by Anna Hann
posted on November 8, 2024
When you visit Wales on a Welsh road trip, expect a wonderland of epic National Parks, mighty castles, wide sand beaches, scenic mountain drives, and memorable outdoor adventures.
If you’re hitting the road to explore Wales by car, there are dozens of road trip itineraries to consider. In fact, visiting Wales means finding a treasure trove of beautiful driving routes. You’ve got the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Pembrokeshire Coast, the Coastal Way around Cardigan Bay, or journeys around South Wales – and that’s just for starters. Yet beautiful North Wales shouldn’t be overlooked for a memorable and scenic road trip.
If you visit Wales and follow some of the 75-mile North Wales Way (one of three official national routes in Wales), you’ll trace an old trading route. It’s a far more picturesque route than the North Wales Expressway, the A55, that whisks traffic to and from Holyhead ferry port on North Wales’ west coast to England, covering the entire length of North Wales.
A four-day North Wales road trip itinerary
The North Wales Way alone doesn’t cover all the highlights of North Wales. Instead, follow a four-day North Wales road trip itinerary where you’ll also get to venture into Snowdonia National Park, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stop at sandy beaches on the national Wales Coast Path, spend a day on Anglesey island, and explore North Wales’ rich history through its ancient castles and seaside towns.
Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to a North Wales road trip, you could follow the entire route to see all of the best bits of North Wales or choose one or two days to drive and mix and match, tailoring your Welsh road trip to suit your time and interests. If you’ve only got a short amount of time, some sections of the road trip are possible to take as a day trip – perhaps getting to know Anglesey Island or delving into Snowdonia.
Wondering how to get to North Wales in the first place? Scroll to the end to find out how to get started on a North Wales road trip in Mold from London, Cardiff, or Liverpool.
Ready for a four-day Welsh road trip like no other? Let’s go…
Day 1: A road trip from Mold to Llandudno
There’s a lot of pack in on Day 1 of your North Wales road trip. Plan ahead to pick and choose which attractions you’ll want to spend the most time at and which you’re happy with just a quick peek. Depending on your exact route, you’ll cover around 45 miles today and spend almost two hours on the road, giving you plenty of time to explore some of the attractions along this stretch of the North Wales coast.
Mold
Your North Wales road trip begins in Mold, an ancient market town in northeast Wales. It’s just beyond the England/Wales border and sits just outside the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley National Landscape. Its location has earned it the status of the Gateway to North Wales, and it’s where you’ll start your epic four-day road trip.
Visit the street market if you start your adventure on a Wednesday or Saturday. Otherwise, plan to explore the scenic surroundings. If you’re planning on taking plenty of walks during your time in North Wales, you’ll want to check out the trails in the Clwydian Range with its heathered moorlands, including the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.
Flint
From Mold, it takes 20 minutes to drive north to Flint, where you can see the atmospheric castle walls of the first of a ring of mighty fortresses built by King Edward I that line the North Wales coast.
On this road trip, you’ll see many more of his castles, including the famous Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle. From the car park by the castle, you can take just a short walk to see the sea, hear the call of the seabirds, and take a few lungfuls of the salty air before continuing your journey.
Greenfield
From Flint, follow the A548 that follows the contours of the coastline to Greenfield. The Greenfield Valley Heritage Park is a good spot to learn about the industrial history of North Wales, and you can take a short walk from the car park to stretch your legs. If you bring kids on your road trip, it’s handy to know there’s an adventure playground and treasure trail where they can run off some energy.
If it’s time for a pitstop—perhaps coffee or lunch—Blooms at Basingwerk House at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park serves home-cooked meals and barista-made brews.
Dyserth
From Greenfield, set your in-car map to the small village of Dyserth, which lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A spectacular waterfall plunges 70 feet into the pool below. Depending on how much time you have, you can simply look at the waterfall as it’s just behind the car park, or take a scenic three-and-a-half mile walking trail for some beautiful views from Graig Fawr, a Site of Special Scientific Interest owing to the limestone plants and wild thyme that grow here.
Rhuddlan
After Dyserth, make your way to the small town of Rhuddlan, where the ruins of Rhuddlan Castle overlooked the River Clwyd. It was another fortress of King Edward I and one of the first revolutionary concentric castles designed by master architect James of St George, with walls within walls and an inner diamond-shaped stronghold.
Kinmel Dunes
Route back towards the coast, bound for Kinmel Dunes Local Nature Reserve. The terrain here is home to birdlife, maritime plants, and even grey seals, which can be spotted near the shoreline. In the summer, the sandy beaches are a popular spot for family days on the Welsh coastline.
Follow the Dunes Trail for a one-mile circular walk and admire the dune flowers and marram grasses, which are home to sand lizards and butterflies.
Gwrych Castle
Next on the North Wales road trip itinerary is Gwrych Castle. Meaning ‘Hedge Castle’ in the Welsh language, this Grade I listed 19th-century castle is privately owned and stands on over 240 acres of grounds with views of the Irish Sea.
Gwrych Castle is a must-visit for fans of the ITV TV show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, as the Welsh castle used for two years during the coronavirus pandemic, standing in for the Australian jungle. You can see some of the areas used for filming, including the campfire setting and props like the red phone box.
Rhos-on-Sea
After a quick detour to Gwrych Castle, it’s back to the seaside. Rhos-on-Sea has a wide sandy beach lined with a promenade, and it’s also where you’ll find St Trillo’s Chapel, considered the smallest church in Great Britain, which has room for just six people.
If you’ve allowed enough time, the three-hour Rhos-on-Sea Heritage Trail takes you to 25 historic sites, including St Trillo’s and Bryn Euryn, the ruins of a 5th-century hillfort with incredible views. You’ll also see other landmarks that have shaped the town over recent centuries and decades.
Llandudno
The final leg of today’s road trip is a short journey up the A470 to the seaside resort of Llandudno – a lovely Welsh town and an ideal place to end the first day of your road trip. There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses to stop overnight.
Llandudno still retains its Victorian-era feel with donkey rides on the beach and Punch and Judy shows, but these days, there are plenty of places to find delicious food and enjoy local pubs.
Day 2: A road trip from Llandudno to Beaumaris
Today, you’ll cover fewer than 30 miles, depending on what you want to see and do, which allows you more time to explore this scenic part of the North Wales road trip on your way to Anglesey Island.
You’ll only spend about an hour driving, so choose how you want to spend most of your day, whether that’s in lovely Conwy or whether you’d rather get over to Anglesey Island to maximise your time there.
Llandudno
Before setting off too quickly, get to know Llandudno a little better, one of North Wales’ cute towns, famous for its Victorian seafront lined with pastel-coloured hotels. Perhaps you’ll take the Great Orme Tramway, reminiscent of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, or visit Castell Conwy, a perfectly preserved 12th-century castle.
Conwy
It’s just a short hop from Llandudno to the medieval town of Conwy. Its narrow streets are enclosed within the original town walls, overlooked by the moody Castell Conwy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of Europe’s most impressive castles. Climb the spiral staircases and wander the battlements to catch the views across the estuary. It’s one of the iron ring of fortresses built around Snowdonia by Edward I.
If it’s time for lunch, head to Conwy Quay for fresh and chips by the boats. While you’re there, look at the Smallest House in Great Britain, just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high. And yes, people really have lived there.
Bangor
Next, take the A55 to the university town of Bangor, the oldest city in Wales. You could pop inside Penrhyn Castle, a 19th-century mansion built for a wealthy industrialist, or take a walk to Garth Pier, considered one of the prettiest piers in Wales with its shops and cafés housed in Victorian kiosks.
You’re within touching distance of Snowdonia, and the famous Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is close by. But save that adventure for the last day of your road trip, and instead, continue to Anglesey Island next.
Beaumaris
From Bangor, continue the North Wales road trip by crossing the Menai Strait, which separates Anglesey Island from mainland Wales, via either the modern Britannia Bridge or the historic Menai Suspension Bridge. A little way up the coast, Beaumaris is a handsome seatown with another outstanding castle. In fact, Beaumaris Castle is considered to be the most accomplished of all the 13th-century castles built by Edward I in Wales, thanks to its near-perfect symmetry. But it’s famously unfinished.
Find somewhere to stay for the night, whether you’d prefer a local hotel, a guesthouse, B&B, or find a local pub with rooms.
Day 3: A road trip around Anglesey Island
Today is completely dedicated to time on Anglesey Island. You have a choice of driving routes. You could take a circular coastal tour of around 75 miles, which takes up to two hours to drive or focus on the southern part of the island.
If you take the full circular route, the highlights include the South Stack cliffs, the sea arches at Rhoscolyn, the magnificent dunes at Aberffraw, and the Cemlyn Beach nature reserve. With 125 miles of coastline around Anglesey, there are plenty of beaches to try, whether you want a winter walk or a summer laze about.
Otherwise, the route focuses on the highlights of the southern part of Anglesey Island. Once you reach Holyhead in the west, you take the A55 North Wales Expressway to exit the island and get ready to explore Snowdonia National Park next.
Ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of North Wales? No matter your starting point, Turo has you covered with local hosts ready to provide the perfect vehicle for your road trip. With easy pick-up in major cities like London, Cardiff, and Liverpool, hitting the road and starting your North Wales adventure is easier than ever.
Beaumaris
Depending on how much time you’ve already spent in Beaumaris, you could explore the town more. Otherwise, start the day with a stroll around Menai Bridge, admire the Strait’s views, or hit the road and start your road trip around Anglesey Island.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
No, it’s not a typo. Britain’s longest place name was a publicity stunt in the 1860s to attract tourists, and even today, visitors come to take selfies with the railway station sign. Maps just refer to it as Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – long enough, don’t you think? Locals often go further, calling it simply Llanfairpwll. The full name means ‘St Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio of the red cave’.
Other than the railway sign, Llanfairpwll isn’t very big, so this’ll be a quick stop on today’s road trip.
Plas Newydd
If you skip the novelty stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, just down the road, you’ll find Plas Newydd, the former home of the Marquess of Anglesey. Today, it’s a National Trust property. Stroll through the rhododendron garden, try to spot red squirrels in the woodland, or peek inside the grand house itself. You can spend as much or as little time as you like at this scenic spot.
Halen Môn
From Plas Newwydd, continue down the coast to Halen Môn, where you can learn how some of the world’s finest sea salt is distilled from the pure sea waters of Wales. You can even book a seaweed spa experience overlooking the Menai Strait – the waters are renowned for their healing properties. Whether or not you take an invigorating dip in the outdoor pools, don’t leave without a bag or two of the famous sea salt.
Llanddwyn Island
Feeling revitalised from a saltwater experience, head to the most romantic spot in North Wales: Llanddwyn Island. On Anglesey’s south-west coast is a little islet with a tiny ruined church on an arc of sand, commemorating the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Saint Dwynwen. Saint Dwynwen’s Day is an annual celebration of love, commemorated on 25 January every year.
Llanddywn Island is not technically an island, as it’s attached to the mainland except at the highest tides. Spend some time on Llanddwyn Beach, backed by forest (where there’s another chance to spot those elusive red squirrels!). It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.
Holyhead
Next, take the 45-minute drive to Holyhead, the longest leg of today’s journey so far. Ferries from this busy port take people and vehicles to Dublin, but you could explore the town or take one of the local coastal walks. Try the audio-guided trails at Breakwater Country Park on the site of an old quarry, and as you roam among the heather and gorse, see if you can glimpse a peregrine falcon overhead.
Ynys Lawd
A ten-minute drive from Holyhead brings you to Ynys Lawd, Welsh for ‘South Stack’, home to one of the most dramatic spots in North Wales: the seacliffs and the South Stack Lighthouse.
Visitors and nature lovers come here to admire the stunning scenery and spot colonies of guillemots and razorbills from the RSPB visitor centre. In the summer, you can take the 400 steps down to the South Stack Lighthouse to see puffins nesting on the cliffs. Just remember the only way back up is the way you came…
Caerfanon
After exploring Anglesey Island, head east and plan to get back to the mainland, ready for the next day in Snowdonia National Park. Stop overnight in or around Caerfanon.
If you’ve got time left today, stop at Caernarfon Castle. It’s one of the most spectacular in Wales and is considered one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. The four Edward I fortresses of Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Beaumaris Castle, and Harlech Castle are a World Heritage Site. But Caerfanon Castle is gigantic, taking 47 years to build and costing a staggering £25,000 700 years ago.
If you’ve run out of time to visit, see if you can make time for Caernarfon Castle tomorrow, particularly if you’re trying to check off as many of Edward I’s North Wales castles as possible on this road trip.
Day 4: A road trip around Snowdonia National Park
Some might say this four-day road trip saves the best till last. The final day of the North Wales road trip takes in some of the highlights of Snowdonia National Park, one of the most scenic and sought-after destinations in North Wales and a must-see location on a North Wales road trip.
This part of the North Welsh road trip itinerary takes you on a spiral route around the Snowdon summit and visits must-see locations like Portmerion and Betws-y-Coed, taking an anti-clockwise route to get the best views.
Caerfanon
When you’re ready to set off from Caernarfon, take the A4085 towards Beddgelert, which rises into the foothills of Snowdonia National Park. This incredibly scenic drive is a real treat, and as you reach the crest of the hill past Rhyd-Ddu, look left up Snowdon’s western flanks for a peek at the summit café. Perhaps you’ll make yourself a promise to have a cuppa up there one day. For now, the journey continues.
Beddgelert
Take a quick stop at this picturesque village, a popular base for hikers looking to explore the Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, Nant Gwynant to the east, and Snowdon to the north. If you want to linger, consider hopping aboard the Welsh Highland Railway, you could just take a quick ride to Rhyd Ddu and back, although longer routes as far as Porthmadog are available on these little trains.
Once you leave the village, take the A498 and look for more glimpses of the summit. Pull over to stop, admire the views, and take your time on this stretch of the journey.
Turn left at Pen y Gwryd and up through the famous Llanberis Pass, a five-mile mountain drive. Its highest point, Pen-y-Pass, marks the start of the most popular (yet super challenging) walking routes to the top of Snowdon. Not for you, though (at least, not today). From here, it’s downhill to Llanberis for a much easier route to Snowdon’s summit…
Llanberis
When you reach Llanberis, take a heritage train ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. It effortlessly takes you to the summit of Snowdonia, giving you some epic views of viaducts and waterfalls, gorges and ancient settlements along the way. You’ll need to allow two and a half hours to complete the round trip, which includes stopping at the UK’s highest visitor centre.
It’s not your only option in Llanberis. There’s the lakeside country park, Padarn, where you can spend some time strolling. Or, if you’re curious about Snowdonia’s place in Wales’ industrial history, the National Slate Museum is a good place to learn more. And while the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle can’t rival the majesty of some of the Edward I fortresses you’ve seen so far, there’s a real charm to this one, and the lake views are lovely.
Portmeirion
You can’t visit Snowdonia and not visit the quirky Portmeirion. This pretty Italianate village was designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and is quite unlike anywhere else you’ll find in North Wales – or anywhere in Wales, for that matter! Visit the Central Piazza to see homes inspired by the Italian Riviera and pretty gardens. Stop at Hotel Portmeirion for a sea view before hitting the road and heading to Betws-y-Coed.
Betws-y-Coed
While it’s not how you’ll access Snowdonia on this North Wales road trip itinerary, this cute little town is considered the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. How you spend your time in Betws-y-Coed is up to you. There are plenty of walking trails from the town, although there are independent craft shops and gift stores to pick up some souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a high-octane adventure, you’re in luck. Head to Zip World Betws-y-Coed for the Fforest Coaster ride through the treetops or try Europe’s highest giant swing.
Bethesda
End your day in Snowdonia and your epic North Wales road trip on a (literal) high at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, the sister site to Zip World Betws-y-Coed. This one’s home to the fastest zip line in the world and the longest one in Europe. It’s just outside of Bethesda and was once the world’s latest slate quarry. There are other tourist attractions here, too, including quarry tours.
And home…?
Bethesda marks the end of the four-day North Wales road trip. Perhaps you’ll stop overnight in Snowdonia National Park before heading home the next day or set off on a new road trip in Wales next. If you want to see the final castle of the foursome that make up the World Heritage Site, you could plan to head further down the coast to visit Harlech Castle.
Top tips for planning a successful North Wales road trip
When you’re ready to get into the finer details of planning a North Wales road trip, don’t overlook some simple measures to help make your road trip a success.
Plan your days in advance
Once you’ve mapped out a rough route, think about where you’ll stop and whether booking is advised. For instance, you might want to book your zipline adventure at Zip World or your tickets for the Snowdonia Mountain Railway. This is especially important if you’re taking a road trip during peak times, like the summer or school holidays.
Think about your accommodation in advance, too, whether you’re planning a camping trip and hopping from site to site or staying in local guesthouses.
Use online mapping
Google Maps or other internet-connected mapping systems like Wayz can take the stress out of road trips. It helps to have your route downloaded if you find yourself in an internet black spot. At the beginning of each day, putting all your stops into your route can help plan your time in each place effectively so you don’t miss out on anything you want to see.
Think about charging
If you’re driving an electric car, you’ll need to think about where you’ll charge. Happily, the range of the newest EV models is excellent, so you might not need to charge many times. Many tourist attractions and town centre car parks have places to top up, and you can typically plan to charge stops using the in-car map to find the best locations for your journey.
Pack well for the adventures
North Wales is an outdoor adventurers paradise, and along the road trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for long hikes, on-the-water adventures, and adrenaline-fuelled experiences if you want them. Take sturdy shoes for walking; even in the summer, having a coat with you is good. It can get chilly in the mountains!
Book a car with a bike rack if you want to hit some of the biking trails. And if you bring your dog to explore the Great Outdoors with you, you can filter your search to find a pet-friendly car.
Getting to North Wales
Depending on where you’re setting off from to drive your North Wales road trip, getting to the starting point of Mold could involve a pretty epic road trip.
From London
If you book a car in London on Turo for a North Wales road trip, the best route to reach North Wales is through Birmingham and routing northwest towards Liverpool. It’s a long road trip in itself—almost five hours without stopping on a 230-mile journey.
From Cardiff
If you’re back-to-backing Welsh road trips and looking to take a North Wales road trip after exploring South Wales – perhaps the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Wye Valley, or the Pembrokeshire Coast in the southwest of Wales – you might set off from Cardiff, Wales’s capital city. Or, if you’ve decided to collect your car in Cardiff, there are convenient collection points on Turo, whether you want to pick up a car from the train station car park or near Cardiff Castle.
From Liverpool
Liverpool is incredibly close to the Welsh border and an ideal place to pick up a rental car if you arrive in the city by train or plane. Collect a car from Liverpool airport or Liverpool train station. Then, it’s just an hour or so to drive to Mold and the start of the North Wales road trip.
The best cars for a North Wales road trip
Whether you don’t have a car or your vehicle just isn’t right for the journey you have in mind, here are some top vehicle choices for a North Wales road trip.
Minivans
If you’re bringing friends or family along for the ride, you might want to consider a minivan or people carrier—either for the extra seats or the extra luggage room.
SUVs
Smooth and comfortable, driving an SUV is a top choice for a North Wales road trip. Choose an affordable model, or upgrade your road trip with an SUV from a luxury brand, such as a Tesla Model Y, a Range Rover, or a BMW X5.
Sports cars
If just two of you are taking a North Wales road trip, consider something fun and sporty for the ride. Some of the scenic drives in North Wales are beautiful and best enjoyed in a convertible to have the open sky above you. Winter trip? Forget the drop-top and opt for a sports car that promises a smooth ride.
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