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The best towns, beaches, attractions and walks within an hour's drive of Cardiff
The best towns, beaches, attractions and walks within an hour's drive of Cardiff
What is there to visit just outside Cardiff? Incredible beaches, historic priories and unmissable attractions, that's what
You don't have to travel far from Cardiff to find some cracking spots for a day out.
You don't have to travel far from Cardiff to find some cracking spots for a day out. Within an hour's drive, you've got glorious beaches, hidden caves, peaceful priory ruins and plenty of lush countryside to explore. South Wales is packed with places that are perfect for a scenic walk, a paddle in the sea or a wander round a pretty market town.
We've rounded up some of the best towns, beaches and walks within roughly an hour's drive from the city centre. We've included estimated driving times and distances to help you plan your trip, but it's always a good idea to check for traffic before you set off.
Get ready to explore more of what's on Cardiff's doorstep.
Waterfall Country
If you're after a cracking day out, Waterfall Country in the Vale of Neath is one of the best places for a scenic walk.
(Image: Getty )
The Vale of Neath features nine waterfalls set in an epic vista of mountains and steep side valleys.
Waterfall Country, as the area is known, has long been an inspiration to many artists including landscape painter Turner, who travelled here to paint Aberdulais Falls, a site now in the ownership of the National Trust.
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And locals claim some of the idyllic woodland settings of some of William Shakespeare's romantic plays were inspired by a visit the bard made to South Wales and the Vale of Neath in particular.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 40 miles
Kenfig Nature Reserve
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
(Image: Kenfig National Nature Reserve )
Located near Porthcawl, this protected reserve was once home to one of the sixth most significant towns in Glamorgan, but now makes up part of the most extensive active dune system in Europe and features a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, attracting bird watchers and walkers from across Wales.
The land was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1989 and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2003. These designations help to protect rare habitats and species, such as the Fen Orchid, which is found here and at only two other sites in Wales.
Today, the 1,300-acre site is home to a Reserve Centre, Hyde Out Cafe, and is a convenient hopping-on point for the Bridgend Coast Path and for reaching the remote Skeer Beach.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 38 minutes / 31 miles
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
(Image: Richard Jones, MLA Photography/Cadw )
One of our greatest monastic ruins, this is surely the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales and is worth a day trip.
Tintern Abbey is situated in the scenic Wye Valley, on the banks of the River Wye, and was the second Cistercian foundation built in Britain. The Wye Valley area also has some beautiful day walks to try.
One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the section from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey.
It's a scenic, five-mile walk that takes you up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths.
There are plenty of photo and picnic spots along the way, and you'll also find some viewing points where you can gaze at the winding River Wye.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 36 miles
Margam Park
Margam Country Park
(Image: Victor Ochieng / Flickr / Creative Commons )
Set in 1,000 acres of glorious parklands, Margam Country Park offers natural beauty, history, wildlife, and a wide range of fun activities and facilities, making it one of the best days out in Wales for all the family.
This historic 850-acre estate is set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to 349m.
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.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 35 minutes / 30 miles
Abergavenny
The Sugar Loaf Vineyards near Abergavenny
(Image: No credit )
The foodie town of Abergavenny is well worth a day trip for a brilliant bakery, restaurants, and a nearby mountain and castle.
Just outside of Abergavenny lies the 'grandest castle ever built by Welshmen'—Castell Rhaglan (Raglan Castle).
This grand, half-ruined castle was once home to a young Henry Tudor, who would become Henry VII, the king of England from 1485 to 1509.
As a lad, he was sent to Raglan Castle to be raised by Sir William Herbert and spent eight formative years here. Those years were key in shaping the future King, helping set him on the path to the throne.
Owned by the Dukes of Beaufort and under the care of Cadw, you can still walk the grounds of this medieval beauty and learn more about its royal roots and Civil War history.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 55 minutes / 30 miles
Afan Forest Park, Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot is where natural beauty and history are deeply intertwined
(Image: Northcliffe Media Ltd. )
Beautiful Afan Forest Park is in the Afan Valley, one of the narrowest and most beautiful valleys in South Wales. It is about 15 miles long from its head at Bwlch yr Afan to the sea at Aberfan. It's a large forest encompassing 11,000 hectares. Nine way-marked walks and many cycle trails lead through it. The forest also has a visitor centre with a reception, cafe, bike shop, showers, and bike wash facilities.
The park is located on the valley slopes and includes the Pontrhydyfen, Cymer, and Glyncorrwg communities. Its impressive 3,000-hectare forest landscape includes relics of abandoned mines, tramways, and railways.
If you love Hollywood history, you can also walk the Richard Burton Birthplace Trail that's in the area. Start at the Rhyslyn car park, within easy walking distance of the village of Pontrhydyfen, where Richard Burton was born. Information panels along the trail provide interesting facts about his childhood and career. You can also recreate the famous Burton photo on the Pontrhydyfen aqueduct.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour / 37 miles
The Gower
(Image: Portia Jones )
This glorious coastline is over an hour away but we think it's worth the extra journey time. In 1956, officials designated the Gower as the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering 73 square miles. They also classified 37 square miles of its coastline as a Heritage Coast.
Rhossili's three miles of golden sands and its iconic Worm's Head rock formation are particularly worth a visit, but you won't regret a day at any Gower beach.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Gower Peninsula section of the Wales Coast Path offers a range of easy, moderate, and challenging walks to suit every ability.
Several popular walks in this area include Oxwich to Pennard Cliffs, Rhossili to Port Eynon, Langland Bay to Caswell Bay, and Worm's Head Walk.
The gorgeous scenery encompasses the unspoiled coastline, limestone cliffs, beautiful headlands, and golden beaches.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx.1 hour 30 minutes / 48 miles
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad
Beautiful views at Craig Cerrig Gleisiad
(Image: Portia Jones )
If you want a less crowded mountain hike near Cardiff Craig Cerrig Gleisiad in Bannau Brycheiniog is a brilliant alternative to Pen y Fan. This rugged route allows you to connect with nature and explore a quieter part of the National Park. The Craig Cerrig Gleisiad circular ridge and valley walk is a roughly looped walk with the option of taking a short detour to the trig point on Fan Frynych.
It's a moderate walk around a craggy, glacier-carved valley with undulating cliffs and rocky outcrops. This 1,200-acre reserve also has plenty of plant life and over 80 species of birds. Discover rocky trails strewn with colourful mosses, lichen, hawthorn, and bilberry as you hike through the craggy remnants of ancient glaciation.
It's a moderate, remote circular walk with no facilities. You must bring everything you need, including lunch, hiking equipment, and a reusable water bottle. Basic map-reading skills will also be useful when planning your route and will serve you well on the trail.
GPS apps are great until your phone battery runs out, so it's always better to have some navigation ability when attempting a mountain walk. Ensure you also take the OS OL12 Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Map with you so you don't veer off course
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 55 minutes / 34 miles
Llanthony Priory
Llanthony Priory
This partially ruined and secluded Augustinian priory dates back to 1100 and is a magnificent historical feature in Wales.
Guidebooks often overlook 900-year-old Llanthony Priory in favour of Tintern Abbey to the south, and it is set far up into the hills of the Black Mountains, making it as remote and beautiful as it gets.
Cadw manages the priory ruins, and there is also a hotel and pub on site. The Llanthony Priory Hotel's inn is part of the original 12th-century priory, which was one of the earliest houses of Augustinian canons founded in Britain. Today, you can still sup a pint of real ale in its traditional cellar bar.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour nine minutes / 51.6 miles
Brecon Mountain Railway
Brecon Railway, Merthyr
Travelling through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, the Brecon Mountain Railway chugs its way alongside the Pontsticill reservoirs until it reaches Pant, just north of Merthyr Tydfil.
The track meanders through glorious countryside, and once you have disembarked, you can try the reservoirs on foot thanks to guided paths.
Facilities for disabled passengers are available, including ramps, toilets and a carriage designed to accommodate wheelchairs. All dogs are welcome to join you on the train for a small charge.
Special events run throughout the year, including the very popular Santa Special trains, where you will travel by steam train to meet Father Christmas at his Grotto.
It is located just off the Heads of the Valley Road, about three miles North of Merthyr Tydfil. Follow the Mountain Railway signs from the A470 and A465.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 37 minutes / 27 miles
Caerphilly Castle
(Image: Flickr/archangel12 )
This is the largest Castle in Wales; it is famous for its 'leaning tower', which has leaned 3m out of the perpendicular since 1648. Historian Allen Brown considered the network of motes and dams to be 'the most elaborate water defences in all Britain.'
Caerphilly Castle, built in the 13th century, is the biggest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors attend the structure to explore the medieval grounds
Work is currently underway to revamp the historic site. The £10 million Welsh Government investment, led by Cadw, is one of the most ambitious conservation and development projects undertaken at a monument. The renovation aims to preserve the history of Caerphilly Castle and conserve the monument while enhancing its appeal as a visitor attraction.
The work taking place at the castle includes refurbishing the great hall, new interpretation and improvements to the earl's chamber and a new wildflower garden. For the latest Caerphilly news, sign up to our newsletter here
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 20 minutes/8 miles
Melincwrt Falls, Neath Port Talbot
Reaching Melincourt Falls is refreshingly straightforward
(Image: Portia Jones )
South Wales is a haven for waterfall lovers looking for a fun day out.
In the Neath Port Talbot area is Melincourt Falls, an 80-foot cascade just as impressive as its better-known counterparts in Waterfall Country. This striking waterfall tumbles into a rocky basin surrounded by ancient woodland and moss-covered cliffs, giving the spot an almost otherworldly feel.
Reaching Melincourt Falls is refreshingly straightforward compared to some of Wales' more elusive cascades. A short but slightly uphill trail leads you through a leafy gorge, following the course of the Melincourt Brook. I
t's an easy, family-friendly walk that takes around 15 minutes from the small car park near the village of Resolven. Unlike the moderately challenging Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte, the path to Melincourt Falls is relatively straightforward and short.
Check to see if the falls are open before you set off as there had previously been storm damage blocking pathways.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour / 50 miles
Dylan Thomas' boathouse and writing shed
Dylan Thomas' birthplace at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea
Perched on the edge of the moody estuary, The Boathouse is perhaps the most iconic of all Dylan Thomas landmarks.
Financed by kindly benefactor Margaret Taylor, Dylan Thomas and his family lived at the Boathouse for the last four years of Thomas's life. During that time, many major pieces of work were penned here - including Under Milk Wood.
Tragically, it was from the cosy Boathouse that Dylan made the fateful journey to New York, where he died in 1953 at 39, an early death that turned a raw talent into a literary legend.
Today, this small but beautifully situated home is a museum dedicated to his life and work. Inside, you'll find original manuscripts, memorabilia, and even recordings of Thomas reading his own poetry in his deep, resonant voice. It's a place that invites quiet reflection on his creative process and his life here with his family.
Also, pop into the teahouse downstairs for coffee and homemade cakes with a blissful estuary view. Just a short stroll from The Boathouse is Dylan's writing shed, a rustic structure with a view that's anything but ordinary.
Here, he penned many of his works, including sections of Under Milk Wood. Peering inside, you'll find papers strewn across the desk, books stacked haphazardly, and a coat still hanging on the back of a chair.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour / 45 miles
Barry Island
The beach on Barry Island
This traditional seaside resort has a lot to offer visitors, including amusements, independent cafes, fish and chip shops and coastal walks.
If you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan, then you can take a walk around the Island and try and spot where your favourite scenes were filmed, including Marcos Cafe, where Stacey worked in the later series.
Near the Island, you'll find the Wales Coast Path, as well as Knapp and Jackson's Bay, which is a popular spot for paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 26 minutes / 11 miles
Monk Nash Beach
Explore quiet coves and Bays in Wales
(Image: Ewan LoTurco )
Secluded Monk Nash Beach on the Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan is only accessible by foot and is just down the road from the lovely Heritage Coast Campsite.
Make sure to take an evening stroll down to Monk Nash beach, just up from the campsite, to snap some glorious sunset photos on the striking bedrock beach.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 25 miles
Blorenge, Abergavenny
Blorenge is also on stage 3 of the Cambrian Way long-distance trail.
(Image: Portia Jones )
This is a lovely spot for a scenic walk that's not too far from Cardiff. The Blorenge walk is a gentle two-hour hike from the car park to the mountaintop. It is easily traversed by older children who are used to long walks. Stroll through swathes of heather moorland carpeting the rolling Black Mountains, looking for signs of the area's industrial heritage.
Coal mining has left its lasting marks on the landscape, and walkers can see the evidence of the former limestone and ironstone quarries. Blorenge is also on stage 3 of the Cambrian Way long-distance trail. Walkers can start in Pontypool, trek through peaceful, open moorland to Blorenge Mountain, and then take a steep descent to Abergavenny.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 90 minutes / 45 miles
Caerphilly mountain
The Caerphilly Mountain walk is an easy hike for those who fancy stretching their legs for an hour or so. There are numerous mapped walks and trails where you can walk with family and friends or take the dog out for a big walk.
One of the best features of the walk is the massive bacon baps at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, handily located in the free Caerphilly Mountain car park. Set yourself up for your mountain walk with a lush bacon roll with lashings of sauce and a hot cup of coffee. Perfection!
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 25 minutes / 8.5 miles
Dyffryn Gardens
The north front of Dyffryn House, Vale of Glamorgan. The house was built 1893-4 by architect EA Lansdowne of Newport.
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 assistance of over £6 million in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 20 minutes / 11 miles
Craig Y Nos Country Park and Castle
Craig y Nos Castle
(Image: Matthew Horwood )
You can enjoy the historic grounds of Craig Y Nos Castle, which the River Tawe meanders through, boasting lush meadows, woodland plantations, a fishpond, lakes and woodland walks.
And with its elegant fluted columns and stonework bearing the names of Verdi, Rossini and Mozart, Craig Y Nos Castle is a slice of continental Europe hidden away in the Welsh mountains.
You can stay in the 40-bedroomed Craig-y-Nos Castle once belonged to one of the world's greatest opera stars Adelina Patti.
The opera house at the heart of the massive neo-Gothic complex in Pen-y-Cae, in the Swansea Valley, remains a resplendent testimony to the 19th-century singer's vision.
Patti, who performed with many of the 19th century's leading stars, lived at the castle before building her now grade I listed opera house.
Where: Brecon Beacons National Park
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour six minutes / 45 miles
Llandegfedd Reservoir
Swimmers at Llandegfedd Lake
(Image: Portia Jones )
Beautiful Llandegfedd Lake (on the border of Monmouth and Torfaen) offers safe, open-water swimming sessions with lifeguard-trained staff in attendance.
There are several public sessions per week in a designated area, offering organised, controlled, and safe open water swimming, following accreditation from the Swim Wales SAFE Cymru Accreditation Scheme.
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.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 35 minutes / 23 miles
Lido Ponty
Lido Ponty has three fantastic pools to choose from: the main pool, the activity pool and the splash pool, offering brilliant swimming options for all ages and abilities.
For just a few quid, you can book a swim session and have a go on the fun inflatables, Aqua Scooterz, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker. It's a great day out, whether you're looking to relax or burn off some energy.
The lido first opened in 1927, just four years after Ynysangharad War Memorial Park was unveiled in 1923, and it quickly became one of the town's most loved attractions. Unfortunately, it had to close in 1991 as the site needed major restoration work.
After more than a decade of waiting, Lido Ponty finally made a big comeback. In 2015, the National Lido of Wales officially reopened, with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall there to mark the occasion.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 17.5 miles
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 its own baths, amphitheatre and barracks.
However, it's not the only example of well-preserved Roman remains; the walled town is steeped in history, with even the wall dating back to the fourth century.
It was once the tribal capital of the Iron Age tribe Silures and became known as Venta Silurum when the Romans arrived.
Here, you'll find several excavated houses, a forum basilica, and even a Roman-British temple.
Distance from Cardiff: 35 minutes/26 miles
Big Pit
The Big Pit in Blaenavon is now a heritage attraction but thousands of mines around the world are in action and the UK still depends on coal power
Big Pit is located inside a former working coal mine that was operational until 1980.
Take one of the world-famous tours 300ft underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Above ground, there are multi-media tours and exhibitions. Free entry.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 46 minutes / 30 miles
Dan yr Ogof caves
Dan-yr-Ogof is a 15km long cave system, one of the most extensive in Western Europe.
The caves were uncovered almost a century ago by two brothers and feature underground lakes, rivers, and two spectacular 40-foot waterfalls.
There are also rock formations, including stalagmites and stalactites, that date back thousands, and in some cases, millions of years.
There is also a dinosaur park with more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour/45 miles
Tredegar House
Tredegar House and Park
(Image: Visit Wales Image Centre )
Situated within 90 acres of gardens and parkland, the stately red brick manor house is one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the UK.
For more than 500 years House was home to the Morgan family, who by the end of the 18th century owned more than 40,000 acres in South East Wales.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 25 minutes / 10.5 miles
St Mary's Priory
The late 15th century Jesse at St Mary's Priory Church in Abergavenny
It is known as Wales' very own Westminster Abbey, containing some of the most important medieval treasures in Britain. Among them are more than 10 alabaster chest tombs and the 15th-century wooden sculpture known as the Tree of Jesse, described by the Tate as 'one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world'.
There is no charge, but voluntary contributions are gratefully received.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 40 miles
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