Motorhome Road Trip Ideas – The North Wales Way

Our first Motorhome Road Trip Ideas blog in Wales –

The North Wales way is approximately 75 miles long, stretching from the northern coast into Anglesey with an abundance of ancient monuments and dramatic scenery. A perfect route when you hire your motorhome!

There are many points of interest along the way, including blue flag beaches and numerous sports and activities to be enjoyed. Here are some of our motorhome adventure favourites:

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and canal were granted World Heritage Site status in 200 and were of major importance during the British industrial revolution. Designed and built by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, Pontcysyllte means ‘the bridge that connects’

The canal crosses two major river valleys and the ridge between them.  These days there are numerous companies, based within the 11 mile World Heritage Site, which offer motorised or horse-drawn boat trips or canal boats hire (no experience required) for you to travel along the canal and across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

There is coach parking at Wimbourne Gate, Queens Street, Cefn Mawr (LL14 3NP)

Castles

There are more than 600 castles in Wales, more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. There are 3 huge castles along the North Wales Way, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and the walled citadel of Conwy.

Conwy was labelled a castle of “massive military strength”, noted as being the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses.

The king apparently spent a whopping estimated £15,000 building it, his all-time record!. All are incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit.

Beaumaris Castle is the last of Edward I’s chain of fortresses is still heralded as the most technically perfect castle in Britain, with an ingenious ‘walls within walls’ layout. Edward never got round to finishing Beaumaris (he was distracted by unruly Scots). Even so, UNESCO ranks Beaumaris Castle as one of ‘the finest examples of military architecture in Europe’, and together with Edward’s other Welsh castles, this is a World Heritage site.

Zip World Velocity

The world’s fastest zip wires, and also Europe’s longest, soar for a mile (1.6km) over the Penrhyn Quarry, once the biggest quarry in the world. Zip World runs four parallel wires: lying flat in a harness, riders can easily top 100mph (160kph) as they fly 500ft (150m) above a lake.

Anglesey Island

Best known for its beaches and ancient sites including Beaumaris Castle and Barclodiad y Gawres, an impressive Neolithic chambered tomb.

If it’s walking or bird watching you’re after then you won’t be disappointed with Anglesey’s 125 miles long coastal path and the Dingle Nature reserve, an ancient 25-acre wooded valley with improved accessibility and picnic tables.

A benefit of hiring a motorhome from Avanti means that you are within 10 minutes of several key motorways allowing your journey to get off to a flying start!

Some Caravan & Motorhome Club Site options…

NIGHT 1

Club Site – (Larger site with full facilities)

Stratford Upon Avon – Riverside Caravan Park (2 hour drive)

This fabulous site is situated on the River Avon about 1 mile from Stratford-upon- Avon, with a stunning Bar & Restaurant on the riverbank commanding fantastic views. The river taxi service runs daily (weather permitting) into Stratford and for the fishing enthusiasts, there is a mile of free fishing on the river. You may want a couple of days here as its also conveniently situated for visiting Warwick Castle, beautiful Cotswold villages and Royal Leamington Spa.

Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan Club Site (2 hour drive)

High up in the Cotswolds and only 5 miles from the delightful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, this beautiful location has all the conveniences you could wish for. There are numerous places of interest nearby, such as the local perfumery, the famous miniature village, and the motor museum.

From this location you are well placed to explore the World renowned Cotswolds countryside and yellow stone villages, loved by movie stars, rock stars and supermodels alike . Other places of interest include the Chedworth Roman Villa and Snowshill Manor.

Why stay here …
Set in ancient quarry works and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Site has been imaginatively landscaped to create the impression of being in the heart of the countryside while only a 25-minute bus journey to the city centre of beautiful Cambridge.

The caravan park gives you easy access to guided walking tours of the nearby medieval colleges where you can enjoy the academic atmosphere that makes the city famous. Wander along or take a punt on the River Cam to see colleges like Corpus Christi, Magdalene and the Bridge of Sighs. A visit to King’s College Chapel is a must. If you’re feeling a little lazy, open bus tours let you take in the full charm of the city while you relax. For those who like to cycle, the Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Park offers good cycling paths from the site into and around Cambridge. Just opposite the site, you can enjoy a lovely walk around the nature reserve and old chalk pits. If you’re feeling peckish, it’s only a short stroll to the nearest pub and if you need to stock up on supplies, a supermarket can be found a little further down the road.

NIGHT 2+ – North Wales & Chester

Club Site – (Larger site with full facilities)

Chester Fairoaks Caravan Club Site

Why stay here …
Chester Fairoaks Club Site is conveniently placed just off the M53 gateway to North Wales and close to the delightful walled city of Chester. The caravan site is also close to a lovely canal walkway, a local swimming pool, and has two pubs and shops just a short walk away.

Chester Fairoaks Club Site gives you easy access to the wealth of things to see and do in nearby Chester. Take in the sights while relaxing in an open top bus or wander around The Walls to absorb the colourful atmosphere. Immerse yourself in some history and tradition by seeing the town crier, the incredible 900-year old Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre. If all that sightseeing builds up your appetite, there are plenty of excellent restaurants on hand and for those who like a spot of shopping, The Rows Shopping Galleries will leave you spoilt for choice. With 12,000 animals to see in 110 acres of gardens, nearby Chester Zoo is a fun day out for the whole family. All in all, the caravan site offers something for the whole family.

Penrhos Caravan Club Site

Why stay here …
Penrhos Club Site provides the perfect getaway for the whole family with a range of activities and attractions to keep all ages entertained. Not only can you see the fabulous Snowdonia from the caravan site, but the sandy beaches also provide space and tranquillity. What’s more, they’re only five minutes drive away. 

Of course, a visit to Penrhos Club Site would not be complete without a trek to Snowdon’s rack and pinion mountain railway. This is a must for railway enthusiasts both young and old if only for the breathtaking views encountered during the journey. The site is located in Benllech, where the landscape is truly a sight to behold as Holyhead Mountain forms part of a natural paradise with wild flowers and sea birds. This scenery is beautifully rounded off with a memorable vista over the Irish Sea. Close to the caravan park is nearby Beaumaris and its castle explains Anglesey’s historic importance from the days of Edward I.

Site facilities include a dog walk, a small shop that’s open all day with a lending library, and a children’s play area for ball games.

CL Sites (Private sites with max 5 pitches)

Hafodty Farm CL

Why stay here …
This fantastic small site is on a working farm close to the Welsh Mountain Zoo where your little ones will be thrilled by chimp encounters, sea lion feeding and much more.

Take a trip on the Great Orme Tramway and take in the spectacular views of the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve,

Gorsgoch Farm CL

Why stay here …
This stop take you to Holy Island, Anglesey, separated from mainland Wales by the Menai Strait. Make the crossing via the North Wales Expressway, or take the scenic route across the Menai Bridge. Once on Holy Island, be sure to visit the South Stack Lighthouse, home to thousands of seabirds and outstanding views.

Cefn Eithin CL

Why stay here …
This family friendly site is located above Caernarfon Bay and 4 miles from Caernarfon with its magnificent castle. It is an excellent base for exploring Anglesey, the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia National Park which are all within 10-15 minutes drive. A huge variety of sports and activities are available within close proximity. The Lon Eifion Cycle Track is less than 0.5 mile away and takes you all the way into Caernarfon following part of the Welsh Highland Steam Train Railway Line.

For a complete list of CL sites CLICK HERE

LAST NIGHT

Oldbury Hill Camping & Caravanning Club Site (10 mins from Avanti)

Have any questions about planning your route, call us on 01732 247 019. Before looking over any other road trip ideas or just booking a rental motorhome, it may also be beneficial to have a read over our planning where to stay article.

For more motorhome road trip ideas be sure to check out our Route Ideas section.

Written by Mark Kirby • 15/05/2021
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