Destination Guide

South Wales

Tourist Information

Hotels & Things to See & Do in South Wales

South Wales is more heavily populated than North Wales, with major cities like Cardiff & Swansea.  Although South Wales once used to be the coalmining centre in the UK, the area has significanlty changed, and massive development has taken place in the promotion of tourism.  The area is now considered to be an attractive destination for its accessibility from much of the UK, and you will find hotel prices are lower showing the desire for hoteliers to attract new tourism.

Wales is naturally a beautiful landscaped country with 750 miles of coastline, and 641 castles. We have compiled a list of what we consider to be the most interesting things to see and do, whilst on your next break to South Wales:

Brecon Beacons.  National Park located just north of Swansea and near Camarthen. With fabulous walks on imposing sandstone buffs, with views of lakes rivers , forests and coastline. 

Pembrokshire National Park- with its islands beaches, lakes and woodland walks. Spot dolphins, seals, birds and occasional whales

Beaches- 43 Blue Flag beaches in Wales make Wales one of the safest, cleanest and most unspoilt places for beach holidays. One of the best beaches is in Tenby, Pembrokshire

National Botanical Gardens - 8 miles from Camarthen and the Ivy Bush Hotel, is one of the most fascinating gardens in the UK, and voted No. 1 wonder of Wales.

Rhondda Heritage Park- Located north of Cardiff, a tour recreating a working coalmine, some of the tour is underground as well as showing the cultural and social heritage of the Welsh Valleys.

National Showcaves - Part of the Brecon BeaconsNational Park, 3 caves to explore, a dinosaur park, Iron Age Farm, Shire Horse Centre and Millennium Stone Circle.

Dalaucothi Gold Mine- The only known Roman Goldmine in the UK. Guided Tours to 2 underground workings. You can also pan for gold. Located near to Camarthen and Gwbrt on Sea.

 The Rheidol Valley Railway is one of the Great Little Trains of Wales, and was the last steam railway owned by British Rail until it was privatised in 1989. The VoR Railway runs for 11� miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. The terminus is adjacent to the national network station at Aberystwyth, and on the hour-long journey passengers have spectacular views of the wooded Rheidol Valley - views unseen for decades until the VoRR began its renovation programme ten years ago 

Llywernog Lead & Silver Mines, Aberystwyth - 18th century mines, with underground tours, tramways, working water wheel & panning shed, set in 7 acre discovery park.

Folly Farm - The only zoo in Wales with giraffes!!! Holders of the best family day out in Wales

For the outdoor enthusiasts, South Wales has plenty to offer, climbing, walking, caving, fishing, biking, horseriding and golf.