Planning a North Wales road trip this summer? Well you’re in the right place…
If you’re dreaming of dramatic coastlines, mountain views, historic castles, and scenic drives that make you stop mid-journey just to take it all in, a North Wales road trip really does tick every box.
The best bit? You don’t need to travel too far to get it all. In just a couple of hours, you can go from bustling seaside towns to rugged mountains, hidden beaches, and charming coastal villages.
As locals, we know these roads inside out, so this guide is built around a North Wales itinerary we’d genuinely recommend, packed with must-see spots, local favourites, and a few hidden gems.
Carry on reading for our 4 Day North Wales Road Trip…
Your North Wales Road Trip
While this itinerary highlights the best of North Wales over four days, the real beauty of a North Wales coastal drive is the freedom to move at your own speed.
If a hidden cove in Anglesey steals your heart, stay for the afternoon.
If the mountain mist rolls into Eryri (Snowdonia), take a slow morning in a cosy village café.
This route is entirely customisable and easily stretched into a relaxing week-long adventure or condensed into a whistle-stop weekend depending on your pace.
To ensure your trip is as smooth as the A55 coastal road, keep these essential North Wales road trip tips in mind:
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Book
Book your cottage, tickets for attractions, food reservations ect in advance.
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Plan
Have a rough plan so you don’t waste time. Check tide times before you arrive.
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Drive
Arrive early at car parks and drive safe. The roads can be narrow and windy!
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Pack
Pack for all seasons. The weather can be unpredictable. Always carry a waterproof.
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Local
Shop local — from farm shops and bakeries to gift shops and independent cafés.
Here is a map of the top spots to get you started:
Day 1: Llandudno & Conwy
Start your trip in Llandudno, easily reached from the A55. This classic seaside town is full of Victorian charm, with a sweeping promenade and the iconic pier.
If you’re short on time, you can drive around the Great Orme, but trust me — it’s worth a proper explore:
- Stretch your legs on one of the trails
- Take the historic tramway
- Or ride the cable cars for some epic views
At the top, the views are incredible — and if you’re lucky, you might spot the famous Kashmiri goats or even seals bobbing in the water.
The Great Orme, Llandudno
On your way back down, grab some proper pub grub at The Kings Head (fantastic beer garden) or The Snowdon. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some candy floss from the pier — because why not?
For more things to do in Llandudno, our guide is a must read.
Then hop in the car and head 10 minutes away to Conwy. Here you can:
- Explore Conwy Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Wander the historic town walls (some of the best preserved in the UK)
- Grab a treat from Popty Conwy Bakery, or from the many coffee shops (Nonno’s or L’s are top picks)
- Head to The Mulberry for drinks overlooking the marina
- Drive up Sychnant Pass and catch the sunset from Conwy Mountain
Conwy Castle, Conwy
📍LOCALS TIP: If you’ve got a bit of extra time, swing by Deganwy — quieter, with a scenic beach and lovely views across the estuary. Perfect for a dog walk. Or pop by Aber Falls on your way to the next stop — it’s an easy stroll from the car park, but the waterfall is well worth a visit and is great for families.
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn
Stay the night in one of our Conwy holiday cottages for a great night’s sleep before the rest of your road trip.
Day 2: Menai Bridge & Anglesey’s West Coast
Anglesey could easily keep you busy for days, but for this North Wales road trip, we’re focusing on the west coast.
The motorway here makes it easy to hit all the highlights quickly — though if you have extra time, the other side of the island is just as magical.
For a full guide of how to enjoy this island properly, head to our Ultimate Guide for Things to do in Anglesey.
Or, our guide on why Anglesey is one of the top UK destinations right now, explores what makes this part of North Wales so popular.
Begin your morning in the lovely Menai Bridge, a brilliant base and and a great foodie hotspot:
- Start the morning at Custia Mul for a proper fuel-up
- Or &Caws if you fancy a takeaway coffee and sandwich for the road
Then get ready for a jam-packed day exploring Anglesey’s west coast.
- South Stack Lighthouse – start here, then walk up Holyhead Mountain for incredible coastal views.
- Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and puffins — this is an RSPB reserve.
- On your way back stop at Trearddur Bay for lunch or a drink at either The Stores or Ocean’s Edge.
- Explore nearby coves like Porth Dafarch while you’re here — perfect for a swim or a bit of kayaking.
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
Other stops to consider along the way:
- Melin Llynon (a working windmill, chocolate factory and viral Monuts!)
- Catch 22 – located in Valley, this restaurant is one of (if not the) best places to eat on Anglesey
- St Cwyfan’s Church, the iconic “church in the sea” near Aberffraw
- Sauna Wales‘s beach sauna, Porth Tyn Tywyn – perfect place to relax after a jam-packed day
St Cwyfan’s Church, Aberffraw
Finish the day at Llanddwyn Beach and Llanddwyn Island for sunset.
Walk through the forest to reach the huge sandy beach, then head to Ynys Llanddwyn if the tide is out (check tide times). Honestly, it’s one of the most magical spots in North Wales.
Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Dinner options: Y Marram in Newborough is a great choice, or head back to Menai Bridge where there’s plenty to choose from — our Best Restaurant’s in Menai Bridge guide can help you pick the perfect spot.
FYI: This is a long day — you won’t realistically do everything unless you keep moving. For a more relaxed pace, spread Anglesey over two days.
Day 3: Llŷn Peninsula
After two busy days, it’s time to slow down. The Llŷn Peninsula is one of North Wales’ most underrated areas.
Nefyn & Porthdinllaen are musts. Walk long Nefyn Golf course towards Porthdinllaen, this is where you’ll find the famous Ty Coch Inn, often named one of the best beach pubs in the UK.
Aberdaron is another great option. It’s a peaceful, unspoilt village at the very tip of the peninsula, ideal for Wales Coastal Path walks.
If timing allows, consider a trip to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) – You’ll need to ditch the car for a boat, but it’s well worth it!
Other pit-stops along the Llyn Peninsula:
- Yr Eifl – A trio of striking peaks offering some of the best views on the Llŷn Peninsula.
- Nant Gwrtheyrn – A unique and historic coastal village tucked into a dramatic valley, complete with its own beach and fascinating backstory.
- Porth Iago & Porthor – Two stunning, unspoilt coves known for their clear waters, golden sands.
- Abersoch – A vibrant seaside village famous for its beautiful beaches, watersports, and laid-back luxury vibe – it’s easy to see why it’s a celebrity favourite.
Head to our guide on the 11 best places to visit on the Llŷn Peninsula, or our guide to the best beaches, to help plan your trip with ease.
End the day in Criccieth (about 40 minutes from Aberdaron):
Explore the castle and the beach and have dinner at Y Maes, a food court packed with independent vendors. It’s the perfect place for groups and families who can’t decide what they want want to eat.
Criccieth Castle, Criccieth
Explore our lovely Criccieth holiday cottages to find the perfect place to base yourself, as well as offering great access to Eryri.
Day 4: Eryri (Eryri)
Finish your trip in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, where mountains, lakes, and some of the most dramatic scenery in Wales take centre stage.
There’s so much to do and see here if you enjoy walking, adrenaline and adventure. If you only have a day, we’d recommend to heading into Llanberis – it’s got plenty to see and do for all the family. From cafes, shops, lakes and great walks.
Llanberis is also the main base for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Even if you’re not climbing it, the village is packed with great walks and stunning views.
Things to do in Llanberis include
- Spend a day on Llyn Padarn- walk the trails, paddleboad, kayak, or head to the lakeside Sauna.
- A cute coffee shop visit is a much – Ceirios and Melyn are our favourites.
- Try a different hike like Moel Eilio – there’s a great circular loop that’s far less crowed, with wide-open views across Eryri.
- Explore Dinorwic Quarry – head to Anglesey Barracks, they’re eye opening!
- Learn about the Welsh slate industry at The National Slate Museum
- Don’t fancy walking? Head up Yr Wyddfa on the Snowdon Mountain Railway
📍LOCALS TIP: Start early — popular car parks fill up fast, especially on sunny days. You’ll need to pre-book parking for Pen-y-Pass if you’re thinking of starting here to head up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The Lonely Tree on Llyn Padarn, Llanberis
For dramatic scenery, head to the Ogwen Valley, home to some of the region’s most striking landscapes. The walk around Llyn Idwal is simple, satisfying, and framed by towering cliffs.
For more challenging hikes consider:
- Y Garn
- Glyder Fawr and Fach
- Moel Siabod
Explore our guide 7 mighty mountains in Snowdonia (Eryri) to find your perfect hike.
If you’re planning on doing a big hike, make sure you plan ahead and ensure you’ve got the whole day. There’s no point rushing!
Eryri is also dotted with amazing waterfalls — a perfect extra if you’ve got energy to spare. Our guide waterfalls in Snowdonia, features all of the best.
It wouldn’t be a North Wales road trip without a stop at local attraction Zip World.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, located in Bethesda is a must for thrill seekers. Home to the world-famous Velocity zip line, soar over dramatic quarry landscapes at incredible speeds.
Or for families, Zip World Betws-y-Coed has some great treetop adventures for the little ones to enjoy too.
After a full day in the mountains, head to Betws-y-Coed for dinner at The Stables — cosy, lively, and the perfect way to round off your adventure.
Stables, Betws-y-Coed
Discover our holiday cottages in Snowdonia and enjoy your morning coffee to the backdrop of stunning peaks.
FAQs: Your North Wales Road Trip Questions Answered
➔ What is the best North Wales road trip route?
Llandudno → Conwy → Menai Bridge → Anglesey’s West Coast → Llŷn Peninsula → Snowdonia. Coast, castles, beaches, and mountains all in one loop.
➔ How many days do you need in North Wales?
4–5 days is perfect. For a slower pace, especially in Anglesey or Snowdonia, aim for 6–7 days.
➔ Where are the best views?
Honestly, there’s not many places in North Wales that aren’t scenic!
➔ Which is the best coastal drive?
As soon as you get into North Wales on the A55, you’ll be met by amazing coastal views, but our favourite is Llanberis → Capel Curig → Betws-y-Coed.
➔ Can you drive around Anglesey in a day?
Yes — but to enjoy it properly, allow 1–2 days.
➔ Is North Wales good for a road trip with kids?
Absolutely! Short drives, safe beaches, castles, and easy walks make it ideal.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect North Wales Road Trip?
One of the best things about a North Wales road trip is how easy it is to tailor it to your travel style, with routes that suit families, couples, adventurers, dog owners, and scenic explorers alike.
From exploring Conwy Castle and Llanddwyn Island, to tackling peaks in Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) or taking in the views along the Llŷn Peninsula, there’s something for every pace and interest.
To make the most of your trip, book a stay with Menai Holiday Cottages, with properties across North Wales to suit every type of traveller — from family friendly and dog-friendly cottages to romantic retreats and hot tub stays.
Our guide to our most popular holiday cottages in North Wales will helps you pick your ideal base.
Happy travels!
