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
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
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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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$117 per night from 23 May to 24 May
AU$117
per night
23 May - 24 May
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! (1,147 reviews)
Lovely old hotel sensitively modernised
"Just the sort of hotel we like best! An older property with personality, but with enough modern features for comfort. Unfailingly helpful, cheerful and professional staff. We had a large, comfortable room with a view of the castle, and a lovely selection of toiletries in the bathroom. My only criticism ..."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is AU$182 per night from 19 May to 20 May
AU$182
per night
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,001 reviews)
Lovely hotel with great facilities and service
"Lovely hotel with great facilities, the health club and pool are amazing."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Celtic Manor Resort
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is AU$162 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$162
per night
27 May - 28 May
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! (1,162 reviews)
"We went to the arena for a concert and this hotel is only a few minutes walk from the gates. The hotel is lovely with quality bedding and pillows and a great breakfast. Nice bar area too......we'd definitely go back"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

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 clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (147 reviews)
"Had a great stay. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 6 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
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
3 out of 5
Gower Coast Cabins, Landimore, Gower, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Three Cliffs Bay Beach and Whiteford National ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Bliss
"Wow what wonderful relaxing stay. John the host was so friendly and helpful. My highlight was listening to the birds from the hot tub at sunrise. Would definitely recommend and rebook!"

Reviewed on 19 Dec. 2023

Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
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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