Cardiff is both the capital of Wales and its largest city, and visitors to this splendid location on the banks of River Taff will surely tell you that it is one of the most beautiful cities the UK has to offer. Like many Welsh cities, its history is right out there on the surface, with Cardiff Castle standing proud in the centre of town, rubbing shoulders with shopping streets and Principality Stadium. The latter, an iconic rugby stadium, is regularly thronged by fans watching the national team. For couples looking to take a romantic break, Cardiff is hard to beat—the natural beauty of its locale is hard-matched, and there are innumerable bars, cafes, and boutiques along with the best hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to spend time in. Read on to find our list of the best romantic things to do in Cardiff, Wales.
1. Go for a stroll at Alexandra Gardens
If you’re searching for date ideas in Cardiff, spending quality time with your lover at this exquisite park might just be it. Located at Cardiff’s Civic Centre, on King Edward VII Avenue, Alexandra Gardens have witnessed countless stories since their establishment in 1903.
Take a stroll around the Welsh National War Memorial and dive into the rich history of Wales. Sit amongst the flower beds and trees as you soak in the quiet beauty of nature or have a mini picnic as you appreciate the geometric style of the beautifully designed garden on 2.51 hectares (6.20 acres) of land.
Alexandra Gardens
Address: King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3WT
Website: Alexandra Gardens
2. Take a cruise at Cardiff
Cruising on Princess Katharine, a water taxi, is another fun couple’s activity in Cardiff you can opt for. The ship runs on River Taff, between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff City Centre and takes about an hour for a round trip. Enjoy the scenic views of popular Cardiff Bay attractions as you row along the popular waters of Cardiff Bay. Aboard the cruise ship, you can catch wildlife such as Black Swans, Heron, Kingfishers and Minks in their natural habitat.
You can opt to get off at the city centre and spend a day exploring the cafes, restaurants, and landmarks before catching the ride back, or you can take the round trip as you listen to the staff commentary about Cardiff’s history.
Cardiff Water Taxi Cruise
Address: Lower Boardwalk Inner Harbour, Cardiff Bay CF10 4PZ
Website: Cardiff Water Taxi Cruise
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily from Cardiff Bay); 10:30am - 4:30pm (daily from Bute Park
3. Be enchanted by art at National Museum Cardiff
One of the must-visit, when you spend time in this romantic Welsh city, is National Museum Cardiff. If you want to go on a budget-friendly date, you’ll be glad to know that admission is free at this art gallery. Presently, the museum displays fine and applied art, botany, and zoology, among others. The Evolution of Wales is another one of the gallery’s features, depicting the origins of the country up to the present.
Get to know more about your romantic destination and explore the wonders of the National Cardiff Museum. To end your day, book a stay in a hotel with spa in Cardiff–pamper yourself and get a good night’s rest.
National Museum Cardiff
Address: Cardiff CF10 3NP, United Kingdom
Website: National Museum Cardiff
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4. Marvel at the majestic Castell Coch
Cardiff is no stranger to historic attractions. Adding to your list of old structures to visit is Castell Coch in the village of Tongwynlais. The 19th-century castle features a Gothic Revival style and was first built sometime after 1081 to defend Cardiff. The castle’s exterior and High Victorian interior design cemented itself as one of the greatest triumphs in architecture, as described by historian David McLees. On the premises, there are also rare plant species and geological features that made the property a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Castell Coch
Address: Cardiff CF15 7JS, United Kingdom
Website: Castell Coch
5. Spend a day of reflection at Llandaff Cathedral
Cardiff is a peaceful city wherein you won’t have to search hard just to spend some quiet time. If you wish to take your loved one on a more reflective romantic outing, pay a visit to Llandaff Cathedral. This Anglican parish church and cathedral is dedicated to Dubricius, Teilo, and Oudoceus, who are Welsh saints, as well as Saint Paul and Saint Peter. The site has undergone several restorations due to destruction after wars and natural disasters. Introduce a piece of history into your date and spend some time at the cathedral.
Llandaff Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Cl, Cardiff CF5 2LA, United Kingdom
Website: Llandaff Cathedral
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 2pm - 4pm; Sat: 1pm - 4pm
6. Chill out at Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday, December 3, 2019
There’s hardly any argument against dinner being the classic date night activity. When you find yourselves in Cardiff, make your dinner date extra romantic and unique by treating your loved one to a sumptuous meal at Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant. Intricately built in an old chapel, this Swiss-Welsh restaurant serves the finest aged and charcoal-grilled Sirloin steak in the city. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, your upcoming visit to Cardiff is your chance to do so!
Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant
Address: Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2WF, United Kingdom
Website: Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant
Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
7. Walk among the flora at Cefn Onn Park
Wishing to spend your date in a low-key setting? Why not experience Cardiff in its natural state: serene, picturesque, and all that is good in the world? Book a cabin in Cardiff and take your partner for a chilled day at Cefn Onn Park in Lisvane. This historic park is home to exotic and native trees. There are several trails with colorful flowers, with some leading to peaceful ponds and streams. Strolling along a park may seem unromantic or too common to some, but being surrounded by nature with your loved one beside you must be one of the best feelings in the world!
Cefn Onn Park
Address: Lisvane, Cardiff CF14 0EP, United Kingdom
Website: Cefn Onn Park
Opening hours: 7am - 5:30pm (daily)
8. Row, row, row your boat on Roath Park Lake
Roath Park Lake is situated in Roath Park in Cardiff, and one of the best things to do in Cardiff for couples is to explore the lake aboard a boat. The park itself dates back to the late 19th century and remains incredibly popular among visitors to this day. The lake is man-made and measures around 30 acres (12 hectares) in size, with the famous Scott Memorial Lighthouse on one side. This place is a great choice for a romantic afternoon of rowing, where a couple can admire the view and explore the lake and all of its wonders at their leisure.
Roath Park Lake
Address: Roath Park, Lake Rd W, Cardiff CF23 5PA
Website: Roath Park Lake
Opening hours: 8am - 3:45pm (daily)
Price: 1.50 - 22 USD
9. Catch a charming rom-com at Chapter Arts Centre
Chapter Arts Centre is located in Cardiff, and since opening in the early 1970s, it has become a cultural highlight of the city, offering everything from movies to live performances in an open-plan building that is welcoming to all. While there’s much to see and do at the venue throughout the year, a great romantic idea is to catch a quirky movie at one of the two theatres here. These small but perfectly formed spaces make for a wonderful day out that is very different, in the best possible way, to a standard modern multiplex experience.
Chapter Arts Centre
Address: Market Rd, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE
Website: Chapter Arts Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 12am; Sun: 8:30am - 10:30pm
10. Get a taste for chemistry at Science Cream
Ice cream is a sweet treat that few people can resist, and this crowd favourite can be made even more appetising when shared with someone you love—which is why a visit to Science Cream in Cardiff is definitely worth considering. The USP of Science Cream is that its ice creams are made of liquid nitrogen, which results in a smooth, creamy consistency that makes flavours such as brown butter caramel, triple shot chocolate, and chocolate and coconut ice absolutely irresistible.
Science Cream
Address: 28 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BW
Website: Science Cream
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 12:30pm - 6pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
11. Step back in time at St Fagans National Museum of History
St Fagans National Museum of History is an open-air museum that provides the opportunity to take a walk back in time and explore the world of days gone by—a fun thing to do in Cardiff for couples interested in history and heritage. The museum includes a range of buildings to visit and learn more about, including a stunning medieval church. When you’re ready for a break and looking for something to eat, there are numerous options for food and drinks nearby, including the charming Gwalia Tea Room.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Address: Cardiff CF5 6XB
Website: St Fagans National Museum of History
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
12. Look for little wonders at Jacob's Antique Centre
An unusual—but undeniably romantic—way to spend time with a loved one in Cardiff is to go hunting for hidden treasures together, and there’s no better venue for this purpose than Jacob’s Antique Centre. You will have the opportunity to browse the various antique stalls spread across the three storeys of the centre, perusing the individual items and sharing your finds with your partner—indeed a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in the Welsh capital.
Jacob's Antique Centre
Address: W Canal Wharf, Cardiff CF10 5DB
Website: Jacob’s Antique Centre
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun - Wed)
13. Catch a stunning show at Wales Millennium Centre
Wales Millennium Centre is set on over 4.7 acres (1.9 hectares) of land and is located in the Cardiff Bay area. The centre is home to a wide range of performing arts events, with the available options ranging from cabaret to musical theatre to comedy right through to opera. As a result, you can be confident that you and your partner will be able to find an entertainment option that suits your preferences.
Wales Millennium Centre
Address: Bute Pl, Cardiff CF10 5AL
Website: Wales Millennium Centre
14. Buy a romantic gift at Castle Quarter Arcades
If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience in Wales, in order to pick up a gift for that special someone, then Castle Quarter Arcades will always exceed your expectations. The arcade, which occupies two storeys and dates back to the 19th century, is home to a wide range of stores that sell organic produce, jewellery, fashion, and much more. Besides shopping to your heart’s content, you’ll also be able to admire the stunning architecture that has helped Castle Quarter Arcades stand the test of time.
Castle Quarter Arcades
Address: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BU
Website: Castle Quarter Arcades
Opening hours: Mon - Wed & Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Thu: 8:30am - 6:30pm; Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
15. Enjoy afternoon tea at Pettigrew Tea Rooms
Pettigrew Tea Rooms is situated in the centre of Cardiff and offers a wonderful romantic venue that should be high on the must-visit list of any couple spending time in the city. The drinks menu is outstanding in its variety and includes beverages beyond the expected loose-leaf tea, such as coffee and hot chocolate. The food prepared here is locally sourced and always hand-baked, which ensures the highest quality and results in a taste like no other. What’s more, the menu is completely inclusive, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Pettigrew Tea Rooms
Address: Castle West Lodge, Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BJ
Website: Pettigrew Tea Rooms
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
16. Spend a romantic night at The Exchange Hotel (from USD 82)
For a romantic overnight stay that provides the chance to get away from it all and relax with your favourite person in the world, consider The Exchange Hotel in Cardiff. This romantic hotel in Cardiff features opulent interior decor and luxury at every turn, with stunning rooms and suites available, each with its own unique charm and sense of style. In addition, to really boost your stay to the highest level, you may want to visit the much-lauded Culley’s Bar & Restaurant, which is located within the hotel itself.
The Exchange Hotel
Address: Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5EB
2.1 km (1.3 mi) from Cardiff Castle
17. Enjoy the beautiful rooftop garden at Cardiff Castle (from USD 19.0)
There are many places across the globe that bill themselves as “hidden gems,” but the rooftop garden at Cardiff Castle truly does have a claim to this descriptor. While the castle itself is frequently visited, the rooftop garden is not as popular, which is a shame, considering its beauty. A visit to this romantic place in Cardiff provides the opportunity to admire stunning painted tiles in a variety of vibrant colours, as well as a range of water fountains—an absolute delight of an experience that can make for the perfect romantic day out.
Cardiff Castle Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Cardiff is a brilliant idea for loved-up couples
Taking a trip to Cardiff is a decision that you certainly won’t regret. This is a city that is comfortable with modernity and history all at once and sets the two side by side with impressive results. This allows the capital to come to life in a way that few main cities can really manage, feeling at once cosy and local while also offering countless possibilities. On a romantic trip, you won’t be short of cute date ideas to explore in Cardiff, and the above are just a few examples of what makes it such a fine place to visit. As for accommodations, you’ll have plenty of options that range from nearby glamping spots to party houses.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
Frequently asked questions about romantic things to do in Cardiff, Wales
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