South Wales is where most people in Wales live, and it has a bit of everything. The capital, Cardiff, has a castle in the middle of town and a lively waterfront; to the north lie the former mining valleys and the mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons); to the west, Swansea and the beaches of Gower.
Why visit South Wales
For city, coast and mountains within an hour of each other. You can watch rugby in Cardiff, walk up Pen y Fan, go underground in a real coal mine and finish on one of Britain’s best beaches.
Top places to visit in South Wales
Cardiff
Cardiff Castle, the Victorian arcades, the National Museum, Cardiff Bay with the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre, and the Principality Stadium.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Open hills, Pen y Fan (886 metres), waterfalls in “Waterfall Country” and dark skies for stargazing.
The South Wales Valleys
Mining heritage at Big Pit National Coal Museum, part of the Blaenavon UNESCO site; Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil; and country parks such as Dare Valley near Aberdare.
Swansea and Gower
The maritime quarter of Swansea and the cliffs and sandy bays of Gower, Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Best time to visit South Wales
May to September is best for walking and beaches. Cardiff is lively all year, especially during Six Nations rugby in February and March.
Getting around South Wales
Trains from London reach Cardiff in about two hours. Local Valley Lines run from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and other valley towns in about an hour. Buses and a car help in the Brecon Beacons and Gower.
What to eat in South Wales
Welsh cakes, laverbread with cockles for breakfast, Glamorgan sausages, Caerphilly cheese and a pint of local ale in a valley pub.
South Wales FAQ
Can you visit the Brecon Beacons from Cardiff?
Yes. The southern edge of the park is less than an hour by car or train and bus.
Are the Valleys worth visiting?
Yes. They offer green hills, mining museums, country parks and a warm welcome.
