Swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiking across snow-capped mountains, or wandering amongst atmospheric castle ruins; South Wales offers myriad unforgettable experiences.
For those interested in shopping, culture and nightlife, there’s the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff, while the Brecon Beacons National Park is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape to the great outdoors. Then there is the beach-studded coastline, home to some of the most revered stretches of golden sand in the world!
If you would love to discover Wales, but aren’t quite sure where to start, be inspired by our selection of the best places to stay in South Wales. We’ve found ten that are certain to make your next staycation in Wales the most memorable yet.
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Cardiff: best place to stay for city lovers
The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is brimming with shops, restaurants and attractions. Browse for bargains in the Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, catch a musical at the Wales Millenium Centre, or tour the ornate staterooms of Cardiff Castle.
If you’re feeling peckish, pick up some delicious local snacks at Cardiff Central Market and enjoy a picnic at Bute Park, or dine in style by the waterside at one of the chic bistros along Cardiff Bay. If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in South Wales to keep everyone entertained, this is it.
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You’ll find even more inspiration for days out here in our guide to the top things to do in South Wales.
Usk: best place to stay for beautiful gardens
Nestled in the heart of the rolling Monmouthshire countryside, Usk is a great choice for anyone seeking nice places to stay in South Wales with an abundance of history and charm. The town sits on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the country, the River Usk, which is also a firm favourite with cyclists and walkers.
Usk’s main claim to fame is as the 'Town of Flowers' – it’s a regular winner of Britain in Bloom, and hosts a colourful Open Gardens weekend in June, with over 20 local gardens open to the public. And if that’s not enough, the town’s ancient, cobbled streets, adorned in award-winning hanging baskets, are lined with a wonderful assortment of small, independent shops, tearooms and traditional pubs.
Highlights
- Usk Castle: potter around the haunting ruins of this 11th-century fortress
- Usk Rural Life Museum: over 5,000 exhibits about the life and work of country people in the Welsh Borders since Victorian times
- Usk Show: one of the biggest annual agricultural shows in the UK, held every September
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Brecon Beacons: best place to stay for outdoor adventures
Rich in natural beauty, the Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. The undulating hills, tumbling waterfalls and thick forests are an irresistible draw for walking and water sports, so it’s no wonder that this national park is often voted as one of the top South Wales places to stay for those with a taste for adventure.
Some of the most scenic hikes include Pen y Fan, the Sugar Loaf mountain and the dazzling trails through Waterfall Country. When night falls, the national park transforms into an International Dark Sky Reserve, with the chance of observing the Milky Way, meteor showers and bright nebulas with the naked eye.
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Our run-down of the best places to stay in the Brecon Beacons and our ultimate guide to the Brecon Beacons National Park offers further inspiration for holidays here.
Crickhowell: best place to stay for shopping
If you’re wondering where to stay in South Wales for a little retail therapy, then Crickhowell is a perfect choice. Whilst this lovely little town’s high street may be small, it has won awards for its selection of independent shops and boutiques, including the Black Mountains Smokery where you can pick up traditionally smoked fish, meat and cheese.
With its picture-postcard setting on the banks of the River Usk and in the shadows of the striking Black Mountains, it’s no surprise that this town is also a magnet for walkers. There is a multitude of different routes that you can follow from here and, if you time your visit around St David’s Day, you can join in on the annual Crickhowell Walking Festival which lasts for nine days.
Highlights
- The Bear: a cosy 14th-century coaching inn with good food, local ales and open fires
- Crickhowell Castle: 13th-century castle ruins near the iconic 12-arch stone bridge over the River Usk (the longest stone bridge in Wales)
- Book-ish: browse in this independent book shop and have some coffee and cake in its cafe
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Chepstow: best place to stay for some history
Chepstow is a bustling town in Monmouthshire, dominated by the imposing ruins of one of the top castles in Wales. History buffs will be in their element here, with an abundance of ancient buildings to explore as well as the Chepstow Museum, which reveals this town’s rich and varied past with its intriguing exhibitions.
Amidst the handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings are an array of interesting shops and places to eat if you fancy a pit stop during your adventures. You can then walk off your lunch along one of the many long-distance walking trails that run through the town, including the Wye Valley Walk, the Offa's Dyke National Trail and the Wales Coast Path.
Highlights
- Chepstow Castle: Britain’s oldest surviving post-Roman stone castle overlooking the River Wye
- St Mary’s Priory Church: the earliest example of Romanesque architecture in Wales, founded in the 11th century as part of a Benedictine priory
- Chepstow Racecourse: home of the Welsh Grand National, as well as thrilling race days throughout the year
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Our guide to National Trust places in South Wales highlights some more historic sites to enjoy locally.
Wye Valley: best place to stay for wildlife
Straddling the Welsh and English border, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to arguably some of the most dramatic and scenic landscapes in the UK. At its heart is the meandering River Wye, and there are so many natural wonders to discover amongst its ancient woodlands, limestone gorges and historic hillforts.
Superb walking trails run through the valley, including the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, with the chance to spot a plethora of wildlife, including rare and important bird and bat species, wild boar and deer. Symonds Yat Rock is not only one of the most iconic viewpoints here, but you might also see peregrine falcons soaring above the valley and river below.
Highlights
- Tintern Abbey: founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, these ruins have inspired artists like William Turner
- Wye Adventures: activity company offering canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding along the river as well as a raft of outdoor activities
- Parva Farm Vineyard: enjoy a tour and tasting at this award-winning vineyard in the Wye Valley
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Discover 10 of the best places to stay in the Wye Valley in our guide.
Llandeilo: best place to stay for a romantic break
Overlooking the majestic River Tywi and surrounded by lush green pastures, the thriving market town of Llandeilo is one of the best places to stay in South Wales for couples. Narrow streets lined with pastel-painted Georgian houses sweep down to an impressive single-arch stone bridge below.
Behind these colourful facades, you’ll find a treasure trove of independent traders and quirky antique shops, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with quality eateries. For the perfect picnic, head over to the Ginhaus Deli who, as the name suggests, stock an impressive range of gins (over 240 from over 46 different countries), as well as cheeses and charcuterie, or indulge in a fancy dinner at The Cawdor which has a well-deserved reputation for serving fresh, seasonal produce.
Highlights
- Heavenly: treat yourself to a sugary boost at this chocolate, cake and ice cream emporium
- Dinefwr: one of the most spectacular surviving medieval castles in Wales, set within an 800-acre National Trust estate with ancient white cattle
- Aberglasney Gardens: explore 10 acres of glorious gardens with an extensive range of rare and unusual plants
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Swansea: best place to stay for family attractions
Combine an exciting city escape with a relaxing beach break in Swansea, the second-largest city in Wales. This vibrant cultural hub is set along the coast so if you fancy a day by the seaside, head to Swansea Bay where you can build sandcastles on 5 miles of golden sand. And if you’re feeling really brave, why not try some of the water sports on offer here too?
More excitement can be found in the city centre where there is a wide range of attractions, from fascinating museums and art galleries to thrilling sporting arenas. Kick back in a waterside café or bar at Swansea Marina, take a stroll through Singleton Park and enjoy its botanical gardens and boating lake, or pick up some local souvenirs from the shopping mecca of Swansea Indoor Market.
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Abergavenny: best place to stay for foodies
Perched on the eastern fringes of the Brecon Beacons and cradled by its impressive mountain range, Abergavenny is a laid-back market town that is a must for all foodies. The town has become an essential fixture on the UK culinary calendar, with its annual autumn Abergavenny Food Festival a highlight. The largest food festival in Wales attracts visitors from all over to witness demonstrations and workshops, and purchase local treats.
Another foodie favourite is the monthly farmers’ market which showcases the best artisan producers from across the region. And Abergavenny’s meandering streets harbour a blitz of bakeries, chocolatiers and boutique restaurants serving delicious dishes made from locally sourced produce.
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Discover more excellent eateries with our guide to the best pubs and restaurants in South Wales.
Gower: best place to stay for beautiful beaches
When it comes to places to stay in South Wales by the sea, very little beats the Gower Peninsula. Following the south coast west from Swansea and the Mumbles, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to some of the finest beaches in Wales backed by heather and gorse-clad cliffs, including Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili Bay, Caswell Bay and Oxwich Bay.
No less than 188 square kilometres, the Gower is a hit with thrill seekers, from surfers and paddleboarders to climbers and abseilers. It’s also loved by walkers, with the Wales Coast Path tracing its sandy shores.
Highlights
- Rhossili Bay: an award-winning beach with excellent bathing owned by the National Trust
- Mumbles: a pretty seaside town with a Victorian pier, lighthouse and castle
- Gower Coast Adventures: provides boat tours of the Gower coast and its wealth of wildlife
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Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage in South Wales
Treat yourself to a relaxing break in one of our wonderful holiday cottages in South Wales. From sea view apartments along the coast to rustic farmhouses in the heart of the emerald countryside, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay within our collection of self-catering accommodation.
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