South Wales Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Neath featuring a ruin, a garden and heritage elements
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 Cardiff 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 Castle and watch a game of rugby or soccer at Millennium Stadium.

The other behemoth of South Wales is the coastal city of Swansea, 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 Castle 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 Beach. Capture photos of the dramatic coastal views along the Mumbles during the wet, cold winters and see the Mumbles Pier and Mumbles Lighthouse.

Visit one of Britain’s smallest cities, St Davids, for an important cathedral and St. Davids Bishop’s Palace. Relax in the coastal town of Barry. Nearby Tenby 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
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 Swansea Market and Grand Theatre 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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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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Caerleon

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caerleon Amphitheatre and Isca Augusta.

Caerleon
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is Rp1.179.920 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
Rp1.179.920
per night
27 Jun - 28 Jun
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! (1,287 reviews)
"Great location, comfortable hotel just a bit faded from its former glory!"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.751.488 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
Rp1.751.488
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,253 reviews)
"Just gorgeous!"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Future Inns Cardiff Bay
4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Wales
The price is Rp1.328.105 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
Rp1.328.105
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,491 reviews)
"Easy walking distance to bars and restaurants in Cardiff Bay. All staff were friendly and helpful. The only negative was the hand soap in the en suite bathroom. It smelled so disgusting, I had to wash my hands again with my own toiletries."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
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 clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
Perfect
"Loved the Spires. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"Secure, nice location, friendly reception staff, clean"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

Quay Apartments Clarence House
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
3 out of 5
Coynant Farm Guest House, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Swansea. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve and Betws ...
6.6/10 (3 reviews)
Lovely cottage
"Quirky cottage. Very quiet and peaceful as tucked away down a very long driveway with only sheep, pigs and horses as neighbours."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
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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