Wales is a beautiful country and makes the perfect destination for a road trip! It's home to majestic mountains, rolling hillsides, and some of the most amazing castles in Europe. Whether you're looking to explore rugged coastlines or spend your days meandering through winding mountain passes, there's something in Wales for everyone.
A road trip through Wales can be an unforgettable experience.
A road trip through Wales can be an unforgettable experience. It's a country that is beautiful, green, mountainous, and rural. The people are rugged, full of history and culture; they've spent millennia absorbing the diverse influences of their Celtic roots as well as those from nearby countries like Ireland, England and France. And it all adds up to a journey into another world—one where you'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty unlike anything else in the UK or Europe!
Summer is the best time to take a road trip through Wales, but if you're visiting in the winter, pack extra layers and waterproof outerwear.
Wales is a great place to visit year-round. In the summer, the weather is generally warm with long stretches of sunshine and plenty of opportunities to explore its coastlines, mountains, and valleys. However, if you prefer exploring at your own pace in cooler temperatures or want to experience some snowfall before it melts away for good, winter might be just right for you!
Stop 1: Cardiff
You’re off to a good start by starting with Cardiff. This Welsh city has a rich history and is home to many fun attractions, from museums to parks and more. The city also boasts some of the best restaurants in Wales—it's an ideal place for a meal or two (or three). It’s also possible that you’ll catch one of the festivals happening here throughout the year, including food fairs, music festivals, and arts events.
In the summer months, Cardiff becomes even more vibrant as people flock to its beaches and waterfront areas. It’s incredibly easy to access via the M4 if you’re based in southern or central England, meaning Cardiff is the ideal starting point for your Welsh adventure. You could splash out on a fancy hotel in the city centre, or if you’re planning on sleeping rough, you’ll find plenty of campsites, set in the stunning surrounding coastal area overlooking the Bristol Canal.
Stop 2: Pembrokeshire
The second stop on your road trip is Pembrokeshire. This coastal county is truly a beauty and is full of things to do, so we’d recommend spending a few days here if possible. Pembrokeshire boasts a range of charming towns and villages, such as Tenby and St Davids. There really are too many jaw-dropping beaches and coastal features in this region to list, and we reckon it’d take at least two days of exploring to start to comprehend the beauty Pembrokeshire has on offer.
Owing to its beautiful setting, we think you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend a night camping in the Pembrokeshire countryside. In our opinion, point farm campsite is the single best campsite in the county of Pembrokeshire. It’s an eco-friendly campsite nestled on a hill on the Coastal path, overlooking Dale bay – and its remote setting makes for an unforgettable experience.
Stop 3: Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a cosy seaside resort town set in the heart of Cardigan bay. It’s Wales’ centre for learning, being home to Aberystwyth university and the National Library of Wales. There are plenty of sights to see and things to do in Aberystwyth, from soaking in the views across the Victorian promenade to visiting the ruins of an ancient castle. Aberystwyth is also directly connected to various renowned cycle routes and hiking trails; meaning if you fancy a bit of exercise on your road trip then Aberystwyth might be the place to do it.
Being a popular resort town there are a number of places to stay in Aberystwyth – but we think Aberystwyth Park lodge hotel stands head and shoulder above the others. With its range of luxurious rooms at reasonable prices, and its top-quality in-house kitchen, we think there’s no better place to stop and recharge.
Stop 4: Caernarfon
As you enter the town of Caernarfon, it's hard to miss the prominent castle in the distance. This is where you'll want to park your car and head over for a visit. Located on a rocky promontory overlooking Cardigan Bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of Wales' most impressive castles. It was built by Edward I as part of his campaign against Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (the last Welsh prince).
The castle grounds offer some breathtaking views of nearby mountains and beaches, but be sure not to miss out on exploring both the inside and outside areas of Caernarfon Castle itself!
So you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Wales is the perfect place to go on a UK road trip. This country offers so much to see and do, with everything from beautiful coastlines, lush forests and mountainscapes, to quaint villages, historic townships and cities.
By following these 4 stops you’ll be able to sample a little bit of everything Wales has to offer!