Top 10 things to do in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff is a compact capital with a castle in the middle of the city, a revived bay and a sports and theatre scene. The Vale of Glamorgan next door has beaches and a heritage coast.
- 1
Cardiff Castle
📍 CardiffHistory, castleA Roman fort, Norman keep and Victorian fairytale rooms in the city centre.
- 2
St Fagans National Museum of History
📍 St FagansFree, familiesA free open-air museum of Welsh buildings, in parkland.
- 3
National Museum Cardiff
📍 CardiffFree, artA free museum of art and natural history in Cathays Park.
- 4
Cardiff Bay
📍 Cardiff BayWaterfront, walksA regenerated waterfront with the Senedd, the Wales Millennium Centre and the barrage.
- 5
Principality Stadium
📍 CardiffSport, toursThe national stadium, with tours on non-event days.
- 6
Castell Coch
📍 TongwynlaisHistory, castleA storybook Victorian castle on a wooded hill.
- 7
Penarth Pier
📍 PenarthSeasideA restored Victorian pier with a cafe and sea views.
- 8
Dunraven Bay
📍 SoutherndownBeach, coastA sandy cove on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with cliffs and rock pools.
- 9
Barry Island
📍 BarrySeaside, familiesA seaside resort with a funfair and sandy beach.
- 10
Cosmeston Medieval Village
📍 PenarthHistory, freeA reconstructed medieval village and country park.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.