7-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Wales: Discover Beaches, Castles, and Enchantment

Day 1: Explore Cardiff

Cardiff, Wales

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Plan Café

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast featuring local produce and artisan coffee.
Located in the Cardiff Bay area.
GBP15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Cardiff Castle

Explore the stunning Gothic architecture and rich history of Cardiff Castle, located right in the city center.
Short 10-minute walk from the café.
GBP14, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Potted Pig

Enjoy lunch in a converted bank, known for its delicious charcuterie boards and local beers.
5-minute walk from the castle.
GBP20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Stroll through Bute Park

Take a leisurely walk in Bute Park, a beautiful green space adjacent to the castle with lovely gardens.
Right behind Cardiff Castle.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Clink

Savor a unique dining experience in a restaurant run by inmates, offering gourmet dishes.
10 minutes by car.
GBP30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Brecon Beacons, Wales

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Old Barn

Fuel up for the day with a traditional Welsh breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Driving to Brecon Beacons (1 hour).
GBP12, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike to Pen y Fan

Challenge yourself with a hike to the highest peak in South Wales, offering panoramic views.
Drive to the Taf Fechan Forest car park (30 minutes).
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Red Lion

Indulge in a delightful lunch at a cozy local pub famed for its hearty meals.
Drive 30 minutes to the pub.
GBP18, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre

Learn about the park's natural wonders and history through interactive exhibits.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Mill

Wrap up your day with a meal at this contemporary restaurant known for its local dishes and wines.
20 minutes drive back towards Brecon.
GBP25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Literary Escape

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Hive

Start your day in this charming café with tasty pastries and organic coffee.
Drive to Hay-on-Wye (30 minutes).
GBP10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Hay Castle

Explore the historic castle that offers a fascinating insight into the town’s history.
Short walk to the castle.
GBP5, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Browse at Hay's bookshops

Spend time wandering through the famous second-hand bookshops that Hay-on-Wye is renowned for.
Walk around town.
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Tomatillo

Enjoy a flavorful lunch at this funky café that serves fresh Mexican street food.
Just a short walk from the bookshops.
GBP15, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the Hay Festival site

Learn about the famous literary festival that takes place annually in this charming market town.
Check the location based on the season.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Blue Boar

End your day with a lovely meal in this cozy pub offering hearty meals and local ales.
Walk back to town center.
GBP20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Town

Aberystwyth, Wales

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Enjoy a riverside breakfast with various options to choose from, including vegan delights.
Drive to Aberystwyth (1 hour).
GBP12, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

Ride the famous funicular railway to enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
3-minute drive from the café.
GBP7, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Explore Aberystwyth Castle

Wander through the ruins of this 13th-century castle overlooking the sea.
5-minute drive from the railway.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Olive Branch

Savor lunch with a Mediterranean flair, offering fresh local ingredients.
20-minute walk from the castle.
GBP18, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit National Library of Wales

Discover an extensive collection of literature and history in this impressive building.
5-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bar 46

Enjoy a laid-back evening meal with a menu featuring local seafood and craft beers.
Short drive away.
GBP25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Majestic Mountains

Snowdonia, Wales

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Snowdonia Hotel

Begin the day with a delightful breakfast with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Drive to Snowdonia (1.5 hours).
GBP15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike Mount Snowdon

Challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.
Start from the Pen-y-Pass car park.
Free, 5-7 hours depending on route

4:00 PM

Lunch on the trail

Pack a picnic to enjoy in nature with stunning surrounding views on your hike.
Bring your items from breakfast or a local shop.
GBP10, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Y Gwyndy

Relax after your hike with dinner at this traditional pub in Llanberis, known for its burgers.
Short drive from the trailhead.
GBP20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Bangor

Bangor, Wales

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Menai

Enjoy breakfast by the Menai Straits, with a menu full of local fish and bread.
Travel from Snowdonia to Bangor (30 minutes).
GBP12, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Bangor Pier

Take a leisurely walk along one of the longest piers in the UK, offering fabulous sea views.
10 minutes drive from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Explore Bangor University

Visit the beautiful campus of one of the oldest universities in the UK, with lovely gardens.
5-minute drive from the pier.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Da Marco

Enjoy casual dining at this local favorite for authentic Italian pizza.
Close to the university.
GBP15, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Penrhyn Castle

Explore the grand 19th-century castle with lush gardens and a fascinating history.
10-minute drive from lunch.
GBP13, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Harp Inn

End your day with traditional Welsh dishes in a welcoming pub atmosphere.
15-minute drive from the castle.
GBP20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Historic Conwy

Conwy, Wales

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Archway Cafe

Have a cozy breakfast with local delicacies to fuel your journey.
Drive to Conwy (30 minutes).
GBP10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Conwy Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking coastal views.
Just a short walk from the café.
GBP10, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Stroll the Conwy Walls

Walk along the medieval town walls for stunning views of Conwy and beyond.
Access from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Erskine Arms

Enjoy lunch in this historic pub that serves traditional fare and craft beers.
5-minute walk from the walls.
GBP18, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Plas Mawr

Explore this superbly preserved Elizabethan townhouse, a hidden gem in Conwy.
Short walk from lunch.
GBP7, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The George & Dragon

End your trip with a lovely dinner at this quaint pub known for its warm atmosphere and local dishes.
10-minute walk from Plas Mawr.
GBP25, 1.5 hours
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