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With soaring peaks, charming market towns and epic beaches, Wales is built for scenic road trips. We've got plenty of impressive routes, but one of my recent favourites follows a historic route and includes castles, sandy bays and pub stops. Also known as the North Wales Expressway, the A55 runs for about 140km from Chester to Holyhead. It hugs the north coast and links a string of pretty seaside towns, ancient castles, and sweeping sea views. It’s a road that feels built for detours, you’ll find yourself pulling over for everything from crumbling fortresses to fish-and-chip shops with ocean views. Begin your epic journey in the historic town of Chester, near the English border. If time allows, you can loop through Wrexham or Llangollen before cruising west toward the island of Anglesey. Technically, you could do the drive in two hours flat, but where’s the fun in that? My advice: slow down, linger a while in those clovely old towns, and turn this into a few days of exploring the best of north Wales. As you head towards the north Wales coast, take the time to stop at St Asaph, a small city on the River Elwy in Denbighshire . Here, you'll find a cathedral reputed to be the smallest ancient cathedral in the UK, as well as places to stop for food like Milo’s Farmers Market Cafe and the Plough Inn. Continue until you reach Abergele, your first main coastal stop. Stroll along Pensarn Beach's charming promenade, lined with cafes, shops, and an arcade providing a spot of seaside nostalgia. One of my favourite off-grid stays is near here, Castor Cabin; read my review here . If you're looking for a secluded stay in the countryside during your road trip, this luxurious cabin is worth booking. It's been meticulously hand-built by a skilled team using sustainable materials in a dedicated workshop. While small in size, it has everything you need for a snug stay, including a king-size bed, a compact kitchenette with a hob and fridge, a hot shower and towels, a wood burner, and even an eco-composting toilet. Solar panels provide sustainable power for light, and if you really need to, you can charge devices or switch them off and get stuck into the supply of board games and books. From Abergele, you're just a short drive from gorgeous Colwyn Bay, where you can stroll along the blustery shoreline and try watersports. Primarily known as a windsurfing destination, Colwyn Bay is also a beautiful spot for sea kayaking. This Welsh seaside resort has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts, including swimming, biking, hiking and paddleboarding. Paddle pros should check out the headland of Penryn Bay for a chance to spot Atlantic grey seals in the wild. Kayak North Wales offers guided kayak tours of the area that start at Rhos Point and cover many local points of interest, including Bryn Euryn Hill, St Trillo's Chapel, Colwyn Bay pier, the wind farm, the Little Orme, Rhos-on-Sea and lots more. For a fancy dinner with a view, bag a table at beach-front bistro Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. This seafood-focused restaurant, previously located here, won AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales and a Michelin Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years. Michelin describes the cooking as "pleasingly unfussy" and notes that the owner is" proud of his Welsh roots, and it shows on the menu." For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Drive onwards to lovely Llandudno . Dubbed 'The Queen of the Welsh Resorts' on the north Wales coast, this historic seaside haunt has long attracted tourists to its breezy shores. It has a long history that stretches from Neolithic settlements to Bronze Age copper mining . In 1848, architect Owen Williams planned it as a seaside resort. The arrival of the railway in 1858 made it easier for people to travel there, and it quickly became a popular holiday spot for wealthy wellness seekers. Happily, the town has managed to retain its traditional coastal charm. It still features grand Victorian buildings, a long promenade, and a classic pier that's the longest in Wales. While prices have risen since the Victorian era, Llandudno remains a budget-friendly destination, offering a range of affordable hotels, guesthouses, and cottages. If you look at prices on sites like booking.com and kayak , you can find hotels for £83, houses for £66, and cottages for £90. Prices, of course, depend on factors such as the size of the accommodation and the length of stay. Among the available hotels at the resort is The Lawton Court Hotel, which has previously been named number one in the world in the Best Service category in the previous Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. The Elm Tree Hotel, situated less than 500ft from Lawton Court, was named the world’s best-rated bargain hotel. The seafront is the centre of the town, and several properties are located on the two-mile curving Victorian promenade that runs through most of Llandudno's North Shore. The road, collectively known as The Parade, has a different name for each block, and many of Llandudno's hotels are built on these parades and crescents. Along the promenade and throughout the town, you can explore several boutique shops, independent restaurants, churches, and museums. Adjacent to the parade is North Shore Beach, Llandudno's primary beach. It is the larger of the two beaches and is sheltered by two headlands, Great Orme and Little Orme. While it might not be the sandiest beach in Wales, it is one of the more traditional ones. It features a promenade, pier, boat rides, deckchair rentals, donkey rides, ice creams, live music from the bandstand, and a Punch and Judy show. Established in 1860, this is Britain’s oldest-running Punch and Judy show. It is performed by the fifth generation of the Codman family, using the original hand-carved and painted puppets made from driftwood collected on the beach. If you want to swim or sunbathe on the beach, there are some sandy sections, but towards high tide, the beach is mainly composed of pebbles. At this time of year, the sea will be freezing. The main draw here is the impressive Llandudno pier. Stretching 700m into the Irish Sea from the north Wales mainland, Llandudno Pier is the longest pier in Wales and one of the longest in the UK. This year, it won the prestigious Pier of the Year award voted by the members of the National Piers Society. It's buzzing with attractions, arcade rides, stalls, and a big wheel. The Deck Arcade, housed in the original Victorian bandstand at the pier head, offers games and spectacular views of Llandudno Bay. Leisure Island is the main arcade at Llandudno Pier and has a prize shop where you can exchange your tickets for a variety of treats. The Pier Grill & Ice Cream Parlour is located at the start of the pier and serves classic burgers, chips, and ice cream. Stroll the wide boardwalk and you'll also find a traditional sweet and rock shop, cheese stall, and Welsh gin and whisky kiosk. For epic sunsets and cocktails, call into the Ocean Bar. Located at the end of the pier, with epic views of Llandudno Bay and the Great Orme, you can sip ice-cold beers and colourful cocktails while enjoying live music during the summer. Across the town and its surrounding headlands, numerous other attractions and natural sights are available. The Home Front Museum tells the story of civilian life in the Second World War, and for whisky connoisseurs, you can try a cheeky Welsh tipple at the new Penderyn Distillery site. On the one-hour tour, you can discover the history of Penderyn, its building, and the whisky-making process. Then you can sample the whisky in the tasting bar. Masterclasses are also available. For dinner options, many of Llandudno’s hotels have excellent restaurants open to non-residents, and several indie venues serve Welsh and international cuisine. You can have food in lovely surroundings at Dylan's Llandudno , one of five locations of the family-run restaurant chain known for using locally sourced produce and seafood. Inside the restaurant, you'll find gorgeous décor, including a huge low-relief map which nearly covers one wall upstairs. Sculpted by Jane Evans, the map is based on Thomas Condor's 1784 work, New and Correct Map of North Wales. Typical dishes here include fresh Menia mussels, salmon linguini and sea bream tacos. For lush ice cream, visit the Welsh institution, Parisella's. Situated in the Happy Valley area of the town, it was recently named by The Times as one of the UK's tastiest seaside ice creams. After food, why not explore the rest of the town? The best place to take in all the sights is the Great Orme tramway and cable car, which houses the Llandudno Snowsports Centre at the top. The Great Orme Tramway first opened in 1902 and is Britain’s only cable-hauled public road tramway. The Tramway climbs a mile high up the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve. The unique journey begins at Victoria Station and ends at the Halfway Station exhibition. You can change trams there and continue your journey to the Great Orme summit, where can enjoy epic views of the countryside and coast. From Llandudno, head to one of my favourite towns on the North Wales coast. With its commanding medieval walls, ancient castle and lively harbour, Conwy is one of the most beautiful towns you will find in Wales. This historic coastal escape isn’t just a hit with holidaymakers; it even made The Sunday Times list of the top 72 places to live in the UK. "Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot," they wrote of Conwy. Conwy Quay is the perfect place to kick off your exploring with lobster pots, tangled fishing nets, and all the charming seaside clutter you’d hope for. Right by The Liverpool Arms (ideal for a cheeky pint, by the way), there’s even a handy info board listing the going rates if you fancy mooring your boat in the harbour. If, like me, your vessel is “moored” in Monaco, along with my imaginary second home, there’s always the family-run Queen Victoria, a popular cruise boat that’ll take you upriver for views of the Conwy Valley or out to the estuary for sweeping scenes of Anglesey , Puffin Island, and the Irish Sea. No captain’s license is required. Buy a beverage on board and look for Herons, Oystercatchers, Curlews, Cormorants, and Swans as you cruise past the medieval town. Along the harbour, you'll also find one of Conwy's most endearing quirks: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the tiny red-fronted abode measures just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was occupied until May 1900. It's been passed down through the same family for more than 130 years. Its last known occupant was, somewhat improbably, a 6ft 3in fisherman called Robert Jones. Today, it serves as a curious attraction and twee backdrop for many Conwy snaps. If you're after a pint with a view, duck into The Liverpool Arms, the oldest traditional pub in Conwy town. It’s perched right on the waterfront, just across the road from the quay and beaches and is super popular on a balmy day with patrons spilling out into the streets. History, harbour views and a proper decent pint, what more could you possibly want? Along with the harbour, Conwy's biggest draw is the Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and its walls. Part of one of Wales' UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) features a concentric design with eight towers. It forms part of King Edward I's "Iron Ring", a series of imposing fortresses built in Wales during the late 13th century to solidify English control after the conquest of Wales. Here, you can investigate the inner and outer wards, which have many rooms, and explore the castle walls, which have 21 towers and completely enclose Conwy town. This famous fortress is exceptionally well preserved and contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. The high curtain wall and eight lofty towers rise almost as impressively as when they were built more than 700 years ago. Known for its beauty and historical significance, the castle was named one of the 'most beautiful' in Europe by the influential magazine Condé Nast Traveller. It was built approximately 700 years ago. Equally astonishing is the fact that it took King Ed and his architect, Master James of St. George, just four years, between 1283 and 1287, to build the castle and walls, for a cost of £15,000 at the time, which equals around £12m today. Like many ancient buildings in Wales, Conwy Castle is reputedly haunted, delighting ghost chasers and paranormal lovers. Accommodation-wise, opt for a swish stay at the Quay Hotel & Spa . This destination spa hotel boasts striking views of the majestic Conwy Castle and estuary, and is conveniently situated near the Welsh towns of Conwy and Llandudno . Over £1 million has been invested in revamping and updating the Quay Hotel & Spa, with a focus on enhancing the guest experience and well-being. Nearby in Deganwy, you’ll find bracing coastal walks, tea shops, a shingle and sand beach and the ruins of a stone-built fortress. The hotel’s 77 bedrooms, from classic rooms to suites, feature coastal colours and hints of maritime design. Several rooms feature balconies and private outdoor spaces, offering added luxury and comfort. Extensive leisure facilities are available for guests, and the on-site Marina Spa offers luxurious pampering. Their ambient relaxation rooms overlook the pretty Deganwy Marina, and ESPA products are used in various treatments and seasonal packages. Indulge in a full-body salt and oil scrub, personalised facial, or revitalising back, neck, and shoulder massage. For the next stop, venture off the A55 Expressway and visit Penmaenmawr beach for a bracing coastal stroll. At high tide, the beach may not look very inviting as only stones and groynes are visible. But when the tide recedes, the full splendour of the beach is revealed: a vast sandy shoreline, six miles long, stretching all the way to Penmaenbach, with areas designated for dogs and the rest left for families, anglers and watersports enthusiasts. Continue onwards, and you'll soon be approaching Wales' largest island, Ynys Môn (Anglesey), accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge. Cross the bridge and stop in Menai Bridge town (Porthaethwy in Welsh). The small waterside town gets its English name from the suspension bridge built nearly 200 years ago by Thomas Telford. When it opened in 1826, people hailed it as a brilliant feat of civil engineering, and it remains in use to this day. Along with its infamous waters, Porthaethwy is home to Michelin-starred dining, wildlife-spotting boat trips, and lovely pubs with excellent beer gardens. There's no better way to explore the pretty town than to take a stroll around it. Download the All Trails app for a route that takes you toward the Belgian Promenade. According to History Points , the promenade was built in 1916 by a group of Belgian refugees who had fled their homes along the strait from Ynys Tysilio (Church Island) to Carreg yr Halen. During the First World War, refugees from German-occupied Mechelen (or Malines) in Belgium were accommodated in Menai Bridge. In gratitude for the town’s hospitality, they built this promenade along the Menai Strait from Ynys Tysilio (Church Island) to Carreg yr Halen, completing it in 1916. The promenade was rebuilt in 1963, and Eduard Wilhelms, the only surviving refugee, performed the ceremonial reopening in 1965. It was resurfaced in 2000 as part of a millennium project. Follow the 3.5km route for epic views of the Menai Strait and bridge, interesting historical spots, and plenty of seating areas. If you want a fancy dinner, you can enjoy Michelin-star dining at Sosban and The Old Butchers. Unlike any other restaurant in Wales, the inn and restaurant is located in what used to be a butcher's shop. Its dishes are created using the best of what's available locally on the day. In 2025, the tiny restaurant retained its one Michelin star, with chef and owner Stephen Stevens refusing to let standards drop. Judges said: "Stephen Stevens' surprise menu utilises a wealth of north Wales ingredients in dishes that provide bold flavours and original, personal touches, demonstrating an innate understanding of cooking techniques and flavour combinations – the cod with fermented onion fudge is superb." They serve surprise tasting menus only, and you may face a long wait for a table as they fill up months in advance, which is understandable given their four AA rosettes and a coveted Michelin star. For other dining options, you could also check out Freckled Angel, Bangor-born chef-owner Michael Jones’ small plates combine Welsh ingredients with international flavour combinations. Previous dishes include king prawns with chorizo croquette and charred corn, and twice-baked perl las soufflé with balsamic grape. If you're looking for a pint, then there are plenty of pubs in Menai Bridge to choose from. Head to the Anglesey Arms for delicious food with your drinks, the Liverpool Arms for a scrumptious Sunday roast or the Auckland Arms for that close-knit community feel and decent pints. Activity-wise, there are plenty of boat trips available in Ynys Môn, where you can spot wildlife and cruise past rocky bays and historic lighthouses. The only way to truly appreciate the island's raw, rugged beauty is from the sea, so hop on a boat and get exploring. Book an all-day Rib Ride boat trip and explore the entire coastline of Anglesey . With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there’s no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves while looking out for dolphins and seals. As you thread your way between whirlpools and racing currents, your trusty skipper will explain how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel with nothing but sails and oars, hoping the tide wouldn’t drag them onto the rocks. To complete the journey and reach Holyhead, the quickest way is to follow the A55 as it carves diagonally through Ynys Môn, passing near small villages and the countryside. If you have time, you can always veer off the route and visit some of the island's highlights, such as South Stack Lighthouse, coastal villages like Rhosneigr and Benllech, Penmon Point, Newborough Forest, and Llanddwyn Island. Once you reach Holyhead, you can either spend some time exploring the port town, which is known as Wales' unrivalled cruise ship capital, or begin your journey home. The A55 road trip shows off the very best of North Wales. From windswept beaches and charming market towns to grand castles, every stop has something incredible to see. The drive is quick enough to cover in a day but slow enough to appreciate the scenic stops and dreamy landscapes. There are plenty of detours, good food, and unforgettable views along the way. Add it to your travel bucketlist and start planning your next Wakes adventure. Route Overview Route Highlights Tolls and Bridges Road Trip Essentials
