So, what should you focus on within Wales to do a bit of a whistle-stop tour? And what essential travel information do you need to be aware of? 

This article gives you a guide on the what, where, when and how for touring Wales in a campervan. Have your own campervan adventure in Wales with our advice below.

After each of the attractions listed below, we’ve suggested the nearest Club site for you to stay on. Club sites for campervans are owned and operated by the UK’s two largest clubs, The Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. 

Through their site finders, you’ll find a wide selection of some of the best campervan sites in the UK to choose from. Most have grass, full serviced and hard-standing pitches to choose from. They also typically offer facilities like shower blocks, play areas, dog walks and games rooms.

Club sites are open to non-club members for an increased nightly fee, so if you’re travelling, it makes sense to sign up.

• See the full list of Caravan and Motorhome Club sites here
• See the full list of Camping and Caravanning Club sites here

Wales is filled with attractions in all kinds of places: within National Parks, city centres, small picturesque villages and even at the top of a mountain! Here are some of the best for you to consider exploring.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

You can catch the Snowdon Mountain Railway from the scenic railway station at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (the Welsh name for Mt. Snowdon). 

Its 4.7 miles long track takes roughly an hour to get to the mountain’s summit, passing some of the best scenery in the entire Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).

Take the journey to the peak, soak up the views and grab a coffee at the cafe at the top before you catch a ride back down to where you began.

Nearest Club Campervan Site in North Wales: Coed-y-Llwyn Club Campsite

Portmeirion Village

This one-of-a-kind slice of Italy can be found nestled on a private peninsula of North Wales. 

The village was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis to feature multi-coloured buildings and stylised gardens, all with stunning views of the coastline. It makes you double-check whether you’re still in Wales! 

Portmeirion village is a perfect afternoon out for those who like a mix of history, architecture, seaside views, shopping and guided tours. 

• Nearest Club Site: Min-y-Don Club Campsite

St. Fagans National Museum of History

An excellent museum that showcases Welsh life through the history of the country. In this working museum, you’ll get to wander through streets filled with historic buildings (most original and moved brick-by-brick to this location), reenactments and exhibits. Allow at least three hours to view the entire place, but ideally, give yourself the full day to make the most of your visit.

• Nearest Club Site: Lower Woodhouse Farm

If there’s one thing Wales is known for, it’s the beautiful National Parks. With endless hiking and walking trails, great places to cycle, waterfalls aplenty and more than their fair share of pubs, these Parks truly have something to offer your entire family.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)

Perhaps Wales’ most famous National Park, mostly due to it being the home of the country’s tallest peak: Yr Wyddfa. At 1,085m, this mountain is the second tallest mountain in the British Isles after Ben Nevis in Scotland.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) offers you the opportunity to explore endless winding roads through some of the most beautiful scenery you’re likely to come across. To truly make the most of this landscape, try to give yourself at least a week in this area. You can even take a huge zip wire at Zip World.

• Nearest Club Campervan Site in Wales: Coed-y-Llwyn Club Campsite

Brecon Beacons National Park

If you’re from the South of England, then odds are you’ll have already visited the Brecon Beacons at least once during a summer holiday. This beautiful National Park is home to spectacular views, rolling hills and a seemingly unlimited supply of waterfalls.

With lots of outdoor pursuits on offer, there’s fun to be had here for the entire family. And don’t forget Pen Y Fan, the tallest peak in the area and a lovely, not-too-challenging walk to the top. 

• Nearest Club Campervan and Caravan Park Site: Brecon Beacons Club Campsite

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire is the UK’s only Coast National Park, offering a unique experience.

 Spanning 600 sq. km, it features rugged cliff faces, many sandy beaches and plenty of wildlife to view. The island of Skomer, for example, is home to species such as the Wood Mouse, Rabbit, and Pygmy Shrew, so take a trip along its coastal path.

Those who take a trip here will find a mix of history (castles), harbours and family-friendly outdoor activities and water sports, such as kayaking, hiking, or even relaxing by the sea.

• Nearest Club Camp Site: Druidston Home Farm

While most people will be familiar with the sights of Wales’ capital, you shouldn’t miss out on the best things some of Wales’ other cities have to offer, too. 

Cardiff

A hub of activity, Wales’ capital city offers the dynamism of somewhere like London but on a much smaller scale, perfect for a long weekend. And it’s open all year.

The top places to explore here include the waterfront Cardiff Bay area, which has been redeveloped over the past 20 years and now features a large array of shops and restaurants in the modern, sea-view setting. Elsewhere, you might like to take a trip to the Millennium Centre or even to see the Senned, the home of the Welsh parliament.

• Nearest Club Site: Greendown Certified Location

Swansea

Another coastal city in South Wales that is well worth a visit is Swansea. This city offers a blend of natural beauty and fun man-made attractions. The city is known for being the ‘gateway’ to the Gower Peninsular and gives you the chance to explore waterfront gardens, and a marina and take a coastal walk alongside several windswept beaches.

• Nearest Club Site: Swansea Vale Club Campsite

Bangor

One of the most northerly Welsh hidden gems, and one of the smallest cities in the UK, is Bangor. Nestled along the Menai Strait, it’s known for its historic university and peaceful walks along Garth Pier. You might choose to visit Penrhyn Castle and the Pontio Arts Centre or use Bangor as a base to explore further inland to Snowdonia National Park. 

• Nearest Club Site: Ysgubor Carfan

• What to Focus On:
  Explore Wales’ stunning natural beauty as it blooms, including the Pembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons, and Snowdonia. Spring is ideal for walking trails, so consider taking a trip to ones like Offa’s Dyke. You could also use this time to discover castles such as Caernarfon and Harlech.

• What to Expect:
  Expect mild weather, but it is Wales, so rain is always a possibility. As with the rest of the UK, crowds are usually lighter than in summer, so it’s ideal if you want to explore without the masses.

• What to Bring:
  Waterproof clothing, sturdy walking boots, and a good map for navigating trails. Bring layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly.

• What to Focus On:
  Head to the coast for beach days, watersports, and iconic locations like the Gower Peninsula or Anglesey. Enjoy festivals like the National Eisteddfod and take advantage of the long daylight hours to explore outdoor attractions.

• What to Expect:
  Wales is bustling in summer, with busier campsites and attractions. Expect warm days but occasional rain. Coastal areas offer the coolest breezes.

• What to Bring:
  Portable fans, sunscreen, lightweight waterproofs, and swimwear. Book campsites well in advance to secure spots in popular areas.

• What to Focus On:
  Enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage in places like the Forest of Dean and explore quieter attractions like Portmeirion or Llanberis. It’s also a great time for stargazing in ‘Dark Sky’ areas like the Brecon Beacons.

• What to Expect:
  Cooler days and crisp evenings with fewer crowds. Some campsites may begin to close, so plan carefully.

• What to Bring:
  Warm layers, a good flashlight, and a thermos for hot drinks. Check campsites in advance to ensure they’re open.

• What to Focus On:
  Visit year-round attractions like Cardiff Castle or the National Slate Museum. Coastal and mountain scenery can be stunning in winter, and fewer visitors mean tranquillity.

• What to Expect:
  Cold weather, occasional snow, and limited daylight hours. Many campsites close for the season, so find open, well-equipped spots.

• What to Bring:
  Insulated bedding, a campervan heater, snow chains, and thermals. A flask for warm drinks and a supply of de-icer for frosty mornings are essential.

Use Apps for Navigation and Planning:

• Google Maps: Great for general navigation.
• Waze: Provides real-time traffic updates and alternative routes.
• Park4Night: Helps you to discover free campervan parking in Wales if you’re in a pinch without a booking already planned for the night.

Roads & Tolls:

• Wales doesn’t have toll roads, but some bridges, like the Severn Bridge, previously had tolls (now removed).
• Stick to major routes (A and B roads), but be cautious on single-track rural roads common in the countryside.

• North to South: Driving from Conwy in the north to Cardiff in the south via the A470 takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours without stops.

• East to West: Driving from Wrexham to Pembrokeshire via the A55 and A40 takes around 3.5 to 4 hours without stopping.

• Motorways & Dual Carriageways: 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars and campervans.

• Single Carriageways: 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars, reduced to 50 mph (80 km/h) for larger campervans over 3.05 tonnes.

• Built-Up Areas: 20 mph (32 km/h) in many towns and villages (new default speed limit in Wales as of 2023).

• Unmarked Rural Roads: Drive carefully and adjust speed according to conditions.

Start planning your adventure today. 

• Check out the Bailey Endeavour for the perfect campervan to make your trip unforgettable. 
• New to campervanning? Our Beginner’s Guide to Campervanning has everything you need to get started, from planning tips to expert advice.