National Trust in Cardiff
There are plenty of National Trust properties to visit with landscaped gardens, beautiful scenic walks, and stately homes. The National Trust in Cardiff offers family friendly days out, things to do for couples and solo travellers.
The National Trust care for hundreds of historical sites, gardens and estates around Wales and the UK. They are all uniquely different and are a pleasure to visit. By the end of the 19th Century, industrialisation threatened to destroy the remaining natural landscape and the country's heritage.
Thanks to the wisdom of the National Trust founders, more than 250,000 hectares of farmland, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historical places, gardens and nature reserves have been preserved.
In fact, within a few weeks of the National Trust being registered, they were given five acres of clifftop at Dinas Oleu in Barmouth, North Wales.
National Trust South Wales
When visiting Cardiff, you'll be spoilt for choice of places to explore. From eccentric aristocrats to love and loss, the magnificent Welsh stately homes and parklands bring Wales's history to life. If you have a National Trust membership, you'll be keen to see what's nearby.
Dyffryn Gardens
The beautiful Edwardian mansion has stunning gardens, alongside a shop, café, and log stack play area for children. There are 55-acres to explore. Just off the Great Lawn is the garden walks and courts. All have great names such as The South Garden, Vine Walk, Croquet Lawn, West Garden, Paved Court, Rose Garden, Walled Garden, to name only a few. The gardens are undergoing an ambitious revival and are a sight to behold.
Within the gardens is Dyffryn House. It is a grand Grade I listed Victorian mansion overlooking the key aspects of the gardens. When the National Trust took over the home, it had no original belongings, art or furniture. A few rooms have been furnished, but with a twist. There are several interactive elements; you can play the piano, have a billiards game, or browse the book exchange.
From Future Inns to Dyffryn Gardens, it is an 18-minute drive.
Price: £11 for adults, £5.50 for children, £27.50 for families. Free for National Trust members.
Parking: Free
Lanlay
Lanlay Meadows is a beautiful, untouched landscape where you can step back in time. The land remains untouched with unkempt hedgerows and twisted old oak trees. The River Ely runs through it, so it is home to plenty of wildlife. Including kingfishers, otters, different types of birds and bats.
Whether you have 20-minutes or an hour, Lanlay is the perfect escape. Providing some truly stunning walks. The site has two main paths which wind you in and out of meadows, woodland and rivers, making it a truly desirable and impressive landscape.
From Future Inns to Lanlay, it is a 21-minute drive. It is a 10-minute drive from Dyffryn Gardens.
Price: Free
Parking: Free parking on Whyndham Park Way, running diagonally from the site
Tredegar House
On the fringes of Cardiff is Tredegar House. The red-brick structure was home for more than 500 years to the Morgan's, later Lords of Tredegar. The Morgan family owned more than 40,000 acres in Glamorgan and Monmouthshire at the end of the 18th Century.
There are so many interesting characters in the Morgan family, including a decedent Henry Morgan, known the world over as the pirate Captain Morgan. They have been involved at pinnacle points of history, including their elevation of prestige during the Tudor period and taking part in the English Civil War.
In 1854, Godfrey Morgan fought and survived the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War. His trusty steed, Sir Briggs, also survived and lived at Tredegar House until he died, aged 28. The horse was buried with full military honours in the Cedar Garden, where there is now a monument.
There are three gardens within the house walls. The first garden you enter is called the Orchard Garden, and the next is the Cedar Garden. After that is the Orangery, with fruit trees that have been growing since the 18th Century. Outside the walls is Tredegar Park, with 90-acres to explore. It is popular with local runners, dog walkers and families. Follow the path around the late, which is home to swans, herons and ducks.
From Future Inns to Tredegar House, it is a 30-minute drive.
Price: £11 for adults, £5.50 for children, £27.50 for families. Free for National Trust members.
Parking: £1 for 1 hour, £2 for 4 hours and £5 all day. Free for National Trust members.
Stay at Future Inn Cardiff
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.
BOOK NOWFuture Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program.
Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point.
You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant.
Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Family Friendly Cardiff Restaurant
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
Special Offers
