How to Visit South East Wales: The Traveler’s Guide
If you’re thinking about visiting Wales, you can’t go far wrong than with a trip to beautiful South East Wales. By basing yourself in two locations, the capital city Cardiff and the charming Bannau Brycheiniog – (formerly named Brecon Beacons National Park), you will the perfect mix of the great outdoors, tons of history, and vibrant culture. From dramatic national parks and ancient castles to charming vineyards and bustling cities, it’s all here. Whether you’re exploring the capital city of Cardiff or enjoying the idyllic Brecon Beacons, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this incredible region. By reading these top tips you will be able to visit South East Wales like an expert.
What’s the Best Time to Visit South East Wales?
The South East Wales region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with generally mild winters and increasingly warm summers. The best time to visit depends upon what you’re looking to do. The seasons are as follows:
• Spring (March-May): This is the time that everything comes to life. Lush green, delicate spring blossoms and pleasant weather. Ideal for hiking, vineyard tours, and outdoor activities.
• Summer (June to August) is great to visit the national parks, historic gardens and castles. During this period, the weather is usually warm with temperatures between 15-23°C (59-73.4°F). After packing your days full of places of interest you can often sit al-fresco with a glass of wine or two and an evening meal.
• Autumn (September-November) is a generally quieter time to travel. There are fabulous autumn colours; therefore, it is ideal to enjoy hiking in Brecon Beacons or walking coastal paths.
• Winter (December-February): Although colder, winter is a time of peace and festivity. Many indoor attractions, such as museums and castles are open year round. It can be the perfect time to hire a country cottage with an open fire and end country walks with cosy country pubs.
Top Attractions of South East Wales
Cardiff
Wales’s capital, Cardiff is a lively, cosmopolitan city given equal share of glossy modern areas and historical sites. No trip to the city would be complete without a visit to Cardiff Castle in the city centre. This was once the home of various Lord’s of Glamorgan before becoming the home of the Marquesses of Bute. The site combines 2000 year old Roman Walls with a twelfth century keep and fifiteenth century manor house. Many of the castle interiors were remodelled in the nineteenth century by the third Marquess of Bute. Using the great wealth his father had amassed from the coal industry and docks, he teamed up with architect and eccentric William Burges. Together they created some of the most lavish and extraordinary interiors you are ever likely to see. A wander around Cathays Park, Cardiff’s civic centre, is sure to be of interest. Home to the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff University and the law courts to name but a few of the magnificent buildings in this area. Built of Portland stone, the buildings mostly date between 1896 and 1927. They are often used in the thriving TV and film industry, doubling as places like New York and berlin. You can also see many of the buildings in television series such as BBC Doctor Who, Sherlock and Torchwood. Historic St John’s Church in the city centre is well worth a visit. Look carefully and you might find a cyberman inside! Don’t forget to check out the many Victorian arcades in the city. Each has it’s own feel and design. This is where you will find many of the city’s quirky cafe’s and independent stores such as Spiller’s Records, the UK’s oldest record store. If all that sightseeing has left you feeling hungry, then why not try some street food in Cardiff’s Victorian Market? A walk around Cardiff Bay allows exploration into restaurants, shops, and waterfront views, along with the chance to see more locations used in filming BBC Doctor Who and Sherlock. Why not hire a local guide to show you around, sharing tips on local traditions and culture as well as being a great way to learn all about Cardiff’s rich history?
Brecon Beacons National Park
If wildlife and nature is your thing, be sure not to miss the Brecon Beacons National Park With its popular mountains, rolling hills, and babbling waterfalls, it is a perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Hike to the top of Pen y Fan, at 886 metres it’s the highest peak in South Wales, or take a peaceful walk along the picturesque Brecon and Monmouthshire canal.
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle – The largest castle in Wales and one of the largest in the UK with an extensive moat and dramatically set architecture a short drive or train journey out of Cardiff in the south east. You can marvel and the many defensive aspects of the architecture at Caerphilly. You can’t miss it’s leaning tower – it leans at a greater angle than the leaning tower of Pisa. Recently this castle has had a great deal of work done on it’s great hall. New interpretation has been added too. In 2026 plans are afoot to build a new visitor centre and cafe. In the meantime there are plenty of cafe’s to explore in the town.
South East Wales Vineyards There are several vineyards in South East Wales producing top-quality wines.
White Castle Vineyard in Abergavenny is no exception.
Nestled between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, the vineyard offers the perfect setting for a wine-tasting tour. This vineyard has received awards in the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards for three years in a row: bronze, silver, and gold. Perhaps unusually for the UK, the vineyard produces red wines alongside its rose, sparkling, and white wines. Their Siegerrebe white with hints of peach and elderflower is the best white wine I have ever tasted. The Vineyard has teamed up with, The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny in providing packages from luxury accommodation wine tasting through to transfers between Hotel and vineyard. Newport Newport,, just fifteen minutes East of Cardiff boasts many interesting things for both visitor.
Newport Transporter Bridge
This bridge dominates the Newport dock skyline. It is an iconic feat of engineering built in 1906. One can walk across the river Usk on a 50 metre high gantry or ride the suspended gondala. Although the bridge has been there for around 120 years it is coming to the final stages of a grand overhaul. The bridge and a fantastic new interpretation centre complete with gantry simulation open to the public in 2026. For the timid and less mobile you will be able to “walk the gantry” at ground level with a flat safe surface. A new cafe on the top floor of the visitor centre will give the visitor fantastic views. A lift will take visitors up 3 floors. For those who sish to walk the gantry in real life there is then a series of flights of steps to take up to the top.
Tredegar House
A 17th century Charles II mansion house with beautiful gardens. This National Trust owned property is not to be missed. Sitting next to the M4 in Newport it is easy to find. The house boasts magnificent interiors whilst the grounds include formal gardens, a lake and woodland walks. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/tredegar-house
RSPB Newport
Nature lovers should head to the nearby RSPB Newport Wetlands for some bird watching and walking; equally, it is a great starling murmuration spot during autumn and winter. The wetlands sit within the Gwent Levels. The whole area alongside the Severn Estuary is packed full of wildlife and history. Why not walk the Wales Coast Path in this area? The walk takes you along the sea wall, originally built by the Romans to keep the sea out. There is so much to see in this area. I have included a link to help you decide what to visit.
Vale of Glamorgan
The county immediately to the West of Cardiff, this area of outstanding beauty boasts a dramatic coastline that includes Southerndown Beach, the historic town of Llantwit Major and the scenic fourteen mile Heritage Coast path. Let’s not also forget the seaside resort of Barry Island, known for the famous comedy duo Gavin & Stacey.
The charming inland market town of Cowbridge offers just the right mix of smart shopping with independent stores, quality dining and cosy pubs.
For walkers, the Vale offers beautiful seaside views and charming villages to explore. If it’s gardens you want, why not visit the stunning Edwardian garden at Dyffryn Gardens? These beautifully tended Thomas Mawson designed gardens are run by National Trust.
Things to Do in South East Wales
• Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
There are various hiking trails across Brecon Beacons and Vale of Glamorgan, suitable for all levels-from easygoing coastal walks to challenging mountain treks.
• Heritage
South East Wales contains some of the most amazing castles, museums, and ancient monuments. Combining Cardiff and Caerphilly Castles, Castell Coch, a stunning little fairytale castle in the woods to the North of Cardiff, Rhaglan, and Chepstow Castles are all within easy reach of each other.
• Vineyard tours/wine tasting
Go on a tour of the best vineyards in the region and learn about the winemaking process; taste various types of wine locally produced. Most vineyards offer guided tours and tastings to give insight into the area’s wine culture.
• Cultural Experiences
Enjoy the traditional Welsh food and join in with the local festivals.
There is always something on in the area. Watch for the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival or The Eisteddfod – biggest of the cultural festivals of Wales. This festival alternates between North and South Wales, moving from county to county. Competitions in literature, song and dance during the daytime with live Welsh rock and pop bands perfoming in the evenings, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. In August there is the Tafwyl festival to discover. Based in Cardiff, it is primarily a festival of folk music and dance. With free entry it’s one not to miss. If you choose to snuggle up in one of Wales’s many charming cottages in January, look out for the Mari Lwyd festivities – a form of wassailing to welcome in the old New Year. This usally happens on the Friday closest to 13th January.
Why Use a Professional Guide?
While most places of interest in South East Wales are generally easily accessible, the services of a professional guide will give visitors the ultimate experience. Professional guides offer an insight into the history and culture of the region, sharing information you would otherwise miss. Remember, when looking to hire a guide, it is really important to check their credentials. In today’s modern world, where setting up a listing on any number of supposed guiding sites is done quickly and easily and often without references, it is really important to book your guide from a reputable source. In Wales, the only place to find properly qualifies and insured Welsh guides is to book through Wales Best Guides. This site offers fully trained, qualifed and insured guides who are the offical tourist guides of Wales. Don’t get caught out booking from any other source. Avoid Trip Advisor, Viator etc. unless the guide states they hold a professional qualification. You are looking for Blue or Green Badge guides. Ask to see their credentials if you are unsure!
It may be a matter of visiting the castles, trekking the Brecon Beacons, or taking a vineyard tour; a guide will be in a position to give the fascinating context, navigate routes known by few, and offer insider tips.
It is a great way of making the most of your time and gaining a deeper connection to the region.
Getting Around South East Wales
Public transportation serves Cardiff quite well, while the frequency of the trains and buses to and from the city is quite good. Getting around in and around Wales might sometimes need just a bit more planning.
Renting a car is recommended for travelling outside of the capital city if you are happy and confident to drive overseas. Visiting areas such as Brecon beacons National Park or the Vale of Glamorgan then becomes straightforward. Alternatively guided tours are a stressless option. There are a wide variety of official guides in Wales with the correct qualifications and insurance who can guide in a number of different regions in Wales. You might like a little help planning your itinerary. Sarah’s Wales offers a bespoke travel itinerary planning service, assisting you in getting the most out of your trip. Just think of all those little extras, the hidden gems, and recommended hotels and restaurants you will discover- not to mention the time you will save with a bit of extra help! How does it work? Make an enquiry giving the dates you would want to travel and the kind of activities you enjoy. State how you intend to travel. Will you hire a car? Perhaps you would like help finding suitable guides? Sarah will give you a quote and hold a face to face online meeting to discuss your individual needs. Itineraries provided include directions and tips. Recomended guides are contacted and put on hold pending your contacting them to make a booking. Guides contact details are then shared. You maintain control over all of your bookings and payments but Sarah does all the hard work for you!
Accommodation and Dining
From quaint bed-and-breakfasts to plush hotels, South East Wales caters for all options and budgets. There are sleek, modern hotels alongside chic boutiques in Cardiff and charming coaching inns converted from farmhouses further afield. You can enjoy luxury dining with delicious fine dining at the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny. Don’t miss the cawl – a Welsh lamb and leek stew or the Welsh rarebit, and fantastic cheeses on offer in many Welsh establishments. Sample the region’s increasingly hot food scene at The Potted Pig in Cardiff, or feast on fresh seafood by the seaside.
Travel Tips
• Currency Wales uses the British pound (£)
• Language Around 23% of the population of Wales speaks Welsh as a first language. But don’t worry, they all speak English too! There are hot spots to go to, to hear the language being spoken in the capital city. The Welsh are very proud of their language and always happy to talk to visitors about the language and culture.
• Weather It’s always a good idea to pack a raincoat anywhere in the UK. In the summertime, Wales enjoys fabulously sunny days interspersed with heavy showers. If you’re lucky you might not even get a spot of rain!
Whether you’re visiting the castles (there are 641 across the whole of Wales), hiking through stunning landscapes, or enjoying a glass of locally produced wine, South East Wales has something for everyone. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to experience all the beauty and culture this region has to offer.
