13-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling west to Swansea, Aberystwyth, Builth Wells, and Merthyr Tydfil

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Wales includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Penarth and Barry. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Swansea, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Penarth and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Penarth beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Penarth Pier Pavilion, an up-and-coming pier in Penarth. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village, a locally appreciated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Upon reaching Barry, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Knap Gardens and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Cold Knap Beach, another highlight in Barry.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Swansea. Swansea offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Swansea. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Perch, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pant-y-Gwydr restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Turtle Bay Swansea. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Swansea tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Popworld Swansea. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to No Sign Wine Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Copper provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Pembrey, Llanarthney, Llandeilo, and Trap. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Aberystwyth, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Aberystwyth may take around 48 min. Upon your arrival in Aberystwyth, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Pembrey Country Park, an increasingly popular park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Aberystwyth, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Swansea to Aberystwyth may take around 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Aberystwyth, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering National Botanic Garden Of Wales, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden known for its eye-catching features.

Set your GPS to Llandeilo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Llandeilo beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Llandeilo is Dinefwr Castle, an increasingly popular castle that draws attention for its history-steeped features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to National Trust - Dinefwr, a serene castle that stands out in the town.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Aberystwyth. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Aberystwyth. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Baravin, a highly-rated dining destination in Aberystwyth. If you're eager to try something different, consider Y Consti, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Devil's Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Aberystwyth this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kanes Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Libertine is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Y Bañera is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Head back to your accommodation in Aberystwyth and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Wales.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Wales. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Trawsfynydd, Porthmadog, and Portmeirion. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Builth Wells, where will spend 2 nights.

After soaking in Trawsfynydd’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Porthmadog. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Porthmadog, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Eryri National Park (snowdonia), an interesting national park known for its awe-inspiring features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Trawsfynydd and set your GPS to Porthmadog. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 26 min. Upon reaching Porthmadog, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Spend some time admiring the standout features of the heritage railway before you continue to your next stop.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Portmeirion may take around 8 min. Upon your arrival in Portmeirion, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Portmeirion, a curiosity-inducing village that draws visitors from near and far.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Builth Wells, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Builth Wells is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Builth Wells.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Wales.

On day 9 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Welshpool and Tan-y-pistyll. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Builth Wells, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

After soaking in Welshpool’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Tan-y-pistyll. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 41 min. When you arrive in Tan-y-pistyll, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at National Trust - Powis Castle And Garden and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Welshpool & Llanfair Railway Preservation Co Ltd, another highlight in Welshpool.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tan-y-pistyll. This car ride takes around 41 min.

Pistyll Rhaeadr is a frequently visited waterfall we recommend visiting today. Discover its serene features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Builth Wells and your accommodation.

Builth Wells is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Builth Wells.

Say good night to Builth Wells and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Wales!

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 5 destinations, including Brecon, Pen y Cae, Ynyswen, Coelbren, and Ystradfellte. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Merthyr Tydfil, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Brecon.

Pen y Cae’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brecon behind. This drive usually takes around 30 min. Pen y Cae welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Brecon Canal Basin, an often recommended marina that everyone visiting Brecon should see.

Set your GPS to Pen y Cae and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 30 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Pen y Cae beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Craig-y-nos Country Park, a beloved park in Pen y Cae. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Pen y Cae’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ynyswen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 8 min. When you arrive in Ynyswen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Wales Ape And Monkey Sanctuary, an often recommended wildlife reserve that everyone visiting Ynyswen should see.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr Tydfil offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Merthyr Tydfil's best restaurants.

Say good night to Merthyr Tydfil and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Wales!

On day 11 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Merthyr Tydfil, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Abercanaid and Pant.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Merthyr Tydfil, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Abercanaid. This drive usually takes around 9 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Bikepark Wales, a frequently visited bike park known for its enchanting features.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Cyfarthfa Castle Museum And Art Gallery, an underrated museum in Abercanaid. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pant, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Merthyr Tydfil. This drive usually takes around 11 min.

Brecon Mountain Railway is a locally appreciated heritage railway we recommend visiting today. Discover its breathtaking features before continuing your self-guided tour to Morlais Castle, an awe-inspiring castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Merthyr Tydfil.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!