South Wales is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the UK and also ranks very highly as one of the best areas in Europe. Packed with incredible views, history and culture, it is a must-visit for any tourist.
If you are someone who likes to game on the go, relax at the beach, or go on an adventure, South Wales has something for everyone.
Cardiff
The biggest draw for South Wales is Cardiff. The capital of Wales, the city was first established in 6000BC and has been home to the Celtic, Roman, Norman, English, and of course, the Welsh people.
The city is packed with restaurants, historical sites, sports, and everything in between. It is a must-stop for every tourist in the area.
Dan yr Ogof
One of the most unique attractions in South Wales is Dan yr Ogof. It is a 17 km-long cave system that is the central portion of the Show Cave complex, considered to be the most extensive known system in the UK.
Tourists can visit the first part of the system, and many ancient human and animal bones and skeletons have been found throughout the system, dating it back hundreds, if not thousands of years.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range found in Powys. Forming part of the Brecon Beacon National Park, climbing the stunning mountains gives you a unique and breathtaking view of the area.
The mountain has also been home to numerous hillforts during the Iron Age and Roman Barracks. Nowadays, hikers put their skills to the test on the slopes, and the mountains are used for military training.
Glamorgan Coast
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a spectacular stretch of beach and cliffs that can be found between Ogmore-by-Sea and St Athan. While there isn’t anything to do there specifically, the site itself is something to behold.
High cliffs overlook dark, sandy beaches with the water and waves crashing against it all. The scene looks like something out of Lord of the Rings, genuinely unforgettable.
Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen was first established as early as 1197 and has been in a ruinous state since 1462. Overlooking the River Cennen, the castle is famous for towering over the surrounding area.
Interestingly, history tells us the site was used by occupants long before the castle was built, as Roman coins dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries have been found there. However, historians doubt the Romans were there permanently.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey was first established in 1131, but like many other sites in Wales, it fell into ruin and disrepair. The monastery has been written about in stories and poems for centuries and has welcomed visitors since the 18th century.
While it is in ruin, there is a surprising amount of the monastery left, including the monks quarters, the church, nave, library, kitchen and infirmary.
Merthyr Tydfil
Found North of Cardiff, Merthyr is a small but ancient town that has been the home to both the Romans and the Normans in ancient times. The city is packed with a mix of old and eclectic architecture that shows the history of the city’s many residents.
The town is a great spot to visit and find out more about South Wales, the Welsh language, as well as the many cultures that have made their way through the region.
Cardiff Castle
Like most major cities in the UK, Cardiff has a castle you can visit. The castle was built in the 11th century on top of an ancient Roman fort and was regarded as the heart of old Cardiff and the basis for the rest of the city we know today.
Open to the public and tours, much of the castle is still intact, with the towering walls and outposts as imposing as they were hundreds of years ago.
Tenby Beach
Found in Pembrokeshire, Tenby North Beach almost looks out of place on the Welsh coast. Colourful houses, lush, sandy beaches, and beautiful water are what you can find. A rocky outcrop gives you an incredible view of the sea and beyond.
Last year, Tenby Beach was also named one of the most beautiful in the world, making it the perfect place for a day in the sun.
The Big Pit
Coal has been big business in Wales for decades, and the Big Pit Coal Museum tells the story of the industry in and around Blaenavon. The museum is unique in the sense that it was once a working mine for over a hundred years.
Tours allow you to discover the history of coal mining in the area and what life was like for miners and their families generations ago.