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 Principality Stadium to St. David's Hall – 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
Cardiff showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Castle Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Principality Stadium to St. David's Hall – discover Castle Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Castle Quarter
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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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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 Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$107 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$107
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,952 reviews)
"Great location straight off bus into hotel great price lovely hotel"

Reviewed on 8 Feb. 2025

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$202 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$202
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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! (1,635 reviews)
"A fantastic hotel right in the centre of Cardiff"

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2025

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is AU$199 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (1,227 reviews)
"Wonderful place to Stay"

Reviewed on 6 Feb. 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
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! (234 reviews)
"Lovely property, so clean and spacious. And less then 10 mins to city centre. Even had a call before arriving to explain how check in works. Amazing!"

Reviewed on 26 Jan. 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Arcadia - 1 Bedroom Apartment - Tenby
Arcadia - 1 Bedroom Apartment - Tenby
4 out of 5
Warren St, Tenby, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tenby. Enjoy free WiFi and cable TV channels. Popular attractions St Mary's Church and Ocean Commotion are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
Tenby’s great, host was non responsive.
"We loved our stay in Tenby and the apartment met our needs, unfortunately the host never responded to any contact and gave us incorrect check-in details."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

Arcadia - 1 Bedroom Apartment - Tenby
Quay Apartments Clarence House
Quay Apartments Clarence House
3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (126 reviews)
"Excellent two bed apartment, clean, modern and great value. Lovely staff and easy parking."

Reviewed on 26 Jan. 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near South Wales