Things to do with kids in Cardiff

Things to do with kids in Cardiff

1. See

   Bute Park

   More a collection of different parks that stretch continuously to the city's edge from the rear of the castle. Bute Park proper is an arboretum and former private grounds of the Bute family who owned the castle.

2. See

   Cardiff Castle

   Welsh: Castell Caerdydd

   Castle St. Cardiff Castle is a large castle whose foundations are based upon a Roman fort. In the 19th century, it was one of the homes of the Marquis of Bute. The Norman fort in the centre, the Welsh regimental museum and excavated Roman ruins are open, and tours of the Bute household are available. The Bute part of the castle is quite amazing. The interior was all done in the early 1900s in a very idiosyncratic and interesting style. There is barely an inch that is not adorned with some sort of artistic work. Yet, it is not overwhelming. The craftsmanship is well worth a look.

   Mar–Oct: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PM; Nov–Feb: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 9AM-5PM. Last entry one hour before closing time·Adult £14.50, child (age 5–16, with an adult) £10, senior/student/disabled (single carer free with each disabled ticket) £12, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £39, under 5s free

3. See

   Llandaff Cathedral

   Welsh: Eglwys Gadeiriol Llandaf

   In the ancient 'city of Llandaff', now incorporated into the north west of the city, and is one of the oldest religious sites in Europe. The cathedral dates from 1107 and features some spectacular architecture. After bomb damage in World War II it was very boldly restored; the huge statue of Christ in Majesty by Jacob Epstein tends to divide opinion, but is well worth a look. The cathedral school was where the famed children's author Roald Dahl was educated in the early part of his primary school life. The surrounding village is an interesting place to explore with a local coal magnate's house (Insole Court) donated to the people of Cardiff and open for visitors. The Ghost Tour has really become the thing to do in the area, making it into the Guardian's top 10 list of things to do in the UK.

4. Eat

   Mina

   Highly-regarded and very good-value Lebanese restaurant in the Cathays area; small, family-run and very friendly. Can get busy, especially at weekends: booking recommended. About 25 minutes' walk from city centre, or take Cardiff Bus number 38 or 39, which stop outside the door.

   £20-30

5. See

   National Museum Cardiff

   An excellent collection of artworks and natural history exhibits. The art collection is particularly noted for the collection of 19th-century French works assembled by Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, heiresses to a fortune made in exporting coal. This is of international importance and includes works by Rodin, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Children love the dinosaurs and mammoths in the Evolution of Wales section. £6.50 charge for the museum car park.

   Free admission

6. See

   St Fagans National History Museum

   Known universally as St Fagans (pronounced "FAG-uns") after the village it's in, this is easily Wales's most popular visitor attraction. An open-air museum of vernacular buildings from all parts of Wales rebuilt, stone by stone, in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan manor house. The castle gardens, dating from the 19th century, are especially beautiful. You may not be able to see everything in a single visit due to the size of the grounds. Also contains permanent indoor exhibitions on Welsh social and cultural history. Great for kids.

   Free; pay and display parking

7. See

   Techniquest

   Over 160 science and technology exhibits to entertain the whole family. There is also a Science Theatre and tours of the Universe in the Planetarium. A good opportunity for adults to be big kids. Entry: £7.50 Adults, £6 children with concessions available for groups.

8. See

   The Millennium Stadium

   Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm

   Also known as the Principality Stadium. A 74,200-seater stadium, opened for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, and now home to the Wales national rugby team. It hosted the FA Cup Final for some years during the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium in London and is still the largest stadium in Europe with a completely retractable roof (good for those rainy days). A must see for any sport lover, tours are available online or at the ticket desk. Tours cost £16.50 for adults, £12 for children.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cardiff (CC BY-SA 4.0).