South Wales Tourist Information

The county or area known as South Wales encompasses the two largest cities in Wales, along with the newest city in Wales. South Wales contains old Counties such as Monmouthshire, historic towns like Chepstow, the beautiful countryside of the southern Wye Valley and beauty spots like the Gower Peninsula. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a World heritage Site, at Blaenavon and the great musical traditions of the Rhondda Valleys make South Wales a rewarding destination.

South Wales Tourist Information may be accessed in Gwent at Chepstow. The centre in Bridge Street is adjacent to Chepstow Castle, one of Britain's first stone built strongholds. Just across the road from the castle is Chepstow Museum with displays featuring Chepstow's many past industries. North of the town is Tintern Abbey. Founded in 1131 for the Cistercian monks, it's the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales. It's set in a quiet meadow in a bend of the River Wye.

To the west is Caldicot Castle and Country Park. The Norman castle is set in over fifty acres of parkland with a children's activity area, pond dipping station, woodland walks and picnic areas. It's a great place for family outings.

South Wales Tourist Information can be found in Monmouth, the county town of old Monmouthshire. With history dating to Roman times and a mix of architecture through the ages, Monmouth is an interesting place. Among its attractions are Monnow Bridge, the only Norman fortified bridge surviving in Britain. The 11th century Castle, birth place of Henry V, is also home to historic Castle House and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers Museum - the only regiment to have survived from the Militia. In Priory Street there is the Nelson Museum & Local History Centre which is well worth visiting.

The historic market town of Abergavenny is surrounded by the mountains Sugar Loaf, Ysgyryd Fawr and Blorenge, which rise over 1,500 feet. The town, at the gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park, is also a starting point for the Heads of the Valleys road running westward to the industrial valleys of South Wales. Abergavenny Museum is set within the ruins of the Norman Castle and tells the story of the town from Prehistoric times to the present day.

A short drive south west is Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site. The main focus of the area is Blaenavon Ironworks, where three blast furnaces were operated with steam power. It became one of the largest ironworks in the world. Today it is the best preserved blast furnace complex of its period and type in the world.

Nearby is the little known gem White Castle. It's one of a triangle of fortresses built to control a strategic entry point into Wales. A later Castle can be visited at nearby Raglan. Raglan Castle was not built until 1435. It's the last in a long line of medieval castles.

The ruins of yet another Norman castle can be found at the picturesque market town of Usk. The river of the same name flows through the town, making it a popular destination for fishing. Housed in an ancient malt barn in the town is Usk Rural life Museum, with exhibits reflecting life in rural Wales between 1850 and the end of World War II.

Newport is the newest city in Wales, granted city status in 2002. It's a busy industrial city and seaport on the estuary of the River Usk. The landmark best known in the area is Newport's Transporter bridge. This aerial ferry is a spectacular sight when illuminated at night. St Woolos cathedral dates back to AD800, but has a modern addition at the east end - a mural and window by John Piper.

North of Newport is Caetleon Amphitheatre Barracks and Baths, the remains of the Roman legionary fortress of Isca.

South Wales Tourist Information is available in Caerphilly. Dominating the town, the massive 13th century Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales. The town is also renowned for its delicious, crumbly Caerphilly cheese which originated there and is still made today. Climb Caerphilly Mountain for spectacular views of the town and valleys. North of the town is Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, a living museum, where you are shown round by costumed guides re-enacting the life in the manor during the time of the Civil War.

South Wales Tourist Information can be found in Cardiff, capital city of Wales. Once best known as a great seaport, today Cardiff has regenerated its dock land area into an exciting tourist attraction and many fine new buildings are appearing, such as the home of the Welsh Assembly and the magnificent Millennium Stadium. Cardiff has many attractions to offer, such as Cardiff Castle, The National Museum Cardiff, Techniquest and Castell Coch.

South Wales Tourist Information is available in the Vale of Glamorgan, an area in contrast to the industrial Rhondda valleys in the north. Inland is agricultural, rolling countryside. There are pretty villages and many good walks in the vale. There are attractions to discover such as the Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans, one of Europe's biggest open air museums. At St. Nicholas garden lovers should visit Dyffryn Gardens for great inspiratiaon.

On the Heritage Coast, a few miles from Cardiff is Penarth, complete with an esplanade, an ornate pier, a modern marina and good shopping centre. Just south of the town is Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village, a fascinating place for all ages to visit. Barry Island is a favourite resort for family holidays with a sandy beach and a pleasure park.

South Wales Tourist Information centres are to be found in the busy market town Bridgend, also at the coastal resort Porthcawl.

Swansea is the second largest city in Wales. It lies at the mouth of the River Tawe on the curve of beautiful Swansea Bay. Swansea has a long industrial heritage and was the largest exporter of coal in the world during the 19th century. Today having undergone a re-generation programme the city is a lively place with many lovely gardens and excellent shopping and dining facilities. It boasts the largest covered market in Wales, a marina and the Wales National Pool - an Olympic size swimming pool. Attractions in Swansea include Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, The National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum, Swansea Castle and the Dylan Thomas Centre.

Swansea is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, an area covering approximately sixteen miles by seven miles wide, the first part of Britain to be designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. South Wales Tourist Information is available in the village of Mumbles, also at the Gower Heritage Centre. The landscape of the Gower is unspoiled and diverse, with many caves along the cliffs, a wide diversity of wildlife and many historic features scattered throughout the peninsula.