South Wales Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bracelet Bay Beach which includes a bay or harbour, rocky coastline and landscape views
Neath featuring a ruin, a garden and heritage elements
Swansea showing boating, general coastal views and a marina
Swansea featuring street scenes and night scenes
Rhossili Beach showing landscape views and a beach
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(888 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(275 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(231 area reviews)

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

Castle
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Grangetown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(70 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 Rp2.239.159 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
Rp2.239.159
Rp2.686.991 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,553 reviews)
"Very welcoming, polite and the beds are very comfortable"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is Rp1.961.308 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
Rp1.961.308
Rp2.353.569 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,293 reviews)
"This is a gem of a place! Thoroughly enjoyed the stay and the experience. Great staff who are welcoming! Definitely coming back again!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
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 Rp1.373.824 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.373.824
Rp1.648.589 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,438 reviews)
"Excellent hôtel, warm Welsh attention, comfortable and élégant. Very nice and complete breakfast!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (267 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, only stayed one night. Daughter has dietary needs so kitchen was a bonus"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Yugo Explore - Arofan House

Yugo Explore - Arofan House

2 out of 5
Vere Street, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this aparthotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle ...
7.8/10 Good! (50 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Yugo Explore - Arofan House
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"friendly staff, nice clean rooms, easy access to trains/buses/town/shopping"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
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