There’s nothing worse than having the day off to spend with family or friends, and it is pouring down with rain. The Welsh weather is not often on our side, but don’t let the wet weather dampen your day. Luckily, there are plenty of different things to do in Cardiff on a rainy day.
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What to do in South Wales when it’s raining? Cardiff has the unofficial title of ‘the UK’s wettest city.’ In fact, on average, it rains 180 days of the year! If you’re stuck on what to do on a rainy day or want to try a new activity, hopefully, this list can offer some inspiration.
Visit the museum
We are lucky to have free museums in Cardiff, which are some of the best in Britain. The National Museum Cardiff has everything from dinosaurs to art galleries. Or there’s the Cardiff Story Museum which showcases how the city has changed and the people who have made it. Don’t forget to get your key to Cardiff Castle and discover the Firing Line Museum, the keep, the clocktower and the castle itself.
Immerse yourself in local heritage
The gardens at Insole Court in Llandaff are a peaceful quiet walk. However, one of the things to do in Cardiff on a rainy day is to experience the Grade II listed mansion house. It has undergone extensive refurbishments. Over the first floor is an exhibition called This House is a Stage, telling the story of the house and its inhabitants. Before you leave, visit the Potting Shed Cafe. They make everything in their tiny kitchen, and it tastes incredible.
Similarly, Llanrumney Hall, built in 1450, has been restored and is now a community space. There’s a recording studio, pottery, gardening, hot desk facilities, rooms for hire and a café.
On the outskirts of Cardiff is Tredegar House, the home of the Morgan’s for over 500 years, or Dyffryn Gardens, once home to coal magnates John Cory. Both of these are National Trust properties.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Become royalty for the day
Wales is the land of castles; in fact, there are more than 600 of them in our little country. There are lots of castles in Cardiff. Everyone knows Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch, but there’s also St Fagans, Castell Morgraig, Llandaff Castle, hillforts, and twmpaths to discover.
Play darts
Darts is a challenging game and takes a lot of practice. However, you don’t need to be skilled to play in Flight Club Cardiff. Everyone has a chance of winning. There are 15 social dart playing areas, four bars, and a massive roof terrace – which is undercover and heated – where you can enjoy some drinks.
Other fun activities in Cardiff for adults include playing a few holes at Treetop Adventure Golf or Par59, hit the bowling alleys at Hollywood Bowl in Cardiff Bay or Play at Pins in the city centre, try to break out in time from Escape Reality, or play video games in NQ64.
Get your thinking cap on
If you’re looking for night activities in Cardiff, one of the Quiz nights in Cardiff is ideal. These events are held in pubs and bars across the city; on different nights of the week. You can flex your mind with general knowledge and trivia rounds, music, sport and history.
Listen to music
You can listen to live music in Cardiff tonight! Every day in Cardiff, you can experience live bands, acoustic acts, big bands or even smooth jazz. Sometimes you just have to let your hair down. Sing and dance the night away with live music in Cardiff.
Enjoy an afternoon tea
The afternoon tea in Cardiff venues includes budget and luxury options. Afternoon teas are composed of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, plus cakes and sweet treats. Of course, these delicious bites are washed down with a pot of tea. Consider The Ivy or Future Inns.
Not into afternoon tea? How about a bottomless brunch instead? Enjoy a meal with free-flowing Prosecco, beer, cider or cocktails. Or another of the things to do in Cardiff for young adults is to work your way around the cocktail bars in Cardiff. A dinner date is one of the fun things to do in Cardiff for couples.
Discover a new cuisine:
- Steak restaurants in Cardiff
- Vegan restaurants in Cardiff
- Thai restaurants in Cardiff
- Japanese restaurants in Cardiff
- Caribbean restaurants in Cardiff
- Chinese restaurants in Cardiff
- Burger restaurants in Cardiff
- Street food in Cardiff
- Welsh food in Cardiff
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
We all need to refuel and rehydrate after exploring museums. If you love food and drink, do you have a 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. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Indoor activities
If you’d like to do something more physical, there are plenty of rainy day activities at Cardiff International Sports Village. You could try indoor surfing at Cardiff International White Water, swim at Cardiff International Pool or ice skate at Ice Arena Wales.
Go shopping
Trawl the three floors of Jacobs Market to discover antiques and vintage clothing. Cardiff is known as the City of Arcades, a maze of independent stores in seven undercover Victorian and Edwardian arcades. Or high street favourites in St David’s, Cardiff’s biggest shopping centre. Don’t forget to grab lunch from Cardiff Indoor Market. Did you know that there are dog friendly shops in Cardiff?
Tour the Principality Stadium
If you’re a sports fan, this one’s for you. The tour of the Principality Stadium takes you into the hospitality suite and President’s box, have a look into the team dressing room and walk through the tunnel towards the turf where many historic matches have been played.
There are other tours you can take too. The Red Bus, hop-on hop-off tour buses in Cardiff, take a full loop of the city centre and Cardiff Bay. Even if you are a local, you’ll be surprised by what you learn, and you’ll see the city in a new way. Foodies will also love the Loving Welsh Food tour. As well as getting to taste some fabulous food and drink, there are cookery demonstrations and presentations.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
Rainy day activities Cardiff toddler
If you’re looking for cheap activities and things to do with the kids, there are plenty of soft play centres. Or bounce around Infinity Trampoline Park, climb the walls at Boulders or head to the science discovery centre Techniquest.
Read a book
The views from Cardiff Central Library over the city centre are beautiful. On a clear day, you can see Castell Coch nestled into the hill. As well as having free access to books and computers, there are regular free events for adults and children. There will also be a library or hub local to you.
Alternatively, Chapter Arts Centre in Canton is open seven days a week with free admission. However, you have to pay a small fee for some independent films, comedy nights and workshops here. There is a free pick n mix of activities such as book clubs, Q&As, social sewing, lectures and choir practice.
Discover your family history
The Glamorgan Archives collect records relating to the history of Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Included in the collection are photographs, books, maps, personal diaries and council minutes. It is free to use the search room, where you can research your family history or local area. The Achieves also organise regular free events and exhibitions linked to the collections.
Stay the night
Want to see more of Cardiff? If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? The dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses. Dogs are welcome in some of the museums in Cardiff too, including St Fagans, Cosmeston, Tredegar House and Dyffryn Gardens.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. You can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
The Hilton Cardiff
For a luxurious stay, The Hilton Cardiff, in the heart of the city centre, has beautiful amenities, including a pool and health club. With Hilton Honors, you get exclusive perks when you stay at more than 6,700 hotels around the world. Members receive Points on every stay, which can be turned into free nights.
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.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Cottages and Houses
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.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.
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