Looking for the best days out in Cardiff
Whats better than a great family day out. Visit museums to step back in time, or create a splash with a trip down to the Cardiff International Pool. There's plenty of things to do in and around the capital.
1. The Royal Mint Experience
Llantrisant
Just outside Cardiff is a must-visit attraction in South Wales, The Royal Mint has invested £9m in the Royal Mint Experience giving you the chance to go behind the scenes and discover how money is made and what it takes to strike 5 billion coins a year. Along with an interactive exhibition visitors get a guided tour of the Royal Mint in Llantrisant with unprecedented access to this iconic institution. You’ll see the real striking hall where blanks are turned into precious coins and even have the option of striking your own coin to take home as a very special memento. Seeing the factory is a unique experience and you’ll never look at the change in your pocket in the same way again. If all that wasn’t enough as you leave you can take a once in a lifetime selfie in front of one million pound. Now that’s an Instagram moment!
2. Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
There’s plenty to see and do at Cardiff Bay and if you’re not a regular visitor a trip or two during the summer holidays is a must. Visitors of all ages will be spoilt for choice at this vibrant waterfront destination that’s packed with delights. You can visit some of the Capital's most famous landmarks such as as Wales Millennium Centre and The Senedd. Nature lovers can see the Wetlands Reserve or take a trip to historic Flat Holm Island. Younger visitors will love the giant wheel for a bird’s eye view of the bay and The Red Dragon Centre with cinema, bowling and arcades. Don’t forget to take a relaxing stroll to see Cardiff Bay Barrage and grab a selfie with the enormous crocodile. When you’re ready for a bite to eat Mermaid Quay has over 30 restaurants so there’s something for everyone.
3. Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Caerphilly
A couple of miles out of Cardiff, step back in time with a visit to Llancaiach Fawr Manor, a 16th century manor house fully restored and furnished as it would have been in 1645. The four foot thick walls and stout wooden doors breathe with history and resonate with lives lived and lost long ago brought back to life by costumed characters who tell their stories with realism and passion. You never know who you might meet when you visit Llancaiach Fawr Manor. If you are lucky you might meet the master of the house, Edward Prichard or his wife Mistress Mary Prichard, although she prefers to go and visit her family and friends at Briton Ferry, rather than brave the air of the valleys, as she is a rather ‘sickly’ soul. There are also the servants who no doubt have a grisly tale to tell. But whoever it is you can be sure of a warm welcome with someone pleased to show you around the master’s fine house.
4. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. From the Roman occupation of Britain to the Norman Conquest, through civil war turbulence, a Victorian transformation and even the terrors of World War 2, the Castle walls have seen it all.
With a general admission ticket, you can climb the Norman Keep, visit the Firing Line Museum and Wartime Shelters, discover the Roman remains and marvel at the spectacularly decorated Castle Apartments. Cardiff Castle is open seven days a week, to find out more about what's on this summer visit the website and follow on socials.
5. Techniquest
Cardiff Bay
You’ll find plenty to stimulate curious minds and keep the whole family engaged at Techniquest this summer, whatever their age and whatever the weather!
From feeling the storm force of the hurricane simulator to letting yourself go with gravity on the giant silver slide – you can bring science to life with the touch of your hand and enjoy over 100 interactive exhibits, mind-boggling machines and puzzles set across two floors. Add a Star Tour at the Planetarium or a live science demo in the Science Theatre and you’ve got the perfect summer treat covered. Book ahead online.
6. Air Venture
Cardiff
When it comes to finding the perfect place for the kids to burn off some energy, Air Venture at Western Leisure Centre in Cardiff, ticks all the boxes! They can bounce, climb, slide, jump and crawl their way over Cardiff’s giant feature-rich inflatable obstacle course, blending action-packed activity with a fun way to get fit.
Suitable for all ages, from free falling, giant slides, jelly mountain, wipeout balls and even an obstacle course, if having fun is at the top of your holiday priorities a visit to Air Venture is a must!
7. Cardiff International Pool
Cardiff Bay
Looking for fun activities for the family this summer? Head to Cardiff International Pool and Gym this school holidays and splash around in the fun packed Leisure Pool complete with slides, spacebowl and lazy river. Plus the fantastic ’beach’ area and toddler slide is perfect for the little swimmers too.
Why not finish off your visit with a coffee and delicious stone baked pizza or toasted sandwich from the cafe. Spaces are limited and booking is required, so head over to the website today to secure your space.
8. Family Fun Park
Cardiff Bay
(15 July - 4 Sept)
Open daily 11am-8pm, the Family Fun Park is heading to Roald Dahl Plass just in time for the Summer holidays and promises some much needed fun for all the family! An exciting line up of outdoor funfair attractions will fill the Roald Dahl Plass located in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Enjoy favourites such as ‘The Dodgems’ and ‘Pirate Party Fun House’, as well as various children’s rides and family game stalls. There will also be a selection of sweet and savoury treats on offer.
9. Museum of Cardiff
Cardiff
It's the perfect place to start your visit to Cardiff. At the Museum of Cardiff visitors can discover the story of the city through the eyes of those who know it best – its people.
The museum tells the tale of how Cardiff was transformed from a small market town in the 1300s, to one of the world’s biggest ports in the 1900s, to the cool, cosmopolitan capital we know today. With activities for all ages, it is housed in one of Cardiff’s most historic buildings, the Old Library, in the heart of the city centre, and entry is free.
