# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Activity Adventures in South Wales | Activity Breaks, Wales, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Within two hours of London and the Midlands you can be on your way to an activity break in South Wales. Discover 5 activities to get your weekend started.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interactive map of Wales - ALL OF WALES IS HERE! showing all towns and cities also counties + populations, welsh universities, rugby clubs, football clubs, castles, railway stations, marinas, political constituencies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are visiting Cardiff then chances are you've got your time out in the city all planned out.

After all, Cardiff is absolutely goddamn amazing.

But just a short drive from the city are some incredible beaches, caves, priories and attractions that are well worth a visit.

Here are some highlights and they all take around an hour (some just a little longer) to drive to. We've estimated times and the distance from the city centre, but check for traffic updates ahead of your trip.

1. Tintern Abbey

One of our greatest monastic ruins, this is surely the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Tintern, on the banks of the River Wye, was only the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain. Admission is £5.50 for adults, £16.50 for a family ticket and £4.10 for under 16s.

Where: Tintern, Gwent NP16 6SE

Distance from Cardiff: 45 minutes/36 miles

Visit the Cadw website for more information.
MORE: The couple who travelled 4,821 miles so they could get engaged at stunning Welsh beauty spot
2. Tredegar House

Situated within 90 acres of gardens and parkland, the stately red brick manor house is one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the UK.

For more than 500 years Tredegar House was home to the Morgan family, who by the end of the 18th century owned more than 40,000 acres in South East Wales. It costs £8 for an adult, child £5, family £20.

Where: Newport, NP10 8YW

Distance from Cardiff: 22 minutes/12 miles

Visit the National Trust website for more information.

3. Margam Park

Wild deer, farm animals to stroke, a train around the grounds, acres of grass to run around on and a grand old stately home. It is free to enter but the parking is £4.70, minibus £8.15, coach £16.10.

Where: Off Margam Road, Groes, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ.

Distance from Cardiff: 35 minutes/30 miles

Visit www.margamcountrypark.co.uk for more information.

4. Ewenny Priory

One of Wales' finest fortified religious buildings, the priory was founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres, and the village of Ewenny grew up around it. The church is open daily to visitors from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Church services, Holy days and festivals are announced on the notice sheet outside.

Where: Vale of Glamorgan

Distance from Cardiff: 33 minutes/21 miles

Visit www.ewennypriory.co.uk for more information.

5. Dan yr Ogof caves

Dan-yr-Ogof is a 15km long cave system, one of the most extensive in Western Europe.

The caves were uncovered almost a century ago by two brothers, and feature underground lakes, rivers and two spectacular 40ft waterfalls.

There are also rock formations including stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands and, in some cases, millions of years.

There is also a dinosaur park with more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models.

Admission rates allow entry to all attractions and cost £14 for adults, £9.50 for children aged three to 16, and children under two go for free.

Where: Abercrave

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour/45 miles

Visit www.showcaves.co.uk for more information.
MORE: The Welsh bucket list: 100 things to do in Wales before you die
6. Gower

Gower became the first Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK in 1956 and it covers an area of 73 square miles with its 37 square miles of coastline also designated as Heritage Coast.

Rhossili's three miles of golden sands and its iconic Worm's Head rock formation is particularly worth a visit, but you won't regret a day at any Gower beach.

Where: Swansea

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour 20 minutes/48 miles
MORE: These perfect pictures of the Gower will immediately make you regret booking that foreign holiday
7. Llanthony Priory

The part-ruined Augustinian priory in the secluded Ewyas Valley dates back to 1100. Entry is free and it's open from 10am-4pm. Don't forget to check out its very own pub!

Where: Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7NN

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour 9 minutes/51.6 miles

Visit cadw.gov.wales for more information.

8. Brecon Mountain Railway

Travelling through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, the Brecon Mountain Railway chugs its way alongside the Pontsticill reservoirs until it reaches Pant, just north of Merthyr Tydfil.

The track meanders through stunning countryside, and once you have disembarked you can try the reservoirs on foot thanks to guided paths.

The main station at Pant opens at 9.30am and the last train leaves Pontsticill at 5pm or 4.15pm depending on the time of year. It costs adults £13 return, children (15 and under) £6.50 return.

Where: Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan, CF48 2UP (use CF48 2DD for Sat Nav)

Distance from Cardiff: 37 minutes/27 miles

Visit www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk for more information.

9. Caerphilly Castle

This is the largest castle in Wales, it is famous for its 'leaning tower', which has leaned 3m out of the perpendicular since 1648.

The network of motes and dams was considered by historian Allen Brown to be 'the most elaborate water defences in all Britain.'

It costs £5.50 for an adult, senior citizens, students and children under 16 - £4.10.

Where: Castle Street, Caerphilly CF83 1JD

Distance from Cardiff: 20 minutes/8 miles

Various opening times throughout the year, visit cadw.gov.wales for more information.

10. Waterfall Country

The Vale of Neath boasts nine waterfalls set in a stunning vista of mountains and steep side valleys.

Waterfall Country, as the area is known, has long been an inspiration to many artists including landscape painter Turner, who travelled here to paint Aberdulais Falls, a site now in the ownership of the National Trust.

And locals claim some of the idyllic woodland settings of some of William Shakespeare's romantic plays were inspired by a visit the bard made to South Wales and the Vale of Neath in particular.

Where: Vale of Neath

Distance from Cardiff: 45 minutes/40 miles

Visit Neath Port Talbot Council's website for more information.

11. St Mary's Priory

It is known as Wales' very own Westminster Abbey containing some of the most important medieval treasures in Britain. Among them are more than 10 alabaster chest tombs and the 15th-century wooden sculpture known as the Tree of Jesse, described by the Tate as "one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world".

Where: Monk Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5ND

Distance from Cardiff: 45 minutes/40 miles

Price: There is no charge but voluntary contributions are gratefully received.

Visit www.stmarys-priory.org for more information.

12. Big Pit

Big Pit is located inside a former working coal mine that was operational until 1980.

Take one of the world-famous tours 300ft underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Above ground there are multi-media tours and exhibitions. Free entry.

Where: Blaenafon, Torfaen NP4 9XP

Distance from Cardiff: 46 minutes/30 miles

Visit www.museumwales.ac.uk for more information.

13. Pen y Fan

The highest mountain in South Wales, there is a a steep climb to the summit, to which you can either add the longer "horseshoe" walk or head straight back down. The weather on Pen y Fan often bears no resemblance to that at lower altitude, so be prepared.

Where: Brecon Beacons National Park

Distance from Cardiff: 51 minutes/33 miles

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for route details.
MORE: 100 things to do as a family in Wales before your children stop wanting to hang about with you
14. Dylan Thomas' birthplace

You'll be stepping back in time when you visit the birthplace and childhood one of Wales' literary giants, Dylan Thomas.

The house looks just like it used to back in 1914 when Dylan's family first bought it. It's open for tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm but give them a ring beforehand if you're after a guided tour or book one online.

Where: 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea, SA2 0RA

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour/45 miles

Price: It costs £8 for adults and £6 concessions and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is £20.

Visit for www.dylanthomasbirthplace.com more information.

15. Liberty Stadium

Swansea City made history when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2011 and you can either watch Wales' only team in the Premiership at the Liberty Stadium or have a tour of it. It is also home to the Ospreys so it doesn't matter if rugby or football is your sport. A tour is £8 for an adult and £5 for children, and match tickets vary.

Where: Swansea

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour 5 minutes/44 miles

Visit liberty-stadium.com for tour information, www.ospreysrugby.com for Ospreys tickets and www.swanseacity.net for Swansea City tickets.

16. Barry Island

Go on the rides, eat fish and chips, play on the slots, build a sand castle - and anything else you can think of.

Or if you are a Gavin and Stacey fan, then you can take in all the sites and landmarks of the show with a tour.

Where: Vale of Glamorgan

Distance from Cardiff: 26 minutes/11 miles
MORE: Pembrokeshire beaches: The definitive guide to every bay and cove in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
17. Dare Valley Country Park

With 500 acres of countryside to choose from, there's more than enough to see.

Where: Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF44 7RG

Distance from Cardiff: 41 minutes/24 miles

Visit darevalleycountrypark.co.uk for more information.

18. Newport Transporter Bridge

Originally built to take workers across the river to the steelworks on the east of Newport, the Transporter Bridge has become a symbol of the city.

Best to avoid if you're scared of heights, but the walk across the high level is exhilarating.

Opened in 1906, the imposing structure carries passengers across the River Usk on an electrically-powered gondola that travels between two towers measuring 242ft each. It costs £2.75 for adults and £1.75 for children.

Where: 64 Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 2UA

Distance from Cardiff: 23 minutes/14 miles

Visit newport.gov.uk for more information.

19. Dewstow Gardens and Grottoes

Dewstow gardens, which were built around 1895, were buried under thousands of tonnes of soil just after World War II and rediscovered in 2000.

It costs £7 for adults, children 11-18: £4, children 6-10 £2.

Where: Caerwent, Caldicot, Monmouthshire NP26 5AH

Distance from Cardiff: 36 minutes/26 miles

Visit www.dewstowgardens.co.uk for more information.

20. Dyffryn Gardens

The Grade II listed house and its Grade I listed garden were created by Welsh coal baron John Cory and his family after he bought the site in the late 19th century.

With the help of Thomas Mawson, regarded by many as the leading architect of the Edwardian era, the Cory family developed a spectacular garden stretching over 55 acres, including formal lawns, an arboretum and a collection of themed "garden rooms", such as a Mediterranean garden and rose garden.

The entire estate passed into the hands of the Vale of Glamorgan council in 1996, and has undergone extensive restoration, with the help of over £6m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Today, Dyffryn Gardens is a visitor attraction open all year round. It costs £7.40 for adults, £3.70 for children and £18.50 for families.

Where: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU

Distance from Cardiff: 20 minutes/11 miles

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

21. Craig Y Nos Country Park and Castle

You can enjoy the historic grounds of Craig Y Nos Castle, which the River Tawe meanders through, boasting lush meadows, woodland plantations, a fishpond, lakes and woodland walks.

And with its elegant fluted columns and stonework bearing the names of Verdi, Rossini and Mozart, Craig Y Nos Castle is a slice of continental Europe hidden away in the Welsh mountains.

You can stay in the 40-bedroomed Craig-y-Nos Castle once belonged to one of the world's greatest opera stars Adelina Patti.

The opera house at the heart of the massive neo-Gothic complex in Pen-y-Cae, in the Swansea Valley, remains a resplendent testimony to the 19th-century singer's vision.

Patti, who performed with many of the 19th century's leading stars, lived at the castle before building her now grade I listed opera house.

Where: Brecon Beacons National Park

Distance from Cardiff: 1 hour 6 minutes/45 miles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
21 places to visit that are an hour's drive from Cardiff

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are visiting Cardiff then chances are you've got your time out in the city all planned out. After all, Cardiff is absolutely goddamn amazing. But just a short drive from the city are some incredible beaches, caves, priories and attractions that are well worth a visit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Things To Do In South Wales | Day Out With The Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for things to do near me? Discover 184 family days out & fun things to do with kids in South Wales - reviewed for parents & families. Take your pick from softplay to high ropes courses, zoos & theme parks. Get started on your next family adventure here!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Explore the South Wales Valleys | Welsh Valleys | Visit Wales

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
South Wales Valleys. Think of green valleys. Think of warm welcomes. Think of castles, myths and magic. Visit Wales

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Things To Do In Cardiff | Waterfront, Bay & City | Visit Wales

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what to do in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Visit Wales

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
South Wales Self Catering Cottages - holidaycottages.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
South Wales Cottages, view our range of personally inspected self catering holiday cottages and book with confidence with holidaycottages.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The 10 Best Southern Wales Hotels: Places to Stay in Southern Wales - TripAdvisor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Best Southern Wales Hotels on TripAdvisor: Find 143,315 traveller reviews, 116 candid photos, and prices for hotels in Southern Wales, Wales.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hotels in South Wales - Find the Best South Wales Hotels at LateRooms.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Great deals on Hotels in South Wales with upto 50% off. More than 270 hotels available with genuine reviews. Book & Save today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Availability and Book Online - Haven Holidays

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This may happen if you try coming back into a booking after making a payment or if you try coming back into a booking after exiting the booking. Please choose one of the following options to continue:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
View all our holiday lodges in South Wales. Lodges are available for weekly hire, as well as for short breaks and longer periods. Book today.