10 Things To Do Near Cardiff For An Unforgettable UK Trip
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Activities To Do Around Cardiff

1. Wander through Tintern Abbey
2. Stroll around Margam Park
3. Visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum
4. Hike up Brecon Beacons National Park
5. Visit the stunning Saint Mary’s Priory
6. Stroll through Dyffryn Gardens
7. Head towards Caerphilly Mountain
8. Explore Dan yr Ogof caves
9. Stop by MonkNash Beach
10. Have A Royal Mint Experience

The capital of Wales is home to a myriad of attractions, both historical and modern, and the list of things to do around Cardiff is certainly inexhaustible because of its vast range. It is in this city where you can find some of the top tourist and sightseeing attractions in the whole country. With the city being one of the best start-off points to explore the other popular destinations in Wales, some of the top things that you can do near Cardiff include taking a walk through the famous Tintern Abbey, considered to be one of the greatest monastic ruins in the world.

Other, more offbeat things that you can do near the Welsh capital are enjoying a hike up to the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, home to numerous cascading waterfalls and scenic beauty, or even exploring the ancient Dan yr Ogof Caves, which houses one of the largest collection of life-sized dinosaur models in the world.

Here are some of the best things to do near Cardiff:

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01

Wander Through Tintern Abbey

  • Wander along the Tintern Abbey, known as the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, which is one of the best things to do near Cardiff
  • Considered to be amongst the greatest monastic ruins in the world, the abbey is located on the banks of the River Wye, and is also the second Cistercian foundation which was ever built in Britain
  • This British gothic architectural masterpiece dates back to 1131, with the ruined remnants of the abbey that we see today were constructed over a century later, sometime in the 1200s
  • Accessible by a scenic hike, the unused abbey gained a lot of fame owing to its mention in the poem by William Wordsworth.

Location:
Tintern, Gwent NP16 6SE, Wales, United Kingdom 

Timings:
09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
£4.60 (children), £6.60 (adults)

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02

Stroll Around Margam Park

  • One of the most famous things to do around Cardiff is to take a relaxing walk along Margam Park, known as the home of the famed Margam Deer Herd
  • During your stroll of these 500 acres of park, you can come across three species of deer, including the Red Deer, Fallow Deer as well as the endangered Pere David Deer, in addition to other animals like rabbits, grey squirrels, shrews, foxes and badgers, to name a few
  • Surrounded by lush landscapes, this park is one of the best places near Cardiff to spend a day in the midst of history, natural beauty, and wildlife
  • You can also enjoy a visit to the 19th-century, Margam Castle, here, or explore the 18th-century Orangery, the 12th-century Chapter House, and other attractions.

Location:
Port Talbot SA13 2TJ, United Kingdom

Timings:
10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
Free

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03

Visit The Big Pit National Coal Museum

  • Located around 30 miles from the Welsh capital is the Big Pit National Coal Museum, a visit to which is one of the most popular things to do near Cardiff
  • Considered to be a major heritage attraction of the area, the museum is located inside a former working coal mine, which was operational till the year 1980
  • It is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy tours of coal mines that are located around 300 feet below the ground, and get a chance to see the life of miners who used to work here several decades ago
  • Above the ground, you can also indulge in a virtual tour of a modern-day coal mine at the multimedia exhibition here, which is named King Coal: The Mining Experience 

Location:
Blaenafon, Torfaen, Pontypool NP4 9XP, United Kingdom

Timings:
09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
Free 

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04

Hike Up Brecon Beacons National Park

  • Your search for adventurous things to do around Cardiff should end at the Brecon Beacons National Park, which is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Wales
  • Considered to be a hiker’s paradise, the park is tucked amidst the Black Mountains on the east and west
  • During your hike up to the park, you can enjoy exploring the nature trails here where you can discover several caves and waterfalls, like the famous Henrhyd Falls
  • You can also enjoy exploring the different Neolithic caves, Bronze Age stone statues, forts from the Iron Age, and ruins of several Norman castles during your hike 

Location: 
Libanus, Brecon LD3 8ER, United Kingdom

Timings:
Open 24 hours 

Entry fee:
Free

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05

Visit The Stunning Saint Mary’s Priory

  • Often referred to as Wales’ very own Westminster Abbey, visiting the magnificent Saint Mary’s Priory is definitely amongst the best things to do near Cardiff
  • The priory is also home to some of the most significant medieval treasures in all of Britain, including a 15th-century wooden sculpture called the Tree of Jesse, as well as over 10 alabaster chest tombs, among other things
  • Dating back to 1087, the present structure belongs to the 14th century, with numerous additions and renovations being made here between the 15th and 19th centuries 
  • Other notable features of this church include a stone figure of Lady Abergavenny, shown holding a shield, which is also the oldest memorial of this church 

Location:
5 Monk St, Abergavenny NP7 5ND, United Kingdom

Timings:
10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
Free

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06

Stroll Through Dyffryn Gardens

  • Amongst the top things to do around Cardiff is strolling through the picturesque Dyffryn Gardens, located on the northern front of the age-old Dyffryn House
  • This Grade I listed garden was created by the Welsh coal baron John Cory in the late 19th century, and spreads across an area of more than 55 acres
  • In addition to having formal lawns, the garden also boasts an arboretum as well as several themed garden rooms, like the Rose Garden, Pompeiian Garden, Paved Court, and the Mediterranean Garden
  • You can also visit the large glasshouse here, which is home to trees from all over the world 

Location:
Dyffryn Cl, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SU, United Kingdom

Timings:
10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
£5.50 (children), £11.00 (adults)

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07

Head Towards Caerphilly Mountain

  • If you are in search of adventurous things to do near Cardiff, take a hike up towards Caerphilly Mountain, which is one of the most tranquil mountains in the region
  • Located a mere 15 minutes from the Cardiff city centre, the mountain is not quite big and is easily accessible by a short hike all the way up to the top
  • One of the best things that you can do here is to take the scenic route to the summit, which will allow you to soak in some of the most amazing views of the Welsh countryside, as well as the Cardiff cityscape and the nearby bay
  • With a height of 271 meters above sea level, the mountain is also a great place to enjoy camping and stargazing 

Location:
Mountain Road, Caerphilly CF83 1HJ, Wales, United Kingdom

Timings:
Open 24 hours 

Entry fee:
Free

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08

Explore Dan Yr Ogof Caves

  • Considered to be Wales’ best-kept secret for over 300 million years, exploring the Dan yr Ogof caves is one of the best things to do around Cardiff
  • This cave system is 15 kilometers long and is one of the most extensive cave systems in all of Western Europe, featuring several underground lakes, rivers as well as two waterfalls with a height of 40 feet
  • You can also find numerous rock formations in these caves, in addition to a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which date back to many millions of years
  • The caves are also home to a dinosaur park, which boasts of over 200 life-sized models of dinosaurs, the largest of its kind in the whole world 

Location:
Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ, United Kingdom

Timings:
10:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. 

Entry fee:
£15.00 (children), £18.00 (adults)

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09

Stop By MonkNash Beach

  • When looking for offbeat things to do near Cardiff, stop at the secluded and quaint MonkNash Beach on the Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan, around 25 miles away from the city
  • Accessible by a picturesque walk along tree-lined trails following the Nash Brook, MonkNash Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in the area, surrounded by majestic cliffs
  • With the river flowing into the rocky cliffs below, you can also see stunning waterfalls here, take a dip in the rock pools, or even walk along the golden sands during low tides 
  • In addition to enjoying camping and witnessing glorious sunsets here, you can also enjoy catching sights of numerous bird species on this beach, including the Peregrine Falcons 

Location:
Unnamed Road, Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge CF71 7QQ, United Kingdom

Timings:
Open 24 hours 

Entry fee:
Free

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10

Have A Royal Mint Experience

  • One of the best things to do near Cardiff is to indulge in The Royal Mint Experience, a of a king experience wherein you can watch the coins of the United Kingdom being made, making it the only such place in the whole world
  • Head to the interactive visitor center here, which has displays and exhibits that offer you a glimpse into the rich history and manufacturing process of the coins used in the UK
  • Indulge in the Guided Factory Experience here, and get to see the journey of a coin from a blank sheet of copper-plated steel to a valuable coin here
  • Head to the Interactive Exhibition hall here, and get a chance to see the coins that have been used in the country for more than 1000 years, in addition to medals used for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, among other things 

Location:
The Royal Mint Experience, Heol-Y-Sarn, Ynysmaerdy, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF72 8YT, Wales, United Kingdom 

Timings:
09:15 a.m. to 04:15 p.m. 

Entry fee:
£10.35 to £17.11 per person

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People Also Ask About Cardiff

  1. What are the best things to do near Cardiff?

    1. Spend a day at Penarth Beach: One of the best things to do near Cardiff is to spend the day at Penarth Beach, located just a short drive from the city. Open all year round, this rock and shingle beach is best known for its beautiful pier, where you can take a long walk, as well as the cafes, kiosks, and restaurants that line the beach, where you can enjoy local snacks, drinks, and other refreshments.

    2. Get transported back in time at Castell Coch
    To get a taste of the rich Welsh history, pay a visit to the Castell Coch and explore this amazing structure, which is amongst the top things to do around Cardiff. This 19th-century castle is surrounded by dense woods and is built in the gothic style of architecture. It also has many displays of artifacts that can help you learn about the development of Wales from the bygone eras to the present.

    3. Explore the Waterfall Country: 
    Exploring the stunning Waterfall Country, home to the Vale of Neath, is definitely one of the things to do near Cardiff. This is an area that boasts 9 mesmerizing waterfalls, set amidst majestic mountains and valleys. It has also served as an inspiration to several artists, including Turner, Shakespeare, and more.

    4. Take a stroll at Margam Park: 
    When in doubt as to what to do near Cardiff, enjoy taking a walk at Margam Park. Spread across several acres of verdant land, the park is also home to several farm animals, wild deer, and birds. You can also find a train here, in addition to an ancient state house. 

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  2. What are the best things to do in Cardiff with kids?

    1. Visit the Infinity Trampoline Park: One of the best things to do around Cardiff with kids is visiting the Infinity Trampoline Park for a day full of jumping around. This indoor park has several attractions, from trampolines of different sizes to a foam pit as well as a performance wall where you and your little ones can enjoy indulging in different activities.

    2. Climb walls at Boulders Climbing Centre: 
    When taking your kids out in Cardiff, don’t forget to enjoy climbing walls at the Boulders Climbing Centre. It is a perfect place for an outing with family, there are walls of different sizes and difficulty levels in this park, along with a soft play climbing area for toddlers, puzzle floors, and more.

    3. Indulge in a game of bowling at Superbowl UK: 
    You, along with your kids, are sure to have a lot of fun at Superbowl UK Cardiff, where you can enjoy a game or two of bowling, in addition to other games, ranging from laser tag to several arcade games as well. You can also enjoy typical arcade snacks here once you are done with your bowling session.

    4. Learn about the city’s history at Cardiff Castle
    To give your little ones a lesson on the history of Cardiff, take them on a tour of Cardiff Castle, which is one of the most important historic buildings in the city. In addition to exploring the state rooms inside the castle and seeing amazing stained glass windows here, you can also spend some time relaxing on the castle grounds. 

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  3. What is the best time to visit Cardiff?

    The best time to visit Cardiff is during the summer and the early autumn seasons, from June to September. With temperatures ranging between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius in these months, the weather remains quite pleasant in the city, making it great to explore the outdoors. The days during this time also remain longer, thereby making sightseeing, and indulging in different activities in and around Cardiff quite enjoyable. 

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  4. How to Reach Cardiff?

    1. By Train: You can also avail yourself of a train ride to Cardiff Central Station if you are heading to Cardiff from other cities in and around the United Kingdom.

    2. By Air: 
    The best way to get to Cardiff is by air. You can take a flight to the Cardiff International Airport, which connects the city to other major cities in the world. You can also take a flight to other airports located around Cardiff. Some of these airports nearby include London Heathrow Airport, Southampton Airport, Bristol Airport, Birmingham Airport, etc.  

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  5. What is special about Cardiff?

    Cardiff is popularly known as the Castle City of the World, or the City of Castles in England, and is considered quite special for having a wide array of age-old landmarks and sites. In addition to boasting of a rich heritage and history, it is also the capital city of Wales, along with being one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the only cities in the UK which offers people many different experiences, ranging from history and religion to sightseeing, dining as well as shopping, and a myriad of adventure activities, which makes it a city that caters to all kinds and ages of people.

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