The 10 Best Day Trips From Cardiff, Wales

Looking for an ocean escape? Look no further than Rhossili Bay Beach, which was voted the third-best beach in Europe and the first area in the UK to be declared an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Nestled on the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili offers unspoiled terrain and sweeping seaside views. The best time to visit Rhossili is during the summer when over 250,000 sunflowers are in bloom. Soak in the beauty of the golden sunflower fields and stunning cliffside views overlooking the peninsula. You should be able to feel sand on your toes in 2-3 hours from Cardiff by car or train. Recommended by local insider Holly Brace.

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. This nature reserve, which is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Cardiff, is perfect for walking along woodlands and lake shores while spotting local wildlife. A 14th-century Medieval village was discovered during the park’s construction and now visitors can tour a lifelike replica, as well as take a guided history tour of the museum. In the summer months, the reserve also provides barbecue equipment (permit required) for families to enjoy an outdoor picnic. It only takes about 20 minutes to drive out her from central Cardiff, or 30 minutes if you catch the train to Penarth and hop on the 94 bus straight to the lakes. Recommended by local insider Holly Brace.

Lace up your hiking boots and take in the beauty and folklore of the Welsh woodlands at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Here you’ll find Waterfall Country; aptly named for having the most waterfalls, caves and gorges in Britain. Follow the tree-lined footpaths around babbling brooks and cascading waters until you reach Sgwd yr Eira falls. If you don’t mind getting a bit wet, wander behind the falls for a real treat. Waterfall Country is the ideal spot for travellers looking to spend an enchanting day hiking or walking through serene, mystical forests. It’ll take you just over an hour to reach by car or around 2 hours by public transport. Recommended by local insider Holly Brace.

With seven beaches and plenty of coastal walking paths, it’s no surprise that Porthcawl is a popular seaside haunt for couples and families. Along with local culture, quaint shopping and renowned golf courses, Porthcawl is also host to the world’s biggest Elvis festival every September. Make the beach your own backyard by staying a weekend at the popular Trecco Bay Holiday Park, which has tons of both sporty and relaxing activities and entertainment for the whole family. Porthcawl is around half way between Cardiff and Swansea, so it should take around to get here from the capital. Recommended by local insider Holly Brace.

If you’re longing for a peaceful hike without straying too far from the capital city, Garth Mountain is located just outside Cardiff between Llantwit Fardre and Pentyrch. Don’t let the name fool you, Garth Mountain offers easy walking trails for all fitness levels and rewards with a 360-degree vista of Cardiff and the Bristol Channel. The summit’s scenic view is an Instagrammable dream at any time of the day, but is particularly magical during sunrise and sunset. It’ll only take you around 35 minutes to drive, or an hour and a half by bus. Recommended by local insider Annis Ince.

The Amelia Trust Farm is the ultimate family-friendly experience. Located in the town of Barry, this educational sanctuary offers 160 acres (65 hectares) of outdoor play for the little ones including a life-sized chess board that even adults will love. Feed the animals, take a mystical fairyland walk or try your hand at jewellery making and other crafts. If you work up an appetite, The Farm Kitchen café serves up some delicious cheese and chutney sandwiches. It’s also only a 25 minute drive from central Cardiff! Recommended by local insider Annis Ince.

While Rhossili tends to take the headlines when it comes to beaches in the Gower, many locals prefer the rugged majesty of Three Cliffs Bay, which is also a little closer to Cardiff at around 90 minutes by car or two hours by train. The beach isn’t directly accessible by car, so you’ll need to park up and follow the footpath that carves downhill through a woodland and eventually opens up into a gorgeous valley leading to the expansive sands of the beach itself. Don’t try to take to much with you, but the walk is truly worth the effort. Recommended by local insider Gethin Morgan.

The most famous mountains in Wales, including the tallest (Yr Wyddfa) lie in Eryri National Park in the north, but the tallest peak in South Wales is found in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. It takes around 90 minutes to drive here from Cardiff, while the hike up can take between 2-5 hours depending on which difficulty route you take, as well as the pace at which you walk. It’s a delightful route throughout, but the vistas surrounding the summit plaque are what really make it worthwhile. Plan a sunrise or sunset hike to make it extra special. Recommended by local insider Gethin Morgan.

Hay-on-Wye is a classic quaint market town with enough rustic charm to entice any passer-by to pull up for a potter around town. Beyond its easy-on-the-eye streets and selection of cute cafes, this town stands out for its literary heritage, as the National Book Town of Wales. That means no visit is complete without a browse (and a purchase) in some of the town’s excellent book shops. Plan your visit in late May or early June to take advantage of the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, which has been visited by Jane Fonda, Elton John and even the Clintons. Recommended by local insider Gethin Morgan.

There probably isn’t a school child in all of Wales who hasn’t visited this incredible museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with good reason too. It’s hard to talk about modern Welsh history without discussing the nation’s remarkable heritage in the coal industry, particularly in the south of the country, which in the early 20th century thrived as one of the world’s largest producers of so-called black gold. A hundred years on, as the industrial revolution fizzled out and left many towns in the Welsh Valleys without resource, the story of coal and Wales remains as relevant as ever. The museum itself delves into this history in the most incredible, immersive way, most notably with the terrifying 300ft journey underground, led by a local miner as your guide. It should take you just over an hour to get to Big Pit from Cardiff. Recommended by local insider Gethin Morgan.