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14 Unique Date Ideas to Try in Cardiff

St Fagans © Steven McKay/Geograph
St Fagans © Steven McKay/Geograph

Forget going for a meal in a chain restaurant or going to see a rom-com at the cinema, try one of these unusual ideas to keep the romance alive in your relationship or to get a new relationship off to an interesting and exciting start…

Wander around beautiful gardens and historical buildings

The St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum with about 40 buildings from all over Wales and its various periods in history. There are picturesque gardens and a farm, old fashioned shops and activities too. It’s a good few hours covered, and there’s lots to see to keep conversation flowing.

St Fagans. Phone: 0300 111 2333

Go to a speakeasy bar

Cocktail Bar, Bar, Contemporary, Cocktails, Pub Grub, Beer, Wine, $$$
The Dead Canary is a hidden speakeasy-style bar which is perfect for a hot date. It does beautifully presented old-fashioned cocktails and takes its speakeasy theme just as seriously. Find it down a lane in the city centre and look out for the canary cage above an unassuming door. Ring the bell to be ushered into a low-lit vintage-style bar where you’ll be shown a seat and helped to choose a drink based on your favourite flavours and spirits.
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Go to cabaret night

Porter’s bar and venue is a haven for those interested in fun and slightly unusual events – there’s cabaret, crazy gold, a mini old-school cinema, bands, comedy nights and more.

Harlech Court, Bute Terrace, Cardiff. Phone: 004429 2125 0666

Have a laugh

Glee Club is in Cardiff Bay and has big comedy acts on the bill on weekends and touring bands during the week.

Tacoma Square, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff. Phone: 0121 693 2248

Go to a science museum at night

This interactive science centre has hands-on exhibits, science theater shows and stargazing in a digital planetarium. After Hours is an evening event just for adults where you can enjoy the museum and have access to a bar.

Stuart Street, Cardiff. Phone: 029 2047 5475

Go to a restaurant doubling as rehabilitation for prisoners

Restaurant, European, British, $$$
A signature dessert at The Clink
A signature dessert at The Clink | Courtesy The Clink
The Clink aims to challenge perceptions and reduce the chance of its staff, all of whom are serving prisoners of Cardiff’s prison, becoming repeat offenders. It is a charity initiative which works – reducing re-offending by 41%. Plus it has been named among the top restaurants in the country.
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Go to an outdoor film screening in castle grounds

Luna Cinema does film screenings of classics like Grease in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff Castle Phone: +44 029 2087 8100

Go to an oasis above the city

A heavenly oasis above the city awaits in this hidden jewel of Cardiff Castle. Once you get inside the castle go to Bute Tower, where a spiral staircase takes you up to a decadent rooftop garden with lush plants, colourful tiles and water features.

Cardiff Castle Phone: +44 029 2087 8100

Go for scientific ice cream

At Science Cream, the ice cream is made using liquid nitrogen. The space has a laboratory feel: The staff wear goggles and lab coats to make up your ice cream right in front of you. Flavours include brown butter caramel, dulce de leche and peanut butter and chocolate.

28 Castle Arcade. Phone: 029 2037 2391

Feed fish in an indoor jungle

At Cardiff’s Roath Park there is a conservatory. It’s a beautiful and humid indoor jungle with a large pond in the middle where you can feed fish (buy some food for them on the way in) and watch the huge colony of terrapins.

Roath Park Botanic Gardens, Cardiff, +44 29 2233 0235

Visit a Victorian pier

Penarth is a seaside town. It’s the perfect place for a romantic walk along the pebbled beach and best followed by fish and chips on the pier.

The Esplanade, Penarth