Category Archives: places to visit

Sep242014

Posted in beach • geology • nature • places to visit • south wales • vale of glamorgan

Tufa cliffs at Cwm Nash Beach

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Tufa Cliff at Cwm Nash

Tufa Cliff at Cwm Nash

We went down Cwm Nash last weekend.

This photo is at the end of the Cwm (valley) looking back inland. It’s quite interesting because all of the rock either side here (out of view) is grey liassic limestone that weathers to a light buff colour. But all of the buff coloured cliff face here is post glacial tufa. Tufa is a calcareous deposit. All of the cliff that you can see here is lime that has precipitated from the valley stream since the last ice age – only about 12,000 years ago. So the cliff has slowly built up from the stream. The stream is currently quite small and now comes out of the bridge structure over to the right. read more

View of the iconic Eisteddfod pavilion

Aug182012

Posted in culture • history • places to visit • south wales • tourism • vale of glamorgan

Eisteddfod 2012

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Last week we went to the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Llandow, in the Vale of Glamorgan. We were invited as guests of the Principality Building Society which was very nice. 🙂   The Principality is Wales’ largest mutual building society and is the main sponsor of the National Eisteddfod choral competitions.

The Eisteddfod is a cultural festival and is held annually in Wales. Its location alternates each year between north and south Wales and is normally held at a new site each time. This year Llandow between Cowbridge and Llantwit Major was chosen. read more

Path approaching St Illtud's Church, Llantrithyd

Jul152012

Posted in history • places to visit • south wales • tourism • vale of glamorgan

Llantrithyd Church and Manor House

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We stopped off today at Llantrithyd Church. It’s situated in the centre of the rural Vale of Glamorgan half way between Cardiff and Cowbridge. It’s off the beaten track along a small lane that runs from Bonvilston through the countryside eventually ending up in Llantwit Major.

The church appears to date from the 1500s and is a beautiful place. The inside of the church is well worth a visit when it’s open – “Here is a massive 16th century family altar tomb dominating the tiny interior. It retains its colourful paint and gilded detailing and shows a man in armour laying next to his wife, both with their hands together in prayer.” – Wales Online
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Ogmore Beach and the view across to Porthcawl

Aug42011

Posted in places to visit • south wales • tourism

Things to do and where to go in South Wales

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One of the most popular pages on this site is my Things to do and where to go in South Wales
 page.

South Wales has loads of great places to visit and this page lists just a few places that you may find interesting and entertaining. It’s constantly being updated and checked so it’s worth coming back to again in the future if you’re looking for fresh ideas.

If you want to suggest somewhere else for the page please contact me.  My contact details can be found on the About page.

Copyright South-Wales.Org 2011

Apr292011

Posted in beach • gower • places to eat • places to stay • places to visit • south wales • swansea

Some things to do in the Gower (beaches)

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The Gower is one of South Wales’ big tourist attractions. It’s a peninsular just west of Swansea and was the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It’s a real mix of rugged coastline, glorious beaches, great views and castles.

I was lucky enough to fly around the Gower last summer so some of the photos in this post will give you a great view of some of the great beaches.

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View of Mumbles village and Swansea Bay

Aug12010

Posted in beach • places to eat • places to stay • places to visit • reviews • south wales • swansea

Review – Patricks with Rooms, Mumbles

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Last week we stayed in the excellent Patricks With Rooms in Mumbles.  Mumbles is one of our favourite seaside destinations in South Wales.

Patricks is an excellent hotel with a great restaurant. It’s located right on the main promenade only yards from the sea. The hotel has 16 individual bedrooms, the renowned restaurant and a relaxing bar area.  There’s also a small gym and weights room for residents. read more

Jul242010

Posted in brecon beacons • places to visit • south wales • tourism

Penderyn Distillery

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View of Penderyn Whisky bottlePenderyn Distillery is one of South Wales’ home-grown successes. The distillery is based in the village of Penderyn just north of Hirwaun and Aberdare.

Penderyn Single Malt Whisky was launched by Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, on 1st March 2004 at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff.  Since then, Wales’ only whisky has become very popular in Wales, and worldwide. read more

Jun252010

Posted in cardiff • cardiff bay • events • places to visit • south wales • tourism

Cardiff Armed Forces Day 2010

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HMS Kent in the Roath Basin

This weekend Cardiff Bay is buzzing with visitors to the Cardiff Armed Forces Day with a large number of activities planned for the day on Saturday 26th June 2010.

The day is focused around the Roald Dahl basin and the area in front of the Senedd in the Bay.

There will be various displays, shows and static stands.

HMS Kent is also moored in the Roath Basin alongside the Atradius building and it will be possible to have tours around this Type 23 frigate.

Well worth a visit. read more

Jun62010

Posted in cardiff • cardiff bay • history • places to visit • south wales • tourism • vale of glamorgan

St. Augustine’s Church, Penarth

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We visited St Augustine’s Church in Penarth last week.  The church is set high up on the headland between Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel.  Its prominent position means that it’s clearly visible for miles around.

I see the church almost every day but have never visited it before.  It has stunning views back across the Bay towards the Pierhead building, Mermaid Quay and the city centre, and then on to the hills and mountains north of Cardiff.

The church is pretty impressive, though the graveyard needs a bit of love and attention.
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May272010

Posted in brecon beacons • places to eat • places to visit • south wales • tourism

Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre

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We visited the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre today just south of Brecon.  The centre gives you some background information on the National Park and best of all, as you can see, gives you a great view of Pen y Fan. Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales (886 metres / 2,907 ft above sea-level).

The visitor centre also has some nice tea-rooms with seating outside which is great when it’s sunny – just watch out for the hungry sparrows and chaffinches which pester you for crumbs!

Plenty of car parking if you’re travelling by car though there is a small charge. You can find a location map below.

May272010

Posted in cardiff • cardiff bay • city • places to eat • places to visit • south wales • tourism

Cardiff Bay Barrage Art Illusion

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A walk across the Cardiff Bay Barrage is a great way to spend a few hours in Cardiff. If you’re in a car then access the barrage from the Penarth end where there’s a large carpark.  If you’re on foot then either walk from the Cardiff Bay visitor centre near the Norwegian Church, or catch a boat across the Bay from Mermaid Quay near the National Assembly Senedd building.

There’s lots to see, there are 3 boat locks between the Bay and the sea that operate every 30 minutes.  From the sea-ward side of the barrage there’s a great view in clear conditions across to Penarth pier, Flat Holm and Steep Holm and the English coast across the Severn. read more

May162010

Posted in cardiff • cardiff bay • places to eat • places to visit • south wales • sport • canoeing • kayaking • rafting • travel • video

Cardiff International Whitewater Centre, Cardiff Bay

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We visited the new Cardiff International Whitewater Centre in Cardiff Bay yesterday.  This is part of the Sports village that is being developed on the west side of the Bay.  Nearby is the Cardiff Arena Ice Rink and the Cardiff International swimming pool.

The pumped river is about 250m long.  It looks lots of fun, you can either try the kayaks or go white water rafting as a group.  Each white water raft has a “captain” on board who ensures that everyone is safe.  It’s not cheap, between ÂŁ250 and ÂŁ300 for 6 people but you’re on the water for about 2 hours which is about as long as most people can last for!  It’s pretty tiring!! read more

Jan62010

Posted in history • places to visit • pub • south wales • tourism • vale of glamorgan

St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major

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View of St Illtud's church with a snow covered graveyard

St Illtud's Church - north

St Illtud’s church in Llantwit Major is a remarkable place. A church was first set up here by St Illtud in AD520 when he created the first collegiate church and monastery.

It has often been called “the oldest university in the world”. Llanilltud Fawr became the centre of learning throughout Christian Britain.
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