Your guide to Cardiff / Day Trips nearby Cardiff
Day trips - nearby Cardiff
The bustling capital city of Cardiff offers a wide array of attractions. Cardiff day tours also let you enjoy some of the more rustic charm that's found in surrounding parts of Wales. Don't miss out on the beauty of the countryside or the majesty of nearby castles. Take a day to head away from the city and see some of the nearby sights. These destinations make excellent day trips from Cardiff.
Less Than an Hour of Travel Time
Time Travel to Caerphilly
Just a 20-minute train ride away, Caerphilly is a popular choice for a short day trip. Step back in time to the 17th century at Llancaiach Fawr Manor where you can gossip with the servants who will bring the past to life with their stories. Ghost tours are available for the brave. Caerphilly Castle is the largest in Wales and features gatehouses, water defenses and its own leaning tower.
- LlancaiachFawr Manor, Trelewis, Nelson
- Caerphilly Castle, Castle Street, Caerphilly
Explore the Vale of Glamorgan
The Vale of Glamorgan is less than 40 minutes from Cardiff. Retreat here to explore a 14th century medieval village or simply take in the 14-mile expanse of beautiful coastline.
- Cosmeston Medieval Village, Sully, Penarth
Smell the Flowers at Dyffryn Gardens
Just 20 minutes from Cardiff, the Dyffryn Gardens span 55 acres and feature a reflecting pool, glasshouse, arboretum and statuary collection. Themed gardens offer plenty to explore, including a play area for children.
- Dyffryn Gardens, Dyffryn Close, St. Nicholas, Cardiff
Grab a Bite in Gwaelod y Garth Village
Just 15 minutes from Cardiff, this quaint village is the perfect escape if you want to get out of the bustle of the city without suffering a significant amount of travel time. Stop in to the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn and take in the historic structure that once belonged to the Marquess of Bute's estate. The quaint restaurant serves hearty meals such as a Welsh black steak and ale pie or beer-battered cod to fill your belly. It's located on the 15-mile Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, which climbs Garth Hill for stunning views of Cardiff.
- Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, Main Road, Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Take in the Sights of Carew and Tenby
Less than two hours from Cardiff, Carew is a picturesque hamlet on the Carew river featuring a towering castle. Occupied from the 12th through the 17th centuries, this structure transformed through its lifetime from a towering stronghold to an elegant mansion. Visit during the summer to catch some of the castle's engaging reenactments.
Tenby is a small seaside town nearby that's ideal for strolling down the beach. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs 4.5 miles along the water, offering unparalleled views of Saundersfoot Bay. Sailing, fishing and sunbathing are popular in the area as well.
- Carew Castle, Castle Lane, Carew, Tenby
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Lydstep, Tenby
Seek Adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon Beacons is an adventurer's paradise where you can go rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, trekking, canoeing and kayaking. Discover stunning waterfalls, explore expansive cave systems and stroll through peaceful parks. About an hour away by rail, Merthyr Tydfil is one of the easiest day trips from Cardiff by train.
- Brecon Beacons National Park, Libanus, Brecon
- Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-cae, Swansea
- Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves, Abercraf, Swansea
Carmarthen
You can reach Carmarthen from Cardiff in about an hour and 15 minutes by car or roughly two hours by train. Here, you can stroll the narrow streets browsing local shops and art galleries. Explore the Carmarthenshire County Museum, housed in a 13th century home, or get to know the town's ghosts with a Creepy Carmarthen tour.
- Carmarthenshire County Museum, Abergwili, Carmarthen
Gower Peninsula
Roughly 90 minutes from Cardiff, Gower Peninsula features sandy beaches, towering cliffs and outstanding waves. Explore the salt marshes of Oxwich Bay Beach, take a clifftop walk along Langland Bay beach or try out some watersports at Llangennith Beach.
- Oxwich Bay Beach, Gower, Swansea
- Langland Bay, 54 Langland Bay Road, Newton, Swansea
2-3 Hours of Travel Time
Snowdonia National Park
About 2.5 hours north of Cardiff, Snowdonia National Park offers a stunning natural landscape. You'll find the highest mountain in England and Wales as well as the largest lake in Wales. Adventure seekers can go hiking or whitewater rafting while history buffs tour the castles and towns. The Snowdon Mountain Railway offers an unforgettable 2.5-hour round trip journey from the town of Llanberis to the top of Snowdon.
- Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, Caernarfon
- Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon
- Harlech Castle, Harlech
If you have an extra day to travel beyond the Welsh capital, you'll find that some of the best tours of Wales from Cardiff introduce you to a wide variety of destinations worth visiting. Add one of these options to your visit to enjoy a more well-rounded look at what Wales has to offer beyond Cardiff sightseeing.