Things to do in South Wales for all abilities

Head to South Wales to discover a huge choice of accessible attractions and disabled-friendly activities. There's so much to see and do across the region, including fascinating historical sites that transport you back to Roman times, lush green spaces rich with wildlife and beautiful beaches accessible to every type of visitor. Read on to find out more and see the links below for information on disabled friendly things to do in other parts of Wales.

Accessible North Wales attractions

Accessible West Wales attractions

Accessible Mid Wales attractions

High Street, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AH

• Accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
• Handling collection for visually impaired visitors available on request
• High quality written material for the hearing impaired
• Assistance dogs welcome

Wales was the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire. In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. The National Roman Legion Museum is one of three Roman sites in Caerleon, and its website features a comprehensive Access Guide, with parking and wheelchair access information, along with guidance for the visually and hearing impaired, and those with learning difficulties.

Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE

• Wheelchair access to all galleries, the museum shop and tea rooms
• Free accessible parking for Blue Badge holders
• Accessible toilets in reception
• Good standard of written material supporting exhibits for the hearing impaired
• Access dogs welcome

A 19th century stately home built for wealthy ironworks owner William Crawshay is now Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery telling the story of the industrial revolution in the area. The entrance for wheelchair users is via the central courtyard, where assistance can be requested via the intercom. Blue Badge holders are able to park within the central courtyard area or at the front of the building. For full details check accessibility information on Cyfarthfa Castle's website.

Castle Dell Car Park, Bridge Street, Chepstow NP16 5GA

• Accessible walk on well-surfaced paths and pavements

Chepstow is the starting point of the Wye Valley Walk, a beautiful 136 mile trail which follows the course of the River Wye across South and Mid Wales. The Wye Valley Walk is not difficult or challenging for much of its length, and there are many sections that can be enjoyed by people who are less mobile. The walk through Chepstow's Castle Dell, town and riverside is just one of 24 easy access walks and sites along and close to the Wye Valley Walk. Find more Easy Access Walks pdf downloads from the website.

St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6SU

• Majority of the gardens are wheelchair-accessible
• Accessible toilets
• Courtesy wheelchair available with prior booking

The National Trust's Dyffryn House is surrounded by what are considered the finest Edwardian gardens in Wales. Covering more than 55 acres, it features a series of garden rooms to explore, including the Paved Court, Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean Garden – most of the which are accessible to wheelchair users. Find out more at the Dyffryn Gardens website.

Lavernock Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 5UY

• Accessible car park, cafe and toilets
• Boardwalks suitable for wheelchair users
• Wheelchair available on request

Created when two old quarries were flooded, Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park is now a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. There's easy access to the cafe and a series of boardwalks around the lakes are suitable for wheelchair users. There's also an audio tour which details the lakes' wildlife and history. Find out more at the Cosmeston Lakes website.

Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HU

• Changing Places toilet
• Hearing loop in café, meeting room and information centre
• Wheelchair access to the visitor centre and café
• Easy access picnic tables for wheelchairs and electric buggies
• Accessible trail

Explore the outdoors at Garwnant Forest Visitor Centre, just off the A470, so a perfect stop off if you're travelling along The Cambrian Way. It's full of forest trails, mountain bike courses and play areas. The café has outdoor seating and lovely views over the countryside. The 1km (1/2 mile) long Willow Walk is a gentle, all-ability trail to explore the forest for visitors with wheelchairs, electric buggies and pushchairs. Find out more at the Garwnant Forest Visitor Centre website.

Near Llanthony, 4 miles north of Abergavenny.

• Wide and level boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs
• Passing places and benches along the pathway
• The free car park has spaces for three cars

A woodland reserve in a glacial valley, Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve has plenty to see all year round. The 1/2 mile / 0.6 km  Alder Tree Boardwalk takes around 30mins to complete. 

Newport, NP18 2BZ

• All the paths around the reedbeds are wheelchair accessible, with benches at regular intervals
• Wheelchair accessible hide
• RSPB Visitor Centre has accessible toilets, and wheelchair access to the visitor centre and café
• Free bookable electric mobility scooter hire

The Newport Wetlands reserve is jointly run by Natural Resources Wales, the RSPB and Newport City Council. There are several accessible trails on the reserve where you can explore the beautiful woodlands, wildlife-filled estuary and see the unique sculptures along the way. Find out more on the Natural Resources Wales website.

High St, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AE

• Accessible car park and viewing platform
• Facilities for hearing-impaired visitors

The mighty fortress of Isca, built in AD75 in present-day Caerleon is one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain. Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths is an accessible, multi-sensory heritage site with a level tarmac car park directly outside the entrance, which has a level entrance, and part of the viewing area is on a raised slatted boardwalk. Visitors are requested to check the Caerleon Romans Fortress and Baths website or contact the centre to discuss any specific requirements. Renovations to the attraction are currently in progress.

Caerwent, Caldicot NP26 5BA

• Accessible parking and disabled toilets

Caerwent, Venta Silurum to the Romans, is an archaeologist’s paradise. Established in about AD 75–80, it served as a settlement of the Silures, a native tribe who became Romanised following the conquest of Britain. Visit the Caerwent website for more information.

Porthcawl CF36 3UP

• Beach wheelchairs available for hire

With its state-of-the-art watersport centre Rest Bay Beach is a popular with surfers, paddleboarders and other sea sports enthusiasts. There's also plenty of soft sand for more relaxed beach activities, made accessible by beach wheelchairs available to hire. Visit the Rest Bay Watersports Centre website for more information.

Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 5TJ

• Beach wheelchairs available for hire

With it's brightly-coloured beach huts, expanse of golden sand, cafes and funfair, Barry Island's Whitmore Bay Beach provides a classic seaside experience. Thanks to hireable big wheeled beach wheelchairs, it's accessible to everyone. 

Useful information on accommodation and activities may be found on our Choosing accessible accommodation and activities page.

Open Britain: The UK's biggest directory of accessible accommodation and travel

Accessible Countryside For Everyone: A brilliant resource for finding out more information on accessible places in the UK

Information Now: An article with links to find the nearest public toilets, including disabled toilets and those that are part of the RADAR/National Key Scheme

Tourism For All: Information for disabled rail passengers travelling to Wales

You can always search our website to find accessible accommodation, activities, attractions and events in Wales.