Spring has finally arrived in Wales, bringing longer days, blue skies, and the perfect excuse to get out and explore. With the sunshine making a much-needed appearance, it’s time to swap cosy weekends indoors for spontaneous day trips, long beach walks and outdoor adventures.
The best part? You don’t have to go far. Less than an hour from Cardiff, there’s a fantastic mix of places to visit, from sandy beaches and dramatic caves to historic ruins and scenic countryside walks.
Whether planning a romantic day out, a fun-filled trip with the kids, or an adventure with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Pack a picnic and head to a gorgeous stretch of coastline, wander through centuries-old priory ruins, or hike along the Wales Coast path. With so many brilliant spots just a short drive away, there’s no need to travel far to make the most of the sunshine.
Here are some of the best places to visit near Cardiff for a great day out in the sun—each one around an hour’s drive (or just a little more) from the city.
1 . Waterfall Country
If you’re after a cracking day out in the sunshine, Waterfall Country in the Vale of Neath is one of the best places for a scenic walk. With nine ethereal waterfalls tumbling through lush, green valleys, this place looks stunning when the sun hits just right.
Located on the southwestern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, this is one of the area's most scenic and beloved spots.
The rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin, and Nedd-fechan carve their way through dramatic gorges, creating a series of spectacular waterfalls before merging into the River Neath.
The whole area is a protected natural wonder, officially recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Be warned, the falls are very busy on sunny days, so you'll need to set off early to bag a space in the car park.
Before you arrive, check the trail lengths and difficulty levels (some are more challenging than they look), wear decent hiking boots and bring your rubbish home with you.
2. Ponty Lido
Situated in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Ponty Lido is the ultimate spot for a sunny day out, with three lush outdoor swimming pools perfect for families, cold water dippers and serious swimmers.
The facilities are top-notch, too, with indoor and outdoor showers, heated changing rooms, and an on-site cafe.
Originally a thriving hub for swimmers, the Lido sadly had to close in 1991 due to much-needed restoration work.
But after years of waiting, it made a spectacular comeback in 2015 when The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall officially reopened it.
The restoration has carefully blended history with modern amenities, keeping the charming 1920s turnstiles and wooden cubicles while adding fantastic new features like the Waterside Café.
3. Zip World Tower
If you’re hunting for an adrenaline-packed day out near Cardiff, Zip World Tower in Aberdare is calling your name! Located in the picturesque Rhigos mountain range, this adventure hub is home to Phoenix—the world’s fastest seated zip line.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Tower Climber activity course also tests your nerves, and Europe’s first two-seater roller coaster provides extra excitement.
Picture yourself soaring 270m across three zip zones, taking in epic views of the South Wales mountains while adventurers tackle the challenges below.
You’ll spend up to 45 minutes on a mini adventure, flying high on a seated zip line and feeling the rush of the wind. And let’s be honest—once you get that first taste of the thrill, you’ll be itching to take on Phoenix and its record-breaking speeds!
4. Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is an incredible place to explore, and it looks even more impressive when the sun’s out.
Sitting right on the banks of the River Wye in the heart of the Wye Valley, this medieval abbey is one of the best-preserved in Wales and is full of history and atmosphere. Whether you’re into your history or just fancy a day out in a stunning setting, it's a brilliant spot for a wander in the sunshine.
Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit, with bluebells blooming across the valley and the surrounding woodland bursting into colour.
The Wye Valley is one of the best places in Wales to see them, and on a warm, sunny day, the whole area feels like something out of a storybook. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, take in the views, and maybe even bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.
If you’re up for a walk, the five-mile stretch from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey along the Wye Valley Walk is well worth it. The route takes you through peaceful forests, up ancient stone steps, and past some incredible viewpoints where you can stop and take in the winding river below.
5. Margam Park and Castle
Margam Country Park is always a good shout for history, hiking and biking. This historic 850-acre estate, two miles east of Port Talbot, is set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to 349m.
Its fascinating history can be traced back to pre-historic times with Bronze and Iron Age relics and evidence of Roman and extensive Celtic occupation, with its own deer herd probably introduced by the Romans.
It’s also home to Grade I listed gardens and landscapes, biking and hiking trails, wildlife, a Norman Abbey and Margam Castle—a grand Victorian mansion—and an impressive 18th-century orangery.
Here, you can walk or bike the trails, go paddleboarding on the lake, or take a guided tour of Margam Castle, one of Britain's most haunted places.
It is free to enter, but the car park costs £8.50 -per car.
6. Meadows Farm Village
The Meadows Farm Village in Cardiff is the ideal day out for all the family, from toddlers to grandparents.
Whether you are after a general farm experience, which includes giving a pig a belly rub, playing with the pygmy goats, or petting rabbits, you can also see all the other animals, including many exotic ones.
There is also the opportunity to take it one step further and book an experience where you can get closer to the fantastic animals, such as the meerkats and donkeys.
More than 300 beautiful animals are here, including raccoon dogs, wallabies, reindeer, turkeys, ducks, peafowl, geese, swans, donkeys, alpacas, emu, horses, cows, and more.
For the more daring visitor, there is the chance to meet the farm's reptiles and even get a picture holding a snake.
7. Ogmore-by-Sea Beach
Not every city in the UK can say it has golden beaches less than an hour away from an urban centre, but we have plenty of sandy bays near the capital.
Popular Ogmore-by-Sea Beach is just a 40-minute drive from Cardiff and is right next to Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve, where you'll find rolling dunes and wildlife.
Here, you can hop on the Wales Coast path and walk to Porthcawl, take a chilly dip in the sea and have a coffee at the Welsh Coffee Company.
If you fancy a quick detour, you could also head to the chocolate box pretty village of Merthyr Mawr, full of thatched cottages and looks like it’s been lifted straight out of the Cotswolds.
8. Newport Wetlands
The Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve was established in 2000 to mitigate losses of wildlife habitat when the Cardiff Bay Barrage scheme was undertaken.
A purpose-built visitor and education centre was opened in March 2008 by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The reserve covers more than 1,000 acres of the Caldicot Level, and you can spot breeding birds such as lapwings, redshanks, oystercatchers, and little ringed plovers here.
The visitor centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and entry is free.
9. Barry Island
Is there a more quintessential sunny day out than a bag of piping hot chips on Barry Island seafront?
Join the snaking queue at Boofy's chippy (of Gavin and Stacey fame), where you can order a Smithy special — three battered sausages and chips.
After demolishing your piping hot chips, swing by the amusement arcade next door, where Nessa worked, to see if you get lucky on the slots.
Near the Island, you'll find the Wales Coast Path, the Knapp and Jackson's Bay where you can go paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
10. Monk Nash Beach
Monk Nash could be what you're looking for if you fancy a change from your usual beach.
Thanks to the relative difficulty of accessing this secluded bedrock beach, it's rarely busy, so you should be able to pick the perfect spots to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
You can only reach the beach at Monknash by walking down a footpath through woodland beside a stream called Nash Brook.
Even before you get to the woodland, you'll need to walk a little while down a narrow country lane, having parked in a farmer's field (charges apply — there's an honesty box) or further away at the Plough and Harrow pub.
So, while the walk can be challenging for those with small children, you'll realise the effort was worth it when the beach opens up in front of you with a dramatic cliff backdrop.
11. Caerphilly mountain
The Caerphilly Mountain walk is the perfect way to soak up the sunshine while getting some fresh air. It’s an easy, breezy hike that takes about an hour, making it ideal for stretching your legs without too much effort.
Whether you’re out with family, catching up with friends, or letting the dog run wild, there are plenty of trails to explore, all with gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside.
One of the best parts of this walk? The reward at the end (or the start, if you prefer!). The legendary Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, right by the free car park, serves up massive bacon baps that are an absolute must. Grab one and a hot cup of coffee, and you’ve got the perfect fuel for a sunny stroll.
12. Dyffryn Gardens
Another great place for a sunny stroll in scenic surroundings. The Grade II listed house and its Grade I listed garden were created by Welsh coal baron John Cory and his family after he bought the site in the late 19th century.
With the help of Thomas Mawson, regarded by many as the leading architect of the Edwardian era, the Cory family developed a spectacular garden stretching over 55 acres, including formal lawns, an arboretum and a collection of themed “garden rooms”, such as a Mediterranean garden and rose garden.
The entire estate passed into the hands of the Vale of Glamorgan council in 1996 and has undergone extensive restoration, with the help of over £6m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
13. Llandegfedd Reservoir
Beautiful Llandegfedd Lake (on the border of Monmouth and Torfaen) offers a range of open-water swimming sessions with lifeguard-trained staff in attendance.
Following accreditation from Swim Wales SAFE Cymru Accreditation Scheme, several public sessions per week are in a designated area for organised, controlled and safe open water swimming.
If swimming doesn't take your fancy, the watersports centre also offers a range of activity sessions, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, raft building and sailing. You'll also find a modern café and visitor centre on-site.
14. Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle is a fantastic spot to visit, especially when the sun’s out, offering a fascinating insight into Welsh history and glorious views over the surrounding countryside.
The castle was built in the 1430s and continued to grow through the 15th and early 17th centuries by the powerful Herberts and Somersets.
Its imposing hexagonal keep, known as the Great Tower, stands tall, making it a great photo opportunity while you enjoy the open air.
Raglan Castle is a must-see for history buffs, with its rich and somewhat bloody past. During the English Civil War 1642, the castle became the centre of a bitter standoff. Lord Herbert, the Roman Catholic Marquess who owned the castle, was caught amid rising tensions between the local Protestant population and his forces.
Fearing the castle would be set on fire, he ordered eight hundred soldiers to protect it and destroyed trees and nearby buildings to prevent enemy forces from using them.
The siege began in June, and for months, the castle faced intense bombardment, with enemies digging trenches to move mortars closer and firing explosive shells at the walls.
The attacks didn’t stop until August 19, when the castle finally surrendered. Sadly, Lord Herbert was taken away and executed at Windsor Castle, his tragic end marking the fall of one of Wales’ most notable castles.
Today, you can wander through the ruins, soaking in the historic atmosphere and imagining what life must have been like during those turbulent times.
15. Tredegar House
This late 17th-century house is one of the architectural treasures of Wales and is often considered one of the most significant houses of its kind in the British Isles.
Set within 90 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and parkland, Tredegar House offers the ideal mix of history and nature for a sunny day out.
The house has a fascinating history and was home to the Morgan family for over 500 years. The Morgans, later known as the Lords Tredegar, were one of the most prominent Welsh families, owning more than 40,000 acres across Monmouthshire, Breconshire, and Glamorgan by the end of the 18th century.
Their influence was huge, impacting south-east Wales's social, economic, and political landscape and shaping the region's heritage.
Today, you can wander around the grand rooms of the house, learning about the Morgan family’s fascinating past while enjoying the gorgeous surroundings.
16. Llanthony Priory
Llanthony Priory is a lesser-known spot that is perfect for a sunny day out. This part-ruined Augustinian priory, dating back to 1100, sits in the remote and stunning hills of the Black Mountains, offering a peaceful escape into Wales’ rich history.
Often overlooked in guidebooks in favour of the more famous Tintern Abbey, Llanthony Priory has an almost magical feel—so quiet and secluded that it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like centuries ago when it was a monastic settlement.
Described by Giraldus Cambrensis in the 12th century as being “fixed amongst a barbarous people,” this beautiful spot is as rugged and serene as it gets.
It’s also a fantastic spot for an alfresco picnic. Bring along your favourite snacks, spread out on the grass, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with views of the rolling hills. Don’t forget to pop by the priory’s pub for a refreshing drink after your exploration. I
17. Caerwent Roman Town
When you think about Romans in Wales, most people's minds will head straight to Caerleon. It's only natural - the historic area has baths, amphitheatre and barracks.
But it's not the only example of well-preserved Roman remains. The walled town is steeped in history, and even the wall dates back to the fourth century.
It was once the tribal capital of the iron-age tribe Silures, which became known as Venta Silurum when the Romans moved in.
You'll find several excavated houses, a forum basilica and even a Romano-British temple.
