Plan a trip to Wales

1. Inspiration and duration

Wales is compact, scenic, and full of surprises. Whether you're traveling with family, exploring by car, or hiking your way through national parks, there's a route for every traveler.

• Nature lovers: Hike in Snowdonia, paddle along the Pembrokeshire coast, or stargaze in the Brecon Beacons

• Families: Enjoy Tenby’s beaches, visit castles, and explore wildlife parks

• Culture and history fans: Discover ancient abbeys, Welsh language villages, and Cardiff’s urban energy

As for trip length:

• 7–9 days: Covers Cardiff, Snowdonia, and the coast

• 10–14 days: Adds Brecon Beacons or a relaxed road trip through North Wales

➔ Road trip itinerary

➔ Family vacation ideas

2. Best time to visit

The best time to visit Wales is May to September, when the weather is mild and landscapes are at their greenest.

• Spring (March–May): Blooming valleys, fewer crowds — perfect for hiking

• Summer (June–August): Warmest months with long days and ideal beach weather

• Autumn (September–October): Colorful foliage and quiet trails

• Winter (November–February): Best for city breaks and cozy countryside stays

Summer is also festival season — expect lively events across the country.

➔ Best time to travel to Wales

3. Destinations and itinerary

Wales is best explored region by region. Here's a sample pace:

• 2–3 days: Cardiff and the South Coast

• 2–3 days: Snowdonia National Park — hiking, castles, and scenic drives

• 2–3 days: Pembrokeshire Coast — dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches

• Add-on: Brecon Beacons or the Llŷn Peninsula for slower travel

➔ Top things to see in Wales

4. Transportation

• Rental car: Ideal for national parks, remote villages, and coastal drives

• Public transport: Cardiff and major towns are well connected by train and bus

• Road trips: A great way to experience the changing landscapes and historic sites

➔ Plan your road trip

5. Accommodation

Choose from historic inns, family-run B&Bs, or stylish countryside hotels.

• Summer is peak season — book early for popular areas like Snowdonia and Tenby

• For road trips, consider staying at least two nights per stop for a relaxed pace

➔ Best time to go for pricing and availability

6. Activities and attractions

Wales offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and local flavor:

• Castles: Explore Conwy, Caerphilly, and Pembroke

• Hiking: Climb Mount Snowdon, walk the Four Waterfalls trail

• Beaches: Discover Barafundle Bay, Rhossili, or the Gower Peninsula

• Culture: Visit Welsh-speaking towns, art galleries, and local markets

• Food: Try cawl, Welsh rarebit, laverbread, and fresh seafood

➔ What to see in Wales

➔ Traditional Welsh cuisine

7. Budget planning

Here’s what to expect per person, per day (excluding flights):

• Budget: from $90 — 3-star B&Bs, public transit, free outdoor activities

• Mid-range: from $235 — 4-star hotels, car rental, guided excursions

• Luxury: from $450 — upscale hotels, private tours, gourmet dining

A one-week mid-range trip for two starts around $3,300 total.

➔ Travel costs in Wales

8. Time for spontaneity

Wales rewards curious travelers. Whether it's an unexpected beach picnic or a surprise detour to a local music festival, leave space in your itinerary for the moments that can’t be planned.

➔ Start planning your Wales trip

Let our travel experts help you build a tailor-made Wales itinerary — with the right pace, places, and personal touches to make your trip unforgettable.Less