How to Plan a Mystery Day Trip from Cardiff (Let the Dice Decide!)

Ever had one of those weekends where you want to go somewhere new, but you can’t decide where? You scroll through Google Maps, ask your mates, and still end up in the same old places. Well, I’ve got a solution—let the dice decide!

As a Cardiff Uni student living in Cathays, I’m always looking for ways to break out of my usual routine. A mystery day trip is the perfect way to explore new places, get out of the city, and embrace a bit of randomness. Here’s how to plan your own spontaneous day trip from Cardiff, using nothing but a six-sided die (or a random number generator, if you’re feeling digital).

Step 1: Pack Your Bag & Set Your Rules

Before heading out, make sure you’ve got the essentials:
A backpack – Keep it light, but bring water, snacks, a phone charger, and maybe a small notebook to document your journey.
A budget – Decide how much you’re willing to spend. A £20 challenge can make things even more exciting!
Tell a friend – If you’re going solo, let someone know your plan just in case.

Step 2: Roll the Dice for Your Destination

Start at Cardiff Central Station or the city centre, then roll the die to decide your mode of transport:

1-2: Take the first train leaving Cardiff (set a budget limit if needed!)
3-4: Hop on a random bus—close your eyes and point at the board!
5: Walk in a random direction for 20 minutes, then take the nearest transport option.
6: Free choice—go anywhere you’ve never been before!

💡 Tip: If you don’t have a die, use a random number generator (just Google “roll a die”).

Step 3: Let the Dice Shape Your Journey

Once you reach your first stop, let the dice guide your next moves! Here are some decisions to roll for:

1: Walk left
2: Walk right
3: Follow a local for 5 minutes (discreetly, not creepily!)
4: Find the nearest café or pub and go in
5: Ask a stranger where the best spot nearby is
6: Free choice—do something out of your comfort zone!

The key is to say yes to the randomness. Whether you end up in a tiny Welsh village, by the seaside in Barry, or at a castle you’ve never heard of, the adventure is in the unknown!

Step 4: Capture the Experience

Take pictures of your stops and share your adventure with mates or on social media.
Write down something interesting from each stop—maybe a fun fact, a conversation, or something unexpected.
Mark your final destination on a map so you can track all your mystery trips over time.

Step 5: Reflect on the Adventure

Not every mystery trip will be perfect, but that’s part of the fun. Maybe you’ll find your new favourite spot, or maybe you’ll end up somewhere completely random and learn something new. Either way, you’ll have a story to tell—which is better than another day spent binge-watching Netflix in your student flat.

Bonus: Make It a Group Challenge!

Get your flatmates or society friends involved and make it a group adventure! Everyone rolls the dice at different points, making for an unpredictable and hilarious day out.

Next time you’re feeling stuck in a routine, let the dice take control and see where you end up. Who knows? You might just discover the best hidden spot in Wales by accident.