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Try Out Activities on Offer at Better Cardiff
About: Better leisure centres and gyms in Cardiff offer an array of sports and leisure activities suitable for all ages and abilities. In Cardiff there are several Better leisure centre and gym locations that offer state of the art gyms, swimming pools, sports halls and courts, fitness classes and much more for you and the family to enjoy! Whether you're a fitness fanatic, a part-time gym-goer or swimmer or you're just looking for ways to entertain the kids, Better in Cardiff has it all!
Top tips: You can head to their Western ceisure centre to try out their new Inflatable Air-Venture course, where you can bounce, climb, slide, jump and crawl your way over Cardiff’s giant feature-rich inflatable obstacle course, blending action-packed activity with a fun way to get fit.
Visit the Iconic Cardiff Castle
About: Situated within the centre of Cardiff, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. Located within beautiful parklands at the heart of the capital, the Castle’s walls and fairytale towers conceal 2,000 years of history. When visiting be sure to see the Castle Apartments which are packed with fascinating displays. There is so much to explore inside that it will keep all the family busy for a few hours, making it a well worth attraction to visit.
Top tips: You can also have a bite to eat in the Bistro and visit their gift shop!
Address: Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 3RB
Explore the Wonders of Techniquest
About: Located in Cardiff Bay, Techniquest features more than 100 exhibits and displays which really encourage visitors to get hands-on with science in fun and unusual ways. It offers visitors a hands-on approach to science, and includes a science theatre, a planetarium, and a discovery centre. It’s a brilliant way to get the kids to engage with science, while offering them a fun and interactive day out.
Top tips: This makes for a brilliant school trip!
Address: Stuart Street, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Cardiff, CF10 5BW, Wales
Adventure at Cardiff International White Water
About: Adventure awaits at Cardiff International White Water - the UK’s very first Olympic standard White Water Rafting and Indoor Wave facility. Offering white water and flat water fun for all, families and older groups alike can enjoy a range of water activities including rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding, river boarding and so much more. Its an exhilarating, on-demand adventure facility in the heart of the International Sports Village.
Top tips: Did you know you can host Birthday parties here?
Address: Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay CF11 0SY
Shop till you drop at St David's Dewi Sant
About: Located in the heart of the Welsh capital, St David’s Cardiff is Wales’ leading shopping destination. With over 40 million shoppers pouring through the doors each year, St David’s has put Cardiff city centre firmly on the map as one of the best retail hotspots in the UK. This really is the place to go shopping where you can spend your money with no guilt, so what are you waiting for!
Top tips: There are plenty of restaurants within and around the complex to grab a bite to eat after shopping!
Address: St David's Dewi Sant, Bridge Street, Cardiff CF10 2EF
Discover at the National Museum Cardiff
*Reopening Late May*
About: If you want to find out more about the interesting history of Wales then it's well worth a trip to the National Museum. The Museum houses the country's national art, natural history and geology collections, and temporary exhibitions. With a range of exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year, there's something for everyone to enjoy no matter what your interests!
Top tips: This is a great FREE day out for you and the kids!
Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Explore the Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
About: Fforest Fawr is situated in North Cardiff and is absolutely glorious! The trail is located in a woodland area adjacent to the fairy-tale castle, Castell Coch. The path is approximately one and a half miles in length and is designed to take you on a magical journey through the forest. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature or find some peace and quiet. There’s a little cafe down the road to visit once you've trecked enough, so you can make a whole day out of this forest!
Top tips: The best thing about this is its FREE!
Address: Heol-y-Fforest, Tongwynlais, Cardiff Wales
Stop Off at Cardiff Bay
About: For a great day out, Cardiff Bay is your one stop shop. As Europe's largest waterfront development, you'll find restaurants, shops, hotels, tours, attractions, events throughout the year and water activities. Highlights for families include visiting attractions such as Techniquest, an interactive, kid-friendly science center with a planetarium. Just one of the many things to do in this area.
Top tips: There are boat tours that operate daily if you fancy touring the bay!
Address: CF10 5BZ
Call at Llandaff Cathedral
About: Visit one of the UK’s most stunning cathedrals, take in breath-taking history, heritage and architecture. The Llandaff Cathedral lies in the ancient “City of Llandaff” and stands on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain. Despite being surrounded on all sides by the bustling modern city of Cardiff, the Llandaff conservation area remains comparatively unspoilt and surprisingly tranquil.
Top tips: They operate multiple choirs for you to get involved in!
Address: Cathedral Cl, CF5 2LA
Bowl Around Roath Park
About: One of our favourite gems of the city, not explored and experienced enough by tourists and day-trippers alike, Roath Park and lake is a fantastic free day out for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re interested in local wildlife and horticulture, want to take a lovely meander in an idyllic setting, or have children who want to go wild in a large play park, Roath Park and lake is for you. Dogs are welcome however do need to be kept on leads around the park!
Top tips: Don't forget to bring a picnic with you when the weather brightens up as it makes for a beautiful picnic spot!
Address: CF23 5PG
Catch a Show at the Millennium Centre
*Should be reopening late May*
About: It is so much more than a theatre. Visitors enjoy blockbuster West End musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary dance, hip hop and stand up comedy, art exhibitions, workshops, training days, free daily foyer performances, guided tours, bars and restaurants... there is something for everyone. If you are a real theatre lover, then this is the place for you!
Top tips: Ensure you keep up to date with their shows, by visiting their website here.
Address: Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place CF10 5AL Cardiff, UK
Explore St Fagans Musuem
About: Visit this 100-acre open air museum and learn about Wales’ historical past. St Fagan’s National History Museum is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums and one of Wales’s most popular heritage attractions. There are over 40 re-erected buildings from various ages to explore: including old schools, butchers, bakers, ironsmiths, and workmen’s institutes. A walk around Wales from Celtic times to the present day.
Top tips: This is the perfect FREE day out for you and the family!
Address: Cardiff, Glamorgan and Cardiff, CF5 6XB, Wales
Stop Off at Bute Park
About: Bute Park is Cardiff's biggest city centre park, with 130 acres of meadows, woodland and parkland to explore. Bute Park is the perfect place for spotting wildlife, hunting for sculptures, learning about the history of the park and lots more. They have a number of different free trails for everyone: families, couples and hikers. Surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers, and not forgetting the iconic sight of Cardiff Castle, Bute Park also offers the ultimate spot for the summer picnicker.
Top tips: You can take part in a number of trails that the park offers, click here to find the best trail for you.
Address: Bute Park, North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER
Whizz Off With Whizzard Helicopters
About: Are you more of a thrill seeker? Want to see the best of Cardiff is one swoop? This one's for you! Take an exhilarating flight over some of the most spectacular scenery in Cardiff, usually the reserve of the birds soaring overhead. Fly with Whizzard Helicopters and take to the skies from Cardiff Heliport with a scenic tour, offering a different view of the world which is really special! Offering a bespoke flight or on one of the specific pleasure flying days.
Top tips: Be sure to bring a camera with you to capture the sights!
Address: Various
Experience Cardiff Jet
About: If you’re looking for more fun and excitement than your average boat trip then this is the fast speed boat for you! Experience the amazing capabilities of Cardiff Jet's fast and versatile boats handled by the most experienced fast boat coxswains in the area as they provide a thrilling ride over, around and through any waves that we find. There's also many other experiences and packages available including parties and private hire.
Top tips: You can privately hire the boat for you, friends and family to amke it a more personal affair!
Address: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
Visit a National Trust Site Nearby
About: There are many stunning National Trust properties located in and around Cardiff and what a fantastic addition they are for the community. The National Trust was set up to preserve all the beautiful old buildings, gardens and estates for the public to see. They are the perfect escape for a long walk with the family or your furry friends or even picnics on the beautiful grounds.
Top tips: If you want to know where the nearest National Trust property is to you, check out our guide here.
Address: Various
Hop On Your Bike Round Cardiff
About: This is great way for getting round the city and still taking in all sights just by a different mode of transports! Whether you're a pro cyclist, commuter or just enjoy a brisk cycle here and there, there are so many fantastic routes for you to visit when in the city to take in every aspect of it!
Top tips: Check out our guide to cycling here to find the best routes, shops and more!
Address: Various
Make a Trip to Principality Stadium
*Keep up to date with their reopening here*
About: Principality Stadium is the home of the Welsh Rugby Team and one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Sporting the first fully-retractable roof in the UK, the venue is at the leading edge as a multi-purpose, multi-faceted event venue. The Stadium is established as a world class must play, must visit venue and has played home to major sporting bodies and music artists over the years. You simply cannot visit Cardiff without making a trip here!
Top tips: Even if you don't visit for a sporting event or concert, you can book tours by clicking here!
Address: Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Explore Castle Coch
About: Castell Coch is not just known for its beautiful medieval stately castle, but also the surrounding woodlands which makes the perfect leisurely stroll. A castle has stood on this site since 1081, so there's plenty of history to explore.
Top tips: If you follow the popular, circular 2km route which loops around the castle, offering scenic views and plenty of places to birdwatch.
Address: Cardiff CF15 7JS
Bowl Around Cardiff Market
About: For a perfect slice of everyday Cardiff life, this thriving city centre indoor market is the place to be. There are little cafes, pet shops and all kinds of food stands as well as clothes, gifts and books all being sold under one roof. You’ll hear the fishmongers advising on their wares, the fruit and veg sellers calling out their deals and see people stocking up on freshly hot-plate-cooked Welsh cakes.
Top tips: Its open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 4:30pm.
Address: Cardiff Market, St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AU
Aqua Park
About: You simply cannot make a visit to Cardiff, especially in the summer months without making a visit to WALES’ largest Aqua Park on Cardiff bay! Here yoy can slip, slide, splash and share a laugh out loud moments! The amazing, inflatable Aqua Park has climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, slides, blast bags and monkey bars making it the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children age 8+ and adrenaline junkies alike!
Top tips: Pointing out the obvious but this is enjoyed better in the Summer months!
Address: Aqua Park Cardiff Cardiff Bay Barrage Cardiff CF10 4LY
Catch a Boat to Flat Holm Island
About: This is not strictly in Cardiff, but just five miles off the coast, the stunning island of Flat Holm is a different world with a wealth of history and wildlife to discover. A day visit by boat provides you with three to six hours on the island, where you can purchase a self-guided tour pack or go on a free guided tour on certain dates. You can relax and soak up the island’s tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views, and also enjoy a drink at The Gull and Leek, Wales’ most southerly pub.
Top tips: There is a gift shop where you can buy postcards, Fairtrade snacks, and a range of souvenirs as a memento of your island experience!
Address: Cardiff Harbour Authority, Queen Alexandra House, Cargo Road, CF10 4LY