Cardiff is a beautiful city in Wales and offers spectacular museums, castles, attractions, restaurants and shopping. There is so much to discover and explore in Cardiff, so don't miss out on seeing these top attractions.
1. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle has so much history to offer a range of audio tours, workshops and dressing up. It is popular with people from all over the world, showing everyone about the history of the castle.
Why not start off with a tour around the magnificent castle, where you can learn all about its history and then take a stroll along the gardens.
The castle has spectacular rooms to see in the main part, including secrets left behind by William Burges. If you’re visiting Cardiff, the castle is a great place to visit either on your own or with family. The building is magnificent to look at, so make sure to bring your camera.
Opening times
9am - 6pm
Prices
Castle ticket
Adult: £12.50
Child (5-16): £9.00
Senior: £10.95
Student: £10.95
Under 5's: Free
Visit website for more information
Address
Castle Street
Cardiff
CF10 3RB
Contact details
029 2087 8100
www.cardiffcastle.com
2. Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is a great place to visit with friends or family, as there are many attractions to see and do, as well as a range of shops and restaurants. The bay is the area of water created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
If you plan to visit Cardiff for a weekend, there are plenty of great places to stay, close to all of the attractions and events. Why not go on a boat trip or go shopping for the day?
Cardiff has so much to offer, with all of the city to explore as well as events and popular eateries.
Address
Follow the signs for Cardiff Bay. From outside of Cardiff, on the M4 leave at Junction 33 and follow the A4232. From the East leave at Junction 29, take the 3rd exit off the A48.
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
Wales
Visit website for more information
Contact details
0429 2039 0713
www.visitcardiffbay.info
3. National Botanic Garden
National Botanic Garden is the National Botanic Garden of Wales, offering a beautiful garden of the modern and historic. There are many attractive themed gardens to discover, as well as the world’s largest single span glasshouse which is full of tropical butterflies.
At the Botanic Garden, there is so much to see so why not make a day of it? There are many garden areas including, Back to Nature and the Bee Garden which is home to 250,000 honey bees!
There are many events and workshops that take place at the Botanic Garden, such as restoration tours, papermaking, wildflower walks and more.
Opening times
April – October: 10am – 6pm
November – March: 10am – 4.30pm
Prices
Visit website for more information
Contact Us
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Middleton Hall
Llanarthne
Carmarthenshire
SA32 8HN
www.botanicgarden.wales
4. Bute Park
Bute Park has award winning horticulture and is a beautiful place to visit if you plan to go to Cardiff for the weekend. The park offers an extensive area of parkland in the heart of the city centre. Discover the significant tree collection or various park and play area features. There is also three on site cafes to enjoy if you fancy a spot of lunch!
There is plenty to keep you entertained in the park, such as self-led trails, guides and activities. The park is close to Cardiff Castle and close to the city centre’s main shops and restaurants. Bute Park is one of the largest parks in Wales and offers landscape full of history.
Address
Bute Park North Road
Cardiff
CF10 3DX
Wales
Contact details
029 2087 2730
www.bute-park.com
5. Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Quay is a popular shopping and leisure district along the waterfront, in Cardiff Bay. Restaurants, cafés and bars overlook the bay, making it the perfect place to relax during the lunchtime or evening.
Why not spend the day in Cardiff city exploring its history and attractions, then spend the evening at Mermaid Quay? There are so many shops and restaurants to choose from, making it perfect for shopaholics and foodies!
There are many attractions and events that take place throughout the year, so make sure to take a look before you go.
Address
14 Mermaid Quay Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF10 5BZ
Contact details
029 2048 0077
www.mermaidquay.co.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
Kids will love visiting Cardiff - Especially Doctor Who fans! There are so many children's activities and days out in Cardiff, so why not choose from these top kid's activities?
1. Doctor Who Experience
If you and the children love Doctor Who, why not take them to the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff? It’s a fun and interactive day out for the kids as well as adults. – Who wouldn’t want to adventure through time and space!
After an amazing journey full of adventure, there is, even more, to see and explore such as the most extensive collection of Doctor Who props, costumes and more! Don’t forget to experience the green screen, where they can be featured with background special effects! – Definitely, something to tell their friends.
There is also a very tempting gift shop which children will love, so make sure to treat them to some spending money!
Opening hours
Monday, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
(only during School Holidays, July to October)
Pricing
Adults: £14
Child: £9.75
Family: £41
Kids: Free
Individual & group merchandise packages also available
Address
Discovery Quay
Porth Teigr in Butetown
Cardiff
Glamorgan and Cardiff
CF10 4GA
Wales
Contact details
0844 801 3663
www.doctorwho.tv/events/doctor-who-experience
Doctor Who Merchandise
www.shop.mrmen.com/collections/doctor-who
2. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle has housed the Romans for over 2,000 years, right up to the Victorians and during the WWII airstrikes. It is now a place for tours and visitors from all over the world, showing everyone about the castle's history.
Why not start off with a tour around the magnificent castle, where you will be given an audio tour – perfect for kids! You can even dress up as a soldier and join in workshops.
The castle has amazing rooms in the main part, just make sure to keep an eye out for secrets left behind by William Burges. The castle is a great place to visit while in Cardiff and it also makes a great educational school trip for children.
Opening hours
March to October
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
November to February
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults from £12.50
Kids from £9.00
Address
Castle Street
Cardiff
Glamorgan and Cardiff
CF10 3RB
Wales
Contact details
029 2087 8100
www.cardiffcastle.com
3. Treetop Adventure Golf
Treetop Adventure Golf is an amazing way to play golf in Wales! It features two 80 hole courses in a fun and atmospheric environment. Treetop Adventure Golf is fun for all the family with plenty of interactive golf courses to keep the children busy!
There are so many courses to navigate around, including the rainforest themed course which will take you on a fun journey under 20ft trees.
Once you have completed all the courses, you can sit back with a bite to eat from the Clubhouse bar and café.
Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday 11:00 - 22:00
Thursday and Friday 11:00 - 23:00
Saturday 10:00 - 23:00
Sunday 10:00 - 22:00
Pricing
One Course
Adventurers: £8.00
Senior Masters: £6.50
Under 5: £4.00
Students: £5.50
Family: from £26.50
Address
Level P3 St Davids
2 Dewi Sant
Cardiff
Glamorgan and Cardiff
CR10 2EL
Contact details
02920 226590
www.adventuregolf.com
4. Cardiff City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour
City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour is a fun way to explore Cardiff with the family – Who wouldn’t want to go on a ride on a double decker bus? Unless it is raining of course! There are 11 stops to enjoy at your own pace, such as the Doctor Who experience, restaurants, the Millennium Centre and more.
If you want to explore more, why not visit Cardiff Castle or Mermaid Quay? For free admission, you can take a look at the National Museum of Wales, where you can find out all about its history.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 15:30
Closed on the 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Pricing
Adults from £12.50
Kids from £7.50
Address
Unit 2
Clydesmuir Industrial Estate
Tremorfa
Cardiff
Glamorgan and Cardiff
CF24 2QS
Wales
Contact details
07808 713928
www.city-sightseeing.com/en/88/cardiff
5. Cardiff International Pool
Cardiff International Pool is the best place to take the kids if they love swimming and water slides! The pool is 50 metres long, which is perfect for children to learn how to swim and have fun. For older children and adults, there is a wide range of dance classes to take part in.
For adults, there is a popular health suite which includes a sauna, steam room and spa – the perfect time to relax without the kids!Cardiff International Pool is the best place to take the kids if they love swimming and water slides! The pool is 50 metres long, which is perfect for children to learn how to swim and have fun. For older children and adults, there is a wide range of dance classes to take part in.
At Cardiff International Pool, there is fun for everyone. So why not make a day of it during the weekend of school holidays? Your children and their friends will love it!
Opening hours
All Slides/Features
Monday to Friday 17:00 - 20:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 17:30
Leisure Pool
Monday to Friday 08:00 - 22:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
Toddler Play Structure
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 20:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 17:30
School and Bank Holidays
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Peak (Off Peak)
Junior: £3.80 (£3.25)
Adult: £4.85 (£4.30)
Senior: £3.80 (£3.25)
Family: from £9.70
www.leisurecentre.com/cardiff-international-pool
Top 5 restaurants in Cardiff
After a busy day exploring Cardiff, there is nothing better than a relaxing evening meal. Cardiff is well known for its dining and entertainment, so make sure to visit one of these popular restaurants!
1. Park House
www.parkhouseclub.com
029 2022 4343
20 Park Place
Cardiff
CF10 3DQ
Wales
2. De Courseys Manor
www.decourceys.co.uk
029 2089 2232
Tyla Morris Avenue
Pentyrch
Cardiff
CF15 9QN
Wales
3. Calabrisella Cardiff
029 2022 5839
East Canton 154 Cowbridge Road East
Cardiff
CF11 9ND
Wales
4. The Clink Restaurant
www.theclinkcharity.org/the-clink-restaurants/cardiff-wales/
029 2092 3130
Knox Road
HMP Cardiff
Cardiff
CF24 0UG
Wales
5. Nant Restaurant
www.cymoedd.ac.uk/restaurants
01443 663050
Heol y Coleg
Cardiff
CF15 7QY
Wales