Wales - South

Now known for its chic as well as its beautiful beaches,  South Wales is deservedly getting all the attention!    Areas like the Pembrokeshire coast and Cardigan Bay have become smart places to visit in recent years.  Not forgetting Cardiff, of course – the welsh capital city, and one of the most cosmopolitan and exciting destinations in the UK.    

CARDIFF
The vibrant welsh capital sports an impressive new waterfront, its old docklands transformed around a beautiful freshwater lake.  Cultural features include the National Museum and Gallery of Wales and its world-class collection of French impressionist paintings, the hands-on science museum-cum-discovery Centre of Techniquest, and the Wales Millennium Centre with its  regular programmes of international operas, musicals, and ballet.  The city also has an unusual number of handsome public parks.   Observant visitors might spot some of the places featured on a recent episode of `Dr Who`.

SWANSEA AND THE GOWER PENINSULA
Swansea is Wales`s second city, and sits on a  spectacular sweeping bay. Head for the maritime quarter,  the National Waterfront Museum, and the Dylan Thomas Centre.  A little bit farther on you will come across the pretty little seaside resort of Mumbles – otherwise known as Oystermouth -  where boating and sea-fishing are popular pastimes.  The Gower Peninsula has some marvellous scenery, including salt marsh habitats in the north  and award-winning beaches and the oddly shaped  Peninsula of Worms Head in the south.  With a dedicated surfing community, ride – or just watch – the waves on Crab Island.  The Afan Valley Park, known as `Little Switzerland`, and the Vale of Neath, with its gorges, waterfalls, and wooded hills,  are also great places for walkers and mountain-bikers.

PEMBROKESHIRE
The Pembrokeshire National Park is at the south-west tip of Wales, running into St Georges Channel.   With pretty little towns and villages like Tenby and Fishguard , top-quality beaches, and dramatic scenery, it is a wonderful county to visit.  The coastal path stretches some 186 miles,  taking in some splendid cliff lines,  and there are numerous good trails into the ridges of the Presely mountains (where the bluestone slabs of Stonehenge originated) – all-in-all, a walker`s paradise.   Discover Bosherton Pools and its web of footpaths across beaches and  woodland.  Take a short boat trip to enjoy some stunning scenery around Ramsey Island.  You may, if lucky, spot a seal or two.  Ramsey also has some dark, deep caves to attract adventurous folk who don`t mind a drenching.