Wales Motorhome Itinerary, Diary & Map: Overnight Sites, Stop Offs and Costs (part 1)

Planning a trip to Wales in your motorhome or campervan or just fancy having a look at what the country has to offer families on a road trip? Here is our Wales Motorhome Itinerary, Diary and Map for the first 8 days of our Wales Road Trip in the motorhome with our children. We absolutely loved this trip and even putting all the information together for this blog post has me dreaming of going again!

This post is the first in a series on our travels through Wales and into England in the Motorhome with our children for 3 weeks. In this blog post I will outline our basic travel itinerary, chat about what we thought of each place and the interesting places we stopped off along the way and provide the cost for each overnight, for the first 8 days. If you want to know what we packed for our trip then check out my ultimate family motorhome checklist; which I keep up to date with any handy items I find. Read to the end of this post to find out which apps we use regularly to find places to stop in our motohome when we travel around the UK and Ireland.

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Where is Wales?

Before I get stuck into telling you where we went around Wales let’s start by explaining where Wales is for anyone that is unfamiliar. Wales is nestled in the western region of Great Britain and is part of the United Kingdom along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is bordered by England to the east and the Irish Sea to the north and west. Wales boasts a diverse landscape characterised by rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and lush valleys. Its capital city, Cardiff, is located in the southern part of the country, while historic towns like Conwy and Caernarfon grace the northern coastline. With its rich cultural heritage, ancient castles, and breathtaking scenery, Wales offers a magical escape for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility alike.

Why Visit Wales?

For me personally, my mother is Welsh and so I always wanted to travel around the country and visit the village she was born in. From a wider perspective, Wales is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant traditions. One of its most iconic symbols is the majestic Welsh dragon, proudly emblazoned on the national flag. The country’s ancient castles, including Conwy, Caernarfon, and Cardiff Castle, stand as testament to its storied past and offer a glimpse into its medieval history. Wales is also celebrated for its rugged coastline, which stretches for over 870 miles and is dotted with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside villages. The Welsh language, one of Europe’s oldest living languages, adds to the country’s unique identity, while its music, poetry, and festivals, such as the Eisteddfod, showcase its cultural richness. Additionally, Wales is famous for its passionate rugby tradition, with the national team, known as the Welsh Dragons, stirring the hearts of fans across the globe.

Wales Road Trip Itinerary and Route Map

We started our Journey from Belfast as we live in Northern Ireland:

Wales Road Trip Itinerary

Belfast – Annagassan – Caernarfon – Llanystumdwy – Trawsdir – Barmouth – Aberystwyth

Wales Road Trip Map

Wales Travel Guides

Grab a guide to help with your planning or to take with you on the road:

• Lonely Planet Wales
• The Rough Guide to Wales
• Wild Guide Wales
• The AA Guide to Wales

First 8 Days of Our Wales Road Trip

We left Belfast on day one and travelled to Annagassan which is not far from Drogheda and we stayed there for the night before travelling on to the Ferry Terminal in Dublin on day two. The Ferry took us from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales and we journeyed on to Caernarfon for our second overnight stop. On day three we carried on to Llanystumdwy which was our first campsite of the trip and from there we actually stopped for another two nights at a different campsite near Barmouth called Trawsdir. After spending our 6th night in Barmouth town at the Dragon Theatre we travelled on to Aberystwyth and stayed there for two nights. Read about each of our overnight stops in more detail below, find out about the best places we stopped on route and discover what we paid for our overnight stays.

Night One Annagassan (FREE)

First stop was in Annagassan on the way to the Ferry. Annagassan is a picturesque coastal village nestled in County Louth, Ireland. Known for its scenic harbor, historic ruins, and charming atmosphere, Annagassan offers visitors a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Irish Sea. Whether strolling along the shoreline, exploring the medieval remnants, or enjoying fresh seafood at local eateries, this hidden gem captivates travelers seeking a serene escape in Southern Ireland. We were able to stay here at the harbour for free and there is a beach right beside the parking area which is great for letting the kids out for a run about on.

Night Two Caernarfon (FREE)

After getting off the Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead we travelled 29 miles to Caernarfon for our first overnight stop in Wales. Caernarfon, situated in northwest Wales, is renowned for its imposing medieval castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were able to park just down the road from the castle and stop overnight for free before exploring the town the next day.

There’s plenty to do in Caernarfon from exploring the iconic fortress to wandering along the bustling harbor to exploring the quaint town centre. As well as enjoying all of this though we did manage to find the kids a brilliant park complete with skate park and excellent view.

Night Three Llanystumdwy (£22)

Llanystumdwy (pronounced clan-eestum- dwee) Campsite, nestled in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales, was our stop over for night three. Surrounded by rolling green hills and tranquil countryside, this campsite offers a peaceful retreat. The campsite provides all the necessary facilities and amenities. With easy access to nearby beaches, hiking trails, and quaint villages.

The Grave of David Lloyd George

Nestled in the tranquil village of Llanystumdwy, you’ll find the final resting place of David Lloyd George, one of Britain’s most esteemed statesmen. David Lloyd George, affectionately known as the “Welsh Wizard,” was a trailblazing figure in British politics, serving as Prime Minister during World War I and leading the nation through turbulent times. His dynamic leadership and bold reforms left an enduring legacy, shaping the course of British history and inspiring generations to come. We always try to slip in places of interest to ourselves as well as for the children as afterall these trips are for us as well as them.

Night Four and Five Barmouth Trawsdir (£22 per night)

On nights four and five we stayed at Trawsdir Caravan and Camping Park, which is located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Situated just a stone’s throw from the charming seaside town of Barmouth. With its modern facilities, including shower blocks, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked shop, Trawsdir is an excellent stop for recharging your batteries and taking care of all the wee jobs. We really enjoyed our stay at this campesite which also had an excellent on-site play park. My top tip here is to always pack bubbles as they are a great kid pleaser.

We relaxed here for two days and got caught up on our laundary as there’s always plenty when travelling with kids. We also enjoyed the amazing beaches which were in walking distance from the campsite and a meal out.

Night Six Barmouth Dragon Theatre (£9)

Nestled along the breathtaking Welsh coast, Barmouth beckons visitors with its scenic beauty and rich cultural offerings. For our 6th night we drove into Barmouth and our intention was to look round the town and then drive on but there was so much to see that we took local advice and stayed in the car park of the Dragon Theatre that night. The town’s historic Dragon Theatre stands as a focal point for arts and entertainment, hosting a vibrant array of performances, from live music and theater productions to film screenings and community events.

Beyond the theater’s doors, Barmouth invites exploration with its sandy beaches, picturesque harbor, and charming streets lined with quaint shops and eateries. Adventure seekers can embark on scenic walks along the Mawddach Estuary or ascend nearby Cadair Idris for panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park. History buffs will delight in Barmouth’s heritage, including the 19th-century railway bridge and the imposing ruins of Dinas Oleu, reputedly the first piece of land donated to the National Trust.

King Arthur’s Labyrith

On our way to Aberystwyth we stopped off at King Arthurs Labyrith in Corris on the main A487 road. King Arthur’s Labyrinth is a legendary site steeped in mystery and folklore. This underground adventure beckons visitors to embark on a journey through the ancient tales of King Arthur and his knights. As you drift along the winding underground river, shrouded in darkness and mystery, the echoes of Arthurian legends resonate through the labyrinthine passages. The ethereal atmosphere and immersive storytelling transport travelers back in time, where they can envision the valorous deeds of Arthur and his noble companions. Each twist and turn reveals a new chapter of the timeless saga, weaving together history and myth in a captivating tapestry of Welsh heritage. King Arthur’s Labyrinth is not merely a tourist attraction; it’s a portal to a bygone era, where the spirit of chivalry and adventure lives on in the heart of Wales.

Nights Seven and Eight Aberystwyth (£6.50 per night)

We travelled on to Aberystwyth and we stayed on the side of the road beside the beach for only £6.50 a night. In Aberystwyth visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoy the beaches while taking in panoramic views of Cardigan Bay, or explore the bustling town center with its array of shops, restaurants, and traditional pubs.

History enthusiasts will appreciate attractions such as the iconic Aberystwyth Castle and the National Library of Wales, while nature lovers can wander through the tranquil grounds of the Aberystwyth University Botanic Garden. I will issue a word of warning here though and tell you that when visiting the castle to not let children climb on the walls as I almost found out to my cost that some of the drops on the other side are massive.

How Do We Find Places to Stay Overnight?

When we are travelling anywhere in the motorhome we have two apps downloaded on to our phones so we can easily find suitable places to stay that have been reviewed by other motorhome owners.

Park4Night

Park4Night is a must-have app for travelers seeking convenient and reliable parking options for their motorhome or campervan adventures. With a vast database of over 150,000 listings worldwide, Park4Night allows users to discover and share parking spots, campsites, and overnight stops tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot by the beach, a quiet forest retreat, or a convenient urban stopover, Park4Night offers a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget. Users can easily filter listings by location, amenities, and user ratings, ensuring a hassle-free experience wherever their journey takes them. With offline maps, user reviews, and real-time updates, Park4Night lets travelers to find the perfect parking spot for a memorable and stress-free adventure on the road.

Campercontact

Campercontact is a comprehensive app designed for motorhome enthusiasts, offering a vast array of campsite listings, parking areas, and service points across Europe. With detailed information on facilities, prices, and user reviews, Campercontact provides travelers with essential resources for planning their trips and discovering hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re seeking a secluded spot in nature or a bustling campground with all the amenities, Campercontact makes it easy to find the perfect destination for your next adventure on the road.

What to Expect Next Time

I hope you have enjoyed hearing about the first leg of our journey around Wales and perhaps it has even given you a few ideas of where you would like to travel to next. In my next post I will be covering the next 7 days of our tour including a couple of days at a folk festival. Let me know in the comments which stop sounded best to you.