South Wales

Travel Guide
Neath which includes heritage elements, building ruins and a garden
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 which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cardiff City Centre. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Cardiff City Centre
Swansea which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Castle

4/5(11 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 featuring a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Butetown

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

The ample dining options and luxurious 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
The Royal Mint.

Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Llantrisant
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Castle Quarter

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Castle Quarter. Make a stop by Principality Stadium or St. David's Hall while you're exploring the area.

Castle Quarter
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is ₩93,491 per night from May 20 to May 21
₩93,491
per night
May 20 - May 21
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! (1,170 reviews)
"Loved our stay - it’s a beautiful old building in a really nice location and our room was HUGE and comfortable."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is ₩141,956 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
₩141,956
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,167 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"This is a beautiful hotel, well positioned for Cardiff Central station just 5 minutes walk away. Check in staff were friendly, though didn’t get an upgrade or offer of a late check out given I’m a gold member and the hotel was not full by any means. Lovely bedroom , terrible view (208) big gaping ..."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is ₩154,397 per night from Jun 10 to Jun 11
₩154,397
per night
Jun 10 - Jun 11
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 May 7, 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! (147 reviews)
"Had a great stay. Would recommend."

Reviewed on May 6, 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 Mar 7, 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 Dec 19, 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Wales