South Wales Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bracelet Bay Beach which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and landscape views
Neath showing a park, a ruin and heritage elements
Swansea showing a sunset, general coastal views and boating
Swansea showing street scenes and night scenes
Rhossili Beach featuring a beach and landscape views
Admire the culture and modernity in Wales' largest cities, enjoy the friendly atmosphere along the coast and traverse the national park.

South Wales comprises some of the country’s most developed and modern urban hubs, including its two largest cities. It has one of Wales’ three national parks as well as coastal towns and historic buildings from the medieval era. Embark on paths overlooking the sea and learn about Wales’ proud heritage.

Visit the modern and dynamic capital city of CardiffOpens in a new window for a glimpse of Welsh culture and history. Stroll through the city center for a look at some of the highlights, such as the National Theatre Wales, the Cardiff Story museum and the St. John the Baptist Parish Church. Explore Cardiff CastleOpens in a new window and watch a game of rugby or soccer at Millennium StadiumOpens in a new window.

The other behemoth of South Wales is the coastal city of SwanseaOpens in a new window, renowned in the United Kingdom for its soccer club, which plays at Liberty Stadium. Stroll along the banks of the River Tawe and the Tawe Basin in the quaint Maritime Quarter. Visit some of the historic structures in the area, including Swansea Castle, Penrice Castle, Oxwich CastleOpens in a new window and Loughor Castle.

Enjoy the warm, sunny summers with trips to the sandy shores of the Gower Peninsula. Among the highlights are Llangennith Beach, Mewslade Bay Beach and Oxwich Bay BeachOpens in a new window. Capture photos of the dramatic coastal views along the MumblesOpens in a new window during the wet, cold winters and see the Mumbles PierOpens in a new window and Mumbles LighthouseOpens in a new window.

Visit one of Britain’s smallest cities, St DavidsOpens in a new window, for an important cathedral and St. Davids Bishop’s Palace. Relax in the coastal town of Barry. Nearby TenbyOpens in a new window is the gateway to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Note that this unofficial area is composed roughly of the southern third of the country. Fly to Cardiff Airport and reach the towns and villages of the area by railway. London is a 150-mile (240-kilometer) drive east from Cardiff, Wales’ capital.

Appreciate the combination of picturesque and serene parkland with booming cities and villages in the thriving region of South Wales.

Where to stay in South Wales

Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(36 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Cardiff International Arena to Cardiff Market – discover Cardiff City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Cardiff City Centre
Swansea showing a river or creek and a bridge

Castle

4/5(5 area reviews)

Castle is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Grand Theatre and Swansea Arena while you're in town.

Castle
Wales Millennium Centre showing modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and relaxing spas are top of the list for many visitors to Butetown. A stop by Wales Millennium Centre or Mermaid Quay might round out your trip.

Butetown
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Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Llantrisant
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Grangetown

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Grangetown. You might want to make time for a stop at Cardiff Bay or Cardiff International Sports Village.

Grangetown
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Pontcanna

5/5(7 area reviews)

Bars, historical sites and gardens are some highlights of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Sophia Gardens or Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Pontcanna
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$184 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,561 reviews)
A weekend treat
"Ours was only a one night stay so i didnt have to catch my usual train home. Exceptional stay and are goibg to stay again. Could not fault nothing. The xmas lunch was on tbe pricey side but as a one iff was a treat. I should have mentioned to waitress that lunch although very tasty was lukewarm. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is AU$197 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
AU$197
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,190 reviews)
Brilliant night away from the kids!
"We had a great night as a couple. In fact, one night wasn't enough to experience everything the resort has to offer. Would recommend the signature package if you want a quieter experience. Staff in all parts of the hotel we used were excellent. We will certainly return, in fact we were planning our ..."

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

Celtic Manor Resort
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
4 out of 5
Circle Way East, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$84 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$84
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
Great hotel and price.
"Great location, only 15 minutes in the Cardiff centre. Nice quiet hotel. Evening food was great and the breakfast was very good"

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (219 reviews)
"All smooth. First time staying. Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Nov. 2024

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
 Park Lane Aparthotel
Park Lane Aparthotel
4 out of 5
23-24 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (34 reviews)
"Pleasant accommodation close to university, with cooking facilities Accommodation was clean , warm and had everything we needed for our stay. Only issue is no on site parking but parking in nearby streets is possible (payable and maximum 5 hours) with a larger NCP car park within 5 minutes walk Would ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct. 2024

Park Lane Aparthotel
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Food at the inn was superb Pork loin and sauce the best I’ve ever had Children’s meals a really good size and very tasty Accommodation was clean and comfortable Would stay again and recommend to friends"

Reviewed on 31 Aug. 2024

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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