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 Swansea Arena while you're in town.

Castle
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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

Whitchurch

4/5(3 area reviews)

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
Book a stay at this 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! (2,848 reviews)
Lovely stay, room clean and warm, some parts of property needs some tlc ad also lifts that work. Staff excellent, nothing to much trouble, would definitely stay here again

Reviewed on 2025/12/16

The Angel Hotel
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is NT$2,636 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
NT$2,636
NT$3,164 total
Dec 22 - Dec 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,129 reviews)
Great stay. City centre venue. Great bar and dining area. Comfy room.

Reviewed on 2025/12/11

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street Cardiff Wales
The price is NT$2,305 per night from Dec 23 to Dec 24
NT$2,305
NT$2,766 total
Dec 23 - Dec 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Nice room

Reviewed on 2025/12/14

Clayton Hotel Cardiff
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 apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (308 reviews)
I have stayed at the spires 3 times in the past month. On two occasions the room has been great/.modern with ensuite and kitchen lounge . One occasion was not so great with the bedroom straight off the main corridor door. Noise untill the early hours. Would I stay again yes

Reviewed on 2025/12/10

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
 Park Lane Aparthotel

Park Lane Aparthotel

4 out of 5
23-24 Park Place Cardiff Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, meeting facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (58 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 2025/12/15

Park Lane Aparthotel
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 apartment in Narberth. Enjoy free parking, furnished balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Tenby Beach and Battlefield Live Pembrokeshire ...
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
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