The Ultimate Wales Road Trip for Beginners

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Going on a Wales road trip? You lucky thing! Use this guide to help you plan your Wales road trip itinerary and have the trip of a lifetime!

Planning a Wales road trip?

Mmmmmm. Welsh cakes. Vast green valleys. Long, winding roads. Sheep. Sheep, and erm, more sheep (you’ll get used to the baa’ing quickly, I promise).

So you’re taking a Wales road trip? Yay!

This is one of the best things to do when visiting the UK, and definitely one of the prettiest. 

Depending on distance, you can do this south Wales road trip route in as little as 2-3 days. If you want to see more of the country and head north as well, I’d recommend budgeting at least 4-5 days.

As this Wales road trip itinerary is for 3 days or more, it only focuses on the south of Wales.

We’ll be starting off in Barry (Gavin and Stacey fans, rejoice!), and then heading to Cardiff, exploring the Brecon Beacons, and eventually finishing in Pembrokeshire.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 This Wales road trip route can be altered and changed to suit your needs. It doesn’t require too much driving (around 6 hours spread across 3 days) and covers around 320 miles (be sure to bring snacks!). 

Throughout this post, I have included handy resources and links for you to book and plan your trip.

When I was planning my trip, half of my time was spent finding the best companies for car rentals or accommodation.

Luckily I’ve done all the hard work for you, and I can’t wait for you to visit Wales!

Your Wales Road Trip: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re still booking flights, I recommend checking lastminute.com for the latest deals. Recently, we were able to save £50 on our flights just by booking through Last Minute!

Why take a Wales Road Trip?

Wales is a country that is full of surprises.

From the rugged mountains of Snowdonia to the sandy beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

And what better way to visit Wales than by taking a road trip?

Wales has some of the most scenic drives in the UK, so you can sit back and relax as you take in the stunning views. Plus,

Wales is home to a number of quaint towns and villages, so you can explore at your own pace and really get a feel for the local culture.

So, let’s plan an EPIC Wales road trip!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 When we were travelling Wales, we used Martin Dorey’s Take the Slow Road to help us decide on our next destination. If you’re looking for more recommendations of Wales wonders, I also recommend The Lonely Planet Guide (it’s always a winner, isn’t it?!)

Important info for your Wales road trip

Let’s get the boring bits out of the way first.

Make sure you know all the laws of the land before you plan your Wales road trip itinerary.

I’ve noted down some really important points to know before you set off:

• Drivers from non-EU countries need a valid International Driving permit.

• You must have at least 3rd-party insurance on your vehicle.

• Wales drives on the left-hand side. 

• If you’re not familiar with driving in the UK, be sure to check out some general road rules before you set off.

You don’t necessarily need hiking boots, but I wore mine on the walks in Wales. It made them a lot easier and I was much more stable and comfortable! You can buy my favourites here.

When’s the best time of year for a Wales road trip?

Knowing when to take your Wales road trip is really down to what kind of weather you want. Welsh weather is similar to the rest of the UK, with mild summers and cold(ish) winters.

Let’s break down your Wales road trip itinerary and the weather:

☀️ If you’re interested in sunbathing on the beach and wearing a bikini, head to Wales during the summer months of June-August. These are generally Wales’ hottest months, but there’s no guarantee. Temperatures in these months can still drop and of course, we will still have some rain (it is the UK!)

🍂 Autumn temperatures in Wales fall between September-early November. If you’re looking for those aesthetic autumnal colours, your best bet is to take a Wales road trip during these months. 

🌸 Spring in Wales usually begins in late March until May. Temperatures are beginning to rise and there is less rain than in the winter months. Pink blossom trees are blooming and the fields are coated in daffodils. 

❄️ If you’re a winter baby and fancy wrapping up warm in your scarf and gloves, head to Wales during November-February. It may not get as cold as Finland or Russia, but the cold sea air and the low temperatures still require you to add lots of layers!

Your Wales Road Trip Route and Map

Barry > Cardiff > Brecon Beacons > Hay-on-Wye > Mumbles > Tenby > Pembrokeshire

This south Wales road trip is perfect for first-timers in Wales.

There’s the option to start on Barry Island or Cardiff (whichever is easier for you to get to) and you’ll drive through the famous Brecon Beacons National Park, and enjoy the beautiful coastlines of Pembrokeshire.

You’ll stop off at quaint villages full of bookstores and cafes, traditional cottages and pretty parks.

During this road trip, you’ll experience just what South Wales has to offer, and get a real feel of the country.

When we first visited Wales, I was surprised at how beautiful it was. The scenery and landscape really are something else.

NOTE: This route does not include Snowdonia National Park. If you want to visit Snowdonia National Park, you can plan a different north Wales route with some of the following locations included, if you have time to do so.

Not sure if you want to visit Snowdonia? You can check out an epic Snowdonia guide here!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 My Wales must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

1) Barry Island

Head to Barry Island on your south Wales road trip route for a traditional English seaside town experience.

Pick up some famous Barry fish and chips, enjoy some classic arcade games and build sandcastles on the beach. It’s great for children of all ages, and adults too!

I wouldn’t recommend staying more than a few hours in Barry, but it’s a great place to get started and then head off to Cardiff.

Plus you can get a classic Gavin and Stacey photo on the beach arches! (If you know, you know).

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 My Wales must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

2) Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is worth planning into your Wales itinerary. A bit of a different vibe to the rolling valleys and hills you’re expecting, but it’s a fun city to explore.

Have a walk around Cardiff Bay or Cardiff Castle, and head to the high street in the evening for good food and fun nightlife.

If you fancy having a drink, book some accommodation for the night or park up your RV somewhere quiet.

Don’t forget to take a reading light to snuggle up in the van and settle into a good book. I use this one, as it has a long- lasting battery and is super convenient!

Did you know it’s possible to have a day trip from London to Cardiff?! Take a look at this epic Cardiff to London itinerary!

Make sure you pack water in an insulated water bottle. I use this Chilly one, which keeps my water freezing cold for over 24 hours! There aren’t any shops near the fairy pools so it’s really important to be prepared.

Best Things to do in Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and has a great mix of activities and attractions, making it the perfect place to spend time on a Wales road trip!

Here are some of the best things to do in Cardiff:

• Visit Cardiff Castle: This imposing castle has been a part of Wales’ history for over 2,000 years and is well worth a visit. Take a guided tour of the castle grounds and learn all about its fascinating past.

• Explore the Principality Stadium: Home to the Welsh national rugby team, the Principality Stadium is one of Wales’ most iconic sports venues. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and find out all there is to know about Welsh rugby.

• Visit Bute Park: This picturesque park is located in the heart of Cardiff and is the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing. Stroll through the gardens, have a picnic by the river or simply take in the views.

• Shop till you drop at Cardiff Market: This atmospheric market is located in an old Victorian arcade and sells everything from fresh produce to handmade gifts.

3) Brecon Beacons National Park

One of the most well-known areas and my favourite place in Wales is the Brecon Beacons National Park. If you’re looking for scenic hikes, long walks and iconic skylines, you’ll want to plan in a day or two for the Brecon Beacons.

Lose your head in the clouds hiking the 886m Pen Y Fan, the well-known SAS training ground that has views across south and mid-Wales.

Stop off at villages like Brecon and Crickhowell for a coffee and a slice of cake, or pop into the Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the local area.

Check out my post on the best things to do in the Brecon Beacons before you visit!

🗺️ My Wales must-have: Don’t forget an additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road!

Best Things to do in the Brecon Beacon National Park

Located in the southern part of Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park is just stunning. It’s one of my favourite places in the UK!

There are plenty of things to do in the Brecon Beacons National Park, from hiking and mountain biking to canoeing and kayaking.

So whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing nature escape, the Brecon Beacons National Park has it all!

I love them so much that I’ve written a blog post all about them, you can read it here!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 If you’re going to be swimming in the lakes, I’d recommend getting a Syncwire Waterproof Case. I’ve had mine for a few years and I’m able to swim underwater, take photos and videos and keep my belongings safe when I’m in the water!

4) Hay-on-Wye

In the North of the Beacons national park, you’ll find a small village called Hay-On-Wye, known as the “Town of Books”.

It’s one of the prettiest villages in the south of Wales and is a fun stop-off on your road trip if you’re into literature! With over twenty bookstores and book-themed cafes, you can spend the day losing yourself in your imagination.

Love taking cool photos? Our drone is one of the best investments we’ve ever made. We love it, and the photos can be downloaded straight onto our phones! This drone also films in portrait mode (the ONLY one on the market) so you don’t lose any quality when uploading to social media. It’s also given us some hilarious travel memories 😂

Best Things to do in Hay-On-Wye

Here are some of the best things to do in Hay-On-Wye:

• Visit Hay Castle: This 13th-century castle is beautifully located on the banks of the River Wye. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take in the views from the top of the keep, and learn about its fascinating history.

• Browse the town’s independent shops: Hay-on-Wye is known for its many independent shops, selling everything from books and antiques to local produce and handmade crafts. Visitors can while away hours browsing the town’s unique offerings.

• Go for a walk or bike ride in the surrounding countryside: The countryside around Hay-on-Wye is simply breathtaking. There are numerous walking and cycling trails to explore, taking in woodlands, riverside paths, and rolling hillsides.

• Sample some local food and drink: Wales is renowned for its delicious food and drink.

5) Mumbles

The next leg of your Welsh road trip will be the drive to Pembrokeshire. En route, stop off at Mumbles, a quaint seaside town with colourful shops and cafes.

There’s also a lighthouse and pier for you to enjoy on the beach!

Mumbles has some cracking fish and chip stalls along the seafront.

Treat yourself to a chippy lunch for under £5 and look out onto Swansea Bay (and spend half of your time making sure the seagulls don’t pinch your chips).

Best Things to do in Mumbles

Here are some of the best things to do in Mumbles:

• Stroll along the pier: Mumbles Pier is a great place to take a stroll, enjoy the fresh sea air, and spot some local wildlife. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the famous Oystermouth Lighthouse in the background!

• Sample the local ice cream: Wales is known for its delicious ice cream, and there’s no better place to try it than Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour in Mumbles. With over 30 flavours to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favourite!

• Visit Swansea Bay: Swansea Bay is just a short drive from Mumbles and it’s well worth a visit. Take a dip in the water, sunbathe on the beach, or walk along the promenade. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding?

6) Tenby

Tenby is often referred to as one of Wales’ best seaside towns. Home of Tenby Harbour, you can enjoy a spot of fishing, take a boat trip or just relax and sunbathe on the sandy Tenby beach.

Head beyond the beach to the aesthetically pleasing pastel-coloured houses for an Insta-worthy photoshoot, or rent a traditional English deck chair to sit and admire the coastline.

You can base yourself here to explore more of Pembrokeshire or continue on other parts of the national park, as detailed in the next section of this post.

Best things to do in Tenby

Wales is full of amazing places to visit, and Tenby is definitely one of them!

This historic town sits on the coast of Wales and is well-known for its stunning beaches.

In addition to its gorgeous beaches, Tenby also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, like exploring the castle ruins or taking a walk along the coastal path.

If you’re looking for a fun Wales road trip destination, Tenby should definitely be at the top of your list!

7) Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The final part of this Wales road trip is for you to explore more of Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire National Park is made up of 240 square miles of coast, wildlife and history.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can find something new to discover around every corner, with the famous Coastal walk, or a visit to Carew Castle.

“From relaxing strolls and sunset spotting, to high-octane hobbies like surfing and coasteering, you can find your happy place on the Pembrokeshire Coast.” – Pembrokeshire Coast website

Popular Pembrokeshire Coast locations include Saundersfoot, Manorbier Beach, Church Door Cove, and Barafundle Bay.

If you have time to spare, I’d recommend staying a few extra days in Pembrokeshire to really explore the area and enjoy it!

Best things to do in Pembrokeshire

Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and Pembrokeshire is one of the best places within it.

This region is home to sandy beaches, turbulent seas, and rolling hills, making it the perfect destination for a road trip.

Here are some of the best things to do in Pembrokeshire:

• Visit Tenby: This picturesque seaside town is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Welsh ice cream by the beach. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the colourful beach huts!

• Walk the Coastal Path: Wales’ Coastal Path offers dramatic views of the sea and coastline. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for a hearty Wales lunch (trust me, you’re going to need it.

• Explore St David’s Cathedral: Wales’ patron saint is celebrated in this gorgeous cathedral, which is well worth a visit. Climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views of St David’s and the surrounding countryside.

• Try your hand at surfing: Wales is famous for its surfing beaches, and Pembrokeshire’s coast is no exception. So why not give it a go? You might even spot a dolphin or two while you watch!

Bucket list experiences in Wales

Wales is a country that is full of culture, history and natural beauty, making it the perfect place for a road trip.

There are so many amazing places to see and things to do, that it can be hard to know where to start.

To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best Wales bucket list experiences:

NOTE: Not all of these are including in the route above.

• Explore the stunning Welsh coastline, with its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and quaint towns.

• Visit Snowdonia National Park and hike to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

• Discover the charming city of Cardiff, with its medieval castle, lively bars and world-class shopping.

• Journey through Wales’s rich history at one of its many museums and historic sites.

• Experience the natural beauty of Wales, from its rugged mountains to its pristine lakes. For the UK, it’s a pretty special country.

• Spot dolphins at Cardigan Bay

• Hike Mount Snowdon

• Spot Puffins on Skomer island (they are adorable)

With so much to see and do, Wales is the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip.

Where to stay on your Wales Road Trip

Wales is a land of contrasts.

You can find places to stay in Wales like medieval castles, glamping pods, campsites and luxury hotel rooms.

But with so many different places to stay, your accommodation is really down to you.

I personally recommend hiring a campervan and doing the whole van life thing in Wales, as campsites are cheap!

Where to stay is really down to your budget and what kind of experience you want to have.

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

A Wales Road Trip: FAQs

How many days should I spend in Wales?

This depends on how much you want to see, and how long you want to spend in each location.

You can see a lot of the country in 3-4 days, but if you want a more in-depth visit, I’d recommend 5-7 days. 

This route is only for south Wales, so you can do it in 3 days or more.

If you want to do both north Wales and south Wales, I’d recommend having at least 7 days or more.

How many miles long is Wales?

The entire country stretches about 130 miles (210km) north to south, and 90 miles (145km) east-west. 

So, you could easily drive from one end of Wales to the other in a day.

Of course, if you want to really see everything that Wales has to offer, you’ll need to take your time and explore at your own pace.

But, even if you only have a few days to spare, Wales is definitely worth a visit.

Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

How long does it take to drive from one end of Wales to the other?

4 hours (without stopping, and without being stuck behind a tractor).

There isn’t a motorway connecting north and south Wales, but you can drive through the middle along the A470 which should take about 4 hours. 

Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

Driving in Wales Tips

Here are some tips for driving in Wales whilst you’re on your epic road trip!

• Don’t be alarmed when you see all the road signs are in Welsh! Yes, that’s not English 😂 Usually, the English is underneath, but if in doubt, use Google Maps!

• Cash is still king for parking in Wales. We found a lot of the time we couldn’t pay with our card in car parks. Make sure you have pound coins (Welsh currency is GBP (Sterling).

• Your signal may dip in and out in the countryside. I recommend getting a local SIM card (if you’re from overseas) to get mobile data across the country. Even then, you will have times out of signal. Make sure you have downloaded any maps, or use this Welsh guide and map to help!

• Most drivers in the UK are sensible and follow the rules. Seatbelts are mandatory and you will be stopped and fined for not using one. Traffic lights are followed religiously (unlike in Jordan, where roads are chaotic)

What to pack for a Wales Road Trip

So, what should you pack for your Wales road trip?

Here are a few things that you might not have thought of:

• You don’t necessarily need hiking boots, but I wore mine on the walks in Wales. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable, especially in wet weather. You can buy my favourites here.

• Make sure you pack water in an insulated water bottle. I use this Chilly one, which keeps my water freezing cold for over 24 hours!

•  If you’re going to be swimming in any lakes or the sea, I’d recommend getting a Syncwire Waterproof Case. I’ve had mine for a few years and I’m able to swim underwater, take photos and videos and keep my belongings safe when I’m in the water!

• A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

• Renting a car? Don’t forget a car phone holder! You’ll rarely be given one, and you can then pop it in your backpack to use in any country in the world. We’ve had ours for years and have used it countless times for GPS!

•  A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst driving! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

• Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

• A raincoat: Wales is known for its rainy weather, so be sure to pack a raincoat to keep yourself dry.

• -An appetite: Wales is renowned for its delicious food, so make sure you come hungry! From Welshcakes to cawl, there’s plenty of deliciousness to be enjoyed 🤪

Car hire in Wales

If you’re thinking of hiring a car in Wales, I’d recommend checking out Rentalcars.

They search the top rental companies to ensure they find you the best price, and a car suited to your needs.

A Wales Road Trip: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it!

The ultimate south Wales road trip can be completed over a weekend, or at a slower pace depending on your time scale. There are many Welsh driving routes, but this is one of my favourites.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to soak in the mountain views, experience the quaintness of the Welsh villages and admire the wonderful coastline in Pembrokeshire.

I hope this has helped you to plan your trip to Wales, and if you need to ask any questions, my inbox is always open!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 🙂 x

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