South Wales

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a beach, and a small settlement on a hill.
A historic stone tower with a flag, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a clear sky.
A marina with various boats docked, a tall building, and a sunset in the background.
A traditional Tudor-style building with illuminated signs for 'Yates' and 'Yates & Co.'
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, green hills, and the ocean.
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.

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
The price is ¥9,019 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
¥9,019
¥10,823 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,286 reviews)
"Staff was helpful. Breakfast was excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2026

The Angel Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter Swansea Wales
The price is ¥19,735 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥19,735
¥23,683 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (666 reviews)
"I picked this hotel due to its proximity to Ironman event. I checked that breakfast would be available early on the day of the event. I was repeated told breakfast would be starting at 4:30 for the event. So was a little disappointed on the Saturday evening when I was told that it was actually a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road Newport Wales
The price is ¥21,266 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
¥21,266
¥25,519 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,425 reviews)
"Great place - a pity the redtaurant closes relatively early, and the long queue for breakfast was annoying..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

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 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! (324 reviews)
"Unfortunately, the parking did present a problem having a large car. However reception were great and allowed us to park in an easier space. The room was smaller than expected. The window did not lock shut so had to be left open. The room could have done with a better clean as there were old crisps ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2026

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 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 Jun 29, 2025

The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
Quay Apartments Clarence House

Quay Apartments Clarence House

3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place Newport Wales
Stay at this apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club and Riverfront ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (155 reviews)
"Booked for 3 people and only had 1 King sized bed and you can open windows and the air on unit was only in the living room which made the bedroom unbearable hot. Wouldn’t stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Quay Apartments Clarence House
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.

Stay near popular South Wales attractions

Things to do

Cities near South Wales