When you’ve got a capital that’s as compact, culturally rich, and friendly as Cardiff, it’s easy to limit your exploring to within the city’s boundaries. However, take a short trip away from Cardiff, even just 10 minutes, and you’ll discover a whole other world. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable day trip from the Welsh capital.
The Vale of Glamorgan: Piers, Parks, and Ancient Woods
The southernmost county in Wales, the Vale of Glamorgan, is a rural area to the southwest of Cardiff. With over 50 miles of coastline and more than 100 towns, villages, and hamlets, it has quaint pockets of slow activity dotted amongst fields, cliffs, forests, and country lanes.
From Cardiff Bay, walk over the barrage to find yourself in Penarth, a hilly town on the edge of the Vale of Glamorgan. The charming Penarth pier, adorned with wooden huts and decorative railings, juts out over the pebble beach toward the Bristol Channel. Stroll along the colorful buildings on the promenade to fully appreciate the scenery. At the beginning of the pier, Penarth Pavilion, a small cinema and exhibition space, hosts the perfectly positioned café called Waterloo Tea, which offers stunning views of the waves.
Heading uphill from the seafront through Alexandra Park’s tree-lined paths takes you to Penarth town center. After exploring the local shops, continue further uphill toward The Pilot pub for views across the marina and all the way to Cardiff. For a meal to remember, consider visiting the Michelin Star Restaurant James Sommerin.
Driving further south from Cardiff will lead you to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. This area is popular with dog walkers, runners, and birdwatchers, featuring a picturesque pair of lakes surrounded by forest footpaths and reed-edged boardwalks. Beyond lies Dinas Powys, a sprawling village filled with old Welsh cottages and a wide, sloping common at its heart. Just north you’ll find Cwm George and Casehill Woods, ancient woodlands boasting dramatic arching trees, waterways, and ever-changing flora and fauna. While they’re at their most spectacular at the turn of each season, you have a good chance of seeing woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, goldfinches, and leaping salmon at any time. After your adventures, stop by The Plug café for a well-deserved coffee, as the local touches make it a cozy spot.
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast: Beaches, Butterflies, and Sand Dunes
There are numerous picturesque seaside spots along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, which stretches for 14 miles from Aberthaw (near Cardiff Airport) to Porthcawl in Bridgend. This area is loved by walkers, surfers, and cyclists, making it an excellent destination for outdoor exploration.
In the south is Nash Point, a rocky beach located below jagged cliffs. A windy walk across the clifftop will lead you to the historic lighthouse that has stood here since the 1830s. To the east, Cwm Col-Huw Beach, better known as Llantwit Major Beach, is wide and features a mix of sand and stones. This easily accessible location allows you to join the Welsh Coast Path: walk away from the town of Llantwit Major—perhaps stopping to admire its ancient church, which has served as a seat of ecclesiastical learning for over a thousand years, distinguished by its Celtic crosses—before climbing up the cliffs by the beach café. The waters here are superb for surfing and windsurfing, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Keep an eye out for the rare Small Blue butterflies, a tiny species that thrives in this environment.
Inland Adventures: Gardens and a Castle
To the east of Cardiff lies Dyffryn House and Gardens, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion house set within 55 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. Owned by the National Trust, it serves as a well-kept green haven that feels a world away from the capital. Stroll across impeccable lawns, through the arboretum, along the vegetable patches, and explore the flower-filled landscaped gardens.
Cowbridge, a nearby market town known for its chocolate box charm, is another delightful spot. It’s easy to spend an hour meandering through the town, especially if you visit the Old Hall Gardens and the Physic Garden for some tranquility.
Further Afield: Mountains, the Mumbles, and a Coastal National Park
If you have wheels and fancy a longer drive, there are plenty of places in Mid and West Wales that are perfect for a day trip. Brecon Beacons National Park is within easy reach of Cardiff, taking about an hour by car. It offers obvious attractions for mountain lovers, including Pen y Fan, the highest peak followed by Corn Du and Cribyn.
The southwest part of the park is nicknamed ‘waterfall country’ due to the four rivers that run along the steep mountainsides and through thick forest, converging into the River Neath. Sgwd yr Eira is a great starter waterfall where visitors can walk behind the cascading water. Follow the marked trail until you reach the falls (while the unmarked routes may tempt you, they can be rather challenging). For those interested in astronomy, consider staying overnight, as this area is a recognized dark sky reserve; the light pollution is minimal, allowing for stunning nighttime views of stars.
The beaches of Swansea and the Gower Peninsula take about an hour and a half to reach by car, but are well worth the effort. Rhossili Bay beach is a must-visit, along with its island neighbour, Worm’s Head, provided the tide is out. The surfing here is exceptional, thanks to the Atlantic swell, and the three miles of golden sand is perfect for barefoot walks. The views along the Gower Coast Path, which extends eastward to The Mumbles and north to Whiteford Beach, are simply unforgettable.
Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal national park, is a stunning region worth exploring. It takes about two hours to reach the southern areas such as Saundersfoot from Cardiff, meaning a day trip could be rushed. Therefore, if time permits, consider spending the night in places like St Davids or Tenby to fully appreciate the rugged coastline, undulating countryside, and rich heritage this region offers.
