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
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
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
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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 highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by 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$136 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$136
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,436 reviews)
"Fantastic welcome at reception all staff were so nice a friendly."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

The Angel Hotel
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$96 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$96
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Nice hotel staff very friendly but our room was on the small size"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$242 per night from 26 June to 27 June
AU$242
26 June - 27 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,703 reviews)
"The service at the bar area could have been significantly better. We waited a long time for someone to serve. They then forgot things, have our olives to someone else."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

The Parkgate 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! (260 reviews)
"Great stay we booked 2 apartments and it was perfect. Comms was great and we forgot some items which they kindly put in the post back to us. Thanks!!"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
Cardiff
Stay at this vacation home in Cardiff. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are located nearby.
6/10 (1 review)
"The rooms aircon was broken, we were not informed of this. They had provided an alternative aircon machine and freestanding fan, however both were very noisy so unable to have on when trying to sleep, which meant a restless night due to temperature and no fresh air. Positives, able to use the luggage ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Sunday Cardiff Holland House & Spa| Classic Double
The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
3 out of 5
Amroth Bay Holidays, Amroth, Narberth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Narberth. Enjoy free parking, furnished balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Tenby Beach and Battlefield Live ...
Lovely and cosy
"The bed was super comfortable and the place was clean and tidy. The tv was not a smart tv as stated and the shower was very small , I’m glad neither of us were big people as it was tight to get between the shower and sink to use the toilet and there was no tv in the bedroom , we found on arrival ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct. 2024

The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
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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