South Wales

Travel Guide
Neath showing a ruin, a park 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 which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Cardiff City Centre

4.5/5(28 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
Swansea which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Castle

4/5(7 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(4 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
Poncanna Fields, Cardiff.

Pontcanna

5/5(4 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
Cardiff which includes a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

Castle Quarter

4/5(5 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 Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $127 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $127
CA $152 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,136 reviews)
"Really impressive, and enjoyed our stay. Staff very polite and helpful. Only downside, if a junior suite is booked we would expect access to spa area, not be charged extra."

Reviewed on Apr. 15, 2024

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is CA $132 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $132
CA $159 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff were extremely helpful, patient and friendly nothing was too much trouble. The valet parking was a fantastic plus with someone with mobility problems with the concierge going down to my car on two occasions for things I had forgotten. The food was delicious in all the venues we used especially ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 15, 2024

Celtic Manor Resort
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $94 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $94
CA $112 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,081 reviews)
"Needs a lick of exterior paint"

Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2024

The Angel 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, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (141 reviews)
"Great studio, clean, modern, nice location. Would happily stay again and recommend to anyone"

Reviewed on Apr. 13, 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 a flat-screen TV. 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
 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, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are located nearby. ...
7.4/10 Good! (22 reviews)
"It's a comfortable place for stay."

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 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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