Accessible guide to south Wales
South Wales has so much to offer, including accessible coastal hikes, Roman baths with a sensory experience, inclusive adrenaline pumping activities in the sea or on the slopes, tranquil country parks and more.
Accessible travel to and around south Wales
The public transport network in South West Wales and South East Wales is a great way to explore the region and what it has to offer.
Transport for Wales ensures that travelling by train in south Wales and across the nation is accessible, including accessible train stations. Look at getting an Explore South Wales Pass for train discounts while exploring the region.
Booking a train journey in South Wales is easy and you can also request assisted travel if required.
- First Bus Cymru, South and South West Wales, run a comprehensive service across the region, with well-planned and inclusive bus accessibility.
- Stagecoach runs a local bus service in South Wales with popular routes including Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, and Rhondda Valleys and Aberdare. Local buses are accessible mostly low-level with easy access for wheelchair users. There is also information available in Braille and audio.
- For public buses around Swansea, Swansea Valley and Neath there’s South Wales Transport. Large coaches have wheelchair ramp access.
- Transport for Wales have a comprehensive public transport system with information on local bus services and booking.
For more information about travelling around South Wales by public transport see VisitWales and Transport for Wales for travel accessibility.
Accessible things to do in south Wales
Discover our pick of accessible things to do in south Wales.
Adventure and sport
Be at one with nature as you saddle up for a horse ride with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). There are over 430 centres dotted across the UK. Head to the Mount Pleasant location near Bridgend for ponies that are specifically trained to respond via voice. The centre is accessible and has a specialist mounting block, tackle which are adapted for riders who, for example, can only use one hand. Those who can’t ride can still get involved grooming and handling the ponies instead at this calm and tranquil setting.
Outdoors and nature
The Dyffryn Gardens, part of Dyffryn House, are one of the National Trust’s finest collections of Edwardian gardens in Wales. A sprawling 55 acres will keep you entertained with garden rooms, including a Paved Court, Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean Garden. Not forgetting the 22 acres of woodland, it’s a great place to visit in all seasons with level access and ramps throughout making it accessible to wheelchair users. There are accessible toilets throughout the gardens, plus wheelchairs and mobility scooters to hire (advanced booking is advised).
These two pretty lakes were created when two old quarries were flooded – it’s now Cosmeston Country Park and haven for wildlife. There is a wheelchair accessible café, accessible board walks, and walkways around the lakes, as well as available audio tours. You can also hire a wheelchair at reception. There are paths around the Medieval Village, though some areas might be a little bumpy.
There is one notable section of the Wales Coast Path in South Wales, the Newport Wetlands Centre Nature Walk. Found within the Newport Wetlands Centre, take the 3 mile (5km) accessible Nature Walk from the Visitor Centre towards a section of the Wales Coast Path. Look out for the 120-year-old East Usk Lighthouse and the sculpture trail.
History and heritage
Did you know that the former coal-exporting city of Newport is also home to a Roman fortress and baths? Built back in AD75, Caerleon Roman Baths is one of only permanent fortresses in Roman Britain. Inside the baths you’ll find a multi-sensory experience with music, film projections, touch screen games and more. There is a wooden slatted walkway which some wheelchairs with narrow wheels might find difficult, though the site has one folding wheelchair available for use at the Roman Baths only. There is information in Braille, audio points and a portable induction loop.
With a history spanning 2,000 years right through to the present day, Cardiff Castle is alive and packed with fun-filled events. From the outdoor cinema to music concerts, guided tours of the castle and more, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The castle grounds are accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, with level access throughout the visitor centre. The Norman Keep and Castle Apartments are accessed by stairs. Audio guides are available in 10 languages, including a BSL sign-language tour, and you can pre-book touch tours of the castle.
Arts and culture
From live music to international theatre shows, the Wales Millennium Centre also showcases the best of local Welsh talent. This striking building is accessible to all, offering assisted performances, a quiet room, sound enhancement headphones, accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet, wheelchair spaces and more.
