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South Wales Motorhome Road Trip: Cardiff, Gower and Pembrokeshire

South Wales Motorhome Road Trip: Cardiff, Gower and Pembrokeshire: A South Wales motorhome road trip can combine a lively waterfront city, mountain scenery, long beaches, historic towns and the Pembrokeshire Coast. This guide follows a practical westbound route and links to the current official visitor and parking information for each area.

Suggested route: Cardiff Bay → Bannau Brycheiniog → Rhossili and Gower → Tenby → St Davids → Pembrokeshire Coast → Wye Valley. Allow seven to ten nights, with extra time for walking days.
Important motorhome note: Swansea Council does not allow sleeping overnight in its car parks, while the national parks recommend proper campsites. Book each night and check the signs where you park. Check the official current guidance.

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay on a UK motorhome road trip
Cardiff Bay – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Start at Cardiff Bay for the waterfront, Senedd, Wales Millennium Centre and paths around the barrage. A city stop is easiest when you decide where the motorhome will be parked before entering the busiest streets. Cardiff's official visitor site carries current attraction, event and transport information.

Visit Cardiff · Search for motorhome campsites near Cardiff Bay

Pen y Fan and Bannau Brycheiniog

Pen y Fan and Bannau Brycheiniog on a UK motorhome road trip
Pen y Fan and Bannau Brycheiniog – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

The road north into Bannau Brycheiniog reaches open moorland, reservoirs and the popular walking country around Pen y Fan. Mountain weather can change quickly and the busiest trailhead car parks fill early. Choose a campsite, carry suitable clothing and use only marked parking that can take the vehicle safely.

Bannau Brycheiniog camping guide · Search for motorhome campsites near Pen y Fan and Bannau Brycheiniog

Rhossili Bay and Gower

Rhossili Bay and Gower on a UK motorhome road trip
Rhossili Bay and Gower – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Rhossili is one of the signature views of the Gower Peninsula, with a broad beach and walks towards Worm's Head. The final approach includes narrower roads, so allow time and avoid blocking verges or gateways. Swansea's official destination site lists touring and motorhome campsites around Gower.

Swansea Bay camping and caravans · Search for motorhome campsites near Rhossili Bay and Gower

Tenby Harbour

Tenby Harbour on a UK motorhome road trip
Tenby Harbour – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Tenby's colourful harbour, beaches and old town make a strong two-night base. Use a campsite or park-and-ride arrangement rather than taking a large vehicle into confined historic streets. Check local traffic, parking and event information before arrival, especially during school holidays.

Visit Pembrokeshire: Tenby · Search for motorhome campsites near Tenby Harbour

St Davids

St Davids on a UK motorhome road trip
St Davids – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

St Davids is Britain's smallest city and a useful base for the cathedral, coast path and boat trips. The surrounding lanes can be busy and narrow, so use signed parking and confirm that your chosen campsite accepts the motorhome's length. Leave time to explore on foot rather than moving the vehicle between nearby sights.

Visit Pembrokeshire: St Davids · Search for motorhome campsites near St Davids

Green Bridge of Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast

Green Bridge of Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast on a UK motorhome road trip
Green Bridge of Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

The limestone sea arch at the Green Bridge of Wales is reached across the Castlemartin military range. Access can close for firing, and cliff edges require great care. Confirm the current access arrangements before travelling and use alternative coastal stops if the range road is closed.

Castlemartin firing notices · Search for motorhome campsites near Green Bridge of Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast

Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley

Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley on a UK motorhome road trip
Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Tintern Abbey gives the return journey a final historic stop beside the River Wye. The valley roads are scenic but can feel tight in a larger vehicle, so follow signed routes and use an appropriate car park. Cadw publishes current opening, access and visitor information for the abbey.

Cadw: Tintern Abbey · Search for motorhome campsites near Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley

Book campsites and legal overnight stops

Parking for a daytime visit does not automatically include permission to sleep in the vehicle. Book an established campsite or a clearly authorised motorhome stop, check the motorhome length limit and arrival time, and read the signs every time. Our campsite booking apps guide and legal overnight-stop guide explain the checks to make.

Choose your motorhome

Yorkshire Motorhome Rentals offers pet-friendly 2–6 berth motorhomes from Doncaster, with breakdown cover included. View the motorhomes, read how to book or contact us for help choosing a vehicle.

More UK motorhome travel guides

Yorkshire · Northumberland · Scotland · North Wales · Cornwall · Devon · Dorset and Bournemouth · Lake District · Peak District · East Anglia · Cotswolds · Kent and Sussex

Photograph credits and licences
  • Cardiff Bay – David Lewis – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source
  • Pen y Fan, Bannau Brycheiniog – Dave.Dunford at English Wikipedia – Public domain – source
  • Rhossili Bay, Gower – OsianLlwyd1 – Public domain – source
  • Tenby Harbour – Stephen McKay – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source
  • St Davids Cathedral – Aqwis – CC BY-SA 3.0 – source
  • Green Bridge of Wales – JKMMX – CC BY-SA 3.0 – source
  • Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley – Philip Halling – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source