South Wales Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Neath showing a park, a ruin 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(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
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 LC Swansea 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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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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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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Pontcanna

5/5(7 area reviews)

Bars, historical sites and gardens are some highlights of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Sophia Gardens or Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Pontcanna
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is NZ$140 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$140
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,191 reviews)
"Great location in the centre of Cardiff"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is NZ$214 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$214
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,173 reviews)
"Clean as a whistle No issues whatsoever"

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is NZ$202 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$202
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Decent but time for a spruce up
"Celtic Manor, is good and it is a beast of a place. I can't fault the service or cleanliness but the rooms (Signature suite on 6th Floor) are getting tired and perhaps the hotel is living a little on its past glories. Breakfast was lovely and the Signature Lounge is great with a lovely view. Dinner ..."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (148 reviews)
"The apartment itself was very spacious and clean. The bed was very comfortable, with little to no outside noise to disrupt sleep. Reception isn’t open on weekends but there was great communication from staff giving me information of how to access anything I needed. It’s a walkable distance into the ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
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 WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions RSPB Cwm Clydach Reserve and Quad Challenge ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
"cotrage was lovely and quaint .hottub was lush .only downside is i was expecti g a little holiday type village with tge cottages dotted aroynd ina woodlands type ..its not.this cottage is literally just in the front garden of tbe farmers house ( lovely gent ) .. lovely and quiet ..clean cottage .very ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2023

Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
 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 WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"It's a comfortable place for stay."

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2024

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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