14+ Beautiful Places for a 2-Week Road Trip in Wales

Wales, although smaller and less popular than the two countries it shares an island with, is packed with beautiful places. And to help you explore it fully, I’m sharing 14 places I visited on a 2-week road trip through Wales.

This road trip itinerary will roughly make a loop though Wales (or not, if you don’t want to do a full loop). Therefore, you can of course start from either side: the north or south.

When I was planning this 2-week road trip, I didn’t find any long-term road trip itineraries, so I’m hoping this will inspire others to spend more than a week in Wales.

Coming from the US, Wales was never on my radar; while Scotland and England were on my bucket list, Wales wasn’t. Now, Wales is my favorite of the three.

I hope that you’ll be putting this road trip through Wales on your bucket list, because I wish this country was on mine much earlier.

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Before we start the itinerary…

Here’s the map of your Wales road trip

Timeline of road trip

This is a fast-paced road trip, intended for those who want to see as much of Wales as possible and don’t mind moving every night.

If you’d rather take it slowly, make it into a longer trip or skip the places you’re not interested in. But I warn you: you’ll want to visit each and every one of these beautiful places in Wales.

Where to start the road trip

We started from Llangollen and ended in Newport. This route is ideal if you’re coming from places like Scotland or Manchester. But if you’re coming from London, for example, I’d recommend starting your Wales road trip from Newport.

2-Week Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Llangollen

Coming here straight from Scotland, I arrived at night. When I woke up the next morning in Llangollen (on my first day in Wales), I was more than pleasantly surprised.

This charming little town lies in the Dee Valley, with both gorgeous surrounding nature and a quaint town center.

Start your day off with breakfast at The Carriage Tea Room, which is located in a converted vintage train car and located next to the historic train station.

Enjoy a wander around town, including the views of the town from the bridge stretching over the river. To learn more about the history of the area, head to the Llangollen Museum, or indulge in some shopping.

After enjoying a nice lunch (at The Corn Mill, perhaps), you’re going to explore the surrounding area.

Either take a hike to Castell Dinas Bran (a castle ruin!), Horseshoe Pass or the Panorama Walk on Garth Mountain.

For something less active, take a horse-drawn boat ride on the Llangollen Canal. Or if you’re adventurous, take the boat on top of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct–the highest canal aqueduct ever built!

P.S. Llangollen is a gorgeous place in Wales for a solo writing retreat. Are you a writer who loves to travel, or are looking for a writing destination in Wales? Then check out my Writer’s Travel Guide to Wales.

Head back to the charming Llangollen for dinner, and sleep the night here.

Night 1: Any of the charming accommodations in Llangollen. Llangollen Hostel is a good budget option, and The Royal Hotel Llangollen is a good option for history lovers and for a view of the Dee River.

Day 2: Betws-y-Coed

This is the first day in Snowdonia National Park, where you’ll be spending a few days of your Wales road trip.

And Betws-y-Coed is a great place to start. It is a charming little village that, despite its small size, is very bustling. With lots of outdoor stores and busy restaurants and pubs, it’s an urban oasis in the middle of nature.

If you’re still swooning over The Carriage Tea Rooms in Llanberis from the day before, you’re in luck. The Buffet Coach House is similarly housed in an old train car, and also located near the town’s train station. If you’re into trains, there’s a train museum you can check out.

But what Betws-y-Coed is really known for is the nature surrounding it, so don’t spend too much time in town. Go explore!

Fairy Falls is one option, located not too far from town. The forest walk to the waterfalls is short but lovely.

Night 2: Spend the night here, or move on to Capel Cruig, which a nice area to camp. I stayed at Gwern Gof Isaf campsite.

Day 3: Capel Curig

Or anywhere in Snowdonia, really. But Capel Curig is where we based ourselves due to the previously mentioned campsite.

Take the time to explore the breathtaking landscape this national park has to offer. Drive around the area or maybe head out for a hike.

Don’t take any serious hikes today, because you’ll need your strength for tomorrow.

Night 3: Either stay the night at the same campsite, or head somewhere closer to Llanberis for the night, since you’ll be starting your hike there tomorrow morning. I stayed at Cae Gwyn Campsite before hiking Snowden, and it was a very short (and pretty, but that’s a given in Snowdonia) drive into Llanberis the next morning.

Day 4: Snowdon

Today’s the day. You’re hiking up Snowdon, the gem of Snowdonia National Park and the highest mountain in Wales and England. (Ben Nevis in Scotland is the only mountain in the UK beating Snowdon’s height.)

Unlike me, make sure you check the weather. I hiked hours only to be rewarded with soaked through clothes and a *beautiful* view of thick whiteness stretching in every direction. I would have much rather seen the highly praised mountainous views, but that’s what you get for going on a rainy day.

Alternatively, if hiking is inaccessible for you, you can take a rail car up! Book in advance though; it was sold out the day we were going.

Stop for lunch or just a snack at Penceunant Isaf on the way up (you won’t miss it; it’s along the trail outside of town).

After a shower and rest (you’ll need it), head into town for a well-deserved dinner and pint. I went to The Heights for the latter and can recommend it for its cozy atmosphere.

Night 4: Sleep the night in Llanberis. The Royal Victoria Hotel is a good option if you don’t want to stray far from the Snowdon trail head once you finish your hike, and the walk into town is doable.

Day 5: Llanberis

Take it chill today. And guess what? No driving! (Well, minimal driving.)

You’ll be staying in the town where you started your hike up Snowden. Llanberis has lots to offer, so if you’re not too sore from Snowden, your day will still be packed.

The National Slate Museum is a must-visit. You not only learn about slate mining but also about the area’s history. Located in a former Victorian quarry, this is a very immersive museum.

Nearby Dolbadarn Castle is also worth a visit, especially for the beautiful views it offers of the lake and mountains surrounding it.

And check out Arthur’s Sword! The legendary sword is said to have ties to the area, and although you won’t see the real thing, there’s a big sword statue commemorating it.

Night 5: Stay another night in Snowdonia. Soak in the beautiful nature and enjoy not driving, because you’ve still got a busy itinerary ahead of you on this 2-week Wales road trip.

Day 6: Beddgelert

Sadly, you’re leaving Snowdonia today; but that’s because Wales has a lot more for you to explore on this road trip!

Your first (and if you’d like, only) stop of the day is Beddgelert.

Its fame comes from a legend that supposedly is how the town got its name. The legend goes that a lord came home to find his baby’s cradle empty and his dog, Gelert, covered in blood next to it. Thinking the dog ate the baby, the lord slays the dog, only to find that the baby was alive and safe next to the dead wolf that tried to kill the baby but who Gelert saved.

You can visit the grave of this brave dog, and the surrounding area is a lovely place for a walk, not far from the town center.

There are lots of places to stop in town for lunch or dinner, and if you’re there on a warm, sunny day, there are several outdoor options where you can soak in the charm of the town.

Depending on how tired you are, either spend the night here, drive all the way to your next stop, Aberystwyth (see Day 7), or make and extra stop: Portmeridien.

I personally didn’t make the extra stop to Portmeridien on this road trip because I had a limited amount of time in Wales. (I chose to drive straight down to Aberystwyth after Beddgelert.)

But I heard Portmeridien is beautiful! This Insta-worthy city was (quite randomly) designed to look like a colorful Italian city. However, note that you do have to pay to enter the city (13 pounds a person).

Night 6: Either in Portmeridien or Aberystwyth (you can spend night 6 and 7 here to take a break from moving every day on this road trip).

Day 7: Aberystwyth

The old student town of Aberystwyth has more than enough to keep you entertained.

Explore the castle ruins (if you haven’t noticed, Wales has tons of these). Then take a visit to the nearby Old College.

Hike up or ride the funicular railway up Constitution Hill. Enjoy the views, and maybe take a longer coastal walk up there.

Stroll along the seaside promenade and visit the Royal Pier (to play in the arcade or eat at the restaurant).

Wander the streets of town or hang out at the beach.

Being a student town, you’ll also be rewarded with a vast array of restaurants and cafes (great writing spots). I’d recommend Saphan Thai: some of the best Thai food I’ve had outside of Thailand!

Night 7: Stay the night here. I can’t personally recommend a place because when I was there, the city allowed vans and campers to park overnight in the parking lot located right on the beach in the city center.

P.S. Are you traveling Wales in a van too? Check out the tips I came up with while traveling in a van with minimal conversions and on a tight budget.

Day 8: Tenby

After a long (by Wales standards) drive, you have now reached the southern coast of Wales.

But wait, you might be thinking, did I somehow teleport to mainland and drive all the way to the south of Europe instead?

That’s certainly how it felt for me when we made it Tenby, but I can assure you that you are still in the UK. Perhaps it’s the narrow, cobblestone streets of town, or the colorful, quaint buildings, or the dramatic fortress on a cliff island, but I felt like I was somewhere on the Mediterranean, perhaps southern France or Spain.

You can visit the aforementioned fortress, located on the tidal St. Catherine’s Island.

Tenby also has several beaches, perfect for long walks or just to lounge out in the sun (if you’re lucky).

Don’t spend all your time on the coast though, because the town is lovely!

The Tudor’s Merchant House is 500 years old and you can visit it as it’s now a museum.

You can easily spend hours in the various restaurants and cafes scattered throughout those quaint streets. Note-worthy cafes include The Stowaway and Caffe Vista.

But if you’d like a more active day, head down to check out the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for seriously beautiful views.

There is much more to Pembrokeshire than its famous walking path, though, and I’d highly recommend spending extra time in this region if you have it. Check out this ultimate list of things to do in Pembrokeshire.

Perhaps I can tempt you with the “Harry Potter” beach?

Night 8: Spend the night in this area, and maybe extend an extra day here if you can spare it. Carnock offers homey apartments with seaside views, while Heywood Spa Hotel offers a luxirous place to be pampered. After 8 long days of driving and exploring, you deserve a spa day; take it.

Day 9: Gower/Swansea

Because I’m sure you’re not ready to leave the gorgeous Welsh coast, you’re not leaving it entirely. Instead, you’re heading for the even more beautiful beaches that the Gower has to offer.

The beach we went to was at Oxwich Bay, and it was once voted the most beautiful beach in the UK. With a long stretch of coastline and dunes to take walks on, I can see why.

If beaches aren’t really your thing, head to Swansea, the nearby city that has attractions like the National Waterfront Museum.

If you’re a Dylan Thomas (Welsh poet) fan, Swansea has some connections to him. It’s his birthplace!

Night 8: Sleep somewhere in this area or start heading up to Brecon Beacons, where you’ll spend your next few days.

Day 10: Brecon Beacons

Wishful for those gorgeous hikes you had in Snowdonia? Sorry, you don’t have time to go back up there. But you do have time for the nearer Brecon Beacons National Park.

Although you won’t find mountains as high as Snowden here, there are still plenty of beautiful hikes. Pen-y-Fan is the highest mountain in Brecon Beacons, and it offers stunning views.

But if you’re looking for a more chill first day, I’d recommend what we did. Visit Cerreg Cennen Castle, then head to the Red Kite Feeding Station for some impressive bird watching. End the day with a visit to Henrhyd Falls, a.k.a. the Bat Cave (filmed in The Dark Knight).

Night 10: Sleep the night at a hotel or B&B in (or south of) Brecon Beacons, or stay at a campsite.

I stayed at Cae Glas Camping and can highly recommend it. Small and located on a farm, it had the best bathroom out of all the other campsites we stopped at on the 2-week road trip through Wales.

Day 11: Four Falls Hike

On your second day in Brecon Beacons, you’re going to do a longer (yet not too demanding; a piece of cake after Snowden) hike. The Four Falls Hike takes you to, you guessed it, four beautiful waterfalls. Seriously, Wales has so many breathtaking waterfalls!

Think you’ll get bored of waterfalls on this hike? Think again. Each of these waterfalls are very unique and different from each other, although all are beautiful. You can even swim near some of them, so bring a swim suit.

Make sure to pack a lunch because as could be imagined, you won’t find a pub on this trail.

Alternatively, hike Pen-y-Fan. Like I said, it’s the highest peak in Breacon Beacons, so it will be more difficult but very worth it for the views.

Night 11: Spend the night somewhere in Brecon Beacons, or drive up to Hay-on-Wye, your next stop. The Smithy is a gorgeous B&B in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Day 12: Hay-on-Wye

Ready for the best part of your 2-week road trip through Wales? Okay, that’s subjective, but as a writer (P.S. check out my FREE travel-inspired writing prompts), this was heaven.

Self-proclaimed the world’s first book town, Hay-on-Wye will also be heaven for any book-lover or writer. That’s why it’s included in my Writer’s Travel Guide to Wales.

The main draw of this town are of course the bookstores. In the tiny town center over twenty bookstores are packed in. Some of the more popular bookstores include Addyman’s Books, Richard Booth’s Bookshop and Murder & Mayhem.

The storefronts not housing books instead hold antiques, restaurants and one very good ice cream parlor.

There’s also a castle (of course; it’s Wales) and some nice rural walks nearby along the Wye River.

For those of you who aren’t book nerds and are satisfied with just half a day here, head over to Abergavenny, a bigger city. It has markets throughout the week, biggest one on Tuesdays, but also on Saturdays and Sundays. I got some cool old postcards (which I love to collect in my travels!) at the Wednesday flea market.

Night 12: Abergavenny is also a good place to spend the night, whether or not you choose to explore.

Day 13: Big Pit

This is one of those experiences you can’t leave Wales without doing. Coal mining is a huge part of Wales’s history, and there’s no better place to learn about it firsthand than at the Big Pit.

The main attraction is of course going down into the pit and seeing the coal mines for yourselves. That wasn’t possible when I visited during Covid, but I was surprised to still have spent hours there!

There is a truly excellent museum and exhibits detailing not only the process of coal mining and the experiences of the miners, but I also learned a lot about Welsh history too.

Up for another adventure? Head over to Caerphilly to visit its beautiful castle!

Night 13: Cardiff is not far, so head over there to spend your last night. Park Plaza Hotel is an option for a luxurious stay, as is Cathedral64 if you prefer a boutique hotel.

Day 14: Cardiff and Newport

These two cities are among the biggest in Wales, yet they’re only about twenty minutes away from each other. So, you can easily do them both in a day.

In Cardiff, visit the free National Museum and the nearby Cardiff Castle. Head to lunch either in the city center, near the Principality Stadium, or at Cardiff Bay, which is also a good place for a walk.

In Newport, visit the Transporter Bridge, one of the only remaining, operational transporter bridge in the world. Also, take a stroll through the city center, where you can do some shopping and see Westgate Hotel and the monument in front of it in memory of those killed there in the Newport Uprising.

And of course, Newport has a castle too, and you can’t leave Wales without just one more castle visit on your road trip.

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So, there you have it. A 2-week road trip through Wales.

Is it all-inclusive? Of course not; there are tons of other beautiful places in Wales I had to miss out on. I hope to return to see them one day.

But I think this is a good option if you want to do somewhat of a loop around Wales, and it can serve as a skeleton of a road trip itinerary for those who would like to veer off the path I treaded.

Have you been to Wales? Any places missing from this itinerary that you’d recommend? I’d love to hear about them!