The beautiful coastline of South Wales with an abundance of beaches, towns, activities and attractions makes it ideal for planning epic days out in South Wales, or adding these locations to your existing South Wales or Pembrokeshire Coast itinerary.
With a few hidden gems in South Wales included in this list, this is a guide to help you make the most of places to go in South Wales for a day out, whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area.
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The best days out in South Wales
Castle Coch
Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, Castle Coch is a 19th century Gothic castle located just outside the village of Tongwynlais.
The castle is around 20 minutes from Cardiff, making it a great option for a day out from Cardiff or even an idea for days out near Newport, South Wales.
A castle has been on the site since the Norman period, around 1081. Now Castle Coch is a stunning castle complete with turrets, a drawbridge and some of the most stunning interiors I’ve ever seen in the UK.
The ceilings of many of the bedrooms, the chapel and living spaces are ornate and decorated in detailed paintings with gold detailing.
Tickets cost £8.30 per adult as of writing and include an audio guide for your self-guided tour of the castle.
There’s also a tea room cafe and giftshop.
It’s also important to note that the car park is free and there’s a grassland area surrounding the castle, perfect for picnics and letting the kids play if you want include the castle in one of your family days out in South Wales too.
Merthyr Mawr
This village is a real hidden gem in South Wales, located just 10 minutes outside Bridgend, it’s also an ideal day trip from Bridgend.
It’s also a great option if you’re looking for free days out South Wales has to offer – no parking charges, tickets or entrance fees here!
Merthyr Mawr is a charming village full of colourful thatched cottages which are very picturesque to wander around if you enjoy that sort of thing!
If you park in the village car park by the Swing Bridge, you can also go for a paddle in the stream here, or cross over the Swing Bridge and go for a walk along the trail here.
The trail leads you across the river on some stepping stones and out towards the nearby Ogmore Castle ruins to explore.
Rhossili Bay Beach and wildflowers
This stunning beach is at the end of the Gower Peninsula – a must visit area of South Wales, and is easily reached by car from Swansea or Cardiff.
There’s a large National Trust car park which is £4 or free for members. There are also shops, cafes and restaurants nearby so you can easily spend a fun day out in South Wales here.
Head down the beach path to enjoy the sands, picnic, swim, paddle board or boogie board.
Or you can walk along the coastal path and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay with the dramatic green cliffs and hills behind it.
The tide goes out a long way here, so the beach is huge at times, but be aware of the tide coming back in quickly.
The real South Wales hidden gem here are the flower fields along the cliff path towards the end of the peninsula.
If you turn left out of the car park and follow the cliff path with the beach on your right, you’ll reach a PYO sunflower field and wildflower field (of course only in bloom and open during the summer months).
This is a beautiful area to enjoy a whole family day out in South Wales or perfect for romantic days out in South Wales, with flower mazes, a sunflower swing in the sunflower field, adventure trails for children to follow and pick your own sunflowers and wildflowers.
Wormhead Tidal Island
You can also reach Wormhead tidal islands from Rhossili Bay Beach by following the same cliff path towards the wildflower fields but continuing on until you reach the coastal lookout at the tip of the peninsula.
You’ll see the islands just off the South Wales coast and at low tide, there’s a causeway visible which you can walk across to reach and explore the island.
A Tidal Island is an island which is possible to walk to when the tide is out. This means you need to stay aware of the tide times which are published on the board at the Coastguard station lookout at the top of the causeway each day.
Culver Hole
The ultimate South Wales hidden gem is Culver Hole.
Culver Hole is the stuff of legends, with a fascinating and captivating history of smuggling myths and legends, this bizarre stone wall built into a cliff shaft creates a unique and eerie shelter complete with doors and windows.
Believed to have originated from the 13th century as a dovecote, Culver Hole obviously then played host to countless smuggling stories of piracy and looting. It’s believed there are secret access tunnels in the structure too.
You can climb down to the beach to see and go inside Culver Hole, but only at low tide – so please stay away from tide times if you want to go down and explore!
The walk itself to Culver Hole is a lovely easy trail along routes popular with dog walkers. The route is behind the Skysea Caravan and Camping Site and Port Eynon and the walk offers views of Horton Bay.
After your time exploring Culver Hole and the cliff way to reach it, why not make a day of it and enjoy the beach at Horton Bay where there are also plenty of nearby shops and cafes.
This is a free day out in South Wales with just the parking at the beach to pay for, making it one of the best free days out in South Wales.
St Govan’s Chapel
Another spectacular hidden gem in South Wales and possibly one of the most unique places to visit in South Wales too!
St Govan’s Chapel is another unique stone structure tucked into the rocky crevices of the Pembrokeshire Coast.
The chapel is built into the limestone cliff at St Govan’s Head and can be reached by a series of stone steps down, you can even explore inside!
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the cliff path out to the head of the peninsula.
The car park is free here so it’s another great option for free days out in South Wales and along the Pembrokeshire Coast.
Blue Lagoon
For the adventurers among you, the Blue Lagoon is a disused quarry located close to Abereiddy, perfect for days out in South West Wales.
Park at Abereiddy Beach (£4) and follow the short 10 minute coast path along the cliffs until you reach the Blue Lagoon.
It’s a popular spot for sea kayakers, cliff jumpers and climbing enthusiasts. You’ll see plenty of people braving the plunge by jumping off the cliffs on the opposite side into the vibrant blue water below.
Take your beach gear, paddleboard or kayak and enjoy a day swimming in this unique pool, or head over to the beach for a dip in the sea and some refreshments from the food truck there.
Aberaeron
If you like Tenby but you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter and off the beaten path in South Wales, then Aberaeron on the west coast might be for you!
This colourful town is perfect for a relaxing stroll around the harbour, grabbing some fish and chips, wandering around the shops and independent stores in the town or exploring the National Trust Georgian Villa at Llanerchaeron.
Caldey Island boat trip from Tenby
No visit to South Wales is complete without a trip to Tenby! And taking a boat trip is one of the best things to do while you’re in Tenby.
Get your tickets from the booth at the entrance to Tenby harbour and you can take one of the boats that run regularly out to the island between Easter and October. Boats run every 20-30 minutes but the island is closed on Sundays. Find out more here
This holy island is still home to monks to this day, you can visit old priory and churches in the village but not the Abbey or the monastery. Spend time exploring the village, enjoy the stunning beaches and coastline and go walking to soak up the stunning views.
Tenby breweries and foodie stops
Of course Tenby is popular for its family friendly beaches and beautiful location on the Pembrokeshire Coast, making it a popular base for a holiday in South Wales. But it’s also a great spot for food and drink lovers.
In particular, if you’re looking to discover some of the best breweries in Wales, there are two breweries in Tenby you need to visit.
Tenby Brewing Co has a great location at the Tap & Tan bar and restaurant where the street food kitchen is spectacular too! You’ll find them situated in the food quarter in The Mews in an idyllic courtyard, perfect for outdoor drinks on a summer evening.
Also check out Harbwr Brewery, tucked down an alleyway by the harbour, this brewery has soared in popularity and it’s mismatched seating lines this charming, colourful alleyway, creating a scene that looks like you’re somewhere in Italy rather than Wales!
St Davids
Famously known as the smallest city in Britain, St Davids makes a great option for days out in South Wales for adults and children alike!
Located on the south west coast, St Davids is easily walkable and you can spend a day out in Wales here, exploring the markets, visiting the spectacular cathedral, sampling the food and drinks at the local eateries or heading to nearby Whitesands Bay for a family day out at the beach.
There are several car parks in the town which are all pay and display, but other than that, you can spend as much or as little as you want exploring the city.
The cathedral is free to visit and the market takes place in the square every Thursday from March to October.
Whitesands Bay
You could visit Whitesands Bay as part of a day trip to St David’s, or you could spend a whole day at this stunning beach.
Whether you’re looking for days out in South Wales for couples or perhaps more child-friendly days out in South Wales for families, this easily accessible beach can be reached by car or bus.
Parking is £4 for the day and you can also reach the bay via the Coast Path if you’re planning a walk.
A good portion of the beach stays dry, even at low tide, so it’s ideal for families.
The views of the bay and the coast are absolutely stunning.
Ramsey Island
If you’re looking for fun, adventure days out in South Wales, check out Ramsey Island, an RSPB nature reserve which is perfect for days out in South Wales for adults.
There’s a huge range of wildlife sightseeing boat trips, from puffins to Dolphins. See the famous Skomer Island or go seal spotting or simply enjoy one of the walking routes on the island.
Ramsey Island is one of the best days out in South Wales and the island really is a nature lovers dream!
Cult Donuts
Okay this isn’t a day out, but it is a great hidden gem in South Wales, tucked away on an industrial estate in Bridgend!
These freshly made donuts are some of the best we’ve ever tried, with incredible flavours from Biscoff and Cherry Bakewell to FAB lolly or blueberry cheesecake.
They have a really cool store with neon lighting, pink and black decor, great coffee and indoor and outdoor seating.
Definitely a stop to swing by if you’re in the area!
Cardiff
Of course you can’t not mention Cardiff for days out in south east Wales!
Visit Cardiff Castle, see the Cardiff Central Market, stroll along Cardiff Bay and see the Pierhead Building or go shopping in the vibrant independent shops in the city’s many charming shopping arcades.
For bad weather days, the National Museum Cardiff and the shipping arcades are great options for indoor days out in South Wales if the weather has turned on you!
Cardiff also has a great selection of chain and independent eateries to enjoy.
Cardiff Breweries
Another day out for adults in South Wales is enjoying the breweries and taprooms the city has to offer!
We loved how many independent craft beer spots in Cardiff we found!
If you’re a craft beer fan, check out these Cardiff breweries:
- Brew Monster Tap House
- Mad Dog Brewery
- Tiny Rebel Cardiff
Summary: South Wales days out and South Wales hidden gems
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for places to add to your South Wales itinerary, whether you’re looking for days out for adults, couples or the whole family.
As well as some popular spots, there are also plenty of off the beaten path places in South Wales and some spectacular Welsh hidden gems to uncover – we hope you enjoy them!
Pin for later to plan your future trip!
