Brecon Beacons National Park

Located an hour from Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park is a natural reserve with an area of 1,340 square kilometres. Inside the park it is possible to enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and so on. The park is also perfect for stargazing, as it was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013.

• Web:

  www.breconbeacons.org

• E-mail:

  info@breconbeaconstourism.co.uk

• Address:

  Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

• Phone:

  +44 1874 624437

Bute Park

The entrance to the park is a short walk along Castle Street, to the left of the castle. The gardens have their own walled parapet that features incredibly life-like stone animals including a bear, lion, hyena, monkeys and a pelican. The park runs alongside the River Taff and has great views of the castle and its moat – it even has a miniature Stonehenge!

• Web:

  bute-park.com

• E-mail:

  butepark@cardiff.gov.uk

• Address:

  North Road, Cardiff

• Phone:

  +44 29 2087 2730

Caerphilly Castle

The second biggest castle in Britain (after Windsor), it was built in the late 13th century to secure the area against Welsh attacks from the north. The castle is one of the greatest examples of medieval military architecture displaying an enormous array of defensive structures such as high towers, large moats and barbicans. It is located 15 minutes by train from Cardiff.

• Web:

  cadw.gov.wales/daysout/caerphilly-castle/?lang=en

• E-mail:

  CaerphillyCastle@gov.wales

• Address:

  Castle Street, Caerphilly

• Phone:

  +44 29 2088 3143

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition, from its past as the world’s largest coal exporting port to a modern sports and leisure complex. It is also Europe’s largest waterfront development which has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. Sights of interest and things to do include: Pierhead Building, Coal Exchange, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Mermaid’s Quay’s restaurants and bars.

• Web:

  www.mermaidquay.co.uk

• Address:

  Cardiff Bay, Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

This walled fortress boasts 2000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, the castle was rebuilt after the Norman conquest and served as a keep until the 18th century, when it became the home of the Bute family, who renovated it in Gothic Revival style. You can walk around the Norman keep, discover the Roman foundations and take a guided tour around the grand apartments with their gilt ceilings and murals.

• Web:

  www.cardiffcastle.com

• E-mail:

  cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk

• Address:

  Castle Street, Cardiff

• Phone:

  +44 29 2087 8100

Cardiff International White Water

Water-based adventures and thrilling activities abound at Cardiff International White Water. Choose from a variety of sports including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and gorge walking. Additionally, the Indoor Wave offers the excitement of surfing with the convenience and safety of an indoor environment, simulating the rush of ocean waves right in the heart of the city.

• Web:

  www.ciww.com

• E-mail:

  info@ciww.com

• Address:

  Watkiss Way, Cardiff

• Phone:

  +44 29 2082 9970