A Simple North Wales Road Trip with Map 🚗

Get ready for an epic adventure through the rugged beauty of North Wales — where ancient castles meet wild coastlines, and dramatic peaks give way to peaceful valleys. This circular road trip winds through storybook villages, hidden waterfalls, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the UK. From culture-packed towns to windswept beaches and heart-pumping thrills, North Wales serves it all on one unforgettable plate.

📍 Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – Start strong with a feat of engineering genius. This UNESCO-listed aqueduct carries canal boats over the River Dee on a narrow 38-metre-high cast-iron trough. Not for the faint of heart (or those with a fear of heights), but it’s utterly breathtaking.

📍 Betws-y-Coed – A picture-perfect village nestled in Snowdonia’s forests. Full of cosy cafés, outdoor gear shops, and scenic riverside walks — it’s a great base for adventure or just refuelling with a proper Welsh cake.

📍 Bodnant Garden – This lush, sprawling garden is a total surprise — think exotic plants, dramatic terraces, and a peaceful woodland valley walk. It’s especially stunning in spring and summer when everything’s in full bloom.

📍 Conwy Castle – A medieval masterpiece with mighty walls and epic views over the estuary. Wander the town’s historic streets, check out the smallest house in Britain, and grab some traditional Welsh treats while you’re at it.

📍 Llandudno & Great Orme – Take the scenic tramway or drive up the Great Orme headland for sweeping coastal views and maybe even a wild goat sighting. Llandudno itself is full of classic seaside charm and a lovely pier.

📍 Aber Falls – A short woodland walk leads to this thunderous 120-foot waterfall, tucked away in the hills near Abergwyngregyn. Perfect for a leg-stretch with a seriously Insta-worthy backdrop.

📍 Beaumaris – A pretty coastal town on Anglesey, home to a moated castle (another Edwardian beast), independent shops, and gorgeous views across the Menai Strait.

📍 Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol) – Accessible via boat from Beaumaris, this tiny island is a haven for seabirds, including puffins during spring and early summer. Binoculars highly recommended!

📍 Benllech – A laid-back village with a lovely stretch of sandy beach that’s ideal for a paddle or picnic. Great for families, dog walks, or a cheeky dip if you’re brave.

📍 South Stack Lighthouse – One of Wales’ most iconic views. Climb down the 400 steps to the lighthouse (and back up again, sorry!) for a dramatic look at the rocky cliffs and endless sea.

📍 Rhosneigr – A favourite for surfers and sunset chasers, this cool little beach town is big on chilled vibes, water sports, and windswept beauty.

📍 Newborough Beach & Forest – Backed by pine forest and stretching out to Llanddwyn Island, this is one of Anglesey’s best natural spots. Great for long beach walks, horse rides, or just soaking up the magic.

📍 Caernarfon Castle – Another heavy-hitter in Wales’ castle lineup. This one’s massive, imposing, and absolutely packed with history. It’s also where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.

📍 Porthmadog – A charming harbour town and home to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. If you love vintage steam trains and epic mountain views, this is your jam.

📍 Portmeirion – A surreal, Italian-style village plonked right in North Wales. Colourful buildings, lush gardens, and total Wes Anderson energy — it’s unlike anywhere else in the UK.

📍 Harlech – Towering above the coast, Harlech Castle is dramatic, ancient, and seriously atmospheric. The beach below is vast and beautiful — ideal for a peaceful stroll.

📍 Zip World Llechwedd – Adrenaline junkies, rejoice. Zoom through slate caverns, try underground trampolines, or soar on zip lines. It’s adventure meets industrial history in the best way.

📍 Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) – The jewel of Snowdonia. Whether you hike up one of the many paths or take the scenic train, the views from the top are unbeatable (weather permitting, of course!).

📍 Llanberis – Round things off in this gorgeous lakeside village. Relax by Llyn Padarn, rent a kayak, or visit the National Slate Museum to dive into the region’s rich heritage.

📍 Total Distance: Approx. 280 miles

🕰️ Recommended Time: 3 to 5 days, depending on how many walks, castles, and cakes you want to fit in. You can rush it in two days, but honestly? North Wales deserves the extra time — you’ll thank yourself for slowing down and soaking it all in.

📸  Perfect For: Outdoor adventurers, history buffs, castle lovers, nature photographers, and anyone ready for a road trip packed with epic views, hidden gems, and a hearty dose of Welsh charm.