Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Cardiff

Summer has officially arrived, so we thought we’d create a list of the best outdoor activities that you could try! We know your eager to enjoy our glorious British summer weather and with that in mind, this guide will give you great ideas of new things to try to keep you busy and out in the lovely sun!

1. Orienteering

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor activity that requires you to navigate using a compass and a map. You can create your own routes and challenges which is what makes it the best fun, especially in the sun! You read the map and decide the best route to get to all the points on the map and try to do it in the fastest time possible or just enjoy the adventure and explore the outdoors!

2. Canyoning and gorge walking

Cardiff is not too far from the stunning Brecon Beacons, where you can go to enjoy the lush landscapes, gorges, rivers, waterfalls and pools. If you're a lover of a good scenic route, then this outdoor activity is certainly for you! So get ready for an adventurous trip and prepare yourself to hop over rocks, jump over logs and witness the beauty of the wales. What could be better?

3. Climb Pen-y-Fan

A beauty spot also located in the beautiful Brecon Beacons is the mountain Pen-y-Fan which is the highest in the range. Get out and up the mountain early to witness the stunning sunrise which if done on a clear and sunny day will be a real treat! Its stands at 886m high and is not far away from Cardiff making this a great outdoor activity to do.

4. Visit Cardiff Bay Barrage

Cardiff's famous bay is a real treat to behold if you don't normally get the chance to get out and experience it, but it's a great spot for a nice walk or bike ride, with wonderful views of the Severn Estuary. There is much to do here even stroll on the beach or visit the many shops and attractions around. Cardiff bay is a perfect place to spend an evening or even a whole day in the summer!

5. Take part in some Watersports

Are you a watersports enthusiast? With the luxury of being situated right next to the Cardiff Bay, with that brings a multitude of water sport activities for you to try including sailing, rowing, windsurfing and more! Brave the waters and try something new this summer! You can check out where you can do these activities in our Watersports guide here!

6. Immerse yourself in the history at Cardiff Castle

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 and wind down with a bite to eat in the Bistro! This is a definitely a must see attraction if you're visiting central Cardiff!!

7. Make a splash at Aqua Park Cardiff

Are you ready for a wet adventure this summer? Also located in Cardiff Bay is the giant floating obstacle course with more than 50 obstacles in your way. Be prepared to slip, slide and fall but also be ready to get absolutely soaked! This park is open al summer so get your swimming shorts and swimsuits ready and head over as soon as you can!

8. Make a trip to Penarth Beach

Located in Cardiff and just a stones throw away from the Cardiff Bay, is a beautiful beach so you must head down there this summer. Swimming isn’t always recommended but that’s fine because it has a spectacular view and is a lovely place to lay down, relax and enjoy the sunshine!

9. Head down to Bute Park

Bute Park is Cardiff's biggest city centre park, with 130 acres of meadows, woodland and parkland to explore. Want to enjoy nature but don’t want to venture too far away from the city? Why not visit one of the many parks in the city. Reconnect with nature and enjoy a nice walk, ride or picnic on the grass! There are many to choose from but Bute park is one big and beautiful one that we recommend you visit!

10. Cardiff Ski and Snowboard centre

This outdoor dry slope is our last recommendation for this summer! It Recreational skiing and snowboarding frot eh whole family. Or maybe you want to practice for a mountain without having to travel too far. This is a perfect way to enjoy your time or even find a new hobbie and learn to ski or snowboard!