7 Great Places to Visit in Cardiff
It can be hard to find something to do at the moment, but luckily Cardiff has plenty to get stuck into. So without further ado, here are 7 great places to visit in Cardiff!
1. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle holds 2000 years of history. You’ll find a stunning selection of Victorian apartments, a Norman keep, Roman ruins, and secret wartime shelters all packed into one place. Although the castle is one of Cardiff’s major tourist attractions, it’s also great for local residents to come and enjoy. If you currently live or work in Cardiff, you can pick up a ‘Key to the Castle’, which gives you FREE admission for 3 years!
The castle also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including summer concerts and outdoor cinemas. You can check out their upcoming events here.
2. Penarth
Penarth is a lovely seaside town with a pebble beach, Victorian pier, and a variety of independent shops. The town can easily be walked or cycled to from Cardiff Bay. It’s a popular walking spot and perfect for a weekend stroll. Keep your eyes peeled if you visit the beach, as Penarth is also a hotspot for fossil hunting!
3. The Arcades
Cardiff has 6 lovely Victorian arcades which house over 100 different independent cafes, bars and shops. Whether you’re looking for a shopping experience like no other or just a quick stop for some coffee, the arcades are always worth the visit. Some of Cardiff’s longest-running stores are also here, with one of the most famous being Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record store!
4. Ice Arena Wales
The Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay is an impressive venue with 2 ice rinks and seating for 3000 spectators. It’s also home of the Cardiff Devils hockey team, which plays at least one home game a week. Public skating sessions are available too, but tickets must currently be booked in advance. If you can’t skate yet, don’t sweat it! The arena also offers weekly skating lessons 🙂
5. Bute Park
Cardiff’s biggest green area, and one of the largest urban parks in Wales. At Bute Park, you’ll be able to explore historic landscapes, sports fields, and beautiful gardens. There’s a variety of trails across the park’s 140 acres, which are perfect for cycling! Bute Park is also home to The Secret Garden Cafe and Pettigrew Tea Rooms. Both of these independent stores offer extensive menus and even use produce that’s grown inside the park!
6. Cardiff National Museum
Open 6 days a week: Tuesday to Sunday. The Cardiff National Museum has a range of galleries where you can learn more about the evolutionary story of Wales, see the world’s largest leatherback turtle, dinosaurs and even woolly mammoths! The Museum also hosts an impressive art gallery with 400 years’ worth of Welsh and European art. Including several works by Monet and Van Gogh.
The Museum is free and open to everyone, but you’ll need to book in advance. Click here to find out more!
7. Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is only a short distance from the city centre, making it perfect for visitors and locals alike. The bay is home to some of Cardiff’s top attractions and has a fantastic mix of independent bars and restaurants. It’s also a great place to do some sightseeing, as you can find The Senedd, house of the Welsh government and The Wales Millennium Centre, which regularly shows musicals, operas, standup comedy, art exhibitions, and much more!
