What’s in this guide
By Lucianna Biggs
Southeast Wales is the ultimate family adventure playground – where castles whisper stories, rivers beg to be paddled, and sand dunes double as nature’s best slide. Hike up Twmbarlwm for a view worth the climb, race down the towering Merthyr Mawr dunes, or hop in a canoe and glide through the stunning Wye Valley. From fossil hunting at Southerndown Beach to wild swims and back-to-basics camping, there’s adventure at every turn. Whether you’re raising little explorers or thrill-seekers-in-training, Southeast Wales is made for making memories. Pack the snacks, grab the wellies – let’s go!
Epic Outdoor Adventures
Hike Twmbarlwm, tackle the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, or paddle through the Wye Valley’s breathtaking scenery.
Rich History & Landscapes
Explore ancient sites like Tintern Abbey, walk the legendary Offa’s Dyke Path, and soak in the dramatic cliffs of Southerndown Beach.
Unique Family Stays
From back-to-basics camping at Fforest Fields to unique glamping spts at Wye’s Workshop, there’s a perfect base for every adventure.
Wye Valley:
Hire a canoe or paddleboard and explore this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing through lush woodlands and historic villages.
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes:
Home to the towering ‘Big Dipper,’ these rolling dunes are perfect for adventurers before heading to nearby Southerndown Beach for fossil hunting.
Twmbarlwm:
A rugged hilltop hike with panoramic views, perfect for walkers and mountain bikers looking for a challenge.
Getting there (and around)
By Car:
The best way to explore South East Wales at your own pace, allowing you to reach mountain trails, hidden beaches, and rural villages with ease. The scenic drives through the Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley, and along the coast make the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
By Train:
Regular services connect major hubs like Cardiff, Newport, and Abergavenny, with routes reaching the Wye Valley and gateway towns to the Brecon Beacons. However, onward travel by bus, bike, or car is often needed to access remote hiking trails and coastal escapes.
By Bicycle:
South East Wales is a paradise for cyclists, from the forested trails of Cwmcarn Forest Drive to long-distance rides through the Wye Valley. Perfect for eco-conscious adventurers looking to explore on two wheels.
By Bus:
Local bus services run between towns and villages, but they can be infrequent in rural areas. If you have time on your side, combining bus and train travel could create a slower, more immersive adventure through the region’s landscapes.
A 3 to 5-day trip gives you time to explore the best of Southeast Wales – hike Twmbarlwm, paddle the Wye Valley, and step back in time at Tintern Abbey. Kids will love racing down the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, meeting animals at Mountain View Ranch, or playing at Bryngarw Country Park. Extend your stay to a full week and slow down the pace – cycle the scenic Cwmcarn Forest Drive, relax at a cosy glamping stay like Owl’s Nest Hideaway, or enjoy family-friendly lakeside fun at the Gateway Resort. With more time, you can soak up the coastal beauty of The Knapp, explore Castle Coch, or spend a lazy afternoon at the Goodsheds.
When to go
Spring is perfect for outdoor adventures – hike Sugar Loaf, wander the Forest Fawr sculpture trail, or take in the fresh greenery around Tintern Park. Summer brings long, adventure-filled days, ideal for fossil hunting at Southerndown Beach, or camping at Fforest Fields. Autumn wraps the landscape in golden hues – walk Offa’s Dyke Path to the Devil’s Pulpit, enjoy a cosy coffee at The Old Station, or explore the history of Barry Island beyond its famous beach. Even in winter, Southeast Wales has its magic – brave a sunrise dip at Penarth Pier, take a windswept coastal walk at Ogmore, or retreat to Wye’s Workshop for a family escape with a hot tub and a view.
Your South Wales adventure begins in Ross-on-Wye, a charming market town that serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Wye Valley. Start your day with a hike up to Symonds Yat Rock, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular 360° views in the region. Whether you choose a gentle 1.6km woodland walk or a longer trek, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the valley’s beauty.
After your hike, head back down to the river and stop by Rose’s Tea Rooms, a no-frills spot with unbeatable waterside views. Enjoy a relaxed tea break before swapping boots for a paddle – Ross-on-Wye Paddleboard offers canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking experiences along the scenic river, perfect for families and adventure lovers alike.
Once you’ve dried off, tuck into a hearty pub lunch at Saracen’s Inn or grab a picnic blanket and enjoy a riverside feast while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Just a 35-minute drive away, the next stop is Tintern, a village steeped in history and charm. Wander through the quaint bookshop Stella and Rose’s, where you can browse a delightful selection of books before heading for coffee and cake at The Old Station. This converted railway station café is perfect for families—kids can enjoy the on-site park while you relax and take in the views.
No trip to Tintern would be complete without a visit to its iconic Tintern Abbey. For those up for a challenge, take the trek up to The Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking overlook of the abbey ruins framed by the lush Wye Valley.
Before wrapping up the day, stop for dinner at The Anchor Inn, a cosy pub with stunning views of Tintern Abbey – an atmospheric way to round off your South Wales adventure.
If you have extra time in South East Wales, there’s even more adventure to uncover.
For thrill-seekers, tackle the Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, home to the legendary Big Dipper, the tallest dune in Europe. Whether you’re racing down the slopes or exploring the nearby forest, it’s an incredible natural playground.
For hikers, walk a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path and make your way to the stunning Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint, which offers unbeatable views over the Wye Valley. After the climb, refuel with coffee and homemade treats at The Old Station, a fantastic family-friendly café set in a converted railway station.
For a more relaxed waterside escape, head to Goytre Wharf, where you can take a peaceful stroll along the canal, watch the narrowboats, or even hire one for a unique afternoon on the water.
Families will love a visit to Mountain View Ranch, packed with adventure playgrounds, high ropes, and trails designed to keep kids entertained for hours. For a more nature-focused day, explore the Forest Fawr Sculpture Trail and the fairytale-like Castell Coch, a striking 19th-century castle nestled in the woods.
For beach lovers, Ogmore Beach and Southerndown Beach offer dramatic coastal scenery, fossil-hunting opportunities, and plenty of space for kids to explore. When it’s time to eat, The Three Golden Cups is the perfect spot to refuel with a stone-baked pizza and sea views.
For a mix of nature and history, stroll through Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, a beautiful area with wetlands, woodlands, and an excellent playground for little ones. Or head to Margam Park, where you can explore stunning gardens, spot deer, and visit a ruined abbey before heading to nearby Aberavon Beach for a coastal walk.
For a laid-back escape, spend time in Abergavenny, a charming market town at the foot of the Black Mountains. Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views, then reward yourself with coffee in one of Abergavenny’s cosy independent cafés.
For a food-filled adventure, Barry Island is famous for Gavin & Stacey, but The Knapp and Watchhouse Bay offer a quieter, more scenic coastal experience. Nearby, Goodsheds is a must-visit for incredible street food in a hip industrial setting.
For a slower pace, extend your stay to a full week and explore more hidden gems – cycle the scenic Cwmcarn Forest Drive, relax in a cosy glamping spot like Owl’s Nest Hideaway, or enjoy family-friendly lakeside fun at Gateway Resort.
With extra time, you’ll discover that South East Wales is more than just a destination – it’s a playground of rolling hills, wild coastlines, and hidden adventures waiting to be explored.
Check out our favorite spots on the Canvas and Cub map
Fforest Field:
A peaceful, back-to-basics family campsite with an onsite lake, perfect for wild swimming and nature-filled stays.
Gateway Resort:
A family-friendly resort with a lake, soft play, and a swimming pool, ideal for those wanting extra facilities.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive Glamping Pods:
Cosy glamping pods set along a scenic forest drive, offering an adventurous yet comfortable escape.
Owl’s Nest Hideaway:
A secluded and charming retreat in the Wye Valley, perfect for a cosy countryside escape.
Wye’s Workshop:
Four quirky holiday spaces between the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, each with its own private hot tub for a unique stay.
The Anchor Inn (Tintern):
A cozy pub with stunning views of Tintern Abbey, serving hearty meals in an atmospheric riverside setting
Saracen’s Head Inn (Symonds Yat):
A riverside pub with a warm atmosphere, delicious seasonal dishes, and outdoor seating overlooking the Wye Valley
The Three Golden Cups (Southerndown):
A traditional pub near the coast, serving stone-baked pizzas and classic pub meals with beautiful sea views
Rose’s Tea Rooms (Ross-on-Wye):
A charming no-frills café with unbeatable waterside views, perfect for a relaxed tea break after a morning hike
The Old Station (Tintern):
A family-friendly café set in a converted railway station, offering homemade treats, great coffee, and a play area for kids
Joe’s Ice Cream (The Mumbles):
A famous Welsh ice cream spot, a must-visit in The Mumbles for those seeking a sweet treat.
Whether you’re chasing mountain peaks, paddling through scenic valleys, or uncovering ancient castles, South East Wales is an adventurer’s dream. Hike to the summit of Pen y Fan, canoe through the breathtaking Wye Valley, or explore the legendary ruins of Tintern Abbey. For families, there are endless opportunities to roam – scrambling up the Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, cycling through Cwmcarn Forest, or fossil hunting along the dramatic shores of Southerndown Beach.
Beyond the wild landscapes, you’ll find cosy countryside pubs, quirky glamping hideaways, and welcoming market towns bursting with character. Whether you’re braving a Dawnstalkers sunrise dip at Penarth Pier, spotting wildlife in the Brecon Beacons, or simply soaking in the history and charm of this region, South East Wales invites you to explore at your own pace. With every winding trail, hidden valley, and sweeping coastline, you’ll find a new adventure waiting – one that will leave you with memories of unspoiled beauty, outdoor fun, and the true spirit of Wales.
