Best attractions in South Wales
Not only is South Wales known for its beautiful beaches, it also boasts some of the country's best activities. From hair-raising theme parks to fascinating museums and historic castles, there is an abundance of amazing attractions in South Wales.
Not sure where to begin? Take a look at this list of the best tourist attractions in South Wales for some inspiration of things to see and do. All of the items listed here are within driving distance of our excellent Haven holiday parks in Tenby and New Quay, so everything is possible as a day trip before going back to relax in your caravan.
- Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Meline
- Carew Castle & Tidal Mill, Carew
- Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Begelly
- Narberth Town and Queens Hall
- Big Pit National Coal Museum, Pontypool
- Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
- Lawrenny Village and The Big Retreat Festival
- Dylan Thomas Trail
- Cwmtydu Beach
- Aberaeron Town and Llanerchaeron Villa
Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Meline
Address: Meline, Crymych SA41 3UR
Continuing the historical theme, Pembrokeshire is also home to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, made up of prehistoric-style roundhouses rebuilt on the foundations of a hill fort, in 30 acres of national parkland. Immerse yourself in Iron Age culture as you explore the dwellings and meet the friendly Iron Age villagers. They will share their knowledge about prehistoric life through talks and demos of ancient skills and craft.
The walk around the village is self explanatory and highly engaging, giving you and your family plenty to chat about on your fact-filled adventure. There's a gift shop where you can find interesting souvenirs as well as a cafe, though you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic basket, which could be an excellent idea on a sunny day.
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill, Carew
Address: Castle Ln, Carew, Tenby SA70 8SL
It might call itself a castle, but Carew is only fortified from certain angles. View it from another perspective and you'll find it looks much more like a stately home. The site is packed with not only Norman, but Tudor history and is even rumoured to be haunted, making it one of the most intriguing places to visit in Pembrokeshire.
Surrounded by a 23-acre mill pond, the site also includes a beautifully restored Tidal Mill, an 11th-century Celtic cross and a Medieval bridge so there’s plenty for history buffs to get their teeth into. However, all these sites are linked by a mile-long circular walk with magnificent views over the mill pond and a picnic area. The walk is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, so there’s something for families and nature lovers to enjoy too.
Free parking and an excellent range of refreshments are available near Carew Castle and there are souvenir shops both at the castle and the mill, so you’ve all you need for a glorious day out.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Begelly
Address: Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA
Folly Farm is a vibrant park with plenty on offer for the kids such as animal interactions, fair rides and adventure playgrounds. The range of animals is world-class, from the farmyard favourites to the exotic critters. Meet camels, lions, rhino, penguins, meerkats and more, face-to-face!
There's plenty to do besides the animal encounters with rides and experiences such as the Big Wheel, Big Dig, Go-Karts and Santa's Grotto all available at an extra charge. Many of these activities are indoors, which means it’s a great option for rainy days. Your ticket will also give you a 'free return visit offer', which allows you to visit again within seven days for free. Check the website to see whether that offer is available and how to claim it. Food options are extensive and include the Carousel Woods Burger Bar and the The Dairy Shed which sells locally made Upton Farm ice-cream.
Narberth Town and Queens Hall
An attractive market town, Narberth has a lively high street with independent boutiques, galleries, and places to eat. The town has a pretty harbour and colourful sloping streets lined with antique shops, delis, and cafes.
Stop in at the Queens Hall, where you can find out about the wide range of community events, such as the annual Narberth Food Festival (held the last weekend in September). The adjacent Preseli Hills offer gently rolling country trails if you’d like to work up an appetite before lunch in one of the town’s several restaurants.
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Pontypool
Address: Pontypool NP4 9XP
One of the most popular attractions in South Wales, this former colliery is full of interactive displays on mining life and offers guests the opportunity to go underground with ex-miners. Kids and grownups alike will gain fascinating insight into the industry that defined South Wales for hundreds of years.
The mine is in a beautiful area with well-preserved buildings and original equipment. But the main event is of course, the underground mine tour. This tour gives you first hand insight into the daily life of mine workers, told by the informative and entertaining guides, who all once worked in the mines themselves. Be sure to watch your head on the low ceilings and please bear in mind that the mine has uneven ground and dim lighting, so we don't recommend the tour to those with mobility needs or claustrophobia. However, the staff are friendly and will be on hand to help anyone who's feeling a little nervous. There's a gift shop too with a great mix of souvenirs, information, and goods from independent artists.
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
This small visitor centre in New Quay focuses on marine life and conservation. Located by the harbour, it offers displays about local sea creatures and the chance to book boat trips along the coast. Visitors often spot seals or bottlenose dolphins jumping in the bay, and sometimes even thresher sharks.
Should you feel more adventurous, Cardigan Bay Water Sports is nearby, offering sailing or kayaking excursions on the bay.
Lawrenny Village and The Big Retreat Festival
Around a 25-minute drive from Kiln Park, Lawrenny is a picturesque village near the junction of the Carew and Cresswell Rivers. Once a boat-building community and a staging point for quarried limestone shipping, the town is renowned for its ancient woodland surroundings.
You can enjoy a scenic three-mile walk through the salt marsh and wooded valleys, then have lunch in the village. In May, Lawrenny hosts The Big Retreat Festival, a wellness-focused event featuring activities like yoga, wild swimming, and foraging workshops.
Dylan Thomas Trail
Wales’s national poet can be celebrated with these curated walking trails, which tour various landmarks in Swansea, the Gower Peninsula and South Wales.
The West Wales trail explores locations linked to Dylan Thomas in Ceredigion, including parts near New Quay (which formed part of the inspiration for Under Milk Wood). The Trail is marked by blue plaques and information boards, providing insights into the poet's life and work.
Pick up a leaflet which the Ceredigion County Council Tourist Service, and head southwest along the coast towards Aberporth and Cardigan, or northeast towards Aberystwyth.
Cwmtydu Beach
Also known as Seals Bay after its marine wildlife, Cwmtydu Beach is a great spot for photography and peaceful walks. Sheltered by the surrounding hillsides, it can be found just southwest of New Quay. It was once a favoured spot of smugglers, due to its seclusion.
Today, you can walk the coastal trails maintained by the National Trust, brave a dip in the sea, or check out the seal colony that sometimes rests here (keep your dog on a lead). Other fun activities at Cwmtydu include rock pool exploration and fishing. Look out for the old lime kiln, once used to create fertiliser for the local fields.
Aberaeron Town and Llanerchaeron Villa
The Dylan Thomas Trail passes through this charming harbour town approximately 30 minutes from New Quay. Aberaeron is well known for its colourful Georgian houses and vibrant community. Visit local shops, eateries, and enjoy scenic coastal views. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of bottlenose dolphins in the bay.
Tour Llanerchaeron Georgian villa and gardens, a grand 18th century residence designed by John Nash, and owned by the National Trust. There’s a working organics farm, walled kitchen garden, river walk, plus the chance to pick up some tasty local produce.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
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Things to do in Pembrokeshire
Best walks in Ceredigion
Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 28 May 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting,connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
Price is available at Blue Dolphin, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Littlesea, Quay West, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, The Orchards, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
New holiday homes from £39,995 – UPDATED 18 June 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 18 May, price is available at Kiln Park, Lydstep Beach and Seashore.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £24,995 – UPDATED 18 June 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 18 June 2025, price is available at Kiln Park, Lydstep Beach and Seashore.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 with free 2025 site fees – UPDATED 28 May 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Cleethorpes Beach, Weymouth Bay, Golden Sands, Littlesea, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 28 May 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
Price is available at Blue Dolphin, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Littlesea, Quay West, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, The Orchards, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Pre-loved holiday homes from £14,995 with free 2025 site fees - UPDATED 28 May 2025
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Cleethorpes Beach, Weymouth Bay, Golden Sands, Littlesea, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2032
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £939.58 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £751.17. The monthly difference equates to £159.58 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to be billed monthly during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.