Want to do the ultimate South Wales Road Trip?
I am here to help!
There are lots of South Wales Road Trips Guides, so why not use one created by a local? –I was born and raised in South Wales so have been exploring these roads for my whole life.
With Friendly Locals, Celtic Coastlines and mountainous views, this is the perfect place for Road Trippers. I have done road trips in over 38 countries and always think this area of Wales has the most magical sites and things to do, no matter how long your stay is.
To help you have the ultimate road trip around South Wales, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about driving here. This includes the best routes, things to do and those must-visit spots that only those from Wales know about.
So let’s jump in so you to enjoy my home as much as I do!
Planning A Trip To Wales? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
South Wales Road Trip: Quick Guide
Sometimes it’s best to just skip to the good part, I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and not have time to read a whole article- so let’s jump straight in!
🏆Avis– Overall Best Car Rental Option
🚞 Trainline– How to get around if you do not want to drive (I use them to get around Wales and the UK and love that you can look at different ticket prices and times in the same place)
The 5 Stops you cannot miss when exploring:
- The Gower
- Pembrokeshire
- Cardiff
- Brecon Beacons
- Neath Waterfalls
- Tenby
🐙Top Experience- Paragliding Experience Brecon Beacons
🏨 Best Place To Stay- Luxury Log Cabins Brecon Beacons
Other Important Information:
Car Rental Documents You Need – Passport, Valid Drivers License, Credit or Debit Card (preferably Credit). You will find plenty of car rental options at Cardiff Airport!
Road Trip Length– 3-4 Days
Best Time To Visit– For the best natural views and fewer crowds, visit during April-June
Map Of South Wales Road Trip Spots
To help you explore this region of the UK in the best way, use this map to see the best places to visit:
My Top South Wales Road Trip Spots
- The Gower
- Pembrokeshire
- Cardiff
- Brecon Beacons
- Neath Waterfalls
- Tenby
1. The Gower
The Gower offers over 30 amazing Beaches and Coves for you to explore. I visit these Beaches every few months (I have since I was little) and I will never get over how stunning they are!
📍Some of the best Beaches around the Gower area are Caswell Bay Beach, Three Cliffs Bay and Llangland Bay. I always find parking options are better here and even when the area is busy, these beaches never feel overcrowded.
If you are a lover of the outdoors or just want a drink with amazing views, The Gower has some epic places. My favourites for a relaxed vibe are The King Arthur Hotel and The Gower.
Must Stop Gower Location: Rhossili Bay
Rugged Rhossili offers some of the most picture-perfect views on the Gower Peninsular. This is my favourite spot in the Gower area when I’m driving because there is so much to do and the views are lush!
From relaxing on Rhossili Beach to adventuring over to Worms Head, this is a perfect place to get a taste of the Welsh Coast.
🌊To find out more about this Great (How to get here, the best places to park, facilities nearby etc), Use the Ultimate Rhossili and Worms Head Guide.
2. Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is a great stop on any car journey because of its beauty and the number of amazing things to do. I fall in love with this part of Wales every time I visit and always tell people to visit here!
Click on the Map below to explore some of the best things to do in Pembrokeshire ⬇️
Top Pembrokeshire Spots:
Pembroke Castle
Everywhere you look in Wales there is a Castle. So if you don’t have time to visit them all it can be hard to decide which ones are worth it.
Each Castle has its own unique story to tell. But if you want to visit a Castle that will Wow you on your trip, Make a Stop at Pembroke Castle.
Pembroke Castle sitting on the Water is such a pretty view. There are also lots of Coffee shops and bars close by so you can enjoy the view.
Simply strolling around the outside of the Castle will show you how beautiful it is. On a sunny day, I always grab a coffee or Ice cream from the Cafe opposite and take in the views.
You can also go inside the Castle and explore more of its history. One fun activity which is so worth doing is to rent a boat outside the Castle and explore from the Moat (just don’t forget your Camera)
This is one of the most popular spots when booking a tour from London to Wales and you will easily see why!
➡️ Click Here to find out more about the Boat rental at Pembroke Castle
St Govans Head- Huntsman’s Leap
A Local Legend is how this Coastal Cliff gets its unusual name.
A hunter is said to have jumped from one side of the cliff to the other on horseback. When looking back and seeing the gap he had managed to jump on his horse, and he died of shock.
You will find this Breathtaking Cliff at St Govan’s Head. It also offers some amazing views of the Pembroke Coast so take a camera.
There is a Car Park here which is a decent size but fills up pretty quickly. So if the Weather is nice, try and get here early so you can get a space.
St Govans Head-St Govans chapel
St Govans Head is home to some beautiful sites, this includes the Chapel built into the Rock.
Climb down the steps at St Govan’s Head to see this Welsh Coastal Gem.
Important Information for visiting St Govans Head: The Nearest toilets are in Bosherston (1 mile). If you want to walk around St Govans Head it is on the Castlemartin firing range. It is closed when the range is in use.
Check if St Govans Head is Open for when you want to visit here to avoid disappointment! ⏎
Freshwater West Beach (Dobby’s Grave)
Who would have thought Wales had so many filmed in it?
Well if you are a Harry Potter Fan Head Down to Freshwater West Beach. Here you will find the spot of Dobby’s Grave.
Finding Dobby’s grave is a bit tricky.
Once you enter the beach from the car park head for the banking. The easiest way to spot it is probably to walk the footpath across the sand banks so you can spot it straight away.
If you want to find it without walking over the banks, the best way to get there is by climbing the steepest sand dune there (you can’t miss it).
A visit here is free (always a bonus) and there are lots of parking options which makes it a great stop even just for an hour to two!
3. Cardiff
You cannot visit Wales without seeing the Capital City!
With so much to see and do, Caerdydd is somewhere you don’t want to miss. I live 20 minutes away from here and I never get bored of visiting and always find something new to do.
It is also a great place to stay when visiting Wales because you can visit other spots in a day!
Top Cardiff Spots:
Cardiff Castle
With Wales’ rich History, Cardiff Castle makes a fantastic day out for all. You can walk around the ground for free but if you actually want to go inside you will have to pay (it is worth it!)
Other Must-Visit Places in Cardiff
✔️Cardiff Bay
✔️St. Fagans National Museum of History- If I could only visit one place in Cardiff, this would be it. It’s free to visit and they have so much to do and see here. The traditional bakery does the best cheese bread so make sure you try it!
✔️Bute Park
✔️Principality Stadium- Try and catch a Rugby Game when you are visiting. Just make sure you book tickets in advance because they can get expensive.
✔️Castell Coch- This stop isn’t close to the centre but trust me, you will want to stop here on any drive around South Wales. I visit here at least once a year and cannot recommend a day here enough!
4. Brecon Beacons
Wild Horses, Mighty Mountains and impassable Waterfalls make the Brecon Beacons an epic place to visit- I used to drive this area every weekend so I cannot recommend you add this to your itinerary enough!
Driving through the Brecon Beacons and surrounding areas you would never guess you were in Wales. This is my favourite place to drive in South Wales because the views are stunning and you feel totally remote, but the roads are in amazing condition.
You will also find the best log cabins with hot tubs to stay at during your trip here! 🤩
Top Brecon Beacons Stopsrecon Beacon Stops
Brecon Town
Brecon town is a lovely place to stop for a look through the shops and a bite to eat.
There are lots of places to park too so making a trip to the town is super easy.
If there is only one place you stop in Brecon Town, make sure it’s Brecon Chocolates. Here you can try the most mouth-watering Welsh Handmade Chocolate. (The Espresso Martini Bar is the best thing ever!)
The Black Mountains
Driving the roads surrounding the black mountains on your getaway will give you views upon views!
So even if you don’t get out of your car and just drive through, it is so worth it. One of the best places to park is in the main car park because even if the weather isn’t great, you can admire the Welsh landscape from the comfort of your car.
🚨 The area has lots of wild animals, especially sheep who like to hold up the traffic and even jump into the road. For a stress-free drive take your time navigating the roads in this area.
This is also a really popular place for locals to have a picnic in the summer months so it can get busy, especially during the weekends.
But if you do decide to stop, make the most of the amazing walks and the ice cream van in the Car Park. It’s worth knowing that the Ice cream van isn’t always here (especially in the winter months) so I bring a coffee or some snacks just in case.
💡The best walk to do is the one off the Car Park Where you can see some of Wales’ Limestone mining past.
The route has great places to admire the Beacons along the way and amazing sites that not many visitors know of like the old quarry buildings that are still here.
You do not have to be super in shape to walk this route but may be challenging for those with mobility issues as there is no man-made path.
5. Neath Waterfalls
Add chasing Waterfalls to your Trip itinerary for the most magical walks. I used to live in Neath so I would visit these waterfalls most weekends!
Just Drive down the M4 and you will be able to get to Waterfall County to start your adventures. This is a great way to explore the waters of Wales and get the best photos, without the crowds.
Top Neath & Surrounding Areas Stops:
✔️Aberdulais Falls
✔️Henrhyd Falls (Where Batman was Filmed)
Neath also has a stunning Canal which is the perfect place for a picnic and a gentle stroll. In the summer months, there is even a canal boat tour for around 5 pounds for you to explore its waters.
6. Tenby
Visiting this Harbour Town in South West Wales will show you exactly why it’s one of Wales’ most popular destinations.
Tenby is full of brightly coloured houses, amazing views and the best places to try Welsh Products!
It’s full of unique shops, Beach Views and so many activities. No matter if you are visiting Solo, as a Couple or Family, you will find something to do here. I visit here during the summer months and love renting a paddleboard to explore the coves nearby.
Tenby has so much to do, you could spend a good few days here. However if you have places to go and other things to see, you can see a lot of Tenby in an hour or two. If you are looking for a great place to eat, I always go to the
How long does it take to drive around Wales?
To Drive around South Wales is roughly 123 miles.
But with all the Castles, Waterfalls, Wild Horses and other amazing sites, you will discover on the way, be prepared to stop a lot on your visit.
The roads are also in pretty good condition which will make exploring so much easier. Just keep an eye out for the occasional pothole in more rural places!
But with the M4 Motorway Corridor connecting the whole of South Wales, driving here will be a breeze. It’s so easy to drive and everywhere is well signposted so even the most nervous drivers will have no problems navigating the M4.
🚨 Just note that around Port Talbot and Newport, there are 50 MPH zones that get super busy around 8 AM and 4-5 PM so avoid them areas at them times if you can help it. Otherwise, it will take even longer to finish your journey.
💡To make your journey even better, make sure you have some road trip essentials with you.
What is the best month to visit Wales?
We may be slightly biased but Wales is a great place to visit all year round!
The exciting part about Wales is how completely unpredictable to weather is. So don’t plan your visit based on when the sun will be shining the most (it will probably rain).
But if you want to see Wales in full bloom, April-June is a great time to plan your Road Trip.
Thinking about visiting Europe after your South Wales Adventure? Don’t forget to pick up your Free Language Guide Below ⬇️
Do you need to Speak Welsh to get by?
Nope, even though Welsh is widely spoken, you will get around fine on your South Wales trip using English.
How many days do you need to see South Wales?
A 7-day Itinerary will allow you to see all the highlights and give you plenty of time to explore them for as long as you like.
But if you are pressed for time, 3 to 4 days is a good amount of time to explore many of the main sites in South Wales.
If you are planning to do a Wales Road Trip over a Weekend, it’s best to stick to one or two regions in Wales. You will lose a lot of time driving otherwise!
Renting a Car for a South Wales Road Trip
If you are not using your own car for your journey, there are plenty of places to rent a car across Wales. I always use and recommend Discover Cars!
👆They compare cars and prices from every single rental car provider. I love how they use real customer reviews so there are no surprises and you know exactly what you are getting.
They also have 24/7 customer service which really puts my mind at ease!
Just note that if you are visiting Wales from overseas, you may need to provide your passport when you collect your rental.
🚗 Check Rental Car Prices & Availability With Discover Cars Here
Pssst….If you want to know how to save some serious cash when booking your Welsh Adventure, grab your guide below ⬇️
Things you need to try on your South Wales Road Trip
Wales is full of amazing things you need to try on your adventure here. So make sure you don’t leave before trying some of these Welsh delights:
✔️ Welsh Cakes (they are best when they are fresh off the griddle) So Stop by a local Market to grab the best ones.
✔️ Welsh Whiskey (You can have a tour of the Penderyn whisky which is a fantastic way to try it)
✔️ Bara Brith
✔️ Welsh Laverbread
✔️ Welsh Rarebit (it’s basically the best cheese on toast ever)
👉 Make sure you check out this guide that helps you eat around Wales and Beyond for less money
South Wales Road Trip FAQs
I’m sure you have a few more questions you want to answer before starting your epic adventure around South Wales.
To help you have the most amazing road trip, here are the most frequently asked questions and answers for you all in one place:
Wales is easy to drive in and pretty much the same as the rest of the UK. The road signs are bilingual and speed limits are the same as other parts of the United Kingdom unless stated. But just like other places, be careful on the country lanes.
Compared to other places around the UK, Wales is a cheap place to live, work and travel. However, you will notice things like pints and hotels are more expensive in the larger cities across Wales.
80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres is the Alcohol driving limit in Wales so it is not recommended to drink and drive there. You can face fines, driving bans and even imprisonment.
Wales is part of the UK so you can drive here with a valid driving license with no problems at all. If you do not have a UK driver’s license you can drive in Wales for up to 12 months with it.
Wales is the same as driving in England. You drive on the same side of the road and have the same road traffic laws, the only difference is that the road signs are in Welsh and English.
You can car camp in designated zones where you are allowed to stay overnight like campsites. If you want to car camp in Wales somewhere else, you need the landowner’s permission.
South Wales Road Trip Final Thoughts
Discovering Celtic Cymru and all its amazing views will have you fall head over heels for Wales. No matter if you walk, swim or drive, you will find plenty to do along the way.
The public transport in Wales is pretty good, but you may struggle to get to some remote places. This is why if you can, I always recommend renting a car if you want to go to multiple places in South Wales.
However, if driving isn’t something you want to do on your trip I totally get it. Regardless of how you plan to explore, use this guide to start planning your own wonderful Wales Road Trip!
🚗 Check Rental Car Prices & Availability For The Best Wales Car Rentals Here
I hope you found this guide useful! Here are some more relevant posts to help with your trip:
✔️ 7 Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In North Wales
✔️ Where To Stay In Cardiff Best Areas & Hotels
✔️ 15 Best Road Trip Luggage Options
✔️ 12 Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips
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.
