The best activities in Cardiff that I’ll be trying this summer

School is out but not for long so, before the beginning of the next academic year, right now is the best time to explore. Cardiff has a wealth of activities to fill a long summer to-do list. I personally have a giant list of fun activities that I have done or have been aiming to do for the longest based on recommendations from Cardiff locals.

Scaling Principality Stadium 

Since Spring 2024, Principality Stadium has been open for adventurers to climb, zipline from and abseil back down. This is perfect for the avid explorer and offers an epic view across Cardiff from the top of the stadium. There are various options for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, costing from £44 to £89 depending on what activities you’d like to participate in. You can get more information and book here.

Luxury cinema experience at Everyman Cinema 

Watching a new movie from the comfort of a bed, with the added benefit of being served delicious meals may sound like something that only happens in heaven. However, the Everyman Cinema in Cardiff Bay offers this daily, with the added bonus of being located in Cardiff Bay, where you can enjoy a walk along the water before or after your luxury cinema experience.

Visit Flat Holm Island

Another world off the shores of South Wales, Flat Holm Island has a long history as a place of sanctuary for the Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and cholera victims, and most recently, rare birds. You can have a free tour of the island when visiting to discover more of its long history. Enjoy the experience of the boat from Barrage South in Penarth before venturing out through Cardiff Bay Barrage lock and into the estuary before having 3 hours to explore the island. Prices range from £33 to £40 with Cardiff Cruises or Bay Island Voyages.

Day trip to Mumbles

Just 2 hours from Cardiff city centre, Mumbles beach is ranked amongst the best in Wales. You can take the 910 bus from College Road RK to Swansea (1 hour and 5 minutes), then take the 2 bus from Slade Road to Newton Road (24 minutes), then enjoy a 12 minute walk along the coast to Mumbles Beach.

Leaving (hello Cardiff airport!)

During your summer in Cardiff, why not experience Cardiff’s own airport, just 30 minutes away from the city centre. For the rest of this month, you can fly direct to Dublin, Ireland (from £28), Reus, Spain (from £80), Ibiza, Spain (from £90) or Paris, France (from £101). If none of these options are for you but you still want a summer getaway, you can also check out options at Bristol Airport, just 1.5 hours away. Alternatively, you can find my best getaways for Cardiff University Students here.