There’s no getting away from the doom and gloom of increasing finances. Listening to or reading daily updates from the government or local media can be scary. However, we can focus on some positives. To cut costs, there are plenty of free ways to have fun in Cardiff.
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Living a frugal life doesn’t have to be boring. Even though Cardiff is a capital city, you can keep yourself and the family entertained on a budget. There are many quick and easy ways to save money, with only some minor changes to your spending habits. If you’re not sure where to start, SavingsCalculator.org is super helpful. I particularly liked the Retirement Calculator. Using it, I realised I needed to add £20 per month to my contributions to get the amount I want to live off each month.
Free things to do in Cardiff
1. Go to a museum
Most museums in Cardiff have free entry. In the city centre, there’s the National Museum of Cardiff with fixed exhibitions and touring events. It houses art, geology and natural history collections, alongside the story of Wales starting with the Big Bang. Also, the Cardiff Story Museum which shows how Cardiff has grown from a small market town to the capital city it is today. There’s also St Fagans where you can see re-erected buildings from all over Wales.
2. Watch a film
Watching the latest blockbuster releases at the cinema can be costly. But, did you know you can loan DVDs and CDs from your local library? Cardiff Libraries has a vast collection.
3. Volunteer
Another of the free ways to have fun in Cardiff is by lending a helping hand, which can be rewarding. Pick a cause you care about, like the environment or education, and then contact local organisations that may make use of your skills. I know that Insole Court in Llandaff is always keen to work with new volunteers, especially if you love heritage, gardening or want more experience in the events or wedding industry.
4. Go for a walk, hike or ride a bike
Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to include an expensive monthly gym membership. When was the last time you explored the Taff Trail? It starts in Cardiff Bay and finishes Tongwynlais in Cardiff or goes further into Pontypridd, Merthyr and Brecon. Of course, Cardiff has other walks, including Roath Park and Cefn Onn or a hike up Gwaelod y Garth.
5. Take a historical city tour
There’s so much to discover in Cardiff. Fogo’s Free Walking Tour takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at 11am and lasts two and a half hours. It’s a great way to learn more about the city. Or explore on your own. Like most major cities, Cardiff has blue plaques showcasing famous people and their notable buildings.
Entry into Cardiff Castle grounds is free. However, there is a fee to explore the buildings. If you live or work in Cardiff, you can get your own Key to the Castle, giving you three years of free admission.
6. Take a beach trip
A beach trip is a given in any season. There are over 20 beaches 30 minutes from Cardiff. Spend the day in the water, exploring rockpools, playing games, reading, relaxing or walking along the coastal path.
7. Write a bucket list
When you have a day off, do you spend half of it deciding where to go? Be prepared, and write a list of free things to do in Cardiff or places you want to visit. On your next outing, you’ll have plenty to choose from. To make the most of having fun in Cardiff, don’t forget to pack a picnic or save money dining out with Tastecard.
You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. With a Tastecard Plus membership, there’s also 30% off cinema tickets and 50% off days out, such as Alton Towers, Sea Life and Drayton Manor. Get a 60-day free trial with instant access; after that, it is £5.99 per month or £34.99 for the year. Get a 2-month free trial here:
8. Ride the trains
Usually, we only get off at our stop, but have you explored the other places along your route? Along mine are stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays and Cardiff Bay. Or I can travel further afield to Pontypridd, Abercynon or Aberdare.
If you’re happy to change lines, there’s also Caerphilly or the famous Cambrian Line. Barmouth is a good starting point. During the summer, you can board the ferry from the harbour to Fairbourne Point, travel on the steam railway into Fairbourne, and then catch the Cambrian Line train back to Barmouth.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns.
9. Learn a language
Last of the free ways to have fun in Cardiff is to learn a language. How many times have you tried to learn or improve your Welsh? I’ve lost count! The number of people who speak the language is increasing every year. You can find a course that fits your skill level in your local area or practise online at home.
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