Exploring South Wales by Motorhome

When you’re in need of taking a road trip through dramatic landscapes, rich history and unique culture, South Wales is one of the finest parts of the UK you could visit. This highly scenic region is home to coastal cliffs, misty mountains, vibrant cities and sleepy villages, and so it ticks all the travel boxes. Travelling through it all in a motorhome can be highly rewarding and incredibly relaxing – and there’s no better place to start your journey than at Continental. With deep knowledge and decades of experience, Continental is your trusted dealership for quality new and used motorhomes and new and used campervans, and your gateway to exploring South Wales.

 

Tourism in Wales has boomed in recent years, as leisure vehicle travellers become increasingly aware of the attractions it has to offer. According to the Welsh government, almost 9 million overnight domestic trips were taken in Wales between 2022 and 2023, with an increasing number of those travellers choosing campervans or motorhomes. In an era where flexibility, self-sufficiency and connection to nature are more valuable than ever, exploring South Wales by motorhome offers travellers the ideal mix of convenience and adventure.

 

This is a region of contrasts - from the uplands of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to the coves of Pembrokeshire and the beaches of the Gower Peninsula. There’s interesting history in the form of ancient castles and coal-mining heritage, the bustle of thriving market towns and the capital city and, everywhere, a unique cultural identity that includes the Welsh language, music and folklore.

 

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a real haven for beach lovers, walkers, surfers and those looking to simply unwind amidst nature. Rhossili Bay is the jewel in the crown, with its vast expanse of golden sand often ranked among the best beaches in the world. At low tide, it’s possible to walk all the way across to the iconic Worm’s Head causeway - though this should only be attempted with care and when the tides allow.

The Gower is accessible for motorhome travellers, but does require some thoughtful navigation. Narrow lanes can be challenging for larger vehicles, particularly around Llangennith and Oxwich, and sticking to main routes such as the A4118 and B4271 is advisable. Greenways of Gower, just outside Oxwich, is a standout campsite with electric hook-up, modern facilities and stunning views. Another gem is Pitton Cross, which offers generously sized pitches and access to cliffside walks.

 

 

If you stay for multiple nights, you can use Gower as a base and explore nearby Swansea, including the Mumbles, a well-loved area of the town, with cute cottages, independent shops and a beautiful seafront location. Local farmers' markets, surf schools and craft shops make the Gower both a relaxing and culturally enriching stop.

 

The national park of Bannau Brycheiniog, otherwise known as the Brecon Beacons, is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls, ancient woodland and charming market towns, this region invites exploration across all seasons. It also boasts one of the UK’s darkest night skies, so is a real stunner for stargazing – where, on a clear night, you can spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.

 

 

Walkers and climbers will love the challenge of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, while the Waterfall Country near Ystradfellte offers a gentler day out and features accessible woodland trails with dramatic falls. For cyclists, the Taff Trail offers an off-road route linking Brecon to capital city Cardiff.

Motorhome travellers should use the A40 from Carmarthen or the A470 from Cardiff for the safest approach. Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park near Brecon is a popular choice offering hardstanding pitches and modern washrooms plus direct access to local walking routes. Another option is Bryncrach Farm, a small and peaceful site with panoramic views. The town of Brecon itself is well worth visiting, with a cathedral, canal walk and independent shops all providing something enjoyable to do or see. 

 

Pembrokeshire is the only coastal national park in the UK - and truly delivers on natural drama plus seaside splendour. From its rugged cliffs and seal-filled coves to the quaint harbours and sweeping beaches, this 186-mile stretch is a feast for the senses. The coastline is perfect for paddleboarding, coasteering and even dolphin watching, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a walker’s dream, offering unparalleled sea views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. 

Motorhome drivers will appreciate the relatively wide and scenic A487 road running along much of the coast and connecting places like Fishguard, Tenby and St Davids, the smallest city in Britain, which offers a fascinating mix of history and beauty including a magnificent cathedral. 

 

A great place to stay is Celtic Camping, which offers huge grass pitches on a working farm with commanding sea views and unforgettable sunsets. Fishguard Bay Resort is another excellent option, offering luxury and seclusion with great facilities. 

 

No motorhome trip around South Wales would be complete without a touch of the urban culture that Cardiff provides in spades. As the capital of Wales, it’s brimming with museums, galleries, shopping districts and riverside walks. The Cardiff Bay area, with the iconic Millennium Centre and spread of waterside restaurants, is a lovely spot to hang out for the day (or evening).

 

Motorhome travellers are welcome at Cardiff Caravan & Camping Park, located conveniently within Pontcanna Fields, a relatively short walk from the city centre. A rare urban site that feels green and spacious, it has full amenities and good public transport links. 

 

From Cardiff, it’s an easy journey to the Vale of Glamorgan. Here, the coast becomes more rural and charming.  Llantwit Major offers dramatic cliff walks and a working lighthouse, while the villages of Cowbridge and Ogmore-by-Sea offer a relaxed pace, great food and boutique shopping.

Roads in the region are generally good, though caution is advised near coastal hamlets such as Southerndown. Parking at tourist hotspots is usually well-managed, and many beach car parks now allow motorhomes with pay-and-display facilities. The Vale of Glamorgan also has several pubs that are campervan-friendly and welcome overnight stays with prior arrangement.

 

 

South Wales has a mix of modern roads and (let’s call them) characterful backroads. While the M4 corridor provides simple east to west access across the region, many of the most scenic drives branch off into quieter A and B roads. Drivers should always exercise caution with single-track lanes, especially in rural areas such as Ceredigion or the Vale of Glamorgan, where high hedgerows and narrow bridges are common.

 

The Black Mountain Pass (A4069) between Llangadog and Brynamman is a stunning drive - but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It offers hairpin bends and open moorland views - and occasional sheep hazards! For a coastal experience, the A487 through Pembrokeshire delivers rolling sea views and access to charming villages.

 

Use a sat nav designed specifically for motorhomes to assist in avoiding obstacles such as low bridges and unsuitable roads. Mobile phone coverage can be quite patchy in more remote areas, so downloading offline maps in advance of travel is wise.

 

Whatever the season this is the UK, so you should pack for a certain level of unpredictability. Layered clothing, waterproofs and thermal mugs are your best friends in Wales!

 

• Spring (March–May): An ideal time for walkers and wildlife watchers, who can enjoy blossoming landscapes, fewer crowds and mild temperatures.

• Summer (June–August): The warmest and dryest months of the year are best for beach days, festivals and al fresco dining. Popular campsites may need booking weeks in advance.

• Autumn (September–November): Quieter roads, golden foliage in the Brecon Beacons, and excellent walking conditions.

• Winter (December–February): Peaceful and atmospheric, but wet weather and limited site availability likely (some campsites close or reduce facilities completely during the winter).

 

Motorhome parking and overnight stays are subject to different rules depending on the area. So-called ‘wild camping’ in a motorhome is generally not permitted without the landowner's permission. While some car parks may allow overnight parking, they often prohibit sleeping or cooking. Those designated as Arosfan sites (similar to Aires in Europe) permit overnight parking and sleeping in motorhomes. More and more private landowners are opening Certified Locations (CLs) and farm stays through organisations like the Caravan and Motorhome Club or Brit Stops. 

 

 

Whether you’re dreaming of beach days on the Gower, stargazing in the Beacons, or coastal rambles in Pembrokeshire, South Wales has it all. Plan the motorhome holiday for you, travel respectfully, and embrace the adventure of the open road. Contact Continental now to start it all with the selection of exactly the right motorhome or campervan, or hire one out and hit the road!