Camping and Caravanning

From the hills to the coast, there are lots of caravan and camping sites that allow you to connect with nature and enjoy your visit exploring the area. Here are some ideas for sites to base yourself - and you can find many more sites in the Places to stay section.

Base - Dare Valley Country Park

Dare Valley Country Park is on the hills above Aberdare – a reclaimed former coal mine. Now it is a green country park with walks, a great family downhill cycle track (Gravity).

Adventures nearby - Zip World Tower – Zip Line, Climbing Tower and more - just a 10 minute drive away. For the adults Penderyn Whisky Distillery is nearby.

Rock UK Summit Centre – climbing centre near Bedliniog - 30 minutes away.

For mountain bikers – Bike Park Wales is a must - 15 minutes away.

There are lots of walks near by – Pen y Fan is 15 minutes away, and Pen Pych is a wonderful waterfall walk - 30 minutes away.

If you’ve got your bikes then cycle over the Brecon Beacons from Merthyr Tydfil on the Taff Trail.

Nearby attractions – Brecon Mountain Railway and The Welsh Mining Experience/Rhondda Heritage Park - with lots of seasonal events.

Base - Cwmcarn Forest

Camp in the hills above Newport – lots of walks, cycle routes and family play areas

Attractions near by - Tredegar House and Park – the imposing home of the Morgan Family.

Newport Wetlands – discover the nature of the Wetlands – lots of family activities.

Caerphilly Castle – the largest castle in Wales with a tower that out leans Pisa – one of over 30 castles that you can explore in Southern Wales.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor – step back to 1645 and discover what life was like during the Civil War. Lots of seasonal events – including winter Ghost Tours.

Base - Vale of Glamorgan

There are a number of sites on the Vale of Glamorgan – for instance the Heritage Coast Campsite.

These are great for exploring - The Glamorgan Heritage Coastline – there are lots of walks and beaches to visit – great for fossil hunting.

Penarth – lovely town with pier and promenade.

Cowbridge – a lovely market town with great shops and food stops – including Forage Farm Shop and the wonderful Physic Garden.

Ogmore Castle – castle by the sea with stepping stops across the river

Barry Island, home of Gavin and Stacey and Porthcawl/Rest Bay - great for watersports.

Cardiff – The Vale is a great base for exploring Cardiff, Wales’ Capital City – including Cardiff Castle, The Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre, St Fagans and much more.

Base – Usk – Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park

Located on the banks of the River Usk - a few miles from Usk and Abergavenny (home of the Abergavenny Food Festival each September).

Places to visit nearby - The beautiful Wye Valley – including Tintern Abbey.

Blaenavon – World Heritage Landscape – discover the story of coal and iron – including Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Railway and Blaenavon Ironworks.

Raglan Castle – a stunning castle overlooking the Vale of Usk.

Llandegfedd Lake – great for walks and watersports.

The Roman town of Caerleon – some of the best preserved Roman remains across the UK and a fascinating museum.