South Wales

South Wales consists of magnificent valleys, once famous for 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.

Incorporating some of the country’s loveliest scenery, South Wales is also home to Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Easily accessible from England, 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.

Cardiff is undoubtedly one of the most attractive cities in the UK, which is why it’s a must-visit destination when exploring South Wales and makes a great base for day trips. In addition to the famous Cardiff Castle, the city is also well-known for its large harbour area, now home to numerous fine cultural opportunities.

The Rhondda Heritage Park offers visitors 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. Above ground, a replica village street showcases the lifestyles of area residents who depended upon coal extraction for their livelihoods.