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 St. David's to Cardiff International Arena – 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 St. David's to Cardiff Castle – 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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Cathays

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Cardiff City Hall.

Cathays
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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
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,665 reviews)
Excellent, central stay
We travelled as a family (2 parents, 2 teenagers) and were staying one night. The staff on the front desk were very welcoming and the family room was like a palace - with two separate rooms in it: one with a superking bed and the other also very spacious with twins. We were not expecting so much ...

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

The Angel Hotel
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
The price is Rp1.405.306 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp1.405.306
Rp1.686.367 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
The hotel was convenient, i stayed on the 12th floor and it was very quiet, so a good sleep. Convenient for central Cardiff, all walkable. Ideal for a one night business stay.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is Rp2.093.339 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
Rp2.093.339
Rp2.512.007 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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! (1,323 reviews)
Fantastic

Reviewed on 18 Oct 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (287 reviews)
The overall building is a little old but it is worth the money. Do not go in expecting a five star stay as it’s basically a three star experience. They do not have basic items such as tissue papers or toiletries. But I will commend the front desk guy Richard. He was extremely helpful and did provide ...

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
Our experience was good settee was a bit uncomfortable, bed was was great not much room in the bath room

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
 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 Wi-Fi, meeting facilities and housekeeping. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium ...
7.2/10 Good! (51 reviews)
Nice little apartment to stay at, the only thing that let it down was how incredibly hot it was. There was a fan provided but it generally blew hot air back. I would come back but probably just in the winter.

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Park Lane Aparthotel
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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