pretty places to visit in south wales

10 of the most charming towns in southern Wales

South Wales is without doubt most famous for the country’s chirpy capital, Cardiff. Yet beyond the bright lights lie a litany of charming towns – each with a unique personality. From seaside retreats to riverside idylls, verdant valley locales to chic market towns, the southern region proffers staggering natural beauty, and has plenty to keep the bright-eyed wanderer curious.

Tenby Harbour (Photo: Courtesy of Visit Wales)

Stretching from Brecon to St. Davids, southern Wales’s towns host a myriad of unforgettable experiences. Visitors can absorb the haunting aura of castles and cathedrals, voyage through Welsh history in open-air museums, check-out local artists in sea-front art galleries, or curl-up with a book in illustrious literary settings.

For more outdoorsy activities, there are plenty of sea-bound thrills to be had, such as sailing and surfing, or grabbing a rod for a spot of sea fishing. Alongside this are copious opportunities to sink a few beers with friendly locals, sample scrumptious Welsh cuisine, or escape into the wilds of nature.

As many a lucky visitor will attest – the warm-hearted, charismatic spirit of southern Wales lingers in the soul like an unfinished sonnet. Here are ten towns and villages that do just that.

Blending seamlessly into the sublime Brecon Beacons, the town of Brecon conjures an atmospheric timelessness. Quaint cobbled streets showcase Georgian houses and shopfronts, as well as an 11th-century cathedral replete with an exquisite Celtic font. The town’s position on the convergence of rivers Usk and Honddu affords easy access to dewy riverside strolls. With a thriving creative community, shopping opportunities for hand-crafted gifts are aplenty – the Welsh “lovespoon” taking pole position. Other Breconshire-rich bounty include mine-matured cheeses, mountain-bred lamb and award-winning tipple Penderyn Welsh Whisky. Throw in its location as gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park, and its venerated jazz festival which lures a bonanza of big-league musical guests – Brecon puts the magic in the organic.

Brecon (Photo: Courtesy of Brecon Town Council)

Hay-on-Wye 

“For every brick a book” would be an apt aphorism to bestow upon Hay-on-Wye. Since opening its first second-hand bookstore in 1961, the written word has flooded the town’s buildings. You can buy books in its old cinema, books in its old fire-station, books in the ruins of its 17th-century castle, and just in case your book fix is still incomplete – you can buy books on its streets. This has duly earned Hay its stature as the second-hand book capital of the world. In tandem with this is the town’s globally renowned Hay Festival (a 10-day fiesta of literature and culture) where the world’s poets, writers, comedians, politicians and literary pilgrims congregate en masse. Such is the festival’s erudite and thought-evolving prestige that former U.S. president Bill Clinton was compelled to correctly describe Hay as “the Woodstock of the mind”.

Hay-on-Wye (Photo: Courtesy of Visit Wales)

The Mumbles

Heralded by the Sunday Times as the best place to live in Wales 2018, the Mumbles – a mile-long seaside retreat west of Swansea – has reinvented itself and become a beacon of cosy and cool. A cornucopia of snappy bars and restaurants straddle the promenade and promise “Fresh-off-the-Boat Seafood”, “Best Fine Wine Selection in Wales” and “World-Class Ice-Cream”. Local icons Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta-Jones add a splash of star power to the town (both have properties nearby), and are regularly spotted whiling away the hours and dining out in style. Shopping? Mumbles has numerous high-end shops, swanky boutiques and off-beat art galleries with rotating installations from local artists. Located on the Gower peninsula, the town is perfect for a sunny stroll along its sandy beaches and Victorian pier, or for clambering the hilltop to Oystermouth Castle to gaze at the boundless blue of Swansea Bay.

The Mumbles, Swansea Bay (Photo: Courtesy of Swansea Council)

Just shy of the Anglo-Welsh border, Tintern’s village community emanates from the riverbanks of the misty Wye Valley. The beguiling monastic remains of Tintern Abbey have fuelled many a romantic poet’s inspiration. Its atmospheric riverside location and magnificent Gothic arches have been the setting for verses such as Wordsworth’s Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey and Tennyson’s Tears, Idle Tears . Founded in 1131 by the Cistercian monks from Normandy, then dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII, it has since morphed into elegant ruin. In the surrounding village, artsy-crafty shops and cosy inns with crackling log fires and home-cooked fare abound. With easy-winding rivers and enchanting woodlands – Tintern raises the bar in the pastoral stakes.

Tintern Abbey (Photo: Courtesy of Visit Wales)

Abergavenny

The breezy and bustling market town of Abergavenny has many historical guises: Roman Fort, Norman stronghold, tanning and weaving centre, and prison of Hitler’s deputy. Snuggled between the Blorenge, Ysgyryd Fawr and Sugar Loaf mountains, it makes for an ideal base to put down roots while roving its smooth and undulating hills. In recent years, the town has become an essential fixture on the UK culinary calendar. The annual Abergavenny Food Festival in September is sending gastro-experts into salivatory orbit. Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall, Jamie Oliver and Monica Galetti are just a few starry guests to have graced its masterclasses and topical debates. And its meandering streets harbour a blitz of bakeries, chocolatiers and boutique restaurants, while its weekly markets summon fanatical foodies far and wide.

Abergavenny (Photo: Neil White, courtesy of Abergavenny Food Festival)

In his last four years, world-famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas called Laugharne home. He also called it “the strangest town in Wales”. The town and its inhabitants became the creative impetus for some of Thomas’s most spellbinding storytelling – most notably his epic radio play Under Milk Wood. Overlooking the Tâf Estuary, the fabled Boathouse is where the bohemian poet’s words travelled from imagination to paper. Now a museum and gallery, its café serves tea & Welsh cakes, and Welsh rarebit (spicy cheese and beer sauce melted on toasted bread). Brown’s Hotel was Thomas’s favoured watering hole. So frequent and lengthy were his and wife Caitlin’s visits that they gave out the pub’s phone number as their own. It’s also worth paying a visit to 13th-century Laugharne Castle, and to Corran Books, which is a shrine to the bardic legend and his enduring legacy.

Dylan Thomas Boathouse (Photo: Courtesy of Carmarthenshire County Council)

With a population of just under 1,800 you could be forgiven for thinking that St. Davids is a town or a village. Yet owing to its cathedral – a bewitching 12th-century Gothic construction – it holds the title of Britain’s smallest city. Given its size, it attracts an astonishing number of tourists (4.6 million in the summer months alone), who come to soak-up the laid-back atmosphere of the birth and burial place of Wales’s patron saint. St. Davids has quite a reputation as a pillar of fine Welsh cuisine. Its eclectic gumbo of cosy tearooms, organic bistros and jazzy restaurants turn-out inventive riffs on Welsh classics such as lamb cawl, sewin and samphire and bara brith. Anchored on the western tip of Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastline, this windswept city is ideally located for outdoor activities like sailing, surfing and jet skiing, walks along its wild coastal paths and watching dolphins leap through the waves.

St Davids Cathedral (Photo: Courtesy of Visit Wales)

The historic market town of Cowbridge rightly deserves its reputation as having “a touch of class”. High Street – the town’s main artery – is flush with chic fashion boutiques, aromatic delis, interior design studios and vintage furniture shops. And it never fails to excite the taste buds, offering a swathe of tantalising options from sophisto-bistros and buzzy tapas bars to charming country-style pubs and lavish Indian restaurants. For the more artistically inclined, hidden gems like the Old Wool Barn – an arts and crafts haven – in Verity Court should satisfy any creative curiosities. At the epicentre of Cowbridge lie the much-visited Physic Gardens. Once a part of the Old Hall (which is next door), its tranquil setting contains a glowing variety of medicinal herbs and plants originally used for cooking, fabric-dying and healing.

Physic Garden Cowbridge (Photo: Courtesy of Vale of Glamorgan Council)

Tenby’s scenic beaches and fishing-village atmosphere are pretty much peerless. Unlike many other famous British seaside towns, this medieval-walled jewel on the southwest coast of Wales successfully sidesteps tacky pastiche. Pastel-hued Georgian houses overlook its horseshoe-shaped harbour; vast strips of velvet-sand beaches flank its headland; and an abundance of traditional pubs, classy gift shops and Italo-Welsh ice-cream parlours wind through its labyrinth of cobbled streets. Tenby’s Welsh name “Dinbych-y-Pysgod” translates as “Little Fortress of the Fish”, so no visit would be complete without a sea fishing expedition. For lovers of nature and tranquility, a boat trip to nearby Caldey Island is sacrosanct – a prime place to let thoughts run free on the horizon and watch sea birds float on the breeze.

Located on the outskirts of Cardiff in the grounds of St. Fagans Castle, St. Fagans National History Museum is an intriguing trawl through Wales’s rich and storied past. Spanning 100 acres (equivalent to 100 football pitches), visitors can explore more than 40 Welsh historic buildings. Brick by brick, original buildings the length and breadth of Wales have been deconstructed, then reconstructed on-site, transforming St. Fagans into “a living museum”. Ranging from a water mill, an 18th-century chapel, a Victorian country school, and Iron Age roundhouses in a Celtic village, the spirit of yesteryear is omnipresent. Likewise, the General Store comprising an ironmongers and grocers sells period-appropriate merchandise, ensuring the museum “lives and breathes the culture, history and identity of Wales”.

St. Fagans Castle (Photo: Richard Szwejkowski via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

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23 of the Best Places to Visit in South Wales

• Last Updated 13 November 2023

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With this year set to be the year of more local travel, I’ve been busy showcasing some of the most amazing places in the UK . If you want to discover a few new places to visit, South Wales could be a brilliant place to start.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife and nature, history and culture, or an exciting city break escape, the South of Wales has it all!

From the wild and rugged scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the stunning coastline… South Wales is full of incredible landscapes. Not to mention vibrant cities – including the Welsh capital – quaint countryside villages, and cute seaside towns.

I asked locals and top travel bloggers for their favourite must-visit places in South Wales! Get ready for some serious travel inspiration…

Map of Places to Visit in South Wales

Brecon beacons national park, south wales, cardiff – the welsh capital, wye valley aonb, gower peninsula, abergavenny, st david’s – the smallest city in the uk, glamorgan heritage coast, pembrey country park, dan yr ogof caves, skomer island, hay-on-wye – the town of books, pembrokeshire coast national park, tintern abbey, laugharne – dylan thomas’ home, cardigan bay, south west wales, vale of neath, barry island, merthyr tydfil & the brecon mountain railway, caerphilly and caerphilly castle, more near south wales.

The region of South Wales is sometimes only applied to the very bottom “heel” of the country – the historic counties of Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire.

However, for this post, I’m also including the southwest region of Wales , right the way around to the Bay of Cardigan. If it’s in the south, it counts – for the sake of this post at least!

23 Places to Visit in South Wales

Recommended by: Rachel, Average Lives

The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best places to visit in South Wales because it is full of extraordinary adventures. It’s known as “waterfall country” and is full of breathtaking scenery, charming towns, castles, canals, and unforgettable outdoor fun.

You can experience gorge walking , quad biking, and hike incredible trails. Some of the best include the Four Falls Trail, where you can admire four different waterfalls in the beautiful woodland.

Nearby is the famous Pen y Fan, which lies 886m above level and is a National Trust walking trail. Hikers climb to the summit to take a picture of the Bronze Age cairn. From the top (if weather permits), you will see dramatic views across South and Mid Wales and Southwest England. After adventuring, you should grab a hearty meal at the pub in Brecon. You won’t regret it!

Recommended by: Cath, Passports and Adventures

One of the must-visit places in South Wales is the Welsh capital, Cardiff . Cardiff is a vibrant city with a large student population thanks to the university. But that’s not all there is to it.

Cardiff has a wealth of things to offer visitors, no matter their interests. Even travelling to  Cardiff with kids  is easy, with family-friendly places such as Cardiff Castle and St Fagan’s on offer. Cardiff Castle has a Norman Keep, Castle Apartments and walls that hold secrets. St Fagan’s is the National Museum of History, where you can view and step inside buildings from around Wales through the ages.

Museums are ten-a-penny in Cardiff, while if you like shopping, you’ll love St David’s 2. This huge shopping centre has everything you need for some retail therapy! Cardiff Bay is another great place to visit to soak up some sea air.

Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes

The charming seaside town of Tenby may no longer be a hidden gem, but it’s without doubt one of the best places to visit in South Wales, whether you stay overnight or pass through during a Wales road trip .

Part of the charm of Tenby is the 13th-century city walls that run around the city. As well as an equally well-preserved castle, there are several beaches to enjoy. So you can relax with a good book or simply sample the local ice cream. 

For a bit of culture, you can visit Tenby Museum and Art Gallery (found at the castle). Or take a spooky ghost tour to learn about the town’s history spanning back a century! On a sunny day, take a walk along the coastal path to Monkstone Point. Finally, why not catch a ferry over to Caldey Island, still maintained by local monks?

Recommended by: me!

The second biggest city in the country, Swansea lies just along the coast from Cardiff, smack-dab in the middle of the South Coast of Wales. So it’s brilliantly poised for exploring the stunning nearby coastline!

This small seaside city is definitely one of the best places to visit in South Wales. A stunning beach, a compact and walkable city centre, and plenty of amazing local food and drink to discover… what more could you want?!

Don’t miss Swansea Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. This is the perfect place to try some of the top-notch local produce. Literature fans should also make sure to visit the Dylan Thomas museum and his house in Cwmdonkin. And, of course, there’s the gorgeous beach at Swansea Bay – perfect for watersports.

Skirting the England/Wales border, the Wye Valley AONB follows the meandering River Wye on its journey down to the Severn Estuary. It’s an area known for dramatic limestone gorges, picturesque woodlands, and historic hillforts.

The lush, leafy valley is a paradise for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Not to mention rock climbing and caving for the more adventurous! And, of course, the River Wye is perfect for canoeing and kayaking – especially the smooth, glassy stretch between Monmouth and Tintern.

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

The Gower is a peninsula near Swansea – and one of the most beautiful places in Wales. It’s so picturesque that it was named the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Yet Gower still remains a perfect holiday destination today.

This small peninsula is home to 30 beaches, many of them sandy. The beauty of the place is that no matter which direction the wind is coming from, you’ll almost always find a sheltered cove to enjoy. 

Gower is mainly about outdoor pursuits and, as well as swimming, paddling and rockpool searching, you can get involved in surfing, paddle boarding and even canyoneering (please do this with an appropriate guide).

There are plenty of hotels and BnBs to enjoy. But to really get into the spirit of Gower, grab a tent or camper van and stay on one of the  best camping and motorhome sites in south Wales.

Recommended by: Kavita, Kavey Eats

Abergavenny is a beautiful market town, often touted as a gateway to Wales, just 6 miles from the English border. Once the site of a Roman fort, it grew into a walled fortress town during Norman times, when the area was known as the Welsh Marshes.

Today, visitors appreciate the remains of Abergavenny’s medieval stone castle built in the 11th century. In the town centre, an impressive town hall building remains part of community life. It also houses the market hall where weekly food and antiques markets are held.

Other historic buildings include the Holy Trinity Church, the Priory Church of St Mary and a 16th-century tithe barn.

In more recent years, the town has become well known for its annual Food Festival. Held in the second week of September, it draws foodies from all over the country to attend talks and classes by the top names in cooking and food writing, and to shop from the huge selection of food and drink producers selling their wares.

Recommended by: Ben, Driftwood Journals

There is no prettier place to be on a sunny day in Wales than the charmingly higgledy-piggledy fishing village of Mumbles (or Mwmbwls in Welsh). Amble your way up Newton Road to explore the colourful shops and cutesy cafes. Be sure to stop by at the 12th-century Oystermouth Castle for commanding views over the sea and rooftops below. 

Stop for a pint at the legendary White Rose pub or stroll the promenade in search of ice-cream and strong Italian espresso. Spoiler: you won’t have to go far! Joe’s ice-cream parlour is the most famous, while Verdi’s, Castellamare and Forte’s serve up spectacular views of the Mumble Lighthouse alongside their luscious scoops.

Don’t miss the Victorian pier and historic lifeboat house. If you’re feeling energetic, hike the coast path round to Langland and Caswell Bay, which are among the most beautiful beaches on the Gower peninsula . Croeso i Gymru!

Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders

St Davids in Pembrokeshire  is a very special destination in South Wales. Not only is it the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales, St David, but also holds the title of the smallest city in the UK.

It’s a charming city. The main street is lined with independent retailers, coffee shops and traditional food and craft stores. And it all leads to St David’s Cathedral, the centrepiece of the city.

Inside the cathedral, a visit to the shrine of St David is a must. It’s said that three visits to St Davids is equal to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem! Next door to the cathedral is the Bishops Palace, mostly in ruins but still an inspirational place to have a look around.

A short walk or drive from the centre of St David’s, you will discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Wales. Relax at the beach, or take a boat ride to see the coastal wildlife.

Recommended by: Catalin, TravelTrained

Located between Aberthaw and Porthcawl, Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a 14-mile-long breathtaking coastline pampered with incredible views and stunning landscapes.

The best way to explore this incredible place is on foot or by bicycle. There are a few small villages around with good places to stop for food and drink.

If you decide to visit, make sure you will stop by the Lighthouse at Nash Point, St Donat’s Castle, and Holy Trinity Church. And be sure to sample the wine at Llanerch Vineyard or Glyndwr Vineyard. There is an app available where you can find 10 different Vale Trails.

Recommended by: Claire, Tin Box Traveller

A must-visit destination in Carmarthenshire in South Wales is Pembrey Country Park. It’s somewhere you can indulge in outdoor activities, enjoy a walk, or simply relax on the stunning eight-mile-long sandy beach. It also has a campsite, so you can kick back and stay for a while.

This 500-acre country park is a particular favourite with families. There’s a model railway, adventure playgrounds, toboggan run, and endless picnic spots. Sporty visitors have a choice of cycle trails, archery lessons and a dry ski slope.

Whatever you chose to do here you must spend some time on Cefn Sidan Beach. It’s one of Europe’s best, and comes with dune-backed golden sand and panoramic views across Carmarthen Bay. There’s even the odd shipwreck.

Find out more about Pembrey Country Park and more  things to do in Carmarthenshire .

Recommended by:  Alice from  Adventures of Alice

Located in the National Showcaves Centre in Wales, Dan yr Ogof is a system of intricate cave tunnels. They offer a unique underground experience suitable for any type of traveller, from couples to a family getaway. Situated just 15 miles southwest of Brecon, you can even make a weekend of your visit and camp onsite. They also have a campervan park and self-catering accommodation.

The National Showcaves Centre is actually a collection of three different caves: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Dan-yr-Ogof was discovered in 1912, at the point where the river Llynfell comes out of the mountain.

You can walk along the beautiful passageways for just under 1km, passing some of the interesting formations. This includes the infamous “Rasher of Bacon”, the heavenly “Angel” and the “Alabaster Pillar”. This gorgeous natural wonder is one of the best places to visit in South Wales and you definitely won’t be disappointed!

Recommended by: Bart & Andy – The Jetset Boyz

No visit to South Wales is complete without a trip to Porthcawl. Three of Porthcawl’s seven bays hold Blue Flag status, with two being great surfing spots. Rest Bay offers consistent breaks, while Coney Beach offers perfect waves for beginners.

If you want to catch your thrills out of the water, head to the Coney Beach Pleasure Park for all the fun of a traditional fair at Wales’ cheapest amusement park.

One of Porthcawl’s claims to fame is that it hosts the world’s biggest Elvis Festival . Every year in late September, the town welcomes 35,000 visitors and a host of Elvis impersonators from around the world for a weekend dedicated to The King. The event has been named by Time Out as one of the “40 best things to do in the world”.

Recommended by: Anna, Really Wildlife

Located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Skomer Island is one of the best places in south Wales to visit if you’re a nature lover. To reach it, take a 15-minute boat journey from Martin’s Haven – and make sure you have your camera ready! 

Once on the island, you’ll see incredible birdlife, including razorbills, guillemots and the largest known concentration of Manx shearwaters in the world. But the biggest draw of Skomer Island is its population of over 20,000 puffins who nest, breed and raise their young on the island.

These adorable birds treat visitors to close-up sightings as they land home from sea with mouths full of sand eels to feed their pufflings. 

Travel along Skomer’s walking trails to take in the puffins’ various nesting sites, as well as cliffs and beaches full of seals too.

Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja

Hay-on-Wye is a small, quaint town in the Wye Valley, just next to the English border. Known as the “Town of Books,” one of the main reasons people visit is to peruse the numerous bookstores – there are over 20 here! A few of the best ones to check out are Richard Booths, Addymans Books, and the honesty bookshop outside Hay Castle.

Time your trip around the Hay Festival , a literature and arts festival that takes place around the end of May.

If the weather is nice, take a walk out to the Warren, a pretty meadow just outside of town, or hike up Hay Bluff for beautiful scenery. If you’re interested in the outdoors, Hay-on-Wye is also close to the Brecon Beacons National Park . So it makes an ideal stopping place on a visit to South Wales.

Recommended by: Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of three national parks in Wales, and the smallest among the  national parks in UK .  With a wide variety of landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs to moorlands, the Pembrokeshire coast offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. 

As an undisputed coastal national park, Pembroke Coastal Path National Trail spans over 186 miles of stunning coastline in Britain. Starting from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the South, the trail is punctuated with blue flag beaches, limestone cliffs, red sandstone bays and rugged volcanic headlands. Not to forget the thriving habitats it creates for an array of flora and fauna.  

One of the best ways to experience Pembrokeshire Coast is to put on your welly boots and go for a coastal walk. There are myriad circular and linear walking paths to choose from.  Some of the popular beaches include Barafundle Bay, Broadhaven, Poppit Sands, Tenby and Whitesands Bay. 

Recommended by: Larch, The Silver Nomad

The majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey in  Monmouthshire   sit overlooking the River Wye on the boundary between Wales and England. Founded on 9th May 1131 by white-robed Cistercian monks, it was the first Cistercian church in Wales.

Tintern Abbey started life as simple timber buildings which progressed into a stone church and cloisters. In 1269 building of the new abbey church was started funded by the Marcher lords’ patronage. Although the new Abbey was consecrated in 1301 construction did not finish for several decades.

In August 1536, Tintern became one of the casualties of King Henry VIII’s English Reformation of the churches and the gothic Abbey slowly declined into ruins it is today.

Walking around Tintern Abbey, you cannot help but marvel at the architecture and grandeur. The ruins are accessible to visitors and you can walk around cloisters, nave, infirmary and kitchens, though some areas are being renovated.

A small town on the Tâf estuary on Carmarthen Bay, Laugharne is best known for being the home of Wales’ most famous English-language poet, Dylan Thomas. Thomas once described it as the “strangest town in Wales”, but he was fascinated by Laugharne.

The Boathouse , where Thomas spent the last few years of his tragically short life, offers up incredible views of the estuary and the Gower beyond. Today, its a heritage centre – and there’s also a tearoom and art gallery. So you can visit to learn a little more about the writer – and enjoy some of the views which inspired him!

While in Laugharne, you should also visit the ruins of the 12th-century Norman castle, and head into the estuary to enjoy the local wildlife. The area is perfect for birdwatching, especially in winter when there are flocks of wading birds feeding on the mud flats.

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

Cardigan Bay stretches from Bardsea Island in Gwynedd, all the way down to Stumble Head in Pembrokeshire. It’s a beautiful part of Wales, with hidden coves, sandy beaches, and coastal paths to explore on foot or by bike. Some of the best  glamping sites in Wales  can be found near Cardigan Bay too, so it’s a great place for outdoor adventure holidays.  

Get the adrenaline pumping with a sailing or kayaking tour of the bay, while you keep your eyes peeled for dolphins jumping through the waves.

Back on shore, there are several golden sand beaches to discover, from the sunny stretch at Aberporth that is popular with families, to the secret cove at Mwnt which also has a small clifftop chapel. For colourful Georgian houses and delicious seafood, head up to the charming harbour town of Aberaeron. Or for some culture visit the 12th-century castle in historic Cardigan.

One of the South Wales Valleys, the Vale of Neath encompasses the upper reaches of the River Neath. The valley is known for its stunning scenery and numerous waterfalls. There are several waterfall walks and trails to explore the area, from the easier walks such as Aberdulais Falls to the more challenging trails around Sgwd Gwladys at Pontneddfechan.

Don’t miss a trip to the 12th-century Neath Abbey, or the 14th-century castle in the town of Neath. Neath town centre, with its thriving indoor market and great foodie scene, makes an ideal base for exploring the Vale.

READ MORE: 11 Best Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

Fans of the beloved British sitcom Gavin and Stacey won’t want to miss a trip to Barry Island! Known for its retro seafront and Pleasure Park, Barry Island featured pretty prominently in the show.

But Barry is about more than Gavin and Stacey! The island has attracted visitors since the 1870s, so it’s a great spot to visit while in South Wales. Expect the quintessential British seaside holiday at Barry! Visit the golden sands of Whitmore Bay beach, lined with brightly coloured beach huts. Play a round of adventure golf, and – of course – enjoy the thrills of Barry Island Pleasure Park.

Ideally placed between Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff the Welsh Capital, Merthyr Tydfil is one of the best places to visit in South Wales. Especially because this is the home of the Brecon Mountain Railway , a heritage steam railway running from Pant to Torpantu.

A journey on board the classic steam train will take you into the Brecon Beacons National Park, along the full length of the stunning Taf Fechan Reservoir.

In Merthyr Tydfil town, the spectacular Cefn Coed Viaduct once formed part of the same railway. Today, it’s part of the Taff Trail on the National Cycleway. So you can bike across the viaduct’s fifteen arches for some stunning views!

Last, but not least, on this list of the best places to visit in South Wales, we have Caerphilly. Famed for its incredible 13-century castle – as well as for the crumbly cheese of the same name – the town of Caerphilly sits at the southern end of the Rhymney Valley. 

Caerphilly Castle dominates the town. The largest castle in Wales, and the second-largest in Britain, this is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

The imposing lakeside fortress spans some 30 acres, filled with massive walls, gatehouses, and towers. Including the ‘the Welsh Tower of Pisa’; a wonky medieval tower with a serious lean!

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6 thoughts on “23 of the Best Places to Visit in South Wales”

Hi Emily, I was just so amazed after reading this post about south wales, Basically, I was just seeking the best place to visit in South Wales. I wish could get there this year. Thank You for this amazing information sharing with us!

Thanks so much Ashkay!! Hopefully you do manage to get there soon :)

Very informative well done for capturing the best of the best In S Wales.

Thank you so much!

This is wonderful! I’ve been planning to visit South Wales from the US, and now more than ever. If I were to take in all 23 attractions/sites, how long of a trip should I plan? I was originally planning 2+ weeks.

Wales is fairly small so I think you could cover a lot of the south in 2 weeks. As an example driving from Cardiff to St Davids only takes about 3 hours. If you’ll be driving, you can get around to most of these places pretty easily and combine a few into one day. I’d suggest at least 2 days in Cardiff, 2 in the Brecon Beacons, 2-3 on the Gower and 2-3 on the Pembroke coast. If you plan on doing any hiking or full day activities you’ll want more time.

Hope that helps :)

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales, UK

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

South Wales incorporates the Welsh capital of Cardiff, along with some of the country's loveliest scenery. Little surprise, then, that this beautiful region consistently ranks as one of the top places to visit in the UK.

Easily accessible from England – the city of Bristol is just a short drive away – the region is also a popular holiday destination thanks to the spectacular Brecon Beacons, home to Pen y Fan, the highest mountain south of Snowdonia . This beautiful region also consists of the magnificent South Wales Valleys, an area once famous for its coal, as well as the Wye Valley, the Vale of Usk, and the beautiful Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

If you only have a day or two in your UK travel itinerary to see Wales, you couldn't do much better than spending it exploring the many picturesque valleys and small old mining communities found here. You'll discover extremely friendly people and attractive towns and villages bursting with traditional Welsh culture, many of them home to unique hotels and inns, museums, and shops.

See the best of this region with our list of the top tourist attractions in South Wales, UK.

1. The Welsh Capital of Cardiff

2. experience "wild wales" in the brecon beacons national park, 3. explore brecon's spectacular waterfalls, 4. st. fagans national museum of history, cardiff, 5. dan yr ogof and the national showcaves centre for wales, 6. explore glamorgan's heritage coast, 7. carreg cennen castle, 8. visit the vale of neath, 9. welsh mining experience, 10. the wye valley and tintern abbey, 11. merthyr tydfil, 12. the big pit national coal museum, 13. llancaiach fawr manor, 14. the town of books: hay-on-wye, map of tourist attractions in south wales, uk.

The capital of Wales is undoubtedly one of the most attractive cities in the UK. Which is why Cardiff (Caerdydd) is a must-visit destination when exploring South Wales, and makes a great base from which to venture forth on exciting day trips and adventures .

In addition to the famous (and well-preserved) Cardiff Castle , the city is also well-known for its large harbor area, now home to numerous fine cultural opportunities. Once one of the busiest ports in the UK, much of Cardiff Bay has been extensively redeveloped and now comprises close to 2,700 acres of luxury housing and commercial buildings, including a rich mix of offices, restaurants, and shops.

There are also numerous entertainment and cultural facilities, too, including a theater and science center (Techniquest). Topping this list are state-of-the-art sports amenities, including a man-made white water rafting center, and numerous parks, along with a nature preserve.

Cardiff is also a very popular shopping destination, with tourists flocking here to explore its many well-preserved Victorian-era shopping arcades.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Cardiff

The Brecon Beacons, less than an hour's drive north of Cardiff, is widely considered one of the most beautiful parts of Wales , if not Britain. This stunning region boasts an extremely diverse landscape, which features native deciduous trees along with North American conifers and broad swaths of moorland.

The best way to sample this naturally beautiful region is to plan a visit to Brecon Beacons National Park. Founded in 1957 and famous for its wild ponies, this 519-square-miles borders the Black Mountains to the west, and to the east, another mountain range, also called the Black Mountains.

Most of the park's peaks are more than 1,000 feet high, while many reach in excess of 2,000 feet. Formed from red sandstone, it's said they look like beacons, hence their name. However, the name may also derive from the fires lit on the peaks as warning signals during the Middle Ages.

One of the most popular things to do here is hiking, with many of the best trails also doubling as biking routes. You'll also find an array of accommodation options, from quaint bed-and-breakfasts and hotels to camping and even "glamping."

For a truly memorable experience, combine a stay here with a look at the night sky. Brecon Beacons has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2013.

Address: Plas y Ffynnon, Cambrian Way, Brecon, Wales

Official site: www.beacons-npa.gov.uk

Brecon Beacons National Park also contains a number of lovely waterfalls, and a day could easily be spent simply wandering the park to visit them. The most famous of the park's four largest waterfalls is the 90-foot-high Henryd Falls at Coelbren, the highest in Wales. An easy walking trail spans the stream leading to the pool at the bottom of the falls and makes for a fun hike.

Another waterfall worth visiting in "Waterfall Country" is Blaen-y-Glyn. Fed by the River Caerfanell and Nant Bwrefwr, it's accessible by a number of hiking trails. Finally, be sure to also visit Sgwd yr Eira. This picturesque falls is popular for the narrow pathway that actually takes you behind the cascade of water as it plummets into the pool at its base.

A popular hike if you can spare a few hours is the fun Four Falls walk. This scenic adventure can take three to four hours, depending on your pace - and picnic stops. It starts at Cwm Porth and loops around the park, taking in such sights as the beautiful Blue Pool, as well as the Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the Sgwd yr Eira falls.

Fresh from a multi-million-pound makeover, St. Fagans National Museum of History ("Sain Ffagan" in Welsh) is one of the best places to visit in Wales for those wanting to learn more about the history of this tiny but influential country.

Located a few miles west of Cardiff's city center and easy to get to via public transport, St. Fagan's was established on 100 acres on an Elizabethan-era country estate in the 1940s to celebrate and preserve Welsh culture. Much changed over the years and now boasting more than 40 re-erected original structures representing Welsh buildings over the centuries, it's widely regarded as one of the best open-air museums in the UK.

Highlights include the reproduction of stone age homes and farms from the Iron Ages, as well as buildings known to have been around in medieval times and used by Welsh royalty. Representing more "modern" times are a schoolhouse, workshops and forges, two working watermills, and even a church.

A restaurant is located on-site, and guided tours, workshops, and seasonal events are available. You can also explore the gardens and interior of the historic St. Fagans manor house.

Location: West Cardiff, Wales

Official site: https://museum.wales/stfagans/

Another must-see natural attraction in South Wales is Dan yr Ogof. Located in the upper part of the Tawe Valley, Dan yr Ogof is full of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as many magnificent passages and chambers. All told, this spectacular network of caves stretches over 10 miles, with some of the most accessible areas floodlit.

Part of a major tourist attraction called the National Showcaves Centre for Wales , the site also includes the Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave, as well as a replica Iron Age village. Also worth seeing are the ancient stone circles.

For those traveling with kids, there's also a fun dinosaur park, which is home to an impressive collection of over 200 life-size replica dinosaurs. Camping and self-catering accommodations are also available for those wanting to prolong their visit.

Also worth checking out is the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre. Set on 50 acres, this authentic Victorian farm features both local and exotic species, an indoor playground, a campground, and many examples of the famous Shire horses that once worked the country's many farms.

Location: Abercraf, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.showcaves.co.uk

Extending from Porthcawl to Aberthaw, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a 14-mile-long stretch of spectacular scenery. It's easy to get to from Cardiff and has become increasingly popular among hikers and cyclists.

A good place to start exploring is at the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre in Dunraven Park located at the western most point of the coastline. In addition to its interesting displays relating to the area's history, flora, and fauna, including interactive educational games for kids, you're just steps away from the spectacular cliffs and limestone formations of Dunraven Bay.

Other attractions include Nash Point , notable for its beautiful views, ancient Iron Age fortification, and lighthouse, plus easy-to-spot fossils, as well as the rocky beaches of Aberthaw, a popular spot for wildlife viewing, fishing, and surfing. Also worth a visit, the beach at Cwm Col-huw is a picture-perfect spot for a picnic or birdwatching in the nearby nature reserve.

Address: 2 Beach Road, Southerndown, Bridgend, Wales

After visiting spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle, it's easy to see why the site was chosen for a fortress. Towering over a great crag almost 300 feet above the River Cennen, the castle offers outstanding sightseeing views over Brecon Beacons National Park and the surrounding countryside.

Famously painted by Turner, one of Britain's most well-known landscape artists, it's one of only a handful of privately owned castles in Wales. Indeed, a fascinating story tells how the current owners mistakenly paid the paltry sum of only £100 for it as part of the farmland they purchased.

Today, the ruins of Carreg Cennen are fun to explore. So, too, are the property's cave and hiking trails. Afterwards, explore the authentic Welsh hill farm, enjoy refreshments in the tearoom, and pick up some souvenirs in the gift shop.

Address: Trapp, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Official site: www.carregcennencastle.com

The River Neath, which enters the Bristol Channel at Swansea, has carved itself into the exposed carbon layers at a depth of about 1,313 feet. In doing so, it cut off the coal seams that in the 18th and 19th century lead to the development of heavy industry here.

These days, it's all about tourism in this picturesque area, which boasts a number of pleasant walking trails. Highlights include Aberdulais Falls , an impressive example of how water can provide the energy needed for industrial purposes and which allows visitors a close-up look at Europe's largest electricity generating waterwheel.

Also nearby is Neath Abbey . This Cistercian abbey was founded by Richard de Granville in 1130 and later converted into an Elizabethan mansion. The market town of Neath is also worth a visit, and is home to the ruins of Neath Castle, an impressive Norman structure built in the 12th century.

Rhondda's surviving colliery buildings have been converted into a fascinating heritage center, Rhondda Heritage Park. Billed as the Welsh Mining Experience, here visitors can travel through time in an elevator to "Pit Bottom" down one of the original mine shafts.

There's also a recreation of the working Lewis Merthyr Colliery of the 1950s and a multi-media exhibit about the history of coal mining in the area. Exciting Black Gold Experience Underground Tours are led by former colliery workers; the mine closed in 1983, as did most of the more than 53 working collieries in the area.

Above ground, a replica village street showcases the lifestyles of area residents who depended upon coal extraction for their livelihoods. For those wanting to stay on-site, the Heritage Park Hotel offers reasonably priced accommodations and is a particularly fun option during special events and occasions, such as Halloween and Christmas. Also worth a visit is Caffe Bracchi, an on-site restaurant offering a variety of food and beverage options.

Address: Rhondda Heritage Park, Coedcae Road, South Wales

Official site: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark/Home.aspx

While not solely a Welsh area, as it extends northwards from Monmouthshire into neighboring England, the Wye Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a worthwhile stop for visitors to South Wales. Here, you'll be rewarded with a chance to explore some of the prettiest, and certainly most striking, landscapes in the UK.

Stretching some 45 miles along a lower section of the River Wye, the most scenic parts of the valley are a mix of spectacular limestone gorges and thick forests . Here, you'll find a rich bounty of wildlife, including falcons and hawks, making it a popular area for bird-watching.

The human element is important here, too. Notable man-made additions to this beautiful rural setting include Tintern Abbey , a 12th-century abbey located in the quaint village of Tintern. This well-preserved religious site has been the subject of many poems, perhaps most famously William Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey , widely regarded as some of the Romantic poet's best writing.

For those wanting to learn more about the abbey's strong connection to the arts, as well as its long, rich history, the on-site visitor center is worth a stop.

Official site: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tintern-abbey

Just 23 miles north of Cardiff, the town of Merthyr Tydfil is a great place from which to begin exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park. Not only is it on the National Cycle Route, it's also where you'll find the Brecon Mountain Railway .

This wonderful narrow-gauge heritage railway travels five miles into the Brecon Beacons. Due to its ability to reach remote corners of the region that are inaccessible to cars, it's as popular with hikers as it is with steam enthusiasts.

Another area attraction worth visiting is Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery located in an impressive Industrial Age mansion built for William Crawshay II, the local iron magnate. The castle itself hosts numerous cultural and musical events throughout the year, too, while the historic Old Town Hall has been converted into the Red House arts center.

Blaenavon is one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional South Wales iron and coal town. Although part of the town dates from the late 1780s, most of its buildings are representative of an early to mid-Victorian Welsh industrial community, with much of it built before 1870.

The town is famous for the Blaenavon's ironworks , also known as "Big Pit" (Pwll Mawr), the old blast furnaces and foundries of which are now part of the fascinating Big Pit National Coal Museum. Even the tower of the hydraulic lift, used to raise the ore-laden iron wagons, has survived.

Things to do here include touring the workshops, winding engines, and workers' residential areas (admission to these is free). Entry to the 328-foot-deep shaft as part of the Real Underground Experience gives visitors a first-hand impression of the tough life of a miner. Tours below ground, sometimes led by former miners, require warm clothing.

Address: Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales

Official site: www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit/

North of Cardiff is the award-winning Llancaiach Fawr living history museum. Colorfully costumed guides show visitors around this fully restored 16th-century manor house overlooking the Glamorgan Uplands.

If available, be sure to join one of the fun evening ghost tours, or time your visit to coincide with seasonal events at Christmas. A variety of fun educational workshops are also regularly hosted.

Also worth a visit are the home's historic gardens , which contain many of the original plant species grown here in the 1550s and serve as a popular backdrop for weddings. A tea room and gift shop are also located on-site.

Address: Trelewis, Nelson, Treharris, Wales

Official site: www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk/en/

Another must-visit in South Wales is the small market town of Hay-on-Wye. Best known as the site of Britain's top book festival, Hay, as it is most often referred to, boasts some 20 or so bookstores.

Started in 1988 as a means of generating tourism, the 10-day Hay Festival of Literature & Arts - usually simply known as the Hay Festival - is held in late May to early June and attracts visitors from far and wide, along with some of the world's leading writers. In more recent years, a combined music and philosophy festival called "How the Light Gets In" has also sprung up and draws a large audience each May.

Be sure to include Hay Castle on your itinerary, too. Built originally as a medieval fortress, you'll see that a spectacular 17th-century manor home now dominates the site, incorporating into its design many elements of the earlier structure.

Address: The Drill Hall, 25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, Wales

Official site: http://hayfestival.com/home

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Other Areas to Explore: If you have time for an extended trip through the country, be sure to use our Top Attractions in Wales article to help you plan. For more details on regional attractions and things to do, turn to our pieces on the Top Attractions of North Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coastline .

More on Wales

Things to do in South Wales: a guide for visitors

South Wales is a beautiful part of the world where there are lots of things to see and do. From hiking in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park to exploring the capital city of Cardiff, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Easy to explore via road or the rail network, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip, weekend break or a longer holiday. 

1.  Hiking in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Wales is fortunate enough to have three National Parks within its borders, and along with Eryri in North Wales  and the Pembrokeshire coastline, the glorious Bannau Brycheiniog are a nature lovers’ paradise. 

Named for the warning fires that were lit across the hills whenever invasion was a threat, the Bannau Brycheiniog include the Black Mountains and Pen y Fan, the tallest mountain in South Wales, with its peak 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea level. Formed from the easily recognisable Old Red Sandstone, the dramatic colour is due to the presence of iron oxide, and seams can be spotted on the open cliff faces from a great distance. 

The hills are known for their vast abundance of flora and fauna, including red kites, horseshoe bats, and the beautiful purple-flowered saxifrage. There’s even a herd of wild ponies. The park also has a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including night-time stargazing, touring the caves that lie beneath the hills, or guided climbs to encourage everyone to get out and experience nature at its very best.  

• Location: 13 miles from Merthyr Tydfil station
• Enjoy the great outdoors
• Bannau Brycheiniog website

2. Explore Cardiff

The Welsh capital of Cardiff lies in the country’s southeast corner, and it combines a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture with a rich and varied history. Offering a vast range of activities and attractions, it’s easy to find the perfect way to spend the day. 

For adrenaline junkies, head for Cardiff Bay where you’ll find the International White Water centre . Try white water rafting, paddle boarding or kayak your way around a gruelling obstacle course, before recovering at one of the many cafes and bars around the waterside. If culture is your thing, the Wales Millennium Centre offers a packed programme of events, from art shows to stand-up comedy to live music, while the city’s many museums showcase fascinating collections of artefacts - both international and locally sourced.  

• Fun for all the family
• Shop till you drop
• Soak up the local history

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3. Visit Swansea and the Gower Peninsula

Swansea and Gower are a must-see for any traveller. With its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and rolling green hills, the Peninsula is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ringed by pristine golden sands, the environment is rich and diverse and brings wild, rugged moorland, dramatic cliff faces, and wooded glens together with a wide variety of animal and bird species. These include marine mammals such as seals, and dolphins, along with gannets, kestrels and the rarely seen chough.

The nearby city of Swansea and its headland, the curiously named Mumbles , are well worth a visit. Jam-packed with local charm, the name is said to have come from the French for ‘the breasts’ - les mamelles, in reference to the two island mounds that make up the headland. An alternative source is a corruption of the word ‘mamma’ or mother after a local river goddess.   Swansea is warm and welcoming, with the Grade II listed Cathedral Church of Saint Joseph at its spiritual heart, while the remains of the 12th-century castle occupy the physical heart. Both should be on any visitor's must-see list. The Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas used to work for the South Wales Daily Post which, in the 1930s was housed in one of the castle’s remaining rooms. A museum dedicated to his life and works can be found nearby.  

• Designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty
• Spend a day on the stunning beach
• Lots to explore

4. Take a ride on Blaenavon's Heritage Railway

Blaenavon's Heritage Railway is a 5.6 km (3.5 miles) standard-gauge heritage railway. Run by keen volunteers, the route begins south of Blaenavon and travels along the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, through the Blaenavon World Heritage site. 

Carrying passengers, the railway operates both steam and diesel engines and has a full programme of popular events throughout the year. These include Santa trips at Christmas, steam train galas and spooky ghost hunting tours at Halloween. Big and little kids alike will love the excitement of travelling on these wonderful old trains.

• Free parking
• Blaenavon's Heritage Railway website

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5. The Vale of Neath

The Vale of Neath is home to waterfall country . Start your adventure at Pontneddfechan where you’ll find details of how to find such landmarks as Sgwd Gwladys, Melincourt Falls, Aberdulais and Sgwd yr Eira, on the fringes of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Penderyn Distillery is based in the small rural village of Penderyn in the Cynon Valley. It is the first Welsh whisky producer since the 19th century and has won awards for its less-is-more approach to producing quality single malts. Penderyn Visitor's Centre has tours, tasting sessions and masterclasses, as well as an exhibition of whisky-making in Wales.

Another must-see natural attraction in the Vale of Neath is Dan yr Ogof . The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is full of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as many magnificent passages and chambers. You can also see over 200 life size dinosaurs, discover fossils that are millions of years old and visit the iron age village. 

For those that love the outdoors, then the Vale of Neath is a must-do because the quality of the mountain biking trails of Afan Forest Park in Neath Port Talbot draws visitors from all corners of Britain. You can bring your own bikes or hire them to try out the six trails - ranging from Blue to Black. There are many other attractions besides, including walks through the beautiful, calming forest trails, and the South Wales Miners Museum. 

• Family fun 
• Explore the great outdoors
• Museums and heritage sites

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6. Royal Mint Experience

You can explore 1100 years of history at the Royal Mint, a great day out for all the family especially if the weather isn’t too good. It’s your chance to find out how coins are made and watch the money-makers at work when you experience the fascinating guided factory tour. There is also an interactive exhibition that lets you follow the lifecycle of a coin from design to distribution, with plenty of rare coins and medals for you to look at.

• Great for history lovers
• 20 minutes away from Pontyclun train station

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7. Big Pit National Coal Museum 

Coal mining is a huge part of Wales’ history. Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the miners and the work they did on this site in the South Wales Valleys. Get kitted up with a miner’s helmet and battery pack then travel 300 feet (100 metres) underground to find out what being down the mines was like. There’s an on-site exhibition to stroll through and there are often events and workshops to take part in. It’s a great day out for all the family.

• Children welcome
• Has accessibility facilities
• Pet friendly

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8. St Fagans National Museum of History

Standing on beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Cardiff, St Fagans Museum is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It is a people’s museum where you can explore history in over 50 original buildings from different locations in Wales that have been re-built. Each building is frozen in time and offers a fascinating insight into Welsh history. It really is a lovely day out for all the family. 

• St Fagans National Museum of History website
• 2 miles from Waun-Gron Park Station
• Booking for events available 

9. Brecon Mountain Railway

No visit to South Wales is complete for railway enthusiasts without a trip to the Brecon Mountain Railway. The railway was built on a section of the old Brecon and Merthyr railway. The Brecon and Merthyr railway opened in 1863 to join the towns to the docks at Newport. It was a rural line crossing the remote Bannau Brycheiniog. The old line closed in 1962.

You can visit the workshops and learn more about the restoration of steam locomotives and carriages. There are also some lovely tearooms and a children’s play area. 

• Great fun for the entire family
• Beautiful landscape 
• Brecon Mountain Railway  website

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10. Margam Park

Nestled in the hillside above Port Talbot, Margam Park is a great family day out with historic buildings, walking trails, play parks and water-based adventure. There are deer roaming freely around the grounds and hundreds of acres of parkland to explore. There’s also a regular programme of events so check out what’s on before you plan your visit.  

• Family fun day
• Children's Fairytale Village

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• Did you know? Travel safer You can plan ahead and decide when to travel using our Capacity Checker. Check capacity

Discover more destinations

20 Beautiful (& Unique) Places To Visit In Wales: 2024 Guide

Wales is the smallest country on the Isle of Great Britain. It’s so small you can travel the length of this mountainous land in under five hours!

However, despite its small size Wales definitely packs a big punch and a visit to this culturally rich country should not be rushed.

With over 600 castles, Wales is referred to as the castle capital of Europe. There are nearly 33,000km of walking paths to wander and 3 national parks explore. There are award winning beaches, the fastest zipline in the world, a language as old as the Britons, oh and we have a dragon as our national flag!

Have I sold you on it yet?

Despite spending the last decade travelling the world, I always look forward to coming home and exploring more of what my Welsh homeland has to offer.

So, as a proud Welsh woman born and bred in the valleys of South Wales, I want to share my thoughts on the best places to visit in Wales.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Map Of The Top Places To Visit In Wales

The 20 Best Places To Visit In Wales

1.  yr wyddfa (mount snowdon) – visit wales’ highest peak.

As a country carved by glaciers in the last ice age, many of the top attractions in Wales involve our most plentiful asset – mountains. It’s quite fitting therefore, that the top thing to do in Wales is to visit the country’s highest mountain, Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa as it is now officially known. 

Yr Wyddfa is found in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park , which offers spectacular vistas around every corner and has recently been added to the UNESO World Heritage List. It’s the first of 3 National Parks in this list.

Yr Wyddfa is 1085m and is the only major peak in the UK to have a train that runs to the summit. For this quirky uniqueness alone, it’s worth taking a ride on the Snowdon Mountain railway .  

Alternatively, for the full mountain experience I recommend hiking to the top. There are several hiking routes to the summit of Snowdon, which I describe in detail in this handy guide .  If you’re a mountain lover who wants to enjoy a quieter hike in Snowdonia National Park, take a look at this guide .

Prefer not to walk alone? If you’re looking for a Mountain Leader to guide you on a mountain adventure, please contact me here to discuss rates and availability.

Related Reading

• Top spots for winter camping in Wales
• Beautiful Landscape Photographs of Wales
• The 50 highest mountains in Wales

2. Bike Park Wales – Hit world leading mountain bike trails in the South Wales Valleys

Wales has a great network of cycle routes to enjoy but for more adventurous mountain biking, I highly recommend a trip to Bike Park Wales on the outskirts of my home town, Merthyr Tydfil.

Situated on a forested hillside, Bike Park Wales is the only mountain biking centre in the UK that provides an uplift service. That means you get all the fun of the downhill without all the effort of the uphill. Winner!

At Bike Park Wales there are 40 colour graded trails for all abilities. They offer bike rental, coaching sessions and have a cafe which even serves bottles of their locally brewed ale. Popularity here has soared in recent years so be sure to book your passes in advance .

For more things to do in Merthyr Tydfil, take a look at this guide .

3. Anglesey – Hike the coast and relax on the beaches

Anglesey or Ynys Mon is Wales’ largest island and offers visitors an array of activities to enjoy. Much of the coastline around Anglesey has been declared An Area of Outstanding Beauty, making it a beautiful place to visit in Wales. The coastline is ideal for walkers and many of the beaches are Award Winning.

In the south west you can visit a town with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

If you buy me a pint I’ll say it for you 😉

The town was given this name by a local man as a marketing ploy and you have to admit it works! In the south east you can visit the moated castle of Beaumaris, which was the last of Edward I’s castles.

However, my personal favourite thing to do in Angelsey is to visit the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. With it’s picturesque lighthouse and the 16th century chapel St Dwynwen (the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers), it’s surly one of the top places to go in Wales.

Discover Anglesey at your own pace with this self guided audio tour!

4.  Zipworld – Experience the worlds fastest zipline

ZIpworld has helped transform some of Wales’ old quarries and mines into fun outdoor adventure playgrounds. Zipworld has several sites in North Wales and a newly opened site in South Wales.

At Bounce Below you can jump around on trampolines in a dimly lit slate cavern which is a serious amount of fun, although massively exhausting! At Penrhyn Quarry you can race around on go-karts or if you’re brave enough try out Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zipline.

Other activities include roller coasters, tree top wires and even plummeting 100ft from a trap door!

Discover an epic 2 week Welsh road trip itinerary in this guide!

5. St David’s: Visit the smallest city in Wales

St David’s is a charming little city in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. In fact, it is the smallest city in the UK and about as far west as you can go in Wales. The city is built on the site of a monastery founded by the patron saint of Wales, St David ( Dewi Sant )

Given the history of this city your trip should, of course, include a visit to St David’s Cathedral. Also pay a visit to the adjacent medieval ruins of Bishops Palace.

After the history fix is complete be sure to wander around the pretty narrow streets, peeking your head into the numerous art galleries, cafes and it’s one and only pub! Then head out to the stunning Whitesands Bay.

From this sandy beach you can enjoy some of the best surfing Wales has to offer. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, visit St Davids Head for a breath taking walk around the peninsula. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and seals!

For your perfect stay in St Davids, try the gorgeous LLety Farm .

Check out the video below to see if you can spot seals hanging out at St davids Head!

6.  Cardiff – Explore Wales’ capital city

Not all capital cities are worth a visit but Cardiff most certainly is. Cardiff is a vibrant city which has a little something for everyone and makes it one of the best places to go in Wales.

At the centre of the city there is (of course!) a castle. Opposite Cardiff Castle you can find the Victorian Arcades which are filled with boutique shops. Join this Alleyways and Avenue Tour to find the best spots. The nearby streets are filled with restaurants and bars which offer a great night out, especially after a Welsh rugby match! 

For an exploration of the seafront head out to Cardiff Bay Barrage, which is Europe’s largest waterfront. If you’re looking for adventure here, try white water rafting or indoor surfing at Cardiff International White Water. The Bay is also home to the Senedd and is therefore the beating heart of Welsh Politics.

If you’re a Doctor Who fan you’ll know Cardiff is where this series is filmed and you can embark on your very own Doctor Who tour ! Or for the Gavin and Stacey fans, go behind the scenes at Barry Island in this half day tour . 

Extend your time in Cardiff with one of the top accommodation options below.

• Future Inn Cardiff Bay (⭐4, 📈8.3, Cardiff Bay, top location: 1.2 miles from city centre, £)
• The Parkgate Hotel (📈8.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.2 miles from city centre, ££)
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff (⭐4, 📈7.6, situated in the heart of Cardiff, 0.3 miles from city centre, £)

7.  Portmeirion – Experience a slice of Italy

Portmeirion is a quaint, Italian-inspired seaside town on the coast of Northwest Wales. I’ll be honest and say I found the visit a little strange as it’s sort of a themed city. Kinda like visiting Disneyland. However, it is very pretty and definitely one of the must-see places in Wales.

After exploring the small streets and giant chess board (yup!), allow some time to wander down to the waterfront for a stroll around the coast. You could even spend the night in the village at the beautiful Portmeirion Hotel .

What is the best way to explore Portmeirion?

The best way to explore any location/sightseeing is a guided tour, undoubtedly. Portmeirion is not an exception. With “Portmeirion, Castles and Snowdonia Tour” with a dedicated driver and expert local guide you will see so much more of Wales than you could cover independently (11 locations are included on this tour).

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR HERE

8. Hay-on-Wye – Rediscover literature at this market town

Hay-on-Wye is a small market town in the County of Powys, close to the English border. As a child my mum and I would take regular visits to Hay-on-Wye on the hunt for interesting or unusual books.

Today Hay-on-Wye has over twenty bookstores to keep literary lovers enthralled. But a visit to Hay-on-Wye is as much about the buildings that house the books, as it is about the books themselves. The book stores vary from castles to boutique stores, to simple book shelves on the streets. Hay-on-Wye is a delightful place to visit in Wales.

Every year Hay-on-Wye hosts the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, aka the Hay Festival. This festival lasts for 10 days and was described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind.”

If you plan your visit for a Thursday you can also enjoy Market Day, a tradition that has been running in the town for hundreds of years. In the market you can find books (of course), antiques and locally produced food.

Discover all the best things to do in Hay-on-Wye in this guide !

Need somewhere to stay? For a delightful glamping experience, try Golden Valley Shepherds Huts .

9. Govan’s Chapel and the Green Bridge of Wales – Enjoy a beautiful coastal walk

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the gem of West Wales and is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

Founded in the 6th century, St Govan’s is a remarkable little chapel built into the side of a limestone cliff in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. I first discovered St Govan’s purely by accident, whilst doing a hike from Bosherton.

Access to the chapel is a via a steep set of stairs. Legend has it that if you count the stairs on the way down and then again on the way back up, the number is never the same! Surely it’s well worth a visit just to find out?!

5km further around on the Wales Coastal path from St Govan’s you can find another highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast, the Green Bridge of Wales. This is a natural rock arch which has been carved away from the mainland by erosion. You can also find the Elegug sea stacks nearby which were once arches similar to the Green Bridge.

Did you know? The Wales Coastal Path is 870 miles long and is the first path in the world to follow a country’s coastline in its entirety. It has also been voted the second prettiest coastal path in the world!

10. Tenby – Visit Wales’ Prettiest Seaside Town

Wales has many pretty seaside towns which are contenders for this list however my personal favourite is Tenby. I spent many a childhood holiday playing on Tenby’s famous beaches but this seaside town is also packed with charm and history.

Tenby is a historic fishing village in South Wales with gorgeous colourful houses dotted around its harbour. These are best enjoyed with a relaxing stroll during the soft golden tones just before sunset.

In 2019 Castle Beach in Tenby was voted the UK’s best beach by the Sunday Times. This beach is the smallest of Tenby’s beaches. From Castle Beach at low tide you can access St Catherine’s island and fort. To the north of the beach climb the steps to Castle Hill which houses the remains of Tenby Castle. 

To learn all about the best things to do in Tenby, take a look at this guide.

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TENBY

• Giltar Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.4, Tenby, beachfront, £)
• The Park Hotel (⭐3, 📈8.9, Tenby, beachfront, ££)
• Heywood Spa Hotel (⭐4, 📈8.8, Tenby, 0.7 miles from North Tenby Beach, £££)

11. Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons) – Cool off in Waterfall Country

Wales has an abundance of waterfalls and since the country receives so much rain every year they are often flowing at full pace. Many of Wales’ most beautiful waterfalls are spread out around the country, however there is one area in South Wales which has more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in the country. This area is known as Waterfall Country .

In Waterfall Country there are several waterfall trails to enjoy , however the most popular is the Four Falls Trail. On this walk you can visit four waterfalls and at the final fall, Sgwd yr Eira, there is the option to walk behind the powerful cascade.

For more information on the 4 falls trail, take a look at this guide or for more things to do in the Brecon Beacons see this post.

12. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen – Venture along this impressive structure

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen is definitely one of the top things to see in Wales . This 18 arched bridge is the longest aqueduct in Britain and carries the Llangollen canal over the River Dee.

You will need a head for heights if you want to walk over the 306.9m bridge but there are also walking trails which lead both upstream and downstream from the bridge itself. Both of these trails offer fine views of this impressive structure.

13. Conwy Castle – Travel back in time at Conwy

Wales has so many castles you could visit one every day for a year and still not see them all. I even went to school in a castle (very Harry Potter I know!), so deciding which castle to put on this list was a difficult task. However, Conwy Castle is surly one of Wales’ top places to visit and makes it to the top of my Welsh castles list.

Conwy Castle is set on the banks of the river Conwy and has Snowdonia National Park looming in the distance. Conwy castle is arguably the most impressive of Edward I Welsh castles, which UNESCO considers one of the finest examples of 13/14th century military architecture in Europe. Edward’s Welsh castles are another of Wales’ World Heritage sites.

Explore the battlements on your visit and be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. For a self guided audio guide tour of Conwy’s highlights, click here .

Discover more about castles in North Wales in this guide .

14. Elan valley – See epic Victorian dams 

The Elan Valley showcases an epic feat of civil engineering as well as outstanding natural beauty, all in one hit.

Over one hundred years ago the Elan Valley was partly flooded with six dams and reservoirs in order to provide safe drinking water for Birmingham. But this once contentious project built out of necessity, has since become an area for visitors to revel in.

On the Estate there are 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the Claerwen National Nature Reserve. It is the most important area for land birds in Wales and has been awarded International Dark Sky Status.

Try and visit Elan Valley after heavy rain so you can see the dams in full flow. For me, Graig Goch and Pen y Garreg are the most impressive dams on the Elan river but they are all impressive in their own right. Elan valley can be explored on foot but also has great cycle trails, so bring your bike and enjoy cycling through this special part of mid-Wales.

The best part about the Elan Valley is it’s much quieter than some of the other tourist sites in Wales. So make sure you add Elan Valley to your Wales bucket list.

15. Gower Peninsula – Hike the rugged Peninsula 

The Gower was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a visit to this rugged peninsula you’ll quickly discover why. There are cliff-edged hikes to explore, beautiful beaches to relax on and multiple water sports to enjoy.

Located at the far end of the peninsula, Rhossili beach has been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world and I’d certainly recommend a visit. If the tide is right, venture out onto the tidal island of Worm’s Head. This part of the Gower is also popular with surfers and coasteerers. Both super fun activities but brace yourself for the cold waters!

Experience more beautiful Gower beaches at 3 Cliffs bay, Port Eynon and Oxwich or for a pebble beach try Pwll Du. If you’re in need of a castle fix try Woebley, Pennard or Oxwich.

For more information about walks in the Gower, take a look at this guide.

16. Pentre Ifan – See the Stonehenge of Wales

Found in an unassuming field on the Preseli Hills is Wales’ most famous ancient site – Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber. Constructed over 5000 years ago, the remains of this ancient ruin provide a glimpse as to what must have been quite an incredible burial chamber.

Any archaeological buffs out there will also know that the Preseli Hills are also home to Spotted Dolerite – the rocks that form the inner sanctum of Stonehenge. Yes, those world famous rocks were dragged all the way from West Wales to the Salisbury Plain!

Even if you have no interest in Neolithic monuments, it’s very impressive to see a 20 ton capstone precariously balancing on the tips of 3 standing stones. You can push it as much as you like, I promise it doesn’t budge! 

17. Pen y Fan – Hike Southern Britains highest peak

The Brecon Beacons has many great hikes to enjoy from the Sugarloaf in the east to Llyn y Fan Fach in the west. However, the highest and most famous peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park is Pen y Fan.

At 886m Pen y Fan is big enough to warrant a decent workout and there are several routes that lead to the top of this famed peak. The easiest of these trails will take little over an hour but for more experienced hikers there are trails that involve full mountain days.

See my complete guide to hiking Pen y Fan to discover what you can expect on a day spent exploring the Central Beacons. However, if you’d prefer someone else to lead the way up this famous mountain, please get in touch and we can discuss rates and availability.

18. The Blue Lagoon – Paddle boarding, coasteering and more

For an adventurous exploration of Wales’ more modern history, head to the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy. There is a cove near Abereiddy which was once a slate quarry and was active until the early 20th century. When a channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, the Blue Lagoon was formed.

Abandoned quarries and slate mines all around Wales are being given a new lease of life as adventurous destinations (such as those at Zipworld) and the Blue Lagoon is no different. The Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for adventure sports such as coasteering and cliff jumping and has become a tourist hot spot.

Ruined quarry buildings around the lagoon provides evidence of its’ industrial past and add an eerie element to this otherwise beautiful Welsh tourist attraction.

19. Tintern Abbey – Explore Wales’ most famous Abbey

Located next to the village of Tintern, in the lower Wye Valley is Tintern Abbey, another of Wales’ top visitor locations. This British Gothic masterpiece was originally founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, but was abandoned after the dissolution by Henry VIII.

This majestic ruin found new life as a tourist attraction thanks in part to poets like Wordsworth and was a source of inspiration for artists like Turner. Today the Abbey is managed by Cadw and is well worth the small entrance fee.

For more distant views of Tintern, try walking a section of Offa’s Dyke trail to a viewpoint known as the Devil’s Pulpit. Located just 6 miles from Tintern is the charming town of Chepstow. Known as the gateway to Wales, Chepstow has many sites to see and well-worth including on your Welsh itinerary.

20. Llandudno – Visit Wales longest pier

Built in the 1950s by the Mostyn family, Llandudno is Wales’ largest seaside resort. Llandudno is famed for its extensive pier. It’s also the town where Alice Pleasance Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, holidayed as a child.

Walk or take the tram to the nearby summit of Great Orme for incredible views and then kick back on one of Llandudnos’ beaches. Enjoy a Punch and Judy show, explore the prehistoric copper mines or simply stroll the promenade with an ice cream in hand.

Having barely changed in over a century, this charming Victorian town is jam-packed with activities to enjoy on your visit to Wales.

Getting To These Top Tourist Attractions In Wales

The towns and cities on this list can be easily accessed by trains and/or buses from other major cities such as Cardiff and London. For the best deals on cars and trains check out Busbud .

However, the more rural tourist attractions are often poorly serviced by public transport and require the use of a car.

For the best deals on car rental in Wales, I recommend Discover Cars .

Final Thoughts On The Top Places To Go In Wales

Wales is a small country with a lot to offer. If you love the outdoors, history or culture, a trip to this hilly land should definitely make it onto your UK bucket list.

Nature lovers can enjoy a hike in the mountains of Snowdonia, relax on the beaches in Anglesey, get wet behind waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons and spot dolphins off the Pembrokeshire coast. And those wanting to soak up the culture can get lost in the literature of Hay on Wye, delve into the history of Wales’ great castles and admire the Cathedral in UK’s smallest city.

I look forward to welcoming you on your trip to Wales. Iechyd da! (Cheers!)

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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10 unmissable places to visit in Wales

Sep 25, 2021 • 5 min read

From the hills of Brecon to the dramatic coastlines the Gower, Wales has tons of beautiful places to visit © Roy JAMES Shakespeare / Getty Images

With three epic national parks , reams of beach-studded coastline, an underrated capital and more chocolate-box villages than you can shake a love spoon at, small but mighty Wales has a wealth of locations worth adding to your itinerary.

Planning a Welsh adventure but not sure where to start? Be inspired by our selection of the best places to visit in Wales .

Move over Bassey, forget it Tyler – with effortless beauty, an undeniable flair for the dramatic and the X factor that attracts devoted fans in their millions, you could call Snowdonia National Park the ultimate Welsh diva. Beyond its famous peaks, you’ll find ancient forests, sparkling waterfalls, historic mining towns and fairy-tale castles. Are you a thrill seeker? If so, there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from white water rafting to ziplining over the world’s largest slate quarry and surfing on an inland lagoon.

Pembrokeshire

Popular Pembrokeshire – the most westerly county in Wales – is home to some of the country’s finest beaches, a plethora of pretty seaside towns and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids . The entire coast is a national park, best explored with a hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or on a coasteering tour – the cliff-scrambling sport was born right here. Lovers of wildlife won't want to miss a trip to Skomer Island, where thousands of puffins gather to raise their young come summer, while Harry Potter fans will want to make a pilgrimage to Dobby’s final resting place, Freshwater West beach. If you’re an ancient history buff, don’t miss Pentre Ifan , a prehistoric tomb hewn from the same bluestone used at Stonehenge.

Brecon Beacons 

The undulating hills and quaint villages of Brecon Beacons National Park are an irresistible draw for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts, not least because of the park’s proximity to the major towns and cities of South Wales – Cardiff, Swansea and Chepstow are all less than an hour away. Top hikes include Pen-y-Fan (come mid-week during school term time to beat the crowds) and Sugarloaf Mountain. The region is also an International Dark Sky Reserve – a dream for budding astronomers – so bring your binoculars for a spot of stargazing.

Portmeirion 

Is this Wales or the Italian Riviera? The brainchild of eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is unlike anything else you’ll see in the UK , thanks to its hodgepodge of pastel-colored Mediterranean-style buildings and manicured gardens complete with giant chess board and golden Buddha shrine. But despite its commercial theme park-esque leanings, this curated “village” will soon win you over, especially if you stay to watch the sunset over the Dwyryd Estuary. 

Cardiff has all the trappings you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city – great nightlife, vibrant culture and a burgeoning indie food scene – but it all comes in an unusually green and compact package. Wander along the River Taff in Bute Park , picking up a coffee and decadent orange brownie at the Secret Garden Cafe ; catch a musical at the Wales Millennium Centre (nicknamed “the armadillo” thanks to its copper-colored curves); browse for bargains in the capital’s Victorian shopping arcades; or tour the ornate rooms and grounds of Cardiff Castle . Whatever you do, you’ll be met with a warm Welsh welcome.

Hay-on-Wye 

For a wholesome weekend away, look no further than Hay-on-Wye. This charming market town sits snugly between the River Wye and the English border, just north of the Brecon Beacons. It’s known for its annual Hay Festival , a literary extravaganza headlined by big-name authors featuring readings, writers’ workshops and book signings. But there’s still plenty to do year-round if you can’t make the festival. Peruse the abundant antique markets and secondhand book stores, hike to Hay Bluff via Offa’s Dyke Path or opt for a spot of wild swimming at The Warren, a pebble beach on the river bank. 

Slow travel comes with a historic twist in Llangollen, a compact, culture-packed town in North East Wales. A heritage steam train trundles between Llangollen and Corwen daily from February to October, and the town is a popular launchpad for hiking the ancient national trail, Offa’s Dyke Path. Don’t miss a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct : towering 125ft (38m) above the River Dee, this spectacular World Heritage Site is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and can be traversed by foot, canal or even kayak. For a livelier time, visit in July, along with 120,000 other people, to attend the International Musical Eisteddfod and Fringe Festival.

Gower Peninsula 

The UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this 70-sq-mile (180 sq km) peninsula is renowned for its dramatic coastline and fabulous beaches. Following the south coast west from Swansea and the Mumbles , you’ll find a smattering of family-friendly bays (try Caswell and Langland for starters) backed by heather- and gorse-clad cliffs. Three-mile-long Rhossili Bay Beach dominates the peninsula’s west coast, spoiling visitors with broad golden sands, rolling surf and coastal walking trails peppered with ancient ruins. It’s worth saving time for a walk to Worms Head – the rocky promontory at the southern end of the beach – but keep an eye on the tides to avoid ending up stranded.

The Isle of Anglesey has two obvious claims to fame: it’s where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in the early years of their marriage, and it’s here you’ll find the village with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch (a selfie next to the train station’s expansive sign is a tourist rite of passage). But the real magic is found along Anglesey’s coast (another AONB), whether you’re hiking the Wales Coast Path to bird-spotting heaven, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve ; stand up paddleboarding on the Menai Strait; or lounging on Llanddwyn beach, a curve of pale sand backed by Corsican pines with views of Snowdonia. Beaumaris – with its Unesco-listed castle – makes a fine base from which to explore.

Machynlleth

This unassuming market town on the southern border of Snowdonia National Park is something of a cultural powerhouse. Once the capital of Wales (freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1404), today travelers come for the Museum of Modern Art and the increasingly popular Machynlleth Comedy Festival , which takes place each May. Save time for a day at the mostly open-air Centre for Alternative Technology , where you can learn about sustainable ways of living.

You might also like: The 10 most beautiful hikes in Wales The UK's longest mountain bike trail for beginners is now open How to spend a weekend in Anglesey, the eco-friendly island loved by William and Kate   

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The most beautiful places in Wales

By Sophie Knight and Sarah James

Small but mighty, Wales is a land of secret beaches, quirky towns, vast national parks and epic mountain ranges. We've rounded up the prettiest places in Wales to visit on your next staycation.

Crayola-coloured houses dot the harbour in the fishing village of Aberaeron, among them is the deep-blue Harbourmaster, one of our favourite seaside hotels in the UK .

Glamping pros Fforest are at the helm of Pizzatipi, a restaurant in Cardigan that serves pizza overlooking the water.

Pembrokeshire

The Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the UK’s prettiest sweeps of shore, with buttery sand sloping into clear water.

The Bell, Monmouthshire

Pub-with-rooms The Bell sits in the shadows of Skenfrith Castle in Monmouthshire, with the River Monnow flowing almost through the front garden.

The Harbourmaster

At the aforementioned Harbourmaster Hotel in Cardigan Bay, reclaimed wood and antiques are set against pastel walls and original windows looking out to sea.

The Hawarden Estate

The Hawarden Estate in North Wales is home to The Good Life Society, a campsite with bell tents, a farm shop with a menu from ex- Petersham Nurseries ' chef Damian Clisby, plus lots of gorgeous country walks nearby.

Portmeirion

Built to look like an Italian village clinging to the Mediterranean coast, this extraordinary gathering of pretty pastel buildings was constructed over 50 years by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, with Victorian mansion Castell Deudraeth towering above. Day-trippers fill the streets, but after they leave, those staying overnight experience this curious place as the bohemians who attended parties here in the 1930s might have done.

Portmeirion: an insider's guide

The Portmeirion Hotel 

The Portmeirion Hotel is one of the places to stay in the village – book a room with a view of the Dwyryd Estuary and watch the sandy beaches appear as the tide ebbs and flows.

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias

Industrial interiors at Bryn Williams’ restaurant in Colwyn Bay are smartened up with glossy banquette seating and rustic fresh flowers.

The Grove of Narberth

The Grove of Narberth is one of Wales’s best-loved hotels – a gleaming 17th-century manor house set in a meadow of wildflowers.

This Welsh border town of pretty shopfronts and streets winding around whitewashed cottages is famed for its literary festival. The first notable bookshop was opened here in the 1960s; now it has more than 20. And each year, the town's population of 1,500 swells as up to half a million visitors arrive for the Hay Festival of Literature.

An insider's guide to Hay-on-Wye

In north-west Wales, the market town of Dolgellau is used as a base by climbers heading into Snowdonia National Park. There are more than 200 heritage buildings in the town, which sits at the foot of craggy Cader Idris mountain.

Llanbedrog beach

This stretch of sandy coastline in North Wales overlooks pretty Cardigan Bay. The beach is protected by the National Trust, with rows of colourful huts and shallow water for surfing and paddleboarding.

Aberglaslyn

The walking trail at Aberglaslyn, managed by the National Trust, takes ramblers along the Aberglaslyn gorge and through the pretty village of Beddgelert.

As the highest peak in south Wales, Pen y Fan is one of the most popular Welsh hikes. Walking routes have brilliant views of the surrounding mountains in the Brecon Beacons.

Henrhyd Falls

Water tumbles from 90 feet at Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The footpath to the waterfall is wet from the spray.

Brecon Beacons

The mountains and valleys of this national park stretch for 45 miles as far as the border with England.

Snowdonia National Park

The largest national park in the country harbours Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England. Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit, from where you can see Ireland on a clear day, and the peak is surrounded by 823 square miles of forests, farms and rivers – as well as a number of small towns.

An organic walled garden in Old-Lands

The peaks of the Brecon Beacons

An inky pool of water on Mount Snowdon

Horses graze on the mountain range in the Brecon Beacons

The pretty border town of Presteigne

A bookshop window in Hay-on-Wye

The view of the grounds at Ynyshir, one of Wales' best restaurants with rooms

Like this? Now read:

The best Wales road trip

The best beaches in Wales

Hotels in Wales: the 10 best

Complete South Wales Itinerary For A Lush 1 Week in South Wales!

Categories Itinerary , U.K , Wales

South Wales offers everything! On your South Wales itinerary, you can visit cities, villages, beaches, mountains, cliff edges, waterfalls, waterparks and so much more!

South Wales is the best place to explore if you are travelling from London or South & Central England and it’s perfect for families, friends, couples and a solo trip!

Whether you are spending 1 week in Wales exploring South Wales or perhaps you only have 3 days in Wales or 5 Days in Wales . In this Wales travel blog, I give you a 1 week South Wales itinerary which you can adapt depending on how long you have to spend in Wales!

I grew up between England and South Wales and now I live in Cardiff so I know exactly just how much this amazing part of the UK has to offer and I’m going to help you with where to go in South Wales, places to visit in South Wales and how to plan your Wales travel itinerary!

South Wales Itinerary

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

South Wales Itinerary Map

I have pinned all of the places I recommend visiting in this South Wales 1 week itinerary so you can use my itinerary or amend it and create your own South Wales travel itinerary!

Best time to visit South Wales

Wales is good to visit all year round… as long as you are prepared for the weather that comes with it!

However, for the very best time to visit Wales and South Wales, I recommend the Spring, Summer and Autumn months so you will have more pleasant weather and there are more activities on and open!

Although note that school holidays do get considerably busier in Wales so if you can avoid them then I would!

Here’s my full post on the best time to visit Wales !

How to get around South Wales

Driving is the best way to get around South Wales, and all of Wales in fact. Although there are public buses and a train line that runs throughout South Wales, it can take a lot of time to get to each place using public transport.

If you have a car then great! If you don’t, I recommend hiring a car ! Cardiff has a few car hire places and Bristol Airport is a popular place to hire cars from. You could get the train to Cardiff or Bristol Airport and hire a car from there, or you can hire a car from where you start.

For example, it would be quicker to hire a car in London and drive to South Wale s rather than get the train.

I recommend Rental Cars for car hire in Wales as they search all the top car rental companies! Search for car rental in Wales here!

The roads in Wales are very good but they can seem scary to some as they are very small.

This South Wales travel itinerary will take you to places where you need to drive on country lanes which look like they are one-way roads but they are actually for two cars! But drive slowly and you will be ok! This is how you get to the best spots in Wales, especially in Pembrokeshire!

Here are my driving in Wales tips !

1 Week in South Wales

Day 1 – cardiff.

Start your first day in Wales getting to Cardiff. If you are travelling from London to Wales or South England to Wales you can stop off at a few places like Bath, the Cotswolds and the Wye Valley on the way into Wales, even though they are all in England they will start off your Wales trip well, especially the Wye Valley which borders England and Wales!

Spend late afternoon and early evening seeing Cardiff City , you can park in the city centre and head to see Cardiff Castle which will take you through the main shopping area of the city.

Click here for my full 1 day in Cardiff itinerary!

Afterwards, drive down to Mermaid Quay and have dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the water on Cardiff Bay which shows off a cosmopolitan side of the city and check out the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve if it’s a nice evening. This will be a great first look at Wales on your 1 week in South Wales.

Stay overnight in – Cardiff

Day 2 – Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park is a must-visit in Wales and because you spent the night in Cardiff they are practically on the doorstop, well, not quite but they are only 1 hour away which is a good driving distance in Wales!

There are a few options for seeing the best of the Brecon Beacons on this South Wales itinerary and you will have time to do a mixture of these options!

If you like hiking then you have to hike up Pen Y Fan ! It’s the highest peak in the South of the UK and it will take you a few hours to hike!

If you like adventure then you can check out some of the waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons . You can do a full waterfall walk seeing up to 4 waterfalls or you can see some smaller ones individually which will be easier if you have children or don’t enjoy walking.

If you prefer culture and pretty villages then you can visit some of the villages in the Brecon Beacons. Hay on Wye is one of the best and most popular villages to visit because it is full of book shops and perfect for literature lovers or people who like to see quirky places!

Lastly, if you love driving and appreciate scenic roads then make sure you drive along Black Mountain Road which is known as the Top Gear road in the Brecon Beacons , it takes you right through the middle of the National Park and is an incredible drive!

Stay overnight in – Cardiff again or near the Brecon Beacons

Day 3 – Gower Penninsula

Check out of your accommodation and head towards Pembrokeshire in the South Western side of Wales!

However, because you have plenty of time in Pembrokeshire on this South Wales itinerary and 1 week in South Wales, I recommend you spend most of the day on the Gower Penninsula by Swansea!

The Gower is packed full of beaches and places to go walking and it is just off the M4 and on your way to Pembrokeshire!

Stop in the seaside town of The Mumbles first and walk along the beach to The Mumbles Pier , then continue driving along the country roads of The Gower and visit popular beaches like Three Cliffs Bay , Oxwich Bay , Rhossili Bay and Llangennith !

There are lots of small villages in the Gower where you can get lunch and relax. When you are finished then continue driving to your accommodation in Pembrokeshire.

Now you’ve spent 3 days in South Wales, see if you can notice and recognise these phrases you hear in Wales !

Stay overnight in – Pembrokeshire

There are so many places to visit in Wales and too many to mention in just this 1 week Wales itinerary, to see even more places to visit read my post with 36 Stunning Places to Visit on Your Wales Road Trip Itinerary!

Day 4 – Pembrokeshire

There is so so much to see in Pembrokeshire and it is easily my favourite part of South Wales.

There are beaches here that you couldn’t imagine belong in Wales, there are seaside towns and pretty villages, a theme park and there is a coastal path running all the way along it so there are plenty of places to walk.

The best way to see Pembrokeshire and to plan your Pembrokeshire itinerary is to break it down into areas which is what I have done below in this South Wales itinerary for you because you do not want to be driving from corner to corner every day!

Start off your first day in Pembrokeshire on the South Coast. Drive to St Govan’s Chapel first which is a hidden chapel in the rocks and you will be amazed at what Wales has to offer!

Afterwards, stop in Bosherston and talk a walk to the Bosherston Lilly Ponds . Nearby is Barafundle Bay which has been voted as one of the best beaches in Wales!

Spend late afternoon and the evening in the popular seaside town of Tenby and Saundesfoot .

• My related posts:
• The Best Beaches in Pembrokeshire You Can See in ONE DAY!
• 10 Delightful Tenby Cottages for Self Catering in Tenby!
• 10 Best & Beautiful Campsites Near Tenby And Close to the Beach!
• 12 Unique Places To Go Glamping in Pembrokeshire!

Day 5 – Pembrokeshire

Today on your 1 week in South Wales , head to the West side of Pembrokeshire to explore. Start the day in St David’s which is the only city in the area and the smallest city I have ever seen!

St David’s is very pretty though and nice to walk around and to get some food in. St David’s Cathedral is the most popular place to visit here and is a must-see!

From St David’s, if the weather is good I recommend booking a boat trip to Ramsey Island to see local seals and get out onto the water!

Later on in the day, drive along St Brides Bay which is full of amazing beaches. Newgale Beach is huge and brilliant for a big walk and you can end the day in the seaside towns of Broad Haven and Little Haven .

If you are all beached out then head to Pembroke Castle instead! This is one of the top Castles in Wales !

Day 6 – Pembrokeshire

If you have children and need a break from beaches in this Pembrokshire itinerary then look into places for children in Pembrokeshire like Oakwood Theme Park, Folly Farm, Manor Wildlife Park, West Wales Karting .

If you are happy to see more beaches and more countryside then head to the North Western side of Pembrokeshire!

I recommend starting the day in the quirky village of Narberth which is full of independent shops and colourful buildings, then head to the Blue Lagoon near Abereiddy and up the coast to Fishguard and Newport if you have time.

Day 7 – Back to Cardiff

Use today to drive back home, if you want a few stops on the way from Pembrokeshire back to Cardiff you can stop at Pembrey Country Park, Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot or Margam Country Park in Port Talbot .

These places will help break up the journey back to Cardiff and beyond.

Looking for more places to visit in Wales?? Here are 36 places in Wales to visit on a Wales road trip throughout the country!!

South Wales FAQ

Is south wales worth visiting.

Yes! There is so much to see in South Wales from beaches, mountains, villages, waterfalls and more and you can spend from 2 days in South Wales to 2 weeks in South Wales trying to see all of the beautiful natural sights!

Which is better North or South Wales?

Both North Wales and South Wales offer a lot in terms of beautiful places to visit, holiday amenities, hotels, shops and restaurants. The best area will depend on where you are travelling from.

If you live in London, South Wales is easiest to get to. If you live in Manchester, North Wales is easiest to get to and therefore best.

What is the most beautiful place in South Wales?

I think Pembrokeshire is full of the most beautiful places in South Wales. It has award winning beaches, seaside towns and villages and a coastal track that takes weeks to walk!

How many days do you need to see Wales?

3 days in Wales is enough to see a few places in Wales but 5 days in Wales or 1 week in Wales is best to see the most varied side of the country because Wales is small but it takes a while to drive from place to place.

I hope this South Wales itinerary has helped you plan your 1 week in Wales!

• For more of my Wales posts see:
• 3 Day Wales Itinerary!
• 16 Beautiful Staycations in Wales To Feel Like You’re Abroad
• 10 Lush Glamping in Wales With A Hot Tub Pods, Cabins & Tents
• 16 Day Trips From Cardiff Visiting South Wales & England
• 15 UK Staycation Ideas For This Year! Visit The Best Of The UK

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Clare Harrison

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

Thank you so much for your guide. I am planning a trip from France with my family. I will be sure to get the most of my visit.

• South Wales
• Countryside

©  Anne Wareham

Veddw House Garden, Devauden

The gardens of South Wales

Reflecting the diverse nature of the area, the gardens of South Wales offer destinations of historical importance and a wealth of unforgettable sights, along with frequent exotic surprises and moments of scientific wonder. Get inspired!

Dyffryn Botanic Garden, Glamorgan

Dyffryn  is a set of intimate, highly individual gardens, set within 55 acres and overlooked by an Edwardian mansion. Relax and draw your own horticultural inspiration from its yew-lined borders, and imagine the sound of croquet being played on the nearby lawns more than 100 years ago.

Sculpture Garden, Tintern

Take your lawn-surveying hat off to the  Wye Valley Sculpture Garden , a three acre plant garden, because it’s spent over 40 years as an organic garden in between regular visits from magazine photographers. Mediterranean plants thrive in its climate, as do an extensive collection of Snowdrops to see in February. This lush setting also features a pond and sculptures by local artist  Gemma Kate Wood .

Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern

©  Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern

Belle Vue Park Gardens, Newport

Victoriana is rarely manifested as exquisitely as it is here. Lord Tredegar designed  Belle Vue  with a whole host of rockeries, bandstands, pavilions, streams, waterways, trees and more before he donated it more than a century ago. Magnolia blooms and autumnal splendour mark its changing seasons, accompanied by Victorian ironworks.

Belle Vue Park Gardens, Newport

© Paul Cottrell

Dewstow Gardens, Monmouthshire

As you might expect, landscapers found quite a lot to work to do at Dewstow Gardens  when these Edwardian gardens– buried under tons of soil after World War II – were rediscovered in 2000. Ponds, rills, a labyrinth of grottoes, ferneries and rock gardens now dot the seven-acre haven, transformed by an extensive restoration campaign.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dewstow Gardens & Grottoes (@dewstowgardens)

Llanover  Garden, Abergavenny

A spectacular 15 acre private garden imaginatively landscaped and skilfully planted by seven generations of the same family. Ponds, streams, bridges, lawns and flower beds give  Llanover Garden a joyful sense of adventure. The Black Welsh Mountain sheep introduced by Lady Llanover in the nineteenth century, continue to peacefully graze the parkland.

Llanover Garden, Abergavenny

© Elizabeth Murray

Fonmon Estate Garden, Barry

If the trees could speak, they’d have a tale or two to tell in the shadow of  Fonmon Castle , which dates from 1200. And the gardens surrounding these old timbers aren’t bad either – the lawns are perfect for daydreaming rather than battling these days, complementing pristine beds and hedges.

Gnoll Estate, Neath

You’ve got 240 acres of land to pick from on the Gnoll Estate , but perhaps the cascades and grottoes are the bits to really look out for. The cascades provide huge columns of tumbling water, flanked by plants, trees, shrubs and wildlife. The grotto was buried under a landslide during the 18th century.

©  NPT CBC

Tredegar House, Newport

We could mention the 17th century mansion, Tredegar House , owned by a hugely powerful family for 500 years, at the heart of this historic place. But for garden lovers, the three formal spaces – an orchard, an orangery and a cedar garden – are full of character, summoning that history within 90 parkland acres.

Tredegar House, Newport

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Acclaimed garden designer Anne Wareham shaped  Veddw House Garden  with history in mind – one large parterre, for example, is based on a local map from 1842. The curvy hedges and planting schemes aim to reflect the rolling hills they lie in the shadow of, leading to a pool adored by visitors.

Search for more gardens in Wales

©  Anne Wareham

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11 Best Places In South Wales To Explore

Wales is one totally stunning country to explore, with a huge heap of beautiful spots to see across the country. That being said, it’s sometimes overlooked when exploring Great Britain in light of its bigger sisters, England and Scotland. Honestly, there’s a huge amount of the best places in South Wales that are dotted right from the border with England to the shores of West Wales . 

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of my very favourite and some of the best places in South Wales to visit on your next trip. 

Now, the train network is much more extensive in South Wales (than any other part of the country), though, I’d still say to hop in a car if you fancy a good explore without any limitations. Although not necessary, I do think a car makes exploring Wales that bit easier. 

Anyway, I’m rambling on now! Take a look, below, at some of the best places in South Wales to visit on your next trip! Have the best time. 

1.) Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons is probably the most accessible national park to visit in South Wales. Perched about a seventy-five-minute drive from central Cardiff, it’s really easy to visit for a day away from the city (or in its own right. 

Once here, make sure to explore beautiful spots like; Pen y Fan, see Llyn y Fan Fach (a pretty isolated lake area) and explore the stunning countryside.

Now, if you’re really up for a challenge, follow the ninety-nine-mile long Beacons Way hiking trail.

It’s easily one of the best places in South Wales to explore if you love a good ramble. though, just make sure to take some comfy shoes… it’s a trek! 

Read more: Best places in the Brecon Beacons to visit

For me, the Gower Peninsular is probably one of the most diverse natural areas of Wales and a totally stunning spot to explore whilst in the area. Only around 30-minutes from Swansea, it’s really easy to visit for a day from the city itself.

As you explore, make sure to stop off at Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili Bay and Worms Head. If you’re feeling extra energetic, head out for some stand-up paddleboarding within the bay area, itself. 

Also, don’t forget, you can easily partner a trip to the Gower Peninsular with Mumbles (as they’re right next to one another).

Read more: Best beaches in Wales

3.) Caerphilly

Now, one of the most famous buildings in Caerphilly has to be its Castle. This is easily one of the best places in South Wales to visit if you love history (and castles for that matter). This place is particularly famous for its own leaning tower, which is totally unique to see and well worth a good wander around.

Over the last few hundred years, Wales has had quite a strong connection with Italy, especially with the immigration of Italian people back in the 18th and 19th Century. This all means one thing, there are a good few spots for good gelato and Italian food, even to this day. 

For me, Volare, an Italian eatery located on Cardiff Road. Start with their fresh mussels sautéed in garlic and chilis before moving onto a plate of al dente pasta. Yum! 

Read more: Best castles in Wales to see

4.) Tintern Abbey

Another spot that’s right on the border with England, Tintern Abbey is pretty magnificent to see. Although in ruins, it is totally dramatic and very similar to that of Whitby Abbey in the north of England . 

Once here, take a ramble around the grounds, follow the border down to Chepstow to see it’s castle and historic town.

It’s a really easy spot to visit and one of the best places in South Wales to explore if you’re close to the border. 

5.) Cardiff

Of course, the capital city has to be included as one of the best places in South Wales to visit. 

Although a relatively small city, Cardiff has heaps of history, culture and lots to see and do for a weekend away. Once here, make sure to visit Cardiff Castle, see the Gothic Architecture and rooms that are just out-of-this-world and head over to Margam Park for a little trip back in time.

Although just out of the city centre, it’s a great place to spend a day exploring the historic buildings in Wales.

For a tasty bite to eat, head over to the Clink Restaurant. They have a yummy Welsh lamb shank. Plus, if you’re looking to stay (down by the Bay) check into Voco St David’s which also has one of the best spas in the city. 

Read more: The best things to do in Cardiff

6.) Mumbles

Nestled upon the shoreline of Swansea Bay, Mumbles is one of the best places in South Wales to visit and somewhere I’ve visited over twenty times over the years. 

It’s pretty small, picturesque and has a laid-back charm about it that just makes it perfect to visit on a sunny day. Once here, you can visit the ruins of Oystermouth Castle, which was founded by the Normans in the twelfth century. Today, you can explore the grounds and castle itself, which has its own chapel as well as paintings and other artwork dating back to the castle’s medieval heyday.

As for the village itself, Mumbles is full of independent shops as well as pubs which serve lots of local brews. For the best of the best, be sure to visit Copperfish, which has some of the freshest and pretty reasonably priced dishes, too.

For me, I’d always go with the classic fish fry, with a choice of haddock, cod or hake. Though, the crispy fried salt and pepper prawns are just so good, too. 

7.) Cardigan

Cardigan is a pretty sleepy little town on the coast of South-West Wales (just shy of Pembrokeshire ). Filled with quaint little cottages, lovely beaches and lots of walking routes across Cambrian Coastal Path, it’s easily one of the best places in South Wales to visit. 

Once here, make sure to visit Cardigan Castle, which dates back to the twelfth century and now has some newly-opened restaurants and cafes within the old grounds.

Alternatively, head over to Tresaith (a tiny little village) for some pub grub at the Ship Inn and a walk to find the Waterfall into the sea. 

Read more: Best places in Wales to explore

8.) St. David’s

St. David is probably one of the smallest cities in the UK, but don’t let its size put you off visiting… it’s easily up there as one of the best places in South Wales to explore if you love our amazing history. 

Once you’ve arrived, make sure to visit  St. David’s Cathedral, which not only functions as a shrine, but also a museum that is pretty epic to see.

Also, be sure to stop by Farmer’s Arms for an authentic Welch pub experience, complete with friendly locals, and a tasty yet pub menu offering everything from smoked mackerel pie and salt to pepper squid. After gorging, continue exploring Bishop’s Palace, visit Whitesands Bay and see St Non’s Chapel and Holy Well.

Read more: Best places in Pembrokeshire to visit

9.) Carew Castle 

Situated inland from the gorgeous town of Tenby , Carew Castle is really easy to visit if you’re already in the area and a perfect little spot to spend an hour or two on your road trip across Wales . 

Once here, take a wander around Carew Castle, explore the grounds and spend some time exploring the Pembrokeshire coast of South Wales.

That being said, if you’re up for some thrills, pop on over to Oakwood Theme Park which’s only ten minutes up the road. It’s got one of the largest wooden-rollercoasters in the UK. 

10.) Hay-on-Wye

Situated right on the border with Wales and England, Hay-on-Wye is one small little village. Though don’t be fooled by how small it is, it’s a book worm’s dream stop in South Wales. 

Known for its many independent bookstores and literary festival (usually in May), Hay-on-Wye is easily one of the best places in South Wales to visit if you’re a total book lover, hence its nickname, the book town of Wales. 

Still, to this day, Tenby is one of my favourite little towns in all of Wales. Perched in the south-west of the country, it’s a great spot to spend a few days, especially in the summer months. 

Dating back to the thirteenth century (with its town walls), as well as stunning stretches of sandy beaches, it’s easily one of the best places in South Wales to visit. 

Now, If you are looking for a little more history, you can even book a boat passage to nearby Caldey Island, which is magnificently preserved and maintained by a local monastery.

It’s an island that’s steeped in history and pretty easy to visit by boat in the summer.  

Oh, and for a tasty bite to eat, stop off at the Stables Restaurant who have some of the tastiest lobster. 

Read more: Best places in Tenby

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7 Best Places to Visit in South Wales – The Valleys

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

The Valleys region of South Wales has received some major tourism investment in recent years as it regenerates. A key barrier to this regeneration was removed last year with the scrapping of the road toll on the M4 which meant everyone had to pay to get into Wales.

The Valleys region in South Wales has outstanding natural beauty – something for which Wales is known. What is unique about this region is its coal mining past which ended in the 1980s.

Now, what were mining sites have been turned into interesting and quite cutting edge tourist attractions. It now offers many fantastic days out in South Wales.

Most importantly many of the sites of this region – both old and new – make for some very instagrammable places to visit in South Wales.

7 Best Places to Visit in South Wales

1. the welsh mining experience.

When it comes to fun places to visit in South Wales, the place you cannot miss in The Valleys is the Welsh Mining Experience .

Someone very clever was responsible for turning what was once one of the most important coal mining areas in the world into a major tourist draw. I never would have thought I would find mining life so interesting.

The Welsh Mining Experience is held at the Rhondda Heritage Park. The park was once the Lewis Merthyr Colliery. Two mining pits opened in what is now the park in the 1850s.

The Coal Industry enjoyed steady production and employment until alternatives started to become available in the 1950s. Production ceased at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery in 1983.

The site itself now holds several buildings as well as the engine rooms. The visitor’s centre at the Welsh Mining Experience has been beautifully constructed.

There are mock-ups of what the butcher’s shop would have looked like, a chocolate shop that just uses local ingredients – as does the very Bracchi café which is on-site.

The only real way to experience the park is to take the Black Gold Experience Underground Guided Tour. This tour seeks to bring the experience of working in the coal mines back to life.

The Welsh Mining Experience has even employed former miners to lead the tours and they are fantastic characters. They share their personal stories of working in the mines as well as the history – and they are very amusing.

The site itself is very photogenic with the last coal wagon, the Chimney Stack, steel structures and loads more.

The guide provides an overview of the site and there is a visit to the engine rooms. Next up is a visit to the original lamp room. This is where miners picked up their lamps and hats for their shifts.

At this point, we were all given a hat to wear and this was, of course, the perfect opportunity for a photograph.

Then it is time to head down the mine. In the day the mines were 420+ metres underground – take the rather large Chimney Stack, times it by 10 and add another 30 metres and that is how far down.

The tour only goes down 30 metres. Indeed, they used former miners to create the area underground for the tour. The tour started in 1989.

The highlight of the Welsh Mining Experience for me was the memorable details provided by the guides. The canary cage.

The steel boxes used for lunches – anything that wasn’t that strong would get eaten by the rats and mice underground.

Tales of the cats of the mines who were fed nothing but the rats and mice they caught. This is where this tour really comes to life.

Once the lift has landed it is time to walk through the tunnels and really feel what it may have been like to be underground.

It is difficult to comprehend how humans were able to spend so much time underground particular whilst doing such physically demanding work.

This South Wales tour finishes with a fantastic immersive 3D video experience that is not to be missed.

As is lunch or cake at the lovely Bracchi cafe. This lovely cafe is a major step above the usual tourist attraction restaurant – particularly the cakes.

⇒ Check out more Reviews of the Welsh Mining Experience

2. Visit Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Another fantastic use of modern tourism trends to bring another time to life. Experience 1645 in the beautifully restored Llancaiach Fawr Manor House . The fire is roaring and the table is set.

The building itself dates back to the 1550s and was owned by the Prichard Family. All the furnishings in Llancaiach Fawr Manor are accurate reproductions of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is now one of the best places to visit in South Wales UK .

⇒ Save Time – Book your Llancaiach Fawr Manor Tickets

The majority of the tour was three different actors playing different types of servants from the time. They were brilliant. Such a good use of old fashioned language but done in a way that everything was clear.

Their style is very interactive and they ask many questions of the audience such as whether we were lucky enough to have our own indoor privy. You won’t forget how the tale of how they managed their own dental upkeep.

Again, very entertaining storytellers. I love how these tourism sites are using the natural storytelling abilities of the Welsh and turning what could be standard destinations into memorable experiences.

The grounds of Llancaiach Fawr Manor South Wales are also quite beautiful. There is a lovely small maze in front of the house as well as a pond and the Walled Gardens.

The Visitor Centre also includes a coffee lounge and boutique gift shop.

Best of all Llancaiach Fawr Manor has been ranked in the top ten haunted houses in Britain. Guided tours are also held at night to share the tales of the staff and visitors and look for a few ghosts.

3. Caerphilly Castle Floodlit

Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain behind Windsor. This not quite complete castle is surrounded by moats and watery islands – even better for photos.

Caerphilly Castle South Wales was built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert “The Red” – a hair thing. The castle is rather famous having appeared in the BBC Series “Doctor Who” and “Merlin”.

A unique way to experience the castle is seeing it floodlit in the evening – and combining it with some great food. Casa Mia is opposite the castle and has some amazing views plus some great food.

We visited on a Saturday night and it was obviously the place to be in Caerphilly as it was packed and humming.

I enjoyed prawns by two with a king prawn starter followed by pasta with prawns. Both were excellent.

Casa Mia South Wales has an amazing view of the castle and makes the most of it with a wall of windows. Do call ahead and see if you can book one of the tables by the window.

Alas, through glass is not the best way to take a photo. I took this shot downstairs on a ledge by the edge of the moat. I sat the camera down on the ledge to minimize shake and got quite a nice shot I think.

4. Enjoy a Gellihaf House Afternoon Tea

Gellihaf House is an absolutely lovely boutique bed and breakfast that also does a fantastic home-made afternoon tea on the weekends.

Set in two acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, this is my kind of boutique property. The gardens are beautiful as you can see in these shots.

The delightful owners of Gelihaf House South Wales invested their blood sweat and tears in making this beautiful old building a comfortable and modern boutique experience.

Neither had any experience in the hospitality industry – which makes what they have created even more special.

Gelihaf House Wales opened in 2017 and has three beautifully styled rooms with the best of modern facilities. And then there is the afternoon tea at Gelihaf House.

Everything is homemade. Everything. The scones were wonderfully flaky. Even the very tasty millionaires’ shortbread and tiny eclairs were homemade.

All the sandwiches were delicious but the prawn was without a doubt my favourite. And look at this jam. I feel like this is a jam porn shot.

5. The Side of the Road

OK it isn’t exactly a place but one of the best places to get shots for Instagram in the Valleys Wales is literally stopping the car by the side of the road (when it is safe of course).

I visited South Wales in March and there were daffodils everywhere – and even some cherry blossoms. Best of all there were not just sheep but loads of super cute little lambs.

It appears they weren’t used to being celebrities based on their wide-eyed expressions in this photo.

I imagine it must be dramatic in winter and super colourful in Autumn along these roads. There are also loads of cute houses, gates and wider views for great photos.

Keep an eye out for where you can pull over, good light and interesting welsh things to photograph.

6. Parc Slip Nature Reserve

Continuing with the theme of regenerating the areas that were devoted to mining, the 300-acre Parc Slip Nature Reserve was an opencast coal mine.

Tragically, an explosion in 1892 took the lives of 112 men and boys – virtually wiping out a generation in this small area.

In 1989 the land was transformed into Parc Slip nature reserve. It is now home to some of Wales’ rarest wildlife as well as many badgers, foxes, butterflies and other creatures.

There are several hides throughout the reserve that can be visited for some nice photographic captures.

In the summer there are apparently wildflowers everywhere (and a dedicated wildflower valley) and there is a field of sunflowers – although I quite like my shot of the relics of sunflowers past.

There are 10km of walking tracks and 4km of cycle and bridle paths for horses at Parc Slip Nature Reserve South Wales.

It is a beautiful area and so easy to explore. Plus the visitor centre at Parc Slip has an excellent cafe that serves some great looking cakes and good coffee.

Parc Slip Nature Reserve is one of those places where there will always be something to see no matter what time of the year it is visited.

The Reserve is open 24/7 all year round and entrance is free. So it is perfect for a free day out in South Wales.

7. Woodlands Bistro

Lovely Woodlands Bistro is a genuine hidden gem. This lovely restaurant is part of a community project and has the most stunning views across The Valleys.

The restaurant at Woodlands Bistro (and bunkhouse which can be rented out) is on 37 acres of lovely land.

I had a fantastic Sunday Roast at the Woodlands Bistro which offered a choice of lamb or beef (there are vegetarian options available as well).

I was lucky enough to visit on a sunny day and the views – as you can see – were rather magnificent.

⇒ Heading to London? Check out my posts on 13 Unusual Experiences in London , the best London Food Tours , my virtual London Travel Blog , some great Earlsfield restaurants , 14 Things to do in Notting Hill , restaurants near Clapham Junction and Victoria Station restaurants , 16 Famous Landmarks in Europe , a mad hatter afternoon tea party and a day trip to Brighton , 67 Fascinating Facts about London , 18 Landmarks of London from a local, 15 Places to see Sunsets in London , 9 Places to watch the Sunrise in London , 10 Bridges in London Not to Miss and Cotswolds tour from London options.

How to get to Places to Visit in South Wales The Valleys and Around

So where is South Wales The Valleys? If you are heading to The Valleys from overseas flying into London will be the best option.

Heathrow is the best airport in terms of location as it is located just outside West London and Wales is West of London .

⇒ Flights to London

The closest domestic airport is Cardiff which is in Wales. Cardiff airport gets some overseas flights and of course domestic flights but it is most likely to require connections.

⇒ Flights to Cardiff

Cardiff is easily accessible from most of the UK by train.

⇒ Click here if you live outside the UK and would like to buy a great value BritRail Pass before heading to the UK.

⇒ Also for overseas visitors only is the amazing value Cadw Explorer Pass which provides entry to over 100 historic sites in Wales.

⇒ If you live in the UK Book Train Tickets here.  

⇒ No matter how you get to The Valleys the area really requires a car to get around.

Boutique Hotels in South Wales The Valleys

There are quite a few interesting and lovely boutique sleeping options in this area. I stayed at the very conveniently located Heritage Park Hotel . It is virtually next door to Rhondda Heritage Park.

I was a bit concerned that it might lack charm when I originally drove past it but as you can see I had a lovely room with all the facilities I could have wanted.

I also had a fantastic breakfast at the Heritage Park Hotel in the morning – scrambled eggs and salmon.

This was one of several hot breakfast options – I was quite impressed with the options available. It is a fantastic value for money option.

⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

For a quintessential boutique hotel experience, it would not be possible to go past Gellihaf House which I mentioned above. I didn’t stay there but I did see all the rooms and they were absolutely gorgeous.

For something different but a little farther away stay in a Mongolian style yurt at Cwm Tawl Yurts.

Or for a genuine luxury experience try out Lanelay Hall , Llechwen Hall or Miskin Manor Hotel.

Who Paid for What in this Blog Post

Thanks to The Valleys Tourism Board for Hosting my stay. This means that they covered the cost of the hotel, activities and meals. I did pay for the car hire.

But as always all the opinions are mine. Just so you know – if you click through on most of the links in this blog post and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.

READ NEXT: 12 FUN THINGS TO DO IN CARDIFF

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Thursday 11th of April 2019

Of all the Instagrammable places in The Valleys, taking snapshots (and if one dares, selfies) with those cuddly sheep and cute little lambs would be the highlight of any trip!

Friday 5th of April 2019

I have always wanted to visit Wales and your picture just make that move even higher on the bucket list priorities.

Omg so many awesome places to visit in wales!!! I really do hope my travels take me there one day. Would love to visit!

David Elliott

Thursday 4th of April 2019

I made it out to the UK once, but the stupid thing is a lot of my ancestry is from Wales and I didn't make it out there when I was in the UK. There looks like there is so much for me to see. I really need to get back there someday soon.

The pictures are gorgeous. Instagram worthy indeed! I love the boutique hotels described above. Hope to visit these places!

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14 Beautiful Small Towns In New South Wales

• Bundeena: One of the most beautiful coastal towns in New South Wales with stunning ocean views and endless watersports.
• Blackheath: A hikers' paradise on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park with spectacular viewpoints.
• Berry: A blend of downtown charm and wild countryside, perfect for outdoor adventures and sweet treats.

With a stunning coastline sprinkled with pristine beaches, there is no doubt that New South Wales is one of the best vacation destinations in Australia. Its capital, Sydney, is a sparkling spot that welcomes travelers from all walks of life with open arms. Sitting west of the capital city is the Blue Mountains, an iconic landmark that serves as a popular playground for hikers, mountain climbers, and skiers.

However, the region is also home to a myriad of charming New South Wales towns, which entice travelers since many of them are considered to be some of the lesser-known places to visit in Australia yet still hold untold charm, natural beauty, and fun activities. For a peaceful and serene getaway, here are some of the most beautiful small towns in New South Wales worth visiting.

UPDATE: 2023/12/25 21:00 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

4 More Beautiful Towns in New South Wales!

This list has been updated with 4 more small and beautiful New South Wales towns, each featuring unique and adventurous attractions that every traveler will enjoy. We've also included updated information about the rest of the previous small towns in New South Wales and the best time to visit each!

RELATED: Salute The Penguins' Parade At This Scenic Island In Australia

This small coastal town boasts stunning ocean views and endless watersports

Located directly south of Sydney on the Port Hacking River, Bundeena is one of the many beautiful NSW towns to visit, as it shines in its stunning coastal views and emerald waters.

Even though it's one of the smallest towns in NSW, Bundeena is jam-packed with adventures. From kayaking and paddleboarding to bushwalking and hiking, there are always fun outdoor activities to enjoy in Bundeena and Royal National Park. Travelers will particularly enjoy the majestic views of Bundeena and the South Pacific coastline from Jibbon Head and Port Hacking.

• Scenic Spots: Jibbon Head , Coast Track , Royal National Park
• Best Time To Visit For Views: June-August
• Activities: Bonnie Vale Picnic Area , Coast Track, Bundeena Beach

Blackheath is a hikers' paradise on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park

Hikers and wilderness enthusiasts will love and appreciate Blackheath, New South Wales. Located on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park , Blackheath offers spectacular viewpoints, vast wilderness, and plenty of hiking for every skill level.

Those who are looking for an adventurous challenge and unbeatable views should head to the Grand Canyon Walking Track in Blue Mountains National Park. This 3.6-mile loop is moderate but gives hikers the best views of the sandstone canyon and the valleys below.

• Scenic Spots: Bridal Veil Falls , Pulpit Rock Lookout , Blackheath Lookout
• Best Time To Visit For Views: January-April
• Activities: Grand Canyon Walking Track , Campbell Rhododendron Gardens , Mermaids Cave

Soak up outdoor adventures and enjoy Berry's specialty sweet treats

Lush rolling hills, stretched-out beaches, and a plethora of sweet treats; Berry is one of the many beautiful hidden gem towns in New South Wales. Berry is the perfect blend of downtown charm and wild countryside with plenty of markets, shopping, and restaurants mixed with stunning scenery and beach or mountain adventures.

When travelers aren't hiking Berry Mountain or surfing Seven Mile Beach , they should pop into town for the Berry Donut Van or Treat Factory for gourmet desserts.

• Scenic Spots: Drawing Room Rocks , Seven Mile Beach
• Best Time To Visit For Views: September-November
• Activities: Berry Donut Van , The Treat Factory , Seven Mile Beach National Park

Discover New South Wales' best-kept secret village

Jugiong is one of the most picturesque of all the best small towns in NSW. From the Jugiong Wine Cellar to the winding Murrumbidgee River, Jugiong is full of surprises and a quaint small-town feel.

In the town center, visitors can enjoy a variety of shops, beautiful restaurants, cafés, and quiet streets.

• Scenic Spots: Pioneer Park , Ulandra Nature Reserve , Murrumbidgee River
• Best Time To Visit For Views: April-September
• Activities: The Sir George , Parliament House , Lake Burley Griffin

There's no shortage of stunning views and sandy beaches in Byron Bay

Nestled on the far north coast of New South Wales, Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful towns in New South Wales . The town is famous for its dramatic coastline, which is filled with pristine beaches that are like slices of heaven on earth.

No wonder water activity enthusiasts come to spend their vacation here indulging in thrilling activities such as surfing and scuba diving. Apart from the stunning beaches, other must-see attractions include Cape Byron Lighthouse and Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay .

• Scenic Spots: Captain Cook Lookout , Tallow Beach, Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Activities: Fisherman's Lookout , Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Mudgee is well-known for its many wineries and beautiful vineyards

Kick back and relax in Mudgee, one of the rural and quaint New South Wales towns known for its delectable cuisine and enchanting countryside dotted with some of the most beautiful vineyards in New South Wales. Nestled in the Cudgegong River valley, this is a great place for those looking for respite from the fast-paced life of the big cities.

Wine lovers would be thrilled to spend their vacation here, as the town harbors plenty of wineries, vineyards, and a distillery. Outdoor fanatics can partake in fun adventures such as hiking and camping at Goulburn River National Park or at Coolah Tops National Park .

• Scenic Spots: Lowe Wines , Mudgee Downtown
• Best Time To Visit For Views: October
• Activities: Alby & Esthers Café , Lawson Park , Mudgee Art House

Check out the multiple high points that look out over Bowral and the majestic Mount Gibraltar

Nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Bowral is one of the most beautiful towns in Southern Australia to visit. It also takes pride in being the home of the iconic cricket superstar, Sir Donald Bradman. The town has built a museum in his honor, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame .

Lovebirds and honeymooners can spend their time alone strolling on the flower-lined paths at Corbett Gardens. Meanwhile, tourists can soak up panoramic views of the town while picnicking at Bowral Lookout .

• Scenic Spots: Corbett Gardens , Jellore Lookout , Mount Gibraltar
• Best Time To Visit For Views: September-November, April-May
• Activities: Eden Brewery , Lions Park, Mary Poppins Birthplace Statue

RELATED: Heading North: 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Australia's Northern Territory

Enjoy beaches, lookout points, and water activities on New South Wales' East Coast

Set on the picturesque banks of the Richmond River, Ballina is a beautiful town in New South Wales for those looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat. It’s a laid-back town that comes with uncrowded beaches and tidal bays along the Pacific coast, where tourists can spend their days relaxing and soaking up the scenery.

Water sports enthusiasts can partake in thrilling adventures such as surfing and bodyboarding at places like Lighthouse Beach, Sharpes Beach, or Angels Beach. Road trippers can have a memorable time admiring nature along Killen Falls Drive .

• Scenic Spots: South Ballina Breakwall, North Wall, Black Head
• Best Time To Visit For Views: November-February
• Activities: Lighthouse Beach, Meldrum Park , Missingham Bridge

The scenic gateway to myriad wildlife, national parks, and conservation areas

Another magical destination in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is the lovely village of Nimbin. This spot boasts a picturesque hinterland background, making it a perfect sanctuary for nature lovers as well as outdoor buffs.

Adventure-seekers can enjoy the great outdoors while exploring Nightcap National Park or Whian Whian State Conservation Area . One of the first places visitors set foot in after arriving in the town is Nimbin Bush Theatre Cafe & Visitor Information Centre .

• Scenic Spots: Mount Nardi , Rocky Creek Dam
• Best Time To Visit For Views: May
• Activities: Big Scrub loop walking track , Mount Nardi , Nimbin Art Gallery

People who enjoy exploring Nimbin's great outdoors will also like visiting the best national parks in Australia .

Enjoy the summer and shoulder season out in the Pacific waters of Narooma

Encompassed by natural attractions such as the South Pacific Ocean, surrounding lakes, and rivers, water activities enthusiasts cannot find a better playground in New South Wales than the town of Narooma. Tourists come to spend their summers here admiring seals, paddleboarding, and deep-diving in the emerald waters of the Pacific.

The dramatic coastal bends here make Narooma one of the most gorgeous towns in Australia, which is made all the more stunning thanks to the breathtaking views of Mount Dromedary.

• Scenic Spots: Montague Island, Wagonga Inlet, Camel Rock Beach
• Activities: Narooma Ice Creamery Café , Australia Rock , Mill Bay Boardwalk

RELATED: From Sydney To Melbourne: 10 Incredible Cities In Australia To Visit This Spring

Filled with serene gardens and lookout points, Cowra is a tranquil, romantic small town

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre are one of the major reasons why honeymooners like visiting the romantic town of Cowra, which earns an easy place among the many beautiful small New South Wales towns to visit. It is one of those insta-worthy places in Australia that leave travelers spellbound .

History buffs can peruse the town’s storied past at Cowra POW Campsite or at Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre . For those looking to feast their eyes on sweeping views of the area, Bellevue Hill Reserve Lookout is the perfect spot.

• Scenic Spots: Bellevue Hill Reserve Lookout , Cowra Signage
• Activities: Cowra Regional Art Gallery , Japanese War Cemetery

Famed for its sky-high hot air balloon rides, as well as fine wineries and museums!

Sitting on the banks of the Belubula River in New South Wales, Canowindra is an adorable township rich in history and heritage. Traveling couples can enjoy a romantic moment dining and sipping some fine wine at Wallington Wines . Those who wish to dive deep into the town’s amazing past should make their way to the Age of Fishes Museum .

Even though there are all these captivating attractions, it’s the hot air balloons that are perhaps the most synonymous with the town. Tourists can enjoy a soaring ride above the town at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge .

• Most Scenic Spots: Wallington Wines, David Isbester Gallery , Délice Coffee
• Activities: Canowindra International Balloon Challenge, Nangar National Park , Cook Park

A riverside town near Dorrigo National Park perfect for outdoor fanatics

Located over five hours of driving north of Sydney, Bellingen is one of the most beautiful New South Wales towns and is an ideal destination for vacationers who wish to enjoy a serene riverside spot. The town is perched on the banks of the scenic Bellinger River, making it the perfect place for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors and indulge in water activities, especially canoeing.

Boasting an abundance of natural wonders, with Dorrigo National Park and Lavenders Bridge Park nearby, this is one of the most beautiful places in Australia for nature lovers. Tourists can also interact with the locals while shopping at Bellingen Community Markets .

• Scenic Spots: Dorrigo National Park , Lavenders Bridge Park , Bellingen lookout
• Best Time To Visit For Views: March-May, September-November
• Activities: Diggers Tavern , Bellingen Growers Market , Bellingen Canoe Adventures

Brunswick Heads

Enjoy a summer getaway at brunswick heads' beaches or its numerous parks.

Another one of the many popular vacation destinations in Australia’s New South Wales is the beautiful town of Brunswick Head. Sprawling along the state’s north coast, tourists are always flocking to the town for a chance to explore its untainted coastal beauty, which can even give the larger and most beautiful cities in Australia a run for their money.

There is a marina in the area where water sports enthusiasts can rent boats for a thrilling water adventure. Traveling families, as well as romantic couples, can go for a picnic at Torakina Park . Vacationers can also indulge in al fresco dining at the Footbridge Café , while nature lovers can spend their free time exploring Tyagarah Nature Reserve .

• Scenic Spots: Brunswick Heads Main Beach, Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
• Best Time To Visit For Views: December-February
• Activities: Torakina Beach, Blue Bay Divers , Springbrook National Park