South Wales

Travel Guide

Bracelet Bay Beach featuring landscape views, rugged coastline and a bay or harbour
Neath showing a ruin, a park and heritage elements
Swansea featuring a marina, a sunset and general coastal views
Swansea showing street scenes and night scenes
Rhossili Beach which includes 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 square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

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
Cardiff which includes a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

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
Wales Millennium Centre featuring a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

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
Swansea showing 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $88 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $88
CA $105 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,545 reviews)
"I loved the hotel and it was a bargain price, no fault with it at all. The lady on reception was lovely, only thing that i thought "oh ok then" was when i saw the room cleaners in the corridor when i was leaving ,i smiled at him and saod mornkng, he just looked at me and didnt say a thing, but its ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is CA $150 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
CA $150
CA $181 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,331 reviews)
"This is a gem of a place! Thoroughly enjoyed the stay and the experience. Great staff who are welcoming! Definitely coming back again!"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $116 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $116
CA $139 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,419 reviews)
"Celebrating 45th anniversary Staff went the extra mile to make sure we had a great time. Room was exceptional ,very clean and had everything needed for a relaxing break.Bed was very comfortable 😌 and breakfast delicious."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
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! (266 reviews)
Spires 2 Bed Apartment in Cardiff.
"Easy hassle-free access to building in a great area ( just past Cardiff Castle near Sophie Gardens nearby). The 2 bed apartment ( with en-suites) was very clean with good decor. Very comfortable beds. Good sized rooms. We had a very quiet and chilled stay. Kitchen/community room was very well equipped. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Belle Vue ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"friendly staff, nice clean rooms, easy access to trains/buses/town/shopping"

Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
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 Jun. 29, 2025

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

Things to do

Cities near South Wales