Everyone loves a picnic – whatever your age! Stop searching for places to go for a picnic near me, as I’ve compiled this guide of the best picnic spots in Cardiff. All you need to do is gather your friends and family and pack the picnic hamper. From peaceful parks to some of Cardiff’s most famous places, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are so many nice places in Cardiff.
This blog post about the best picnic spots in Cardiff may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Picnic Spots Cardiff
Bute Park
One of the landmarks in Cardiff is Bute Park. It’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of the city, with plenty of space to bring a blanket or use one of the picnic benches. Follow the sculpture trail, find the Gorsedd stones, climb trees and spot some wildlife. You could even ride your bike here or bring the dog. If you don’t want to get your own food, make sure you stop by the Secret Carden Café. Grab a coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes.
Cardiff Castle
Enjoy the public square at Cardiff Castle, where there are often free events. Visitors are invited to enjoy the beautiful grounds for a picnic or treat themselves at the Castle Cafe. Plus, if you live or work in the city, you are entitled to your very own Castle Key. It gives you free entry to the world-class heritage attraction for 3 years.
Cardiff Bay
Follow the 10km circular trail around Cardiff Bay that takes you across the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Cardiff, so you’ll find plenty of space for picnics. The manmade walkway has stunning water views in every direction, perfect for enjoying the wind in your hair. There is a skate park, a play park and even Roald Dahl’s crocodile to find.
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
One of the most scenic ways to reach Cardiff Bay is by boat! Hop aboard the water taxi from Bute Park in the city centre and enjoy a relaxing 25-minute cruise along the River Taff, taking in landmarks like the Principality Stadium before arriving right outside the Wales Millennium Centre.
Glamorgan Heritage Coast
The Wales Coast Path circles Cardiff Bay before heading across to Wentloog Levels. The Cardiff section is 15.60km and forms a link with Newport and Penarth. The route has fantastic views across the Severn Estuary, perfect for walking, bird watching and plenty of idyllic picnic spots.
Dyffryn Gardens
You’ll be spoilt for choice for picnic locations in Dyffryn Gardens. With several ponds, rolling lawns and different gardens to choose from. The café is open daily, serving drinks, cakes, light bites, sandwiches, and even dog ice cream. There is a small entry fee and free parking. However, National Trust members are free. This is one of my favourite places around Cardiff; I’d highly recommend picnicking here.
National Trust Membership
A National Trust Membership gives you unlimited access to hundreds of historic houses, beautiful gardens, and stunning nature reserves across the UK. It’s totally worth it if you love days out, discovering hidden gems, and getting free parking at most locations. I love our couples membership; it’s only £13.40 per month, and most locations are dog-friendly.
St Fagans National History Museum
St Fagans is one of the top places to visit in Cardiff. With more than 40 buildings that tell the story of the people of Wales, it also has free entry. There are plenty of fields that are the perfect place to picnic, and many wooden benches. You can eat freshly cooked fish and chips, buy sweets in the shop, try local foods, and even have a pint at the Vulcan pub.
Victoria Park
Popular with families, Victoria Park has a large playground and splash pool. Billy the Seal is one of Cardiff’s most famous residents. Her bronze statue is hard to miss. It’s believed she was accidentally caught in trawler nets in 1912 and brought to life in the park. She died in 1939. Mamma’s Place sells hot food and cold drinks if you don’t want to bring your own picnic.
Heath Park
At Heath Park, there are woods to explore, a wildlife pond, a pitch and putt golf course, a sensory garden, huge grassy fields perfect for games, of course, picnic spots. The real highlight is the Model Railway. Once a month it opens so you can ride the trains and trams. Refreshments and ice cream can be purchased alongside a BBQ.
Roath Park and Lake
Roath Park has an interesting history, including that Jimi Hendrix once woke up on the island after a gig in 1967. Walk around the lake, feed the swans and geese, hire a rowboat, and children can wear themselves out in the outdoor play park. The best picnic spot is near the Botanic Garden.
Insole Court
The gardens at Insole Court in Llandaff are a peaceful, quiet walk. The grounds are an excellent place for spreading your blanket, reading a book or reconnecting with nature. It’s one of the hidden picnic spots near me. The Grade II-listed mansion house was saved with lottery funding, and the outbuilding has undergone extensive refurbishment. Visit the Potting Shed Café for a refreshment or a bake. They make everything in their tiny kitchen, and it tastes incredible. You could also visit the nearby Llandaff Cathedral.
Llandaff Fields
There are acres of grassy fields, a large playground with separate areas for younger and older children, and woods to explore. Llandaff Fields is a brilliant place all year round. Its spacious fields make it perfect for meeting up with friends and playing family games. If you’re still hungry after your picnic, visit Cafe Castan at the park entrance.
Forest Farm
The local nature reserve has plenty of paths and routes to follow. The Glamorganshire Canal also flows through Forest Farm. Here you can see old feeder locks which were used to transport coal from the ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff Bay. Take in the wildlife, including kingfishers, squirrels, various birds of prey, herons and ducks. Aside from the peaceful paths, there are picnic benches to lounge on. There are plenty of things to do in Whitchurch. (I should know, it’s where I lived and went to school)
Coed y Wenallt
The woods at the Wenallt are full of wildlife and wildflowers. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. When the bluebells are out in spring, they are a beautiful place to visit. It’s one of the most romantic places in Cardiff to picnic. On a clear day, you can see right across the whole of Cardiff. The views are breathtaking.
Fforest Fawr
The awe-inspiring woodland behind Castell Coch walks has lots to discover. The sculpture trail is a particular favourite and follows the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods. You’ll find plenty of spots to unroll your picnic blanket at Fforest Fawr. I recommend picking one of the spots where you get spectacular views of Cardiff – which reach the Bay and Flat Holm Island.
Castell Coch
The enchanting castle is absolutely stunning and is known as the fairy tale castle. Castell Coch (Red Castle) is surrounded by woodland and has plenty of picnic benches. There is a small fee if you want to go inside the castle, but parking is free. CADW members get free entry. It’s one of the most Instagrammable locations in Cardiff, so make sure you take lots of pictures.
See them all and stay the night
The most obvious choice when wanting to stay in North Cardiff is The Village Hotel. It is on the doorstep of Forrest Farm and a stone’s throw from The Wenallt, Fforest Fawr, Castell Coch, Cefn Onn, The Garth and Llandaff Fields. The stylish hotel rooms all have everything you need for a night away. In addition, there’s free WiFi and a large car park which costs £5 per day.
Garth Mountain
Known locally as The Garth, the mountain is located between the villages of Llantwit Fardre and Pentrych. You will need comfortable shoes, and there are some steep bits on the hike to the summit. The uphill walk is rewarding, especially as you get to take in 360 views of Cardiff and Pontypridd – the perfect place to picnic.
Cefn Onn Park
The historic park used to be a private garden. It is full of magnificent native and exotic trees and beautiful blooms. Cefn Onn has lots to discover, with streams, ponds, woodlands, and many paths leading off onto other walking trails. It’s a dog walker’s paradise, so keep an eye on your picnic in case you’re invaded by four paws.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. Transport for Wales now offer Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
Get 50% off Food in Cardiff
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
What are you taking on your picnic? Don’t forget your picnic essentials! Decide who you will take with you and what food you will make.
Where to Stay
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible. Hotel rooms are cheaper in Cardiff the earlier you book. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful, from cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Places near Cardiff to Picnic
Head to the Beach
If you’re happy to travel, there are more than 20 beaches near Cardiff – all within a 30-minute drive. All are perfect for a couple of hours sunbathing, playing sports, reading or relaxing, or an evening stroll or weekend walk. And, of course, a picnic.
South Wales Coast Path
From Barry to Porthcawl is the South Wales Coast Path. Some landmarks include Porthkerry Country Park, Nash Point, Dunraven Park, Ice Tower, Ogmore Castle, Merthyr Mawr and Cadleston Castle. Even if you don’t feel like walking the path, you can picnic in all of these places.
Tredegar House
Tredegar House is the perfect place to escape with an extensive wooded parkland, sweeping lawns, and a lake. The grounds are popular with picnic lovers, runners and dog walkers. You can even visit the house for a small fee. National Trust Members get free entry and free parking.
Cosmeston Lakes
The nature reserve and country park has plenty to offer visitors. Cosmeston Lakes is a peaceful location for a family picnic. Explore the natural habitats and wetlands, and run, walk or play on the vast green spaces. The Medieval Village is also worth visiting, where you can learn what life was like in 1350. You just need to decide if you want to picnic before or after. Please note, there is now a small fee for the car park.
Day Trips from Cardiff Wales
There are plenty of days out in Cardiff, but if you’d like to go further afield, Wales is filled with natural beauty and fascinating history, and Cardiff is a brilliant base for day trips within the country. So, consider these destinations if you’re looking for day trips in South Wales:
Explore South Wales
Don’t be afraid of staying outside of Cardiff. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visiting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, tips on how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases, and a travel itinerary as a thank you for reading about my favourite picnic spots in Cardiff.
Follow Me on Social Media
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Don’t Miss Out – Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter
Want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about the best picnic spots in Cardiff, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Related Articles
