What to do and see in South Wales, Wales: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

Giles Gallery is a working studio, bringing together a range of creating aspects in the inspirational atmosphere of the family run converted church. Daily art classes and workshops, art supplies, framing service as well as monthly rotating art and craft exhibitions. A huge range of original pieces of art and craft as well as gifts for sale. In house artists offering extraordinary value on tailor made commissioned artworks/ paintings.

Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station is an operational inshore lifeboat station where the volunteer crew provide an on-call 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service. The station houses both a D Class and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. The station has a gift shop which is open daily and it's possible to view the lifeboats and tractors from the shop (when they're housed within the boathouse). On weekends the main boathouse is often open to the public with volunteer visit guides on hand to answer any questions. The lifeboats are launched on training exercise most Sunday mornings between 10am-12pm. Porthcawl RNLI was Wales' busiest RNLI station in 2018, launching 112 times - assisting 144 people, saving 8 lives. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Usk in Bloom was formed in 1981 by a group of enthusiasts. Since then, its imaginative, ongoing planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, seasonal bulbs and floral displays around the town, coupled with its environmental and educational work, and deep community involvement, have won many national and international awards. Thousands of visitors come to see its spectacle every year. The whole town is Usk in Bloom's showcase. Whether you explore the streets admiring the variety of neighbourhood gardens, stroll around the brilliance of the ever-changing displays and the natural beauty of the wildflower beds and areas, or sit and drink in the view, every corner has some spectacle or detail to admire and savour. You can spend an hour or an afternoon enjoying Usk in Bloom, and leave refreshed and uplifted.

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.