: Discover the stunning beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park sits on top of a hill and takes its name from the glorious bay it overlooks. Access to the bay is just a short walk, with the rest of the Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore too. There's golf, pony trekking and a vast nature reserve nearby. Dog owners are welcome.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, West Wales

Creampots Touring Caravan & Camping Park

Skomer Island Nature Reserve

Oakwood Theme Park

Three Cliffs Holiday Park

If you want to stop in the smallest city in the UK and wander around St Davids, spend a few nights at  Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park , a Welsh Campsite of the Year winner with formidable views out to sea. As well as being in an area of pilgrimage and near the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales, its waters are frequented by grey Atlantic seals.

Read more: Exploring Britain's smallest city

Well Park Caravan & Camping Site is a Wales-in-Bloom-winning caravan park between Tenby and Saundersfoot. Created with an eye for landscaping, the park is a peaceful green haven with rockeries, lawns, flower beds and trees. There are seven beaches within two miles and a hidden cove a short walk away.

Beach fun in Saundersfoot and watersports in Caerfai cove, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park

Well Park Caravan & Camping Site

Caravan parks in south wales.

You can take your pick with South Wales caravan parks. Sandy beach, bustling towns and villages or rolling countryside - the choice is yours.

Llandow Caravan Park , near the market town of Cowbridge, has been keeping holidaymakers relaxed for more than 20 years. There are 175 pitches with separate areas for families, excellent disabled facilities and a dog walking area. Along with the sandy beaches of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast there are ancient castles and flower-filled gardens right on the doorstep.

Read more: Things to do in The Vale of Glamorgan

Our Welsh Caravan & Camping  offers room for 60 pitches on a working sheep farm. The site is next to the Ogwr Fach river and surrounded by native trees. It is well-located, about 18 miles from Cardiff and under 30 miles from Swansea. 

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Llandow Caravan Park

Our Welsh Caravan & Camping

Caravan parks in mid wales.

Campsites and caravan parks in Mid Wales are all about getting closer to nature. Walking, cycling, pony trekking - it's ideal for fun and adventure in our great outdoors.

Anchorage Caravan Park is a family-run caravan and camping park in Bronllys, close to the border between England and Wales. It has large lawns and quality on-site facilities, not to mention spectacular views of the Black Mountains. The site is just seven miles from the beautiful town of books that is Hay-on-Wye .

Pont Kemys Caravan and Camping Park by the River Usk is one of the best places to pull up in Monmouthshire. The eight-acre site near Usk has plenty of room, and there's a dog exercise area if you're planning to bring a pet along for the ride. The market town of Abergavenny , famed for its annual food festival, is seven miles away.

River Usk, Brecon, Mid Wales

Pencelli Castle Park is a multi award-winning family-run park and a fine place to start exploring the rolling hills of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) or go for a cycle on the Taff Trail cycle route . The serviced pitches are a stone's throw from the village pub and red deer live in a field next to the campsite. No dogs except guide dogs.

Read more: Family camping and caravanning breaks in Wales

Anchorage Caravan Park

Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park

Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park

Caravan parks in north wales.

North Wales caravan holidays offer something for everyone - spectacular castles, wide sandy beaches, heritage railways and the adventure playground of the epic peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia).

On the isle of Anglesey , there are several caravan parks to choose from. Home Farm Holiday Park is set in rural countryside has plenty of play areas and is just five minutes from the beach. Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park has 56 pitches, many of them overlooking the sandy beach at Lligwy Bay. Dogs are welcome at both.

Read more: Sleep under the stars in stunning North Wales

Greenacres Holiday Park runs alongside the two-mile long beach, Morfa Bychan /  Black Rock Sands, with the Tremadog Bay as its shadow. There are sand dunes bursting with wildflowers at the nearby nature reserve, on-site swimming and leisure facilities and lots of opportunities for family fun. Pets are welcome too.

Black Rock Sands and Borth y Gest, Porthmadog, North Wales

Hafan y Môr Holiday Park is set within a 500-acre site on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park . It's just perfect for families as there's all manner of things to do. Along with 75 pitches for caravans, there's direct access to two beaches, boating facilities, an indoor swimming pool with water flumes and a wave machine, go-karting and two entertainment venues.

Plassey Leisure Park in the Dee Valley used to be a dairy farm, but has since been converted into a sophisticated family-friendly leisure park. It's a vast site with over 250 acres to explore. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a golf course, a retail centre, restaurant and clubhouse. If you're not caravanning there's also a range of luxury glamping lodges with their own private hot tubs.

For even more suggestions of places to pitch, use our accommodation search .

Hafan y Mor Holiday Park

Plassey Holiday Park

Static caravan sites in wales.

Of course you don't have to tow a caravan to Wales for a caravanning holiday. There are lots of static caravan sites offering top quality facilities and excellent value for money. 

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Overlooked by mountains on the shores of glassy Llangorse Lake, Lakeside Caravan Park offers a range of static caravans sleeping four to six people. When you're not walking in the wonderland of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, you can hire paddle boards, pedalos and rowing boats and potter about on the lake.

The tranquil waters of Llangorse Lake, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Mid Wales

Close to the seaside town of Rhyl in North Wales, Golden Gate Holiday Centre is the complete package. It's a huge site with swimming pool, entertainment venues, an adventure park and more - ideal for a family holiday. Dogs are welcome too.

You're a stone's throw from one the most spectacular castles in Wales and the soaring peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park at Coed Helen Holiday Park . Along with traditional static caravans, there are also luxury pods with floor-to-ceiling glass at the front offering vast views of the rolling countryside and mountains.

Parked up in a campervan, enjoying the spectacular views in North Wales

©  Snowdonia Classic Campers

Llanbrynmair

Located in the picturesque Twymyn valley, on the fringe of the Cambrian Mountains , Cringoed Holiday Park is a friendly, family-run site. Along with 35 caravan pitches and 44 static caravans there are two new cosy camping pods - one for a couple and a larger one for families. Both have their own private terrace and picnic table.

Find out more about family campsites , glamping holidays  and  holiday parks in Wales .

Lakeside Caravan Park

Golden Gate Holiday Centre

Cringoed Holiday Park

Related stories, a guide to alternative holiday stays in wales.

Discover a range of interesting accommodation options for your trip to Wales.

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Find out why Wales is one of the best campervan holiday destinations in the world.

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3 x Wales Road Trip Itineraries + Best Places To Visit

Table of Contents

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There are few places in the UK more beautiful than scenic, rugged Wales . I’ll be sharing three Wales road trip itineraries, as well as handy tips to make the most of your trip. I’ve broken this post into three categories:

• Pembrokeshire found towards the west of Wales (get ready for lots of gorgeous coastal scenery)
• South Wales including Cardiff and the Gower Peninsular
• North Wales which many locals claim is the most striking and impressive part of Wales overall. For the ultimate Wales road trip for 7 days, I have an itinerary for all three.

Why take a Wales road trip?

Well, Wales isn’t exactly the best place for public transport. Sure, you’ll be fine around Cardiff and other larger cities, as well as some parts of Pembrokeshire. But to save time, tick spectacular destinations off your UK bucket list , and also get off-the-beaten-track and find some solitude, it’s best to have your own set of wheels. In my opinion, Wales isn’t the most expensive part of the UK. But the more expensive accommodation will be found in tourist-friendly cities. So if you have a car, you’ll be able to stay in cheaper places and drive to popular spots during the days. If you’re interested in saving money and travelling cheaply, be sure to check out my guide to UK budget travel .

Make sure to check out my Wales fun facts before your visit!

WALES ESSENTIALS Copy of Lonely Planet Wales Accommodation: Booking.com Tours: GetYourGuide Public transport: Trainine Car hire: Rentalcars.com

How to plan a Wales road trip

Road tripping a whole country can be tiring, plus it’s hard to decide on a Wales road trip itinerary with so many destinations on offer. My best tip would be to pin the places below on Google Maps to get a lay of the land and work out the areas you’re most interested in visiting. If you end up with a cluster of pins in one part of Wales, I would suggest staying there. Plan to include 2-3 main attractions per day so you don’t get burnt out or run the risk of packing in too much. Don’t try to cram in everything during a 7 day Wales road trip! You’ll burn out and feel rushed.

How long does it take to explore Wales?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to drive around Wales, it depends how thoroughly you want to see the country. I’d set aside 3 weeks (or longer) for all the places below. If you have one week in Wales, pick one of the 3 itineraries below.

Where to stay during a Wales road trip

There are so many places to stay from popular Pembrokeshire to rural North Wales and the gorgeous Gower Peninsula in South Wales. Wales has abundant accommodation options including Airbnbs, hostels, glamping huts, cottages and more. If you choose to stay in Pembrokeshire, I can recommend Fishguard which is a pretty town near to many popular Wales locations. We stayed in Main Town and during downtime, trekked down the hill to Fishguard Harbour.

Use Booking.com to browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering private apartments in Fishguard . Top picks: Private apartment (sleeps 2) for £75pn // Ivy Bridge Guesthouse (sleeps 2) for £75pn .

Best season for a Wales road trip

The best season for good weather is the summer months from June to September . However, British weather is unpredictable at best so you may be subject to rain and grey skies – pack your rain mac! Summer is the busiest tourist season in Wales so you’ll want to book your accommodation in advance and arrive places early to beat the crowds. Personally, I would choose March-May or September for decent weather and fewer crowds. Winters in Wales can be cold especially in Northern Wales when it can easily drop below 0°C.

7 day Wales road trip itinerary – Pembrokeshire

A week is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring Pembrokeshire. This is the ultimate 1 week in Wales road trip… Day 1 – explore St David’s in the morning. Head over to the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon. Day 2 – take the boat to Skomer Island. Afterwards, relax on Marloes Sands. Day 3 – visit Freshwater West beach. Take a trip to Bosherston Lily Ponds in the afternoon. Day 4 – take a road trip along the west coast. Stop at Strumble Head Lighthouse, Fishguard and take a hike at Dinas Head. Day 5 – take an early morning dolphin boat trip at Cardigan Bay and relax on Poppit Sands afterwards. Day 6 – Visit Tenby and take a boat trip to Caldey Island. Day 7 – explore a few Welsh Castles. Pembrokeshire Castle and Manorbier Castle are both beautiful.

Pembrokeshire road trip destinations

There’s more to Wales than just Pembrokeshire but it’s undeniably a beautiful part of the country on the southwest coast of Wales heading inland. Pembrokeshire is one of the most popular areas of Wales for tourism because there are beautiful beaches and towns without overly long drives connecting them. More details for your Pembrokeshire itinerary…

Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy

This 25m-deep water hole in Pembrokeshire is an old flooded slate quarry. The brilliant blue water is prime for diving in – if you can handle the icy temperatures! The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has been held three times here. If you’re feeling energetic, you can try coasteering and kayaking at the Blue Lagoon. For a more leisurely visit, simply admire the striking lagoon from above and take a walk around the headlands. Park at the car park , stroll past beautiful Abereiddy Beach and climb up to higher ground for a windy yet refreshing walk with unrivalled coastal views.

Cardigan Bay

This large sweeping bay sits with Pembrokeshire at its south end. While there are some beautiful beaches, the intrique is out at sea. The area is known for having the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in Europe, as well as a colony of porpoise, seals and plenty of birdlife. During your Wales road trip, I’d highly recommend parking up at Patch Beach and taking a boat tour with A Bay To Remember . Remember to book your tickets in advance for £26pp.

Poppit Sands

With 7 days road tripping Wales, you won’t have time for all the beaches. But don’t miss Poppit Sands on the West Wales coast near Cardigan. It’s an expansive, unspoilt beach backed by low dunes, perfect for beachcombing. The gorgeous beach lies between two headlands on the edge of the Teifi Estuary and has a gentle incline into the sea making it ideal for swimmers and surfers. This scenic area is also popular with hikers . Inland walks from Poppit wind through dense forest, pretty river valleys and fields of sheep. Poppit also lies at the start (or end!) of the 300-kilometre-long Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Cliff paths (accessible on foot from Poppit) provide sweeping views of the dramatic West Wales coastline and the chance to see dolphins and seals in the clear water below. The coastal paths are well maintained with good signposting, and hikers can take advantage of the Poppit Rocket bus service that will bring you back to your starting point in Poppit.  Due to its remote location, Poppit is best visited by car. Access to Poppit Sands and the coastal path is free but there’s a charge for parking in Poppit village car park. Poppit entry submitted by Sinead from Map Made Memories .

Cenarth Falls

An hour’s drive from Aberystwyth and just 20 mins drive from Aberporth lies Cenarth Falls. It’s located in the quaint village of Cenarth with just two pubs, a restaurant and a church. Teifi River runs through the village, cascading down some rocks and resulting in  Cenarth Falls . No difficult hiking or climbing is required, just a pleasant walk along the riverside to an old bridge leading to scenic views in peaceful surrounds. A circular trail passing along a small gorge with trees and birds will bring you back to the village. Cenarth is also known for its abundant seasonal salmon which leap over the falls.  Cenarth Coracle Museum in the village is a unique place to learn about coracles, small circular wooden boats used by fishermen until the 1940s. Before you leave Cenarth, stop at Ty-Te Tearoom or the White Hart Inn for Welsh scones and pub grub.  Cenarth Falls entry submitted by Jan from Leisurely Drives .

The beautiful coastal town of Fishguard isn’t the best-known place in Wales but it’s surely one of the best UK hidden gems . The Main Town has basic amenities while Lower Fishguard has a peaceful harbour with colourful houses and gently-lapping waves. Sitting here with a coffee overlooking the ocean was the perfect respite from a busy Wales road trip and I’d recommend squeezing in Fishguard if you have the time. A scenic hike nearby that I’d recommend is…

This peninsula jutting off the mainland of Pembrokeshire (en route between Fishguard and Cardigan) is Dinas Head. A few hours hiking the peninsular to the headland is time well spent. Park at Pwllgwaelod Beach and take the Dinas Island circular walk which starts with a 40 step incline but is mostly downhill later on. Stop at Needle Rock to watch local birds and paddle at Cwm-yr-Eglwys Bay before returning to the car park.

Strumble Head Lighthouse

Another worthwhile stop on the Pembroke coast is Strumble Head Lighthouse . Although the weather was bad when we visited, it was still striking in a gothic way especially with the persisting flashes from the lighthouse. It made me think of boats 100 years ago crossing the rocky stretch from Wales to Ireland. The Lighthouse is perched precariously on a small island connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge. Just a few minutes’ drive away is Carregwastad Point where French soldiers landed in 1797 during the last invasion of Britain.

St David’s

Dedicate a long afternoon to exploring the smallest city in the UK found on the St. David’s Peninsula. visit St. Davids Cathedral and stop for a pint at one of the many local pubs. As well as plenty of things to do in St. David’s , it’s also a perfect base to explore this area of Wales with boat tours and sweeping scenery. Why not spend a weekend in the region and go hiking and explore more of the peninsula? There’s parking at Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre if you’re stopping as part of a Wales road trip. Since St. Davids is a transport hub for this area of Pembrokeshire, you can also catch local buses from St. Davids. It’s also a popular stop on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. St David’s entry submitted by Naomi from Probe Around The Globe .

This pretty Welsh town is worth a quick stop during a Wales road trip. As well as quaint, colourful shops and a pretty walk around the headlands by the beach, the highlight is Mamgu Welshcakes . For those that don’t yet know Welshcakes, they’re tasty delicacies made with flour, butter and currants, dusted with sugar. Swing by Mamgus and try them for yourself. The Welsh rarebit on the menu was also delicious! If you want to work it off, you can take a 7km coastal walk from Solva to St David’s .

Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay, reminiscent of a Welsh Greek Island, is one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and has recently been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Backed by dunes and woods, its golden sands lapped by crystal clear emerald waters are the perfect place to relax. The crescent bay is unspoilt, bounded by limestone cliffs at each end. Accessed by way of a 20-minute clifftop walk, you’ll be blown away by the coastal views. Ducking through a crumbling stone archway, follow the steep stone steps down to the pristine sand. Alternatively, arrive in style by canoe from the launch point at Stackpole Quay car park . There are numerous walking trails and the coastal path continues to another stunning beach, Broadhaven South. Visitors info: Barafundle Bay is a 30-minute drive from Tenby. There’s only one car park, halfway around a mile-long circular loop, so it’s best to arrive early on a summer’s day. There are facilities, a cafe and abundant space to make sandcastles making it a perfect location for those travelling in Pembrokeshire with kids. Barafundle entry submitted by Helen from Holiday With Hels .

Tenby is a well-preserved town found on the South Wales coast with its 13th-century city walls still intact. There are plenty of things to do in Tenby from relaxing on Castle Beach, North Beach or South Beach, to strolling around the harbour clutching an ice cream. Visit Castle Hill for Tenby Castle and Tenby Museum & Art Gallery or take an eerie ghost tour of Tenby; any city this old surely has a few creepy tales to tell! From Tenby, you can take a 4.5-mile walk to Saundersfoot , drinking in views of Saundersfoot Bay from Monkstone Point. There are plenty of places to park in Tenby and you can easily see the main sights during a day trip, although Tenby would also be a lovely place to base for a few days with lots of quality restaurants and abundant ice cream!

Where to stay in Tenby: Budget – The Belgrave Hotel (£96pn) // Treat – The Park Hotel (£145pn) . Browse all Tenby accommodation on Booking.com .

Another fantastic excursion from Tenby is…

Caldey Island

Caldey Island  can be seen from the golden beaches of Tenby and, during the summer months, small boats will take you to the island. The island has a long history and today is a Cistercian monastery with the monks maintaining the island. When you leave the boat and pretty beach adjacent to the jetty, a path will take you to the main green with the monastery on the hill then onwards to the Old Priory. On the very edge of the island, perched on the clifftop, is Caldey Island Lighthouse which is still in operation. From here, you can see Lundy Island in the distance as well as the Pembrokeshire coast. There are no vehicles on the island so you’re in for a day of walking but the distances aren’t huge, and the meadows and clifftops are beautiful to explore. Visitor info : The boat runs Monday-Saturday from May to September. Tickets can be bought from the kiosk at the top of Tenby Harbour or the beach where the boats depart. Prices are as follows:

Caldey Island submitted by Suzanne from Meandering Wild .

Freshwater West

My favourite beach during my 7 day Wales road trip was Freshwater West near Castlemartin. I was excited for two reasons: seeing Dobby’s Grave from the Harry Potter movie, and trying a lobster roll at Cafe Mor. In addition to these activities, Freshwater West is worth a visit with its striking cliffs, sand dunes and distinctive blackened rocks. It’s a popular spot for surfers although not a beginners destination due to the strong currents. To visit Freshwater West during a road trip in Wales, park beside Cafe Mor and grab a coffee and seafood roll before heading down to the beach.

Bosherston Lily Ponds

Another spot for your Pembrokeshire itinerary is Bosherton Lily Ponds close to Broad Haven South and Barfundle Bay. Walking around these gorgeous ponds is an easy activity suitable for all fitness levels.

There’s plenty of parking at Bosherston as well as public toilets. Park up and cross Bosherston Causeway (the bridge pictured above) then make your way around the track looking out over glorious scenery. For the full experience, cross over Grassy Bridge and continue to Mere Pool Valley . Return along the other side of the Fish Pond to make it a circular walk.

Pembroke Castle

The birthplace of Henry VII is a beautiful, serene location beside a peaceful pond (connected to Pembroke River) where you can hire small boats and row around the fortress. It was built in 1093, restored in Victorian times, and remains an iconic fairytale castle for your Wales road trip. Entry to Pembroke Castle is £7 for adults; £6 for seniors and children; and free for under 3s. Set your sat nav to SA71 4LA and find public parking a short walk from the castle.

Manorbier Castle

This 11th-century Norman castle is another must for a road trip in Pembrokeshire. Spend an afternoon admiring the architecture, wandering the landscaped gardens and imagining how the residents would have lived 900 years ago… Manorbier is just a 15-minute drive from Tenby. Entrance is £5.50 for adults and £15 for families. Afterwards, wander quaint Manorbier village and Manorbier Beach.

Skomer Island

Photography and birdwatching fans won’t want to miss Skomer . It’s a small island of just 3km located off the coast of South Wales. While it’s not possible to visit with your own car, it’s still a must for your Wales road trip – you can leave your vehicle on the mainland and catch a boat over to Skomer. Skomer is one of the most important places in Europe for nesting birds, particularly puffins. From late May to late July, they come to lay their eggs. When a chick hatches, its parents alternate feeding, carrying small fish to the nest until it becomes independent. You can also spy other birdlife and seals. Skomer is open from April to October and access is only granted to 250 people per day; limitations are to preserve the wildlife heritage. The cost for access is £11 arranged at Lockley Lodge , plus £11 for a boat that reaches the island in 15 minutes. It’s not possible to book in advance so arrive early. Skomer entry submitted by Miry from Miry Giramondo .

7 day South Wales itinerary

There are plenty of attractions in South Wales famous for the Gower Peninsular, Brecon Beacons and Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Here are a few of the best destinations for a South Wales road trip in 7 days…

To experience the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons, follow this itinerary. Day 1 – visit The Mumbles and Oystermouth Castle. Day 2 – visit Rhossili Bay Beach and take a walk along part of the Gower Coast Path. The stretch from Langland to Caswell Bay is lovely. Three Cliffs Bay is a beautiful beach. Day 3 – visit Kidwelly Castle. Day 3 – drive to the Brecon Beacons and check out Brecon town. Day 4 – spend a day hiking for example on the Waterfall Valley Hike or the Peaks Hike. Day 5 – visit Hay-on-Wye then take a trip to Llanthony Priory and the Black Mountains. Day 6-7 – spent a day in Cardiff to explore the capital’s highlights.

Looking for accommodation? Browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in South Wales on Booking.com .

South Wales road trip destinations

More details on these South Wales destinations…

The Gower Peninsula

South Wales is known for its rugged natural beauty but visitors and locals will agree the highlights can be found on the glorious Gower Peninsula . For a South Wales road trip lasting 7 days, spend a couple of nights in the region. With sprawling beaches and rolling farmland that never seems to end, it’s no surprise this sandy strip of the world was designated the UK’s first AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) – and boy is it outstanding! Hike with wild horses along the craggy clifftops of Rhossili Bay, or traverse your way to the beach below for some of the best surfing in the UK. Cycle the country lanes from pub to pub, or cruise the promenade to the seaside village of Mumbles for ice cream, fish and chips and BBQs in secluded beach coves.

For budget accommodation, Swansea is a convenient base for your Wales road trip itinerary. You can nibble your way around the market and visit the house of legendary Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. Croeso i Gymru!  Other Swansea foodie gems are Square Peg Coffee (order the Mexican brunch) and Takumi Sushi & Noodle Bar . Gower entry submitted by Ben from Driftwood Journals .

If you want to base in the Gower during your South Wales road trip, browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in The Gower on Booking.com .

The Mumbles

While exploring the Gower Peninsula , you won’t want to miss the Mumbles from your Wales road trip. The Mumbles has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era and has even been listed as the best place to live in Wales.

Things to do in the Mumbles including visiting 12th-century Oystermouth Castle and the iconic Lighthouse where you can relax on a sunny day at the small sandy beach beside it. Walk along the 255m Mumbles Pier and grab some fish and chips from one of the chippies. For the perfect dessert, head over to Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour for its world-famous vanilla ice cream!

You can easily spend a day exploring the gems of the Mumbles. There are plenty of pay and display car parks in the fishing village. It’s also easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation for example bus, bike or even by foot from Swansea along Swansea Bay.

Mumbles entry submitted by Kitti from Kitti Around the World .

Where to stay in The Mumbles: Patrick With Rooms (£130pn).

While in the Gower, don’t miss Rhossili which is a region at its southwestern tip. Rhossili Bay Beach , voted the 10th most beautiful beach in the world , is ideal for surfing and other watersports, as well as long, leisurely walks along the seemingly-endless coastline. Make sure to eat fish and chips at the King’s Head in nearby Llangennith! To work up an appetite…

Hike Worm’s Head

If you have good weather, take the Worm’s Head hike beside Rhossili Beach. I mention the weather because I visited on a September day that could have been December – it tipped it down with rain and I only made it halfway because the rocks were hazardously slippy. This small island/peninsular was named by the Vikings after the Norse word ‘wurm’ meaning dragon. From the right angle, it does indeed look like one. It can be only be hiked 2.5 hours either side of low tide . For that reason, it’s important to check the tidal boards (don’t worry, you can’t miss them) to see how long you’ve got. People do occasionally need to be rescued for ignoring the times which must be very frustrating for the services. To visit Rhossili Bay Beach and Worm’s Head during the same day, park at the National Trust car park at Rhossili (SA3 1PP / £3.00 for 3 hours / £6 for the day)

Three Cliffs Bay

After Rhossili Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful sandy stretches of the Gower is Three Cliffs Bay . With white sand dunes, scenic coastal hikes and Penard Castle overlooking it, you could easily spend a day here. Park in small town, Southgate, and walk down to the beach from the coastal path near the National Trust car park . After the beach, hike up to Penard Castle and follow the path back to Southgate. The Muddy Mail Room is an atmospheric place to eat lunch after a morning spent exploring.

Leaving the Gower, here are some more South Wales stops…

Kidwelly Castle

Kidwelly Castle  is a large well-preserved Norman castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the small town of Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire. Although the castle changed hands several times in the 12 th  and 13 th  centuries within the hierarchy of Welsh royalty, it remains a symbol of power and conquest. Walk around the battlements and dungeons whilst learning about the local ghost, Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, who was the unhappy wife of a former resident. As a further claim to fame, the castle was used as a location for the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail . But it’s best remembered for its remarkable history and the fact that it was once besieged by Owain Glyn Dŵr, the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. The castle is perfect for a summer picnic, great for kids and also dog-friendly. To add it to your South Wales road trip itinerary, arrive via the A484 to Kidwelly (near Carmarthen). A family entry ticket costs £12.00. Kidwelly Castle entry submitted by Tracy from  PackThePJs .

National Showcaves

If you’re heading to Wales, you need to visit the National Showcase Centre For Wales at Dan yr Ogof. This incredible location allows you to enter some of the largest caves not just in Wales but the whole of Europe. In the largest is a spectacular waterfall. You can get married inside the cave if you wish – it’s that big! The noise and power of the falls are breathtaking. There are several other caves on the complex including a huge labyrinth you can walk around. You can also pay to go further inside during a guided caving tour.  For kids, there’s a dinosaur park (with life-size dinosaurs!), a petting zoo and a playground. There’s also a restaurant and cafe on site. If you’re camping or  motorhoming in Wales , there’s a brilliant campsite right next door. The showcaves are on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and cost £15.50 for adults and £12.50 for children aged 3-16 (under 2s are free). Showcaves entry submitted by Kat from Wandering Bird .

Brecon Beacons

An hour’s drive from Cardiff is Brecon Beacons National Park. Depending how much time your South Wales road trip itinerary allows for, it might be worth spending a couple of nights here. You can spy striking mountain ranges, hike epic trails and stop by the Libanus Visitor Centre for souvenir shopping. From the terrace, there are spectacular views of the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan and Corn Du . In the Brecon Beacons, you’ll spot wildlife including wild horses. They’re so used to human interaction that they’ll come close enough to steal your lunch! After soaking in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, journey towards Brecon Town for a bite to eat. There are several options to choose from including Brecon Tap for great pies, Chang Thai Cuisine (Thai is very popular in Wales) or Easts of Brecon for homemade goodies. If you have free time, stop by Brecon Cathedral. Brecon entry submitted by Emily from Dalton’s Destinations .

Looking for accommodation? Browse guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering properties in The Brecon Beacons on Booking.com .

Driving the Top Gear Road

Fans of Top Gear may be interesting in driving the Brecon Beacon’s Black Mountain Road (A4069) made famous by Jeremy Clarkson. The twists and curves will impress thrill-seekers!

Gorge walking in the Brecons

Gorge walking in Wale s  is an unforgettable experience. The best place to do it is Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, also known as waterfall country. In a nutshell, gorge walking involves a journey through the paths of a gorge to ascend or descend through a valley. It can be challenging but the guides are experts and adapt the route based on the ability of their group. Since you’re with a guide, gorge walking is stress-free: they provide all equipment (including a wetsuit and helmet) and know the gorges inside out. It usually lasts 3-4 hours and costs around £40pp depending on the size of your group. A tour guide will usually pick you up from your accommodation to reach the gorge. If you’re not already in the area, book a day tour from Cardiff . Entry submitted by Rachel from Average Lives .

Langorse Lake

While  visiting the Brecon Beacons don’t miss Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales. There are lots of things to do from watersports including kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to rowing and sailing courses. Llangorse has the only surviving Welsh crannog: an ancient lake dwelling (looking very much like Hagrid’s hut) on an island on the lake. The visitor centre tells you more about the local legend that Llangorse Lake was the body of water where King Arthur threw the famous sword back to the ‘Lady of the Lake’. Llangorse Lake also has a lovely walk through lush green fields to a bird hide and a Victorian gothic church. The return walk takes around 90 minutes. To reach Llangorse Lake, take a 15-minute drive from the town of Brecon. There’s plenty of parking, open space for outdoor games, and a cafe with public facilities. Entry submitted by Angie from Where Angie Wanders .

Straddling the English-Welsh border is the Wye Valley , an AONB known for its mountains, countryside and the River Wye which winds for 58 miles through the Valley. Here you can row, paddleboard, hike, walk, visit ancient abbeys, eat locally-sourced food and spot wildlife. A few highlights fo the Wye Walley include…

One of the best places to visit in the Wye Valley is Hay-on-Wye. Known as the ‘Town of Books’, Hay-on-Wye draws visitors every year to browse its many second-hand bookshops. There are over 20 bookshops around the town. If you’re short on time, don’t miss Richard Booths, Addyman Books and the honesty bookshop at Hay Castle. Other things to do in Hay-on-Wye include visiting the Globe at Hay: Institute of Art and Ideas for fun events and performances, browsing the town’s antique shops and walking along the River Wye to the Warren for a taste of the Welsh countryside. Time your visit right and catch the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts which takes place at the end of May. Hay-on-Wye entry submitted by Maja from Come Away With Maja .

The Black Mountains

Bordering the  beautiful Wye Valley , the Black Mountains are a group of hills with several stunning ridge trails. The best way to visit is by driving the Gospel Pass, one of the best places in Wales for a road trip. It skirts the top of a long, steep-sided valley with views over the rolling countryside on one side and the Black Mountains on the other. The single-track road is the highest in Wales and reaches its zenith at the Hay Pass car park. From here you can walk up to Hay Bluff: a tough slog up to one of the highest points in the Black Mountains. With stunning views of the rocky landscape surrounding the area, it’s well worth the effort. Further along, the thoroughly atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory are set crumbling against the backdrop of the mountains. A pint here in the late afternoon is a great way to end a Wales road trip.  The Black Mountains are located in southeast Wales about 1 hour’s drive from Hay on Wye. Black Mountains entry submitted from Anywhere We Roam .

Monmouth is the county town of the county of Monmouthshire close to the England-Wales border. This pretty town on the River Wye is worth a visit for its rich heritage and surrounding countryside. Because of this,  Monmouth is popular with outdoor enthusiasts including hikers and kayakers. One of the most popular routes is from Symonds Yat Rock down the river through the valley to the town. Monmouth has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times, however other eras have also shaped the town’s heritage. One of the best places to learn about this is Monmouth Castle also home to the Monmouthshire Regiment Museum. Another unique feature of the town is Monnow Bridge, the last remaining fortified bridge in Great Britain. The town has a dedicated heritage trail to ensure visitors can see the history of the town and its buildings of many eras. Monmouth entry submitted by RJ from RJ On Tour .

Abergavenny

Abergavenny is known as the Gateway to Wales but before you begin exploring, stop to enjoy the town. Set in stunning countryside and surrounded by three mountains, the Skirrid, the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny is perfect for walkers and hikers. Visit the museum in the grounds of the Abergavenny Castle ruins which takes you through the history from prehistoric, Roman and Victorian life in Abergavenny . Wander into town, visit the markets which take place most days, and explore the art on the walls of the buildings. Try Bean and Bread or the Oak Rooms for excellent local food. Finally, head out of town to White Castle , an 11th-century castle not far from Abergavenny, or Goytre Wharf to take a walk by the canal or maybe paddle a kayak. If you’re in Abergavenny during September, don’t miss the Food Festival to sample food and drink from the area.  Abergavenny entry submitted by Larch from The Silver Nomad.

Don’t miss the vibrant capital of Wales. If you have 7 days for your Wales road trip, take a break and rest here. Whether you’re into shopping, fine dining, nightlife or history, there’s loads to do in Cardiff . Visit Cardiff Castle for almost 2,000 years of history and Cardiff National Museum for your culture dose. St Fagan’s Castle and Castell Coch are also worth a visit. On a sunny day, wander around Cardiff Bay and walk to Penarth , a cute town with vintage stores, bookshops (don’t miss Griffin Books) and cafes (Waterloo Tea is a lovely spot for brunch). Walk through Alexandra Park to Penarth Pier Pavilion to spot quirky, Wes Anderson-style architecture.

Read next: the ultimate Cardiff itinerary for 1 day

For an evening in Cardiff, head to the impressive Wales Millennium Centre for opera, dance and musical concerts. To try the local cuisine, book a food walking tour with GetYourGuide or simply pay a visit to Cardiff Central Market , especially Thai & Asian Delish cafe and Ffwrnes Pizza . To get out of the city, take a hike along Taff Trail . The full trail runs 50+miles to the Brecon Beacons and takes several days to hike, however you can take a shorter hike from the city and turn back. Browse accommodation in Cardiff on Booking.com .

Barry Island

One of the best places to visit during a South Wales road trip is Barry Island . Located in South Wales just 20 minutes from Cardiff, Barry Island has everything you want in a Welsh seaside town. To fully immerse yourself in the South Welsh culture and enjoy all the sights, spend two days.  On your visit to Barry Island, walk the perimeter of the peninsula along the Wales Coast Path and dip your toes in the ocean. Allow a few hours for your inner child at the fairground, indulging in the many arcades and traditional games like hook-a-duck and the chance to win a big teddy. For lunch, eat fish and chips and, for a sweet treat, grab a huge bag of candy floss. Of course, you cannot visit Barry Island without ticking off the Gavin and Stacey filming locations . Make sure to take a photo with the billboard outside Marco’s cafe. The best souvenirs to buy are Barry Island stick-a-rocks, a ‘Barrybados’ towel and an ‘Oh, what’s occurring?’ mug. To reach Barry Island, use the postcode CF62 5TH which will take you to the train station. Here there are limited free car park spaces and you can stay for 2 hours; the better options are the dedicated car park at the start of Barry Island near the ‘Old Harbour’ and the car park behind the fairground. They both cost around £6 a day. Barry Island entry submitted by Shireen from Happy Days Travel .

Caerphilly Castle

Another Wales road trip essential is located just 30 minutes north of Cardiff. This small Welsh village has one of the  best castles in Wales , dating from the 13 th  century and surrounded by lakes and moats. Caerphilly was a medieval fortification and is the second largest castle in Britain after Windsor Castle. As well as the usual castle features such as the Great Hall, battlements and various nooks and crannies, Caerphilly has a secret in store for visitors. Dragons! Yes, you read that right. Two adult dragons and their babies have a lair at the castle. There’s also a fun maze at the rear of the castle. Caerphilly is also home to a leaning tower, ‘held up’ by a knight. This leans to a greater degree than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Keep an eye on the Cadw website for special events where the trebuchets are fired.  Caerphilly Castle entry submitted by Cath from Passports and Adventures .

7 day North Wales road trip itinerary

With its waterfalls, hikes and many castles, North Wales is a captivating part of the country that’s well worth visiting. For a 1 week Wales itinerary, check out… Day 1 – have a day in Llandudno. Walk the pier and check out the beach. Day 2 – visit Conwy, a charming walled town with medieval history Day 3 – explore the best things to do in Snowdonia including nature and hiking. Take the Pyg Track up Mount Snowdon if you’re feeling energetic. Day 4 – journey to the Isle of Anglesey. Consider staying overnight on Anglesey. Day 5 – spend a day exploring Anglesey and driving over to Holy Island. Day 6 – explore postcard-perfect Portmeirion.

North Wales road trip destinations

More details on these North Wales destinations…

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park encompasses a mighty 823 sq. miles in northern Wales. It’s home to the tallest mountain in Wales, Mt Snowdon at 1085m and it’s also this mountain that gives the park its name.   While there are many  things to do in Snowdonia , reaching the summit of Mt Snowdon is by far the most challenging. There are several different trails to hike to the summit with varying levels of difficulty. One of the most popular is the Pyg Track, which is the shortest hike and offers the most diverse views along the way. If you’re visiting Snowdonia National Park from April to October, you’ll also have the option to rest your legs and reach the peak via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Tickets start from £22 for a single trip or £36 for a return. Although reaching the summit of Snowdon is certainly the crown jewel of Snowdonia, there are many other beautiful places within Snowdonia including waterfalls, lakes, picturesque villages, castles and more. Snowdon entry submitted by Sophie and Adam of We Dream of Travel . Browse accommodation in Snowdonia on Booking.com.

The picturesque walled market town of Conwy is 30 minutes from Snowdonia National Park, just 3 miles from Llandudno and provides easy access to the Isle of Anglesey. It’s also a worthwhile stop in its own right. One of the best Conwy is visit the majestic Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fine example of 13th century fortified architecture. You can also walk the 1.3km long medieval town walls and enjoy the views of Conwy and its surrounds, as well as check out the smallest house in Britain . Built in the 16th century, this tiny house was in use until 1900 and can fit just four people at a time! Conwy entry submitted by Anuradha from  Country Hopping Couple .

Read next: 15 things to do in Conwy, North Wales

Glamping Llechwedd Mountain Slate Mines 

Glamping is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of travel accommodation. For a unique experience during a 7 day Wales road trip, check out   Llechwedd Mountain Slate Mines  just out of Blaenau Ffestiniog Wales. Located on the side of an old slate mine, you can soak up incredible views at any time of day. It’s the perfect place to sit on the deck and watch the time slip away. The glamping tents are spacious with their own bathrooms and small kitchens where you can cook a meal made from local produce. The beds are comfortable and can accommodate couples on a weekend, as well as family getaways. In the winter, there’s also a wood fire to light. Llechwedd Slate Mine now offers tours of the old mine both underground and up into the mountains. You can zipline above the old mine, mountain bike, hike or spend your time on the deck with a good book. Recommended by Bec from Wyld Family Travel .

For a holiday hotspot reminiscent of the Victorian era, you can’t beat Llandudno, the most prominent beach town on the North Wales coastline. Come the summer, the Grade II* listed pier is just as busy and popular as when it first opened in 1877. As well as all your usual holiday pastimes like building sandcastles on North Shore beach and guzzling quickly-melting ice creams while promenading along the pier, you can follow the Alice in Wonderland trail , treat your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Experience and soak up the scenery on the Great Orme Tramway.

Read next: 13 fun things to do in Llandudno, Wales

Isle of Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey may be disconnected from the Welsh mainland but it’s easy to cross via Menai Suspension Bridge (by car or bus), and the Wales Coastal Path continues around the outside meaning that hikers taking on the challenge of completing it can soak up the beauty of the island. There are plenty of attractions in Anglesey such as The Copper Kingdom (once the largest copper mine in the world and now a tourist site due to its unique scenery), Beaumaris Castle, Plas Newydd House & Gardens and Dingle Nature Reserve. Pick up local delicacies like Welsh crab at Anglesey Farmers’ Market held on the third Saturday of every month. Visit as day trip from the mainland or stay overnight on the island. Browse accommodation on Anglesey here .

Holy Island

It’s only possible to visit this island (measuring just 15 square miles) via the larger island of Anglesey. To add it to your Welsh road trip itinerary, follow the North Wales Expressway or the B4545 and spend a day finding prehistoric sites and sleepy beaches like Trearddur Bay. A more energetic option is climbing 220m Holyhead Mountain. Don’t miss South Stack Lighthouse located on its own tiny island found at Holy Island ‘s most westerly point.

Read next: Things to do on Holy Island, Anglesey

For a taste of the Mediterranean during your North Wales road trip, don’t miss the village of  Portmeirion . Portmeirion was created by eccentric architect, Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, who took an abandoned village in the 1920s and filled it with historic buildings from around the UK which were due to be demolished. He combined them with his own designs to create something unique. You’ll find Greek, Art Deco, Italian and Far Eastern-inspired buildings painted in pastel shades of pink, lemon, blue and green. Portmeirion looks like a film set, so it’s no surprise it’s been used as one. Most notably it featured in cult 1960s show,  The Prisoner , and an annual convention dedicated to the series is still held there each year. Portmeirion is a great place to spend a day. Take a walk through the gardens and along the wide sandy beach, have an ice cream from Caffi’r Angel Ices or lunch in Castell Deudraeth . You can also stay overnight in the village – as well as a hotel on the waterfront, several of Portmeirion’s quirky buildings have been converted into self-catering cottages. Portmeirion is located a few miles from Porthmadog in North Wales. A day ticket to enter the town costs £8 for adults and £7 for students/over 60s or it’s free if you’re staying overnight. Portmeirion entry submitted by Lucy from On The Luce .

Read next: things to see and do in Portmeirion

Bucket list experiences in Wales

Now we’ve been through the best destinations, let’s focus on a few must-have experiences to tick off whilst visiting Wales. These include…

• Seal and dolphin watching in Cardigan Bay
• Visit Dobby’s Grave on Freshwater West Beach
• Reach the top of Mount Snowdon
• Walk the Wales coastal path
• Tick off as many Welsh castles as possible
• Eat Welsh cakes at least once
• Try glamping in a cool location
• Take an 870 mile hike along the Wales Coastal Path
• Or try the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path at 186 miles
• Spot puffins on Skomer Island.
• How many can you tick off?

Driving in Wales FAQs

Do you drive on the left or right? In Wales they drive on the left (like the rest of the UK). Are signs in Welsh? Road signs in Wales are in both Welsh and English. As you’ll notice when you travel in rural parts of Wales (and especially the north), many people speak Welsh but can generally speak English, too. Are the roads good in Wales? For the most part, yes. But expect small lanes in rural places – sometimes you’ll end up driving down tight, winding lanes. Keep your speed low and your patience high!

Driving tips for a Wales road trip

These are my tips for driving in Wales: Signs are in Welsh first – you probably already know this if you’re from the UK! Sometimes there’s no mobile signal – regardless of what network you’re with, sometimes there’s just no signal in Wales. Pre-load journeys in advance or risk getting lost! Bring cash for parking – most places in Wales don’t accept card when it comes to parking. You’ll want to have plenty of £1 coins to hand. A day’s parking will often cost around £5.

Eat these foods during your Wales road trip

If you’ve ever read my food blogs before, you’ll know how much food makes my world go round! I didn’t get time to try all the Welsh dishes I wanted but no doubt I will be back before too long. These are the best things I tried…

Lobster roll at Cafe Mor

Despite there being loads of sophisticated restaurants in Wales, I was most excited about eating lobster rolls at Cafe Mor, a food truck in a repurposed fishing boat beside Freshwater West Beach. I thought I’d read the lobster roll was £8 and gasped when I was charged £18… I guess I’ve spent too long in Asia as that’s a perfectly reasonable price for fresh lobster in the UK! It was worth it. Make sure to order the brownie flavoured with laverbread. This delicacy made with edible seaweed sounds weird but tasted delicious.

Welsh cakes

I mentioned Welsh cakes already in this blog but they can have a second slot as they’re so very tasty. There are plenty of places to try Welsh cakes in Wales but some top spots include Little Valley Bakery in Swansea and Fabulous Welsh Cakes in Cardiff.

One maybe to miss – savoury Welsh cakes!

Before understanding Welsh cake etiquette, I offended my Welsh followers by sharing this serving of Welsh cakes topped with beans and cheese. Despite the fact I was served this by Welsh locals, I would agree with my aggrieved followers that Welsh cakes taste way better with currants and sugar!

Welsh rarebit

H.E.A.V.E.N! Not to be confused with bog-standard cheese on toast, a Welsh rarebit is a blend of cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and even beer, generously layered over toast. Paired with tangy chutney, it was bliss.

WALES QUICK LINKS Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet Wales / L onely Planet Great Britain . Flights (international and domestic):  I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For trains , use Trainine . The search feature allows you to compare prices and see live departures. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith .  Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for following my Wales road trip itinerary!

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

5 thoughts on “ 3 x Wales Road Trip Itineraries + Best Places To Visit ”

Thanks – Doing a self drive self guided tour of Wales and Scotland The info you provided was invaluable.

Glad to hear it!! Enjoy your trip 🙂

Thanks Ross, this was really useful! Doing a roadtrip this summer 🙂

Thanks Ross. It has been very useful to plan the road trip. You have given multiple options to explore and plan so that anyone can customise their Wales road trip easily. Thank you very much.

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s Rose not Ross btw

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Top 5 Motorhome Campsites in Wales

Ah Wales, the land of dragons, the land of rugby, and most importantly, the land of Tom Jones! This wonderful country may not be large in size, but it definitely is large in spirit! I could go on with over a hundred reasons to visit Wales, but instead I’ll just help you do it! The best way to see Wales is by campervan, so that you can truly relish in the nature and beauty of this country. So here are the top 5 motorhome campsites in Wales that will allow you to do that.

1. Shell Island

Shell Island is based in North Wales, and boasts stunning views of the unspoilt Welsh countryside. It has been a functioning campsite since 1958, and remained within the Workman family who still run it today. It’s unique location, on the North Cardigan Bay in the Snowdonia National Park, make it one of the best motorhome campsites in Wales. Given that it has 300 acres of space for camping, there will be plenty of room to enjoy. The site has shops, a tavern bar, a snack bar, a restaurant and more. This would mean there was almost no reason to leave, if it were not for the beautiful surroundings. From the campsite, you can easily reach the coast and engage in fishing, boating, crabbing or just chilling on the beach! Snowdonia Adventure Activities is only 2 miles away, and this will please the adrenaline junkies! Try your hand at rock climbing high above the Mawddach Estuary or sliding your way down a canyon. Kids will love Children’s Farm Park in Harlech, only 3 miles away. In Spring and early Summer you’ll be able to bottle feed the lambs and calves, and always have the chance to pet and enjoy the animals.

Price starts from £7.90 per night 

GPS: 52.819103, -4.142702

Llanbedr LL45 2PJ, United Kingdom

2. Cardiff Caravan Park

Cardiff Caravan Park is the best of the motorhome sites in Wales for those wanting to explore a city. It is situated close to the heart of Cardiff, making it an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions in and around Cardiff. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it's not a beautiful site because of this, as it has a gorgeous surrounding area and has vast grassy areas. The campsite offers a Family Room from 9.30am to 4pm every day, where you can enjoy light refreshments and play games. Cycle hire is available within the site, so you can explore the surrounding area by bike. The site is praised for its security, as guests have reported feeling much safer due to 24 hour CCTV monitoring. There are several shops and bars nearby, so you’ll always have close access to everything you need! In Cardiff, you’ll find many things to keep you busy. Cardiff Castle offers a fascinating history including the site of a Roman fort, a medieval keep and spectacular Victorian Gothic additions by Williams Burges. A trip to Cardiff is incomplete without a trip to Cardiff Bay. This former industrial area, where the city made much of its wealth from the coal industry, has become a popular destination offering seaside walks, a variety of places to grab a drink with a view and for theatre buffs, why not visit the Wales Millenium Centre for a touring musical or opera.

Price starts from: £27

GPS: 51.489236, -3.197501

Pontcanna Fields, Fields Park Rd, Cardiff CF11 9XR, United Kingdom

3. Heritage Coast Campsite

Situated in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, Heritage Coast Campsite is a secluded site with uninterrupted views of Glamorgan Hills and the sparkling Bristol Channel. This large grassy site caters to a variety of campers, and will be a lovely tranquil place to park your motorhome. On site there is Teddy’s Espresso Bar & Kitchen, which is open all day and serves everything from ice cream to baked potatoes and drinks from coffee to wine. It also serves a variety of local beers and ciders, and given the fine range in South Wales, these are highly popular. The site also organises several campfires, so pick up a pack of marshmallows at the nearby store and get roasting! From this site, you can explore all that the area has to offer. Spend a day on the rides of Barry Island Pleasure Park, exploring St. Donat’s Castle or travelling back in time through Cosmeston Medieval Village.

Price starts from £20 per night

GPS: 51.422759, -3.558739

Monknash, Cowbridge CF71 7QQ, United Kingdom

4. Camping Wild Wales

Camping Wild Wales advertises themselves as a quiet campsite, bringing you back to the basics of camping. They achieve this through keeping their facilities simple, providing each pitch with a drinking water tap, a stone firepit and access to wash facilities. However they do put comfort ahead, with a laundry room and fridge/freezer available on site. The campsite is located on Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which makes it the best of the motorhome sites in Wales for nature lovers. The National Park is Britain’s only coastal National Park, and has over 39 beaches, where you can engage in a variety of coastal activities - including fishing, open swimming and watersports. Spend a day truly experiencing the incredible scenery by walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This 186 mile path will allow you to truly explore the magnificent scenery, wildlife and plants in this protected habitat. The further north you explore, the more hilly and rugged the landscape becomes, with volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys.

GPS:   51.949271, -5.126511

AryMwny, Mwny Hwnt, Trefin, Haverfordwest SA62 5AL, United Kingdom 5. Gwerniago Campsite

If you’re looking for motorhome sites in Wales that will allow you to explore the beauty of southern Snowdonia, look no further than Gwerniago Campsite . This rural site doubles as a working farm, and gives you the space and beautiful views to fully enjoy your camping trip. The site and farm are family run, and will go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible. This include access to a small kitchen with a fridge, freezer and washing up sinks. Camping without the hassles that usually accompany cooking! The surrounding Dyfi valley will keep even the most avid adventurer entertained, with a variety of cycling tracks, river walks and an array of outdoorsy activities. This is the perfect site to bring the younger ones, as it was voted to be one of the top 5 campsites in Wales for kids by Cool Camping Kids. Your children will get the chance to ride on Sophie the pony, feed lambs and play on the tree swing. The site is also within walking distance of Pennal village, which hosts a Michelin restaurant in a local hotel.

Price starts from £16 per night

GPS: 52.584592, -3.901857

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9JX, United Kingdom

Out of these 5 terrific motorhome campsites in Wales, you are sure to find one that suits the location and style of your trip. Whether you plan to explore bustling Cardiff or the calm coasts of Pembrokeshire, you can do so in the comfort of a motorhome. Check which motorhomes are available in Wales for your trip and get packing!

Visiting Wales for the half-term holiday ? Check out our tips!

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