Welsh Castles Campervan Tour
Wales has more castles per square mile than any country in Europe. This 7-day route visits 10 of the best, with van-friendly parking at each stop.
Day 1-2: North Wales Castles
Conwy Castle (UNESCO). Park at Conwy Quay car park (LL32 8AY, £6/day, height 2.4m). Overnight at Conwy Marina (pay, £10). Caernarfon Castle (UNESCO). Park at Slate Quay (LL55 2PB, £5/day). Overnight at Dinas Dinlle (free, cliff top).
Day 3-4: Mid Wales
Harlech Castle (UNESCO). Park at Harlech car park (LL46 2UG, £4/day). Stunning views over the Llyn Peninsula. Overnight at Shell Island (pay, £12). Dolwyddelan Castle. Small car park (free). Off the A470. Less crowded.
Day 5-7: South Wales
Cardiff Castle. City parking available (NCP, £12/day). Caerphilly Castle. Largest castle in Wales. Park at Caerphilly town centre (£4/day).
Best Value
Historic Wales membership (£44/year) gives free entry to all 6 Welsh government-operated castles. Worth it if visiting 3+ castles.
Conclusion
A brilliant week-long tour. Start in Conwy, work south along the coast, finish in Cardiff. Each castle is 1-2 hours of exploration.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Route Planning Tips
- Use OS Maps for detailed UK mapping
- Download offline maps before heading out
- Check road conditions and closures
- Plan fuel stops in remote areas
- Book campsites in advance during summer
- Have a backup plan for bad weather
