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City Breaks in Cardiff
Autumn in Cardiff
Cardiff offers an unforgettable autumn experience for everyone.
Why is autumn in Cardiff so special? As the days grow shorter and the crisp October air rolls in, Cardiff transforms into a city brimming with colour and activity. The changing leaves in parks, the riverside views, and the abundance of autumn-themed events make it the perfect time to explore Wales' capital. From family-friendly activities to cultural highlights, there's a rich variety of experiences waiting for every visitor during this magical time of year.
Autumn Cardiff
Stay right in the heart of all the autumn action at Future Inn Cardiff. Our hotel, ideal for solo travellers, couples, and groups, offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, complimentary WiFi, and tea and coffee facilities. Kids stay free and under-fives eat free, making it ideal for families. With free on-site parking and electric car charging, and our on-site Thomas Restaurant & Bar serving hearty breakfasts, Future Inn Cardiff is the perfect base for a relaxing autumn escape.
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Food Festivals
One of the highlights of autumn in Cardiff is the Food and Drink Festival at St Fagans. Celebrating the very best of Welsh cuisine, you can enjoy local produce, artisanal treats, and seasonal delicacies. It's a perfect opportunity to indulge in autumn flavours while soaking up the lively festival atmosphere. There's free entry to the museum and festival all day (£7 all day parking).
Autumnal Food and Drink
Autumn in Cardiff wouldn't be complete without seasonal food and drink. Think pumpkin spice lattes, warming autumn-themed cakes, and dishes featuring local produce such as squash, apples, and game meats. At Thomas Restaurant, you can enjoy Welsh classics like rarebit, hearty lamb cawl, and traditional crumbles - perfect for cosying up after a brisk autumn walk.
Local Markets
Cardiff's markets are alive with autumn charm. The Riverside Markets, Cardiff Indoor Market, and the Insole Court Farmers Market are all perfect for discovering local goodies, fresh autumn produce, and artisan crafts. Take home a few Welsh treats or handmade keepsakes as a reminder of your visit.
Cardiff is also known as the City of Arcades. It has the biggest concentration of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern-day indoor shopping arcades in Britain. These corridors wind through the centre of the Welsh capital, crammed with boutique shops, independent bookstores, and hidden tea rooms.
Halloween
October brings spooky fun to Cardiff. Families can enjoy haunted tours of Cardiff Castle, visit nearby pumpkin patches, and participate in a variety of Halloween-themed activities throughout the city. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the season, whether you're seeking thrills for all ages or family-friendly fun. Discover spooky events in Cardiff this Halloween.
Halloween Family Disco
Friday 31 October 2025 | 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm
With fang-tastic tunes, ghoulish games, and a delicious buffet, it's the perfect way for little monsters to celebrate in style.
£20 per adult | £12 per child
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Haunted Places to Visit in Cardiff
For those fascinated by ghost stories, Cardiff has its share of haunted spots. Explore the eerie history and chilling tales that make the city's darker side an intriguing autumn adventure. Discover the haunted places in Cardiff from the National Museum of Wales to Llandaff Cathedral.
For an extra thrill, join one of Cardiff's ghost tours and hear spine-tingling stories from expert guides. Wander through shadowy streets, historic buildings, and hidden corners as the city's haunted past comes to life - perfect for adding a touch of mystery to your autumn visit. Just a short walk from Future Inn Cardiff, you can step aboard the Cardiff Cruises for a chilling Ghost Ship Tour, exploring the city's haunted waters and eerie tales.
Autumn Internationals in Cardiff
Sports fans can enjoy the Autumn Nations Series at the Principality Stadium this season. It's a thrilling time to experience Welsh rugby live, with an atmosphere in the stadium that is unmatched.
If you're planning to visit Cardiff for the rugby, our Rugby Fans' Guide to Cardiff offers a comprehensive overview of matchday experiences. From the electric atmosphere in the city centre, with pop-up stores offering team merchandise and a carnival-like vibe as fans make their way to the Principality Stadium. With practical tips on getting to the stadium, and where to eat and drink, ensure you make the most of your rugby experience in Cardiff.
Rugby and Football Season
Autumn is the perfect time to catch Cardiff Blues or Cardiff City Football Club fixtures. With matches taking place across the city, fans can immerse themselves in the local sporting passion and enjoy a lively autumn day out. Future Inn Cardiff welcomes both home and away supporters, offering a comfortable base with spacious bedrooms, free WiFi, and on-site dining. After the game, relax with a hearty meal or unwind in the cosy hotel bar.
Live Music and Theatre
Cardiff's cultural scene shines in autumn. Enjoy live music at the Cardiff City Music Festival or Sŵn Festival, and theatre performances at St David's Hall, Chapter Arts Centre, WNO, or the Wales Millennium Centre.
20% Off Bed & Breakfast
Ticket holders for the Welsh National Opera or the Wales Millennium Centre get 20% off bed and breakfast breaks at Future Inn Cardiff. The promotional code is available from the ticket office and can be used to book online or over the phone.
With the Wales Millennium Centre located just moments away, our Cardiff Bay hotel is the perfect choice for a theatre break. It is approximately a 10-minute walk to The Centre, with the quickest route cutting through the Red Dragon Centre.
Autumn Walks Cardiff
Nature lovers can embrace the season with scenic autumn walks throughout Cardiff, where the city's green spaces and waterfronts come alive with colour.
For more ideas, discover the best secret gardens in Cardiff.
Cardiff Walking Tour
Autumn in Cardiff offers a unique opportunity to explore the city through Fogo's Free Walking Tours. These guided walks delve into Cardiff's rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural beauty, all set against the backdrop of the season's changing colours. The tour meets every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am, at the John Batchelor Statue on The Hayes in the city centre.
Cycling in Cardiff This Autumn
Autumn is a fantastic time to explore Cardiff by bike, with cooler temperatures, colourful leaves, and less crowded streets making every ride enjoyable. Some of the best cycling routes start from Future Inns and take you along the scenic Taff Trail, following the River Taff past Bute Park and Cardiff Castle. You can also cycle in Cardiff Bay, enjoying views of the Wales Millennium Centre and the historic Norwegian Church.
Future Inn Cardiff is a cycle-friendly hotel and facilities include:
Family Hotel in Cardiff
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone.
Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, tea and coffee-making facilities, and filtered water to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.
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Future Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program.
Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point.
You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant.
Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Family Friendly Restaurant in Cardiff
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
Kids Eat Free at Future Inns
Throughout the year, kids eat free in Thomas Restaurant with any meal purchased by an adult. The children’s menu has something for foodie kids or those who may be a bit fussier, and they always ensure that there is one of the ‘five a day’ on the plate. It also includes bottomless squash and an ice-cream.
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