If you are looking to make the most of the colder months and explore new, exciting and interesting spots where you can enjoy all the cosy vibes, soak up wintry landscapes and make the most of all that south Wales has to offer, there are loads in the area you can explore.
And with lots of spots less than an hour’s drive from Cardiff, it couldn’t get easier to reach them. From cute villages to country walks ending with pubs, there's so much to enjoy. The list is truly endless, so we’ve pinpointed 10 of the best different spots which make for perfect day trips at this time of year.
And with something here for everyone, these places should definitely help make the end of 2024 and the start of 2025 a little brighter for you all, with the added bonus of them being just down the road. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
Take your adrenaline levels to new heights at Zip World
The Zip World Tower in Aberdare is home to the world’s fastest zip line, and is the perfect fun-filled day out if you’re the adventurous type. It’s a 55 minute drive from Cardiff. Nestled in the Rhigos mountain range with stunning views all around the area, it’s an ideal spot to soak up some stunning scenery as well as trying out something new.
There is also Tower Climber which is an activity course and the first two-seater roller coaster of its kind in Europe. And if you are keen to enjoy the area from a more relaxed perspective, also on site is the Cegin Glo Bar and Bistro which serves delicious and locally sourced food and drink.
Enjoy a wholesome day out in Tintern
If you want to swap out the city buzz for a slice of village life, a day out in Tintern might be just what you need. Surrounded by views of the stunning countryside and nearby mountains, the village is located in the Wye Valley on the west bank of the River Wye, about five miles from the north of Chepstow.
The rolling hills nearby and the ruined abbey are definitely some of the most eye-catching features, which is no surprise as the village is also situated in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Explore the unique shops in Cowbridge
If you want to switch up your shopping experience, then the picture perfect town of Cowbridge is calling your name. Instead of browsing through the big brands in Cardiff, then you could instead enjoy the local vibe of Cowbridge instead, popping into independents like Stwff-Stuff for some cute homeware bits and tasty Welsh chocolate, or if you are more of the edgy type, you could visit Happy Days Vintage Store for up-cycled items and one-off retro pieces.
There are also loads of coffee shops and restaurants to choose from and treat yourself to in the colder months. And being just 12 miles west of Cardiff, Cowbridge is just a half an hour’s drive from the city - so close that you barely feel like you’ve travelled at all.
Go for a walk along a golden beach and enjoy a pub lunch
Not every city in the UK can say it has golden stretches of beaches less than an hour away, especially not with Europe’s largest sand dunes. Ogmore-by-Sea Beach is a 40 minute drive from the city, and is just next to Merthyr Mawr Nature reserve, where the dunes are located - and is always well worth a visit, even in the chillier months, especially if a pub lunch is involved.
If you drive to the Ogmore By Sea public car park, and follow the Ewenny river along the sand, you can then enjoy a 35 minute stroll surrounded by natural scenery until you reach the remains of Ogmore Castle where you can find the Pelican Inn, a popular gastropub, opposite. Here, you could enjoy a well-earned winter meal all still while admiring the local scenery.
If you fancy a quick detour you could also head to the chocolate box pretty village of Merthyr Mawr, which is full of thatched cottages and looks like it’s been lifted straight out of the Cotswolds.
Visit the only place in the world where you can find out where British coins are made
If you’re looking for something to do indoors which still feels unique and different, you could head to the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, which is actually the only place in the world where you can see how coins in the United Kingdom are made.
You can go behind the scenes in this award winning guided factory and wander around the exhibition which tells you all about the process. There is even an option to strike your own coin.
So whether you’re hiding from the colder weather or just fancy doing something a bit different, the Royal Mint Experience is definitely a bucket list activity.
Learn about the some of your favourite alcohol’s secrets
If learning about coins isn’t your thing - fear not. Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery is the home of Welsh Whisky and produces award-winning single malt whiskies and spirits in the foothills of south Wales and is a great choice for adults wanting to learn how some of their favourite drinks are made, just under an hour’s drive from Cardiff.
You could book yourself onto an hour-long Distillery Tour to learn about the founding of Penderyn, how their award-winning whisky is made and exactly what makes Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky so unique. As well as enjoying the tour, you can also enjoy the gorgeous scenery nearby, as it is located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.
Beat the winter blues with some tropical joy
For another option which protects you from the outdoor elements, Plantasia Tropical Zoo in the heart of Swansea city centre, where you’ll find crocodiles and parrots all under one roof in this fully immersive tropical experience. And it’s still under an hour away, in a 55 minute drive from Cardiff.
There are around 40 different species of animals in Plantasia Tropical Zoo with over 10% having some conservation concern. The zoo says the most notable of these is the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni). They also breed a number of vulnerable and endangered species which include reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Embrace the Roman Empire
If you are fascinated by the Roman Empire, you absolutely need to explore south Wales’ Roman heritage. Home to the National Roman Legion museum just half an hour away from the city, this indoor adventure will take you right back in time to when settlers built the fortress of Isca Augusta in what is now Caerleon.
There’s all sorts to do in the museum which is a half an hour drive from Cardiff, just outside of Newport, including collections which give you a glimpse into everyday life in the Roman times. You can also check out the fortress baths - or stroll around the amphitheatre to soak up all the history.
Check out a lesser known castle
If you’re looking to visit more of a hidden gem castle, Fonmon castle is a picturesque spot which looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a fairy-tale picture book, and is perhaps less well known compared to other landmarks. Adorned with beautiful ivy and surrounded by colourful gardens, this is the place to be if you want to enjoy a cosy winter day out with the family just half an hour’s drive away from Cardiff.
As well as taking a brisk walk in the area, you could also enjoy the cosy interiors inside the castle where you can experience traditional decor that’s like going back in time. The site is also home to Jurassic Wales, where lifelike dinosaurs are placed among the greenery so there is something for all the family to make the most of.
Re-connect with the history of the Rhondda valleys
The Black Gold Experience Underground Tour is the perfect way to reconnect with the Rhondda valleys’ mining history. It takes place at the stunning Rhondda Heritage Park, which is a half hour drive away from Cardiff and is run by guides who have all worked in the mines in the area, giving guests an authentic insight into what life was like for them at the time.
You’ll also hear all about the history of the Black Gold that was shipped from the Rhondda around the globe. They have seasonal exhibitions exploring a range of topics, and the main tour ends with a ride on DRAM, a virtual coal dram for some added excitement.
