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 Skittles, beer and cinema |
Hemmingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF10 4JY United Kingdom +44 29 2046 3833 |
This modern, multi-purpose centre houses Cardiff's largest UCI Cinema, Evolution, bars and restaurants, all set within the quirky surroundings of a glass-walled building with a nautical theme. The restaurants cater for most tastes, with a mix of Italian, American and bistro-style bars, and you can generally drop in without booking. The variety of entertainment on offer makes the site equally popular with both families who come for the bowling and early screenings of films and youngsters out clubbing. Opening hours of individual venues vary, as do the credit cards accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Essential for the kids |
Pleasure Park, Friar's Road Barry Island Cardiff CF62 5TR United Kingdom +44 14 4673 2844 |
If the weather is bright and you fancy some sea air, take one of the regular shuttle trains from Cardiff to Barry Island. This old-fashioned seaside location offers a beach (which can become quite muddy, so take care), a fun fair and a host of amusement arcades, shops, cafes and takeaway outlets along the sea front. In the winter, the beach and headland are illuminated in a spectacular fashion. The much-enhanced Pleasure Park is full of exciting new rides for children of all ages: make sure you try the Log Flume—the first of its kind in South Wales many years ago, which still retains a measure of local notoriety. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Free entry coal mine |
M4 (Junction 26) Cardiff, WE NP4 9XP United Kingdom +44 1495 79 0311 http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/bigpit/ |
Standing at the bottom of a 90-metre mine shaft, the guide instructs everyone to turn off the lights on their mining helmets. It is so dark you cannot see your hand in front of your face. "That's what it was like when the candles blew out," he says. "But, of course, the real problem was the rats." A working mine for over 200 years, Big Pit is now a major museum. Underground guided tours last 2.5 hours, and there are exhibitions, a giftshop and restaurant in the colliery buildings. Not suitable for the children under 5. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enjoying the Countryside |
Angel Street Cardiff, Wales CF31 United Kingdom +44 165 664 3643 http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/Web... |
Bridgend Recreation Centre enjoys of the area's largest relaxing pool with hydro-slide, wave machine and a state-of-the-art Hydrogym where you can either get fit, learn to swim or enjoy with the family. It is also connected to the coast and country side, where you can find many more activities to do and enjoy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Country park with lively entertainments programme |
Brynmenyn Cardiff CF32 8UU United Kingdom +44 16 56 72 5155 http://www.bridgend.gov.uk |
A haven of natural beauty, this country house and park is situated four miles from Bridgend, close to Junction 36 of the M4 motorway. The park is a mixture of woodland, water and open expanses of grass and has barbecue and picnic areas, a visitor center, gift shop and a children's play area. There's also a programme of entertainment in the summer, while the elegant restaurant is open daily for light meals, cream teas and candlelit dinners. Best of all, admission is free. If you're traveling by bus, catch a bus to Bridgend and then take a number 12 or 15. The bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the park. Call +44 16 56 64 7093 for details of buses. Opening times vary according to season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Visit a medieval banquet |
Caldicot Castle Cardiff NP26 4HU United Kingdom +44 12 91 42 0241 http://www.caldicotcastle.co.uk/ |
This twelve to fourteenth-century castle was renovated as a family home in the 1880s and inhabited until as recently as twenty years ago. Well preserved, it now serves as a local museum with a range of interesting exhibits. The surrounding country park is an ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon. There is a gift shop and snacks are available all day. The castle also plays host to popular medieval banquets and theme nights. Phone ahead for details. Admission fee is £1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Canter in the hills |
Cantref Cardiff, WE LD3 8LR United Kingdom +44 18 7466 5223 http://www.cantref.com/pony.htm |
Less than an hour's drive from Cardiff, just outside the old market town of Brecon, the Canter of Riding School is set in the midst of spectacular scenery. Riding lessons are carried out by qualified instructors - beginners stay safely in the special arena while experienced riders are free to enjoy the local countryside. Day rides, half-day rides and one-hour lessons are offered, with a one-hour lesson costing from £9 per person. Riding hats are provided free of charge. Accommodation is available in the farmhouse or on the caravan or camp site if required. Times of lessons vary and can be arranged to suit you. Call during office hours for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Free entry |
Tourism Section, Monmouthshire County Council County Hall, Cwmbran Cardiff, WE NP44 2XH United Kingdom +44 1633 64 4847 |
Part of the Brecon Beacons National Park and easy to reach by car from Cardiff, Clydach Gorge is an interesting mix of countryside and history, featuring a cast iron bridge leading to the remains of a 19th-century ironworks, tram ways, cycle path and a nature reserve. Facilities include permanent picnic and barbecue sites and plenty of car parking. You can even take a torch and explore the old railway tunnels. Walkers will enjoy the series of marked paths, on which there is little chance of getting lost. The site is permanently open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Nine-hole challenge |
The Clubhouse Coychurch Cardiff, WE CF31 6AF United Kingdom +44 16 5686 4934 http://www.coed-y-mwstwr.com |
A short drive west of Cardiff (three kilometers west of M4 junction 36) is this nine-hole, 5,834 yard course with a par of 69 and some really challenging holes, including the third which involves a drive across a lake. Trolley hire, putting green and practice area are available. Visitors are advised to book in advance and must have a handicap certificate. Green fees are £15 for 18 holes. Phone during office hours for general inquires or bookings. The course is part of a hotel complex and golfing breaks can be arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Working village |
Cosmeston Park Cardiff, WE CF64 5UY United Kingdom +44 29 2070 1678 |
Set in the grounds of Cosmeston Park, the medieval village developed out of excavation work carried out in the 1980s. Thanks to a full restoration programme, visitors can now see a fully working village, peopled with actors in costume. Life is played out as it would have been lived over 600 years ago. Both guided and audio tours are available. A series of special events includes Medieval Battle days, a Medieval Fayre in August and an evening Halloween celebration. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Panoramic views |
St Nicholas Cardiff United Kingdom +44 14 4678 1781 http://www.cottrell-park.co.uk |
Five miles west of Cardiff, and easily accessible from junction 33 of the M4, this golf club is set amid the stunning scenery of the Vale of Glamorgan and offers both nine- and 18-hole courses. Par is 35 and 72 respectively. The 18-hole Mackintosh course is especially challenging, extending over 6,642 yards and includes a Roman motte. The nine-hole course offers views across the Brecon Beacons and to the Bristol Channel. This is a very friendly club which welcomes visitors at all times. Typical green fees are £33.50 weekdays and £25 weekends. The clubhouse restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Booking is advisable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Discount shopping on a festival site |
Festival Park Cardiff, WE NP3 6FP United Kingdom +44 1495 35 0010 |
In 1992, this was the site of the Wales National Garden Festival. It has since been redesigned as a factory shopping outlet. Set in a countryside park with miles of beautiful scenery, there are a total of 38 shops offering designer clothes, household goods and giftware at up to 50 percent off normal retail prices. Other attractions include the Lake and Oriental Pavilion, the Wetland Center, the Tropical Planthouse and adventure playground. Three restaurants, a picnic site and a large, free car park mean you can make a day of it. Full disabled access includes wheelchair loan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A mark in history |
Barry Docks Cardiff, WE CF62 5QS United Kingdom +44 14 4674 7661 |
Like a defiant rock piercing the surface of a lake, the island of Flat Holm proudly stands five miles off the Cardiff/Barry coast. It is a small piece of land with an amazing claim to fame: the destination for Marconi's first radio message sent over water. The island, now a picturesque nature reserve with war fortifications and a lighthouse still visible, welcomes day trippers. Trips, lasting about three hours, are organised by the Flat Holm Project on the Lewis Alexander boat, which can carry up to 45 passengers. Advance is essential. Tours run from March to October daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Living history manor house |
Llancaiach Fawr Nelson, Treharris Cardiff CF46 6ER United Kingdom +44 14 4341 2248 |
Travel 15 miles north of Cardiff and 350 years back in time. This award-winning museum has achieved the seemingly impossible—it has made history interesting for children. The year is 1645 (during the English Civil War) and the scene is a stately manor house. A full cast of characters are present, only too willing to pause in their work and chat to the visitors who come through their doors. Guided tours are full of tales from the 17th century, from medical remedies to crime and punishment. There is also an annual programme of events and re-enactments. There is a restaurant, shop and limited disabled access (to the ground floor only). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine in the countryside |
Hensol Pendoylan Cardiff, WE CF72 8GG United Kingdom +44 14 43 22 5877 http://www.llanerch-vineyard.c... |
A few miles west of Cardiff (from M4 Junction 34), this is Wales' biggest vineyard and home of Cariad Wines. There are over six acres of vineyard and a ten-acre country park with woodlands and lakes to explore - the ideal setting for a family picnic. Guided tours for groups of 25 or over include wine-tasting and lunch. The visitors center has a coffee shop and wine bar. Both self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation are offered in the Welsh farmhouse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spooky family fun |
Lavernock Road (Cosmeston Lakes) Cardiff, WE CF64 5UY United Kingdom +44 29 2070 1678 |
Come to Cosmeston Medieval Village to experience a traditional British All Hallow's Eve. Suitable for adults and children, the evening includes a fancy dress competition for kids, medieval combat demonstrations, spooky stories, games, prizes and, of course, plenty to eat and drink. Buses run from Cardiff city centre, but the easiest way to get there if you are not travelling by car is to take a train to Penarth and then get a taxi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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26 lane bowling centre with combat zone |
Newport Road Cardiff CF23 9AE United Kingdom +44 29 2046 1666 http://www.megabowl.co.uk |
Set on a large retail park close to the city center and easily accessible by bus, Megabowl offers fun for all the family. There are 26 bowling lanes, amusement machines, a laser gun combat zone, student nights, karaoke nights and special deals for families. A bar serves alcoholic and soft drinks and a Wimpy diner is open all day for burgers and chips. Tuesdays attract a lot of students, Mondays are quieter, while Wednesdays are geared towards families. Advance booking is always recommended and it's always worth asking for details of the latest special offers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Creative workshops |
Bull Ring Cardiff CF72 8EB United Kingdom +44 1443 23 7758 |
This award-winning craft centre is situated just a few minutes from Junction 34 of the M4, and can also be reached by train or bus from Cardiff. There is a permanent exhibition gallery, local history displays, craft studios where you can watch various artists at work and a shop which stocks a vast range of original products. The centre also runs a programme of creative and craft workshops and activities for adults and children throughout the year. Phone for details. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sea, sand and gardens |
Penarth Tourist Information, The Esplanade, Penarth Cardiff CF64 3AU United Kingdom +44 29 20 70 8849 |
A few minutes' drive or a short bus or train journey from Cardiff city centre will take you to the coast and this picturesque Victorian resort, with its gift shops, restaurants and old-fashioned pier. The marina offers a touch of modernity, with its waterfront homes and collection of yachts. A bracing cliff-top walk takes you alongside landscaped gardens which date back to the last century and there are plenty of benches for those who prefer to just sit and watch the sea. Also, take a look at St Augustine's Church on Church Place where the composer Dr Joseph Parry (who composed the famous Welsh melody Myfanwy, much-loved by male-voice choirs) is buried. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Look out for the geese |
Peterstone Wentloog Cardiff CF3 2TN United Kingdom +44 16 3368 0009 |
This 6,000m, par 72 golf course borders the Bristol Channel five miles east of Cardiff and overlooks a wildlife and bird sanctuary. The many lakes and waterways are inhabited by Canadian geese and other wildfowl. Relatively flat, the course makes good use of the natural water obstacles for an interesting and challenging game. Other facilities include clubhouse, restaurant, practice and putting greens, shop and buggy hire. Visitors are welcome any day and green fees start at just £10. Corporate packages are also available from £20 including lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Plenty of challenges |
St Mellons South Glamorgan Cardiff CF3 8XS United Kingdom +44 16 3368 0401 |
An 18-hole course set in parkland between Cardiff and Newport with easy access off the A48. St Mellons is a popular golf club with a total length of 6,275 yards and a par of seventy, with quite a few par three holes. There are some challenging holes, including the 12th which runs over a stream, and plenty of opportunities to admire the surrounding countryside too. Visitors are welcome on weekdays or with a member at weekends. Green fees are £26 per round. Facilities include a clubhouse with restaurant, practice area, putting green, trolleys, buggies and motorised carts for hire. St Mellons Hotel is close by and offers golfing breaks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sail into the sunset |
Waverley Excursions Ltd, Gwalia Buildings, Barry Docks Cardiff CF62 5QR United Kingdom http://www.style2000.com/p15.html |
Regular day trips and scenic, evening cruises aboard the pleasure steamers Balmoral and Waverley operate right through the summer until the end of October. Leaving several times a week from Penarth Pier, you have a choice of coastal cruises across to Weston-Super-Mare or along the Gower coastline, and river cruises along the rivers Wye and Severn. Spectacular scenery and fresh air combine to make a great day out. Tickets cost from £12 depending on the cruise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Join the carting grand prix |
10-11 Leeway Industrial Estate Cardiff, WE NP19 4SL United Kingdom +44 1633 28 0808 http://www.supakart.co.uk |
Supakart's newly refurbished premises offers a 50 meter bridge, banked figure of eight, chicane, tunnel and hairpin bends along with a viewing balcony and cafe and winners' podium. The 200cc karts have a top speed of 50 miles per hour, which gives an average lap time of around 30 seconds. Grand prix races and endurance races for teams and individuals must be booked in advance. You can also take advantage of the 'arrive and drive' before 6pm on weekdays and all weekend, subject to availability, where £15 will get you 25 minutes on the track. Easily accessible from Cardiff - catch a bus to the town center, then another bus to the site - it's one of the most popular karting centers in Wales and well worth the trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vroom through the valleys |
Cwrt-y-Celyn Farm Upper Boat Cardiff CF37 5BJ United Kingdom +44 29 2083 1658 http://www.adventurewales.co.uk/ |
If a cross-country trail on a 200cc or 90cc Honda quad bike tickles your fancy, then this is definitely the place to come to. High thrills and excellent views are guaranteed on this 300-acre nature trail, set just seven miles from Cardiff. Full instruction and equipment, including helmets and waterproof trousers are provided. High standards of safety are adhered to, and insurance is available, though participants are advised that they ride at their own risk. Children from 6-12 are welcome, if accompanied by an adult. Winter opening times may be restricted, depending on the weather. Advance booking is essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Star attraction |
Tintern Abbey Cardiff United Kingdom +44 12 9168 9251 |
If you are staying in South Wales, Tintern Abbey is one place you should definitely visit. Made famous by Wordsworth's poem, the ruins (set in the picturesque Wye Valley) are justifiably famous and draw crowds of visitors every year. Founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare as a Cistercian house and rebuilt later in the 13th century, the abbey was the richest in Wales by the time of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. The majestic arches of doorways and huge windows never fail to impress. An exhibition and audio tour brings the history of the area to life. There's also a small shop which carries a range of gifts and publications. The abbey is open all year except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission: for adults is £2.40, and for children £1.90 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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