It’s bank holiday weekend! If you’re considering coming to Cardiff University next year, you’re going to want to know all the things you can do in Cardiff to celebrate the long weekend…

1. Relax in the park

Cardiff is home to both Bute Park and Roath Park. With both located just a short walk from the city’s main student areas, these two beautiful parks are the place to be this May!

Bute Park stretches from just behind Talybont student residences all the way down to Cardiff Castle. With the River Taff flowing through the middle of this stunning area, what better way to spend your bank holiday than a picnic on the grass? I did this with my housemates on a sunny day in first year and absolutely loved how beautiful this park was! It also boasts a café, a fitness trail and is filled with wildlife…what more could you want?

Alternatively, if you’re living in the student area of Cathays, Roath Park is a little closer. With a 30-acre man made lake, there’s so much going on in this pretty park. If the sun’s out, the rowing boats or pedalos that are available to hire always look like so much fun. There’s usually an ice cream van near the lake too, so spend your bank holiday with an ice lolly in your hand enjoying some beautiful scenery!

2. Cardiff Bay

I’d highly recommend going to Cardiff Bay at any time of year, but on a sunny May bank holiday you’ve got no excuse! It’s Europe’s largest waterfront development, so there’s so much to do here. Shop, drink or eat at one of the many delicious restaurants while enjoying a lovely view of the water. In the spring/summer months there are also a variety of boat trips running – what better way to enjoy your long weekend than a speed boat ride with your housemates?

3. Road trip! Why not try Barry Island?

Cardiff’s location means you’re only a short car/train journey from some other lovely places to explore in the gorgeous May weather. Brecon Beacons National Park is under two hours away if you or your housemates brought your car to uni. Or, if you need somewhere you can get to by train then Barry Island is a must! With its beautiful beach, exciting ride and several cafes and restaurants, Barry Island is the place to be on a bank holiday

4. Cardiff Arcades

I’d really recommend exploring the Cardiff Arcades while in the city. Although these are open all year, this May bank holiday marks the start of Duke St Arcade staying open in the evenings! Friday 4^th May saw the opening of new vegan café, ‘The Ruin Café’, which coincided with the arcade deciding to stay open three evenings a week. Alongside this, the bank holiday will see live music events happening here – ‘Rat Tap’ will be performing there this Sunday evening, so go and check it out!

For more info on the Ruin Café and the evening openings click here: https://itsoncardiff.co.uk/dukes-arcades-late-night-launches/

I hope this has given you an idea of all that Cardiff has to offer on a sunny bank holiday. You’ll never run out of things to do here, there’s so much to do and explore!

It’s bank holiday weekend! If you’re considering coming to Cardiff University next year, you’re going to want to know all the things you can do in Cardiff to celebrate the long weekend…

1. Relax in the park

Cardiff is home to both Bute Park and Roath Park. With both located just a short walk from the city’s main student areas, these two beautiful parks are the place to be this May!

Bute Park stretches from just behind Talybont student residences all the way down to Cardiff Castle. With the River Taff flowing through the middle of this stunning area, what better way to spend your bank holiday than a picnic on the grass? I did this with my housemates on a sunny day in first year and absolutely loved how beautiful this park was! It also boasts a café, a fitness trail and is filled with wildlife…what more could you want?

Alternatively, if you’re living in the student area of Cathays, Roath Park is a little closer. With a 30-acre man made lake, there’s so much going on in this pretty park. If the sun’s out, the rowing boats or pedalos that are available to hire always look like so much fun. There’s usually an ice cream van near the lake too, so spend your bank holiday with an ice lolly in your hand enjoying some beautiful scenery!

2. Cardiff Bay

I’d highly recommend going to Cardiff Bay at any time of year, but on a sunny May bank holiday you’ve got no excuse! It’s Europe’s largest waterfront development, so there’s so much to do here. Shop, drink or eat at one of the many delicious restaurants while enjoying a lovely view of the water. In the spring/summer months there are also a variety of boat trips running – what better way to enjoy your long weekend than a speed boat ride with your housemates?

3. Road trip! Why not try Barry Island?

Cardiff’s location means you’re only a short car/train journey from some other lovely places to explore in the gorgeous May weather. Brecon Beacons National Park is under two hours away if you or your housemates brought your car to uni. Or, if you need somewhere you can get to by train then Barry Island is a must! With its beautiful beach, exciting ride and several cafes and restaurants, Barry Island is the place to be on a bank holiday

4. Cardiff Arcades

I’d really recommend exploring the Cardiff Arcades while in the city. Although these are open all year, this May bank holiday marks the start of Duke St Arcade staying open in the evenings! Friday 4^th May saw the opening of new vegan café, ‘The Ruin Café’, which coincided with the arcade deciding to stay open three evenings a week. Alongside this, the bank holiday will see live music events happening here – ‘Rat Tap’ will be performing there this Sunday evening, so go and check it out!

For more info on the Ruin Café and the evening openings click here: https://itsoncardiff.co.uk/dukes-arcades-late-night-launches/

I hope this has given you an idea of all that Cardiff has to offer on a sunny bank holiday. You’ll never run out of things to do here, there’s so much to do and explore!