8 Best Things To See and Do in South Wales For A Dreamy Vacation

wales, , 90 Comments

Last Updated on the 13th of May, 2024

South of Wales is a place of contrasts.

The East have an immense industrialised past. Coal was mined in the valleys during the 18th and 19th centuries and shipped around the world from the busy ports of Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. 

By the early 19th century, South of Wales was the world’s biggest producer of iron; a century later, a third of the world’s coal was mined in this area and much of the local population was employed in these industries.

But the further west you go, and closer to the Pembrokeshire coast you get, the lusher the greenery and the quieter the atmosphere. In fact, some of the most stunning scenery in the British Isles is here.

There’s the Green Bridge of Wales, an iconic 80ft sea arch, two limestone pillars known as Elegug Stacks and the Huntsman’s Leap –  a deep, narrow and sheer-sided coastal chasm.

But it’s not just an adventure that draws people to the Welsh and its rugged terrain, there’s a more relaxed side to it too, with quiet beaches and quaint seaside towns to relax in.

Read More: Why North Wales is the Perfect Destination For a Unique Summer Trip – A Must-Read Guide

The Pierhead Building as photographed from a Ferris wheel.

Why Visit South Wales?

South Wales is the most densely packed area of Wales and it contains several of the biggest cities, such as Cardiff, Swansea and Newport.

The Brecon Beacons National Park takes up roughly one-third of the region and at the very bottom, just an hour’s drive away from Bristol, you’ll find its capital – Cardiff.

For a tiny area, South Wales crams in a vast array of things to see and do, including two National Parks, ancient Neolithic structures, Gothic Abbeys and many castles. 

*Fun Fact – Did you know that  Henrhyd Falls located in South Wales, was featured as the entrance to the Bat cave in the blockbuster film Batman: The Dark Knight Rises?

Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See At The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Coastal scenery around Tenby village.
Flowers at the Mumbles Pier.

1. Go For A Stroll Around Mumbles Pier and Arcade

With an intriguing history and picturesque coastal topography, the pretty seaside village of Mumbles is a popular headland on the outskirts of Swansea. It consists of a small fishing village, a medieval castle and miles of rugged coastline.

Its star attraction – the 19th-century Mumbles Pier which was once a station for the world-famous Mumbles Railway, can be found at the southeastern end where it juts out into the Bristol Channel.

The wooden walkway is 255m long and is among Swansea’s oldest and most famous landmarks. 

The Pier is also the home of the RNLI, the Amusements Arcade and Beach Hut Café where you can enjoy several seaside classics and a portion of Fish and Chips.

You can go for a walk along the rocky shoreline of Bracelet Bay, and gaze up at the iconic 18th-century Mumbles Lighthouse that stands on an island offshore.

You can stop for snacks and refreshments at the Beach Hut Café or simply watch fishermen at work and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay.

Read More: 8 Unforgettable Things To See And Do In Beautiful Venice, Italy

Mumbles Pier, South Wales.

2. Immerse Yourself into the Beauty of Gower Peninsula

If you are heading to South Wales, then you have to explore the wild and wonderful Gower Peninsula.

The 70-square-mile peninsula was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956.

It has a rich and varied environment of wild moors and limestone cliffs to huge golden, sandy beaches. And it has wild horses and sunflower fields bursting with colour and light. Bring a picnic with you and take your time enjoying the spectacular views. 

If you only have time for one place to stop along the coast, make it Worm’s Head. The windswept headland of Worm’s Head is a tidal island just off the coast at Rhossili and it marks the most westerly point on Gower Peninsula.

The island is accessible at low tide via a rock causeway, which links the small island to the mainland. Legend has it that the Vikings who invaded Gower believed the island to be a sleeping dragon, because of its shape.

*Good to know – always check the times when it is safe to cross as you only have about 2.5 hours on either side of low tide.

Read More: 8 Memorable Things To Do In Ghent, Belgium | Attractions and Activities

Wild and wonderful Gower Peninsula.

3. Venture Around Picture-Perfect Tenby

Bursting with heritage and atmosphere, this walled seaside town is most recognisable from the pastel-coloured houses that line the seafront and sweeping sandy beach below.

Here you’ll find three sandy beaches, a 13th-century ruined castle which is perched on a headland connected to the shore by an isthmus as well as the oldest independent museum in Wales – Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

You could effortlessly spend a whole day meandering around the beautiful Tenby Harbour, peeking into its wonderful collection of independent stores and even hopping on board one of the many boat trips to Caldey Island.

One of the must-see places in Tenby is an actual lifeboat station once a Tenby landmark. The RNLI Lifeboat Station is open to the public and anyone curious to see the all-weather lifeboats.

As the station is situated on the east side of Castle Hill on Tenby seafront, it is only accessible on foot.

Read More: Some of the Best Things To Do in Tartu: The Free, The Fun and The Tasty

Tenby and its colourful houses.

4.  Enjoy panoramic sea views at Three Cliffs Bay

Three Cliffs Bay beach offers a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the signature view of three dramatic limestone cliffs, which this spot is famous for.

Overlooking the sweeping bay are Pennard Castle ruins, and below the castle is Pennard Pill River which flows into the bay, carving dramatic banks into the sand. 

Despite the iconic scenery and an altogether wild Gower experience if you wish, the beach is rarely crowded. It is mainly because you have to walk a distance to reach the bay, and the access is over rough and steep ground.

There are a few places you could park:

  • Southgate National Trust car park
  • Limited free parking at Penmaen
  • Three Cliffs Bay car park at the Gower Heritage Centre

*Good to know: Due to strong tides and currents, swimming isn’t allowed

Read More: 25+ Things To Know Before Traveling To Beautiful Latvia For The First Time

Stunning views of the Three Cliffs Bay

5. Explore the Welsh Capital of Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales.

As one of the most attractive cities in the UK, it is a must-visit destination when exploring South Wales, and makes for a great base from which to venture forth on exciting day trips and adventures.

In addition to the well-preserved Cardiff Castle, the city is brimming with many magnificent buildings to visit. Whether you choose to stop by the mighty Lancaster Cathedral, Lancaster Castle, or even explore the plethora of art galleries, you will be impressed.

Top Things To Do In Cardiff:

  • Explore Bute Park – a botanical paradise consisting of 130 acres of landscaped gardens

Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff.

6. Enjoy the Tranquillity of Brecon Beacons

Located less than an hour’s drive north of Cardiff and spanning 520 square miles of lush countryside, the Brecon Beacons is widely considered one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.

It boasts an extremely diverse landscape which features broad swaths of moorland and native deciduous trees. There are also flowing waterfalls, deep gorges, market towns and rolling mountains making it the perfect destination for a hiking adventure.

The park is a year-round destination. However, if you’re looking to explore the trails then the summer months allow for easier access to trails rather than dealing with snow and ice on the peaks.

If you wish to spend some time in the Brecons Brecons then Abergavenny would be a great place to begin your exploration. The lively market town with its beautiful collection of late-Victorian and Edwardian homes, is surrounded by seven mountains and can be used as a base for outdoor activities

Read More: Belfast Bucket List: The 10 Best Things To See and Do In The City

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales.

7. Go Strawberry and Raspberry Picking

Strawberry picking is a delicious and fun outdoor activity to do in the summer.

Freshly picked strawberries taste so much better than anything you can buy at the grocery store and are perfect for a healthy snack on the road. If you’ve never had freshly picked strawberries straight from the vine, you are going to be blown away.

They are so sweet, juicy, and soft. 

Located just a short drive away from Warms Head, is a wonderful “pick-your-own” all-weather fruit farm called Gower Pick Your Own, where you can pick fresh berries.

No booking is required before arrival, and there’s ample free parking available. You can bring your own baskets and boxes, but don’t worry if you arrive without any as you can purchase them on site. And you pay for what you pick.

  • Opening Times: June to September from Tuesday to Sunday

*Our Crossings Tip – go first thing in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.

Read More: 8+ Inspiring Mountain Books You Should Read This Year

Ericeira picking strawberries at the farm.

8. Be Surrounded by Books in Hay-on-Way

Nestled in a scenic spot at the top of the Brecon Beacons and close to the Welsh-English border is a small, beautifully formed market town called Hay-on-Wye.

It is best known as the ‘Town of Books’ due to every other shop on its main street stocking and selling everything from crime thrillers and poetry books to vintage classics and new upcoming authors.

It all started when Richard Booth – a self-proclaimed King of Hay – opened the town’s first second-hand bookshop in 1961 and went on to build a bookselling empire attracting book buyers, booksellers, and bibliophiles from all over the world.

Now more than 40 bookstores are selling mostly second-hand books. The most unusual ones are called “Honesty Bookshops”. They are unmanned and often nothing more than a self on a wall. You can simply collect a book and drop money in a small box.

Aside from the books, there’s also the historic Norman Castle,  a wonderful winding river, one of the largest literary festivals in the world and Tintern Abbey.

Read More: The Very Best Madeira Activities For A Fun Filled Portuguese Vacation

Richard Booth’s Bookshop on Lion Street.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Stirling? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Stirling and have travel-related questions!

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Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

90 thoughts on “8 Best Things To See and Do in South Wales For A Dreamy Vacation”

    1. I loved everything about Hay-on-Wye and might have spent more money than I initially intended while browsing its numerous second-hand bookshops and antique shops. Luckily, we travelled by car this time, and I could fill up the boot with as many books as I desired. With the river flowing gracefully along its northwestern edge and with a relaxing vibe, it is a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

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  2. I’ve spent some time in spectacular northern Wales, but clearly southern Wales has much to offer, too. The pastel houses, seashore, national park, castles, and bookshops could keep me occupied for weeks. Thanks for the introduction to this great region.

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    1. As we couldn’t decide between South or North Wales, we opted to extend our time in Wales by adding a few more days to our summer vacation just so we could explore both, and I am so glad we did. I loved the Victorian houses of Tenby and Millennium Centre in Wales’ capital. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t get to fully explore the Pembrokeshire coast which is said to be one of the most spectacular in Europe, but we can always return. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Francisco. South Wales is a fantastic place to visit. It’s home to the finest landscapes, stunning beaches, and amazing natural views, as well as some of the most culturally rich, vibrant cities in Europe. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  4. We always regret that in our many visits to the U.K. we have never yet been to Wales. Likely the closest we got was when we travelled along the Bristol Channel in 1977. Your photos and descriptions are as beautiful as always Aiva and it was nice to see your growing family too. Have a wonderful Monday and thanks for this post. Allan

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    1. Thanks so much, Allan. As we travelled along the curving coastal road, we wondered why it had taken us so many years to finally explore Wales. I mean, it is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Dublin! But, as they say – better late than never. Now Wales is our new favourite place. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  5. It does pack a punch for such a small area, Aiva. When my daughter was tiny we spent an idyllic week in Tenby, but I’ve never been to Mumbles, though a very good friend’s mum was born there. Nor have I been to Cardiff, though I spent the Christmas before last at Newport, just down the road. There’s so much potential there. I’m hopeful that I’ll go back one day. Thanks for another great guide!

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by everything we had a chance to see and do in Wales, especially Mumbles. As we visited during the week, there were only a handful of people, and we pretty much had the place all to ourselves. South Wales has quite a lot to offer, whether you are looking for a city break, relaxing on the beach or a more adventurous action-packed activity holiday – they seem to have it all. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Brecon Brecons is a glorious walking territory, and it’s one of the places I’d like to return to one day as hiking its trails is still on my wish list. As our youngest was only 8 months old at the time and as the weather was quite stormy when we visited, we could only admire its dramatic ridges and moody mountain summits from afar. Given that the park has recently been designated as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales adds to its appeal – you can enjoy stargazing after a day’s hike. How amazing is that? Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Lyssy. There’s so much more to the UK than just London, and Wales is one of those under-the-radar destinations. One of the things that I loved most about South Wales was the ability to enjoy solitude and tranquillity. The popular tourist attractions and landmarks were never packed and we didn’t have to wait in long queues or elbow our way through crowds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  8. We hope to visit Wales this summer and your post has given me some great suggestions to include in our itinerary. Tenby looks darling, and the bookstore, oh my, I could spend hours, and lots of money there. Fabulous photos! Thanks Aiva, for sharing!

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    1. I am glad to hear that you found my post useful. Wales is full of underrated beaches, national parks, and cities that see far fewer crowds than neighbouring England, therefore it is a fantastic place to visit. I find that North Wales is home to the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor pursuits, whilst South Wales is the perfect escape for that picturesque coastal getaway. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  9. What a fabulous array of things to see and do in this part of Wales. For a small region it really does have heaps to offer. History, architecture, beaches and books, not to mention that delicious berry picking in the summer months sounds divine to me. Thanks for taking me along Aiva. You certainly whetted my appetite. Sending all good wishes. xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Miriam. South Wales is an incredibly diverse area of the UK. It is a land of big skies and snow-capped mountains, lush green countryside, idyllic wooded river valleys, and towering waterfalls; all fringed by a fabulous coastline with golden beaches and turquoise waters. We had a fantastic time exploring its nooks and crannies and could easily recommend it to our fellow travellers and bloggers. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad you found it helpful. It is a landscape shaped by thousands of years of myths, history, and legends. Everywhere you look you can find historic links to the past: the remains of Iron Age forts, Bronze Age burial chambers and prehistoric stones with many medieval castles standing amongst the picturesque landscape Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It’s a truly wonderful part of the world to explore, Marion. If you are interested in sightseeing you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of castles, museums and stunning natural beauty on display. It was also much warmer and sunnier than Norther Wales which was a welcome reprieve given that we were on a camping holiday with an 8-month-old baby. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. There was just something alluring about its green valleys, peaceful forests and rolling moorlands. Richard Booth’s Bookshop is any book lover’s dream – it is one of the iconic shops in the heart of historic Hay on Wye worth visiting. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  13. I continue to appreciate your blog posts about the different regions throughout the UK which are otherwise often overlooked especially by international tourists. Of all the places you listed here, I’m particularly intrigued by Hay-on-Wye. How cool that it is known as the Town of Books, and honesty bookshops are a brilliant idea.

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    1. Thanks so much, Bama. I find that Wales is such an underrated travel destination. Many travellers to the UK, start with a few days in London followed by a quick stopover in Scotland. But there are many more alluring places in between!

      You would love Hay-on-Wye and its well-stacked bookstores! As a literature lover, I can’t help but build a lot of my travel itineraries around bookshops and the homes of authors I love. I find that immersing myself in another country’s literary culture for a few hours is a wonderful experience that lets me find hidden treasures, lots of affordable second-hand books and meet like-minded people. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  14. Wales has eluded me despite having visited the UK several times over the years. It looks green and absolutely stunning, and I hope to visit it some day! Thanks for sharing your adventures there with us, Aiva. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca. South Wales is a fantastic place to visit whether you are a nature lover keen to explore its idyllic scenery or a history buff interested in medieval castles and museums. It also has outdoor pursuits in spades, and not just on its beaches. A ride in the Brecon Mountain Railway is still on my wish list therefore we might even return one day to see more of this beautiful part of the world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I was quite surprised by how much there is to see and do, Maggie. So much that 5 days was nowhere near enough to explore it all, and we ended up leaving some of the parks and cities for the next time. I loved South Wales’s attractive towns and villages bursting with traditional Welsh culture as well as an opportunity to experience “wild Wales” in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  16. I love Wales – your post makes me realise I’d like to plan a dedicated trip to the south. I thought I recognised the houses of Tenby from the show Being Human but apparently that was Barry. They are very pretty

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    1. I loved everything about Wales. There’s so much to see and do, that you could easily spend weeks at a time exploring South Wales. The UK is blessed with some truly remarkable road trip destinations, and our time in Wales only cemented that fact even further. As I’ve never heard about Being Human, I had to look it up. Sounds like a fantastic show for those who love supernatural TV Series about vampires, wolves, and a ghost. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. I hope you get to visit Wales as it is a beautiful region full of loveliest scenery. Stenaline has 8 daily crossings between Dublin and Holyhead in Wales. We travelled last summer with the girls – it only takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to cross the seas. I find it to be a fantastic way to travel to Wales as you can sit back and relax onboard, and enjoy a great meal, or a drink at the bar all while taking in the scenery along the way. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

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      1. Thank you for the info on the Ferry crossings. I normally go to Dublin, so that would be a great way to get to Wales. One more question, when I get to Wales, do I need a car or can I walk / take train there? Appreciate your travel expertise. Monica xo

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        1. While we travelled by car, many other passengers we spoke to, travelled on foot and went to Wales on a day trip. In Dublin Port, foot passengers board the ferry via a shuttle bus. Holyhead Port arrivals/departures are located at Terminal 1 building which is located adjacent to Holyhead train station. Rail service providers are Arriva Trains Wales and Virgin Trains, both companies afford regular scheduled services across the UK Rail Network. I hope this helps. Have a wonderful day. It’s finally snowing in Sligo! Aiva xx

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    1. As we had 12 full days to explore Wales, we managed to see the south and north parts but missed out on the Pembrokeshire coast and the Cambrian Way which take you along the mountainous spine of Wales. We would need at least two more weeks if not more to see it all. As you say – one day, one day… Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Diana! I loved all the beautiful Welsh valleys filled to the brim with lush greenery and cute villages, but I left my heart in the northern part of the country where the majestic mountains were hidden in ominous dark clouds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. Wales is home to charming towns and villages filled with quaint pubs and restaurants as well as rugged mountain ranges and plenty of inviting hiking trails. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Whether you want to hike to a mountain peak like Snowdon, stroll along wildlife-rich river banks or explore a former colliery, Wales is ideal for you. We loved its hiking trails, history museums and lovely locals awaited us in the wonderful Welsh countryside.

      You know how some people before they embark on a vacation, estimate variable expenses such as meals, entertainment, souvenirs etc? I usually have a separate budget section just for buying books, because unexpected opportunities to splurge on reading accessories and cute tote bags always arise when we travel, especially in places like Hay-on-Way! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  22. Aiva- your family’s travels are among my absolute favourite to follow. Your destination guides are so thoughtfully curated and punctuated with the most gorgeous photography, it cannot help but spark wanderlust every time! I would be in heaven in this region, especially without the crowds of tourists as you mentioned; I love visiting under-the-radar places for this exact reason. Hay-on-Wye also sounds like a true dream destination for any bibliophile (me!). I am really hoping to make it to your part of the world this coming autumn, and will need to add southern Wales to my list, in addition to parts of Ireland and Scotland. 😊💖✈️

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    1. Thanks so much for such a wonderful and thoughtful comment, Laura. It’s always so nice to hear from you 🙂 I hope all is well on Vancouver Island! Did you get any snow this year? 🙂

      When it comes to travelling, especially now that we have two little girls, I prefer to break from the crowd and broaden my horizons by choosing to explore less popular places.

      One of the main reasons why we wanted to travel to Wales was to explore Llanddwyn Island. Most of our friends and family found it strange that we didn’t go to Spain or Italy instead.

      I find that whilst all travel can be a fulfilling and incredible experience no matter where I go and what I do, travelling off the beaten track can fill me with even more fulfilment and excitement. Also – by omitting tourist hotspots, I don’t contribute to over-tourism and get to explore places without any crowds or entry fees.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ribana. From stunning national parks and seaside towns to historic castles and quaint villages, there are many great options for days out in South Wales. It was our first time exploring it, and we loved every bit of it, especially Hay-on-Wye and its plethora of books and bookshops. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The building was constructed from Ruabon Terracotta and it is quite amazing how its rich red colour remains unfaded. It certainly captured my attention. Technological advances made by the Industrial Revolution greatly influenced the appearance of Victorian houses: built of red and sometimes polychromatic machine-made brick, often with moulded components, expansive sheet glass windows and elaborate cast-iron railings. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I loved the bookshop and the wonderful town filled with some of the cutes shops I’ve ever seen! Wales was a wonderful surprise and I was delighted that we finally decided to explore it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ali. Wales is a truly wonderful place to explore as you can easily travel from small towns to rugged national parks and have a memorable time. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your day is going well 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly, Linda. I loved exploring trails in Wales. Hiking in Wales gives you a hugely varied choice of views and landscapes. As well as its famous mountains, like Mount Snowdon and Pen y Fan, it has 870 miles of coastline linked up in a single long-distance footpath. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Can I ask if congratulations are in order? xx

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      1. They sure are! Our daughter, Margaret, was born on December 9. Despite the sleep deprivation and trying to decipher all the various cries, we’re all healthy and happy. We’re looking forward to hitting the trails this spring and sharing our love of the outdoors with her.

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the post. I loved Wales, its imposing castles and warm, friendly locals. It’s certainly one of those places I would like to go back to one day, too. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Much appreciated. It may have rained more than we anticipated or liked, but we ended up having a very memorable time exploring Wales and camping with the girls. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Yes, that’s true – Hay-on-Wye is more Mid Wales than South, but as it is only a 30-minute drive from Libanus, I decided to include it in the list, because it’s a must-visit for book lovers. Hay Festival is on my wish list as it is the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Hopefully one day, I’ll be able to attend both. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Ava xx

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  33. I’m planning to visit Cardiff on a long weekend train journey from London. Your well-documented article makes me want to do it even more. I’ve crossed the country several times driving between mainland Europe and Ireland, but I’ve only been to the capital on a school trip, which was a long time ago.

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    1. It was our first time in the city, and I loved everything about Cardiff. One of the places I wanted to see the most was Cardiff’s Millennium Centre – it is an undeniably monumental building, and I could just stand outside and gaze at the design. I see Cardiff as a perfect place for a weekend break – once the girls are a bit older, we could return for a longer and less rushed visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  34. Love the colors in your opening photo! I was surprised to not see the one (and only!) thing I did in Wales, the St Fagans outdoor museum near Cardiff. It was fascinating. We spent hours at what we thought would be a short stop.

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    1. Thank you kindly! It rained quite a lot during our two-week camping trip around Wales, but there were a good few sunny days where we were able to appreciate its natural beauty without getting completely drenched. I could effortlessly name at least a dozen places we didn’t get to see while exploring South Wales. I had my eyes set on visiting Margam Country Park, Bosherston Lily Ponds, the Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail and St. Fagans National Museum of History just to name a few. Even if we had an extra week or so, there still wouldn’t be enough time to see and explore everything this part of the world offers. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy St. Valentine’s Day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. There are numerous different reasons to embark on a journey, but setting out to trace your family’s ancestral lines can make for the most fulfilling of trips as retracing the footsteps of your ancestors is both a physical and personal journey. It can add extra meaning to a vacation, as you not only gain an insight into a country by meeting local people and experiencing their culture but also discover elements of the heritage of your own family. Aiva xx

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  36. I’ve been to Wales three times but never hit any of these spots! So much to see and so little time. I did love how refreshingly “empty” Wales felt after how crowded England always seems.

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    1. I was amazed by how much there is to see and do in Wales. It is such a stunningly beautiful region with plenty of natural attractions to explore. We had plans to hike in the Snowdonia National Park, but every time we arrived at the park, the weather turned for the worse – the visibility was close to zero so there wasn’t even a point in taking the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit due to heavy downpours. We are going to Wales once more this summer, but this time on a much bigger loop drive – we are adding Scotland and the Cotswolds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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