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South Wales Short & Weekend Breaks
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South Wales Holiday Guide
The core South Wales region consists of Cardiff, the South Wales Valleys, the Vale of Glamorgan, and the borderlands of the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk. Within these there is enough to cater for everyone, from nature lovers keen to explore idyllic scenery to history buffs interested in medieval castles and museums, and culture, shopping and food aficionados will love the great shops, dining and entertainments of Cardiff and the region’s other vibrant towns.
Sightseeing in South Wales
If sightseeing is your bag, you won’t be disappointed by South Wales. In Cardiff, you can learn about Wales’ history at the National Museum of Cardiff, and explore fanciful Cardiff Castle. Alternatively, you may want to tour the iconic Millennium Stadium and admire the modernist slate and steel architecture of the Wales Millennium Centre.
Elsewhere, explorers will love the Wye Valley, with its ancient and medieval landmarks, including the stunning Roman baths at Caerleon, Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey.
Or you can delve into Wales’ recent industrial past at the Blaenavon Ironworks and The Big Pit: National Coal Museum in the South Wales Valleys.
Your options for historical sightseeing don’t stop there: you could also venture into the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan to see its fine Ogmore Castle and wander round the gorgeous Dyffryn Gardens, laid out in Edwardian times.
Shopping in South Wales
When it comes to shopping in South Wales, Cardiff tops the list. The city bursts with places selling everything from designer clothes to books, jewellery and local crafts. You can browse flagship stores at the St David’s Shopping Centre, stroll the High Street, or scour the independent shops and gift emporiums stuffed into the city’s Edwardian and Victorian arcades. Other shopping haunts include Abergavenny with its buzzing Victorian market hall, and Hay on Wye’s endlessly enticing bookshops.
Food, Restaurants and Nightlife in South Wales
South Wales’ culinary scene is focused on Welsh produce and comes to life in countless restaurants, cafes, markets and foodie events. Cardiff offers artisan coffee spots, modern Welsh eateries and international restaurants, while elsewhere, you’ll find stylish bistros, tearooms, ancient inns, farm shops and gastro pubs perfect for lunches and evenings out. Food lovers especially will rave about Abergavenny’s popular Food Festival every September.
Outdoor fun in South Wales
South Wales has outdoor pursuits in spades, and not just on its beaches. Families will adore the sandy beaches, seaside towns and adventure centres of Glamorgan, not to mention the walking trails, cycle paths and industrial heritage sites of the South Wales Valleys. Other draw cards include the bracing Brecon Beacons National Park with its Brecon Mountain Railway, fishing on the River Wye, and the almost endless opportunities for sports like mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding and golf right across the region.
Guide to Exploring South Wales
Top Hotel Deals
Mercure Swansea Hotel
Phoenix Way, SwanseaLocated in Llansamlet, this hotel is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Liberty Stadium and 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from St. Joseph's Cathedral. Dylan Thomas Centre and Swansea Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).
ibis Swansea
A483 Fabian Way, SwanseaLocated in St. Thomas, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Dylan Thomas Centre and 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Swansea Beach. Plantasia and BT Tower are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor
Chepstow Road, NewportSituated in Langstone, this eco-friendly hotel is 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from Isca Augusta and within 6 miles (10 km) of University of Wales-Newport and Newport Stadium. Newport Transporter Bridge and Newport Cathedral are also within 6 miles (10 km).
St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club
St Pierre Park, ChepstowSituated in Chepstow, this spa hotel is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Chepstow Castle and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Chepstow Racecourse. Thornbury Castle and Tintern Abbey are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Hampton by Hilton Newport East
Wales 1 Business Park M4 Junction 23a, NewportSituated in Magor, this hotel is within 9 miles (15 km) of University of Wales-Newport, Isca Augusta and Newport Stadium. Newport Transporter Bridge and Newport Cathedral are also within 12 miles (20 km).
ibis budget Newport
164 Malpas Road, NewportLocated in the heart of Newport, this hotel is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Newport Cathedral and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Newport Transporter Bridge. Isca Augusta and University of Wales-Newport are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Village Hotel Swansea
Langdon Road, SwanseaLocated in St. Thomas, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Waterfront Museum and Dylan Thomas Centre. Swansea Beach is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) away.
Celtic Manor Resort
Chepstow Road, NewportThis family-friendly Newport hotel is located in a regional park, 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Isca Augusta, and within 6 mi (10 km) of University of Wales-Newport and Newport Cathedral. Newport Transporter Bridge and Newport Stadium are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£522
per person
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£623
per person
The Beaufort Raglan
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£531
per person
Novotel Cardiff Centre
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£531
per person
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£495
per person
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£477
per person
Copthorne Hotel Cardiff-Caerdydd
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£474
per person
Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 25 May - Fri, 1 Jun
BHX - CWL
£402
per person
Top Deals on Flights
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
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