Discover Cardiff – Hotels, Dining & Attractions

Yes, public transport is very easily accessible from most hotels in Cardiff including The Parkgate Hotel. Whether you’re staying in the city centre or nearby districts, Cardiff is well-connected by bus, train, and even water taxi services.

Bus Services

Cardiff Bus is the main local operator with an extensive network.

Routes serve:

• Cardiff city centre (Queen Street, St Mary Street, and Castle Street)
• Cardiff Bay
• University areas (Cathays, Roath)
• Outlying suburbs (e.g. Llandaff, Whitchurch)

The Parkgate Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from a bus stop.

You can pay by contactless, app, or pre-paid ticket.

Train Services

Cardiff Central Station is the main hub and is within easy reach of The Parkgate Hotel, just a short 10 minute walk.

Direct trains to:

• Cardiff Queen Street (for the Bay and Cathays)
• Newport, Swansea, Bridgend
• Valleys towns and attractions
• London, Bristol, and Manchester

Cardiff Queen Street Station is a second central hub, particularly useful for local lines.

Water Taxi / Aqua Bus

Operates between Cardiff City Centre (Bute Park) and Cardiff Bay (Mermaid Quay).

A scenic and fun option — especially during spring/summer.

Airport Transfers

Cardiff Airport is about 30 minutes drive away from The Parkgate Hotel.

A dedicated T9 Airport Express Bus operates between the airport and city centre.

Cardiff Castle is a 13 minute walk from Cardiff Central Train Station.

The recommended route passes right by The Parkgate Hotel, so why not pop in for a coffee or lunch on your way!

Yes, guided walking tours are readily available in Cardiff city centre, offering a great way to explore the city’s history, architecture, and cultural highlights. Here are some popular options:

Historical & Cultural Walking Tours

Cardiff Walking Tours
Offers themed tours such as:

• Cardiff Castle & Civic Centre Walk
• Historic Cardiff: From Romans to Royalty
• Dark Cardiff Ghost Tour

Fogo’s Free Tours Cardiff
A pay-what-you-like walking tour covering major sites like:

• Cardiff Castle
• Principality Stadium
• Bute Park and more

Quirky & Themed Tours

• Cardiff Dark Side Tour – A spookier, alternative look at the city’s darker past — great for history buffs and ghost story fans.
• Doctor Who Walking Tours – Explore filming locations from Doctor Who and Torchwood, which were both filmed extensively in and around Cardiff Bay and the city centre. Often offered by Brit Movie Tours

Nature & Heritage Walks

Bute Park Guided Walks  – Occasionally run by the park’s rangers or local heritage guides — explore tree trails, the park’s arboretum, and historic connections.

Tips:

• Many tours operate year-round, with more frequent schedules in spring/summer.
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and during events.

Cardiff city centre to Cardiff Bay is approximately 10 minutes by car or 18 minutes by bike.

Absolutely! Cardiff offers plenty of free things to do for families, with a great mix of outdoor spaces, museums, and cultural attractions that are both entertaining and educational. Here’s a curated list of family-friendly activities in Cardiff that are free:

Museums & Culture

National Museum Cardiff

• Entry is free
• Dinosaurs, art galleries, natural history exhibits
• Family-friendly trails and hands-on activities

St Fagans National Museum of History

• One of the UK’s top open-air museums
• Historical Welsh buildings, gardens, animals, play areas
• Free entry (parking charges apply)
• Approximately 15 minutes drive/bus from Cardiff city centre

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) – Cardiff Bay

• Free to enter and explore
• Educational exhibits and occasional family-friendly events
• Modern architecture and interactive displays

Parks & Outdoor Fun

Bute Park

• Huge riverside park behind Cardiff Castle
• Adventure playgrounds, picnic areas, woodland trails
• Great for walking, scooting, or a relaxed family afternoon

Roath Park

• Victorian park with a lake, botanical gardens, and a lighthouse
• Ducks, swans, and a large playground

Cardiff Bay Barrage

• Free to walk or cycle across
• Views of the sea, play areas, skate park, and public art installations

Events & Activities

Street Performers & Festivals – Look out for free street theatre and music during:

• Cardiff Summer Festival
• Pride Cymru Parade
• St David’s Day celebrations
• Winter Wonderland (entry is free, though rides are paid)

The Red Dragon Centre (Cardiff Bay)

• While most activities cost money, they often host free seasonal craft events and family workshops during school holidays.

Explore the City

Self-Guided Treasure Trails & Walking Tours

• Follow a printed or app-based trail around landmarks like Cardiff Castle, the Animal Wall, and the historic arcades.

Cardiff Story Museum (The Old Library)

• Tells the story of Cardiff through interactive exhibits – ideal for children.

Day Trip to Barry Island

Free to roam and just 30 mins from Cardiff by train, Barry Island offers:

• Sandy beaches
• Coastal walks
• Playgrounds
• Free splash pads in summer

Cardiff is a vibrant city offering a range of events and festivals throughout the year. Below are some highlights you may wish to check out.

May – June

• Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival (early summer) – Held in Cardiff Bay, this is one of the city’s most popular events, celebrating local and international cuisine.
• Inside Out Festival (May) – A dance music festival attracting top DJs to Bute Park.
• Tafwyl – A free, two day festival which brings together the best of Welsh language music, arts and culture in the heart of Cardiff
• Open Air Theatre and Concerts – Begin to pop up in local parks and castles.

July – August

• Pride Cymru (August) – A colourful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, live music, and entertainment in Cardiff City Centre.
• Cardiff Castle Summer Concerts – Featuring international and UK touring acts in a stunning historic setting.
• National Eisteddfod (occasionally hosted in Cardiff) – Wales’ largest cultural festival celebrating Welsh language, music, and arts.

September

• Sŵn Festival – An acclaimed multi-venue music festival showcasing emerging bands across Cardiff.
• Rugby Events – The start of the rugby season and international matches at the Principality Stadium begin around this time.

November – March

• Cardiff Christmas Market (Nov–Dec) – One of the most atmospheric times to visit the city centre.
• Rugby Six Nations (Feb–Mar) – Massive national pride and energy fill the city when Wales plays at home.

Yes! The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff does offer a range of spa and wellness packages, from day experiences to overnight retreats with treatments, thermal suite access, and optional extras like afternoon tea or prosecco.

Day Spa Packages & Thermal Experiences

Spa Day with Afternoon Tea

• 50‑minute treatment (massage or facial) + 90‑minute Thermal Suite
• Robe, towels, slippers and relaxation time
• Followed by afternoon tea in the Cwrt Lounge

Find out more

Thermal‑Suite Only Experience

• 90‑minute use of hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room, infinity spa bath, relaxation zone

Find out more

Elemis Spa Treatments

• 50-minute Elemis spa treatments available including facials, massage and body treatments.

Find out more

Overnight & Stay Packages

Midweek Rooftop Retreat Spa Day

• 50‑minute Elemis treatment, 90‑min Thermal Suite, 10% discount on Elemis products, luxury rooftop setting

Find out more

Weekend Skyline Signature Spa Package

• 50‑minute Elemis treatment, 90‑min Thermal Suite, 10% discount on Elemis products, luxury rooftop setting

Find out more

Yes, Cardiff is home to several walking trails with scenic views, combining city sights, riverside paths, parkland, and even coastal stretches — perfect for nature lovers, casual walkers, and families alike.

Here are the top scenic walking trails in and around Cardiff, South Wales:

1. Bute Park & River Taff Trail

Distance: Flexible (up to 6 miles through the city)

Start/End: Cardiff Castle / Pontcanna Fields / Llandaff

Highlights:

• Tree-lined riverside paths
• Stunning views of Cardiff Castle, Sophia Gardens, and Llandaff Cathedral
• Access to cafés, picnic spots, and cycle hire

Ideal for: Easy scenic strolls in the heart of Cardiff

Find out more

2. Cardiff Bay Barrage Walk

Distance: 1.5–2 miles (one way)

Start/End: Mermaid Quay to Penarth Marina

Highlights:

• Panoramic views of Cardiff Bay and Bristol Channel
• Kids’ play areas, public art, skate park
• Coastal air, passing yachts, and seabirds

Ideal for: Families, prams, and dog-walkers

Find out more

3. Roath Park Lake Circular Walk

Distance: Approximately 1 mile loop

Start/End: Roath Park Conservatory

Highlights:

• Boating lake, lighthouse, swans and ducks
• Ornamental gardens and Victorian glasshouse
• Peaceful and family-friendly

Ideal for: Relaxed strolls and wildlife spotting

Find out more

4. Taff Trail (Cardiff to Castell Coch section)

Distance:  Approximately 7 miles (one way)

Start/End: Cardiff Castle to Castell Coch (Tongwynlais)

Highlights:

• Riverside woodlands and wildlife
• Dramatic view of Castell Coch, the “fairy tale” red castle
• Flat, mostly traffic-free trail (walk or cycle)

Ideal for: Day walkers or adventurous families

Find out more

5. Llandaff Fields to Insole Court

Distance: Approximately 2 miles (return)

Start/End: Pontcanna or Llandaff

Highlights:

• Historic Insole Court gardens and Gothic house
• Quiet trails through wooded paths and cricket greens

Ideal for: History lovers and peaceful green space

Find out more

6. Penarth to Lavernock Coastal Path

Distance: Approximately 4 miles (return)

Start/End: Penarth Esplanade to Lavernock Point

Highlights:

• Stunning clifftop views of the Severn Estuary
• Wildflowers, sea birds, and coastal geology
• Nearby cafés and Penarth Pier

Ideal for: Sea views and coastal air, just outside Cardiff

Find out more