The ultimate 10-day North Wales Road trip (with maps and Itineraries)

Map of 10 day North Wales Road trip itinerary

Where to stay during your North Wales road trip

If you have a campervan or want to keep the driving distances short, choose several bases (1/2 nights Llangollen/ Chirk, 1 night Conwy/ Llandudno, 3/4 nights Betws-y-Coed and 3/4 nights in Anglesey).

However, as the area is relatively small, you can follow this road trip from two bases, stopping at Llangollen and Caernarvon on your travel days. A good option in 6 nights in Betws-y-Coed or elsewhere in the Eryri National Park, then 4 nights on Anglesey. We’d recommend basing yourself near Trearddur Bay.

Highlights of North Wales 10 day road trip

• Marvelling at the power and majesty of Aber Falls on an easy walk
• Exploring the history of Wales in Caernarvon Castle, a jewel of a castle bursting with history
• Feeling like you are walking into a postcard at picture perfect Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Beach on the island of Anglesey
• Exploring rockpools, spotting seals or taking to the water in the sheltered bays around Rhoscolyn & Trearddur Bay
• Visiting beautiful Llyn Idwal, a hanging cwm in Eryri National Park.

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Our North Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Our family like a bit of everything, so this itinerary has lots of variety and is a good starting point for planning your own. The adults in our family would happily spend all day walking, but the kids prefer castles and plenty of ice cream stops. Below you’ll find all the details and the best things to do in North Wales.

Day 1: Things to Do in Llangollen: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk Castle & Hilltop Ruins

Llangollen, close to the Welsh border, sits in a beautiful, wooded valley shaped by the immense power of the river Dee. It’s easy to see why the The Llangollen Canal (which passes through Llangollen, Trevor and neighbouring Chirk) has been designated a World Heritage Site: the entire area is full of feats of engineering, including the famous, 200-year-old Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and more than 30 other mind-boggling structures.

Whilst you could easily fill a week in Llangollen and Chirk, it is possible to see the highlights in a day or two.

Llangollen and Pontcysllte Aqueduct

We started our day with a delicious brunch in Llangollen at the Riverbanc Café which has a terrace over the river Dee where you can watch groups of kayakers pass by. From here we walked up to Llangollen Bridge (one of the 7 wonders of Wales) to admire the view and marvel at the sheer power of the river. After stopping for fudge and a quick stop in the second-hand bookshop, we drove on to visit the Pontcysllte aqueduct, parking at the official carpark in the village of Trevor.

We had seen pictures of the aqueduct but hadn’t realised just how impressive it really was until we got up close. The aqueduct, which opened in 1805, stands 38 metres high above the river below. Walking (or kayaking) over the aqueduct is incredible (whilst it is perfectly safe, anyone with serious vertigo might want to admire from a distance).

On one side of the aqueduct there is a footpath with a handrail, next to this is the Llangollen canal which has no railing and is open to the view. Canal boats and groups of kayakers cross the canal, whilst we opted to walk across. The views from the aqueduct are simply gorgeous – greenery as far as your eye can see. You can continue your walk along the towpath or follow the steep path down to the river for close -up views of this feat of engineering.

Chirk Castle

We spent our afternoon at nearby Chirk Castle (National Trust). Chirk was originally built in the 13^th Century as a castle, before being transformed into a family home. During our visit the kids were able to try fencing in the courtyard. There are wonderful views from the gardens and plenty of spaces for the kids to run off some energy. Chirk Castle makes a great stop on the way to the Eyri National Park.

Other Llangolen & Chirk Activities

• Take a trip on a canal boat or kayak over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
• Walk from Llangollen to the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân (free entry) for a picnic
• Explore Llangollen town centre
• Visit the romantic, partially ruined Valle Crucis Abbey (free entry)
• Journey on a heritage train on the Llangollen and Corwen railway 

Day 2: Conwy Castle & Llandudno: Medieval Walls, History and Coastal Views

Llandudno and Great Orme Headland

After lunch, we continued our journey to Llandudno, just 5 miles further along the coast. Llandudno is a traditional Victorian seaside town, complete with a pier, arcades, cafes, beaches and a promenade. We opted to head instead to Great Orme, a limestone headland close to Llandudno and easily accessed by as many types of transport as you can imagine.

To get to Great Orme either walk from Llandudno or drive and park in the car park. Alternatively, you can take a return trip in a brightly coloured cable car, or travel by vintage tram from Llandudno. We opted for the tram as the queues for the cable car were huge. We loved our trip on the tram, watching the cable cars and views of the distant sea and mountains as we were taken up through town and onto the headland. Once at the top there is a great playpark, café and toilets and spectacular views.

Tram –  The Great Orme Tramway costs £11.85 (adult return), £8.95 (child return).

Cable Car – CASH ONLY – Find the cable car station at the bottom of Happy Valley in Llandudno. Tickets cost £15 each or £43 for a family of 4.

Great Orme Parking  – See directions on National Trust Website (not a National Trust carpark).

Top Tip: Consider a Cadw season ticket if you plan to visit more than 2 properties during your visit. Membership includes Caernarvon, Beaumaris and Conwy Castles.

Other activities in Conwy & Llandudno

• Visit the smallest house in Wales in Conwy Harbour
• Walk the Great Orme headland
• Wander the Victorian promenade and pier in Llandudno
• Try a toboggan ride or try dry slope skiing at Llandudno Snowsports Centre
• Visit the beaches in LLandudno

Day 3: Aber Falls & Penrhyn Castle: Waterfalls and Historic Gardens in North Wales

On day 3 we headed to arguably the best waterfall in Eryri, the utterly spectacular Aber Falls, before spending a leisurely afternoon at Penrhyn Castle and Grounds. This was an easy day and a wonderful introduction to the Eryri National Park area, preparing us for more strenuous days to come.

How to visit Aber Falls

The area can get quite busy, so try to arrive early at weekends or school holidays. To access the waterfall follow the 2.2km path to the base of the falls. The walk is very accessible, with a smooth, wide pushchair friendly path for most of the walk.

There are two car parks (£5 cash or contactless payment). The road to the car park is a single-track lane, which can cause a lot of congestion in the village. If you are able, we recommend parking in the free carpark just outside Abergwyngregyn. The walk to the start of the trail is only 15 minutes extra and could save you much longer in queueing. There are toilets in the car park at the start of the trail.

Following the trail, the walk passes through an unusual temperate rainforest, with trees adorned with mosses and lichens and swallows swooping majestically overhead. As you approach the end of the path, the waterfall comes into view. It is magnificent, falling 37m into a pool before continuing down the rocky river bed into a quiet, shallow riverbed beyond a wooden footbridge. If conditions are right this area is ideal for paddling and cooling off on a hot day (but please always check the conditions are safe).

We were shocked to see several groups had abandoned bags of rubbish at this beautiful location. Please be a responsible tourist and take your rubbish home with you.

Penrhyn Castle

Penrhyn Castle (National Trust) is just 5 miles from Aber Falls. The castle itself is huge. It is well worth investigating its history, rooted in colonialism and the interconnected worlds of enslaved workers on sugar plantations and the use of that wealth in industrial Wales.

The castle sits amongst open parkland, with views of distant mountains and the Irish Sea. The grounds include a lovely woodland playpark full of imaginative places to play, a tranquil, beautifully laid out walled garden and a ruined chapel. There are plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic or visit the café and restaurant.

Days 4 and 5: Eryri National Park Adventures: Snowdon Summit, Llyn Idwal & Betws-y-Coed

Family Fun at Zipworld

We started our fourth day with a joyful visit to Zip World Betws-y-Coed, zooming through the forest on the FForest Coaster. There are actually 3 Zip World locations in North Wales. The Betws-y-Coed branch is where you’ll find the FForest Coaster, 1km long cross between a toboggan run and a roller coaster. It was such a unique experience that the entire family loved. The best part is each rider gets 3 rides. We left with huge grins on our faces and sides aching from laughing. Brilliant fun!

After the coaster we bought wooden marbles from the reception and tried out the 3 giant marble runs. Marbles are £2.50 each and you can use them as many times as you like. The site also has high ropes and a variety of adrenaline thrilled rides. Each activity is paid for separately, so choose carefully.

For older children looking for an unforgettable experience, the Penrhyn Quarry Zipworld has the UK’s longest and world’s fastest zipline. From £92 per person.

Eat, drink and explore in Betws-y-Coed

We spent our afternoon in lovely alpine town Betws-y-Coed, known as ‘The Gateway to Snowdonia’. The Visitor Centre has a short film and a fun (and free) virtual reality headset where you can view the summit of Yr Wyddfa – this was a big hit with the kids. We played football on the village green and spent time watching the waterfalls near pretty Pont-Y-Pair bridge. In the evening we had a delicious meal in the gorgeous outside eating area at Y Stablau.

Top Tip: If you are self-catering, there are very limited grocery shops in Betws-y-Coed and around. It is worth stopping on the way or ordering online in advance.

Other things to do in Betws-y-Coed

• Visit  Fairy Glen, 2 miles outside the town, either walk from town or park in the carpark at the Fairy Glen Hotel. There is a small cash contribution to access the trail, which you pay on the gate as you enter. The walk down is VERY slippery, so make sure you have good boots on and free hands. You can also walk from the Conwy Falls carpark (free), which is about a mile each way.
• Visit Swallow Falls, following the trail for about 2 miles from the Pont-y-Pair bridge in Betws-y-Coed.
• Enjoy pizza at Hangin’ Pizzeria
• Stock up on your outdoor gear at the many outdoor and adventure shops in town.
• Try the model railway in the railway station.

Pick your own Mountain Adventure – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by foot or train or a gorgeous walk around Llyn Idwal

For Snowdon and Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal, the car parks can fill up very quickly in peak season. However, from Betws-y-Coed there is a fantastic bus service. Find all the information you need here.

Remember the mountains can be dangerous. Please stay safe in the mountains, hike responsibly and take you rubbish home with you. Find useful safety advice from the mountain rescue team here.

Option 2: Llyn Idwal Circular route. 5km and 150m of ascent.

Llyn Idwal is a dream, a mirror like lake in a glacial hanging valley, surrounded by mountains. It is one of the loveliest places we’ve ever hiked. Start the walk at the Lyn Ogwen carpark, cross the wooden bridge past the waterfall and follow the path towards Llyn Idwal. When you reach the lake keep to the left hand side and follow the lake round towards the mountains. Here the path becomes steep for a while, with breathtaking views back across the lake. Take care to find the stone step path back down to the lake and follow it round to the little beach, a perfect place to relax before you head back to the carpark or bus stop.

View the route on Komoot

Option 3: Snowdon Mountain Railway

 If you have very young children or group members who are unable to make the full hike, you can take the train to the summit of Snowdon. This books up early so make sure you book as far in advance as possible.

FAQ: 10-Day North Wales Road Trip