The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in South Wales, Wales

April 26, 2022 Randal Brittian

Discover the best top things to do in South Wales, United Kingdom including Big Pit National Coal Museum, Llangennith Beach, Rhossili Bay, St Illtud s Church, Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay, Baked Bean Museum of Excellence, Worm's Head, Llancaiach Fawr, Gnoll Estate.
Restaurants in South Wales

1. Big Pit National Coal Museum

Blaenavon NP4 9XP Wales +44 300 111 2333 [email protected] http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,618 reviews

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Take a unique underground tour of a real coalmine, where hundreds of men, women and children once worked to extract the precious mineral that stoked furnaces and lit the household fires of the world.

Reviewed By CJonsey83

This would be my third visit to Big Pit and I loved as much this time as the first. The underground tour really gives you a sense of how hard it was and the tour guides are always great. (dress warmly for going underground) There is also an above ground video / Live tour that showcases some of the machines used underground, again brilliant. Plenty of parking very near the main entrance. Single tariff of £3.00 all day. I'd recommend this to anyone whose in the area. You will not be disappointed at what you find. Note: be sure to check the website / call if the weather is poor/has been poor for a few days as it may effect the tour availability.

2. Llangennith Beach

Llangennith, Swansea Wales http://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/llangennith-beach/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 532 reviews

Llangennith Beach

Reviewed By X5850MMrobw

A fabulous expanse of beach with plenty of space to keep your social distance! It's clean too. Good parking - OK it's £5 even for a short stay, but worth it - free out of season.

3. Rhossili Bay

Rhossili SA3 1PR Wales [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rhossili-and-south-gower-coast
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,866 reviews

Rhossili Bay

Rhossili Bay lies at the western end of the beautiful Gower peninsula. 3 miles of golden sands, iconic landscapes including Worms Head and Rhossili Down and history everywhere- from neolithic through to the more recent, including home to Edgar Evans. Its a walker's dream with routes in all directions, including the Welsh coastal path. The beach is dog friendly all year round and the whole area is beautiful whatever the weather. Today, the National Trust cares for 2 of the 3 miles of the beach, Rhossili Down, and most of the coastline between Rhossili and Port Eynon. (26 miles of Gower coastline in total). The landscape is free. The village of Rhossili also contains other private businesses. The car park is free to NT members during the day. Non members are currently charged £5 per day (car). There is no overnight parking/camping. All profits from the car park go towards keeping the area beautiful. Please note that the toilets are owned and operated by Swansea Council.

Reviewed By susandH8005FC - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom

Definitely worth a visit, whatever the weather. There is good car parking at the top of the bay run by the National Trust (£2.50 for up to 2 1/2 hours, £5.00 for over, or free if you’re a member). Bit of a walk down to the beach, but a good path - not really suitable for buggies and def not wheelchairs). The beach itself is just magnificent - golden sand, super clean, stunning and a huge crescent shape. You can also walk out to the Worms Head - do one or the other, you can’t really do both on the same day. The cafes and eateries are all up by the car park, there’s nothing down on the beach. The Bay View Bar and Restaurant is highly recommended - fantastic views, 5 star food, homemade cake to die for and lovely staff, it’s a bit hidden away, on the right just before the entrance to the car park, it definitely worth a visit.

4. St Illtud s Church

College St, Llantwit Major CF61 1SS Wales +44 1446 792439 [email protected] http://www.illtudsgalileechapel.org.uk/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 83 reviews

St Illtud s Church

St Illtud's Church one of the most important parish churches in the province which is hailed as a 'Beacon Church' in the Diocese. The community of Llanilltud Fawr is centred around the religious community which was founded by Illtud, a Celtic Christian saint, about 1500 years ago. The parish of Llantwit Major includes eight other medieval churches spread out near the Heritage Coastline of the Vale of Glamorgan. These are situated in St Donats, Marcross, Monknash, Wick, Llanmaes, Llanmihangel, Gileston and St Athan. Our Church in Wales Primary School is situated in the village of Wick. The Province of the Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses. The parish of Llantwit Major is part of the Llandaff Diocese. The parish of Llantwit Major is part of the Church in Wales and is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Reviewed By 18323 - London, United Kingdom

We visited this charming village and church yesterday. What a delightful place this is. We were visiting our family in Cardiff for the first time in six months, and we celebrated As three generations with this visit. We were greeted very warmly by a lady who gave us the fascinating history of the church, and pointed out the stunning ancient artwork on the walls, and the breathtaking ancient Celtic crosses. We were all fascinated, even our grandchildren. A walk through the woods to the beach completed the day. We have vowed to return at a later date, and cannot recommend this place highly enough. Thank you once again for the warm welcome, Llantwit Major!

5. Gower Peninsula

Swansea Wales +44 1792 371218 http://www.explore-gower.co.uk/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,053 reviews

Gower Peninsula

Reviewed By LucanScreed - Swansea, United Kingdom

It's the closest thing to Heaven most of us will ever get - spectacular beaches, two stunning ridge walks, along Rhossili Down, the other on Cefn Bryn, woodland, streams, 3 microbreweries, fantastic bars and restaurants, and did I mention the beaches - Three Cliffs is like nowhere else in the world. Everywhere there are views that will leave you speechless. I', a lucky bastard - I live here.

6. Three Cliffs Bay

Swansea SA3 2EH Wales
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 671 reviews

Three Cliffs Bay

Reviewed By DeejDeej - Istanbul, Turkey

If you park at the Gower heritage center ( a small parking fee) , they will give you a small map for a lovely walk to the beach. Passing through a woodlands, pass a castle ruins on the jills with beautiful veiws and do wn theough the sand dunes , through a small river or over stepping stones onto a beautiful beach with transparent water. In summer it feels like youre abroad.

7. Baked Bean Museum of Excellence

Flat 6 Flint House Moorland Road Sandfields Estate,, Port Talbot SA12 6JX Wales +44 7803 872428 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/bakedbeanmuseumofexcellence
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 189 reviews

Baked Bean Museum of Excellence

PRIVATE MUSEUM & IMPERATIVE TO CONTACT PRIOR TO VISIT - As viewed on the Channel 4 recent heart warming and real life documentary entitled - 'BRITAIN'S WEIRDEST COUNCIL HOUSES', also featured on Vice & Ladbible websites, newspaper, travel magazines, newspapers & social media outlets. The 'Baked Bean Museum Of Excellence' based in Port Talbot, south Wales, is the only world's haricot museum displaying those heavenly delights dedicated to all baked bean devotees on the planet! The museum was opened in January 2009 by television, radio presenter and writer, Danny Wallace who is also Patron of the BBEofE! You shall be enthralled to view the various baked bean memorabilia containing a collection of global baked bean brands and adorned by orange inflatable seating arrangements! Not forgetting his unique Heinz kitchen and Branston Bean toilet facility. Many half-baked visitors from around the world duly testify that this is indeed ranked as number one tourist star attraction on Tripadvisor!

Reviewed By G3445PScharlotteg

Captain Beany is the most amazing selfless brilliant guy with a love of beans started from a passion of helping others he is definitely worth going to see and meet when in Wales , we've had the most incredible time with him and learning all about his life , What a legacy Captain Beany has! Thank you so much for having us today welcoming us and showing us your brilliant museum !

8. Worm's Head

Rhossili Wales
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 272 reviews

Worm's Head

Reviewed By Deb12_8 - Grimsby, United Kingdom

Make sure you check the tide times and go 2 hours before low tide to give yourself plenty of time to sit and enjoy the views (there’s a 2 hour window either side of low tide because the causeway is tidal). This is quite a challenging walk over volcanic rock and diagonal rock shards that look a bit like Superman’s planet Krypton and more importantly hurt the soles of your feet,! Make sure you wear sensible shoes (walking shoes/boots really) - I saw two lads trying to do it in flip flops- not a chance! We did it on a hot day and went right to the end - it’s a little harder going out than coming back. Allow yourself at least 2 hours - more if you want to climb the top of each ridge. Take plenty of fluids and a lunch to stop and appreciate the views and if you’re lucky spot some seals basking on the rocks.

9. Llancaiach Fawr

Gelligaer Road Nelson, Caerphilly Wales +44 1443 412248 [email protected] http://www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 498 reviews

Llancaiach Fawr

This superbly restored gentry manor house is no ordinary heritage attraction. History here is tangible. The costumed servants of the house are living and working in 1645 and allow you to share and engage in their world. Fires crackle, candles flicker and the sounds and smells of domestic life make your visit a memorable experience of the past. It takes a moment to attune your ear to the unfamiliar speech within the Manor itself, but within seconds of your warm welcome you become immersed in the time of the Civil Wars and the cares and concerns of ordinary people living in extraordinary times.

Reviewed By Countrylover29 - London, United Kingdom

Went there on a very wet day, and, coincidentally, it was end of term, so no School parties. We were the only visitors when we were there, but the staff still went the extra mile to give us the full experience. They do re enactments, so the staff dress as servants and speak in a kind of old English that was still perfectly understandable. It is set at the time of the Civil War and the house is furnished/displayed accordingly. So it was a double delight, the house was lovely, but the role playing added an extra dimension. Really appreciated the lengths the 'servants' went to in order to enrich the experience. Also, we ate a meal in the cafe that was very nice. A great day out!

10. Gnoll Estate

Fairyland Road, Neath SA11 3BT Wales +44 1639 635808 http://www.gnollestatecountrypark.co.uk
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 323 reviews

Gnoll Estate

Reviewed By mummyfunster

If you like natural beauty, beautiful surroundings and fresh air, make a visit to this fantastic park. There’s a small charge for parking the car, but it’s a beautiful estate and well worth it. Long walks possible with a play park for the children and a decent cafe. We had a really long walk round the park and encountered all sorts of flora, fauna and wildlife. A real treat for city-dwellers!

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