South Wales

A tour of South Wales will leave you questioning whether visiting the coastline on the Continent is really worth the expense. The region’s stunning beaches are perfect for any activity, whether relaxing, surfing or playing beach games. Villages along the rocky coast are ready to be discovered, and during the summer the weather brings this rugged landscape to life.

Towing there

■ From the North, the South of Wales is easily accessible via the M5 from Birmingham. At junction 15, change to the M4, which will lead you west to your preferred destination.
■ From the M4 it’s hard to decide which of the beautiful coastal areas to visit first. For Newport, take the A4042 at exit 25A of the M4. For Cardiff, it is best to exit at junction 29 for the A48. Getting to Swansea is easiest along the A483 (Fabian Way), which leads past spectacular sea views. You can reach the Brecon Beacons National Park via the A470 or the A4042, depending on how early you wish to leave the motorway.
■ Carmarthen is deep in the Welsh countryside. Drive to it along the full length of the M4. When it branches off, follow the left fork, where it becomes the westbound A48. Follow this straight to the picturesque town.

South Wales highlights

Swansea

This seaside city boasts beautiful beaches, great shopping and venues for watching a variety of top sports teams in action. If the buzz of the centre gets to be too much, try Mumbles. This village by the bay has a variety of independent shops and eateries.

Cardiff

The Welsh capital has outdoor markets, theatre, opera and ancient castles. It claimed European City of Sport honours in 2009 and hosts top events. Follow the newly opened bay coast path to the Barrage and the city’s rejuvenated docklands.

Newport

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Newport on the River Usk combines a spectacular modern city and rural bliss. Explore the cathedral and the city’s varied museums. Then visit the fascinating Fourteen Locks canal.
 

Carmarthen

Set against beautiful rolling hills, Carmarthen has so much up its sleeves for the perfect family holiday tour. The Pendine Sands and other beaches lie south and the town itself has local shops and cafés in which to sit and watch the world go by.

Brecon Beacons National Park

The Beacons, one of three national parks in Wales, provide so much more than amazing scenery. Take your pick of active breaks here. Fans of walking, caving, climbing, cycling, fishing and golf will all find plenty to please them. Whatever you spend time doing, when you need recharging, you can enjoy the area’s well-known, high-quality produce.

More info

■ www.south-wales.org.uk
■ www.visitcardiff.com
■ www.visitswanseabay.com
■ www.newport.gov.uk
■ www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Great spots for… walks along the beach, train rides, picnics

■ The Mumbles, near Swansea – views best seen by train.
■ Three Cliffs Bay – rocky cliffs give way to gorgeous beaches.
■ Rhossili Bay – enjoy a drink at a pub overlooking this 3-mile-long beach.
■ Oxwich Bay – vast sands that are clean and deserted.

Did you know?

■ During the 19th century, Swansea was nicknamed ‘Copperopolis’ as one of the world’s key copper mining sites
■ Cardiff was only named the capital of Wales in 1955

Getting around

The M4 motorway is the main route into and out of South Wales. Take the A48 between major towns. The B4265 runs between all major coastal towns. Public transport is good in and out of Cardiff.

Buses

■ www.firstgroup.com
■ www.traveline-cymru.info
■ www.countryliner-coaches.co.uk
■ www.cardiffbus.com
■ www.newporttransport.co.uk

Trains

■ www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
■ www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
■ www.traveline-cymru.info
■ www.thetrainline.com
■ www.nationalrail.co.uk

Cycling and walking routes

Contact Visit Wales Contact Centre
Tel 08708 300 306
Download maps and routes from the following websites.
■ www.cycle-route.com/routes/Wales-Cycle-Routes-4.html – Themed routes for cycling or walking
■ www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/wales
■ www.cycle-n-sleep.co.uk
■ www.walkingbritain.co.uk
■ www.enjoygower.com

Things to do

Great outdoors

■ Pony trekking
Parc-Le-Breos House,
Parkmill, Gower SA3 2HA
Tel 01792 371 636
Web www.parc-le-breos.co.uk
Ride along miles of sandy beaches as you take in stunning views of the Welsh coastline.

Places to visit

■ The Chocolate Factory
Swansea SA5 4DL Tel 01792 561 617
Web www.michton.com
Book yourself a place on a tour of chocolate heaven as you learn how the treats are made.

■ Fourteen Locks Canal and Heritage Centre
Cwm Lane, Highcross,
Rogerstone, Newport NP10 9GN
Tel 01633 892 167
Web www.fourteenlocks.co.uk
Open Daily. 9am-4:30pm. Closed 25 and 31 December and 1 January
Charges Free

■ Llandaff Cathedral
Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2LA
Tel 029 2056 4554
Web www.llandaffcathedral.org.uk
Open Daily, 9am-7pm
Charges Free. Suggested donation £3 per person

Gardens and houses to visit

■ Raglan Castle
Raglan, Monmouthshire NP15 2BT
Tel 01291 690 228
Web www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Open November-February, Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm. March-June and September-October, daily, 9:30am-5pm. July-August, daily, 9:30am-6pm
Charges Adult £3. Child (5-16) £2.50. Family (2+any) £8.60

■ Tredegar House and Park
Newport NP10 8YW
Tel 01633 815 880
Web www.newport.gov.uk
Open Park and woodland walk: Daily, 9am-dusk.
House: 24 April-30 September, Wednesday-Sunday, hourly tours (75 minutes) 11am-4pm
Charges Adult £6.25.
Child (0-15) free

■ Aberglasney Gardens
Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH
Tel 01558 668 998
Web www.aberglasney.org
Open April-September, 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm). October-March 10:30am-4pm (last entry 3pm). Closed 25 December
Charges Adult £7. Child (5-15) £4. Family (2+2) £18

■ Caerphilly Castle
Castle Street, Caerphilly,
Mid Glamorgan CF83 1JD
Tel 02920 883 143
Web www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Open November-February, Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm. Daily: September-October and March-June, 9.30am-5pm.
July-August, 9.30-6pm
Charges Free

■ Carreg Cennen Castle
Tir y Castell Farm,
Trapp, Llandeilo,
Carmarthenshire SA19 6TS
Tel 01558 822 291
Web www.carregcennencastle.com
Open Daily. Closed 25 December
Charges Adult £3.70. Child (5-15) £3.30. Family (2+any) £10.70

Where to stay

Club site

Gowerton Caravan Club Site
Pont-y-Cob Road, Swansea SA4 3QP
Tel 01792 873 050
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open 27 March–9 November
Pitch+2+hook-up £12.20-£17.95

Stunning views

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park
North Hills Farm, Penmaen, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HB
Tel 01792 371 218
Web www.threecliffsbay.com
Open 1 April–31 October
Pitch+2+hook-up £20

Great Family site

Bank Farm Leisure Park
Bank Farm, Horton, Gower Peninsula SA3 1LL
Tel 01792 390 228
Web www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk
Open 1 March–15 November
Pitch+2+hook-up £17-£23

Disabled access

Acorn Caravan and Camping Park
Ham Lane, Llanwit Major, Glamorgan CF61 1RP
Tel 01446 794 024
Web www.acorncamping.co.uk
Open 1 March–15 November
Pitch+2+hook-up £14.55-£15.70

Caravan essentials

Accessory and repair shops

■ The Caravan Centre
Unit 3A, Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate,
Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9RL
Tel 01495 792 700
Email info@caravanbreakers.net

South Wales Police

Tel 01656 655 555
Less-urgent emergencies 101

A&E Hospitals

■ Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Glossop Terrace, Cardiff CF24 0SZ
Tel 029 2049 2233