West Wales

Cultural and coastal West Wales is home to our second city, Swansea. Ancient legends inspire contemporary creativity – and colourful seaside villages lead to some of the UK's best beaches. Within the region of West Wales you'll find Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea.

A map highlightin the south west Wales region in black

Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

The banks of the Cleddau esturary, where the Carew River meets the Creswell River

Pembrokeshire's hidden waterway

An insider's guide to Pembrokeshire's hidden waterway, the Cleddau River and Daugleddau estuary.

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© Owen Howells

Swansea

Aerial view over Swansea town at early evening toward Mumbles Head.

Must do in Swansea

Visit the waterfront of Swansea Bay and beautiful Gower Peninsula. Ten things to do in Swansea.

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Swansea Bay

Family walking along sand dunes to the sea with surf boards

Swansea family holidays

Journalist Iestyn George brings his young family home to Swansea for a holiday to remember.

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Swansea Bay

A ruined castle overlooking an estuary.

Gower coastal walk: Llanrhidian to Cheriton

Enjoy a beautiful eight-mile Gower Coast trail, following a section of the Wales Coast Path.

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interior of a bedroom with a written desk and photo, shot from above.

A Dylan Thomas trail around Swansea Bay

Trace the story of Dylan Thomas around Swansea in West Wales, his home for more than half his life.

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Looking over to Three Cliffs Bay from green hills towards the sea and sand formations.

Gower: 10 things not to miss

Adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers. Discover more about Gower in West Wales.

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Christmas trees growing in a field

Rob Morgan's guide to Gower

Rob Morgan's favourite hidden places on Gower during the colder months.

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Wide angle shot Liberty Stadiums empty pitch in Swansea

A sporting break in Swansea

Heading to Swansea for a match? Make a weekend of it. There's loads to do for all the family.

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Swansea Bay

A grey and white painted hotel with a windmill tower.

Go west for disabled-friendly accommodation

Enjoy a West Wales holiday in a variety of accessible places to stay.

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A woman using a wheelchair looking at an info board by a pond.

Explore accessible West Wales

You’ll find attractions that people of all abilities can enjoy all over West Wales.

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West Wales

Pembrokeshire

Newport beach, Pembrokeshire at dusk.

Discovering Newport

The Pembrokeshire village of Newport is a desirable holiday haunt for a family weekend away.

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View of the sea from a cliff

Discover the stunning beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast

Explore the beautiful beaches, craggy cliffs and wildlife-filled islands of Pembrokeshire.

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rock of deck chairs on beach.

Enjoy a brilliant family holiday in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire in west Wales does family holidays for a living – and does it brilliantly.

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People jumping off rocks in the sea wearing full safety gear.

Take a peek at pretty Pembrokeshire

Take a trip out west and discover just how much there is to explore for all the family.

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burial chamber with countryside view.

Discover the hidden heritage of West Wales

From standing stones and ruined castles to industrial heritage, West Wales is full of hidden history.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Carmarthenshire

Ruined castle on a sunny summer day with stream and grassy bank in the foreground

Great ways to explore Carmarthenshire

Biking, walking, shopping and more - Carmarthenshire is packed with things to do.

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Performers in the street at Laugharne.

The Laugharne Weekend

The Laugharne Weekend - a wilfully different arts event celebrating the work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas

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Image of a part of the St Davids Cathedral ceiling with ornate detail.

West Wales' special places of faith

West Wales has a fascinating religious heritage with much of it still possible to enjoy.

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Dylan Thomas' writing shed

Take a tour of Dylan Thomas' Laugharne

Discover the places in Laugharne associated with the great Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas.

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deserted canal and towpath with autumnal trees on both sides

Exploring Neath Port Talbot on foot

Leafy countryside, tranquil canals, rushing waterfalls and fascinating industrial heritage await.

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West Wales

panda surrounded by leaves.

Enjoy a day of family fun at Folly Farm

Discover what's to enjoy at award winning Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire.

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West Wales

A group of walkers catching a train.

Rails and trails through the middle of Wales

Planning great days out in towns and countryside using the scenic Heart of Wales railway line.

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© Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (HoWL CRP) and Heart of Wales Line Trail (HoWLT) and Mark Revitt