Things to do in South Wales for all abilities

There's a range of accessible and wheelchair-friendly holiday options across Wales. 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. We've highlighted a number of the  disabled friendly places to visit below. 

With so much to see and do, you'll want to stay for a while – thankfully there's also plenty of options for accessible accommodation in South Wales too.

Location: High Street, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AH

Accessibility highlights:

• 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.

Location: John Frost Square, Newport NP20 1PA

Accessibility highlights:

• Wheelchair accessible throughout, with lift access to all gallery floors  
• Free accessible parking nearby at Kingsway Shopping Centre (multi-storey)
•  Accessible toilets available within the museum building  
• Audio guides and large print materials available on request  
• Assistance dogs welcome  

Newport Museum and Art Gallery is located in the heart of Newport city centre and tells the story of the city from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include Roman artefacts, industrial heritage, and a fine art collection featuring Welsh and international artists. The building is fully accessible, with level entry, lifts, and staff trained to assist visitors with additional needs. For full details, check accessibility information on Newport Museum’s official website.

Location: Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE

Accessibility highlights:

• 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
• Assistance 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.

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

Accessibility highlights:

• 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 Walks pdf downloads from the Wye Valley AONB website.

Location: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6SU

Accessibility highlights:

• 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.

Location: Pencarn Way, Newport, NP10 8TW

Accessibility highlights:

• Wheelchair access to ground floor of mansion and formal gardens  
• Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders  
• Accessible toilets
• Induction loops available in reception and café  
• Assistance dogs welcome throughout the site  

Tredegar House & Gardens is a 17th century red-brick mansion is surrounded by 90 acres of gardens and parkland. The house includes accessible routes to the state rooms and below stairs areas. Manual wheelchairs and a mobility scooter are available to borrow from reception. The formal gardens have level paths, and the Brewhouse Café offers step-free access. For full details, check accessibility information on Tredegar House’s National Trust page.

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

Accessibility highlights:

• Accessible car park, café 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.

Location: Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2HU

Accessibility highlights:

• 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. 

Location: Near Llanthony, 4 miles north of Abergavenny.

Accessibility highlights:

• 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 30 mins to complete.

Location: Newport, NP18 2BZ

Accessibility highlights:

• 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 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.

Location: High St, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AE

Accessibility highlights:

• 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.

Location: Caerwent, Caldicot NP26 5BA

Accessibility highlights:

• Accessible parking and accessible 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.

Location: Porthcawl CF36 3UP

Accessibility highlights:

• 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.

Location: Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 5TJ

Accessibility highlights:

• 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.

Use PIWS to search for accessible listings.

Hynt is a national access scheme that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with an impairment or specific access requirement, and their Carers or Personal Assistants. Find out more about Hynt, who it’s for; what it provides; and how to become a member on the Hynt website.

Find toilets open to the public, including accessible toilets or find a Changing Places toilet. 

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.