The best things to do outdoors in Cardiff
There are many things to see and do outside when exploring the Welsh capital, Cardiff. If you are worried about big crowds, or simply enjoy being outdoors, there are many things to do in Cardiff in the open-air.
Cardiff Bay Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Explore Cardiff’s historic docks and wetland area with this self-guided spy mission. It is ideal for age 6 plus and takes about 2 hours to complete – at your own pace. Even big kids love it! If you get stuck, you can even get text message clues. You will become a member of the Welsh Intelligence Agency. Top-secret documents go missing from The Senedd, you will help track them down.
Cost: £9.99 if printing at home. £14.48 for personalisation.
Cosmeston Lakes and Medieval Village
At Cosmeston Lakes you will find a unique blend of countryside, adventure and history. In the Medieval Village, a reconstructed 14th Century heritage attraction, you can discover how people lived and worked in 1350. The village has even been used as a filming location for Dr Who, Stella and Merlin. The main feature of the park is the two large lakes divided by a bridge. As well as an adventure play area, picnic benches and BBQ area, Cosmeston is much loved by walkers.
Cost: Free entry and free parking for 2 hours.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is hard to miss when in the city centre. As lockdown lifted, the grounds were opened to all visitors, with social distancing circles drawn on the floor – ideal for taking a picnic – as well as benches, and tables and chairs. Hot and cold drinks are served from the café. Lone Stag, a local gin and vodka producer, are also selling their famous cocktails and handmade truffles from an outside bar.
Cost: Free entry to the grounds.
Cardiff International White Water
If you’re looking for a challenge, adventure awaits at Cardiff International White Water. There are too many activities to mention, but highlights include white water rafting, stand up paddleboarding, an air trail of high ropes, indoor wave, climbing wall, and canoeing and kayaking. It is perfect for families, couples and groups, but especially those who are thrill-seekers.
Cost: Dependent on activity, but from £10 per person.
St Fagans National History Museum
Wales’ historical past comes to life at this 100-acre open-air-museum. It contains over 40 re-erected buildings from various ages of Welsh history. With old schools, butchers, bakery, workshops, farmhouses and mills. In the grounds, you can see livestock and even craftspeople practising traditional skills. There is also St Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan manor house, and gardens.
Cost: Free entry and parking is £6 per day. Free for disabled badge holders and motorbikes.
All visitors will need to pre-book their timed entrance slot in advance.
Dyffryn Gardens
The National Trust property is a short drive from Future Inn Cardiff. The house and estate can be traced back to the 7th Century. The gardens are a peaceful oasis and cover more than 55-acres. A lot of work has been put in to get them to their original splendour, ideal for exploring. Within the grounds is a grand Victorian mansion, with the upper floors still under refurbishment.
Cost: Free for National Trust members. £8 per adult, £4 per child and £20 for a family. All visitors will need to pre-book their timed entrance slot in advance.
Forest Farm Nature Reserve
Forest Farm is full of surprises. Sections of the former Glamorganshire Canal still survive here and a wide range of habitats including woodland, scrub, hay meadow, ponds and marshland. The Taff Trail runs through the site, as well as the restored Melingriffith Waterpump – a relic of the industrial past of Cardiff. Forest Farms trails are popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife spotters. There are bird hides to sit in and watch, as well as a sculpture trail.
Cost: Free
Enjoy a Staycation with Future Inn Cardiff Bay
Our hotel in Cardiff Bay is the ideal base for exploring outdoors in Cardiff. As a cycle-friendly hotel, we will also let you bring your bike so you can enjoy the great outdoors on two wheels.
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 NOWDine on Local Cuisine
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.
Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online:
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