If grey January skies have already got you thinking about your summer holiday, but the idea of battles at baggage claim and queues at customs is putting you off booking a trip abroad, then you might be thinking of staying in the UK instead.
While I might be biased having lived in Swansea for over 20 years, I think that South Wales should absolutely be on your short list of places to visit for a UK holiday. And here are my picks for the 5 places you should visit in South Wales in 2023.
The Gower Peninsula
A visit to the Gower Peninsula should be on every bucket list.
It was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and when you see the stunning coastline for yourself you’ll understand why.
With gorgeous beaches like Three Cliffs and Rhossili (regularly listed in top ten best beaches lists) and pretty, secluded bays like Pwll Du to explore, Gower is somewhere you can come back to again and again and find something different each time.
Pembrokeshire
Over in west Wales is the equally beautiful Pembrokeshire which is a hugely popular destination for tourists and holiday-makers.
Tenby and Saundersfoot are both seaside towns that are well worth a visit with their sandy beaches, colourful buildings, and amazing places to eat and drink. And if you want a family-friendly base to explore the area then Bluestone is just up the road from Tenby and has everything you need for an amazing holiday.
Pembrokeshire is also home to Blue Lagoon, Pembroke castle, St Govan’s Chapel, and Bosherton Lilly ponds, so whether you want a bit of history and culture or a walk to some incredibly Instagrammable spots, you can do it all there.
Cardiff
If you’re more of a city-break person, then Cardiff will be right up your street.
There’s loads to do there as a family, from the interactive Techniquest science and discovery centre in Cardiff Bay to the free National Museum, both of which are perfect for rainy days.
You can also happily spend the day exploring the shops of St David’s centre and the various arcades around Cardiff, as well as all the stalls in the huge indoor market.
And if you fancy some fresh air then you can head to Bute park before exploring the grounds of Cardiff Castle.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a must for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
It’s home to Pen Y Fan which is the second highest peak in Wales and is perfect for hiking, with the circular walk to the top taking about two and a half hours. A lot of the hiking routes in Brecon are also great for biking, so it’s perfect for those who prefer to whizz around on two wheels too.
If you plan to stay in the area for a few days then make the most of any clear nights and head outside for some star gazing – the Brecon Beacons has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2013.
Dan-Yr-Ogof
The National Showcaves Centre can be found in the Brecon Beacons National Park, but is worth a mention all of its own.
Dan-Yr-Ogof is the cave that most people think of when you mention the National Showcaves, and it’s an incredible place to visit, full of stalagmites and stalactites and a network of passages and chambers to explore.
There are also two more caves at the centre – Cathedral cave and Bone cave – as well as the Dinosaur park with over 220 life-sized dinosaur models to get up close and personal with.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post