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 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
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
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 Swansea Arena 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
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $80 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $80
CA $96 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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! (2,316 reviews)
"Reception staff polite and helpful. Rooms were clean and well presented."

Reviewed on Apr. 6, 2025

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $155 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $155
CA $186 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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,680 reviews)
"The Parkgate is the perfect place to get away from the world. The service is topnotch and the staff are always incredible and will always welcome you with a warm smile. The room service was aldo great and nothing was too much trouble. We had stayed in the Tower Suite and as always it was stunning, ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 6, 2025

The Parkgate Hotel
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
The price is CA $75 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $75
CA $90 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Apr. 8, 2025

Sleeperz 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 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! (246 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay for two nights when visiting Cardiff to watch the rugby with family. We had two apartments; they were brilliantly located, extremely functional and clean - which is exactly what we needed them to be. Luxury apartments they are not - and the price was very high because ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 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 Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (182 reviews)
"The accommodation is secure and clean and everything local the room was typical student accommodation but more than adequate for our stay mattress was to soft for my liking but overall 👍"

Reviewed on Dec. 20, 2024

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Very enjoyable stay. Would definitely revisit. Excellent food in the pub next door."

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

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.

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Cities near South Wales