South Wales is a beautiful area of the UK that sometimes gets overlooked by visitors. Many think it is industrial and there’s not much to see compared to the west or north of Wales but this is not the case. South Wales is steeped in history as well as being home to Cardiff, Wales’s capital city.
There is plenty to see around South Wales, whatever you’re interests or the time of year. We know that travelling can be expensive, especially for families and larger groups. So we’re going to show you five fabulous things to do in South Wales, all at the best price, “Free!”
Although, all these attractions and locations are free to enter. Unfortunately, just like many places in the UK, you may have to pay to park in the local car parks.
Visit A Castle (Or Two)
Yes, Wales does indeed have a lot of castles and other historic buildings. Some of the larger ones do charge an entrance fee but there are several castles and historic ruins which do not. Around Bridgend, there is Coity Castle, Ogmore Castle and Ewenny Priory. All of these are free to enter and have free parking too.
The beautiful Neath Abbey is also an interesting place to explore and does not charge for entry or parking. It is worth checking the CADW website for more information about the historic ruins around South Wales.
Explore Gower And Some Of The Best Beaches
From the dramatic cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast to the picturesque beaches and bays of the Gower Peninsula South Wales has a wide variety of coastline. Whether you’re a walker, surfer or just a sunbather you’ll find a stretch of the coast that is perfect for you.
You can walk the Wales Coast Path, get lost in the Merthyr Mawr dunes, learn to surf in Porthcawl or eat ice cream in Mumbles, the choice is yours.
Our personal favourites are Three Cliffs Bay and Worm’s Head on the Gower and Merthyr Mawr dunes near Bridgend.
Walk In Waterfall Country
You will waterfall country at the head of the Vale of Neath on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons. There are a number of walking trails you can take which connect the waterfalls, some easier than others. Today, it is a quiet and peaceful area but during the industrial revolution, it was the centre for many heavy and dangerous industries including gunpowder manufacture.
Amongst the waterfalls in the area, you can actually walk behind a few of the them. Also, you may recognise Henrhyd Falls, it was used as the entrance to the Batcave in the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Visit Margam Park
Margam Park near Port Talbot is a country park which contains ruins of a Cistercian monastery, a new Gothic country house and an 18th century Orangery.
The park is popular for walking and mountain biking with routes up to the Glamorgan Ridgeway. It is also popular with families as they have an adventure playground, farm trail and a little train.
You may also recognise the house from Dr Who which has used it as a location in a number of the Dr Who episodes. Although entry to the park is free, you do have to pay for car parking.
St Fagans National Museum Of History
St Fagans or to give its full title St Fagans National Museum of History is located to the west of Cardiff. Like many museums in Wales and the UK entry to the museum is free. The museum contains over 40 historic buildings from all over Wales. These have been carefully restored and rebuilt in the the grounds of St Fagans castle.
As well as the galleries and historic buildings it also hold many events and talks throughout the year. St Fagans was named UK’s Museum of the Year 2019.
Similar to Margam Park, entry is free but you do have to pay for car parking.
