wisdom and walks

Welcome to the Valleys of South Wales

Take a break and discover the Wisdom of the Valleys

Use this website to take a virtual tour of this fascinating region, steeped in heritage and history. Whilst on your travels you can discover the truth about the heroes of the Industrial Revolution, read spine chilling stories about haunted houses and castles, select one of the stimulating activities available, visit an art gallery or explore the spectacular walking and hiking country. Alternatively why not delve into your family history and find out if you have Welsh roots like Tommy Cooper and the Osmonds who have strong family connections with this ‘land of song'.

All this is complemented by a variety of good quality places serving fine food and drink plus a wide range of excellent accommodation, all inspected and graded to ensure you book in with confidence. Visit the accommodation section now and book your holiday. You'll be surprised to find that the South Wales Valleys are very accessible from most regions throughout the UK.

Here’s How It Work

We don’t go in for over-the-top flowery descriptions we’ve presented the Valleys as simply and honestly as we can, dividing the website into sections based on various themes supported by details of things to do and places to stay.

 We hope you’ll find it’s helpful in planning your break or holiday.

Naturally Speaking

You might already have a picture in your mind of what the Valleys of South Wales are all about. It probably needs an update. We’d like to introduce you to the Valleys of today. And spring a few surprises along the way. For a start, you won’t see a coal mine (unless it happens to be a heritage centre). What you will see are lakes and forests, open hillsides and green mountains. They’re all part of a unique, roller-coaster landscape of hills and vales dotted with friendly towns and villages.

And here’s another surprise. The world is just waking up to the fact that the Valleys are home to a captivating choice of attractions and places to visit. Like Caerphilly Castle, for example, one of the finest medieval monuments in Europe. Or Blaenavon, a World Heritage Site. Not to mention country parks, forest drives, waterfalls and narrowgauge railways. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to Nicole Cooke, World Champion cycling star, who loves climbing the Valleys’ scenic mountain roads as much as the alps of Italy or France. Or the Rough Guide, a travel publication renowned for its honesty and accuracy, which gives the Valleys a top star rating and describes the destination as ‘interesting and distinctive’.

So you’ll find that things have changed. But what hasn’t altered is that strong Valleys spirit. Valleys folk are genuinely warm and friendly. It all comes naturally in the Valleys - something that applies to its people and its places.