The Ultimate North Wales Autumn/Winter Motorhome Road Trip

Anglesey, Eryri (Snowdonia) & The West Coast

North Wales in autumn and winter is pure magic, quieter roads, sweeping beaches, dramatic mountain colours and warm cafés tucked into riverside villages. This six-day motorhome adventure takes you from the coast of Anglesey to the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) and down to the golden sands of Harlech and Barmouth.

Now, we don’t own our own motorhome (maybe one day) and are still relatively novice but if you’re new to motorhome travel, this route is perfect, short but incredibly scenic drives, easy accessible campsites, and a constant rotation of jaw-dropping landscapes.

This is our exact itinerary of everything we did but there’s so much more to do in the area, you could easily double the length of this trip and still fill your days with long walks, adventure activities and even more beautiful village stops.

Day 1: Llandudno & Arrival in Anglesey

Drive time: 1–2 hours

Llandudno is the perfect Victorian seaside town with plenty to do. Start your adventure with a slow stroll along Llandudno’s iconic promenade and pier before heading to the tram stop, grabbing some fish and chips from the aptly named ‘Fish Tram Chips’ and heading to the top of the Great Orme.

Stop at the half way station and visit the Great Orme mines, a great family day out where you can go down into the iron age

 After a mooch around the shops of Llandudno, cross the Menai straits arriving on Anglesey for your first night.

Stay: Newborough Warren Holiday Park

✔ Hard-standing pitch

✔ Electric hook-up

Day 2: Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Beach

A full day exploring one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal areas. You absolutely can’t miss Newborough beach with its mountain views of Eryri and pine forest. Stroll along the beach and to Llanddwyn island for a truly magical day and picnic spot, you might even see the wild ponies.

Highlights:

• Newborough Beach

• Llanddwyn Island & Lighthouse

Food stop: The Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr for amazing views and fantastic food.

Overnight at Newborough Warren Holiday Park.

Day 3: Betws-y-Coed & Llyn Elsi

This drive is breathtaking, taking you through the dramatic mountains of Eryri before arriving in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia). Spend the morning enjoying this pretty mountain village before setting off on an afternoon walk.

Afternoon: Walk to Llyn Elsi

A peaceful 5k circular walk through forest trails leading to a serene mountain lake with sweeping views back over Betws-y-Coed.

Food Stop: The Stables, Betws-y-Coed, warm, cosy, great pub food.

Stay: Dolgam Campsite, Capel Curig

✔ Hard-standing

✔ EHU

✔ Pay onsite £10 per person.

Day 4: Swallow Falls, Zip World Forest Coaster & Beddgelert  

This was an action packed day. After packing up the motorhome we made a stop at Swallow Falls which is just off the A5. There’s a lay bye or a pay and display car park across the road for easy parking. You do have to pay a few pounds to go through the turnstiles to the falls.

Next stop, head to Zip World for the Forest Coaster, one of the most fun activities in North Wales and a great stop if you have kids or if you’re a big kid yourself, it’s a gravity-driven alpine coaster weaving through the forest and the kids loved it but if you’re even more of an adrenaline seeker then make sure you take a look at their website as there is loads of thrill seeking adventures to choose from.

Tip: If the weather is bad and you need some shelter from the rain…drive a few miles further on to Zip World, Bounce Below for suspended trampolines in a cave.

Drive to Beddgelert

 A scenic short journey deeper into (Eryri) Snowdonia. You’ll want to allow a little more time for this drive to stop off at some of the view points along the way.

 Afternoon Walk: Gelert’s Grave

 Arrive in the most beautiful Eryri village of Beddgelert and take a gentle riverside walk to the legendary resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn, a must-do when visiting the village.

 Pub Dinner: There are several pubs to choose from here, we ate at The Tranonen Inn, Classic Welsh pub vibes, hearty food after a day of adventure.

Stay: Beddgelert Campsite (Forest Holidays)

✔ Hard-standing

✔ EHU

✔ on the pricey side at £70 per night but good facilities including cafe, bake house, private bathrooms and a station for the steam train.

Day 5 Harlech & Barmouth Beach Life

 Morning: Head to Harlech

• Harlech Castle

• Walks on Harlech Beach

• Charming old streets

 Afternoon: Barmouth

 Golden sands, seaside charm and of course a quick visit to the arcade (for the kids).

Coffee stop: Dylan’s Deli, Barmouth — great cakes, pastries and hot drinks.

Dinner: Dylan’s Restaurant, Barmouth, a brilliant way to end the day and there was a direct path from our campsite to the restaurant.

Stay: Trawsdir Touring Caravans & Camping Park

✔ Hard-standing

✔ EHU

✔ £30 per night

Day 6: Bala, Rhug Farm Shop & Home

Sadly, All good things must come to an end, but we managed to add two more stops on the way home. Leave Barmouth and take the scenic route via Bala lake before heading to The Rhug Estate Farm Shop.

Rhug Estate Farm Shop: one of the best farm shops in Wales.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast

• Welsh produce

• Local meat, pastries and coffee

• Stocking up for the journey home

Hiring Your Motorhome with Peter Roberts Motorhomes & Caravans

We hired from Peter Roberts Motorhomes & Caravans in Huddersfield, and as always, their service was flawless, and their motorhome was immaculate. We were in the XXXX, 4 belts and 4 birth this time around and it was the longest vehicle we’ve driven to date

They provide:

✔ A full vehicle walkthrough

✔ Clear guidance for electrics, gas & water

✔ Spotless interiors

✔ Modern and new vans perfect for UK weather

For first-timers, this takes away all the stress and lets you focus on enjoying the adventure.

Motorhome Tips for Beginners

We’re no experts, but if we can drive and set of on an adventure in a motorhome then anyone can!

Driving

• Go slow, especially on tight Welsh lanes.

• Use mirrors constantly.

• Pre-check your route and avoid tiny rural shortcuts unless necessary.

• If you’re in one of the bigger motorhomes, plan ahead with your parking, especially when visiting little villages.

Setting Up on Campsites

• Hook-up first → then power on.

• Fill fresh water on arrival.

• Empty grey waste at designated points.

Living in the Van

• Keep shoes at the door, take crocs with you!

• Bring extra layers for autumn/winter campsite stays.

• Use campsite showers to save water.

• Pack coins for showers and a torch.

North Wales is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with wild coastlines, dramatic mountains, cosy villages and some of the best food spots in the UK. Travelling by motorhome made it even better, letting us wake up somewhere new every morning and end each day with a door that opens into nature. The kids love the adventure and the sense of freedom that the motorhome gives them but whether it’s a family trip or a couples trip, we can’t recommend North Wales enough!