Things to do in South Wales | John Francis

Things to do in South Wales

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South Wales isn’t just a beautiful place to live; it’s a lifestyle that blends picturesque coastlines with big personalities.

Learn what makes this part of Britain so special and find the part of South Wales that’s for you...

Is South Wales a nice place to live?

Absolutely. South Wales offers that rare combination of stunning natural beauty and genuine affordability that's becoming harder to find elsewhere in the UK. You've got the Gower Peninsula and the South Wales coastline on your doorstep, vibrant cities like Swansea and Cardiff within easy reach, and a pace of life that lets you breathe. Plus, where else can you finish work and be walking along a clifftop or sitting in a cosy cafe within twenty minutes?

What's prettier, North or South Wales?

It's not really a competition as both are stunning in completely different ways. North Wales has the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia and rugged coastal scenery, while South Wales offers the golden beaches of Gower, and the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you love mountains and wild landscapes, North Wales wins, but if you're after beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns, South Wales has the edge.

Things to do in South Wales

1. Hike the Brecon Beacons' six waterfalls

1. Hike the Brecon Beacons' six waterfalls

The Waterfall Country walk near Glynneath takes you through some of the most enchanting scenery in the Brecon Beacons, visiting six spectacular waterfalls in a single day. The nine-mile circular route involves scrambling over rocks, walking behind cascading water, and navigating woodland paths that can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Guided tours are available and highly recommended, as local guides share the geology, history, and folklore of the area while ensuring you don't miss any of the hidden falls.

What's nearby?

Ammanford

Ammanford is an authentic Welsh valley town with strong community roots, sitting in the Amman Valley with the Black Mountain range on its doorstep. Living here offers easy access to stunning countryside for walking and outdoor activities, while Swansea and the coast are within comfortable commuting distance. Property is very reasonably priced, making it attractive for first-time buyers and families, and you're part of a wonderful Welsh community.

2. Watch Welsh rugby at Llanelli

2. Watch Welsh rugby at Llanelli

Parc y Scarlets is home to the Scarlets regional rugby team and offers an authentic Welsh rugby experience with passionate fans and an electric atmosphere on match days. The modern stadium provides excellent facilities and views from every seat, with tickets remaining affordable compared to international matches at the Principality Stadium. It's a brilliant family day out and a chance to experience one of Wales's greatest sporting traditions.

What's nearby?

Llanelli

Llanelli has successfully reinvented itself from its industrial past as the "Town of Tinplate" into a vibrant town with excellent amenities and coastal access. You can expect to find good value property, a range of shopping and leisure facilities, strong schools, and easy access to the stunning Gower Peninsula. You're part of a beautiful Welsh town with good transport links, a growing food scene, and the perfect balance of town convenience and coastal lifestyle.

3. Swim at one of Gower's beaches

3. Swim at one of Gower's beaches

The Gower Peninsula was Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its beaches are the reason why. From the sweeping three-mile stretch of Rhossili Bay (regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world) to the sheltered coves of Langland and Caswell, you're spoilt for choice. The water quality is excellent, with many beaches holding Blue Flag status, and the variety means you can find everything from family-friendly sandy bays to surf spots with consistent waves.

What's nearby?

Gorseinon

Gorseinon is a practical, affordable town on the northern edge of Swansea, offering excellent value for families and first-time buyers who want easy access to the Gower beaches. The town has a traditional Welsh character with local shops, pubs, and regular markets, while being well-connected by road to Swansea city centre and the M4 motorway. Property is significantly more affordable than the coastal areas, with a good mix of family homes, terraces, and new-build developments.

4. Try your hand at glass blowing

4. Try your hand at glass blowing

Goodhand Glass in the Swansea Valley is an independent glass studio creating beautiful contemporary pieces and offering hands-on workshops for all skill levels. The workshops let you try fused glass techniques to create lanterns, coasters, painted panels, and other decorative items under expert guidance. It's a creative, memorable experience that's perfect for individuals, couples, or groups wanting to try something different and take home a unique handmade piece.

What's nearby?

Pontardawe

Pontardawe sits in the beautiful Swansea Valley, surrounded by hills and with the Brecon Beacons National Park on the doorstep. The town maintains its Welsh valley character while being close enough to Swansea for work and city amenities, making it popular with commuters and families. You're ideally positioned for outdoor activities with waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain biking nearby, plus the M4 is easily accessible for travel further afield.

5. Visit Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

5. Visit Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in central Swansea is a world-class gallery offering free admission to its impressive collection of historical, modern, and contemporary art. The gallery hosts changing exhibitions, talks, lectures, live music performances, and events throughout the year, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Swansea's artistic quarter. It's a wonderful way to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day, and shows Swansea's commitment to accessible arts and culture.

What's nearby?

Killay

Killay is one of Swansea's most sought-after suburbs, offering leafy residential streets with a village atmosphere while being part of the city. The area attracts families and professionals who want quality of life, green spaces, and good amenities, with Singleton Park nearby offering botanical gardens and sports facilities. Property here commands premium prices for Swansea, but you're getting a safe, attractive neighbourhood with everything you need and the best of both city and coastal living.

6. Bike ride the Millennium Coastal Path

6. Bike ride the Millennium Coastal Path

The Millennium Coastal Path offers 22 kilometres of traffic-free cycling and walking along the northern shore of the Loughor Estuary, with stunning views across the water.The award-winning route has been transformed into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with smooth paths suitable for cyclists of all abilities, families with young children, and wheelchair users. Along the way, you'll find the Discovery Centre, sculpture trails, picnic areas, and access to beaches and nature reserves teeming with birdlife.

What's nearby?

Carmarthen

Carmarthen is Wales's oldest town and a thriving market town that serves as the commercial hub for the surrounding rural area. The town has good-value property from Victorian terraces to riverside apartments and family homes, with new developments on the outskirts. You're well-connected by road and rail, positioned between the coast and the Brecon Beacons, and part of a community that maintains strong Welsh traditions while offering all modern conveniences.

Ready to make a move?

With so much on offer in South Wales, you'll never want to leave. Check out our properties today, and you could be calling this Welsh paradise home.

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