Port Talbot

Travel Guide

Photo by Dean Melbourne
Photo by Sandra Florença
Photo by Peter Guy
Photo by Melanie Gerkin
Photo by Nicola Sheppard
Dating back to the Bronze Age, the seaside town of Port Talbot in Wales is an excellent base from which to explore the best of the Welsh countryside and coast. Usually associated with its steelworks, the lesser-known side of Port Talbot is that is has a great range of outdoor activities, from windsurfing to mountain biking and even a treetop assault course!

Centrally located on the south coast of Wales, Port Talbot has all the eateries, hotels and amenities you could hope for, while offering a more relaxed pace of life than the cities of Swansea (about 10 miles west) and the Welsh capital Cardiff (about 30 miles east). Nonetheless, a visit here is definitely going to keep you busy.

Margam Castle and Country Park

Why not discover Port Talbot’s architectural history with a visit to Margam Castle? This Victorian country house is a remarkable example of a building from the Gothic revival and is now a Grade-I listed building. The historic grounds here are beautiful, with extensive gardens that bloom in summer and a selection of farm animals that the kids will love.

Extreme Sports in Port Talbot

Not for those with vertigo, but definitely fun if you don’t mind heights, head to Go-Ape in Margam Country Park. Swing from branches, dart down zip lines into cargo nets and marvel at views of the Welsh landscape from high up in the treetops. Otherwise, head out surfing in Swansea Bay or visit the rocky trails of Afan Forest – a mountain-biker’s dream.

Festivals in Port Talbot

If you’re not keen on sports, maybe you’ll enjoy a visit to one Port Talbot's annual festivals. The annual one-day Aberavon Beach Festival takes place at the height of each summer. This community event is a great combination of arts, crafts, food and exhibition stalls, all taking place on the white sands of Aberavon Beach. In August the town also hosts the two-day Kaya World Music Festival, and the Margam Kite Festival in May is an aerial feast for the eyes.

Eating out in Port Talbot

Port Talbot has an impressive food scene. Find French and Italian cuisine, traditional Welsh fare, Indian food or even an American diner and steakhouse. The eateries in Port Talbot are scattered around the town centre, close to Talbot Road and the relaxing waters of the Afan River. You’re sure to find somewhere great to get the gastronomic juices going.

Aberavon Beach

After you’ve eaten, burn off those calories and end an action-packed day with a blowy walk on Aberavon Beach. This impressive sandy beach is three miles long and as it’s not overrun with tourists, on a quiet day you might even get it to yourself. What better way to end your holiday in Port Talbot?

Enjoy Port Talbot

Visit Port Talbot and you’ll have the whole south of Wales on your doorstep. Don’t wait – search online for the perfect deal and book your trip to Port Talbot today with Expedia.

Blanco's Hotel Port Talbot
Blanco's Hotel Port Talbot
3.5 out of 5
Green Park, Port Talbot, Wales
The price is RM334 per night from 1 May to 2 May
RM334
RM400 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Port Talbot. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (397 reviews)
"Staff friendly and efficent. Bedroomand bathroom very clean."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Blanco's Hotel Port Talbot
Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel
Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
Princess Margaret Way, Port Talbot, Wales
The price is RM305 per night from 4 May to 5 May
RM305
RM366 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Port Talbot. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (557 reviews)
"Our room was spacious and comfortable, but very hot, even though two portable fans were provided, because the heating pipes were permanently on, but even so, the availability of hot water was unreliable. Lovely view of the beach and across the bay to The Mumbles."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel
Twelve Knights
Twelve Knights
3.5 out of 5
Margam Road, Port Talbot, Wales
The price is RM256 per night from 1 May to 2 May
RM256
RM308 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Port Talbot. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (143 reviews)
Twelve Knights
"Kevin and the team are great, happy to help however they can. The food is very good as are the drinks. The en suite bathroom had a great shower, fluffy clean towels and was nicely laid out. The bed was clean and comfortable. We stayed for two nights and both agreed the only thing to change were some ..."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2025

Twelve Knights
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
Highly recommend
"Really fantastic accommodation- great value for money. Lovely rescue zoo with the highlight being the talking parrots! Very comfortable room."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2025

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Cwmbach Cottages
Cwmbach Cottages
3 out of 5
Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton Neath, Neath, Wales
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Neath. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Neath Golf Club and Aberdulais Falls are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Wonderful
"What a great find. Stayed here while working in Swansea. Great place, beautifully clean, quiet and out the way, but the shops are only 5 mins away."

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2025

Cwmbach Cottages
Post Office House - 3 Bed - Reynoldston
Post Office House - 3 Bed - Reynoldston
4 out of 5
Apartment 3 Post Office House, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Three Cliffs Bay Beach and Penrice Castle ...
Post Office House - 3 Bed - Reynoldston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Port Talbot

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 7%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 7%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

My father was born in Port Talbot, so we have a lot of family there. The town itself has changed over the years, but by the looks of it, it has survived all the changes I hope the town keeps growing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It's my home town, so not exactly a tourist.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

There is a lovely sand beach!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Obvious investment in some areas. The beach is a good size.