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12 January 2024
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If you’re dreaming of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and historic landmarks, this Welsh coastal road trip delivers it all. This itinerary – adapted from our Wales Road Trip Guidebook – gives you a taste of the ultimate Welsh coastal road trip. Perfect for a Monday–Friday getaway, this itinerary guides you through Pembrokeshire’s most breathtaking scenery, with optional detours through the Brecon Beacons for those craving epic mountain views. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking seaside bliss, buckle up for the ultimate South Wales adventure. From Cardiff to Swansea via castles, coves, and coastal gems, we’ll guide you day-by-day through your perfect roadtrip.
Let’s hit the road!
Drive Time: 1 hr 57 mins
Overnight: Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park
Stops: Cardiff, Nash Point Lighthouse, Porthcawl Rest Bay, Mumbles.
Your Welsh coastal road trip begins in Cardiff, where a quick coffee stop at the bay fuels you for the journey ahead. As you leave the city, the landscape shifts to rolling hills, leading you to Nash Point Lighthouse – a cliffside sentinel with haunting maritime history. After a breezy walk along the coastal path, continue to Porthcawl’s Rest Bay, where the golden sands and lively promenade make for a perfect lunch stop.
By late afternoon, the charming village of Mumbles welcomes you with pastel-colored storefronts and Joe’s Ice Cream (a must-try since 1922). As the sun dips, settle into your campsite at Three Cliffs Bay, where the iconic limestone arches glow in the evening light. This first leg of your Welsh coastal road trip blends city energy with the wild coastline.
Top tip: Porthcawl’s Rest Bay doesn’t allow dogs in the summer so if you’re travelling with pups head to Newton Beach, a more secluded vibe.
Drive Time: 2 hrs 37 mins
Overnight: Penally Court Farm
Stops: Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, Rhossili Bay, Cefn Sidan Beach, Pembrey Country Park.
Wake up early to explore Three Cliffs Bay at low tide, the stream-cut sand and towering cliffs are pure magic. Next, Oxwich Bay invites you to paddleboard or simply lounge on its expansive shore. But the showstopper? Rhossili Bay frequently voted the ‘The UK’s No. 1 dog-friendly beach’. Walk the cliff path for panoramic views of Worm’s Head but remember: check tide times unless you fancy being stranded!
Later, detour inland to Cefn Sidan Beach, a quiet stretch backed by dunes, followed by a stroll through Pembrey Country Park’s pine forests. By evening, you’ll arrive near Tenby, where your farmstay offers rustic charm under starry skies.
Top tip: Three Cliffs Bay Beach is a super scenic sandy beach featuring three limestone cliffs making for a dramatic backdrop… A landscape photographers dream!
Drive Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Overnight: Sandy Haven Camping
Stops: Tenby, Barafundle Bay, St Govan’s Chapel, Elegug Stacks, Pembroke Castle.
Spend the morning wandering Tenby’s medieval walls and harbor, where pastel buildings rival the Mediterranean. At low tide, cross to St Catherine’s Island, then hike to Barafundle Bay – one of, if not the best beach in Pembrokeshire. Barafundle is a beautiful sandy bay backed by dunes and pine trees. Further along the coast, the tiny St Govan’s Chapel clings to cliffs like something from a fairy tale, while Elegug Stacks erupt from the sea, crowded with stunning bird wildlife in summer.
Finish the day at Freshwater West, a wild beach dotted with shipwreck remnants (and a Harry Potter filming site), before touring Pembroke Castle’s towering keep. Day 3’s mix of history and hidden coves showcases the best of this Welsh coastal road trip.
Top tip: Harry Potter fans will be able to see Dobby’s grave which was featured in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Drive Time: 2 hrs 12 mins
Overnight: Fishguard Bay Resort
Stops: Newgale Beach, St Davids, Whitesands Bay, Blue Lagoon, Strumble Head Lighthouse.
Start with a sunrise surf session at Newgale Beach, where the Atlantic waves roll in for miles. Then, head to St Davids – Britain’s smallest city, to explore its grand cathedral and many fabulous independent cafes, restaurants and shops that are worth a mooch while you’re here. After lunch, Whitesands Bay offers a prime coastal hike, while the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters (a former quarry) tempt brave swimmers.
As dusk falls, Strumble Head Lighthouse provides a dramatic finale, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin in the waves below!
Top tip: There are great views around the clifftop of the Blue Lagoon and there is a wheelchair friendly path.
Drive Time: 2 hrs 9 mins
Overnight: Return home or Riverside Holiday Park
Stops: Ynys Dinas Walk, Pentre Ifan, National Botanic Gardens, Swansea.
Begin your last day with a peaceful walk at Ynys Dinas, which offers some of the finest views anywhere on the Pembrokeshire coast. The walk will take around 2 hours and you may be able to spot seals in the some of the small coves along the route. Then, step back in time at Pentre Ifan, a 5,000-year-old burial chamber shrouded in myth. Finally, the National Botanic Gardens offer a lush farewell, with tropical glasshouses and meadow trails.
Your Welsh coastal road trip ends in Swansea – toast to the journey with a waterfront pint!
For an epic finale, swap the direct route to Swansea for the Black Mountain Pass. This winding road -famously featured on Top Gear -adds an hour but rewards you with heart-stopping valleys and hairpin turns.
This 5-day Welsh coastal road trip packs in everything from beach-hopping to castle-exploring, all wrapped in Wales’ untamed beauty. Pro tip: Pack layers, check tide times, and leave room for spontaneity—the best moments often come unplanned.
But really this itinerary just scratches the surface of Wales’ coastal magic. For the complete road trip experience, our Road Trip Wales Guidebook is your ultimate companion, packed with: Secret spots beyond the tourist trails (think hidden waterfalls and local-favorite pubs). Stress-saving hacks like off grid parkups and all the planning done for you – daily budgets, itinerary options, and handpicked stays for every style. . For the full deep-dive (including maps and local secrets), grab your copy and make your Welsh adventure truly unforgettable!
