South Wales

Travel Guide

Bracelet Bay Beach which includes a bay or harbor, landscape views and rocky coastline
Neath which includes heritage elements, building ruins and a garden
Swansea which includes a sunset, general coastal views and boating
Swansea showing night scenes and street scenes
Rhossili Beach showing a beach and landscape views
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 which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4/5(99 area reviews)

Discover the bustling shopping scene in the sixth most successful UK destination, featuring Queen Street, St. Mary's Street, and the Hayes. Explore Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and the National Museum, while enjoying dining options at Mill Lane cafe quarter.

Cardiff City Centre
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 Cardiff Market or St. David's while you're exploring the area.

Castle Quarter
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
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
Default Image

Cathays

4/5(2 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
Poncanna Fields, Cardiff.

Pontcanna

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Tree-lined streets and large houses define this affluent Cardiff district, boasting cafes and independent retailers on Pontcanna Street and Cathedral Road. Enjoy Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields, and the nearby SWALEC Stadium for cricket enthusiasts.

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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,695 reviews)
. The room was clean the staff friendly, a lovely bar there where you can relax if you don’t want to go straight up to your room. Good location. I have stayed there a few times it’s a really nice hotel.

Reviewed on 2025/10/31

The Angel Hotel
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
The price is NT$2,695 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
NT$2,695
NT$3,234 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,085 reviews)
The hotel is in a perfect location. Staff and service was amazing. Breakfast staff were so happy to assist and the front desk were very happy to answer questions. Rooms were well kept, spacious and clean

Reviewed on 2025/10/27

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is NT$4,028 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
NT$4,028
NT$4,834 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,315 reviews)
Excellent facilities and helpful stagf

Reviewed on 2025/10/24

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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (291 reviews)
As always, an excellent stay, clean, comfortable and well equipped and helpful comms from staff ahead of time and on site, thank you

Reviewed on 2025/10/30

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 2025/6/29

The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn

3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Apartment exactly as described. Clean and comfortable. Meals in the adjacent building were delicious and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.

Reviewed on 2025/10/12

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
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