campervan road trip north wales

Taking A Road Trip To North Wales In A Campervan

Are you excited about embarking on a journey that combines freedom, adventure and breathtaking landscapes? Look no further than exploring beautiful North Wales in a campervan, a land of enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage. North Wales is a hidden gem nestled in the rugged terrain of the United Kingdom. From majestic mountains to dramatic coastlines, this region offers a diverse range of landscapes that are perfect for exploration. Traveling in a camper van allows you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comfort and flexibility afforded by a mobile home. One of the highlights of touring North Wales in a campervan is the freedom to choose your own adventure. Begin your journey by driving through the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Park up your van, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek to the summit. The panoramic views from the top will leave you in awe and make every step worth the effort.

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• Itinerary For A Campervan Roadtrip Through North Wales With Top Campsites From Mountains To Coast

Itinerary For A Campervan Roadtrip Through North Wales with Top Campsites from Mountains to Coast

  Read Time: About 7 minutes

Trefor. Neil Mark Thomas

North Wales Road Trip

Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to North Wales, home to spectacular landscapes, rich culture, charming coastal towns, rugged mountains and lush valleys. Our North Wales road trip explores World Heritage, market towns, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and sprawling national parks peppered with magnificent castles and glittering lochs. North Wales comprises Conwy, Denbighshire , Flintshire , Gwynedd , Wrexham and Ynys Monor or the Isle of Anglesey and our adventures will take us past these stunning areas, stopping at gorgeous campsites that present some of the most unforgettable scenery around. We’ve included towns with private campervan owners near each attraction, and invite our readers to mix and match our North Wales campervan road trip itinerary to best suit individual travel needs.

• A Campervan Roadtrip Through North Wales with Top Campsites from Mountains to Coast
• Part 1: Campervan Adventures in Llangollen, the Best Campsites and Scenic Spots

North Wales is an easy destination for both local and international travellers, and enjoys excellent transport links. The region is only hours from places like Liverpool and Manchester, and even boasts two small airports in Anglesey and Caernarfon, that are ideal for domestic flights. Enter the country via various train routes from bustling cities, or hop on a ferry if you’re heading in from Ireland. The best route by far is via car or campervan, as Wales is well-known for its scenic routes and well-maintained roads.

Find the perfect campervan for your North Wales adventure, and have a peek at our campervan road trip itinerary below. We’ve also included a selection of fab North Wales campsites , making it easy to sort your entire journey with a few clicks. We’ll be back with the first segment of our nine part road trip next week, so be sure to keep an eye on this space.

We’ll dive into each of these locations in depth as we progress along our way.

Start: Llangollen

Part 2: pontcysyllte aqueduct, part 3: clwydian range and dee valley area of outstanding natural beauty, part 4: conwy, part 5: beaumaris, part 6: anglesey area of outstanding natural beauty, part 7: town walls, caernarfon, part 8: llŷn peninsula area of outstanding natural beauty.

• Part 9: Snowdonia National Park

Llangollen. Adrian Mag

Away we go! Our road trip kicks off at Llangollen , one of Wales' most scenic and culturally rich towns. Tucked in the Dee Valley, this captivating town welcomes visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, charming streets and cornucopia of historical and natural attractions. As we meander through this enchanting town, we’ll explore the serene Llangollen Canal, perfect for leisurely walks or canal boat trips. History enthusiasts can visit the majestic ruins of Dinas Bran Castle, perched high on a hill with panoramic views, while the more active types head out for exhilarating white-water rafting on the River Dee. The town also has a wealth of independent shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and campsites to suit all pockets. Llangollen's blend of natural beauty and rich heritage is a great introduction to the thrills of North Wales.

Check out the full guide here: Campervan Adventures in Llangollen, the Best Campsites and Scenic Spots

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Badgersarecoolx On Instagram

Pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a historic marvel. We visit this magnificent aqueduct, dubbed the stream in the sky," and get a taste of the awe-inspiring views North Wales is reputed for. The attraction spans the River Dee and boasts amazing views of the surrounding countryside, and offers the perfect settings for relaxed walks and peaceful boat rides across the aqueduct itself. Families can wander over to the sleepy village of Trevor , which is perfect for laid back picnics. The more adventurous can forgo nibbles for bracing walks on the surrounding trails, weaving through the verdant Welsh landscape. Llangollen is nearby so our readers can opt to start their campervan road trip here and rumble over to Llangollen for its vibrant cultural scene and heritage attractions.

• Back to table of contents

Clwydian Range. Welsh_Girl_Wandering On Instagram

Stop number three brings us to the 21-mile Clwydian Range, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1985. The landscape here is a delight to explore, especially if you love nature, big skies, and the feel of being alone amidst sprawling sceneries. Make the heather-clad hills your home for a few days, and uncover jaw-dropping views, a plethora of outdoor activities for all abilities, and historic towns that stand testament to Welsh hospitality. Outdoorsy types can hike up to the summit of Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, or explore Dee Valley's charming town. Along the way you'll discover a myriad of trails, hidden villages, and ancient hillforts, ensuring a memorable road trip in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB near to vibrant market town Mold .

Conwy. Jiamin Huang

We’re not done with UNESCO World Heritage Sites just yet. Our fifth segment takes us to captivating Conwy , tucked on the North Wales coast, famed for its mediaeval charm and stunning architecture. Despite its size, the town packs in a wealth of attractions and is a must if you’re in this part of Wales. Be transported back in time while exploring the imposing Conwy Castle or scrolling along the well-preserved town walls that also serve as a fantastic viewpoint. The settlement also boasts a range of quirk attractions, including the smallest house in Britain. Explore the picturesque Conwy Quay, and big hitters like the Conwy Suspension Bridge plus the lush Bodnant Garden. Dive into a rich tapestry of experiences with our upcoming, detailed campervan road trip itinerary.

Penmon Point, Beaumaris. Andrew Hall

We swap vibrant settlements for coastal capers at Beaumaris , a lively coastal town boasting an enchanting mix of Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian architecture. A walk through the town is an absolute must where you’ll find Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at the heart of the town. Wander along the scenic Beaumaris Pier, enjoy the local atmosphere as you dine at local shops or cafes, and stop for a visit to the Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse. Nearby, the stunning landscapes of Anglesey brims with ample opportunities for coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and even boat trips to Puffin Island. We’ll take an indepth look at these attractions, plus campsites and campervan hire locations on our Beaumaris road trip itinerary

Holyhead Mountain. Nomadic1357 On Instagram

Anglesey , a gorgeous island off the north-west coast of Wales holds an array of exciting attractions. Much of the island’s 125-mile coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the characterful locals are proud to hold the longest place name in Britian - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Just don’t ask us how to pronounce it. The island offers a sense of otherness and has always been an independent and bold part of Wales. Anglesey has oodles of attractions, ranging from ancient burial mounds and standing stones, to Victorian bridges and charming villages like Moelfre and Cemaes . Our road trip through Anglesey combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure, creating a delightful escape for all.

Town Walls, Caernarfon. Reinaldo Sture

Hey, ho! We’re exploring yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site on the eight stop on our scenic, flexible, and detailed campervan road trip through North Wales. Take a fascinating journey into the heart of mediaeval Wales and explore an impressive fortification. Located on the picturesque shores of the Menai Strait, Caernarfon is home to the magnificent Town Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encircling the town with well-preserved mediaeval stonework. Visitors are also drawn to the magnificent Caernarfon Castle, an architectural marvel and key fortress in Welsh history. Soak in waterfront views at the colourful Victoria Dock, and wander through the narrow streets lined with charming shops and historic buildings. Escape the bustle for a scenic walk along the Menai Strait for breathtaking coastal vistas. We’ll take a look at these attractions plus campsites in our weekly update.

Llŷn Peninsula. Alex.Davies, On Instagram

We’re not quite done with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty either. The Llŷn Peninsula where one goes to savour breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in West Wales. Jutting out into the Irish Sea, this stunning peninsula is famed for its rocky coastline, serene beaches, and rolling countryside. As we travel we’ll explore a variety of attractions. We’ll pop into the picturesque seaside village of Aberdaron , known for its vibrant cultural heritage, and potter around the charming harbour town of Porthmadog . The kids will love frolicking on the beaches of Porthor, also known as the Whistling Sands, where the sand emits a unique whistling sound as you walk. Uncover rich history at sites like the ancient hillfort of Tre'r Ceiri and the tranquil St. Hywyn's Church. With bags of coastal charm and natural beauty, the Llŷn Peninsula is a true gem in North Wales that provides landscape to one of the largest market town Pwllheli .

Part 9: Snowdonia National Park | snowdonia-national-park

Snowdonia National Park, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Isa Macouzet

Alas! All good things must come to an end, and so we end our exciting road trip through North Wales. Although it is our last stop, there’s heaps of adventures to be found at Eryri National Park . The renowned park, stretching across 823 square miles, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Dominated by the towering peak of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales, Eryri is home to a stunning array of attractions. Hardy types can hike to the summit for sweeping views or take the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway for a more relaxing ascent. We’ll explore the mystical glacial lake of Llyn Llydaw, and fall in love with the cascading beauty of Swallow Falls. We’ll encounter ancient castles, serene valleys, and a rich tapestry of Welsh culture. A road trip through Eryri National Park is a great way to end an exciting itinerary through North Wales.

Our Campervan Road Trip in the North Wales Map

It's a North Wales Adventure and we're following the map shown below. Take a peek at the wonderful locations we'll be visiting along the way.

We’ll update a new addition each week to our road trip, with our favourite campsites in the area, and the best places to hire a campervan. Feel free to amend our itinerary to best suit your road trip, and use our blogs to combine routes through different countries.

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Ultimate Guide to Exploring North Wales in a Campervan

North Wales is the ultimate adventure capital of the UK, with paddle boarding, canyons, cliff-jumping, hiking and so much more. It’s an underrated area of the UK, often forgotten about with UK travellers.

But the abundance of staycations this year, has meant it’s beauty and stunning scenery has been uncovered. I have always wanted to explore this area of Wales and was so happy to finally get over there for a road trip in a campervan. 

There’s nothing better than exploring the UK on a road trip and having a campervan gives you the freedom to explore to your heart’s content without having to worry about finding accommodation at short notice.

Having a van allows you to have more spontaneity with your trips. If you like somewhere you can stay for longer, or move on if you don’t!

Buying or converting a van can be pretty expensive plus all the other considerations that go along with it like maintenance and parking. If you’re not ready to commit to your own van then renting one could be the perfect solution. Recently, I headed to North Wales with a van from rental site Camptoo and we had the best time exploring North Wales.

Keep reading for my favourite Caravan Parks in North Wales

Best Things to do in North Wales

We headed over to North Wales in our camper as we have family over there who we hadn’t seen for a while. The van was absolutely perfect for this trip as they don’t have enough room in their house for us to stay there and it was also good to have our own space and vehicle for when we wanted to do our own thing.

Llandudno is a coastal town in North Wales which is known for its beach and pier. It’s also near to Conwy, Anglesey and Snowdonia so it’s a great place to visit if you love the outdoors.

The Great Orme

The Great Orme is Llandudno’s “mini mountain” – a limestone headland which is 207m above sea level. You can walk either to the top or around it and there is a ski slope and toboggan run at the top. Not to mention the amazing views you get of the surrounding sea!

If you don’t fancy the walk up then you can get a cable car or the tram to the top. Also, you can get a local bus from Llandudno town centre which is only £1.20 per person. We got on the bus, enjoyed an ice cream at the top and then walked back down.

Beaches in Llandudno

There are two lovely beaches in Llandudno – the North Shore and the West Shore. The North Shore is the more touristy beach and this is where you’ll find the pier.

My favourite beach was the West Shore. This beach is quieter and a bit wilder with more pebbles and rocks. It’s also dog friendly in places which means your pooch can run off some energy and have a swim.

Early in the morning we parked in the West Shore car park with the back doors of the van facing out so we could see the beach and the sea and sat there with a morning coffee enjoying the view.

Seal spotting at Angel Bay

Angel Bay is situated on the Little Orme, the headland at the opposite side of Llandudno Bay to the Great Orme. Smaller than its big brother, the Little Orme is 141m high. There’s a nice walk you can do round here but it was really raining when we visited so we just popped out to see the bay’s resident seals!

We saw quite a few seals pop their heads up but we didn’t manage to see any get out onto the rocks.

The best time to see the seals is during their mating season from September to December so head up then.

Best Caravan Parks in North Wales

North Wales has lots of amazing caravan parks but I’ve picked out five of my favourite for your next adventure. North Wales really is an ideal destination for your caravanning holidays. 

• Barmouth Bay Holiday Park – Snowdonia
• Kingsley Holiday Park – Towyn, North Wales
• Haven Hafan y Môr Holiday Park – Snowdonia, North Wales
• Woodlands Hall Holiday Park – Ruthin, North Wales
• Haven Greenacres Holiday Park – Porthmadog, North Wales
• Abbeyffordd Holiday Park – Towyn, North Wales
• New Pines Holiday Park – Denbighshire, North Wales
• Lido Beach Holiday Park – Prestatyn, North Wales
• Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park – Snowdonia, North Wales
• Pendyffryn Hall Holiday Park – Conwy, North Wales

How to use Camptoo

Camptoo is like Airbnb but for campervans. It has the largest supply of campervans and motorhomes in the UK which means that you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing your van.

There are vans here which are both privately owned and owned by small companies and there is a wide range of vans from small vans with just beds inside to all singing all dancing motorhomes.

There are also lots of options for filters so you can choose where you’d like to pick up the van from, the type of van you’d like as well as the transmission, price and facilities. We chose a dog friendly van as we wanted to take our dog Alfie away on holiday with us.

Once you’ve picked your van, you just send a booking request where you give more details about the trip you’re planning to take and yourself. You then pay for your booking once it has been accepted. You also have to pay a £500 deposit before you travel in case of any damage but you get this back within two days of you returning the van if all is well.

You can message the campervan owner with any questions that you have before you pick the van up and from then it’s super easy. Just agree your pick up and drop off times and then go and get your van!

If you already own your own van then renting it out on Camptoo would be a great way for you to earn some extra pennies when you’re not using it yourself.

Scroll back up for the best Caravan Parks in North Wales

Volkswagen T5

We chose a Volkswagen T5 for our trip which we went to pick up locally. I’ve seen lots of people travelling around with converted T5s so I was really looking forward to trying it out. It’s definitely the van that I would choose if I was to buy one.

For a small van, it was quite spacious inside and had everything we needed for our break. The driving took a little bit of getting used to – bearing in mind I have a Mini! – but once we got going it was a smooth ride.

Inside the van there are seats which fold down into a double bed, a gas hob, sink and storage cupboards. This van also had all the plates, cups and cutlery that we needed for our holiday. There’s also a table which you can put and the front two seats swivel round so you can seat four round the table.

The van sits and sleeps four people. Two people downstairs and two in the pop-up tent on the roof. I also like that the van has three seats in the front so we could both sit there and Alfie could be strapped in too.

The thing that I love most about this van is that it has a sliding door on the side and then double doors at the back. This means that we could enjoy some great views from our bed with the doors open. We even sat there whilst it was raining and it felt super cosy.

Pick up and drop off was really simple too. When we arrived, the van was all ready with the keys inside and we just had to drop it off the same way. The owner then checks it over and if it’s all good your deposit is refunded straight away.

Where can you park your van overnight?

In the UK, you’re not really supposed to park your van just anywhere overnight. However, as long as you are considerate when you camp – don’t leave any litter, don’t be too noisy, etc – you should be fine in most places like laybys and roadsides.

Always be aware of any signs on the road around you as some may say that campervans aren’t permitted. Also, you’ll need to think about what you’ll do if you need to go to the toilet.

If you’re looking to park on private land then you should always check with whoever owns the land before you park there.

The other option is to book into a campsite. This means that you’ll have facilities like showers, toilets and sometimes even a kitchen. There are lots of options for campsites in the UK, although you may need to book ahead during weekends and school holidays.

We had a great time with our Camptoo campervan. It’s a hassle free option for renting a camper and there is so much choice on the site.

If you on a bigger trip exploring more of Europe check out my guides to France , Germany, Greece, Iceland , Italy , Portugal , Spain and United Kingdom .

Author Bio : Samantha blogs at  CocoTravels.co.uk  about travel and adventure. She especially loves exploring more of the UK and is a passionate advocate for travel here as there is just so much to see. You’ll most likely find her hiking near her home in the Peak District with her King Charles Spaniel, swimming in the sea, or taking in the sunset with a glass of fizz!

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

To book flights, I always use flight search engine Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through  Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. 

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner. 

You can also find me on social media:  Facebook ,  Twitter,   YouTube  and  Instagram .

Did you know I also vlog my trips? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get alerted when all my travel videos go live… CHECK THEM OUT HERE

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please  share it for me with all your friends and family!

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North wales road trip – your motorhome travel guide.

Introduction to The North Wales Road Trip

Wales is a spellbinding country. It is a landscape rich with Celtic history, natural wonders, and mystical places. In North Wales, you will find a particularly impressive concentration of these cultural and environmental sites. From lofty peaks and crashing coastlines to riviera-style towns and medieval castles, a North Wales road trip has a variety of activities to offer for all types of travellers.

As this region is 6,172 square kilometres in size, with many of the key sites spread across different locations, it is best to visit this area in a motorhome or campervan. This allows you to drive during the day yet sleep in the comfort of your mobile home each night. It is a convenient yet liberating way to complete a North Wales road trip in style! With that in mind, here are some top tips for driving around North Wales.

Where is North Wales

North Wales, or Gogledd Cymru in Welsh, is a rural region of the United Kingdom. It contains the Isle of Anglesey along with the northernmost Welsh counties of Conwy, Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham. This region is fronted by the Irish Sea along its coastline and the English border to the east. It is perhaps best known for its impressive mountain ranges in Snowdonia National Park.

Starting a North Wales Road Trip

North Wales is a deceptively difficult area to access. Rail and bus links are sparse in this region which makes driving the easiest mode of transport. If travelling from Manchester or Liverpool, the M53 and M56 will take you to the Welsh border in no time. After that, it’s A-roads between the bigger towns and country lanes to access the remote tourist destinations! Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this region by hiring for at least 7 days – more if possible!

When to Visit?

North Wales is a very seasonal place. Choosing the right season depends on what you want to do and see. For example, the winter can be bitterly cold with lashings of snow and rain making for poor road trip conditions. However, in the summer, the weather is steady with calm days and more hours of sunshine.

If your North Wales road trip is focused on hiking, summer will be the prime season for you. The trade-off is that trails in Snowdonia National Park will be brimming with people. However, beach days are lovely, and the long evenings are perfect for camping.

If you want to go surfing on your North Wales road trip, autumn brings some decent swells to the coast. Autumn is also a good time to see the Atlantic grey seals. They swim into the coves to raise their pups in September and many of these animals can be spotted from lookouts in Cardigan Bay.

Spring is a lovely time to watch birdlife or go coarse fishing in the lakes and rivers. Daffodils are in bloom and the country is in a particularly buoyant mood on the 1 st of March for St David’s Day. Outside of the Easter Holidays, much of North Wales will be a quieter affair, perfect for visiting cultural sites and historical monuments.

Where to Stay?

North Wales is a truly bucolic place. This is great news for any van travellers as it means there are idyllic campsites dotted throughout the region. If you hire a motorhome from Life’s an Adventure, you can benefit from the Camping and Caravanning Club loyalty scheme. Therefore, if you visit the sites at Bala or Llanystumdwy you can receive a discount of up to 30%!

If you are interested in staying close to an urban area, Bangor is one of the biggest settlements in North Wales. Alternatively, adventure lovers should base themselves at Camping in Llanberis on the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park. If you want to soak up the coastal scenery, head up to Blackthorn Farm near Holyhead.

During your North Wales road trip, you should make the most of the countryside campsites in this area. Beddgelert Campsite, Garth Farm, and Glanllyn are all hotspots for hillwalkers as they’re situated inside Snowdonia National Park.

If you want to go off-grid camping in your motorhome, try boondocking. This is when you park your vehicle in an unofficial location to sleep for the night. You can’t do this in a National Park or AONB, but a country layby or beach car park could be possible. Make sure you read any signs within the vicinity and try using an app like Park4Night to help you find the ideal location.

An unmissable location on your North Wales road trip is Snowdonia ( Eryri ) National Park. Here you’ll find alpine-style peaks and glacially-formed landscapes. Many ancient myths swirl among the mists and waters of this National Park, such as the legends of King Arthur and stories about dragons. Snowdonia is also home to Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon ( Yr Wyddfa ) and many fantastic hiking areas such as the Ogwen Valley, Carneddau, and Glyders.

If you want to drive to some cultural sites, check out Portmeirion. This town was built in the early 20 th century with much of the architecture resembling an Italian alpine village! For some Victorian promenades and pleasure piers, head to Wales’ oldest cathedral city of Bangor.

On your North Wales road trip, it would be a shame to miss some of the country’s most impressive ruins and fortifications. The World Heritage Caernarfon Castle is one highlight that sits on the tidal flats overlooking the Menai Strait. There’s also the 13 th -century Conwy Castle which is perched above the National Trust Telford Suspension Bridge.

For island escapes and coastal camping, head to the top corner of the country on your North Wales road trip. Here you’ll find Anglesey, a windy and wild isle home to nesting sea birds, lighthouses, and bracing beach walks. Further south, the Llŷn Peninsula also offers remote beaches and thrilling surf spots.

For another intriguing location in North Wales, check out the UNESCO World Heritage “Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”. This includes the Penrhyn and Dinorwig slate quarries amongst other smaller mines throughout the region. If you want to see these slate mines but also go on an adventure, check out Zip World activities in North Wales.

What to Pack for a North Wales Road Trip?

Depending on what excursions you want to do on your North Wales road trip, there are a few essentials to bring with you. If heath camping and coastal drives are your thing, why not bring a surfboard to catch some waves? (Alternatively, rent a board from Abersoch Watersports on the Llŷn Peninsula). For an easier-to-store item, pack a pair of binoculars to enjoy birdwatching at the coastal nesting sites.

If you want to go hiking or country walking, make sure you carry some appropriate equipment with you. Wales is prone to rain and waterproofs are usually required. A sturdy pair of hiking boots help to tackle mud and loose rock. Lastly, pack a warm fleece and woolly hat to fight off the nipping wind that blows off the Irish Sea!

Food & Drink

A North Wales road trip would hardly be complete without sampling a Welsh tea cake or bara brith (traditional fruit cake). You can find these tasty treats in many cafes throughout the region but there are some particularly good ones at Popty Conwy Bakery or Pen Ceunant Isaf.

Throughout the country, Wales has some fine dishes to enjoy. On your North Wales road trip, keep an eye out for the world’s best cheese on toast, a.k.a. Welsh rarebit. Leek is another typical Welsh ingredient, and you’ll find it in everything from soups and stews to tarts and pastries. Lastly, if you’ll feeling brave, opt for a side of laverbread (seaweed and cockles) with your full Welsh breakfast!

When in Conwy, make sure you sample some of their renowned mussels. In this location, the River Conwy meets the Irish Sea to produce cross-varieties of salt and freshwater molluscs. For top-tier mussels, check out The Erskine Arms or buy them fresh from Conwy Mussels Company to have a go at cooking them in your campervan!

North Wales is a relatively large region. To make the most out of your North Wales road trip, pick a few key areas to target. Focus on a handful of spots rather than trying to zip through the entire area at breakneck speed. It is a much safer way to travel, allowing you to explore the local scenery at a leisurely pace, without rushing to numerous destinations within a certain time scale.

For example, when starting in Manchester, you can head along the coastal road to Conwy. From there, you can either cut south to Snowdonia or continue west to Anglesey and then down along the Llyn Peninsula. You can choose to spend most of your time in these brilliant locations or cut back up through the Clwydian Range and Wrexham before returning north to round off your epic North Wales road trip. If you are looking for any advice, do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team who are always happy to help!

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Finding Our Adventure

The Best of North Wales | Perfect 4 Day Snowdonia 360 Road Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our website. This article is sponsored by Snowdonia 360.

North Wales has contrasting landscapes from sweeping stretches of sandy beaches to monumental mountainous terrain. Among the rolling green pasture valleys, castles stand proud, mining heritage sites hold a key to the past and wildlife roam their territory.

Eryri Snowdonia 360 is the perfect road trip route around north Wales and can be easily adapted to your travel interests and preferences. Along the route you’ll discover delicious local Welsh produce, phenomenal coastal views and learn all about the rich heritage of this proud nation. 

This guide will show you the ultimate 4 day road trip along the Snowdonia 360 route, taking time to travel slow and experience this incredible part of Wales . The guide includes exciting attractions, food stops and recommended campsites you should stay at in your campervan . 

Read more of our guides around Wales , a guide to Anglesey a beautiful island part of north Wales, best places to visit along the Pembrokeshire coast and top beaches in Wales to discover. If you’re planning to do this road trip over the summer you might find our essential summer road trip packing list useful.

If you’re looking for more road trip inspiration around the UK, we have written guides for; Northumberland 250 , Isle of Mull , Cornwall , Cairngorms National Park and Dartmoor National Park .

ROAD TRIP SUMMARY 

Duration | 4 days Distance | 360 miles Highlights | Beaches, Mountains, Adventure, Wildlife, Heritage, Food

Where is North Wales? 

North Wales, referred to as Gogledd Cymru in Welsh is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is located west of England. The Welsh coast is surrounded by the Irish Sea and is home to Eryri (pronounced ‘Eh-ruh-re’) National Park known in English as Snowdonia National Park.  

What is North Wales known for?

North Wales has the best of both mountains and beautiful beaches but that’s not all! There are castles, waterfalls, wildlife, endless trails and heritage sites across north Wales. The landscape is distinctive with predominantly agricultural rural land and mountains lining the horizon.

As one of the adventure capitals of the UK, north Wales offers many unique activities to get your heart racing. Rich in culture and heritage, the Welsh language is still spoken by many and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

WHAT IS THE SNOWDONIA 360 ROUTE? 

The Eryri Snowdonia 360 is an epic 360 mile route not only through Snowdonia National Park but covers Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula and the coast of north Wales. The route is nothing short of adventure, delicious food and rich heritage to discover. The Eryri Snowdonia 360 website has an interactive map which allows you to customise your trip showing places to eat, attractions and accommodation along the route. 

In this guide we’ve put together a personalised itinerary where you can experience the highlights on what is on offer in north Wales along the Eryri Snowdonia 360 route. There are beautiful coastal and rural towns, heritage sites, local cuisine, adventure and awe-inspiring nature spots. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NORTH WALES?

North Wales isn’t lush green by chance, there is plenty of rain throughout the year and even in the summer months there is a chance for a splash of rain. The best months with little chance of rain are between April and September with warmer temperatures to enjoy it to the fullest. 

If you want to avoid the crowds then plan your visit between April and June, September and October avoiding school holidays and with the likelihood of better weather. During the spring months wildflowers blanket the floor including bluebells and snowdrops, whereas in the autumn months trees transition to warm shades of red, orange and yellow.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO SNOWDONIA?

We’ve put together some of the essentials you should bring with you on your road trip to north Wales and if you’d like a more detailed summer road trip list together read here .  

Raincoat - there is a good chance it might rain! 

Bike - if you have room for your bike, bring it along to ride along many of the beautiful bike routes

Hiking boots - bring your already worn in boots to take a walk along the coast or mountains

Sandals for the beach and good weather

Beach towels 

Wetsuit - as a water sports hub there are plenty of surf and paddle boarding spots

Camera 

Reusable water bottle 

Reusable shopping bag

How to get to Snowdonia? 

Travelling by car to north Wales will give you the freedom to set your own plans and travel at your own pace. You can take scenic detours through the rural countryside and discover hidden gems. North Wales is the perfect place for a road trip with a variety of incredible landscapes, driving along this route is an adventure in itself. 

From London, the quickest route is via the M40, M6 and A55 and takes approximately 4 hours. If you're travelling from Scotland, take the A74 and M6 which is the best route and the drive is around 4.5 hours. From Birmingham, it takes around 2.5 hours and just under 4 hours from Cardiff to Colwyn Bay (north Welsh coast). If you plan on renting a car, check online for the best deals.

By Train 

If you’d rather travel by train and then rent a car, there are plenty of direct train services to north Wales. Train services include London Euston to Llandudno Junction with car rental options available in the town only a short 10 minute walk from the train station. Other routes include from London to Bangor, a historic city set facing the scenic Menai Strait also with car rental options close to the station.   

Trains from Manchester have direct links to Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Prestatyn and from Liverpool trains run to Bangor. Llandudno and Bangor are the main places with car rental options and good train line connections making them a great base to start your journey along the Eryri Snowdonia 360 route. 

The nearest airports to north Wales are Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport. Car rental services are available at each airport and with great train connections to north Wales.

From Birmingham airport, trains take over 3 hours to Llandudno with one or two changes depending on the route you choose. Trains from Manchester airport take around 2.5 hours with a change at Chester. Liverpool Airport has the shortest train transfer journey time taking 2 hours 20 minutes with a change at Chester.  

Holyhead in Anglesey is the closest harbour by ferry including services from Irish Ferries and Stena Line from Dublin which takes 2 hours. If arriving in South Wales by ferry, there are routes to Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. 

Tips on how to make the most of your trip

Be responsible and eco-conscious.

Whilst driving along the Eryri Snowdonia 360 route, there will be a number of things you can do to make the most of your trip and also ensure that you can enjoy it in a safe and responsible way. We’ve put together some tips on how to be a responsible and eco-conscious traveller whilst exploring this incredible part of Wales. 

When taking photographs, make sure you stop in a suitable, safe place and not on grass verges, passing places or block gates or entrances.

Whilst driving on country roads, look out and slow down for wildlife, livestock, pedestrians, horses, cyclists on the road and give plenty of room when overtaking. 

No overnight parking is permitted on roadsides or car parks and all caravans, campervans and motorhomes must use campsites with the correct disposal of waste at campsites and not in nature. 

Pack light, as the heavier your car is the more fuel it consumes. Make sure to only bring what you need and leave unnecessary large things at home. 

Bring your reusable water bottle where you can refill at your accommodation or at the local pub or café. Use the refill app to find nearby free refilling drinking water stations.

Bring reusable bags for your shopping and items to reduce the need to buy any single-use plastic bags at the supermarket or shops. 

Take your time and travel slow through the region, this reduces your fuel consumption but also allows you to really experience places in depth. 

Eat at local restaurants, cafés, buy local produce and try Welsh food to get a flavour of the country and a real local experience. 

Leave no trace by taking all your rubbish with you, leaving it better than you found it and recycle where possible. 

If you have a dog, make sure to keep your dog on a lead near livestock to minimise disturbance to wildlife and clean up after them as it poses a risk to human and livestock health. 

As a result of following these tips, you can be sure to show respect to the locals, reduce your environmental impact and enjoy your road trip whilst knowing you’ve been a responsible and eco-conscious traveller. 

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN DRIVING IN WALES?

Driving in Wales is similar to the rest of the UK, where the speed limits and general rules are the same with keeping to the left hand side of the road.  

When you reach single track country roads, reduce your speed anticipating oncoming traffic and other obstacles including pedestrians, horses, livestock and cyclists. Be patient when you come across other road users, reduce your speed and do not use your horn. There are passing places or lay bys which you can pull into letting oncoming traffic pass which can mean driving takes much longer than on the motorway. 

When using google maps or a sat nav in Wales make sure to check the places that are taking you to the car park and not a random spot on the beach or middle of a mountain. We’d recommend downloading google maps before you set off on your journey so you don’t have to rely on signal, as in some remote locations it can be unreliable. 

Day 1 - Travel to Bodnant WELSH food centre 

The road trip starts in the Conwy Valley, a peaceful rural setting not far from the north Welsh coastline. The first stop is the Bodnant Welsh Food centre , which is found just off the north Wales expressway along the A470, a short 10 minute drive from Colwyn Bay. 

Bodnant Welsh Food is an 18th century farmhouse B&B with plenty of free parking and is set on the side of a hill with wonderful views over the River Conwy. 

As a champion of local produce, Bodnant Welsh Food showcases produce made within the region and has a large selection of fresh produce and homemade high quality products. There is a well-stocked farm shop, featuring their own butchers, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, honey, chutneys and even their own wine cellar. 

The Furnace café is a great lunch spot to enjoy an afternoon tea in a beautiful setting and is dog-friendly. For dinner the Hayloft Grill restaurant serves the best local and seasonal produce on the menu. 

You can also stay on site at the Bed and Breakfast, there is a cookery school and arts and crafts workshops on offer throughout the year. 

If you have time in the afternoon head over to Adventure Parc Snowdonia which is a 10 minute drive from Bodnant Welsh Food centre and within the Conwy valley. The artificial surf lagoon allows you to surf perfect waves throughout the day and is the ultimate adrenaline fuelled activity. 

If you aren’t an experienced surfer don’t worry, they offer surf lessons which we really enjoyed with a group of others who were at a similar ability. The setting of the Adventure Parc Snowdonia is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains which is not the typical place you’d expect to be able to surf! 

There is also a zip line that runs over the surf lagoon and an indoor play area that has a climbing wall, extreme slides, a ninja assault course, high ropes, caving and soft play areas. You can also try Stand Up Paddle boarding on the lagoon without waves. If you want to book a lesson make sure to book it in advance before arriving at Adventure Parc Snowdonia. 

There is a surf-side Deli and Bar & Kitchen which serves delicious food from locally sourced ingredients including sandwiches, pastries, pizza, burgers, cakes with hot and cold drinks available. 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience after a long journey, there is a scenic spa which has an outdoor area where you can soak your muscles whilst watching the waves roll in and surfers attempting to catch them.   

STAY | Plas Gwyn Caravan & Camping Park, Caernarfon  

A cosy and friendly family-owned campsite with all the facilities you will need during your stay, Plas Gwyn has electrical hook up, waste disposal, hot showers, toilets and also the chance to stay in a wooden glamping pod, caravan or B&B room.

We stayed in our campervan on a gravel pitch which had beautiful views of Snowdonia and was surrounded by grass which the cats loved! The campsite is in a great location with easy access to public transport and many nearby attractions in north Wales.

Day 2 - Menai Strait and Nant Gwrtheyrn

In the morning, make your way to Menai Bridge for a very unique and exciting experience at RibRide . As the first e-foil school in the UK, RibRide offer lessons to learn how to e-foil which is basically an electric surfboard that flies above the water!

Our friendly instructor went over the E-foil safety demonstration and gave us instructions on how the session would run. Once we were kitted out with wetsuits, lifejackets, boots and helmets we were then taken out by a boat out onto the scenic Menai Strait to a sheltered spot. 

We took it in turns to learn to use the e-foil lying down, kneeling and then eventually standing which is not something I thought I’d be able to do! We would really recommend this experience, be warned e-foiling is quite addictive and we enjoyed every minute of it. The lesson lasted 3 hours which was enough time to get familiar with how it works and attempt standing up which we managed (photo evidence below!). 

Each group is limited to 3 people to allow each person in the group to get direction and feedback which helps to speed up learning how to use the e-foil. Prices start from £185 per person and is a private lesson with your instructor for the ultimate e-foil learning experience in a stunning setting.

After a quick shower onsite at Ribride, we made our way towards the Llŷn Peninsula with our next destination Nant Gwrtheyrn . The drive along this route has incredible views across to Snowdonia along with extensive views of the beautiful coastline, we were lucky enough to experience this on a sunny day in May. 

There are two car parks in this area, if you are not comfortable driving steep hills or have a heavy vehicle for example a campervan or motorhome we would not advise you driving all the way down to Nant Gwrtheyrn. We would advise parking in the Yr Eifl car park which is on the left hand side before the signed gate and is also a great starting point for walking to Tre’r Ceiri Iron Age Hillfort. 

We walked down the road to Nant Gwrtheyrn and were blown away by the views from one of the hairpin bends in the road. From the side of the hill you could look down the cliffs across the ocean and admire the beautiful coastline. There is a café at the bottom Caffi Meinir which serves panini’s, sandwiches and cakes which is usually open from 10am until 4pm and has spectacular views of the sea in a wonderful peaceful setting. 

Nant Gwrtheyrn is an abandoned former quarry village where over 2,000 people worked onsite to extract granite which today is now used as the Welsh Heritage Centre as an emblem to preserve the Welsh language and features exhibitions on the story of the quarry village of Port Nant. 

STAY | Portmeirion Motorhome Campsite  

After a day of exploration and adrenaline-fuelled adventure, make your way to Portmeirion for late afternoon and check into their on-site campsite. The Portmeirion campsite has great facilities including showers, toilets, waste disposal, picnic benches and spacious pitches. 

There are gravel pitches which vary in size from small, medium and large and are priced according to their size. Each pitch includes electric hook-up, tv hook-up, drinking water tap and booking the campsite includes entry to Portmeirion. Another perk to staying overnight at Portmeirion gives you access to the outdoor heated swimming pool which is located in the hotel at the waterfront. 

Once you arrive at the campsite, you can enjoy a quiet evening around Portmeirion without the crowds as it is closed to the general public after 6:30pm. This was a wonderful and unique experience which is only available to those staying overnight at Portmeirion. Check in is from 2pm and check out is at 10am and no dogs are allowed onsite.

Day 3 - Portmeirion and Sygun Copper Mine 

Have a slow morning on the Portmeirion campsite and once you check out of the campsite at 10am you can park in the main car park for free and re-enter Portmeirion (also for free) for more exploring quaint shops, charming cafés and find delicious Italian style ice cream in the village. 

The Mediterranean-inspired architecture is painted in beautiful pastel colours and feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Portmeirion is an art-lovers paradise blending nature and architecture and artwork into a masterpiece of charm and beauty. Walk along the streets where you’ll discover sculptures, mosaics and allow you to let your imagination go wild. 

Portmeirion was designed by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who had a vision to transform the space to have a harmonious relationship between nature and architecture. Immerse yourself into nature by exploring the extensive gardens and woodlands which cover more than 70 acres and have many hidden surprises to uncover whilst you walk among one of the many walking paths. Climb up to the beautiful gazebo with lovely views over the village and estuary. 

There is a coastal path which runs past the hotel and has wonderful views of the Dwyryd Estuary which has a lovely sandy beach, caves and home to a variety of wildlife and plants. 

A 30 minute drive from Portmeirion, you’ll discover Sygun Copper Mine and along the way the drive will take you through the picturesque village of Beddgelert which is famed to be named after a faithful wolfhound Gelert and you can visit his grave. 

Sygun Copper Mine is found in the heart of the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park and is a unique experience. This historic mine offers self guided tours through the old mine tunnels and takes you right into the depths of the mine. Wrap up warm as it can get cold underground and takes you on a journey to a depth of 150 metres below ground. As you descend you will wander through tunnels, passageways, chambers and witness the magical natural geological formations such as stalagmites and stalactites. 

This underground adventure is an impressive feat where you’ll hear the stories of the miners who would work in the mines only by candlelight! There are steep metal stairs which take you up and deeper into the mine and eventually a tunnel will show you natural daylight and you can truly appreciate the hard work it must have been for miners during that time. 

Later in the afternoon head to Black Rock Sands , a vast expanse of golden sands which you can drive your car onto and enjoy having everything with you and have a lovely chilled time on the beach. Typically it is free to park on the beach outside of peak season. Be careful not to drive on soft sand as you could get stuck, if you do don’t worry there are tractors which can pull you out (we know from experience)! 

Black Rock Sands has wonderful panoramic views of Cardigan Bay with a backdrop of the towering Snowdonia mountains on the horizon. Soak up the sun, walk along the shoreline or enjoy the beautiful sand dunes.  

In the evening, we’d recommend stopping at the Victoria Inn , a locally owned pub with a charming and cosy feel which is the perfect way to end your day with delicious food. The Victoria Inn is a traditional village pub set on the bank of the River Artro serving high-quality home-cooked food. 

The Victoria Inn is open from 12:00-23:00 every day and is worth booking a table if you are visiting in peak season to avoid disappointment, we would recommend their steak pies and the chips are crunchy and so tasty. They also offer en-suite rooms for the night if you are not staying in a campsite or campervan. 

STAY | Nantcol waterfall campsite  

A short 5 minute drive down the road from the Victoria Inn, stay in the peaceful setting of Nantcol Waterfall Campsite , set in the heart of Welsh countryside. Choose a spot where nature is right at your doorstep and enjoy beautiful views of the River Artro. 

Nantcol waterfall campsite has toilets, showers and washing up areas and there is the option to stay in a glamping pod. Enjoy a short 10 minute walk to the nearby Nantcol waterfalls, a wild cascading beauty. This campsite is the perfect place for nature lovers as you can be soothed by the sound of the babbling brook and trees whistling in the wind.   

Day four - Zip World 

On the last day of your road trip, we will finish it on a high…quite literally 152 metres high off the ground flying on the world’s fastest zipline Velocity 2 . The Velocity 2 zipline gives the most incredible injection of adrenalin as you speed up to 100 miles per hour over the Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda. Penrhyn Quarry used to be the world’s largest slate mine and is still Britain’s largest slate quarry but is not operating at the same rate as it was in its prime. 

There are many more activities on offer at Zip World including Quarry Karts, where you’ll ride a truck to the top of the slate quarry and steer your way down the track using a kart whilst going through tunnels and you navigate twisting turns down the hill competing to get first place. 

There are two other Zip World sites, firstly Llechwedd offers exhilarating experiences below ground for slate cavern adventures where you can Bounce Below, zipline from the top of Titan and explore the Caverns, an underground adventure course. This is the perfect spot if the weather isn’t great, you can still have an adventure no matter what!  

The final Zip World site is Fforest in Betws-y-Coed which has a toboggan coaster that takes you through the forest, treetop nets, a vertical freefall drop experience on Plummet 2 and Skyride which will give you a rush of adrenaline.  

Once you have enjoyed the incredible activities that Zip World has to offer (which is a lot), unfortunately this is now the end of your epic North Wales road trip around Eryri Snowdonia 360. 

So, whether you’re exploring the depths of a copper mine, captivated by the beauty of the beaches or cosying up in a local pub, Snowdonia 360 has an abundance of gems waiting for you to discover. Immerse yourself in the local history, embrace the warmth of the local Welsh people and indulge in the spectacular sites of nature. 

We hope you have a great road trip around Wales and read about our Anglesey weekend itinerary which you could add onto this road trip, best places to visit along the Pembrokeshire coast , top beaches in Wales to discover . 

If you’re looking for other road trip inspiration in the UK, check out our Northumberland NLAND 250 guide , best things to do on the isle of Mull , an incredible 2 week road trip around Cornwall , the wild Cairngorms National Park and rugged Dartmoor National Park .  

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Campervan Castaways

Vanlife 4×4 | adventure motorhome travel.

Best Campervan tour of North Wales

Best Campervan Tour of North Wales

Have you ever been on a Campervan tour of North Wales? Maybe you plan to visit or would like to find out a little more about the area first.

One things for sure, North Wales is about to get a whole load of publicity, because it’s the new location for the popular TV series “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here”.

For us North Wales is the place we call home – it’s where we were born and where we come home to between motorhome adventures across the world.

It’s a place of dramatic mountains falling to the sea, a land filled with historic castles, incredible culture and rolling green hills. Finally, it’s a thrill seeker’s paradise and somewhere we first started touring by van as teenagers, over 30 years ago.

So, without further ado – let’s begin with our locals guide to the Best Campervan tour of North Wales!

Llandudno – Best Campervan Tour North Wales

The popular seaside town of Llandudno is located between two wide beaches – the West and North Shore. Bringing a unique appeal, it’s no wonder its called “The Queen of Welsh Resorts”.

However, it’s the dominating mass of ancient limestone of “The Great Orme” that’s the real attraction.

Not only does it have miles of walking trails, but it’s also home to those rather famous Goats. Yes, you may have seen them on TV when they became a bit of an attraction in their own right. All thanks to roaming the usually busy streets during the early days of lockdown.

For those not wanting to walk up, they can take either a tram or a cable car ride to the Summit. Here, beside breathtaking coastal and mountain views you can relax in the comfort of the Summit Cafe.

Llandudno may be an elegant destination for day-trippers, but it’s quickly becoming a more long-term holiday location.

Fitness Fans and History Buffs

This town is changing, attracting younger clientele and active types who come to enjoy a traffic-free promenade and cycle routes.

Stretching along form The Great Orme to its little sibling The Little Orme an outdoor exercise haven awaits. It’s also a good place to make use of the cycle trails linking Llandudno to other coastal resorts such as Colwyn Bay and Conwy.

There’s also plenty to do for history buff’s, from Copper Mines to Museums not forgetting the longest pier in Wales. At 2,220ft it’s definitely one of the best surviving piers in the UK.

In Summer choose between several modes of transport to see those sights! How about taking to a daredevil speedboat or a more sedate open top bus or even a vintage coach or land train.

Last but not least, look out for Dolphins and Seals en-route! Keeping those eyes peeled for the famous goats as they happily roam the grassy banks!

CAMPERVAN PARKING :

• West Shore Promenade or Maelgwyn Road Car Park – strictly no overnighting.
• North and West Shore.
• The Great Orme – near Cable Car top and bottom stations.
• In the Town centre – street behind Barclays Bank.

Conwy – Campervan Tour of North Wales

This remarkable walled town and fairly intact 13th Century Castle is a big attraction. Mainly because of it’s World Heritage Site – the 3/4 mile long town walls complete with 22 towers!

“Britains Smallest House” takes pride of place on the harbour-side where a coastal path links the castle to the estuary.

There’s fabulous views too – reaching over the Conwy Estuary and hills of Snowdonia.

Pop into the Conwy Mussel Company next to the lifeboat house. These hand-raked mussels are gathered in a natural way – ensuring a bigger more tasty variety for you to enjoy!

There’s plenty of independant shops to spend your pennies as well as cafe’s and bars. Choose from craft, arts and antiques to wine, a patisserie and just the best butcher at Edwards of Conwy.

You’ll be guaranteed a feast back at the van!

Walks around Conwy are in abundance. Choose from a short stroll around the headland leading from the quay or the more energetic Sychnant Pass or Conwy Mountain.

Pick up leaflets from the tourist office in town.

Finally, numerous festivals and events are held throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s on before you go!

CAMPERVAN PARKING: 

Motorhome parking – Llanwrst Road – not overnight.

TOILETS:  In the above and on the Quay.

• Betws-Y-Coed

Located at the ‘gateway to Snowdonia’ – Betws-Y-Coed boasts everything for the outdoor enthusiast.

From waterfalls and scenic walks to forest trails and mountain bike routes, it’s picturesque surroundings nestled below Gwydir Forest is the stuff of picture postcards.

Once an historical stage coach-stop on the journey to London from Holyhead, Betws-y-Coed became a hub for Victorian artists.

The local tourist office has information on local walks and mountain bike trails, many accessible from the town itself.

• Dedicated campervan parking at the end of Station Street, operated by Snowdonia National Park.
• Option to pay for overnight parking on the meter.
• We have stayed overnight but not for a few years, so double check the signs.
• Station Street and Pont-Y-Pair Bridge car parks.

Lying in the heart of the Conwy Valley this traditional market town can be found situated beside the River Conwy.

It has a really good Indian restaurant, Asha Balti House and is renowned for the extremely photogenic tea rooms – Ty Hwnt I’r Bont.

This ancient residential dwelling and former courthouse with foliage fronted exterior, glows a glorious gold and red in the Autumn.

There is lots of walking routes including a flat path crossing the flood plains of the valley floor, leading to Trefriw. Here a Woollen Mill and several pubs await.

It’s also a great place for more strenuous walking in the forest at Gwydir or mountain lakes such as LLyn Crafnant and Llyn Gerionydd.

Finally, there’s plenty of mountain bike trails to explore through the forests above LLanwrst. Trails leading to nearby Betws-y-Coed will be sure to keep the adrenaline flowing.

• There’s a good sized parking area across the road from Ty Hwnt I’r Bont tea off the B5106 – no overnight.  
• Trefriw – opposite the Woollen Mill.

TOILETS: 

• In the above car parks.

The views around Porthmadog are just dreamy! The town itself is situated beside an idyllic harbour within Snowdonia National park, it’s in an enviable position. The icing on the cake is the backdrop, set amongst the incredibly scenic Glaslyn Estuary.

For those retail types, there’s plenty of shops to stroll around. Above all, the main attraction has to be The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. These narrow gauge railway carriages glide through the most mesmerising scenery.

Black Rock Sands is a prime example of a fabulous beach along the Lleyn Peninsula. Stretching along the coast for what seems like forever it benefits from a fabulous outlook.

The Welsh coast here is open and pure with views as far as the eye can see. Across the water is the historic town of Harlech with its castle just about visible in the distance.

Portmeirion

Portmeirion Village about a 3-mile drive away from Porthmadog is another big attraction. It’s not all about the village though, this spectacular peninsula has some of the best beaches in North Wales.

The Welsh architect – Sir Clough William Ellis designed Portmeirion amongst elaborate gardens and some interesting features. There is an admission charge though in order to witness this unique Italian architecture.

Also famed for the 1960’s TV series – The Prisoner and home to Portmeirion Pottery – it’s perfect for a spot of nostalgia and a souvenir!

• Porthmadog – Behind the tourist office – not overnight
• Portmeirion – not overnight.
• On the high street near the tourist office in Porthmadog and several in Portmeirion Village.

Our best campervan tour of North Wales wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Abersoch. This is a fabulous and unstoppable upmarket holiday destination.

In Summer it’s thriving vibe gives a feel good factor around town, thanks to a good selection of independent shops and cafes. Best of all are the crisp sandy beaches located either side of the dramatic headland.

Think clear blue waters, stunning mountain scenery and great water sports. Cap it off with colourful beach huts adding to the glamour!

Don’t underestimate the good walking opportunities available here, such as the picturesque route to Mynydd Tir-Cwmwd.

This maybe a bit of a hike but you’re rewarded with amazing coastal and mountain views. At the top you’ll be greeted by the lonely ‘Tin Man’ iron figure who watches over the stunning beaches of Llanbedrog below.

Local walking books are available at the tourist office to help you on your way.

CAMPER PARKING:

  In the centre of Abersoch behind the main street, pay the attendant.

 As above in the  car park.

Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey

Beaumaris is situated in a stunning location, on the mouth of the Menai Straits. This charming town has some very interesting historic buildings, along with a fine selection of shops, cafes’ and restaurants. A charming promenade and small pier can make for a relaxing stroll.

It’s most famous and outstanding structure though is the Castle, one of Edward I’s masterpieces, which was never actually completed, mainly due to this 13th Century Monarch running out of money!

Beaumaris Castle has since stood still and stands today in a majestic state, recognised as a World Heritage Status.

A little further along from the castle sits the Gaol and Courthouse, dating back to 1614 it’s well worth a look.

CAMPER PARKING: 

A Large parking on the sea front is payable to the attendant at the kiosk on entry (no overnight).

  In the town centre.

Penmon Priory and Penmon Point, Anglesey

A little further along the coast from Beaumaris (about 7 miles), lies the remains of Penmon Priory, a remarkable, 13th Century monastery.

It’s a narrow road which leads from here, passing the payment point (pay attendant at the gate), soon arriving at the well known Penmon Point, overlooking Puffin Island and Lighthouse.

Look out for dolphins, an abundance of Sea Birds and seals. Puffin Island is an uninhabited site of special scientific interest, therefore visits aren’t permitted. Although a boat trip from Beaumaris, will take you as close as possible.

A cafe provides refreshments and there are some lovely walks from the car park. Buy a walking book from a local store or tourist office.

There’s a Large unsealed car park with overnight parking permitted. Pay the attendant on the gate near the Priory. If there is no one present, just pay on the way out the next day.

  No, only for the cafe.

Newborough Forest and Beach, Anglesey

Located just off the A4080 near the village of Newborough is this warren of marked forest trails. Home to vast sand dunes, walks and wildlife and one of the most picturesque beaches, linking up to Llanddwyn Island at the far tip of the sands.

Fabulous on a hot summer’s day. The beach becomes very busy and it’s a stunning location – looking out towards Llanddwyn with the gleaming white lighthouse and Snowdonia mountains in the background.

There’s so much walking here too. All are well marked trails, consisting of a mix of bike, running and walking routes. Paths lead through the forest, crossing the sands to Llanddwyn where low tide provides access to more winding paths, passing rocky coves.

Look out for seals resting upon the rocks, whilst wild ponies graze on the open grassland.

Welsh Valentine

For the romantic types, you’ll be pleased to learn that Llanddwyn actually has its roots in romance.

The name means ‘The church of St.Dwynwen’ – our very own Welsh Valentine which is celebrated on the 25th January each year!

Dwynwen lived in solitude on Llanddwyn in the 5th Century. After falling in love with Maelon, a young man whom she was never to marry after he was turned to ice.

She then became known as the Patron Saint of Lovers. Soon pilgrims flocked to the island to visit her holy well.  

A chapel was actually built in the 16th Century with funds raised from these pilgrimages. The remains of which you can still see today.

There’s a large car park adjacent to the beach. It’s down a long forest road. Pay at the machine (no overnight).

In the car park.

Viewpoint of Menai Straits and Snowdonia Mountains

One of the most stunning views in North Wales is this one!

Pull into the view point lay-by off the main road to admire this amazing outlook.

Located on the Menai Straits side of the road, it’s easier to approach from the Menai Bridge direction.

It’s Located on the Holyhead Road, just after the Britannia Bridge, but before the Menai Bridge.

South Stack Lighthouse, Holy Island, Isle of Anglesey

This has to be a seabird lovers paradise!

Home to a staggering 4000 sea birds during the Summer months it’s also the location of one of the best lighthouses in Wales. South Stack dominates a rocky headland, it’s been warning ships of the dangers below, since 1809.

It’s open to visitors during the Summer. 400 steps and a bridge cross to Holy Island and the actual lighthouse. If you prefer an easier stroll, there are nature trails at South Stack Reserve with surfaced paths and benches run by the RSPB.

There’s also a visitor centre, guided walks and tearoom. Hopefully you may spot a Puffin or Peregrine, so don’t forget the binoculars.

CAMPERVAN PARKING:

Take the A55 to Holyhead and follow the brown signs to the reserve, about 3 miles from the town – No overnight

This is such a pretty Snowdonia village with a very special legend. World famous for the story of Gelerts Grave surrounded by mountains along the banks of The Glaslyn river. It’s a magical place with fantastic walking routes.

The “must do” easy walk along a river path leads to Gelert’s Grave itself under an old tree.

As for the legend, here’s a little extract from tomb itself……….

In the 13th century Llewelyn Prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert, one day he went hunting without Gelert, the faithful hound who was unaccountably absent.  On Llewelyn’s return the truant, stained and smeared with blood joyfully sprang to meet his master.  The Prince, alarmed, hastened to find his son and saw the infant’s cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered in blood.  This Frantic father plunged his sword into the hound’s side, thinking it had killed his heir when the dog’s dying yell was answered by a child’s cry.  Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed but, nearby, lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. Then the prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again.  He buried Gelert here. Gelert’s Grave

In the centre of Beddgelert next to the Welsh Highland Railway in the National Park car park.

  By the stone bridge in the centre of the village.

Dinas Dinlle 

Situated off the main Caernarfon to Nefyn road. This popular beach is marked as a “site of special scientific interest”. In fine weather there’s a good flat walk along the coast.

It’s a beautiful location overlooking the Lleyn Peninsula and mountains of Nefyn, falling into the sea below. Views stretch over to Llanddwyn Island situated across the water on Anglesey.

Dinas Dinlle is just a good place to park up and enjoy the outlook. But, also there’s some important Iron Age history here and recently excavated by archaeologists.

Caernarfon Airport, has its base at the end of the road. Visit the small museum or take a scenic flights followed by a snack at the cafe, where refreshments are available.

Watch the small planes come and go or the Air Rescue helicopters, as they go about the amazing rescue work across the region.

Plenty along the sea front (no overnight parking)

On the promenade and at the airport.

Porth Dinllaen, Near Morfa Nefyn

This little gem of a place is just adorable, it’s a fishing village in one of the most glorious locations imaginable.

The sweeping sandy bay has a breathtaking outlook and charming little pub right on the beach – The Ty Coch Inn. It actually has been listed as one of the Top 10 Beach Bars in the World!

You’ll need to park in the National Trust car park, which is about a 20 minute walk away. This little gem of place has no vehicle access for visitors.  

There’s some good walks from here too, perhaps download a route from the National Trust website. A £9.8 million lifeboat station was opened in 2014 by TV veteran David Dimbleby, naming the resident lifeboat at the same time.

Sit and just watch the world go by as the fisherman bring in their little boats, take a picnic on the shore. Lovely!

In the National Trust pay & display car park at Morfa Nefyn. Drive through the village and the car park is on the right – not overnight.

• On the beach.

Not only is the traditional Welsh village of Llanberis the gateway to Snowdon, but it’s also home of the idyllic Llyn Padarn.

The combination of the still water of the lake against the backdrop of Snowdonia is simply the most breathtaking setting.

This outdoor enthusiasts paradise is a hub of mountain activity. Encompassing everything that the region has to offer in bucket loads – it’s a natural playground of epic proportions.

If walking, climbing and canoeing are too much to bear. How about a more gentle activity – Yes, The Snowdon Mountain Railway leaves here in Summer to take passengers to the summit of Snowdon without breaking out into a sweat.

There’s also a bit of an interesting look inside a mountain – yes, you heard it right! Electric Mountain to be precise. This is an incredible feat of engineering – a system of hydro electric power, made into a visitor attraction in the process!

Day parking opposite Snowdon Mountain Railway; Llyn Padarn car parks – no overnight.

Toilets: Llyn Padarn

Well Caernarfon has to have one of the best 13th century castles in Wales. Not only that, but it’s here that Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales back in July 1969.

Nowadays, strolling through the stone towers brings a fascinating experience into this incredible structure.

In addition to the history of Edward I, Caernarfon also has strong Roman links. You can still see some of these early ruins at the Segontium on the outskirts of the town.

Last but not least, there’s serene views alongside the coastal paths towards Y Foryd not forgetting another Welsh steam train – The Welsh Highland Railway.

This superb railway now links Caernarfon with Porthmadog, passing through some of Snowdonia’s most impressive mountain scenery. It’s a train journey for more than a train enthusiast – because this little train of Wales is a sightseeing dream.

One last point – Caernarfon is the start of the Menai Straits and with that come some rather incredible views!

On the Quay by the Castle – Pay Attendant

Toilets – On Quay

Campsites – Best Campervan Tour of North Wales

Bodnant Caravan Park – Tel: 01492 640248

Bron Derw Caravan Park – Tel: 01492 640494

Betws-Y-Coed:

Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Riverside,  – Tel: 01690 710310

Rynys Farm – Tel: 01690 710218

Dolgam – Tel: 01690 720228

Dinerth Hall Farm, located between Penrhyn Bay and Rhos on Sea  – Tel: 01492 548203

Conwy Touring Park – Tel: 01492 592856

Lots of CL’s and CS’s around the Conwy Valley and several small sites between Conwy and Betws-Y-Coed

Porthmadog:

Tyddyn Llwyn – Tel:   01766 512205

Black Rock Sands – Tel: 01766 513919

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a site a few miles outside of Portmeirion, lots of CS & CL sites throughout the LLeyn Peninsula region

Beddgelert and Caernarfon:

Camping in The Forest – Camping and Caravanning Club

Bryn Gloch, Betws Garmon: Tel: 01286 650216

Penrhos Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Marianglas, Benllech: Tel: 01248 852617

  Caravan and Motorhome Club

Pen-Y-LLyn Caravan Site, near Holyhead : Tel: 01407 740017

Outdoor Alternative, Rhoscolyn Tel: 01407 860469

Llanberis Touring Park – 01286 870700

Alternative Stopovers

Unfortunately, Wales has no European style Aire system for motorhomes. However, there is a scheme where you can stay in some private establishments if you contribute to their business!

Here’s the link for the website:

Top 11 Tour of Great Britain

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• Portmeirion Hotel
• Newborough Warren & Ynys Llanddwyn Nature Reserve
• Beaumaris Castle
• Penmon Lighthouse
• Abersoch Beach
• Dinas Dinlle Beach
• South Stack Lighthouse
• Black Rock Sands

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That first bridge is awesome!

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Motorhome Road Trip Ideas – The North Wales Way

Our first Motorhome Road Trip Ideas blog in Wales –

The North Wales way is approximately 75 miles long, stretching from the northern coast into Anglesey with an abundance of ancient monuments and dramatic scenery. A perfect route when you hire your motorhome !

There are many points of interest along the way, including blue flag beaches and numerous sports and activities to be enjoyed. Here are some of our motorhome adventure favourites:

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and canal were granted World Heritage Site status in 200 and were of major importance during the British industrial revolution. Designed and built by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, Pontcysyllte means ‘the bridge that connects’

The canal crosses two major river valleys and the ridge between them.  These days there are numerous companies, based within the 11 mile World Heritage Site, which offer motorised or horse-drawn boat trips or canal boats hire (no experience required) for you to travel along the canal and across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct .

There is coach parking at Wimbourne Gate, Queens Street, Cefn Mawr (LL14 3NP)

There are more than  600 castles  in Wales, more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. There are 3 huge castles along the North Wales Way, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and the walled citadel of Conwy.

Conwy was labelled a castle of “massive military strength”, noted as being the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses.

The king apparently spent a whopping estimated £15,000 building it, his all-time record!. All are incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit.

Beaumaris Castle is the last of Edward I’s chain of fortresses is still heralded as the most technically perfect castle in Britain, with an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ layout. Edward never got round to finishing Beaumaris (he was distracted by unruly Scots). Even so, UNESCO ranks  Beaumaris Castle  as one of ‘the finest examples of military architecture in Europe’, and together with Edward’s other Welsh castles, this is a World Heritage site.

Zip World Velocity

The world’s fastest zip wires, and also Europe’s longest, soar for a mile (1.6km) over the Penrhyn Quarry, once the biggest quarry in the world.  Zip World  runs four parallel wires: lying flat in a harness, riders can easily top 100mph (160kph) as they fly 500ft (150m) above a lake.

Anglesey Island

Best known for its beaches and ancient sites including Beaumaris Castle and Barclodiad y Gawres, an impressive Neolithic chambered tomb.

If it’s walking or bird watching you’re after then you won’t be disappointed with Anglesey’s 125 miles long coastal path and the Dingle Nature reserve, an ancient 25-acre wooded valley with improved accessibility and picnic tables.

A benefit of hiring a motorhome from Avanti means that you are within 10 minutes of several key motorways allowing your journey to get off to a flying start!

Some Caravan & Motorhome Club Site options…

Club Site – (Larger site with full facilities)

Stratford upon avon – riverside caravan park (2 hour drive).

This fabulous site is situated on the River Avon about 1 mile from Stratford-upon- Avon, with a stunning Bar & Restaurant on the riverbank commanding fantastic views. The river taxi service runs daily (weather permitting) into Stratford and for the fishing enthusiasts, there is a mile of free fishing on the river. You may want a couple of days here as its also conveniently situated for visiting Warwick Castle, beautiful Cotswold villages and Royal Leamington Spa.

Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan Club Site (2 hour drive)

High up in the Cotswolds and only 5 miles from the delightful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, this beautiful location has all the conveniences you could wish for. There are numerous places of interest nearby, such as the local perfumery, the famous miniature village, and the motor museum.

From this location you are well placed to explore the World renowned Cotswolds countryside and yellow stone villages, loved by movie stars, rock stars and supermodels alike . Other places of interest include the Chedworth Roman Villa and Snowshill Manor.

Why stay here … Set in ancient quarry works and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Site has been imaginatively landscaped to create the impression of being in the heart of the countryside while only a 25-minute bus journey to the city centre of beautiful Cambridge.

The caravan park gives you easy access to guided walking tours of the nearby medieval colleges where you can enjoy the academic atmosphere that makes the city famous. Wander along or take a punt on the River Cam to see colleges like Corpus Christi, Magdalene and the Bridge of Sighs. A visit to King’s College Chapel is a must. If you’re feeling a little lazy, open bus tours let you take in the full charm of the city while you relax. For those who like to cycle, the Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Park offers good cycling paths from the site into and around Cambridge. Just opposite the site, you can enjoy a lovely walk around the nature reserve and old chalk pits. If you’re feeling peckish, it’s only a short stroll to the nearest pub and if you need to stock up on supplies, a supermarket can be found a little further down the road.

NIGHT 2+ – North Wales & Chester

Club site – (larger site with full facilities), chester fairoaks caravan club site.

Why stay here … Chester Fairoaks Club Site is conveniently placed just off the M53 gateway to North Wales and close to the delightful walled city of Chester. The caravan site is also close to a lovely canal walkway, a local swimming pool, and has two pubs and shops just a short walk away.

Chester Fairoaks Club Site gives you easy access to the wealth of things to see and do in nearby Chester. Take in the sights while relaxing in an open top bus or wander around The Walls to absorb the colourful atmosphere. Immerse yourself in some history and tradition by seeing the town crier, the incredible 900-year old Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre. If all that sightseeing builds up your appetite, there are plenty of excellent restaurants on hand and for those who like a spot of shopping, The Rows Shopping Galleries will leave you spoilt for choice. With 12,000 animals to see in 110 acres of gardens, nearby Chester Zoo is a fun day out for the whole family. All in all, the caravan site offers something for the whole family.

Penrhos Caravan Club Site

Why stay here … Penrhos Club Site provides the perfect getaway for the whole family with a range of activities and attractions to keep all ages entertained. Not only can you see the fabulous Snowdonia from the caravan site, but the sandy beaches also provide space and tranquillity. What’s more, they’re only five minutes drive away. 

Of course, a visit to Penrhos Club Site would not be complete without a trek to Snowdon’s rack and pinion mountain railway. This is a must for railway enthusiasts both young and old if only for the breathtaking views encountered during the journey. The site is located in Benllech, where the landscape is truly a sight to behold as Holyhead Mountain forms part of a natural paradise with wild flowers and sea birds. This scenery is beautifully rounded off with a memorable vista over the Irish Sea. Close to the caravan park is nearby Beaumaris and its castle explains Anglesey’s historic importance from the days of Edward I.

Site facilities include a dog walk, a small shop that’s open all day with a lending library, and a children’s play area for ball games.

CL Sites (Private sites with max 5 pitches)

Hafodty farm cl.

Why stay here … This fantastic small site is on a working farm close to the  Welsh Mountain Zoo where your little ones will be thrilled by chimp encounters, sea lion feeding and much more.

Take a trip on the  Great Orme Tramway  and take in the spectacular views of the  Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve ,

Gorsgoch Farm CL

Why stay here … This stop take you to Holy Island, Anglesey, separated from mainland Wales by the  Menai Strait . Make the crossing via the North Wales Expressway, or take the scenic route across the Menai Bridge. Once on Holy Island, be sure to visit the  South Stack Lighthouse , home to thousands of seabirds and outstanding views.

Cefn Eithin CL

Why stay here … This family friendly site is located above Caernarfon Bay and 4 miles from Caernarfon with its magnificent castle. It is an excellent base for exploring Anglesey, the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia National Park which are all within 10-15 minutes drive. A huge variety of sports and activities are available within close proximity. The  Lon Eifion Cycle Track  is less than 0.5 mile away and takes you all the way into Caernarfon following part of the Welsh Highland Steam Train Railway Line.

For a complete list of CL sites CLICK HERE

Oldbury hill camping & caravanning club site (10 mins from avanti).

Have any questions about planning your route, call us on 01732 247 019. Before looking over any other road trip ideas or just booking a rental motorhome, it may also be beneficial to have a read over our planning where to stay article.

For more motorhome road trip ideas be sure to check out our Route Ideas section .

Written by Mark Kirby • 15/05/2021 Share Article: twitter Facebook

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Home › Travel Guides › Wales

North Wales: Practical Motorhome Travel Guide

Visit Wales on your motorhome tours and if you go to the north of the country, expect to be wowed by spectacular scenery, dramatic castles and more

By Practical Motorhome Published: April 10, 2022

For outstanding scenery, there can be few locations that are better than North Wales to enjoy a motorhome tour.

With a national park, islands, beachy coastline centred around seaside resorts and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is actually difficult to decide where to base a ‘van. If you’re after some ideas, our best motorhome site in Wales guide could help.

Snowdonia National Park is at the heart of North Wales. Nine conjoined mountain ranges cover almost 52% of the National Park, which itself covers a total of 823 square miles. While Mount Snowdon, at 3,560 feet (1,085m) may be the focal point, it is the national park’s diverse landscape, with glacial valleys, steep gorges, woodlands and sandy beaches that make it special.

Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon – and from where you catch the mountain railway to the summit – and Betws-y-Coed are the two main towns of the Park (Llanberis actually lies just outside the park boundary). Both are dedicated tourist towns filled with attractions and shops for visitors. The village of Capel Curig, though tiny in size, has a large part to play within the Park as the focus for adventure and activity, based around the National Outdoor Centre .

The less well-known southern area of Snowdonia National Park is home to some of the area’s larger lakes: Lake Bala, with its picturesque lakeside steam railway; Lake Celyn, home of the National White Water Centre;  and Lake Trawsfynydd, a manmade reservoir used, along with its surroundings, as an outdoor adventure site. The Park incorporates coastline too, with long stretches of sandy beach around the pretty towns of Harlech (of castle and Men of Harlech fame) and Barmouth. At the very bottom of Snowdonia is the Dovey Valley and charming village of Aberdyfi, with the Centre for Alternative Technology , a visitor centre showcasing all things environmental and energy saving, on the edge of the Park.

To the west of Snowdonia National Park is the Llŷn Peninsula. Like a giant finger pointing into the Atlantic Ocean, separating Caernarfon Bay to the north and Cardigan Bay to the south, a quarter of the peninsula is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The peninsula’s south coast is lined with sheltered, golden sandy beaches centred on the seaside towns of Criccieth, Pwllheli and Abersoch, while the northern shores and coastline around the ‘fingertip’, are labelled as the Llŷn Heritage Coast .

The area is rich in archaeological and architectural history harking back to the very roots of Welsh culture. And just off the tip is one such place, Bardsey Island . With a one-time monastery (now resigned to rubble), Bardsey Island has been a pilgrimage site since the 6 th century. It’s now a nature reserve where grey seals and rare birds nesting in spring can be seen; you can catch a boat to the island from Aberdaron and Pwllheli.

East of Snowdonia National Park are the counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire. The area attracts fewer tourists than Snowdonia, and its mountains are less dramatic. But the countryside, hills and valleys are no less pleasing. Indeed the Clwydian Range , a ridge of hills running north to south, west of Mold and Wrexham, and the tightly meandering Dee Valley, part of which supplies the border between Wales and England, are collectively deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You can walk along the ridge of the Clwydian Range on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail , a route based upon the ancient artificial defences that Offa, King of Mercia created in the 8 th century. The trail passes through Llandegla where the Coed Llandegla Forest Park is sited, a private park within which is one of the UK’s biggest mountain biking centres . Indeed the Clwydian Range, together with the area around Lake Brenig and Hiraethog are the focus for the creation of a network of roads, tracks, climbs and descents to offer great cycling experiences for all.

Tucked into the mountains, and within the delightful Dee Valley, is the charming town of Llangollen . You’ll catch visitors bathing in the shallow waters of the River Dee right in the centre of town. Or enjoy afternoon tea from one of the many cafés, maybe having tried a white water descent on bubbling rapids further upstream.

The town’s location is sublime – and a great base for a motorhome tour – but just to the east is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the aqueduct is the world’s tallest canal boat crossing and an amazing feat of engineering that crosses the River Dee. You can walk across the aqueduct for views of the river below, or walk along the towpaths of the Llangollen Canal – eleven miles of the canal are also under World Heritage status.

This includes the Horseshoe Falls to the west of Llangollen, a manmade (by Thomas Telford, designer of the aqueduct), weir that feeds the canal. One of the best vantage points to see the aqueduct is upstream from the Cysylltau Bridge crossing the River Dee, while to see the Dee Valley at its best, head to The Panorama , a rocky limestone outcrop near the village of Garth.

The North coast of Wales centres on the resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and the delightful town of Llandudno, where long stretches of sandy beach attract traditional seaside holidaymakers. Llandudno , favoured by Victorian and Edwardian tourists, has an air of elegance and, dare one say it, superiority with decorative buildings and old-fashioned charm clustering Llandudno Bay. You can obtain great views of the coastline by climbing Great Ormes Head, either on foot, historic  tramway or cable car .

At the northwestern tip of Wales sits the Isle of Anglesey , or Ynys Môn to give the island its Welsh name. At 276 square miles, it is Wales’ largest island, tagged onto which is a further isle – Holy Island, from where boats depart for Ireland.

Anglesey could be deemed a mini Wales, with a character all of its own. The Menai Strait, a calm looking but current defying stretch of water that appears turquoise blue on a sunny day, separates the island from the mainland. Hence Anglesey is accessed via two bridges – the Britannia Bridge, which carries most traffic along the A55 and the Menai Suspension Bridge , an industrial relic built by Thomas Telford in 1826 that continues to provide aesthetic beauty to this day.

While Anglesey’s predominantly agricultural core is worthy of a visit, it is the island’s coastline that is most celebrated. Indeed, the entire coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , with some of the most picturesque stretches on the North Anglesey Heritage Coast around Cemlyn Bay and Cemaes Bay, and the southeastern tip around Black Point and Puffin Island , a nature reserve that’s a great place for birdwatching. The Holyhead Mountain Heritage Coast, on the west side of Holy Island is also noteworthy; South Stack Lighthouse is a great viewing point and the RSPB Reserve there provides superb opportunities for birdwatching.

Anglesey is not void of beaches, though. The most popular beaches are on the east coast – Benllech, Lligwy and Red Wharf Bay attracting holidaymakers in their droves during the summer. For a quieter spot, head to Church Bay on the northwest coast or the western beaches of Aberffraw Bay (a decent walk to reach it helps to keep the numbers down), and those around the little town of Rhosneigr – a great centre for surfing.

An alternative way to see the coastline is via the 130-mile Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path , which circumnavigates the entire island. It is also part of the Wales Coast Path – the world’s first uninterrupted route along a national coastline.

Anglesey’s towns are compact and offer pleasant shopping in independent outlets. Amlwch is known for its connections to the local copper mining industry while Rhosneigr provides opportunities to pick up a bucket and spade and a great icecream. So too does Beaumaris , arguably the most attractive of Anglesey’s towns. With superb views of Snowdonia across the Menai Strait, the Regency town also includes the moated remains of a much older castle, built by Edward 1 in 1295. You can pick up a boat trip from the town’s quayside to Puffin Island, or go crabbing, a popular pastime off the pier.

Lastly, Anglesey cannot be mentioned without the inclusion of its most famous village – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch . The village has the longest place name in Britain (and one of the longest in the world), a tourist gimmick that worked! There was little in the village to draw in tourists but it was given the 58-character name in the 19 th century in the hope of attracting some. Now, visitors stop by to take a selfie alongside the railway station sign just to prove they’ve been there!

Things to do

1.Whether on foot or by the mountain railway, climbing Mount Snowdon is one of Wales’ absolute must-do activities. Take the train one-way and walk the other along one of the well-trodden routes to the summit. The views from the top are out of this world.

2.Visit Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens , one of Anglesey’s newest attractions. The 19th century gardens, once lost to a wilderness, have undergone a major restoration since 1996, with lots of work still in progress.

3.Pretend you’re in Italy and be transported to the Mediterranean Coast (always with a Welsh twist, of course) at the Italianate village of Portmeirion . The brightly coloured buildings, with piazzas, Roman columns, pantiled roofs and Romanesque domes sit neatly in among sub-tropical gardens and woodland, all overlooking the sea.

4.Take an adrenalin-fuelled ride on the fastest zip wire in the world . ‘Flying’ over the Penrhyn Quarry, Snowdonia, you’ll reach speeds of 100mph, 500 feet above the ground.

5.Explore a castle or two on your caravan holiday – there are plenty to choose from, including Harlech , Caernarfon , Conwy , Beaumaris and Criccieth , all defending the Welsh coastline.

When to visit

St David’s Day is celebrated throughout Wales on 1 March, but events really kick off with the ‘guarantee’ of better weather. May sees the Llandudno Transport Festival , the largest such event in North Wales with thousands of motors from vintage buses and tractors to classic cars and bikes. The All Wales Boat and Leisure Show , also in May, follows, celebrating all water-based activities.

July welcomes Abersoch Dinghy Week , combining plenty of sailing with social events. Further down the coast, the Barmouth Kite Festival takes place. For those feeling really fit, the International Snowdon Race , a run up and down the mountain, is something to look forward to in July.

The Anglesey County Show springs into action in August, along with the Conwy River Festival , for a week of conviviality both on and by the side of the water.

Finally, the annual International Eisteddfod , Wales’ largest and most prestigious music, theatre and arts festival, takes place in Llangollen every summer.

Getting there

Wales is a very rural country and, but for the M4 motorway in the south, there are no motorways at all. The M54 and M56, east-west spurs off the M6, will help to get you towards Wales, but from the point at which these short motorways run out – at Telford (M54) and Chester (M56) – you’re onto dual carriageways at best.

The A55 runs along the north coast of Wales, to Holyhead in Anglesey. This is the quickest and easiest route to and through North Wales. An alternative, and arguably prettier, route is the A5 from Shrewsbury, which joins up with the A55 at Bangor. The A5 passes through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery.

You really should make travelling along this route a part of your holiday as it is stunning, but remember that if you are towing, it is twisty in places and, as a single-carriageway road, it can be slow. All other roads are absolutely fine for motorhomes, with the exception of some very local, unclassified roads.

There are no tolls on either the Britannia Bridge or Menai Bridge to Anglesey.

Motorhome access

You’ll have little trouble finding places to park roadside if you wish to go off for a day’s walking, or indeed pull up to admire the view, within Snowdonia National Park or around Anglesey. There are plenty of provisions but be sure to park responsibly.

Betws-y-Coed is one of the trickiest places to park, with the town constantly busy, although Riverside Touring Park is a very central and picturesque campsite within walking distance of the centre. The site also regularly features within our Top 100 Sites Guide , including in 2022.

Llanberis also gets very busy but you’ll often find private all-day parking areas for a nominal charge (providing you are parking all day; a ten minute stop works out to be astronomical!). Llanberis Touring Park , another regular contender within our Top 100 Sites Guide , is within walking distance of the village centre.

There are designated motorhome parking bays at Morfa Bach car park in Conwy and Maelgwyn Road car park in Llandudno. Motorhomes and campervans may park in other county-owned car parks within Conwy and Gwynedd, providing the vehicle is parked within one bay. Some car parks do have height barriers, though you’ll find car parks without at Colwyn Bay, Llanwrst, Llandudno and Rhos-on-Sea. Motorhome parking on the Isle of Anglesey is relatively easy, with few car parks using height barriers.

Care should be taken on the A498 through the Aberglaslyn Valley south of Beddgelert. Though a main route, the road is narrow in places.

Where to stay

Pick your spot to pitch in North Wales from our annual Top 100 Sites Guide , as voted for by you. Wales, as a whole, always fares well in the Top 100 Sites Awards,  and that’s, in part, because of the number of fabulous sites in the north of the country.

The Willows, on the Llŷn Peninsula, and Tyddyn Isaf Camping & Caravan Park, on Anglesey, are two such sites to feature in the 2022 awards. They both offer the extraordinary combination of coastal views and mountains.

For cheap overnight stops, you’ll find a selection of venues in our Practical Motorhome Nightstops Scheme to pull up for the night for a fraction of the cost of a campsite. Look out, for example, for the riverside setting of Riverside Guest House , at Abergynolwyn, where you can catch a cup of coffee in the on-site café. Note that overnight stays in lay-bys, on roadsides and car parks throughout Snowdonia National Park is forbidden

The Britstops scheme helps to boost the number of cheap overnight stops, with a selection of places to stay. And, if you’re a member of either The Caravan and Motorhome Club or The Camping and Caravanning Club, you’ll find plenty of CLs and CSs in the area too.

Local transport links

A useful website to plan journeys by bus or train within North Wales is www.traveline-cymru.info/ .  For access to Snowdonia National Park, the Sherpa Bus is ideal, and takes you all over northern Snowdonia, connecting with well-known walks, beauty spots and mountain destinations, alongside popular towns and villages. The Snowdon Sherpa Day Ticket allows you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like to explore the region on the day of purchase.

Alternatively, use the Ffestiniog Railway , which links Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog, on the coast, along an idyllic 13-mile route. At Porthmadog you can connect with the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon, which is also an excellent route for exploring Beddgelert.

You’ll also find that much of National Cycle Network Route 5 (the North Wales Coast Cycle Route ) provides scenic traffic-free cycling between Holyhead and Chester, in England. More than 36% of the route is traffic-free. NCN Route 8 also helps you get around Anglesey, crossing through the Llŷn Peninsula and the western fringes of Snowdonia.

If you liked this… READ THESE:

South Wales: Practical Motorhome Travel Guide

Best Campsites in Wales with Sea Views

Anglesey: A Local’s Knowledge

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Whether you’re looking for the majesty of Mount Snowdon, glacial valleys, lakesides or sandy beaches, North Wales has them all

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The Wales Way

The Wales Way is a new family of three national routes - inspired by Visit Wales - that lead you into the heart of real Wales.

Choose from three routes through the Welsh countryside, the Coastal Way, the Cambrian Way and the North Coast Way, each taking in a different part of Wales’ stunning heritage and landscape.

Travel the west coast around Cardigan Bay between the sea and mountains, cross the spine of Wales between Cardiff and Llandudno through National Parks and big green spaces or wind past mighty castles into the island of Anglesey – tour Wales your way.

The North Wales Way (Fford Gogledd Cymru)

The North Wales Way follows an old trading route for 75 miles along Wales’ northern coast. The route features a trio of huge castles that form a UNESCO World Heritage site: Beaumaris, Caernarfon and the walled citadel of Conwy. Fortresses aside, the North Wales Way is nothing short of stunning.

Explore the North Wales Way your way with plenty of off-piste trails, such as the Vale of Clwyd, or traverse the Menai Strait.

Read more to find out where to stay along the way.

1. Chester Fairoaks Club Campsite

Start your journey just outside of Wales at our Chester Fairoaks Club Site, a perfect base to explore the surrounding countryside and architecture. Make sure to visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – opened in 1805, the aqueduct carried the Llangollen canal over the Dee River valley.

2. Marli Farm CL

Continue on through the seaside resort town of Rhyl, and visit Bodelwyddan Castle & Park, a family-friendly museum set in over 200 acres of grounds where you can explore the collection of Welsh art and fine furniture in the beautiful Victorian rooms. Younger visitors can enjoy interactive galleries, trails, quizzes and hands-on activities.

3. Hafodty Farm CL

Our next stop offers a pitch on a working farm and great access to the Welsh Mountain Zoo! Take a break from the cultural heritage and experience chimp encounters, sea lion feeding and more.

Hop on the Great Orme Tramway and climb a mile high up the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve, taking in the spectacular views.

4. Cefn Farm CL

There’s plenty to see on your way to our next site, taking in the edges of Snowdonia National Park. Venture into the hills and you’ll find Aber Falls, a nice hike for those wanting to get closer to nature.

Fans of the weird and wonderful will want to visit the iconic Llanfairpwll Station. Known for its longer name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, this boasts the longest place name in Europe, and the second longest place name in the world.

5. Gorsgoch Farm CL

Our last stop takes you to Holy Island, separated from mainland Wales by the Menai Strait. Make the crossing via the North Wales Expressway, or take the scenic route across the Menai Bridge. Once on Holy Island, be sure to visit the South Stack Lighthouse, home to thousands of seabirds and outstanding views.

Find out more about the North Wales Way .

The Coastal Way (Ffordd Arfordirol)

The Coastal Way runs the entire length of Cardigan Bay. It’s a 180-mile odyssey that threads between blue seas on one side and soaring mountains on the other.

From Aberdaron to St David’s, the coast is dotted with harbour towns and resorts, fishing villages and secret coves. There are vast stretches of sand, towering cliffs, and beaches of all kinds in between.

1. St David’s Leithyr Meadow Club Campsite

Start your journey in St David’s, nestled in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Before you head off, make sure to explore Whitesands Bay and St David’s Cathedral.

For a glimpse into the past, visit The Gwaun Valley – the surrounding Preseli Mountains are littered with prehistoric monuments, with Stonehenge’s bluestones being taken from these very hills – although nobody quite knows how they got to Wiltshire!

2. Gwern-y-Bwlch Club Campsite

Head out along the scenic stretch of west Wales coastline and be sure to stop off at the Blue Lagoon for water sports and beautiful views.

On your way through to the 13 th century Cilgerran Castle, you’ll pass Castell Henllys - a group of Iron Age roundhouses built on a hill fort in 30 acres of parkland. Head on through to Aberystwyth, a town with plenty to explore, including three charming railways exploring the Rheidol Valley, Cambrian Coast and Cardigan Bay.

3. Min-y-Don Club Campsite

Make your journey into Snowdonia National Park, arguably the highlight of this tour. The bravest of you could tackle Mount Snowdon, or simply explore the local countryside and soaring hills. Cycle the Mawddach Trail for a scenic family ride runs for nine traffic-free miles from Dolgellau to Barmouth, past two RSPB reserves.

4. Gwythrian Farm CL

First stop on this leg is Portmeirion – built between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village, this unique coastal resort featured in the spy drama The Prisoner.

Make your way around the coast and indulge yourself in the history of Criccieth Castle, perched on a headland with a view of St George’s Channel. Towards the end of your journey lies Llŷn Peninsula AONB extending 30 miles into the Irish Sea. Sample some of the 84 mile coastal path, taking in the views of Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl) and the surrounding countryside.

Find out more about the Coastal Way.

The Cambrian Way (Ffordd Cambria)

The Cambrian Way is a complete north-south journey along the mountainous spine of Wales, running for 185 miles from coast to coast.

Snaking through two National Parks – Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons – and the big green spaces of the Cambrian Mountains in between, this route takes in market towns, forests, lakes and reservoirs, as well as the old slate and coal mining heartlands.

1. Tredegar House Club Campsite

Start your tour at our Club site set in a country house just outside of Cardiff. Make sure to take some time exploring Cardiff and all it has to offer before taking your journey into the mountains. Visit St Fagans - one of the world’s best open-air museums. Explore more than 40 original Welsh buildings, from Celtic times onwards, from chapels and farms to a pub and miners’ institute.

Before you reach Brecon Beacons National Park, visit the Royal Mint Experience, from which every single coin in your pocket, purse and piggy bank was made.

2. Brecon Beacons Club Campsite

Perched on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park is Penderyn Distillery which launches on St Davids’ Day 2004. Take a whisky and chocolate tour, see how the whisky is made then sample some of the products in the Tasting Bar.

From here, you can explore the full wonder of the Brecon Beacons, where on a clear night you can see the Milky Way, major constellations bright nebulas and meteor showers.

3. Gwern-Y-Bwlch Club Campsite

Cyclists will want to visit the Mawddach Estuary where the River Mawddach meets the sea at arguably Wales’ most spectacular estuary, carving a great sandy gouge in the mountains of Snowdonia. Follow the nine-mile traffic free route through the hills.

4. Coed-Y-Llywn Club Campsite

Head east from Trawsfynydd and the road sweeps past the Arenig mountains to Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). It’s the largest natural lake in Wales, with its own unique species of fish – the Gwyniad - and is popular with windsurfers, yachters and anglers.

Adventure –seekers should visit Zip World in Blaenau Ffestiniog – an enormous slate quarry turned adventure centre, where you can try out all sorts of activities including zip safari, treetop adventures and rollercoasters!

5. Riverside Touring Park

The north of Wales offers beautiful scenery, most notably around the area of Betws-y-Coed, the traditional gateway to the mountains. Fun fact: Betws-y-Coed is the most misspelt place name in Britain (the local website found 364 different variations).

On your way through to Llandudno – an immaculate Victorian/Edwardian resort, complete with pier and promenade – visit Bodnant Gardens - one of Wales’ national treasures.

Find out more about the Cambrian Way .

Club campsites in Wales

It may be a small country but it’s packed with outstanding landscapes and natural beauty.

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Camping in North Wales: Road trip & Camping Guide

If camping in North Wales conjures up memories of school trips centred around outdoor activities in the wind and rain, give it another chance! Take to the road and campervan your way around this beautiful part of the UK on a road trip that will sweep away the cobwebs of normal life and leave you feeling refreshed and restored. We can’t guarantee that the weather won’t occasionally be the same as you remember it, so pack your waterproofs and get ready to feast your eyes on some of the best scenery Britain has to offer on this 7-day road trip camping in North Wales.

Day 1 – London to Llandudno

Set off on your adventure from London to Llandudno. The drive should take around 4 hours; go via the M6 and M40 to avoid tolls.

• Happy hiker: Stretch your legs after the drive and stop off at Penrhyn Bay. You can walk along the beach or up to Porth Dyniewaid Angel Bay where there’s a circular walk around the Little Orme headland and the chance to spot seal pups in October and November.
• Refuel: Drive into Llandudno and stock up on your essentials, and then pick up some fish & chips for dinner – Nana’s Fish & Chips comes highly recommended.

Where to stay

Book a spot at Tan y Bryn Glamping in the nearby countryside where you’ll find views of both sea and mountains, the Queen’s Head Glanwydden pub just a 20 minute walk away, and the gorgeous nature reserve at Bryn Pydew.

Day 2 – Llandudno and Conwy

Spend the morning in Llandudno and then head to charming and historic Conwy.

• Beach bum: In Llandudno find some peace and quiet at West Shore beach, usually quieter than the beach near the pier.
• Happy hiker: The Great Orme at Llandudno is a limestone headland rising out of the sea with its name originally coming from the Old Norse for snake. There are a variety of walking trails up and around the headland as well as a tram or a cable car that will take you to and from the summit (cable car tickets are cash only).
• Activity lover : In the mood for a quintessential British seaside town tradition? Explore Llandudno pier with its arcades, funfair rides, ice creams and candy floss. Just north of the pier is Happy Valley, home to the Great Orme cable cars and landscaped botanical gardens. Continue up Happy Valley Walk Road to the Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre for an artificial ski slope and a 700m metal-lined toboggan run.
• Beach bum: Deganwy Morfa is clean and serene, the perfect escape from the bustle of Conwy town. Conwy Morfa is a large sandy bay to the west, and the two beaches are joined by a path that skirts the golf course for a good walk.
• Happy hiker: Stop at the Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre to walk through ancient and Victorian woodland and along the archaeology trail that takes in Bronze age, Iron age, and Medieval sites.
• History buff: Conwy Castle was built in the thirteenth century and is still a foreboding presence in town. Explore the fort and then walk along the medieval town walls before dropping into town. Two further stops on your route should be Plas Mawr, an impeccably restored Elizabethan town house giving an insight into life under the first Elizabeth to rule these lands (closed November to the end of March), and the smallest house in Britain on Conwy’s quayside.
• Refuel: Conwy boasts plenty of cafes and eateries to pick from if you don’t feel like cooking at the campsite.

Take the Sychnant Pass Road from Conwy towards Penmaenmawr to immerse yourself in the stunning Welsh hills with views to the sea. Continue to your stop for the night, the idyllic Trwyn Yr Wylfa campsite.

Day 3 – Penmaenmawr to Anglesey

On the drive from your campsite to Menai Bridge (also known as Porthaethwy) there are plenty of spots to stop off. Once you cross the strait try to stop at the Menai Bridge viewpoint, where on a clear day you can see all the mountains in Snowdonia.

• Happy hiker: On the way to Anglesey park at the Aber Falls car park and take a circular walkto the scenic Aber Falls. For a proper hike, try the 2-2.5hr returnwalk to Llyn Anafon.
• Activity lover: Zipworld Penrhyn Quarry is adrenaline central, regardless of what level of adrenaline you’re comfortable with! The Velocity 2 ziplines take you 1.5km across the quarry and can reach 100mph, while the Quarry Flyer is for those wanting a more sedate pace. There’s also a downhill Quarry Kart with 3km of slate track to descend. RibRide in Menai Bridge has a variety of boat rides including the speedy Strait Sprint and the cruisey Menai Voyager around some of the local coastline.
• Refuel: Menai Bridge is full of places to eat. There’s the Freckled Angel, the famous Michelin starred Sosban and the Old Butchers (book well in advance), Hydeout or Tom’s Hamburger House for burgers and Bocca for delicious pizza.

Oyster Farm Caravan Site is a 15 minute drive from Menai Bridge, surrounded by fields where you can find evidence of prehistoric communities.

Day 4 – Anglesey

Anglesey and Holy Island offer up at least a week of exploration; dip your toes here and you’ll want to come back for more on your next trip!

• Beach bum: Close to last night’s campsite is Trawth Llanddwyn and historic Llandwyn Island. The beach is perfect for picnics on a good day or a blustery walk when the weather’s not so good, with Newborough Warren behind it a great forest to explore if you need a little more shelter. The car park has toilets and picnic benches, making it a great place to park up for the day. On Holy Island, Trearddur Bay has golden sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of amenities. For something more remote head west to Porth Dafarch, another tranquil bay with nothing but cliffs surrounding it.
• Happy hiker: Some of the most stunning walking is on Holy Island which is covered in footpaths along its coast and over its heather-strewn moor. Walk out to the lighthouse at South Stack where in the right season you may be able to spot Orca out to sea.
• Wildlife watcher: Between April and July take a boat from Seacoast Safaris in Beaumaris out to Puffin Island, where puffins are joined by kittiwakes and razorbills.
• Activity lover: Rhosneigr’s ​​Gecko Surf School is a one stop shop for surf and SUP lessons and equipment hire, offering instruction for both beginner and intermediate water babies.
• History buff: Incredible Beaumaris castle is another medieval fortress in amazing condition that really gives a sense of what it was like to live within its towering walls.
• Refuel: If you’re in Beaumaris, get fish & chips from Neptune, Dockshack, or templetons and take it out to the seafront to enjoy with a hefty dose of fresh air. At Trearddur Bay you’ll find a cafe, restaurant, bar and pub in the area.

Stay another night at the Oyster Farm, or stay at Blackthorn Farm on Holy Island for sea views and a real sense of peace.

Day 5 – Snowdonia

A 40-minute drive from Menai Bridge takes you to Pen-y-Pass in the heart of Snowdonia.

• Happy hiker: Drive to Pen-y-Pass and put on your walking boots – the mountains are ready to be conquered! Most people are here for Snowdon via the Miners track, descending on the less steep Pyg track (easier on the knees), but there’s hair-raising Crib Goch (do some research to know what you’re getting yourself into) and the Snowdon Horseshoe for a longer day in the hills. Stay on the (relative) flat and take in the incredible lakes that lie in the shadow of the hills.
• Wildlife watcher: Drive south to Ceunant Llennyrch, a gorge home to ancient woodland, rare Atlantic oaks, and rainforest species that would have been plentiful across these once-wooded isles. Walking can be steep but you’ll be rewarded with incredible woodland critters including otters, and waterfalls just begging you to stop and swim.
• Activity lover: In this modern age of technology there’s no need to have stout walking legs to get to the top of the mountain. No, we’re not talking VR, we’re talking trains. Stop in Llanberis and climb aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway for what might be the most breath-taking train ride in the UK. If you’d prefer to be on the water than in the hills head to Bala watersports centre where water-based activities for all sensibilities can be found. The lake itself, Llyn Tegid, is spectacular – pack a picnic from the shops in Bala and find a tranquil spot to take in the views.
• Refuel: Snowdonia isn’t rife with eateries, instead it’s the perfect place to cook up a campsite feast.

Snowdonia has no shortage of campsites. Llyn Gwynant is a popular choice for its pizzeria; other options include neighbouring farms Gwern Gof Isaf and Gwern Gof Uchaf, spacious Bryn Gloch, and Beddgelert campsite set in a forest.

Day 6 – Portmeirion

End your road trip on a relaxing note with a day spent in beautiful Portmeirion before heading back to real life tomorrow.

• Portmeirion is less interested in doing and more interested in being. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll through the village, which costs £17 per adult unless you buy lunch at Castell Deudraeth, after which you can enter the village for free. Walk through the central piazza and battery square enjoying the pastel buildings and turreted roofs, and down along the quayside for great views looking up at the village.
• Beach bum: Harlech beach is 10 miles from Portmeirion, a long sweep of golden sand with views to the mountains of Snowdonia and overlooked by imposing Harlech Castle.
• Happy hiker: there are 19 miles of trails to explore in The Gwyllt at Portmeirion where you’ll find Japanese gardens, the Dog’s Cemetery, the Tangle Wood, Ghost Garden and Shelter Valley.
• Refuel: Ice cream from Caffi’r Angel, Hotel Portmeirion for afternoon tea, Town Hall for a quick bite. Or take a picnic and walk along the Dwyryd Estuary which can only be accessed via the village, so you’re guaranteed to find a quiet spot.

Black Rock Sands campsite and Tyddyn Llwyn campsite are both less than 20 minutes from Portmeirion and the perfect spots for a final night under the stars in your roadsurfer campervan.

Day 7 -Drive back to London

It’s a 4.5 hours drive back to the roadsurfer location from Portmeirion, but if you’ve got time and want to add a final stop on your journey, there are two options.

• Betws-y-Coed – drive 40 minutes north from Portmeirion to the sweet little town of Betws-y-Coed. In high season it can get a little busy, but it’s worth it for the mountain backdrop and the tree-lined River Conwy that flows by. There are copious gift shops and places to eat before you get back on the road.
• Cadair Idris – Head 90 minutes south from Portmeirion to Cadair Idris. Early risers might have time for the 5-6 hour return walk before returning to London, but if not, the surroundings are hard to beat and the views from even partway up its slopes are amazing.

From dramatic hikes to beautiful villages, historical landmarks and delicious local fare, camping in North Wales has so much to offer. Get inspired for your next adventure and book your campervan today!

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Road Trip around North Wales

Road trip around north wales – where did i go.

Work had taken me to Whitchurch near the border with Wales for the first week of October 2019.  As always, I saw an opportunity for a little exploring! Consequently,  I left the following Monday-Thursday clear to give me 6 full days for a mini Road Trip around North Wales in Gadget2, the Self-build Motorhome . Once you have finished reading, don’t forget to read about my other travels too!

My work finished on Friday evening and so I intended to rest Saturday morning before starting my next adventure  early Saturday afternoon.  I planned to drive through Snowdonia and stay overnight in Anglesey.  Whilst Snowdonia is beautiful, I had already been several times and was keen to see  somewhere new.

Road Trip around North Wales – Day 1

After a slow start, I finally departed Whitchurch at 14:00 on Saturday afternoon and made my way to the A5. My road trip around North Wales had begun! Unfortunately the weather started to deteriorate with lots of heavy downpours. However, I made good progress and arrived in Snowdonia after about an hours driving.  Once in the national Park, I left the A5 and detoured along local roads, stopping regularly to admire the view.  Sadly the rain persisted and so long walks were not really possible.

Around 4pm, the rain eased.  Luckily, I found a beautiful lake where I sat quietly for some time to admire the spectacular views.  It was peaceful with no mobile phone signal and little passing traffic.  When the light started to fade, it was time to leave Snowdonia.  I needed some food and fuel and so headed to Caernarfon as this was a major town on route to Anglesey.

Caernarfon was nice to wonder around. There were lots of shops as well as a very impressive castle. After an hour, I finally crossed the Menai Strait and arrived in Anglesey.  I found a beautiful spot on the Menai Strait looking across to Caernarfon. Here I sat watching the sunset before settling down for the night. Beautiful, Peaceful and Quiet.

Road Trip around North Wales – Day 2

I slept extremely well and woke at around 7am. My stop was completely silent with only the sound of the water lapping against the rocks. Furthermore, the weather was dry, despite the forecast! I soon got up and sat on the beach for a few minutes admiring the view. It was a beautiful spot and so I spent some time taking photographs.

Over breakfast and coffee, I planned the days route.  I decided to slowly make my way to Holyhead, stopping at interesting places along the way.   My aunt suggested I visit Ynys Llanddwyn (Island of the Blessed) and so this would be my first stop. 

Ynys Llanddwyn

I set the sat-nav to Ynys Llanddwyn and when I arrived, I had to drive 3 miles through private land to get to the car park. There were lots of routes from the car park and so I first walked for about an hour through the pine forest before heading to the beach. The views across to Ynys Llanddwyn were lovely! Next I walked along the beach and along the path to the end of Ynys Llanddwyn.  The walk was worth it as at the end were some picturesque cottages and a lighthouse with far reaching views.

Barclodiad – y – Gawres

Once back at the van, I stopped for a leisurely lunch before continuing  along the coast. I stopped at a couple of bays. One point of interest was Barclodiad – y – Gawres, a 2500BC burial chamber!

South Stack Lighthouse

I then continued driving along the coastal road, stopping at a few villages before making my way up to South Stack Lighthouse near Holyhead. By the time I arrived, the lighthouse was closed, however the views out to sea were spectacular.

My next stop was Holyhead Breakwater Country Park where I visited some ruins.  Finally I made my way into Holyhead and walked along the harbour wall.  As light began to fade, I decided to head back up to South Stack to watch the sunset.  Cloud cover prevented me seeing the sunset, however it was still a lovely place to sit and watch as the light faded completely. 

Once it was completely dark, I headed back into Holyhead where I settled down for the night.

Road Trip around North Wales – Day 3

After breakfast, I was keen to continue with my Road Trip around North Wales and so headed to Amlwch. This is a small coastal town with a nice harbour, shops and a museum.  I first headed up to a ruined windmill at the top of a hill overlooking the town before walking the short distance down to the harbour. 

After about an hour in Amlwch before moving on to Parys Mountain Windmill.

Parys Mountain

Parys Mountain Windmill is set among an abandoned copper mine. It is amazing to think that this desolate, silent place was once a thriving industrial centre. As someone who loves industrial history, I really enjoyed wondering around whilst imagining what it would have been like when the mine was active.  After an hours walk, I returned to the van for lunch.

Plas Newydd House

My next stop was Plas Newydd House, which is maintained by the National Trust.  At the time of my visit, the house was having a full rewire and the plumbing replaced. Consequently, most was closed. However, it was the only National Trust place I have ever been to with a (temporary) gin bar! After walking through a number of rooms which were all in various stated of refurbishment, I entered one final room containing a large mural.   This was spectacular.  Furthermore, the National Trust had setup a large number of speakers playing loud atmospheric music.  Well done to the National Trust! After leaving the house,  I walked around the gardens overlooking the Menai Strait. Absolutely Beautiful.

Menai Bridge

My final destination on Anglesey was Menai Bridge town. A busy place to walk around with great views of the bridge.  I was able to walk across the Bridge where I could appreciate the magnificent engineering that had taken place back in 1826!

As it was getting late, decided to find somewhere to spend the night. I planned to visit Llŷn Peninsula the next day and so found an overnight stop near Llithfaen. The drive from Menai Bridge to Llithfaen was lovely, passing through some spectacular landscapes.  Finally I arrived at Yr Eifl Car Park at dusk. I walked down the road towards Nant Gwrtheyrn and enjoyed the views out to sea at sunset before returning to the van for some rest.

Road Trip around North Wales – Day 4

I slept well once again! When I woke, it was total silence as I was very remote. Consequently, I decided to just sit and admire the view for 30 minutes. After breakfast, I climbed the hill adjacent to Yr Eifl Car Park which gave me spectacular views across the Llŷn Peninsula and across to Anglesey.

My plan for the day was to drive anticlockwise around the coast and stop at interesting looking places along the way! The first stop was Nefyn Watch Tower.   This is worth a visit as the views from the top are great on a clear day! Whilst in the town, I took the opportunity to restock the van with food. 

Porthdinllaen

My next stop was Porthdinllaen National Trust Site. This was a beautiful secluded bay with a sandy beach. The footpath led along the cliffs above the beach before descending onto the sands below.  Absolutely Beautiful place.

Throughout my trip, I found the mobile phone app ‘ Park4Night ‘ very useful. Using the app, I found a small car park near Tudweiliog that looked worthy of a visit. After setting my sat nav, I drove along an uneven gravel track to the public car park.  This was a beautiful spot consisting of an old fishing port, Porth Y Cychod and several ruins. I was also able to climb down the rocks to the waters edge at Porth Ysgaden.

Back in the van, I headed to another National Trust Site. ‘Porthor’. This was a large secluded bay. Again, I walked along the cliffs and back along the beach. A narrow road past a cafe took me back home to the van where I sat and had lunch.

Mynydd Mawr

My next stop was a National Trust former Coast Guard Lookout at Mynydd Mawr.  The drive up was extremely narrow and steep, however the view from the top was breath taking.  A 360 degree view was worth the drive. I walked down the rocks and around the hill to take some more photographs before heading to my next stop!

I arrived in the nearby village of Aberdaron late in the afternoon. This was a small village with lots of cafes and a nice beach.  I had hoped to buy some ice cream and sit on the beach, however by the time I arrived, everywhere was closed.  Instead, I went for a walk around the pretty village and on a loop along the beach!

Porth Neigwl

It was now getting late and so I headed for my final stop of the day, Porth Neigwl – also known as Hell’s Mouth!  The beach is over 3 miles long, however by the time I had arrived, it had started to rain.  I walked a short distance along the beach before the rain got much heavier.  Consequently,  I returned to the van and settled in for the night.

Further Reading.

Hopefully you enjoyed reading about my Road Trip around North Wales. If so,  why not read about my Road Trip around Scotland as well as other adventures in the van and boat .

If you are planning your own Road Trip, read this handy guide!

Copyright. © 2020 Van and boat.  All rights reserved.

The Perfect North Wales Road Trip Guide & Itinerary 2024

Trying to figure out where to go on your Trip to North Wales?

After Exploring the very best things to do on a North Wales Road Trip, I’ve got you covered!

I am Welsh and have explored its roads and the best things to do hundreds of times and I cannot recommend this part of the country enough!

Ancient woodlands, Insta Worthy Lakes and Misty Mountains. This is just a start to the amazing things you can see during a visit to North Wales .

But which places are worth adding to your itinerary?

Let me walk you through the ultimate places that every Welsh person would recommend you visit for an unforgettable trip.

Planning A Trip? Use The Resources Below!

► Accommodation – I Recommend Bookin g .Com

► Local Tours – I Recommend Viator.Com

► Car Rental – I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com

North Wales By Car (Or Public Transport) Quick Guide:

Route Time: Without stopping, it takes around 4 hours

Where To Stop In 5-7 Days (If you have less time cut out the * stops)

✔️  Day 1:  Arrive at Snowdonia National Park ✔️  Day 2:  Climb Cadair Idris or Snowdon at sunrise * ✔️  Day 3:  Explore Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall ✔️ Day 4:  Visit Wrexham and spot the Hollywood-like sign * ✔️ Day 5:  Spend the day at Bangor and relax at nearby beaches like Beaumaris * ✔️ Day 6:  Take the Bridge over to Anglesey & visit the famous Llanfairpwllgwyngyll ✔️ Day 7:  Travel back (stop in Aberystwyth if it’s on your route)

Getting Here

🏆 Discover Cars : The best way to compare EVERY rental option available and there options where you don’t need to use a credit card!

🚉 Trainline : Quickest Option Without Driving

⭐️ Private Tour : For those who want a road trip vibe but with the luxury of not driving!

Your ready to use North Wales Road Trip Map

My top North Wales Stops

• Snowdonia National Park
• Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall
• Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

1. Snowdonia National Park (Days 1 &2)

• Enjoy a meal at Hangin’ Pizzeria
• Take in the views at sunrise from Cadair Idris
• Stroll around Lake Vyrnwy
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 8+ Hours

Snowdonia National Park is one of the most popular stops and it’s not hard to see why…

Snowdonia National Park offers something for everyone. It’s so popular that you can actually book trips here from London!

It is one of the most scenic areas in Wales and I will never be able to recommend it enough 🤩

I could honestly spend my entire visits to this part of Wales just enjoying the delights the National Park has.

You will find so many amazing places to stay around Snowdonia , making it the best getaway!

Where to Visit in Snowdonia National Park:

✔️Snowdonia

✔️Llyn Padarn & the lonely Tree

✔️Lake Vyrnwy

✔️Dolgellau

Best Places to Stay in Snowdonia

📍 O Dan Y Coed Swedish Log Cabin  – Amazing views, and great outdoor space. It has a hot tub, is dog-friendly, and does not break the bank! 📍 Safari Tent in the heart of Snowdonia  – Incredible location. The luxury tent has an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub

☝️It is well worth booking one of these and will be more comfortable than your rental car!

2. Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall (Day 3)

I stumbled upon this Waterfall by mistake and I’m so glad I did!

Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall is seen as one of the wonders of Wales. Even though it can be seen from the road, it is well worth stopping here.

Parking at the Waterfall is pretty easy but be warned when it is a hot day the spaces fill up fast as it’s a great place to cool off.

Visiting here can easily be done in 20 minutes so it’s well worth your time (it’s also free!).

3. Wrexham (Day 4)

• Explore Chirk Castle
• Take in the views from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Dine at The Fat Boar
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 6+ Hours

With the local football team being bought by Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham is now on everyone’s radar.

This was the one place that surprised me the most as this town is surrounded by history and the most stunning scenery.

There are so many amazing places to stay in this area , especially if you are looking for a hot tub!

Wrexham has great tourist attractions, places to eat and the most lovely country pubs.

So if you want a perfect mixture of City and Country, visit Wrexham.

Best Places to Stay in Wrexham

📍 Hollies Farm B&B  – Lush staff, and great natural light to the rooms. Comfortable beds, great breakfast and I would stay here again and again! 📍 The Lemon Tree  – great location with parking and easy access to the train station. It is also set in the most stunning Victorian building.

4. Bangor (Day 5)

• Explore Penrhyn Castle & Garden
• Stroll down Garth Pier
• Visit Penrhyn Castle & Garden
• ⏳ Length of time to spend here: 5+ Hours

‘Ban-gor’ is the oldest City in Wales. You will not find a lot to do here but is a great base for exploring places on your North Wales Road Trip, like Anglesey.

Bangor also has a beach, pier and is a great seaside pitstop for a few hours. It’s definitely worth visiting Wales’ oldest City but you don’t need to plan much time here.

(Note: If you are looking for something to do in Bangor, Visit Penrhyn Castle ).

Best Places to Stay in Bangor

📍 The Slate   – All mod-cons and has an onsite restaurant if you are too tired to go out after your day of exploring. 📍 Pant Teg B & B  – Amazing location for exploring the surrounding areas. The most friendly hosts- it helps when you are new here!

5. Anglesey (Day 6)

• Admire the views from Menai Suspension Bridge
• Take a picnic to Llanddwyn Beach
• Visit South Stack Lighthouse

Drive across the Manai Suspension Bridge across to the wonderful Island of Anglesey

The bridge from mainland Wales to Anglesey is pretty impressive. But not as impressive as Anglesey.

Full of Geological landforms, rolling hills and Blue Waters, this is one of the most incredible stops when exploring North Wales by road.

P.S. When you arrive at Anglesey, try and stop at the Snowdonia Panoramic viewpoint.

On a clear day, you can see all the Mountains in Snowdonia. There is also a really useful slate sign that tells you all the mountains you can see from that point.

Best Places to Stay in Anglesey

📍 Lastra Farm Hotel  – A luxury stay while surrounded by Welsh rolling hills. You can also do activities like golfing, horse riding and hiking here. 📍 The Anchorage   – THE best budget-friendly option with glowing reviews. I think the epic beachfront location helps!

6. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll (Day 6)

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or more commonly known as Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is on the Island of Anglesey.

And Yup, this is a real place.

It is the second longest-place name in the world.

The English Translation for this 58-character village name is  “St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave”.

You can visit the sign at the local Train Station and even though it’s just a sign, it’s well worth stopping here.

When is the best time of year for a North Wales Road Trip?

So when is the best time of year to visit North Wales?

Unfortunately, the Weather can be very temperamental in Wales.

Springtime is always a good time to plan your Road Trip as even if it rains, seeing the landscape changing before you is pretty special.

You will always find the major tourist spots a lot less crowded during this time too.

If you are planning to explore the outdoors on your great Welsh road trip, I recommend June-October as the Weather is usually warmer.

North Wales is a great place to explore all year round but I recommend packing a raincoat regardless of what time of year you want to go (it rains a lot here).

How long does it take to drive around Wales?

This question is asked a lot!

Even though Wales doesn’t look like a big Country, the many Country roads may add some time onto your trip.

Some of the routes are full of potholes and tight bends so having sturdy luggage is a good idea!

To drive from one side of Wales to the other (West to East) is about 4 hours. To drive from South to North Wales you are looking at a drive time of 5 hours.

North Wales has a lot to see and do so 7 days is the ultimate time frame.

If you can’t spare that amount of time or are just briefly visiting North Wales, you will be surprised how much you can see in a day or two.

➡️ If you want to explore Wales and not drive, there are plenty of great tours that leave London that you can book!

How long does it take to drive around North Wales?

North Wales is over 200 Miles with so many areas to explore, 5-7 days is the perfect timeframe to drink it all in.

But if time isn’t on your side, you may want to limit your North Wales driving route to one area.

The most recommended destination for this is Snowdonia . It is BY FAR my favourite place to visit in North Wales because it is so pretty 😍

To make travelling by road go a lot smoother, I also recommend having some of these road trip essentials with you.

Where to stop on the way to North Wales

On the way to your North Wales Adventure, there are some great places to stop and break up the Journey.

The one place I couldn’t recommend enough is Aberystwyth (I lived here for 4 years).

If you are travelling Mid or South Wales this spot is a must-visit, even for a few hours.

The stunning Coastal town of Aberystwyth is only small but the Sea Views and Foodie hot spots make this a great way to start your trip up North.

Here are a few things you can do when you visit Aberystwyth:

🏖️   Climb or get the Tram up Constitution Hill. The Walk is pretty steep so the Tram is a great alternative. (Note: You do have to pay for the Tram, tickets can be bought from the Cliff Railway at the entrance)

🏖️   Get Fish and Chips at North Beach (be careful of the Seagulls, they will try their luck!)

🏖️   Stroll around Aberystwyth Harbour and South Beach

🏖️   Kick the Bar outside Alexandra Halls (Look out for the sign explaining the History and what you have to do)

🏖️   Have a drink at the Glen Gower Pub and Watch the Waves

🏖️   Stop by the Arcade and play a few games

🏖️   Watch the Sunset if you get a chance (this is when I have always seen a Dolphin)

A North Wales Road Trip in 3 days

Even though it’s recommended to spend 5-7 days exploring North Wales by car, it is totally possible to see a lot in 3 days.

There are so many sites you can actually see from the comfort of your vehicle.

To save time on your 3-day itinerary you can just do a drive-by of a lot of the attractions, stopping only at the sites you are desperate to see.

The top sites to add to your 3-day North Wales Itinerary are:

✔️ Snowdonia National Park

✔️ Anglesey

✔️ Barmouth

✔️Conwy ( the castle here is epic!)

What can you do in 2 days in North Wales?

If you only have 2 days to road trip around North Wales, don’t expect to see everything.

However, you can certainly make a very good dent in your itinerary. For those who want to see a lot, it’s highly recommended to take a decent day bag with you .

Exploring Snowdonia National Park is a great place to spend your two days. You will see the prettiest rural villages, the most amazing views and always have plenty to do.

➡️ Snowdonia is my favourite area in this part of Wales. If you are running low on time, you can easily dedicate your whole driving time here .

This is how I would spend 2 days exploring North Wales:

✔️ Betws-y-Coed & Snowdonia National Park

✔️ Llangollen

✔️ Conwy (make sure you stop by the Castle )

Final thoughts on exploring North Wales by car or public transport

This is without a doubt one of the most scenic Road Trips you can do.

If you are an outdoor adventurer or just looking for the best spot for a beer, North Wales will not disappoint 😍

I love visiting here because it has a great blend of everything Wales offers. Amazing driving routes, cosy pubs and some world-class beaches!

Just don’t forget to pack a coat- it will probably rain, even if you visit in August .

I hope this article helped! Here are some more posts to get your plans started:

✔️ Best Cardiff Airport Transfers (By A Local Who Flys A Lot)

✔️ Where To Stay In Cardiff, Wales: Best Areas & Hotels

✔️ 17 Best Day Trips From Cardiff (By A Local)

✔️ Can You Drink Tap Water In The UK? Expert Guide

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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Campervanning in Wales- Essential tips & Best Motorhome sites

Planning to go motorhoming or campervanning in Wales? Looking for the best campsites and Wales motorhome sites to stay at and places to visit near them? Want campsites by the sea or near a beach? Here are some of the best campsites in Wales for motorhomes and vans, plus tips to make the most of your Welsh motorhoming or campervanning trip.

Don’t forget to grab your free downloadable Wales road trip guide to help you plan your trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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Campervanning in Wales Tips

Wales is a wonderful place to take your motorhome or campervan. We actually spent our very first motorhome trip EVER in South Wales- 5 days exploring Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula. It was fantastic.

There are so many incredible places to explore, from the Brecon Beacons to the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coast, then up into the National Park of Snowdonia and the rugged North Wales Coast. If you need ideas, here are some of the best routes for your Wales road trip .

One of the best things about motorhoming & campervanning in Wales is that it’s not a particularly large country and is easy to get around- meaning you can see quite a lot in a short space of time.

However, we highly recommend taking your time and seeing as much as you can. Wales has so much incredible history- the castles are some of the best in the UK, plus there are beaches to rival Cornwall, mountain views to rival Scotland and some of the best waterfalls in Europe .

Motorhoming and Campervanning in Wales- route ideas

Did you know that Wales has created 3 national driving routes? Collectively, they’re known as the Wales Way and you can drive them all with a motorhome or caravan.

• The North Wales Way covers the north coast and Anglesey.
• The Cambrian Way winds through the centre of the country, including Snowdonia, the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.
• The Coastal Way follows the beautiful west coast around Cardigan Bay

If you want to download your FREE guide to the routes, you can grab it here

Planning a trip to Wales?

Grab your FREE guide to the Wales Way road trip routes, including:

• suggested routes around Wales
• best places to see on your trip
• campsites to stay at along the way
• and other tips for touring Wales

Useful things to know when campervanning and motorhoming in Wales

Here are some useful things to know about touring Wales:

• National language: Welsh (but English is widely spoken)
• You don’t need a passport/ ID to cross the border from England into Wales
• Wales drives on the left, just like England and Scotland
• You use GBP in Wales. No other currency is accepted.

How long to go for?

You can easily visit and explore Wales for just a few days or a week and it’s quite easy to drive around. Of course, if you have two weeks or longer, you can see a lot more of the country.

How long does it take to drive across Wales?

Wales isn’t a huge country and you can drive across it quite quickly if you use the main roads.

As a guide, Cardiff (on the south coast) to Llandudno (on the northern coast) takes about 4 and a half hours if you go through the middle of the country, including the beautiful Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park.

It’s also not a wide country. St David’s (west coast) to Hay on Wye (on border) is only 112 miles and will take just under 3 hours.

Planning a driving route to Wales

Honestly, it’s not hard to find Wales from anywhere in England!

From Dover to the Severn Bridge (Welsh border) takes about 4 hours (200 miles). The quickest route is to use the motorways- A2/M2/M25/M4

Some top tips for route planning:

• Avoid driving in rush hour where possible (usually 7-9am and 4-6.30pm)
• Try to avoid driving on the weekends or on bank holidays- LOTS of traffic
• Alternatively, get up early and do as much driving as possible before the traffic hits, then stop and have a nap somewhere safe- a huge advantage of having a motorhome or campervan with a bed with you!!
• The M25 around London is nearly always slow, especially near the M4 and Heathrow. Try to avoid peak times when driving this bit. There are also cameras on most. motorways- stick to the speed limit to avoid fines.

Can I drive to Wales in the Winter?

Yep. Generally the major routes are open all year. However, the UK is notoriously bad at dealing with snow and adverse weather.

At the first sign of snowfall, expect drivers to do the craziest things, including but not limited to driving at 3mph, driving down the middle of the road, stopping unexpectedly, taking 17 hours to decide if they’re turning and generally forgetting all common sense (I’m British, I’m allowed to say this stuff ?)

Wales can get really cold in winter, especially around Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, so make sure you have proper heating in your motorhome or campervan.

Best Wales Motorhome sites

We’ve now been to Wales many times since, doing a mixture of motorhome wild camping and using campsites.

Here are some of our favourite motorhome sites in Wales, for North and South, including some special ones by the beach. If you’re planning to use a campsite in Wales for more than a few nights, it might be worth joining a motorhome club and seeing if you can get a discounted stay at your chosen campsite.

Motorhome sites North Wales

Here are some of our favourite motorhome sites in North Wales- both for the views or for their easy access to some of the best places to visit.

Tyddyn Du Touring Park

This adults only touring park has been awarded 5 stars by Visit Wales. The touring park has stunning panoramic sea views from Anglesey to the Great Orme at Llandudno. All pitches have 16 amp electric hook-ups and convenient access to water. Elsan points are installed, and Butane and Propane Gas can be purchased. There is Wi-Fi available on site for internet access on your laptop.

Address: Tyddyn Du Touring Park, Conwy Old Road, Penmaenmawr, Conwy, North Wales, LL34 6RE

Dog-friendly? Yes- dog walking area provided

Pitches: Electric (16 amp)

Prices from £33/ night for 2 adults, awning and electrics

Cae Mawr Caravan Club Site- Anglesey

Cae Mawr is a Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, only a short drive to the stunning beaches of Anglesey. It’s dog-friendly and there are many dog-friendly beaches nearby.

Near to the caravan site is Traeth Bychan, a small but pretty beach with boat launching facilities. This site is a great stopover for anyone needing a stopover before going motorhoming in Ireland .

Please note:  This site does not have a toilet block.

Address: Cae Mawr, Llangefni Road, Marianglas, Anglesey, LL73 8NY, Wales

Pitches: 73 (41 hard standing), electric.

Open Mar- Oct

Prices from £14.80/ night

Want more tips for motorhoming?

Here are some more ideas you might find useful:

• Essential Motorhome accessories  every van should have
• Best Sat-nav for motorhomes or campervans
• Motorhome Security – tips for at home and on the road
• How to get Internet & wifi in a motorhome
• Europe- essential gear for travelling to Europe
• Best gift ideas for motorhome and campervan owners

Want FREE checklists, eBooks and additional tips to help? Visit our resource page

Shell Island

Shell Island is one of the largest campsites in Europe, with over 300 acres are available for camping. It’s on the site of a farm which dates back to the Doomsday Book (1086) but you’ll be pleased to know things have been modernised since then. This site is for motorhomes/ campervans and tents only- no caravans.

It situated in North Cardigan Bay and has shops, a bar, a restaurant and even a snack bar- making it one of the best equipped motorhome sites in North Wales. It’s well situated for both the coast and Snowdonia and in Spring and early Summer you can even bottle feed the new animals on the farm.

The campsite is on an island, and the causeway is covered at high tide, so you’ll need to take that into account when planning your visit.

Address: Shell Island Llanbedr, Gwynedd, North Wales, LL45 2PJ

Dog-friendly? Yes. There are certain fields where dogs are not allowed. These are sign posted at the entrances to the fields.

Pitches: Grass, hardstanding. There are NO electric pitches- but there is a leisure battery charging facility at the camp shop (for a fee) and electric points in the ladies showers for hair dryers/straighteners etc. You can also charge your phone/ laptop in the Supermarket and the Camp Shop (for a fee). You will need to have your own chargers for these.

BBQs and Fires are allowed as long as they are raised off the ground in something that will catch the ashes, so it does not burn the grass. You can also have them on the beach as long as you clear up after yourselves.

Price: From £13.50 a night per adult 

Plas Gwyn Caravan Park

Set within the grounds of Plas Gwyn House, this small motorhome site in North Wales has just a few spaces for motorhomes on hard standing, but several more on grass- all with electric hookup.

Families are welcome and a space for games is provided.

Address: Plas Gwyn, Llanberis Road, Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales. LL55 2AQ

Dog-friendly? Yes

Pitches: Electric and non-electric, hardstanding and grass

Open Mar- November

Prices from £30 per night

Motorhome sites near Snowdonia

Tyn Cornel is located just four miles from Bala in the foothills of the Arenig Mountains in Snowdonia, with a stunning riverside location. The National White Water Centre is just a five-minute walk. It has a mix of hardstanding and grass pitches, with16-Amp electrical hook-ups They even encourage campfires! There is also a shop, playing field and laundry facilities.

Address: Tyn Cornel Camping, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU

Prices from £25/ night

Bala Camping and Caravanning Club site

If you’re a Camping and Caravanning club member, there is a club site close to Bala, with 45 level pitches in a pretty and secluded setting.

The site has a good range of facilities including toilets, showers, laundry, a small children’s play area and a small dog walk.

Prices from £11/ night for members

Address: Bala Camping & Caravanning Club, Crynierth Caravan Park, Cefn-ddwysarn, Bala LL23 7LN

You can also grab our interactive map and online guide filled with places to visit in Wales- check it out here

Gwerniago Campsite

Gwerniago Campsite is a working farm in southern Snowdonia. The site and farm are family-run, and includes access to a small kitchen with a fridge, freezer and washing up sinks. The site was voted in the top 5 campsites in Wales for kids by Cool Camping Kids. Campfires are permitted.

Nearby there are cycling routes, river walks and many outdoor activities, plus Machynlleth, a mediaeval historic market town (market on Wednesday). The harbour village of Aberdyfi is a 15 minutes’ drive away and offers blue flag beaches and sand dunes.

It’s also within a 15 minute drive of:

• Henningham Chip Shop  –  (Voted Best Chip shop in Wales)
• Cambrian Line Railway  – (Top 10 railways in the world by the Guardian)

Address: Gwerniago Campsite, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JX

Dog-friendly? Yes- on leads as it is a working farm

Prices from £22 per night

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Motorhome Sites South Wales

Here are some of our favourite motorhome sites in south wales (campervans and caravans are accepted at most too.)

Freshwater East Caravan Club Site

Pembrokeshire has some of the best beaches in Wales and this park is located within easy reach of several of them (including some dog-friendly ones.) There are a mixture of grass and hardstanding tiered pitching areas to choose from.

It’s a brilliant location for exploring Pembroke, Manorbier or Carew (all with castles), Tenby (with the colourful harbour) and even a boat trip to Caldey Island.

Address: Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5LJ, Wales

Dog-friendly? Dogs are welcome- there’s a dog walk on site

Prices from £18.80 for club members

Open from March- end of October

National Showcaves Campsite – Brecon Beacons

We loved this campsite- mainly because we were blown away by the caves of Dan Yr Ogof (as you can see in the video below.) Voted one of the top 25 caravan parks in Britain by a national newspaper, it was peaceful, clean, well-run and the stars were incredible.

The campsite is a 5-minute walk from the caves- kids will love the animal petting zoo and the dinosaurs. Adults will love the caves and the cafe, which does an AMAZING breakfast.

Address: National Showcaves, Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ

Dog-friendly? Dogs are welcome, but don’t take them into the caves.

Prices from £35 for a van with up to 4 occupants

Open from Easter- end of October

Motorhoming in Wales- See around the National Showcaves campsite:

Watch a video of our visit to the National Showcase campsite with our motorhome as part of our Welsh motorhome tour.

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Best motorhome site near Cardiff- Cardiff Caravan Park

Cardiff Caravan Park is the best motorhome sites in Wales for anyone wanting to visit the city of Cardiff- it’s only half a mile away! Yet it manages to feel rural, despite its proximity to the city.

The campsite has 43 individual ‘grasscrete’ pitches, each with its own water supply and 16 amp electric hook up points. There are also some grass pitches and non-electric pitches. There are also toilet/ shower blocks, laundry facilities and a family games room.

The site has full 24hr CCTV, and there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby.

Address: Cardiff Caravan Park, Pontcanna Fields, Fields Park Rd, Cardiff CF11 9XR

Price starts from: £30/ night without electric

Open: All year

Wyeside- Central Wales

If you want to be based nearer the middle of the country, Wyeside is a brilliant option. It’s a Camping and Caravanning club site, with wonderful views and facilities.

Located just outside the market town of Rhayader in Powys, on the banks of the River Wye, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some outdoor activities. There’s hiking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching all nearby.

Please note that mobile and TV reception are poor – satellite is required.

Address: Wyeside Caravan & Camping Park, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5LB

Dogs welcome

Price starts from: £9.45 for members

Best Motorhome campsites in Wales near a beach

I know, we all want to stay somewhere with incredible views- and Wales most definitely does not disappoint. Here are a few of our favourite campsites in Wales near a beach or with a sea view.

Caerfai Bay

Caerfai Bay has 25 touring caravan/motorhome pitches all with electric hook-ups (10 amp / 2.5kW maximum) and beautiful views overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast. There are also grass pitches available.

They only accept 7 night bookings (or multiples of) during the main holiday season, with arrivals on Saturday. Outside of school holiday time, shorter stays are bookable.

Address: Caerfai Bay, Ffordd Caerfai, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6QT, UK

Pitches: Electric and non-electric

Prices from – minimum 3 nights: £90 for 3 nights inc electric (for 2 people with motorhome) with sea view.

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Min Y Don Caravan Club Site

Min Y Don Club Site is set along the beach, with the backdrop of Snowdonia. The views of the mountains, sand dunes and floodlit 13th century Castle are breathtaking. The beach is sandy and safe for all ages and is reached via a short walk, across the adjoining famous Royal St David’s Golf Course.

A short walk from the site will take you into Harlech, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops. If you want to venture further, the site is conveniently located to the main train line to Pwllheli, Criccieth, Barmouth and Aberdovey.

Address: Min Y Don Caravan Club Site, Beach Road, Harlech, LL46 2UG

BBQs allowed

Price: From £32.00 per night

Open March to November

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

Three Cliffs Bay has one of the best locations for any motorhome site in south Wales. The views across the Gower peninsula onto Three Cliff Bay are BREATHTAKING.

The site has been awarded 5 stars by Visit Wales and welcomes, tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes.

There are a range of pitches including sea views and electric hookup points

There’s a motor home service point, Elson facilities and several warm water dog showering points.

Address: North Hill Farm, N Hills Ln, Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HB

Dog-friendly? Yes. They are also allowed on the beach 12 months a year. We now have dog walking areas on-site.

BBQs off the ground are allowed and firepits available for hire

Open April- October

Prices from – minimum 3 nights: £16.50 for 3 nights inc electric (up to 8 people included in booking)

Motorhome Wild Camping in Wales

Motorhome wild camping in Wales is a little bit more complicated than wild camping with a motorhome in Scotland .

Having said that, we’ve wild camping in Wales on several occasions- and only had an issue once. If you’d like to learn more about the legalities of wild camping with a motorhome or campervan in Wales, these posts will help:

• Motorhome Wild Camping in the UK – Everything you need to know
• Motorhome and campervan parking laws in the UK
• How to find FREE overnight motorhome parking places in the UK and Europe

Want to stay off-grid with your motorhome?

Grab our FREE wild parking checklist and make it easy for yourself. Everything you need to do, bring or remember when you stay off-grid.

Motorhoming and Campervanning in Wales -motorhome hire

If you want to go campervanning or motorhoming in Wales and need to hire a motorhome or campervan for your trip, make sure you do your homework in advance and ask the right questions to make sure you know what you’re getting.

To rent a vehicle in Wales you must:

• be at least 21 years old, (certain car categories may require older) Some hire companies have a maximum age limit of 75.
• have had a driving licence for more than one year
• show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities) 

You can expect to pay from around £50/ day for a small campervan in June out of peak season. Many of the van rental periods ask for a minimum of 5 nights, so be sure to ask the right questions so you know what to expect from your motorhome or campervan rental

NOTE: The UK and Wales use 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. All power sockets are type G 3-pin. Remember to bring appropriate adaptors for your electronic devices.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Useful things to know when campervanning in Wales

Bringing a dog/ pet into wales.

If your dog is England or Scotland based, you can travel with them into Wales without any paperwork, although we always recommend carrying microchip details and details of their inoculations, just in case.

If your dog is NOT UK based, you will need to carry:

• Microchip details
• Proof of rabies vaccination/ Pet Passport
• Proof of Tapeworm treatment – must be given between 1 and 5 days before crossing into Britain. The treatment is not necessary if you travel DIRECTLY from Finland, Ireland , Malta or Norway . You do NOT need a second tapeworm treatment for travelling into Wales if you have already been in England or Scotland for more than 5 days.

READ MORE: Taking your dog into Europe after BREXIT- new rules to follow

Speed limits in Wales

Motorway signs are blue with white writing. Other road signs are green or brown for places of interest.

Speed Limits for vehicles under 3.05t are as follows (unless otherwise signed!)

• Motorways- 70mph (112km/h)
• Major roads/ dual carriageways- 70mph (112km/h)
• Outside built-up areas- 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Built up areas- 30 mph (48 km/h)

Many residential areas have speed limits as low as 20mph 32 km/h), especially near schools.

Speed limits for vehicles over 3.05t

• Major roads/ dual carriageways- 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Outside built-up areas- 50 mph (80 km/h)

Speed limits for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer

• Motorways- 60 mph (96 km/h)

You can see speed limits for all vehicle categories in the UK here

Speed cameras in Wales

There are many speed cameras in Wales. Pay attention to your speed- fines are not as severe as if you were campervanning in Switzerland , but they are still pretty high.

Drink driving laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Wales and the UK. Wales only allows 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. As always, don’t drink and drive.

Petrol/ Diesel

There are plenty of fuel stations across Wales, although they are less common in rural areas. We recommend not letting your tank drop below half-full and filling up when you can if you are driving into remote areas, like around the Brecon Beacons. As with everywhere, you’ll find the prices slightly higher on the motorways.

Petrol – Unleaded 95 ‘premium unleaded’ /unleaded 97 ‘super unleaded’.  Green handles on pump

Diesel is called… diesel. Black or yellow handles on pump

Some places are 24h pay at the pump (mainly near cities), but many require you to go into the shop and pay the cashier either in advance or after you’ve filled up- there will be a sign to tell you what to do. (Leave your car in front of the pump and make a note of the pump number.)

You can pay using cash or a credit card. European visa cards are usually accepted- remember you will pay the exchange rate. Many places do NOT take American Express.

Getting LPG in Wales

LPG (GPL) can be found at a few selected petrol stations. If buying from a petrol station, you may need to wait for an attendant to turn the system on for you.

You can find places which sell LPG using  MyLPG.eu

Remember, if you don’t have refillable gas bottles , you will be unable to buy a gas bottle which fits straight onto a European system- you will need a UK pigtail.

UK filling stations mostly use a bayonet-type attachment which requires an adaptor for use with other European LPG vehicle connectors. Make sure that you have a suitable adaptor before travelling.

LEARN MORE: Learn how we find LPG in Europe for our motorhome

More useful things to know when campervanning in Wales

Some more tips to help you enjoy your time touring in Wales.

Phone Dialling Code: +44

Capital : Cardiff

Emergency Numbers: 999 will get you police, fire, ambulance and coastguard. Also, 112 (the European emergency number) will also work in the UK

Language – The official language of Wales is Welsh and English

Currency – GBP (£ sterling) You can exchange money at banks or many post offices or travel agents. There are also a multitude of ATMs available.

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT. During summer, the country adopts British BST – Summer Time (UTC +1), which usually ends in the last week of October. Timezone is ALWAYS the same as the rest of the UK.

Tipping- Tipping is not expected but appreciated. 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard if you are happy with the service.

Shops – Many normal shops close at 5.30pm, with bigger supermarkets often open until 10pm. Many small shops will not be open on Sundays, but bigger supermarkets and garages may be open for about 6 hours (often from 10-4pm)

Campervanning in Wales- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Wales. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area.

READ MORE: Essential tips for protecting your van at home and on the road

Touring Wales with a dog

Wales is pretty dog friendly and there are plenty of places to walk with them both on and off-lead. They’re allowed inside many restaurants, pubs and cafes- usually just ask if there isn’t a clear sign.

They are not allowed into public places like museums, but are usually welcome on trains and most public transport with a lead.

Don’t forget how hot it gets in summer and to make sure your dog is comfortable. Do NOT leave them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans heat up just like cars do. Here are some tips to keep your dog cool on a road trip.

Using a drone in Wales

You are allowed to take and fly your drone in Scotland, but it is a legal requirement for all drones weighing between 250g and 20kg to be registered and flown by competent pilots.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority works hard to balance drone users with other airspace users and have lots of information and tools to help. Find out more here .

READ MORE: What’s the best travel drone (and how to choose)

We also recommend getting the Drone Assist app on your phone or iPad, which will tell you where you can/ cannot fly.

Other posts you might find useful:

• 15 unmissable Wales road trip destinations
• Complete guide to the Wales Way
• 17 Best UK Motorhome Holidays
• How to plan a UK road trip
• The most scenic roads in the UK
• Motorhoming in Scotland- complete guide

See all our UK travel tips and ideas

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Road Trip Overview

North wales discovery road trip, wind your way through the mountainous wonders of north wales.

• Motorhome hire
• North Wales road trip

Immerse yourself in the grandiose scenery of ancient Britain

This road trip combines breathtaking natural sights and magnificent man-made structures, making it the perfect adventure for anyone hiring a campervan or motorhome . Start your journey in historic Denbighshire where castles, waterfalls and walks await. From there travel to Snowdonia with its mountainous terrain, sparkling lakes and plethora of outdoor activities.

Next, it's onward to the Isle of Anglesey, desired by invaders such as the Saxons and Vikings. Look out onto the Irish Sea or back at the loft peaks of Snowdonia. The well-preserved walls of Chester sit just over the border back into England and mark the final stop on your tour. Visit the Cathedral, Roman Amphitheater and local zoo, or relax and unwind with some retail therapy in the local shops and restaurants. All in all, this motorhome holiday will be an experience that you will never forget.

Total distance: 149 miles

Total driving time: 3 hours, 18 minutes

Suggested length of road trip: 8 days

Explore the route map

Stop 1. Denbighshire

Recommended site: Gaer Hyfryd Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Open: March to October

Address: Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 0EW, Wales

Total driving time: Starting point

The longest known settled region of Wales, Denbighshire has a rich history and stunning rural landscape. This is where you will find your first stop, at the Gaer Hyfryd Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

The site puts you in the perfect location to discover all that Denbighshire has to offer, from castles to natural wonders like the Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall. The area has been dubbed a walker’s paradise and depending on your mood you can choose between a simple stroll or a more challenging trek over the Berwyns. The town of Llangollen, known for its spectacular scenery, is close by. there is plenty to see and do in this town on the edge of the River Dee including visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as the “Stream in the Sky”.

Visitor view:

"This site Gaer Hyfry is in a wonderful location in a very picturesque part of the world. The site itself is beautifully clean and tidy and is overseen by the most helpful and understanding owners imaginable. I can't recommend this site highly enough."

MoongazingHare

Stop 1 Highlights

Pistyll Rhaeadr, The tallest waterfall in Wales

The colossal Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is the highest in the World

The haunting ruins of Denbigh Castle

The town of Llangollen, steeped in myth and legend

Things to do when you're here

Food & drink

The Corn Mill Dee Lane, Llangollen, LL20 8PN

www.brunningandprice.co.uk 01978 869 555

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Trevor Basin Visitor Centre Trevor Basin, Off Station Road, Trevor, Wrexham, LL20 7TY

www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk 01978 822912

Outdoor fun

White water rafting in Llangollen Chapel Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NW

www.whitewateractive.co.uk 01978 860763

For the family

Llangollen Railway Experience rail travel as it used to be.

llangollen-railway.co.uk 01978 860979

Stop 2. Snowdonia

Recommended site: Coed-Y-Llwyn Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Address: Gellilydan, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 4EN

Total driving time: 1 hour

An hour's journey from your first stopover is Coed-Y-Llwn Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, situated in Snowdonia National Park, a breathtaking mountainous region of North Wales that will dazzle visitors and provides an awe inspiring backdrop for a camping adventure.

On your journey here take the opportunity to stop off to see the magnificent Bala Lake, also known as Llyn Tegid, the largest natural body of water in Wales. There is so much to see and do from this site. The famous Mount Snowdon stands nestled in the stunning Snowdon Massif, which is just one of four mountain ranges situated in the park. Cycling, water sports, hiking and mountain walking opportunities abound with miles of tracks and beautiful shimmering lakes.

The adventurous will be spoilt for choice with activities such as inland lagoon surfing and zip lining, while more relaxed pursuits can be found in exploring the local castles, taking a trip on one of the steam railways, visiting the Italian styled village of Portmeirion or simply taking in the awe inspiring surroundings provided by nature. One castle not to miss is the magnificent Harlech Castle overlooking the Irish Sea. Discover the legend of this foreboding medieval fortress, one of the most threatening castles in Wales.

"Great site for exploring this area with plenty of local attractions to see for all the family, lots of local walks, ideal for mountain biking at coed-y-brenin just 15 mins away, beach is only 20 mins away , local pubs serving good food."

Caravanner from Flintshire

Stop 2 Highlights

Magical Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales

The picturesque seaside town of Portmeirion

Bala lake is the largest natural body of water in Wales

Harlech Castle has been the scene of much violent and dramatic action in its history

Mawddach Restaurant Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TA

www.mawddach.com 01341 421752

Harlech Castle Harlech LL46 2YH

www.harlech.com 01766 780552

Porthmadog Activity & Riding Centre Llanerch Farm. Morfa Bychan Road, Porthmadog LL49 9UR

www.porthmadog-activity-centre.co.uk 01766 512468

Zip World Slate Caverns LL41 3NB

www.zipworld.co.uk 01248 601 444

Stop 3. Anglesey

Recommended site: Penrhos Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Address: Brynteg, Benllech, Anglesey, LL78 7JH, Wales

Total driving time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

The Isle of Anglesey sits on the North West coast of Wales and is steeped in history. Tranquil sandy beaches and views out across the Irish Sea provide a chance to relax, reflect and unwind, whilst you can look back and see Snowdonia from the campsite.

On your journey to Anglesey navigate through the towering slate mountains to The National Slate Museum, where you'll discover the traditional craft of the quarryman. If your appetite for mountains has been whetted by the previous stop, Holyhead Mountain is a natural jewel in the local landscape. From the dramatic cliffs you can spot South Stack Lighthouse on the summit of a small island just off the coast. Beaumaris Castle is close by, as is the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a narrow gauge rack and pinion mountain railway that takes you to the highest peak in Wales. Adrenaline junkies can head over to Anglesey Circuit for a driving experience based in the most breathtaking of locations. Alternatively explore by sea with a powerboat trip along the stunning coastline of Anglesey and the Menai Strait.

"Penrhos is a peaceful and friendly with good amenities and great walking and birdwatching – especially in the spring. You can walk straight from the site into lovely countryside."

Geoff and Maureen Parry

Stop 3 Highlights

The moated concentric castle of Beaumaris

Snowdon Mountain Railway carries passengers to the peak of mount Snowdon

The 200 year old South Stack Lighthouse

Anglesey Circuit hosts rally cross and other motorsports events

The Tavern on the Bay St David's Park,  Red Wharf Bay, LL75 8RJ

01248 852751

Plas Newydd House and Gardens Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, LL61 6DQ

01248 714795

Anglesey Circuit Driving Experiences Ty Croes, Anglesey, Wales, LL63 5TF

www.angleseycircuit.com 01407 811 400

Seawake Anglesey Boat Trips 40 High Street, Menai Bridge, Isle of Anglesey, LL59 5EF

www.angleseyboattrips.com 01248 716335

Stop 4. Chester

Recommended site: Chester Fairoaks Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Open: All year

Address: Rake Lane, Little Stanney, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 4HS

Just over the border into England lies the walled city of Chester and the location of Chester Fairoaks Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. There are numerous historical sites to peruse such as the 900 year old cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, as well as restaurants and plenty of shops.

For a multifaceted entertainment experience check out the Storyhouse. There is a footpath that runs along the wall which is the most complete in Britain. Spare some time en route to discover the town of Conwy for yet another spectacular castle. Animal lovers can head to the nearby Chester Zoo for a fun family day out and boasts some 12,000 animals in its 110 acre gardens. To get acquainted with dwellers of the deep, dive over to the Blue Planet Aquarium.

If you would prefer be on the surface of the water rather than under it, take a voyage in a kayak on the River Dee.  Our Chester Fairoaks Club Site is set in a central location, ideal for exploring the city.

"Had a recent 3 day visit to Chester and found this site to be greatly positioned for local restaurants and on the doorstep of Cheshire Oaks. A short walk there will also enable you to catch buses into Chester."

Stop 4 Highlights

The majestic Conwy Castle dominates its surroundings

See the tigers at Chester Zoo

The hallowed halls of the 900 year old Chester Cathedral

Face your fears at Blue Planet Aquarium and meet eels and sharks

Hanky Panky Pancakes 20 Commonhall Street, Chester, CH1 2BJ

www.hankypankypancakes.com 01244 319225

Story House Hunter Street, Chester CH12AR

www.storyhouse.com 01244 409113

C hester Kayak Hire 45 City Rd, Chester CH1 3AE

www.chesterkayakhire.co.uk 01244 422007

Chester Zoo Moston Rd, Upton-by-Chester, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU

www.chesterzoo.org 01244 380280

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Wales road trip itinerary by campervan

30th August 2017 Caroline Lewis -->

I am taking over the blog today, to talk to you about my experience with the wonderful Asha and to share our Wales road trip itinerary. But before I begin, who am I? I’m Max Cantellow, a 24 year old London based photographer, who recently moved back from reading a Master’s at the University of Amsterdam. I have spent the past 7 months travelling around our glorious planet and documenting my adventures on my Instagram channel

I approached Quirky Campers after being intrigued by an article about them in The Guardian  and was in complete admiration of their concept, the array of campers their site offered and genuinely inspired by the creativity & passion that drove the design features of each quirky campervan.

“Travel Wales!” They said, and oh did I.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of our road trip to Wales and our itinerary.

I was honoured to be part of the first guest group to adventure in Asha. We took her over 1,000 Miles across the UK from Norwich to travel Wales, in particular exploring the beautiful landscape North Wales has to offer. Originally a delivery van, Asha was transformed by its owner – John – using recycled materials and nearly 2,000 painstaking hours. I was impressed by John’s creativity and passion to repurpose the van using recycled materials. From its wooden floor, old school desks for tables, to housing the drinking vessels in what used to be a clock face. Not to mention its wood-burning heater for the unpredictable UK weather!

WALES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day one: the journey begins.

We departed from London ~ 116 miles to Norwich to meet John, Sue and Asha for the first time. When we picked up the van, John and Sue were a dream. They were super helpful in answering our queries (as we were all new to this!) and concerns with the van. From how to get the log fire on, to how to use the compost toilet, to the best ways of driving the rather large vehicle that is Asha. Honestly – they were great! Answered all our questions with detail and provided their experience with Asha and camping around the UK in general.

I mentioned that I wanted to venture across the width of the UK, to travel Wales and the beautiful scenery that Snowdonia National Park has to offer. Already day one had put a fair few miles into our journey, so Sue and John suggested we stayed at Abbey Farm Campsite. This would allow us to cover enough ground to ensure that we could wake up in Wales and head straight up into the mountains in the morning.

DAY TWO: Exploring Snowdonia

We all woke up rather sprightly after our first night glamping in Asha. Excited for the day ahead, we nipped across the field to the Abbey Farm  campsite café for a full English breakfast and a cuppa. The best way to start the day. We headed to Nantcol Waterfalls , while aimlessly taking detours and roads that took our fancy on the way. Trying our best to explore Wales, while also pushing Asha to her limits, I can assure you some of the roads were incredibly bendy and tight – she performed wonderfully! Through some on the road research and 2G phone signal, we managed to find an ideal campsite. Something a bit less ‘campervan structured’, and something with a coastline view to wake up too.

Thankfully we found it, a beautiful campsite called Aberafon Camping and Caravan Site , which allows you to drive your camper right up to what feels like the waters edge. Upon pulling in, we slid open the delivery van doors, got the tables and chairs out. A glass of red wine in hand and the sun setting in the background.

What more could a man ask for.

DAY THREE: We don’t want to leave!

After waking to the beautiful coastline scenery of North Wales, we faffed around with our morning, with a slow breakfast and pack up, allowing the British summer rain showers to hit us. Perhaps, that final glass of red wine wasn’t really necessary…

Unfazed, we all sat in the van, looking out to the rain streaming down the windows. Chatting and waiting for the rain to calm down before venturing further into the National Park and North Wales.

Finally we managed to get Asha (or our selves) into 1 st gear and climb the steep, country lane. We left the tranquillity of Aberafon in hunt for a traditional Welsh meal. After some more relatively efficient 2G phone research, we came across the Black Boy Inn. A pub situated in the historical town of Caernarfon in North Wales. The late lunch brought us perfectly into the sun setting across Snowdonia National Park. Golden hour had hit us, with full bellies and not a rain drop in site – we headed out for a few photo missions.   

We captured some beautiful light from the sunset with Noah, my trusted drone. Then decided we enjoyed our stay at Aberafon so much so we returned for a second night!

The evening was then spent with the log fire on, perhaps another bottle of red wine, ‘home’ / van cooked food, a game or two of chess and not to mention great company & conversation.

DAY FOUR: The Big Slog

We decided to minimise the stress of returning Asha back before midday. So we planned to drive for as long as we could to get as close to Norwich as possible. So, from the coastline of Wales at the Aberafon campsite, we went East for hundreds of miles. Until about 9pm, we realised we still hadn’t organised a campsite for our evenings stay. I had my co-captain James frantically calling places to see if they could squeeze us in, with a late check in and early start. We found a campsite we are happy with, and rolled into their gates at around 1am. Slightly tired, perhaps a bit more grump with one another than we initially intended, we set about to enjoy our final evening in Asha. Food was made, corks were popped and our typical Asha evening was in full swing.

DAY FIVE: The Return

A comparatively early morning rise to get Asha back to John and Sue. After so many miles in Asha, it felt truly like home by the end of the trip, and were all sad to say goodbye. It was a once in a lifetime experience, that I know myself and my friends will cherish. Asha gave us a truly liberating experience, ultimate freedom to explore the UK’s fantastic scenery – in absolute comfort & style.

Asha is truly a home with a thousand views, expertly crafted and maintained by John & Sue, would highly recommend this experience to anyone.

So, get out your comfort zone, travel to Wales, or anywhere, and go explore!

Many thanks to John, Sue and Lindsay from the Quirky Campers team for helping organise the trip.

Asha is no longer for hire, but do check out our other Quirky Campers

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Motorhoming & Campervanning in Wales – Complete Guide

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Wales Campervan & Motorhome Travel – All You Need to Know

Small but beautifully formed, the lush and green country of Wales is a campervanners dream. With dramatic mountains and valleys, vast beaches and fabulous national parks, head to Wales for an adventurous and active motorhome road trip.

In this guide, you’ll find lots of practical and helpful information about getting around Wales in a motorhome, and how to manage campervan and motorhome life there.

From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, you’ll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in Wales.

Motorhome Routes to Wales

Driving to wales.

To the west of England, Wales is easily accessible from much of the United Kingdom.

If your start point is the north of Wales, take the M56 which will take you almost to the border west of Chester. From here Snowdonia, Anglesey and the north Wales coast are within easy reach.

From Birmingham and the Midlands, use the M54 and A5 to pick up roads into beautiful central Wales.

To the south, the M50 will deliver you into the gorgeous Wye Valley on the Welsh borders, and the M4 and M48 will take you over the Prince of Wales and Severn bridges respectively.

England – Wales Border

There is no border between Wales and England – both countries are part of the United Kingdom and people move freely between them.

You don’t need a passport to travel from England into Wales or vice versa, but visitors from overseas will want to carry the passport they used to enter the United Kingdom.

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Ferries to Wales from Ireland

Dublin to holyhead.

The route from Dublin to Holyhead at the northern tip of Anglesey is provided by both Irish Ferries and Stena Line, offering seven crossings a day between them.

This is a quick crossing of just three and a half hours, and a great option if you live on the island of Ireland and are heading to north Wales.

Rosslare to Pembroke & Fishguard

Irish Ferries sails to Pembroke in the south of Wales from Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland twice a day. Stena Line also offers a twice daily service to Fishguard from Rosslare, a bit further north along the Welsh coast.

From Rosslare the crossing takes five hours. If you’re heading to Fishguard, you’ll arrive in four hours and fifteen minutes. These are the best ferries if you’re starting your motorhome trip in south Wales.

Motorhome & Campervan Hire in Wales

Flying and hiring a motorhome or campervan is a great way to tour Wales if you don’t own one. 

Our recommended Wales motorhome and campervan rental company is Motorhome Republic , who offer a large range of motorhomes and a convenient pickup location at Birmingham Airport, making round trips and one-way drop off from Wales really easy.

If you’re planning to drive from England as part of a longer motorhome road trip , our recommended campervan hire company is Spaceship Rentals , who have a pick-up location close to London Heathrow Airport, perfect for those wanting a fly drive motorhome holiday.

Expect to pay around £100 per night for a fully equipped family motorhome and £70 plus a night for a campervan, with unlimited mileage and breakdown cover included.

Remember to bring the right plugs and chargers for your hired motorhome. The UK uses 230v with 50Hz frequency, and sockets use type G three pin plugs.

Useful motorhome advice and guides

• Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome
• Europe by Motorhome: The Best & Only Touring Guide You Need!
• 101+ Motorhome Essentials + Packing List
• Motorhoming Tips for Beginners: Essential Know How for Motorhome Life
• 29 of the Best Van Apps – Free & Downloadable Now!

When to Visit Wales in a Motorhome

The winter months in Wales are typically cold and wet. It may well be cloudy in mountainous areas with poor visibility for driving. Although there won’t be many other motorhomers and the roads and campsites will be quiet, this would be our least favourite time to take a campervan road trip in Wales!

Late spring, from May onwards, is a wonderful time for visiting Wales, as the cold and wet retreats, making way for warmer weather. Remember though that Wales is lush and green because it rains a lot, so always be prepared for drizzly days and showers.

Summer brings sunshine and warmth, with Pembrokeshire getting the best of the Gulf Stream weather. This is the perfect time to campervan travel around Wales, especially if you enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, coasteering and being on the water.

Autumn is a fabulous time for a Wales road trip. The coasts will be warm but quieter and the glorious colours of fall bring the countryside alive. Don’t leave it too late though, it will be wet and cold again by mid-October.

Wales 10-14 Day Motorhome Itinerary

Let us do the planning for you with our Wales motorhome itinerary, packed with campsites, activities, attractions and insider tips.

Let us do the hard work for you! Get up every day knowing your campervan trip is planned with driving routes, overnight stops and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

Driving a Motorhome in Wales

Welsh roads vary from busy A roads and a tiny smattering of motorways, to narrow and remote mountain passes, which can be challenging for inexperienced motorhome drivers in larger vans. Follow the rules and our top tips for staying safe on the road.

Welsh Speed Limits for Motorhomes

Always observe the speed limited when travelling in Wales. In July the Senedd (Welsh Government) backed proposals for a 20mph default speed limit in residential areas, which the will be in force by April 2023.

Motorhomes & campervans < 3,050 kg

• Built-up areas – 30 mph
• Outside built-up areas & single carriageways – 60 mph
• Dual carriageways- 70 mph
• Motorway speed limits – 70 mph

Motorhomes & campervans > 3,050 kg

• Outside built-up areas & single carriageways – 50 mph
• Dual carriageways- 60 mph

Speed limits for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer

• Motorway speed limits – 60 mph

Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Wales

• Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay in the United Kingdom.
• You may need a visa to enter the UK, depending on your nationality.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your motorhome or campervan. A green card is not required.
• A European licence allows you to drive a motorhome up to 3,500kg in the United Kingdom. You may need a special licence to drive larger motorhomes – you can find out more here . Visitors from other countries may also need an  International Driving Permit .
• Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory).
• Vehicle registration documents (which must show your correct address).
• Personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend  True Traveller if you’re travelling from the EU, and World Nomads for those travelling from the United States) and an EHIC if you’re an EU citizen.

Vehicle Safety Equipment for Wales

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, it is not compulsory to carry any vehicle equipment in Wales, but this is what we think you need as a minimum:

• Warning triangle.
• Reflective jacket for driver and passengers.
• Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit.
• First aid kit.
• Spare bulbs and fuses.
• Fire extinguisher.

UK Motorhome Travel Ideas

Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK for an Amazing Adventure!

Motorhome Wild Camping Scotland: 2024 Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland

Motorhoming in Ireland – A Complete Guide

Tips for motorhome driving in wales.

• Wales, like the rest of the United Kingdom, drives on the left.
• There are some Welsh roads where the height of a bridge or the width of a road may restrict large motorhome access. Make sure you look out for and obey the road signs, and take an alternative route if necessary. For long journeys it is worth researching any restrictions beforehand or using a motorhome sat nav .
• There may be no passing places on some roads so you need to be comfortable reversing you vehicle safely, as you may be required to do this on single track roads.
• When driving in the Welsh countryside, expect to encounter slow moving traffic and animals like cows and sheep as they are herded along roads. There’s no need to rush anywhere – just as well really!
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving in the UK. You must also have proper control while using hands-free.
• There can be heavy penalties for those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit when driving. The legal limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
• There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Wales and no vignettes are required to use the roads here. The Severn Bridge and Prince of Wales Bridge had their tolls scrapped in 2018.
• There are no low emissions zones or clean air zones in Wales, despite Cardiff having the worst pollution in the country, with NOx levels exceeding legal limits in some areas of the city.

Motorhome Parking in Wales

Parking a motorhome in Wales is no different from parking a car, other than the size issue. Follow our top tips to park legally in Wales when you’re stopping nipping to the shop, stopping off for a coffee, or visiting a local attraction.

• Always try and park in a designated parking bay, either in a car park or at the side of the road.
• Some parking spaces will be free, while others will need to be paid for and some might have restrictions for what type of vehicle can park there or time limits – make sure to follow any signage.
• A double yellow line – either painted on the road or on the kerb – means parking and waiting are not permitted at any time. In some cases, there might be seasonal restrictions, which will be indicated by signs at the roadside.
• A single yellow line – either painted on the road or on the kerb – means no waiting, parking, loading or unloading at the times shown on the accompanying sign. The restrictions tend to be lifted during evenings and weekends, but check the sign before parking.
• Some car-parks have height restrictions or signage forbidding parking by motorhomes and campervans. Use Park4Night to find suitable parking and abide by signage at all times.
• When parking in rural areas, it is important not to cause any damage or create an obstruction. Don’t block entrances to fields or buildings; don’t make it difficult for other people to use a road or track; andhave regard for the safety of others.

Fuel in Wales

Fuel prices in Wales are similar to the rest of the UK. There are plenty of fuel stations in Wales, with the highest concentration along the coasts.

Motorhome & Campervan Service Points in Wales

There are not many motorhome service points without parking or overnight camping in Wales. Where these places do exist, they are almost all along the coasts. Use an app like Park4Night to identify aires with services, or stay in a campsite every few nights.

Many campsites will also let you dispose of grey waste, empty your toilet cassette and fill up with fresh water if you pay a small fee.

LPG & Bottled Gas

There are currently around 45 fuel stations in Wales where you can fill up a Gasit or Gaslow system with LPG (Autogas) from the pump. Plan in advance and use the myLPG app to identify one close to you, and check on the prices.

Calor Gas is Wales’ largest supplier of bottled butane and propane gas. UK gas bottles are not interchangeable with European bottles, so you’ll require a UK regulator if you’re coming from overseas.

Can I use my mobile data away from home?

You can, but some people prefer to have a different internet device for thier motorhome . This works if you don’t tend to use your mobile phone much for browsing the internet or streaming TV, unless you’re away in your van. You might find you don’t have enough data to manage like you do with your home broadband.

We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. The device is no larger than a slimline smart phone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Use the code ‘thegapdecaders’ at checkout to get 50% off in the first month!

Motorhome & Campervan Overnight Stops in Wales

Aires in wales.

If you’re used to motorhoming in France , Spain or Germany , motorhome aires are a common part of life.

In Wales, there are around 25 motorhome aires, with purpose-built motorhome services. Costs, including services, average around £15 a night.

Wild Camping in Wales

The regulations for motorhome wild camping in Wales are the same as for wild camping in the UK and Scotland , but wild camping in a campervan or motorhome in Wales is much less tolerated.

Since the pandemic, we’ve been contacted by readers who tell us that free campervan parking in Wales has become even harder due to local feelings around the large influx of motorhomes and campervans into what is essentially a very small country.

Wild camping, whether it’s in a tent or a campervan, is prohibited in Wales unless you have the landowner’s permission. Some landowners are happy to accommodate wild campers but you MUST ask first and then follow all our motorhome wild camping tips to wild camp safely without compromising the environment.

Overnight stays in any vehicle in Snowdonia National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Brecon Beacons National Park car parks is not permitted and penalty charge notices are becoming more common. The National Park authorities are encouraging people to make use of Wales’ large selection of designated campsites.

Use Park4Night or another similar campervan parking app to find the best wild camping spots in Wales. Also consider using the alternatives we have listed below to help Wales remain a gorgeous and tranquil motorhome destination.

Alternatives to Motorhome Wild Camping in Wales

Almost wild campsites.

Cool Camping has pulled together a great selection of almost wild campsites, twelve of which are in Wales.

These sites are a great compromise, offering that back-to-nature feel that we all crave, amongst fields and forests across the country, and if you’re looking for motorhome sites in Wales by the sea, you’ll definitely find a few here with stunning cliff top views.

Do check first if you’re in a larger motorhome that they can accommodate your rig.

Brit Stops in Wales

You could also use  Brit Stops  to find free overnight camping in Wales. Pubs which belong to the Brit Stops scheme allow motorhomes and campervans to stay in their car park at no cost.

Some people have a drink or meal but this is not a requirement of the scheme. It’s unlikely you will find services at many Brit Stops but you will find a typically warm Welsh welcome.

Motorhome Camping Wales

Campsites in Wales for motorhomes  are friendly and usually of a good standard. If you’re planning your Wales motorhome trip out of season, then consider the CampingCard ACSI scheme, which gets you 60% discount at campsites out of season – usually September to June. You’ll save the initial cost within a few nights!

Many campsites in Wales offer great facilities like 16a electric hook up, a choice of hard standing or grass pitch and modern heated sanitary blocks. Most sites are dog friendly, just look out for the dogs welcome signage when booking. Expect motorhome sites in Wales to be very similar to campsites in the UK .

For a spot of glamping and luxury pitches with hot tubs, try Bargoed Farm in Aberaeron, Ceredigion. A family run working farm, this is our favourite campsites in south Wales when we fancy a bit of tlc!

Both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club have a good network of camping sites in Wales. You don’t need to be a member to book and stay at these sites, but members do get discounts, so joining one, or both, of the clubs is worth it if you like campsites stays.

If you want to stay on member exclusive Certified locations (CL) or Certified sites (CS), then you do need to be a member. These campsites in Wales are much smaller, usually with no more than five available spaces allowed at any given time, and have a more rural and back to basics feel.

Top Wales Motorhome Destinations

Head for Snowdonia, or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri in Welsh, in the county of Gwynedd in north Wales for dramatic mountains, fabulous views and outdoor adventure.

Perfect as a base for a few days, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, and a great base for outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining, caving and mountain biking. Check out the local beauty spots such as Conwy Falls, the Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls in the nearby area for a more relaxed day out.

If you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle, stay at Llyn Gwynant Campsite . Nestled in the peaceful Nant Gwynant valley, it’s a perfect place for nature lovers and one the best motorhome sites in north Wales, with many of the classic Snowdon hikes starting nearby.

If you want to get to the summit of Snowdon without hiking, you can get the Snowdon Mountain Railway up from Llanberis station, almost to the summit at 1085m. From here its a short walk to the cairn, so you can conquer Snowdon on foot! Motorhomes can park in the station car park here .

Snowdonia National Park is only the second area in Wales (the other being the Elan Valley in mid Wales) to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Perfect for star gazing, on a clear night you can see the all the major constellations and even the Milky Way.

Pembrokeshire

Voted the second best in the world by National Geographic, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and is one of the best places to go in a campervan in Wales, famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches and remote islands.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is amazing for outdoor activities, and as well as coasteering, which they say they say they invented! You’ll also find surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canyoning, climbing, fantastic hiking along the Pembrokeshire coastal path and in the Preseli Hills, and many more activities in this gorgeous corner of the country. 

There are lots of small, family run sites in Wales, offering a friendly welcome and simple facilities, and Pembrokeshire is no exception. One of our favourites is Celtic Camping , near the tiny Welsh city of St Davids and the stunning Abereiddy Bay. There’s no swimming pool here, but the infamous Blue Lagoon is just a two mile walk away, better than a pool any day of the week!

Gower Peninsula

The breathtaking Gower Peninsula in south Wales is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous for its beautiful coastline, unspoilt beaches and coves.

Gower offers unrivalled coastal walking, including the dramatic Worm’s Head and gorgeous Rhossili Beach and Down.

Some of the best beaches in Wales are on Gower’s coastline, with the popular Oxwich Bay beach in the south and the vast Whiteford beach to the north. If you prefer a more secluded spot, try Brandy Cove beach, only accessible by a cliff path, or head for Three Cliffs bay, a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marsh and limestone cliffs.

RELATED POST: One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide  

Brecon Beacons

Rolling dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park, or Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh, encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

Known as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, these mountains are lined with glacial rock formations which rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls and remote and empty landscapes.

Pen-y-Fan is a favourite hike, the route a challenging ten mile slog through forest and moorland to the steep ridge at the summit at 886m, where the views are superb. Other great Welsh hikes include Sugar Loaf (park here , not suitable for larger motorhomes) in Monmouthshire and the beautiful Brecon Beacons four waterfalls walk (park here ).

Stay at Grawen Caravan and Camping Park , in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, ideal for Pen-y-Fan and lots of other hikes. We think its one of the best Brecon campsites for both location and family welcome.

Are you looking for more motorhome touring guides? Check out these top posts…

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete 2024 Guide

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Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide for 2024

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

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7 CAMPSITES IN NORTH WALES FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

North wales, the home of snowdonia and plenty of campsites with cute animals it has so much to offer, winter or summer, especially if you like mountaineering, hillwalking and sightseeing. but where will you stay in your campervan, min y don holiday park.

Harlech LL46 2UG 01766 780 286

Nightly fee: £24-£38 (+£5 non-members of Caravan & Motorhome Club) Open: 1st March to 31st October

Nigel and Maria:  “This is a lovely site, close to the beach at Harlech in Wales. We have never seen such plush toilet facilities. The staff are very friendly as are all the campers. We stayed in our Paradise SX “CamperLamb”. Mixed weather but a fabulous location for walking on the Wales Coast Path and Snowdonia.”

The site has free wifi, a children’s play area, football pitch, bike track, gym, launderette and dog walking area. 

Plas Farm Caravan Park

Plas-yn-Betws, Betws-yn-Rhos, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 8AU 01492 680254

Nightly fee: £23-£32.50 Open: All year

Families will love this 5-star park, which makes a good base for visiting the tigers, penguins and lemurs of the Welsh Mountain Zoo near Colwyn Bay. Sea angling is available from Conwy Quay, while there are trout and salmon in the Conwy River. The site is near a golf course, tennis courts, bowling, and coastal cycle paths. The village of Betws Yn Rhos is a short walk away. Choose either a basic grass pitch with 10A hook-up or a hardstanding with 16A and TV hook-up, or select larger fully serviced pitches.  

Penrhiw Uchaf Touring Caravan Site

Llansanffraid Glan Conwy, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5PH 01492 580312

Nightly fee: £18 Open: 1st March to 15th January

Five miles inland from the beaches of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay is this peaceful, picturesque hillside campsite. There are just 10 hardstanding pitches beside the stream, and free Sky TV hook-ups for those with a Sky box. The owners sell free range eggs, and there are shops, pubs, supermarkets and garages only a couple of miles away. There’s a toilet block with hot showers, and the free-range pygmy goats, horse and hens are fun to watch. A little gem.

Rhuallt Country Park

Holywell Road, Rhuallt, Denbighshire, LL17 0AW 01745 530 099

Nightly fee: from £29 Open: All year

Linda:  “Fabulous rolling lush green hills from every viewpoint. Very friendly and helpful staff.”

If you’d like to try a peaceful adults-only holiday park, treat yourself to a few nights here. There are 50 touring pitches in a pretty countryside setting. On-site is The White House restaurant, selling homemade dishes, to eat in or take away, using fresh, local ingredients. It’s part of a hotel with a gym, swimming pool and spa.

Haulfryn Caravan Park

Nampara, Babell Road, Holywell, CH8 8PP 07986 435564

Nightly fee: from £20 Open: All year

Lynne:  “This is a lovely small site spotless clean and importantly very Covid secure. The owners are very friendly and helpful.”

This is a new dog-friendly campsite with fresh new heated facilities, including a disabled/ family wet room, washing up and laundry room, 29 hardstanding pitches with 16A hook-up. There are views of the Clwydian range of mountains and it’s not far from the main A55 North Wales coast road. You can walk to the pub from here or get a takeaway delivered. 

Parc Pen Y Bryn

Betws-yn-Rhos, Abergele, LL22 8PL 07711 244418

Nightly fee: from £18 Open: All year

Alex:  “Large pitches. Clean well-equipped site, developed to a high standard. Stunning local area with great wildlife. We explored on electric bikes and had three days fantastic cycling.”

Next to Clocaenog forest is this quiet little family campsite, with hardstanding touring pitches and lodges. There are picnic benches in the woods on-site, forest walks you can begin from the site, and clean new facilities in a wooden building. Dogs allowed, but no dangerous breeds. 

Torrent Walk Campsite

Dolgun Uchaf, Nr Dolgellau, Snowdonia, Gwynedd, LL40 2AB 01341 422 269

Nightly fee: £19 Open: All year

Cyclists, walkers and mountaineers love this small campsite, located close to the famous waterfalls. Coed-y-Brenin mountain bike centre is near here, with bikes to hire. On-site you’ll find adequate facilities, free wifi and a power wash for bikes. The site sells wood for camp fires. If you take carrots you can feed the campsite’s ponies. Half an hour away is Zip World – a ‘must’ for all adrenalin-seekers.

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• Wales Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable Wales road trip where you’ll drive down some of the most magnificent roads, featuring picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, magical castles, stunning coastline and more.

Whether you’re looking to explore nature and enjoy peaceful walks or you’re after an adrenaline-filled adventure, check out our list of the best road trips in Wales and all the wonderful things you can do whilst visiting.

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) road trip

Explore the Brecon Beacons  by taking on this phenomenal Welsh road trip. The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of three national parks in Wales. It's flooded with picturesque views, beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife.

To get to the Brecon Beacons, you can take the Gospel Pass, Wales's highest driving road with incredible views.

Caution: This road is a 22-mile-long single-track road, and it’s not ideal for large vehicles or motorhomes.

An alternative to this driving route, which can be found towards the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is the A4069, better known as the Black Mountain Pass. This driving road was made famous by Jeremy Clarkson as it appeared on Top Gear. The Black Mountain Pass takes you from Brynamman to Llangadog, where you can enjoy the national park and the small villages. From there, you can make your way around the Brecon Beacons and explore all its gems.

You can end your road trip in Abergavenny or drive to Cardiff, less than an hour away. Here, you can explore the magnificent capital and dive into its rich history and culture.

Things to do on your Wales road trip:

• Hiking: Grab your walking boots  and start hiking through the stunning national park. You’ll find a range of trails to explore, including the Pen Y Fan, the Dragon's Back and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. You can also see magnificent waterfalls by taking on the Four Waterfalls Walk (Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, and Sgwd-yr-Eira.)
• Water sport activities: No matter what the weather, enjoy the waters of the calm canals and reservoirs or take on extreme water sports over waterfalls. There’s plenty to do on the water, including fishing , sailing, kayaking , canoeing , paddleboarding  and white water rafting. You can also explore the national park by booking a cruise.
• Adrenaline-filled activities: For thrill seekers of all ages, you can take on rock climbing, abseiling, bouldering , mountain biking, zip-lining, horse riding and more. On this Wales road trip, you can also enjoy geocaching , orienteering and foraging .
• Stargazing : Do you fancy watching the night sky light up with glittering stars? Well, Brecon Beacons has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve and the local community works tirelessly to ensure the region’s light pollution is minimal, so visitors can enjoy stargazing. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights .
• Castles : Get stuck into the rich history of the Brecon Beacons and explore the many castles in and around the national park. Some magical castles to visit include Abergavenny Castle and Museum, Carreg Cennen Castle , Dinefwr Castle, White Castle, Crickhowell Castle and Brecon Castle.
• Explore nearby towns: The national park is surrounded by quaint towns bursting with character. If you have time, take a stroll through the following towns: Abergavenny, Brecon , Crickhowell, Hay on Wye, Llangorse, Talgarth and Talybont on Usk.
• Brecon Mountain Railway : Take a break from driving on your Wales road trip, park up in Brecon and take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway. You’ll go on a scenic journey through the Brecon Beacons National Park and Pontsticill, along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir, before climbing to Torpantau. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may be able to catch a seasonal special, which includes an hour-and-a-half journey to Santa’s grotto or to meet the Easter Bunny.
• National Showcaves Centre for Wales: Explore the underground world at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales. There are three different and unique caves to explore: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. With your tickets, you can also visit the Dinosaur Park, the Shire Horse Centre, the Iron Age Village, the museum, farm, stone circles, fossil house and indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site

Click here for more campsites in the Brecon Beacons .

Pembrokeshire road trip

Home to traditional seaside towns, historical landmarks, majestic coastline and rich Welsh heritage, exploring Pembrokeshire  is a great adventure for everyone.

Start this Welsh road trip at our Cardigan Bay Club Site , where you can take a boat trip and spot dolphins, catch some fun waves or spend time on one of the many Blue Flag beaches. If you’re travelling to Pembrokeshire from the south, you could begin this road trip at the beautiful harbour town Tenby . Here, you’ll find sandy beaches, castles, parks, a safari, and just off the coast, you can take a boat trip to Caldey Island.

The great thing about this road trip is that you’ll be driving along the coast, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to witness extraordinary views.

• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The second of the three largest parks in Wales is the Pembrokeshire National Park. Here, you can go on numerous walking and cycling trails or enjoy birdwatching , coasteering , bouldering , swimming , surfing , fishing  and more.
• Beaches: Pembrokeshire has many blue flag beaches, including Amroth, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Dale, Whitesands, Coppet Hall, Tenby North, Tenby South, Poppit Sands, and Broad Haven. Here, you can play in the sand, splash in the water, enjoy a tasty picnic or sunbathe in the lovely Welsh sunshine.
• Skomer Island: For the ultimate wildlife adventure, take a boat trip to Skomer Island. Between April and July, the island is well known for its puffins, Manx shearwaters, dolphins, seals and razorbills.
• Nearby towns: There are plenty of charming towns and villages in Pembrokeshire that are perfect for a stroll or to capture stunning views, visit independent cafes, explore bespoke stores and more. Fishguard is a favourite amongst visitors, and once you reach there, you can walk to Dinas Head. Other nearby towns and villages include Saundersfoot, Tenby and Pembroke.
• St Davids: A must-visit on this Wales road trip is St Davids. Although this may be the smallest city in Britain, it's well known for its incredible landscape, rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. You can walk down the cobbled streets lined with cafes and restaurants or visit St Davids Cathedral  and learn about the history of the smallest city. St Davids also makes for a lovely rest stop where you can pitch up at our St Davids Club Site , just 14 minutes away.
• Strumble Head Lighthouse: Sitting between Fishguard and St Davids, you’ll find Strumble Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built to safely guide sea traffic between Ireland and Fishguard Harbour.
• Castles: Pembrokeshire is full of rich history, and one way to dive into it is by visiting some beautiful castles. Some favourites include Pembroke Castle  and Manorbier Castle .
• Blue Lagoon: Just five minutes away from our St Davids Club Site is the Blue Lagoon. That’s right, you don’t have to travel to Iceland to tick this one off your bucket list. The lagoon is famous for hosting water sports events, including the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
• Cenarth Falls : Check out this cascade of magnificent waterfalls that sit in the village of Cenarth. It's the perfect spot to snap up some pictures, enjoy a picnic or relax and watch the beautiful surrounding wildlife.

Nearest campsite:

• Rhandirmwyn Club Site
• Cardigan Bay Club Site
• St Davids Club Site

Click here for more campsites in Pembrokeshire .

Gower Peninsula road trip

Gower Peninsula is the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , and within a glance, you’ll see why. With its varied landscape, breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches and quaint villages, you’ll love driving around the Peninsula.

• Walking and cycling trails: Whether you enjoy complicated treks or prefer a short and easy stroll, there are plenty of walking routes and cycling paths on this Welsh road trip.
• Beaches: What better way to spend your road trip than relaxing on a golden sandy beach and watching the sunset. Gower Peninsula is flooded with beautiful beaches, including Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Oxwich Bay, Pwll Du and Blue Pool.
• Water sport activities: As you’re surrounded by water, you must try one of the many water sport activities available. Take part in surfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, coasteering, jet skiing and boating.
• Bird watching: If you’re a nature lover, you’ll adore the beautiful wildlife and birds that call Gower home. Here are just some of the stunning creatures you’ll find: second-winter black-headed gulls, choughs, adult female green woodpeckers, greenshanks, red kites, lapwings, little grebes, meadow pipits and purple sandpipers.
• Castles: Dive into Gower’s history and visit one of the many castles on your road trip. Some favourites include Kidwelly Castle, Oystermouth Castle and Weobley Castle.
• Adventurous activities: For thrill-seekers, there are many fun activities to do, including rock climbing, bouldering, caving  and abseiling.
• Worm Head: This is the furthest westerly point of the Gower Peninsula, and it’s found just off the coast at Rhossili. Here you’ll see wonderful views, and you can go on a relaxing walk.
• Mumbles: Mumbles marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula coastline. Here, you’ll find Mumbles Pier, which is lined with stores and restaurants. You’ll also find lovely galleries, a lighthouse and Oystermouth Castle.
• Nearby towns and cities: Whilst on this road trip, a few must-visit towns and cities include Swansea , Rhossili, Llangennith, and Bishopston.

Click here for more campsites in Gower .

South Wales to North Wales Coast road trip (The Coastal Way)

If you’re looking to spend an extended holiday road-tripping through Wales, then this is the road trip for you. Drive from the south of Wales to the north and enjoy the phenomenal coastal route, charming towns and picturesque landscapes.

You can start your journey in the capital, Cardiff, and travel to Swansea  before heading into Pembrokeshire , exploring St Davids , Fishguard and Cardigan Bay. You can then go towards Snowdonia , where you can spend several days exploring Snowdonia National Park.

Whilst driving towards Snowdonia, you can deviate from the coast when you get to our Cardigan Bay Club Site  and drive through the Abergwesyn Pass. This is considered one of the best driving roads in Wales. The long road runs from Llanwrtyd Wells to Tregaron, where you’ll see a wild landscape, pine forest, escarpment and winding streams. On this road, you’ll also find the famous Devil’s Staircase, a 20-mile steep drive. This road isn't made for speed but rather a moment to appreciate the views and understand why this road was given its dark name. You can then head up to Snowdonia National Park.

Another one of the best driving roads in Wales is the Llanberis Pass (A4086). This can be found towards the top of Snowdonia, which lies between the mountain massifs of Snowdon and the Glyderau. This 18-mile-long pass consists of jaw-dropping landscapes, including stunning lakes, mountains and streams. You’ll also come across beautiful wildlife.

• Cardiff: Visit the capital and largest city in Wales, Cardiff. There’s plenty to see and do for all, including visiting Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Bay and the Cardiff markets.
• Swansea: There’s a lot to do in Swansea, from kayaking and paddleboarding in the Swansea reservoir to exploring the national waterfront museum, Clyne Gardens and Plantasia Tropical Zoo.
• St Davids: As mentioned, St Davids is the smallest city in Britain, but it's flooded with rich history, wonderful views and phenomenal beaches.
• Cardigan Bay: This is the largest bay on the Welsh coast and home to many animals, including bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Atlantic grey seals and a variety of different birds.

If you enjoy driving, a stunning driving road can be found from Aberystwyth to Rhayader. From Aberystwyth, join the A4120 to Devil’s Bridge, then follow the B4574 to Cwmystwyth. Here, you’ll come across a spectacular view of mountains before driving towards Elan Valley reservoirs and Rhayader or up to Snowdonia.

• Snowdonia: Covering 823 square miles and boasting some of the highest peaks in Wales, Snowdonia is one of three Welsh national parks. Whilst visiting, you’ll find many mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, moorlands, forests, glacial valleys and a stunning coastline. If you love a challenge, try climbing Mount Snowdon – one of the three peaks and the highest mountain in Wales.
• Llanystumdwy Club Site
• Bala Club Site

Click here for more campsites in Wales .

Isle of Anglesey road trip

The Isle of Anglesey road trip consists of a 140-mile drive around the island, where you’ll drive through a beautiful coastline, see charming farmland and woodland and see local wildlife.

This island can be found on the northwest coast near Snowdonia, and it can be accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge or the Britannia Bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century. Both bridges offer spectacular views of the water, so you won't be missing out.

• South Stack Lighthouse: This famous lighthouse perches on its own island just off the west coast of Anglesey. It’s a great spot for photos and birdwatching.
• Plas Newydd House and Gardens: Sat on the shores of the Menai Strait, this National Trust house and garden consists of 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland. It offers a spectacular view of Snowdonia, and visitors can spot stunning wildlife, including red squirrels.
• Bwa Gwyn: Visit the natural sea arches at Bwa Gwyn. Walkers can access the top of the arch, and those who prefer the sea can kayak through the arch. A short walk away from Bwa Gwyn is Bwa Du, also known as the Black Arch. This is another impressive natural arch that can be reached by foot but can be a slippery and dangerous walk.
• Llanddwyn Island: Extending from Anglesey is Llanddwyn Island. The island is one of the most picturesque locations in Wales, made up of rolling dunes, large rock outcrops, castle ruins, beaches and more. It’s the perfect place to escape the noise and enjoy a peaceful picnic.
• Beaumaris Castle: This fortress is labelled as ‘the greatest castle never built’ under Edward I as the castle lacked financial support, and a lot of the funding went to support Edward’s wars with Scotland. The vision for Beaumaris Castle was to have an impressive building with near-perfect symmetry and a water-filled moat and dock. Although it was never completed, the castle is still worth the visit.
• Beaches in Anglesey: You can visit plenty of beaches whilst on this Wales road trip. Some popular ones include Benllech Beach, Llanddwyn Beach, Lligwy Beach, Aberffraw Bay, Traeth yr Ora Beach and Trearddur Bay.

Click here to see  campsites in Anglesey .

The North Wales Way

This Wales road trip is a 75-mile drive from the English border to the tip of Anglesey Island. Here, you can take in thousands of years of history and witness incredible views and exquisite food.

• Clwyd Theatr Cymru: This regional arts centre and theatre is great for a family day out. You can check out what's on and watch a variety of different acts and artists.
• Flint Castle
• Rhuddlan Castle
• Gwrych Castle - as seen in ‘I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’
• Conwy Castle
• Penrhyn Castle
• Beaumaris Castle
• Greenfield Valley Heritage Park: Explore 70 acres of woodland and 200 years of history at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. The park consists of lakes, streams, ancient monuments and factories that played a part in the Industrial Revolution.
• Saint Winefride’s Well: A popular place of pilgrimage since 1115 is St Winefride’s Chapel and Holy Well. The chapel dates back to the 15th century and is a phenomenally built and well-decorated building. On the bottom floor is the spring, where pilgrims bathe in and claim it consists of healing properties.
• Welsh Mountain Zoo: As the oldest and most established zoo in Wales, Welsh Mountain Zoo makes for a fun family day out on your road trip. You can see various animals, including tigers, leopards, sea lions, camels and red pandas.
• Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard: This is an award-winning vineyard with a phenomenal view of Snowdonia. You can purchase a selection of drinks, gifts and hampers or book a wine-tasting experience and a behind-the-scenes tour.
• Delamere Forest Club Site

The Cambrian Way

From Cardiff to Conwy, the Cambrian Way is a spectacular 298-mile road trip that cuts through the centre of Wales. On your adventure, you’ll pass through some of Wales’ most spectacular mountains and two of its national parks.

• National Parks: You’ll pass through both Brecon Beacons National Park and Snowdonia National Park on this Welsh road trip. Here, you can enjoy watching the local wildlife, take part in activities such as water sports, horse riding or alpaca trekking, try your hand at foraging or spot some magnificent waterfalls. There are also plenty of walking and cycling routes for all abilities, and if you want to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Snowdon, now’s your chance.
• Welsh Lavender: Enjoy a day out in the Welsh countryside, overlooking beautiful gardens and acres of blue lavender. Whilst there, you can take a picnic or visit the distillery, shop and cafe for some wonderful treats.
• Elan Valley: Explore miles of breathtaking dams, reservoirs and rugged Welsh landscapes at Elan Valley. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes around the Valley, which you can find using the map given at the Visitors Centre. If you want to enjoy a scenic driving route, you can also pick up a map and explore the Valley by car.
• Coed y Brenin Forest Park: If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that’s perfect for the whole family, then Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a great escape. This park is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts as it’s Britain's first purpose-built mountain biking centre. You can also enjoy peaceful walks, an animal puzzle trail, geocaching and orienteering. When you need a break, stop at the cafe for a bite to eat or pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
• Welsh cities, villages and towns: On your road trip through Wales, don’t forget to stop off at these lovely cities, villages and towns to explore the rich culture, check out the local stores and marvel at the phenomenal architecture and views. Some favourites include Cardiff, Merthyr, Brecon, Llanidloes, Festiniog, Betws y Coed and Llandudno.
• Wyeside Club Site

Are you setting off on a Wales road trip for your next camping holiday? If so, make sure you’re prepped with our handy camping checklist . You can also click here for more camping advice and inspiration .

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Best places to take your motorhome and campervan in Wales

Hop in the van and explore these beautiful destinations in Wales

• 16:51, 29 MAR 2022
• Updated 15:53, 30 MAR 2022

We all know that Wales is a fabulous road trip destination, with many scenic driving routes and destinations where you can bring your campervan, motorhome or car for a trip to remember.

There's a whole network of mountain roads, coastal views and campsites where you can park up for the weekend and enjoy exploring or relaxing.

Caravanning experts, We Buy Any Motorcaravan have recently named Wales as the 5th best UK destination to travel with a motorhome this Easter break.

Read more: 17 holiday parks in Wales for the perfect family getaway

Wales comes just after The Lake District, Devon, Cornwall and The Peak District on the list, all of which are brilliant places to take a van.

Shane Malpass from We Buy Any Motorcaravan says, "The United Kingdom is filled with everything from small, quaint, countryside villages to concrete jungles – it just depends on where you go. There really is something for everyone which is why many avid campers choose to explore the UK in their motorhome."

Wales is always a brilliant choice for a campervan or motor home trip no matter the season. We have lively cities, charming towns, national parks and coastal campsites to discover.

If you don't own a campervan or a motorhome, you can look at hiring one from rental companies such as Goboony and take advantage of a wide selection of vans and in-house insurance.

If you're planning a campervan or motor home trip this spring or summer, here are a few of the top destinations in Wales.

Brecon Beacons National Park

The wildly popular Brecon Beacons National Park has some of the most glorious landscapes and flowing waterfalls in South Wales. Its impressive peaks and ridges bring a sense of haunting beauty and provide a range of strenuous hill walking opportunities.

Stretching from Llandeilo in the west and the Black Mountains in the east, the Brecon Beacons National Park covers more than 500 square miles and therefore has plenty of attractions within its boundaries.

The Brecon Beacons are an ideal place to bring the van for scenic views, hiking, biking and camping, so long as you follow all the parking rules and leave no trace.

Take a sunrise walk up Pen Y Fan, go paddleboarding on Llangorse Lake, or go to a stargazing event and gaze up at the cosmos.

If you like mountain biking and can fit bikes in your van, then there are plenty of trails in the Brecon Beacons. A popular trail is the Black Mountain Blitz Trail, which is a challenging ride.

The trail includes some epic climbs, white-knuckle descents and some great single-track sections. Taking in the heart of the Black Mountains range this route offers spectacular views of the National Park from several vantage points.

There are plenty of official car parks and parking places here where you can leave the van for a day of hiking.

For an overnight stay, you are better off going to a campsite that has van and motorhome pitches. Wild camping is generally illegal in England and Wales, though some landowners will allow people to camp for a small fee.

The Brecon Beacons Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is a great choice for a stay as they have superb views of the mountains and lots of facilities including toilet blocks, a well-stocked shop and play areas for children.

Pembrokeshire

With beautiful coastal roads, sandy beaches, campsites and gastro pubs, Pembrokshire has to be the best place for a coastal campervan trip in Wales.

Take a drive down winding roads and discover lovely rest stops, beaches and bays where you can pull up and admire the view.

There are so many places to visit in Pembrokeshire, that it's hard to know where to begin?

You could plan a Pembrokeshire road trip in the van and try and see some highlights along the way.

Take a drive from Blackpool Mill through Narberth to the Preseli Hills, then Newport on to St Davids and Marloes before arriving at Tenby to see dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and wildlife.

Tenby is another great place to visit as this seaside town has beaches, pubs, shops and indie cafes and it has places where you can park the van for the day.

If you like hiking, there are plenty of places in Pembrokeshire where you can park for the day and enjoy the beautiful coastal routes.

The village of Dale has a large car park where you can leave the van for a few hours and explore the Wales Coast path or rent a SUP board for the day and paddle on clear waters. Dale Hill Farm also has pitches for vans and motorhomes.

Van blogger Luci from Van Life with Luci recommends exploring Pembrokeshire by van and camping along the way. She said: "The Pembrokeshire coast is spectacular and I have hiked sessions of the trail for miles. If you're camping along the coast, make sure to check out Fishguard for the local little bays and tasty icecreams and towering sheer drop cliffs."

It's vital that van trippers and motorhome visitors do their research when planning a van trip in this area. Singletrack roads are commonplace in Pembrokeshire, so you must be prepared to stop and maybe reverse for oncoming traffic.

It's also important to never block any roads or illegally camp in Pembrokeshire as this causes a lot of problems for locals and emergency services.

If you are looking to spend the night in your van or motorhome make sure to book a pitch – enjoy all the amenities of a campsite whether you’re after a holiday park or a rural retreat. There are numerous campsites in Pembrokeshire where you can stay all with lots of facilities.

Fishguard Bay Resort is a great option for those seeking coastal views and a peaceful campsite in Wales. All of their pitches have electric hook-up if needed and nearly all offer dramatic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The Elan Valley

Taking the van to explore the Elan Valley is a must, the 45,000-acre estate, now managed by Welsh Water, is an ideal place to explore by van and motorhome.

Drive around Elan’s stone Victorian dams, see highland cattle and discover epic hiking and biking routes.

There are miles of spectacular waterside walks where you may not see another soul for hours – just the buzzards, kites, goshawks and peregrines that wheel overhead.

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre offers a wealth of information, exhibitions, guided walks and will be able to assist you with driving routes in the area.

For van visitors travelling with bikes, The Elan Valley offers exhilarating off-road biking through rivers, over hills and along bridleways through some pretty epic landscapes.

Book a guided tour with MTB Wales and let the experts guide you through awe-inspiring scenery through some of the most isolated parts of Wales.

After a taxing cycle, refuel at the quirky Lost arc Café in Rhayader. Make sure to order their homemade Welsh Rarebit that oozes cheesy goodness with a hint of Welsh ale.

The Elan Valley is also a wonderful place to go stargazing in Wales Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status in 2015 and became the first privately-owned but publicly accessible park in the world to do so.

Several optimal stargazing sites in the Elan Valley offer the best chances of seeing the cosmos, including the Teifi Pools, Claerwen Dam and the Craig Goch car park.

Park the van at one of the dark sky discovery sites and spend an evening spotting constellations and planets in one of the darkest places in Wales.

There are a few campsites where you can stay the night in the Elan Valley in the van. Elan Oaks is a camping and caravan site based right at the entrance to the beautiful Elan Valley.

The site has direct access to the estate and is less than 2 miles from Rhayader with its shops and pubs.

Their well-equipped campsite is the perfect place to pitch up and discover the Elan Valley and all it has to offer.

The mountain roads and countryside stops make Snowdonia a wonderful campervan or motorhome destination.

Explore miles of scenic routes around the National Park where you'll want to pull over every two minutes to grab a photo of the mesmerising landscapes.

If you're prepared to do a little driving around the National Park, there are plenty of adventure and adrenaline activities and hiking and biking routes to discover that are quite spaced out.

Van blogger Luci from Van Life with Luci loves exploring Wales in her Van, especially Snowdonia. She said: "One of my favourite places is just down from Lake Dinas in Snowdonia National Park to take in the best views of the pass, Snowdon itself and undertake a walk and swim."

"Furthermore, in Snowdonia, the Watkin Path is arguably a more gentle path up Mt Snowdon which starts from the main A498 road, outside Beddgelert. This is just up from Caffi Gwynant, book ahead to secure a table for lunch or tea after a walk on weekends."

Thrill-seekers travelling by van around Snowdonia should head straight to the Zip World site at Blaenau Ffestiniog to ride Titan 2, a zip line and heritage experience that will get your heart racing.

Combine adventure and history on an exhilarating four-person parallel zip line, with a unique tour of the Llechwedd slate quarry.

Their robust, former army truck will take you to a 1,400 ft height that overlooks the captivating manmade, industrial mountains, while a guide explains the history and significance of the mining community.

You'll then travel back down via a kilometre of zip line that provides thrilling views of the quarry below and a panorama of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

On the same site, you'll find the unique Bounce Below attraction. Here, giant trampolines and nets are suspended across two levels in atmospheric caverns illuminated by neon lights.

If you fancy a hiring challenge when visiting the area why not attempt to get to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, [Snowdon].

This is the highest mountain in Wales towering at 1,085 metres [3,560 ft] above sea level and is a challenging hike and bucket list activity for your Wales road trip.

There are six main paths to the summit of Snowdon, they include Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path and the Snowdon Ranger Path.

What path you choose will determine what your starting point will be in Snowdonia and where you will park for the day. Make sure to research and plan your route before you set off to the mountain and dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Each of the mountain routes has its own unique, natural features and challenges and it's important to be properly prepared for each path as you attempt the summit.

When visiting Snowdonia in a van or a motorhome, it's really important to observe the rules of the national park and not stay anywhere overnight that you aren't supposed to.

The National Park Authority has previously lamented that “high numbers of motorhomes and campervans are staying overnight in roadside laybys". This has caused much backlash from locals who aren't happy with vans and motorhomes camping illegally in the area.

While it's tempting to pull up for the night in a beauty spot the law in England, Scotland and Wales is is pretty clear on this matter. Parking up overnight, either on laybys or in the countryside, is illegal without consent from landowners.

In Wales, there tends to be less tolerance for illicit parking than elsewhere, especially as some people have not taken their rubbish away or started fires.

It's best to book an official campsite with facilities, so you can enjoy your stay knowing you aren't having an impact on the environment or causing problems for the National Park Authority.

The Llyn Gwynant Campsite is a great spot to spend the night with its 'back to nature' ethos. The site isn't overdeveloped but still has enough facilities for a comfortable stay including hot showers, a small shop and a chemical toilet emptying point.

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers 14 miles of unspoilt coastline with Jurassic features and waymarked trails that wind through charming villages, rural farmland and hidden bays.

There are some lovely drives and places to stop along the heritage coast and in the wider Vale of Glamorgan area.

For hikers, there are a series of marked and numbered Vale Trails that will take you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features.

Many of the short walks in the Vale have a variety of heritage and maritime points of interest, including the last manned lighthouse in Wales, a Neolithic Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, churches and castles.

Visitors with vans should head to Ogmore Beach which has a lot of parking where you can leave the van for a few hours during the day.

It's a popular sand and shingle beach along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with the sandy part exposed at low tide. It's a great beach for a long walk, or a dip in the summer as it has a reputation as being one of the cleanest beaches in the region.

It's a great place to come for sunset as well. Open up the van doors and watch the sky blaze with colour as the sun dips into the ocean.

Not too far away from Ogmore, Llantwit Major is a small town that might not be on everyone's radar, but it's a great spot for history, decent pub food and a beach stroll if you want to get out of the van for a while and stretch your legs.

The town has managed to develop and improve whilst maintaining its medieval streets and Impressive stone buildings.

You can park here and have lunch at The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major's oldest pub with ornate windows and weathered cobbles.

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers miles of coastline to explore via waymarked trails, you can attempt the entire route or walk smaller sections of the coast if you just want a short day walk.

One of the easier trails is the Nash Point loop walk, a 4½-mile, mostly gentle hike across windswept clifftops. The route takes in a number of historical sites, including the Nash Point Lighthouse, Atlantic College and Holy Trinity Church, Marcross.

There's a small car park at Nash Point where you can pull up and leave the van for the day and walk this scenic trail.

Like most other parts of Wales, you'll need to spend the night in an official campsite rather than a beach car park or layby.

The Heritage Coast Campsite near Monk nash beach is one of the best spots to spend the night in the van. It's just a 10-minute walk from Monknash Beach across public footpaths and the campsite has a swish cafe, shower blocks and campfires are also allowed.

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