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
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
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 Swansea Market and Grand Theatre 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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Pontcanna

5/5(7 area reviews)

Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Pontcanna
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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
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$195 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$195
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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! (1,678 reviews)
"Just amazing overall"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

The Parkgate Hotel
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$143 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$143
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (2,327 reviews)
"We walked in to Old World grandeur and friendly staff. On close inspection some things are a bit worn but the room was spacious and clean. We had a view of the castle from our window and could walk to all the places we wanted to visit."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

The Angel Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundable
The price is AU$175 per night from 11 May to 12 May
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,319 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay perfect location and a great breakfast!"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
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! (247 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay for two nights when visiting Cardiff to watch the rugby with family. We had two apartments; they were brilliantly located, extremely functional and clean - which is exactly what we needed them to be. Luxury apartments they are not - and the price was very high because ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
Highly recommend
"Really fantastic accommodation- great value for money. Lovely rescue zoo with the highlight being the talking parrots! Very comfortable room."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
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! (133 reviews)
"I payed for 2 adults 1 child but when we got into the apartment there was only a double bed and a small sofa not suitable for sleeping"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 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.

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Cities near South Wales