Top 10…Experiences
1) Enjoy a show at the Wales Millennium Centre
Opened in 2004, the Wales Millennium Centre is an unmistakable landmark on the Cardiff Bay skyline. It is Wales' best performing arts centre and hosts everything including ballet, opera, and dance and regularly hosts some of the top names on the stand up comedy circuit. Given the size of the stage and technical facilities available it also stages major west end musicals. Mary Poppins, the Sound of Music, Les Miserables have been performed here in the past. Don't worry if you can't make a show as there are daily behind the scenes tours where you get to see how the centre operates.
2) Go ShoppingShoppers in South East Wales have never had it so good. Cardiff alone is considered as one of the best cities for shopping in the country with its high street stores complimented by many local, independent shops in the city's famous arcades. And since the opening of the St David's shopping centre and John Lewis department store in 2010 it has got even better. Out of the city there are two major designer retail outlets. Festival Park near Ebbw Vale has over 40 stores with top names such as M&S, Nike and Gap selling goods at discounted prices, while the Bridgend Designer Outlet is home to over 90 stores each offering some tempting bargains.
3) Take a Walk in the Wye Valley
The Wye Valley is perhaps the most scenic corner of South East Wales. It' meandering valley, rolling countryside, historic towns and pretty villages mean it is something of a nature lover's paradise. There are walks criss-crossing the region including the long distance trails of the Offa's Dyke Path or the Wye Valley Walk for experienced walkers, but don't worry there are plenty of other paths to suit walkers of all ages and abilities.
4) Play a round of Golf at Celtic ManorIn October 2010 the eyes of the sporting world were fixed on Newport's Celtic Manor Resort as it played host to the Ryder Cup, golf's biggest tournament. And now you can follow in the footsteps of Europe and the USA's best golfers by playing on the very same course. The Twenty Ten Course was the first to be specifically built to host a Ryder Cup and is a tough 7493 yards long and has a par of 71.
5) Get wet at Cardiff International White Water
The Cardiff International White Water Centre in Cardiff Bay opened in March 2010. It comprises of 250 metres of raging torrents that test even international canoeists to the extreme. But don't worry if you're not of that standard as the flow of water is controlled and can be adjusted whatever your experience. You can enjoy some white water rafting and canoeing as well as something more unusual such as hydrospeeding and hot-dogging.
6) Catch some waves at Rest BayThe seaside town of Porthcawl has long had a traditional seaside resort feel to it, with funfair, ice cream kiosks and seafront Grand Pavilion. Whilst people still flock to the town for their seaside break it also acts as a magnet for a different clientele. Over the last few years the town has carved out a reputation as the country's premier water sports centre. Sea kayaking along the dramatic cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast or Scuba diving to explore underwater wrecks are popular but the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the town's Rest Bay, easily the area's best surfing beach. The waves come crashing in off the Atlantic and has led to some people comparing it favourably with the more established surfing beaches such as Newquay in Cornwall. Don't worry if you've never surfed before. You can still join in as there are numerous companies locally offering beginners lessons, you'll be standing up in no time.
7) Eat at a Michelin Starred Restaurant
Feeling hungry? Then just as well you're thinking of moving to South East Wales as we are home to two Michelin starred restaurants. The Walnut Tree near Abergavenny and the Crown at Whitebrook near Monmouth both tempt diners with some mouth watering food in superb surroundings.
8) Back a winner at Chepstow RacecourseThere can be no more picturesque setting for a racecourse, just north of the historic border town of Chepstow in the beautiful Wye Valley. The location is impressive as is the range of racing on offer throughout the year. There are race days scheduled throughout the year both over jumps and on the flat. The highlight of the year is undoubtedly the Welsh Grand National which is held each December and is the biggest and most popular race in Wales. Are you able to pick the winner?
9) Enjoy the big match atmosphere
It doesn't matter whether or not you have a ticket to the game or even like (or understand) rugby there is nowhere in the world better to be than Cardiff on the day of a big match. With the Millennium Stadium situated right in the centre of the city the streets become full with fans of both teams enjoying the special ambience and taking in the carnival atmosphere.
10) Tackle the Twrch TrailThis is mountain biking at its best. Cognation at Cwmcarn Forest is considered one of the best mountain biking centres in the country with two separate trails ready to test you to the limit. The Twrch Trail is almost 10 miles of heart stopping twists, turns ascents and descents. The first few kilometres is all climbing but you'll be rewarded with some stunning views over South East Wales. Not that you'll have time to appreciate them as this rollercoaster of a track plunges back down into the valley below. The trail has been given a red (difficult) rating. If you thought the Twrch Trail sounds hair raising then you should see The Mynydd. This has a black (severe) rating and is only for experienced bikers only. This is pure adrenaline filled downhill, with steep technical sections and some big jumps. Try it if you dare.
For details of all South Wales experiences, visit Southern Wales
