Top places to visit in South Wales: your travel guide to castles, coastlines & hidden gems
- Sassy Travels
- Sep 14
- 5 min read
You may have seen my post about why I think you should consider putting Wales on your travel bucket list. This small but mighty country is full of beautiful landscapes and attractions that are worth the visit. So, in today’s blog post I have listed my favourite spots, travel tips and hidden gems, so you can plan your own trip to this wonderful, but underrated destination.
Where to stay and how to get around
Most of the places I share in this post are located in the southern region of Wales, so I would recommend staying somewhere close to Brecon, Swansea or Cardiff. Visiting the below locations would be very tricky to do by public transport, so I would definitely recommend renting a car.
Best time to visit
Based on experience I would say May until September are best months to explore Wales. The weather gets nice and sunny but never too hot, so even in June or July you can enjoy a hike. If you struggle with the summer heat in southern Europe, this can be an ideal, cooler alternative summer holiday destination.
Now, in no particular order I listed my favourite places to visit and explore:
Cardiff
The capital of Wales, full of life, inviting restaurants and lots of beauty. Right in the middle you will find the Cardiff Castle which blends Roman ruins, Norman fortifications, and gothic fantasy interiors. My favourite parts of the city are the arcades, there are seven in total. They bring a very old-times charm and class to the shopping and dining experience in the city. Cardiff also has a waterfront, offering some pretty cool views and restaurants to try. This capital isn’t overwhelmingly big, so you can pretty much walk everywhere in the city. I’d say one day is enough to explore and get the vibe.
Brecon
The centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This lovely, little town is a perfect stop for a little shopping and grabbing a coffee while you’re there. It’s very tiny, but has such a cozy and warm atmosphere, a place far away from everything, yet has everything you may need. My favourite spot for a nice coffee is the Coffee Box.
Pen y Fan
If you’re the hiker type of traveller this is for you! With 886m above sea level, Pen y fan is the highest peak of the Brecon Beacons National Park. You can choose the path and pace that suit your style and fitness level the best.
Henrhyd Falls
You have to visit at least one waterfall while you’re in Wales, and Henrhyd Falls would be an ideal choice. There are several other waterfalls in this area, so depending on how much time you have and how much you want to walk, you can pick from different routes.
Llangorse Lake
If you want a day spent in nature, but do it the comfortable way, this is gonna be for you. Llangorse Lake is just outside of Brecon and has gorgeous surroundings. You can take a long walk around the lake area or rent a rowing boat and spend some time out on the water. The walking routes are easy and flat, and the lake is picturesque.
St Davids
This little hidden gem is further out than the above mentioned spots, but definitely worth a visit. The smallest city in Britain is home to the impressive St Davids Cathedral which was built in 12th century. Besides that there are some pretty epic coastal views and beaches to explore around here.
Rhossili beach
This has to be my favourite beach in the South of Wales and trust me, I’ve been to a few. This one combines hilly views with sandy shores leaving you speechless. In colder weather the wind mind be strong, but even then, the views make up for it.
The Mumbles
A charming, little seaside town with pretty much one main street. You can easily spend a day here walking by the shore followed by a lovely gin and tonic in a local rooftop bar, Gin and Juice Mumbles or a nice meal and Bistrot Pierre.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
No matter what the weather is like outside, going to this botanic garden may be the perfect activity for the day. There are several parts of it that are covered/indoors, so even if the Welsh weather takes a turn for the worse, you can sit inside the Great Glasshouse and enjoy a nice tea or coffee. This is my favourite part, which is also home to some of the most endangered plants on earth and has a Mediterranean climate.
Tenby
Another charming coastal town full of colourful houses, a castle and a beautiful, long-stretched sandy beach. After a long day spent outside, you can visit the Harbwr Brewery Tap & Kitchen and enjoy some ale/beer tasting and great food.
Garwnant Visitor Centre
Another spot in the Brecon Beacons, you can choose and start various trails from here. It also has a cafe in case you just wanted to sit and enjoy the views with a hot (or cold) drink in hand.
Pontsticill Reservoir
Something a little different, not a naturally occurred attraction, but a place that is pretty breathtaking. You can take a long walk around it, or even enjoy a journey around this area using a steam train (book tickets in advance). If you’re in the area, pay a visit to The Old Barn Tea Room for a lovely afternoon tea (just make sure you bring cash, as last time I visited it was cash only).
Well, I hope you enjoyed my South Wales travel guide. If you end up visiting I’m sure you will be impressed. Wales is one of those places that even driving through the landscape makes you feel like you’re in a movie. If you’re looking for hidden gems and less crowded spots, yet epic views, Wales won’t let you down.
And if you want to make your Welsh trip (or any future adventure) even smoother, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Builder. Inside, you’ll find a printable travel checklist, a routine builder, and self-care rituals designed to help you stay grounded, organised, and stress-free while exploring. Download it below and start planning your Valencia adventure with confidence and ease!
