How to Spend 5 Days in Wales is your easy, friend-to-friend guide to castles, cozy towns, and scenic drives ~ perfect for planning a relaxed and unforgettable Welsh getaway.

Wales is one of those places that sneaks up on you in the very best way with storybook castles, dramatic coastlines, and quaint villages that make you want to slow down and stay awhile.

If you’re dreaming about a trip that feels scenic, historic, and refreshingly uncrowded, let me help you decide how to spend 5 days in Wales in a way that’s relaxed and just plain enjoyable!

We kicked off our Wales adventure with three nights in Liverpool (read that travel guide here!) after flying into Manchester Airport from San Diego.

And we wrapped up our 13 day itinerary in London, celebrating our oldest daughter’s 30th birthday with the most unforgettable Coldplay concert at Wembley Stadium.

Our entire itinerary is included at the bottom of this travel guide for your own reference :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Wales

If you’re coming to Wales from overseas, the easiest way to do it is by flying into Manchester or Liverpool, especially if you’re starting in North Wales.

Both airports are well connected internationally, and picking up a rental car there makes the drive into Wales simple and scenic.

To keep things easy and avoid backtracking, I recommend ending your trip in Cardiff or even crossing back into England and flying home from a major city like London.

It’s a smooth, stress-free way to see more without feeling rushed.

As mentioned above, we started our itinerary by flying into Manchester and spending 3 nights in Liverpool before renting a car from the Liverpool Airport and driving slowly south to drop the car off at the small (and empty when we were there!!!) Cardiff Airport.

Getting Around Wales

The easiest way to truly see Wales is by renting a car, hands down.

Yes, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right, which feels very “what have I done?” for the first day or so, but I promise, your brain adjusts faster than you think.

If you started your itinerary as we did by picking up a rental car at the Liverpool Airport, you will easily be able to explore North Wales before making your way south at a relaxed pace, soaking up castles, coastline, and countryside as you go.

The only moments that can get a little hairy are those gorgeous countryside roads where low stone walls sit right next to the pavement and the lanes feel barely wider than the car. Deep breaths and slow driving go a long way.

That said, if renting a car really isn’t your thing, it is possible to sightsee without one by using trains between major towns like Cardiff, Conwy, and Llandudno, then adding local buses or guided day tours to reach castles and scenic spots.

You’ll just have a bit less flexibility, but still plenty of Welsh magic.

Best Time of Year to Visit Wales

We visited at the very end of August into Labor Day weekend, and it was honestly perfect with cool, fresh air that still called for sweaters most days, with a bit of rain sprinkled in (typical for the United Kingdom).

Late spring through early fall (May to September) is generally considered the best time to visit, thanks to longer daylight hours, greener landscapes, and milder temperatures that are perfect for castle hopping and scenic drives.

Summer brings the warmest weather, but it never feels hot like southern Europe.

If you’re craving fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler temps, late spring and early fall are ideal.

Winter can be quiet and moody but expect shorter days and more rain.

Weather App screenshots during our August – September 2025 trip :).

Recommended Number of Days for a Visit to Wales

Yes – I know I titled this blog post ‘5 Days in Wales’ HOWEVER, five days genuinely only touches the surface of all that Wales has to offer…

Wales really deserves about 7–10 days to see it properly ~ five days is a fabulous taste of the castles, coast, and countryside, but a little extra time lets you slow down and truly soak in the magic without feeling rushed.

If I had the chance to do this trip all over, I would have spent the 3 nights in North Wales to start as we did, then move down to the Pembrokeshire, South West Wales area for 2 nights (with a luxury stay at the Grove of Narberth), then end the trip with 2 nights (one full day) in Cardiff :).

Money and Plug Details in Wales

In the United Kingdom (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), the currency is the Pound (£), and most places accept credit and debit cards, though it’s always handy to carry some cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

The United Kingdom uses Type G plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, so travelers from outside the UK and Ireland may need a plug adapter and potentially a voltage converter.

I bring this extension cord with me everywhere I travel and these adapters when traveling to the UK and Ireland.

And of course – this portable battery charger is an absolute must to avoid a dead phone when out sightseeing :0.

Best Places to Stay in Wales

When it comes to where to stay in Wales, it helps to know that true five-star hotels are pretty limited and are spread far apart across the country, so choosing the right base really matters.

We spent three nights in North Wales at a gorgeous countryside hotel that was perfect for soaking up the scenery.

Then we spent an entire day slowly driving down to Cardiff, where we stayed our final two nights to drop off our rental car and explore the Welsh capital before taking the train to London for the last leg of our itinerary.

However, if you can add two nights to your itinerary – I would highly suggest to spend some time in Pembrokeshire, South Wales ~ I have added two options for fantastic places to stay in this area.

The places to stay section in the Wales map above in the maps section of this guide also has a few more options listed so check that out if the places below don’t work for you :).

Pale Hall

We spent the first three nights of our Welsh adventure at Pale Hall Hotel, and it was the kind of place that immediately makes you slow down and exhale.

Think cozy luxury, beautiful grounds, and that “let’s have another cocktail and sit a little longer” feeling that set the perfect tone for easing into Wales.

Just one note from this Southern Californian that is accustomed to air conditioning – there is no air conditioning at this 5* property!

With a fan and our windows open, to my surprise we slept quite well :).

And surprisingly no bugs came in as there weren’t any screens on the windows either…

We ate all 3 of our evening meals at Pale Hall and chose to do this as the food here is absolutely fantastic and made coming “home” each evening something we looked forward to all day.

So even if you end up staying elsewhere ~ I highly suggest getting at least one meal here during your Wales exploring :).

Grove of Narberth

If I were to go back and tweak this Wales itinerary, I’d absolutely add two extra nights for a stay in Pembrokeshire at the Grove of Narberth.

This luxury country house hotel has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it began as a traditional Welsh longhouse and manor before being beautifully restored into the boutique gem it is today.

Known for its stylish, individually furnished rooms, cozy lounges with open fires, and superb food from relaxed meals in the Artisan Rooms to fine dining in the Fernery restaurant ~ lingering here a couple of extra days would have been the highlight of my trip!

Photos courtesy of Grove of Narberth Instagram

Roch Castle

Another accomodations option if you can add two nights in Pembrokeshire to your itinerary would be Roch Castle, a five star historic Norman castle hotel perched high above St Bride’s Bay.

Its 12th-century stone walls, panoramic coastal views, and luxurious, individually styled rooms make it one of the most magical and special places to stay in Wales.

Photos courtesy of Roch Castle Instagram

voco St David’s Cardiff by IHG

We wrapped up our Wales itinerary with two nights (one full day) at the voco St David’s Cardiff, a sleek 5-star waterfront hotel set on Cardiff Bay, which I loved for its easy walks, calm water views, and quick access into the city center.

What to See with 5 Days in Wales

Day One: Conwy

We started day one of our five day Welsh adventure with a rental car pickup at the Liverpool Airport and then continued to drive for about an hour and a half to Conwy ~ but your starting point may actually be different than ours :).

In Conwy, explore Conwy Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Britain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Edward I in the 13th century to assert English rule over Wales.

And after the castle, walking the narrow town streets really sets the tone for the Welsh days ahead.

We popped over to the waterfront in Conwy to see the Smallest House in Great Britain, but the line was long and slow-moving, and we decided it just wasn’t worth the wait.

The waterfront itself felt a tad cheesy, giving off county fair vibes with a handful of small rides and casual food stands, so we took a quick stroll and moved on to the next adventure.

After a few hours in Conwy, we continued our countryside drive with a quick snack stop at Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, the picture perfect and quintessential Welsh tea rooms in Llanrwst before ending at Pale Hall for the evening.

Day Two: Snowdonia National Park

Day two is one of those pinch-me drives.

You’ll wind through the dramatic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, pulling over whenever the views beg you to stop (they will), with a highlight being the Pen y Pass lookout ~ pure, rugged Wales at its finest.

Keep cruising and you’ll stumble upon a few scenic pull-offs that feel totally unscripted, including one stop with an ice cream truck parked against a backdrop of rolling green hills (yes, absolutely stop ~ it’s labeled Lookout Car Parking on the map above for you :)).

From there, drive to the storybook village of Beddgelert for a few stunning photo opps before continuing on toward the coast at the medieval walls of Caernarfon Castle, dramatically perched by the water.

Caernarfon Castle is one of Wales’s most important castles, built by Edward I as a symbol of royal power and famously used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales.

Quick note – we did not need to purchase entrance tickets in advance for any of the castles we visited in Wales and there were no lines at entrance for any of them :).

And we spent about an hour wandering the walls of this historic castle…

On the drive back to Palé Hall, we detoured through Betws-y-Coed, one of those only in Wales villages where you’ll definitely want to pull over for a few last photos before calling it a day.

Day Three: Wrexham

Day three took a very us turn. Our original plan was more hiking and exploring in Snowdonia National Park, but curiosity totally won.

We decided to pivot and head to Wrexham instead, because how could we be this close and not see the town made famous by Wrexham A.F.C. and its very Hollywood owners (yes, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney).

We made a must-stop visit to the club’s beloved pub (The Turf) for a drink before hitting up the Wrexham Shop and then wandering the town streets for a bit. It was indeed game day however it was an away game so we hit the pub right as all the loyal fans were boarding buses to the game :).

It was lively, friendly, and one of those unexpectedly fun travel days that reminds you why leaving room for spontaneity is always a good idea.

Day Four: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and St Davids

Day four was one of those wow days that was also a bit of a marathon.

We left Palé Hall and started the drive toward Cardiff to return the car, but not without making what turned out to be one of the most breathtaking detours of the trip: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Our first stop was the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy Beach, and let me just say ~ getting there is part of the adventure.

You’ll be on a very narrow, one-lane road for a little over a mile, winding with blind corners, and there may be a moment where you’re convinced you’ve made a wrong turn. You haven’t. Keep going.

Parking at Aberreiddy Beach is around £4–£5 for the day, and it’s cash only paid to the lot attendant, so be sure to have some pounds on hand before you head down that narrow road.

But the payoff when you arrive is absolutely worth it. Plan on spending at least an hour here walking up the hill for the insane views and just enjoying the beauty and peacefulness.

From there, we continued on to the charming little city of St Davids, home to the stunning St Davids Cathedral, a site of pilgrimage for over 1,400 years and one of the most historically significant religious landmarks in Wales.

The cathedral itself is quietly magnificent, and the town has such a cozy, storybook feel.

Honestly, this is the area where I wish we had added two more nights to our itinerary.

The day as we planned it was a long one with a lot of driving, and if I could do it again, I’d absolutely break it up with a two-night stay here (see above for where to stay in this area).

Pembrokeshire deserves slow mornings, lingering coastal walks, and time to soak in those views without watching the clock.

Day Five: Cardiff

Day five is all about Cardiff, and trust me, it absolutely deserves a full day on your itinerary.

Wales’s capital is compact, walkable, and surprisingly fun, with just the right mix of history and shopping.

A visit to Cardiff Castle right in the city center is an easy yes. Plan to spend about an hour here and tickets to be around £15–£17 for adults.

If you love lavish interiors and want to spend the time (we did not) the extra cost to see the beautifully decorated rooms would be up your alley for a deeper peek into the castle’s over-the-top history.

After the castle, head over to Cardiff Market for the insane Cardiff Cakes from Cardiff Bakestones (you’ll want more than one).

Wrap up the day strolling through the beautiful Victorian shopping arcades the city is famous for, popping into boutiques and cafés as you go.

It’s an easy, enjoyable day that feels relaxed but still special ~ exactly what you want at the end of a great Wales trip.

What to Wear in Wales

For spring, late summer, or fall visits to the United Kingdom, pack layers, including medium weight sweaters, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes for changing weather.

Don’t forget a scarf and umbrella for added warmth and rain protection.

Our Full August 2025 Liverpool/Wales/London Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly from San Diego to Manchester via London on British Airways

DAY 2 | Arrive in Manchester 3:30pm | Blacklane private car to Liverpool | Spend 3 nights at the Municipal Hotel Liverpool

DAY 3 | Liverpool: Private Beatles Tour | Dinner at the Cavern Pub

DAY 4 | Liverpool: Walk around city | Liverpool Cathedral | St Luke’s Bombed Out Church | Georgian Quarter | Dinner at The Quarter | Evening Music at The Cavern Club

DAY 5 | Pick up rental car at Liverpool Airport | Drive to Wales with 2 hour stop at Conwy and Conwy Castle | Stay 3 nights at Pale Hall in Bala, Wales

DAY 6 | North Wales: Drive to Snowdonia National Park and Pen Y Pass | Visit Caernarfon Castle | Dinner at Pale Hall

DAY 7 | North Wales: Lunch at Rhug Estate | Drive to Wrexham | Dinner at Pale Hall

DAY 8 | Drive to Cardiff, Wales with stops at Abereiddy Beach, Blue Lagoon, and then the quaint village of St Davids (where we also had a quick dinner) | Drop off car at Cardiff Airport | Spend 2 nights at voco St David’s Cardiff by IHG

DAY 9 | Cardiff, Wales: walk around Old Town and the Arcades | Got Cardiff Cakes at Cardiff Bakestones in Cardiff Market | Tour Cardiff Castle | Dinner at Daffodil | Walk along the Cardiff Waterfront

DAY 10 | Train to London 12:50p-2:45p | Stay 2 nights at an AirBnb near Wembley Stadium (we were in London for the Coldplay concert at Wembley)

DAY 11 | London: Tour Westminster Abbey | Tour Parliament Building | Shopping on Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Arcade in St James’s Area | Visit Building where the Beatles played their last live performance | Dinner back near Wembley Stadium

DAY 12 | London: Coldplay concert at Wembley Stadium

DAY 13 | Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

I hope this travel guide for how to spend 5 days in Wales leaves you feeling inspired and excited.

Wales has a way of slowing you down in the very best way, whether you’re wandering castle grounds, hugging the coast or the rolling hills, or just plain enjoying the views :).

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).