© The Valleys Campaign
© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales
© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

Visit Southern Wales

Southern Wales has a lot to offer whether you are looking for a city break, relaxing on the beach or a more adventurous action packed activity holiday...

Discover South Wales

Southern Wales has a lot to offer whether you are looking for a city break, relaxing on the beach or a more adventurous action packed activity holiday we have it all!

Southern Wales has loads to offer. Spectacular countryside, a National Park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a dramatic coastline.

We are immensely proud of our rich history and culture, which can been seen throughout our many castles and museums, and of our ancient language which you can try out for yourself.

Above all else though, we are proud of our friendliness and welcome that we offer visitors.

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Where in the world?

Southern Wales serves as a natural gateway to Wales from England. Located just two hours from London Heathrow, the UK's busiest international airport, the region attracts visitors from across the globe who value convenient access without lengthy travel. Birmingham lies approximately 90 minutes away, whilst Manchester can be reached within three to four hours, making Southern Wales easily accessible from Britain's primary transport hubs. This strategic positioning transforms the region into a convenient destination for both domestic and international travellers.

Southern Wales benefits from its seamless integration into the UK transport network. Major motorway corridors, the M4 linking directly from London and the M5 via Birmingham, enable international visitors to transition from airports in London, Birmingham, or Manchester to Welsh attractions within hours.

Map of the UK showing Southern Wales in relation to London, Manchester and Birmingham
Plane

London Heathrow

2 hour drive

Plane

Manchester Airport

3 hour drive

Plane

Birmingham Airport

2 hour drive

Boat

Dover Port

4 hour drive

Southern Wales Tourism Dragon

Blaenau Gwent

Blaenau Gwent is a valley landscape of dramatic scenery, rich industrial heritage, and welcoming communities, where historic landmarks, country parks, and local gems await around every corner.
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Bridgend

Bridgend offers adventures from hill walking and mountain biking to coastal surfing, alongside castle ruins, country parks, and the world's largest Elvis Festival in the seaside town of Porthcawl.
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Caerphilly

Caerphilly blends dramatic history, from Roman remains and Wales's largest castle to a poignant mining memorial, with verdant country parks and forests perfect for walking and mountain biking.
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Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant capital city offering everything from a grand castle and world-class museums to a buzzing waterfront, major live events, and excellent accommodation for every budget.
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Merthyr Tydfil

Once the Iron Capital of the world, Merthyr Tydfil is now an action-packed destination blending outdoor adventures from mountain biking to steam railways with a rich industrial and cultural heritage.
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Monmouthshire

Bordering England, Monmouthshire is a county of grand castles, charming market towns, and rolling countryside perfect for walking, cycling, and discovering centuries of Welsh history.
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Newport

Newport is a city of remarkable layers, from Roman Caerleon and a medieval castle to the Chartist uprising, a iconic Transporter Bridge, and world-class golf at the Celtic Manor Resort.
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Rhondda Cynon Taff

From its coal-mining roots to exhilarating zip lines, a working Royal Mint, and sweeping country parks, the Rhondda Valleys offer a fascinating mix of heritage and adventure.
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Torfaen

Torfaen is steeped in industrial history, from the UNESCO-listed Blaenavon landscape and its underground coal mine to Pontypool's ironmaster heritage, with a scenic canal corridor connecting it all.
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Vale of Glamorgan

The Vale of Glamorgan blends a dramatic heritage coastline, charming market towns, and some unexpected delights including vineyards, a tea plantation, and a castle where you can craft your own gin.
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Group Travel Highlights

From castles to coastlines, food tours to mountain trails, our new videos showcase a selection of the best group experiences Southern Wales has to offer.

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Map

Resources

Find resources to help plan your trip. From coach parking and drop off to maps and guides.

What people think of Southern Wales

Traveling Terry explores everything from castles to mines, cheese tasting to gin making! "From castles and coastal views to unique hands-on experiences, Southern Wales offers such a rich variety of moments to capture and share."

@TravelingTerry explores Southern Wales – Twice!

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Luci and her Van visited Southern Wales and here's what she got up to. "Southern Wales has some truly spectacular sites and is well worth a visit, even if it is for a whirlwind weekend of adventure or for a longer holiday. For myself, I know I have fallen in love with this wonderful section of Wales and will be heading back again in July to explore more soon." Luci

Hills and beaches with Luci

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"I couldn't be more excited to share reasons why you need to visit Southern Wales. As some of you may know I live in South Wales, between Cardiff and the Welsh Valleys and personally I think it's one of the best areas in the UK with so many hidden gems, wild spaces and cultural hubs that are often overlooked for more well-known destinations. But if you’re looking to get away, out of the city, into the outdoors and have a real family adventure then Southern Wales is definitely a destination you need to check out so here are some reasons to visit the area."

Side Street Style explore Southern Wales

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FAQ's

Planning a group trip to Southern Wales involves specific logistical considerations, from coach parking to heritage site access. Here are the top 8 frequently most asked questions: 

For Fun, here are some Did you know? questions about Southern Wales