25 BEST Places To Visit In Wales On A Road Trip

Pembrokeshire Coast - best places to visit in Wales

Dreaming of the perfect road trip destination? Somewhere that has stunning beaches, hills and mountains, forests and woods, cute towns and villages.

Well, look no further. Wales if the perfect place to go!

I’m totally in love with Wales and have visited lots of stunning places already. Mainly in the three National Parks – Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast.

But I’ve asked my fellow travellers where they think the best places to visit on a Wales road trip are.

Here’s the ultimate list split into the best places in the north, mid and south Wales to add to your bucket list.

Is your favourite place in Wales on the list?

Tell me where you love to visit in Wales in the comments below

Best Places to Visit in North Wales

Medieval Walled Town of Conwy

By Shobha at Just Go Places

Best places to visit in Wales - Conwy Walls
Conwy Walls in North Wales

Location: Conwy

For a little town, the medieval walled town of Conwy in North Wales has many attractions.  

Conwy is located near north Snowdonia and is a great opportunity to mix some historical travel in with your exploration of the national park.

First and foremost, you have to visit Conwy Castle which is a hulking 13th-century castle ruin.

The Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in just 4 years at an enormous cost, it was meant to keep the Welsh under control after they were conquered by the English. You can also walk along the old medieval walls which encircle the town and were part of its defences.

Conwy Castle was partially ruined after the English Civil War because it was on the wrong side of the war.

Conwy is also famous for having Britain’s smallest house.

Located on Conwy Quay with fabulous views over the harbour, the house measures a mere 6 ft wide and 10 foot high. Conwy has had a world-famous mussel industry since Roman times. The town is very small (wedged as it is between the sea and the medieval wall).

A stroll around this Welsh town shows off its long history such as medieval, Elizabethan and Victorian buildings.

Near Conwy, there are nature reserves and walks you can take.

If you have the chance, you should visit Bodnant Gardens which are claimed to be the finest gardens in Wales. The Bodnant Welsh food centre serves up a tasty local fare.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Conwy

£25 off your first Airbnb stay

Moel Siabod

By Becky at Becky the Traveller

Moel Siabod hike Snowdonia - best places in Wales
On the way up to Moel Siabod summit

Location: Moel Siabod

Moel Siabod in Snowdonia is said to be one of the best half-day hikes in Snowdonia, so it should certainly be on the list of best places to visit in Wales.

For hiking lovers, you can hike (and scramble) to the summit of Moel Siabod.

It’s a wonderful walk in Snowdonia and once you reach the top there are amazing views of many of the famous Snowdonia peaks, including the highest of them all Mt Snowdon!

If you aren’t into big hikes then Moel Siabod can still be enjoyed from the base of the mountain with tarns surrounding the base that make the perfect picnic spot.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Betws y Coed

Read next: Best day hikes in Snowdonia

Zip World Caverns

By Jennifer & Tim at Luxe Adventure Traveler

Best places to visit in North Wales - Zip World Caverns (1)
Deep underground in North Snowdonia!

Location: Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB

North Wales is home to miles and miles of caverns beneath Snowdonia.

Zip World Caverns are located a mile away from the village of Blaenau Ffestiniog and are home to the world’s largest underground zip line. As well as a series of zip lines that leads adventurers through an underground obstacle course, passing through slate caves that were formed as long ago as 10 million years.

It means this one of the best places to visit in North Wales if you love adventure!

Before you set off on the ultimate underground adventure, you spend 20 minutes practising with your safety equipment on a training course. Then the real fun starts as you traverse a series of 15 zip lines, via ferratas and rope bridges.

This is one adventure not for the claustrophobic.

When planning your Wales trip, allow about three hours at Zip World Caverns to complete the course.

The temperature is a steady and cool 10°C (50°F) year-round, so dress for the cooler cave weather. It’s also good to know that closed toes shoes and pants are required.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog or Betws y Coed

Hawarden in Flintshire

By Rebecca at Life Beyond Borders

Best places to visit in Wales - Gladstones Library-2
Gladstones Library

Location: Hawarden

Hawarden in Flintshire is a cute town with a church, two pubs, a Greek taverna (oddly enough), Primary School and Hawarden Castle Estate.

It’s located right on the North Wales/Cheshire – UK border, 40 minutes from Chester station by bus.

But why should you stay there? The pull for anyone coming to this small Welsh town is Gladstone’s Library.

Built in 1902 as a residential home, it looks like a manor house. Constructed to house all the books of William Ewart Gladstone – a Victorian statesman and four times British Prime Minister in the 1800s. He believed that books must be made available to all. 

Back then, Flintshire was extremely poor and Gladstone worked hard to make his own personal collection available for all to read.

After his death, the family set about honouring his name by providing a fantastic stately home to house his collection.

To this day, it’s the only Prime Ministerial Residential Library in the UK. It offers 26 boutique and quirky rooms to stay in amongst stunning grounds and that phenomenal library, still housing Sir William Gladstone’s collection of 32,000 books – all painstakingly looked after.

So don’t bypass the tiny village of Hawarden, come and experience a countryside stay like no other.  Maybe there’ll be a village fete, a book festival or country celebration during your time there. 

Relax in the grounds in good weather – curl up on a rainy day in a comfy leather sofa hidden in a nook with your own favourite book.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Hawarden.

£25 off your first Airbnb stay

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

By Jill at Reading the Book Travel

Best places to visit in Wales - Llanfair PG
Views of the Menai Bridge on the island of Anglesey

Location: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is probably the only destination in Wales which is visited purely on account of its name.

This fairly ordinary village, close to the Menai Bridge on the island of Anglesey just off the northwest coast, has a population of just over 3000 people, and a full name of Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch.

A UK record-breaking total of 58 letters.

The village’s name means “Parish of St. Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio with a red cave.” Unsurprisingly, the name is normally shortened to Llanfair PG (pronounced roughly as Clanvair PG) on signposts.

The main attraction in the village is the railway station, where visitors can pose alongside the famous station sign – if they can get it all in the shot!

There is also an extensive gift shop and cafe. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is located very close to the town and castle of Beaumaris and is a perfect stopping off point if you are discovering the beautiful landscapes and beaches of Anglesey!

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.

Bounce Below

By Eniko at Travel Hacker Girl

Best places to visit in North Wales - Bounce Below
Inside the caves at Bounce Below

Location: Zip World Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB

One of the coolest places I came across on our road trip in Wales was Bounce Below. It is a huge playground underground in a cave, suitable for thrill seekers over the age of seven.

There are six platforms of nets that are basically used as trampolines. It is great fun jumping around and experimenting how high you can bounce. The levels are connected by slides to each other.

Great activity for families and friends alike on a trip to Snowdonia.

Adult tickets cost £25 and you can book an hour slot. This time will be more than enough in Bounce Below as jumping around for an hour is rather exhausting.

The cave is chilly itself, but since you will be doing exercise I recommend not wearing many layers as you will quickly get hot.

As a safety precaution, everyone has to wear a helmet, that they provide. Backflips and other tricks are not permitted for everyone’s safety.

Bounce Below is a really unique experience and an absolute must do in Snowdonia.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog or Betws y Coed.

Portmeirion Village

By Tim from Tunnocks World Tour

Portmeirion - best places to visit in wales
The beautiful village of Portmeirion

Location: Portmeirion

Portmeirion, the brainchild of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis is many things.

It’s a personal masterpiece. It’s a sought-after filming location. It’s an architectural treasure. It’s a natural wonderland. It’s a home. It’s a tourist attraction. It’s a collection of Mediterranean inspired buildings on Wales’ west coast.

But most of all, it’s a curiosity.

Surrounded by Snowdonia, just off the A487, Portmeirion is a must stop destination on any Welsh road-trip. The site, an area of spectacular natural beauty, was a 50-year project of passion for Williams-Ellis.

The beautiful grounds have been adorned with sympathetically designed buildings, enticing viewpoints and glorious gardens. There is something of interest to see at every turn.

Portmeirion has enough engrossments for a full day of exploration. Wander across the piazza, through the loggia’s and soak up the spectacular gardens and bright colour-washed buildings.

Just out of the village there is a subtropical forest, a Japanese Garden, a Dog Cemetery and even a Ghost Garden.

If a day isn’t enough then stay for the weekend in one of Portmeirion’s cosy accommodations and ensure you try the food in Caffi Glas.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Minffordd | Porthmadog

Mt Snowdon in North Snowdonia

By Nicky at Go Live Young

Mt Snowdon - best plaes to visit in north wales
Views from Mt Snowdon summit in North Snowdonia

Location: Mt Snowdon, Snowdonia

Snowdon in north Snowdonia is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. It is a must-visit on any road trip around Wales.

There are a number of options for getting to the top of Snowdon. The easiest is to take the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which will transport you up the mountain with no effort on your part.

Alternatively, there are a number of paths you can hike up Snowdon, the easiest being the Llanberis Pass, or the popular Pyg and Miners’ Tracks, or the difficult Rhys Ddu Path.

Whatever route you decide upon, hiking Snowdon takes between 6-8 hours and you should be prepared for a mountain hike.

We opted for the Ranger Track, which we’d recommend to others. It’s one of the quieter tracks, starting from a different side of the mountain to the more popular Llanberis, Pyg and Miners’ Tracks, but has beautiful scenery along the way.

Pack a picnic and enjoy.

On a clear day, the views from the top of Snowdon are breathtaking, but the journey is pretty impressive too. As you climb higher the views across the valleys, mountains and lakes unfold.

Just don’t forget your camera!

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Llanberis

Love a challenge? Read about The Welsh 3000s Challenge which starts from Mt Snowdon

Loggerheads Country Park + Moel Famau

By Ian at Barefoot Backpacker

Best places to visit in Wales - North Wales-2
Summit of Moel Famau in North Wales

Location: Loggerheads Country Park

Loggerheads Country Park is originally a milling and mining area but is now a forest of ash, oak, and sycamore that runs alongside the River Alyn.

There’s plenty of evidence of its industrial past in the park, including an old waterway and a working flour mill. Going deeper into the woods, natural beauty takes over with limestone cliffs and gorges – many of which would have been mined in the past.

One such at the far end is known as Devil’s Gorge, a 30 m cleft in the hillside probably used for lead mining that’s now only normally visible via a footbridge, but it is possible to walk/go caving in.

It’s part of a larger Site Of Special Scientific Interest, about 190 hectares in size, listed due to its unique geology and ancient human habitation – bones were discovered that have been dated to around 3000 BC.

From Loggerheads Country Park is nearby mountain Moel Famau. The walk up from Loggerheads is a lovely one along country lanes, moody footpaths through fields of sheep, and up winding trails surrounded by rocks and low bushes.

With a clear sky, the view is incredible all around, a panoramic across the whole of North Wales and Cheshire, and you’ll take full advantage of them as the trail up is steep!

It’s also convenient for hikers, as Offa’s Dyke Path passes over the 555 m summit.

At the summit there is is a ruined lookout post – the ‘Jubilee Tower’ – commissioned to celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of King George III in 1810 and constructed between 1813 and 1817, originally it had a tower rising 115 feet but this fell down due to bad weather and construction.

A good hike, awesome views, and some history. What more can you ask for for a visit to Wales?

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Mold

Tryfan Mountain

By Susan at This Big Wild World

Tryfan hike Snowdonia - best places to visit in Wales
Walks around Tryfan Mountain

Location: Tryfan Mountain

One of the best places to visit in north Wales is Tryfan Mountain in Snowdonia.

What my friends didn’t mention is that this “walk” is more like rock climbing up the mountain and at least seven people have died “hiking” it since 2015. Climbing Tryfan is definitely not a walk in the park.

But, for avid hikers, summiting Tryfan is a must when visiting Wales.

Don’t worry, if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can still enjoy its beauty by hiking around the base, as there are many different trails you can do that don’t involve steep or challenging hikes.

Tryfan North Wales Adam and Eve - Best places to visit in Wales
The famous Adam and Eve – would you jump?

Depending on your route, the hike takes 3-4 hours and the most direct route is 3 km.

The North Ridge is a favourite route among advanced hikers, but expect the entire ascent to include bouldering or scrambling. The South Ridge is the least difficult route with more walkable sections and is a nice option for the descent.

At the summit, the iconic twin stones referred to as Adam and Eve stand tall. Legend says that the brave hikers who take the “Leap of Faith” from one to the other, will be offered the “freedom of Tryfan”.

I have no idea what that means, but of course, I made the leap! Would you?

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in YHA Idwal Cottage

Best Places to Visit in Mid Wales

Hafren Forest

By Becky at Becky the Traveller

Hafren Forest - River Severn trail Wales- best places to visit in Wales
River Severn trail in Hafren Forest

Location: Hafren Forest

Hafren Forest is located in mid-Wales and is a wonderful place to visit on a road trip through Wales. The forest has numerous walking and cycling trails that are perfect for everyone to enjoy.

I stayed at the lovely Hafren Bunkhouse, which is the perfect place to stay for families, groups, friends or even solo travellers. They cater for hikers and cyclists exploring the National trails that run close to the bunkhouse.

I spent 4 days during a snowy March exploring Hafren Forest and the surrounding area.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a snowy forest to explore. Hafren Forest has so many more things to do so you can stop and really have the full outdoor and wildlife experience.

All the national and local trails are well-signposted so you can be confident not to get too lost whilst exploring the forest and the surrounding area.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Staylittle | Hafren Bunkhouse

Read next: Things to do in Hafren Forest

Aberystwyth, Wales

By Cynthia Graham at Blue Bag Nomads

aberystwyth_wales_promenade_Best places to visit in Wales-2-2
Aberystwyth Promenade

Location: Aberystwyth

Driving on the A487 along the coast of Wales, the city of Aberystwyth was a fantastic discovery. The bay is beautiful and very popular.

After visiting several UK coastal towns, it has become one of our favourites. The castle there is an Edwardian fortress built in the late 1300s.

The city is known for its elegant sweeping seafront and promenade. You can stroll for over a mile passing many local points of interest. When we were researching places along our route, the first picture we saw of Aberystwyth made us think of Monte Carlo.

It became a must visit destination in Wales.

When you are done wandering around town, head over to the electric railway. The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway will take you to the top of the cliff with the best views and a café too. Looking for something unusual, you will also find at the top of the hill a camera obscura.

If you have more time to explore, drive to a hill called Pen Dinas where there is an extensive Iron Age, Celtic hill fort. Aberystwyth is a beautiful area full of many things to experience and explore.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Aberystwyth

King Arthur’s Labyrinth

By Thais at World Trip Diaries

Best places to visit Wales - King Arthurs Labyrinth
The entrance to King Arthur’s Labyrinth

Location: Corris Craft Centre, Unit 11, A487 Road, Machynlleth SY20 9RF

One of the best and fun things you can do on your visit to North Wales is King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Snowdonia. It’s an underground world telling the story of King Arthur.

The tour of the Labyrinth includes an audio guide, special effects and life-size sculptures.

You can book prior to your visit or you can show up and check the next available slot. The whole tour, including a brief safety video, a boat ride and walks around the labyrinth in the cave takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the speed of the group.

It’s a fun and unique way to learn about this Welsh legend and the caves are stunning. The only sad thing was that you had to walk along with the guide, no wandering around was allowed.

You don’t need anything special for this tour, but if you plan on doing any of the other available activities around (there are MANY!), you should wear suitable clothing.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Machynlleth

Cadair Idris Walk

By Becky at Becky the Traveller

Cadair Idris - Snowdonia Wales - Best places to visit in Wales

Location: Minffordd Path Car Park

A great place to visit on your trip to Wales to get outdoors and go hiking is Cadair Idris. It’s a beautiful walk in north Snowdonia in Mid-Wales, although it is a steep and challenging hike to go all the way to the summit.

If you love hiking then this is a great mountain for you to climb. 

But if you’d prefer a shorter walk then there are shorter trails in the area that you can try out too, as well as a cafe that sells coffee and cake!

If you’re interested in doing the full hike to the top then you can read my full post here on the Cadair Idris walk via the Minffordd Path. Included are options for doing a shorter hike as well.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Dolgellau

Read next: Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path in Snowdonia

Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Nature Reserve

By Tracey at Pack The PJs

Best places to visit in Mid Wales - Bwlch Nant yr Arian
Watching the red kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Mid Wales

Location: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth SY23 3AD

The beautiful Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Nature Reserve is located along the A44, 9 miles east of Aberystwyth.

There is lots to do here, but the main attraction is the daily feeding of red kites. You honestly have to visit to appreciate the sight. At 2 pm during the winter months and 3 pm during summer, a warden walks a bucket of food around the lake to the hide on the reverse side. Even before he starts his walk, the red kites start to circle.

It’s impossible to count how many birds turn up once the food is distributed – hundreds.

There is so much more to the nature reserve than the red kites, including three marked walking trails (one is wheelchair/pushchair friendly), three mountain bike trails, two running trails, four orienteering courses of varying difficulty and a circular trail for horse riders along forest tracks and lightly-used roads.

There is also a very accessible visitor centre and café and I wholeheartedly recommend sitting out on their decking that overlooks the deck, watching the small birds visit the numerous feeders close by.

A lovely place to visit in the amazing countryside of Wales.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Aberystwyth

£25 off your first Airbnb stay

New Quay Town

By Clemens at Travellers Archive

Best places to visit in Wales - New Quay
New Quay

Location: New Quay

New Quay (Welsh: Cei Newydd) in Ceredigion is a coastal town in mid-Wales that is charming to visit.

New Quay is located in Cardigan Bay. Thus visiting this cute town means, that the sea will be right in front of you. Visit here to watch the seagulls, enjoy some fish and chips at the “Lime Crab” or get a pint of beer in the pub on the corner with the constant sounds of the sea coming through the windows.

North of New Quay you’ll find some of the most stunning campsites that do not only overlook the town itself, but also the sea. One of our favourites is the Bay View Campsite, which gives you the most picturesque sunset in the whole country – for sure!

If you are into adventures, you can book yourself a great experience at Cardigan Bay Watersports and go sea kayaking. Imagine sitting in a little kayak, paddling yourself through the sea and spotting dolphins in the back.

Couldn’t get any better, right?

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in New Quay

Hay on Wye – Town of Books

By Carol at Wayfaring Views

Best places to visit in Wales - Hay_on_Wye
Outside bookshop at Hay on Wye in Wales

Location: Hay on Wye

Any book nerd on a road trip in Wales absolutely needs to stop off in Hay on Wye.

This little town in southern Wales has only 1,500 residents but 26 bookshops. The bookshop trend was started by Richard Booth, the self-proclaimed “King of Hay”. He did it as a publicity stunt to bring awareness to the town…and it worked!

The town now boasts the annual Hay Festival, which is a literary love fest that includes readings, performances, music and literary celebrities. It’s become such a thing that it has spawned similar festivals in Peru, Colombia and Mexico.

Hay on Wye is also ridiculously adorable with antique shops, bookstores, coffee shops, bookstores, farmers markets, bookstores, pubs and bookstores. In fact, that, that right there is your suggested itinerary.

The Hay-on-Wye tourism information bureau has a map of all the bookstores, but be sure to stop into Booth’s Bookshop, Murder & Mayhem and The Addyman Annex.

The town makes a convenient overnight stop for your Wales road trip. It sits in a good spot between north Wales and the Brecon Beacons.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Hay-on-Wye.

Mwnt Beach, Ceredigion

By Amy at Family Edventures

Best places to visit in Wales - Mwnt Beach

Location: Mwnt Beach

Mwnt Beach is a beautiful National Trust cove a few miles from Cardigan town in mid-Wales. It’s well worth driving down the narrow coastal road just for a glimpse of the stunning view that greets you as you reach the end of the lane.

A little white chapel stands proudly on the cliff overlooking the sandy beach and rolling waves. There are several steps down to reach the hidden cove below.

Once you’ve seen it you’ll understand why it was used by smugglers in the 1700’s to hide contraband such as salt.

Mwnt is a brilliant location for dolphin spotting so I’d recommend climbing to the top of Foel Y Mwnt to watch as they play in Cardigan Bay. If you’re still feeling energetic after all of that then you can join the footpath which follows 60 miles of the Ceredigion Coast Path and joins the coastal path around Wales.

This place is small but popular so visit outside of the Summer holidays if you can. There is a small kiosk selling icecreams and postcards and a toilet near the car park.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Cardigan.

Best Places to Visit in South Wales

Coastal Town of Tenby

By Lisa at Fjords and Beaches

Best places to visit in South Wales - Tenby
The colourful seaside town of Tenby

Location: Tenby

There are so many beautiful destinations to see in Wales and the whole of Pembrokeshire will always have my heart. Particularly the coastal town of Tenby.

This charming little fisherman’s town has long beaches and dramatic cliffs surrounding it, and lots of great things to do!

Out of all my favourite things to do in Tenby, a visit to Caldey Island is at the top of the list. This island is just a short boat ride from Tenby, and you can take a tour of the priory and meet the monks who live there.

Tenby is also great for long, beach walks and taking in the fresh ocean air, but also has its fair share of interesting history. King Henry VII was born just a 30-minute drive from Tenby and actually escaped into his exile through a secret tunnel going from one of the houses in Tenby and down to the beach.

Look for a blue plaque when strolling around the charming cobbled streets to find it!

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Tenby

Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons National Park

By Julianne at Part Time Passport

Pen Y Fan - Brecon Beacons, best place to visit in Wales-2-2
Looking towards the summit of Pen y Fan

Location: Pen y Fan

The beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park – one of the most idyllic mountain ranges in the UK. There are plenty of hiking trails to keep any avid explorer entertained in this region.

But if you choose one during your visit, make sure it’s Pen Y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales.

There are four different routes to reach the summit.

The most popular trail starts at the Pont ar Daf car-park and takes you along a paved up-hill path, past meandering streams and open stretches of green, before reaching the aptly named “Windy Pass” (hold on to your hat) and finally the summit of Pen y Fan at 886 m.

The views from the top are nothing short of incredible, so you’ll want to give yourself time to take it all in. If you’ve got it in you, continue on to the second highest peak, Corn Du, before making your way back down.

The whole hike takes about 2-2.5 hours. Congratulate yourself on your return with a pint and a Welsh cake in one of the local pubs!

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Brecon

Read next: 3 days hiking in Brecon Beacons

Caerphilly + Caerphilly Castle

By Cath at Passports and Adventures

Caerphilly Castle - best places to visit in Wales-2
Caerphilly Castle

Location: Caerphilly

Caerphilly is a town about half an hour north of Cardiff, the capital and is a town worth visiting. As it is not very big, it can be easily enjoyed in one day but also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area or going into Cardiff itself.

The main feature of the town is Caerphilly Castle. This medieval castle, built in the late 1200s, is the second largest castle in Britain and even boasts a family of dragons. The castle is a must-visit if you are in the South Wales area.

Did you know its south-east tower leans to a greater degree than the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

For people who enjoy the outdoors, there are several walks on nearby Caerphilly Mountain to be enjoyed. And for families, the Mountain View Ranch is a great place to take the kids where you can enjoy things like a Gruffalo Hunt, tree-houses and a fairy wood.

Within the town of Caerphilly, you’ll find a few high-street shops, cafes and tearooms for something to eat. The town is not far from the M4 motorway and has good rail links directly into the heart of Cardiff.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Caerphilly

Read about fun outdoor activities and adventures at Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales

Skomer Island

By Christa at Expedition Wildlife

Best place to visit in South Wales - Skomer Island-2
Wildflowers on Skomer Island

Location: Skomer Island

Within easy sight of the Lockley Lodge Visitor Centre is a rocky, wind-blown island teeming with an incredible diversity of bird life. Skomer Island is home to tens of thousands of seabirds during the spring and summer nesting seasons.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has made visiting this incredible site easy and fun for visitors. An organised boat ferries people to Skomer from Lockley Lodge three times per day, making it one of the best places to visit in South Wales.

Top tips for your Skomer trip

  • Be sure to arrive at least an hour before opening time to ensure yourself a spot!
  • Pack your layers, including a raincoat, and plenty of snacks and water to prepare you for a day walking around the island to see all kinds of nesting birds, including Atlantic Puffins, as well as harbour seals basking on the rocky shores.

Skomer Island is only accessible from 1 April to 30 September and there are no trips on Mondays.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind destination in beautiful Wales!

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Marloes.

Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi

By Sophie at The Wanderful Me

Blue Lagoon - best places to visit in Wales-2-2
Admiring the views of the Blue Lagoon

Location: Abereiddi

Situated along the southwestern coast of Wales, specifically the Pembrokeshire Coast, the beautiful Abereiddi Blue Lagoon has been attracting visitors for decades.

Formerly slate quarry, the Blue Lagoon has transformed into a teal-blue pool, caused by a build-up of minerals, that draws in both admirers and adrenaline-junkies.

If you’re the latter, you can take your shot at cliff jumping into the lagoon to get your heart racing. If you’re more of just an admirer, stroll around the area and awe at the spectacular ocean views and lagoon blue hues, as well as the rocky beach near the parking lot.

After one look at this place, you’ll no longer wonder why it’s one of the best places to visit in Wales! The Blue Lagoon, as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast in itself, boasts lush green hills, magnificent coastlines, incredible oceanic scenes, and historic ruins that’ll take your breath away.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in Abereiddi | Caerhafod Lodge

Read next: Best things to do in Pembrokeshire Coast

The Gower Peninsula

By Clare Thomson at Suitcases and Sandcastles

three-cliffs-bay-gower-peninsula-Best places in Wales-2
Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula

Location: Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula in south-west Wales is famous for having one of Britain’s loveliest coastlines and the beaches here are some of the best in the UK.

It’s only 19 miles long but it was the first place in the UK to be named as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so there’s nothing to spoil the view of the gorgeous countryside, little villages and those incredible sandy beaches.

You can learn to surf on Rhossili Bay, visit a medieval castle in the Mumbles and have an ice-cream sundae in one of the best ice-cream parlours in Wales.

The coastal walks are wonderful in the Gower too and the perfect way to work up an appetite for one of the area’s delicious pub meals.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Rhossili | Swansea

SugarLoaf near Abergavenny

By Becky at Becky the Traveller

Sugar Loaf - Brecon Beacons (70) (1280x844)

Location: Sugarloaf near Abergavenny

Sugarloaf Hill is in Brecon Beacon National Park a short drive from the lovely town of Abergavenny.

It’s one of the easier walks in the Brecon Beacons making it a popular hike at the weekends for people to enjoy some beautiful views.

Nearby town Abergavenny is a great place to base yourself to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. I stayed at the lovely Angel Hotel, which offers luxury style accommodation for your weekend break.

Where to stay? Check out availability and latest prices for accommodation in nearby Abergavenny | Angel Hotel

£25 off your first Airbnb stay

Is your favourite place in Wales on the list? Or can you recommend any more top spots that I should add to this Wales road trip list? Let me know your ideas or ask me any questions in the comments below

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Best places to visit in Wales
Best places to visit in Wales

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26 thoughts on “25 BEST Places To Visit In Wales On A Road Trip

  1. Nicky says:

    I absolutely love Wales, but I still haven’t made it to the north! Your posts always inspire me to go hiking more – I’m definitely going to have to get up there and do it! And Porthmadog has been on my bucket list for about fifteen years. 🙂

    • Becky the Traveller says:

      Yeah, the Blue Lagoon is a really lovely place to visit. I’d love to try the coasteering there next time. A weekend in Wales sounds like just what you need! 🙂 Let me know if you’d like any more tips

  2. Kacie Morgan says:

    Great guide Becky! I can’t believe I haven’t been to the Blue Lagoon myself yet and I’ve lived in Wales for most of my life. You need to visit Cardiff Castle next time you’re in South Wales – it’s stunning! Cardiff Bay is absolutely gorgeous too.

    • Becky the Traveller says:

      Ah thanks Kacie, I’ve only been to Cardiff once and it was for a concert so I do really need to head back to Wales and do some more exploring. I can’t believe you’ve not been to the Blue Lagoon, it’s beautiful 🙂

  3. Caroline says:

    I’ve lived in Bristol for a year and I never made it over to Wales (only once to Brecon Beacons). There’s so much to discover! I’ve heard great things about Skomer, my dive club did a couple of trips over to see the seals! Ahh, not sure what I’m doing but I need to go to Wales! Great post, Becky!

  4. Laura says:

    Ahh bounce below is brilliant! So glad you included this. There’s so much more of Wales to explore! Sometimes I wonder why we go to all these far flung places (currently in Sri Lanka) when there’s so much to see back home too!

  5. Ruth Holt says:

    What a fantastic collection of ideas! It’s been a few years since we have been to Wales. We love North Wales for holidays with our kids especially around Nefyn and Abersoch. I loved the Gower peninsular as a teenager and this motivates me to return! Thank you for more ideas for family trips!

  6. Dagney says:

    Gaah! Such gorgeous photos! Sadly I’ve only been to Cardiff, which was lovely, but would definitely like to see more of Wales. Some of these spots look absolutely amazing. How did I not know there was a ‘town of books’ so close?! As the daughter of a librarian, this is shameful! Will of course need to check out King Arthur’s Labyrinth, as well. And digging the colourful New Quay Town 🙂 Saving this for when we finally make it back out to Wales!

    • Becky the Traveller says:

      Ah that’s wonderful Dagney. Haha yeah, that’s so funny, well you definitely need to visit Hay-on-Wye, it’s amazing, they do a festival there too which is a great event. Feel free to get in touch if you would like any more tips 🙂

  7. Anisa says:

    Wales is definitely on my bucket list. The scenery is just stunning and I want to visit as many of the castles as possible. A road trip definitely sounds like the best way to go!

  8. Rajshri says:

    A wonderful guide for all those planning a road trip to Wales, especially solo travellers. Amazing post, Becky! Love the images. Thanks for sharing!

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