The Ultimate Guide to a Staycation in Cardiff

Mar252021
The Ultimate Guide to a Staycation in Cardiff

Future Inn Cardiff is staycation approved. The staycation is the new vacation. In our ultimate staycation guide, we've put all the information you need in one place for you. Where to go and what to do during your staycation in Cardiff.

When did staycation become a word? In our Cardiff hotel, we have been using the term for some time. It has become more popular in the last year or so. It is believed that the term dates back as far as 1944.

In our ultimate guide, we share all you need to know on how to staycation during COVID. Whether you are looking for a staycation for two, a staycation for couples, a staycation for one, a staycation for kids, and even a staycation without a car.

Why take a staycation?

Take a break from work and life pressures. A staycation will provide you with quality time with your friends and family, plus giving you the chance to explore with a staycation in Wales. With foreign travel currently limited and the need for social distance, it's time to embrace the staycation once again as lockdowns start to lift.

Ultimate Guide to a Staycation in Cardiff

Cardiff is a fantastic city. After a year of lockdown, are you getting bored of the same four walls? Then we think it's time to treat yourself to a safe Cardiff staycation!

 

 

Staycation and daycation

If your funds are limited and you are deciding between day trips or a staycation, our guide to visiting Cardiff on a budget may help make that decision. There is plenty to keep you occupied when travelling on a budget.

Visit Cardiff on a budget

Fashion fix 

Cardiff is the ideal destination for a shopping trip with large shopping centres, high street favourites, individual stores, and a thriving indoor market. Cardiff's retail scene's real highlight is the Victorian and Edwardian arcades, full of independent boutiques and cafes, and worth a visit as architectural gems.

Shopping in Cardiff

Full swing

Whether you are a fair-weather player or happy to play in all conditions, there are 18 golf courses immediately in and around our Cardiff Bay hotel. Visitors to the area are spoilt for choice for golf in the Cardiff area.

Golf in Cardiff

Staycation and dinner

What is Welsh food? There is so much more to our local produce than lamb, leeks, and rarebit. Of course, these are on the menu alongside the familiar sweet treats of bara brith and Welsh cakes. Still, other incredible ingredients are filling the dishes on the Taste of Wales menu at Thomas Restaurant.

Discover a local culinary gem

Stay on a budget

Even though Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, there is plenty to keep you occupied when travelling on a budget. Take advantage of our insider knowledge and check out our favourite free things to do in Cardiff.

Visit Cardiff on a budget

 

 

Cardiff at night

You will be surprised by how many different things you can do in Cardiff in the evening. Cardiff is known for its diverse nightlife; there are so many things to do. Even now, as lockdown lifts, there are many safe and social distancing friendly things to keep you entertained.

Enjoy Cardiff's nightlife safely

Performance, art and theatre

Wales Millennium Centre is the nation's home for the performing arts situated in Cardiff Bay. Especially world-renowned Broadway shows. In 2021 we are looking forward to seeing Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and next year performances from We Will Rock You, Six, The Lion King, and Les Misérables. As the official hotel partner, all ticket holders get 20% off overnight stays, as well as free parking, free WiFi and lots of other perks.

Wales Millennium Centre

Staycation near beach

There are so many beaches, only 30 minutes from Cardiff. All are perfect for a couple of hours sunbathing, reading or relaxing, or an evening stroll or weekend walk.

Beaches 30-minutes from Cardiff

Explore the outdoors

There are plenty of things to see and do outside when exploring the Welsh capital, Cardiff. If you are worried about big crowds or simply enjoy being outdoors, there are many things to do in Cardiff in the open-air.

Things to do outdoors in Cardiff

Parks and gardens

Cardiff's parks and gardens are beautiful. You will quickly forget that you are in the heart of a vibrant city, with its countryside vibes. These open spaces are perfect for exploring Cardiff as well as stretching your legs, riding your bike and enjoying the fresh air.

Nature spots and parks in Cardiff

Get on your bike

Cardiff is the perfect location for a staycation holiday, and bring your bike. With easy access to many local routes, including the Cardiff Bay Trail and the Taff Trail, the various paths are suitable for families and a keen cyclist. It's also a great way to get around the city. Don't have a bike, or don't want to bring your own? No problem, you can rent them easily throughout the city.

A cycling staycation in Cardiff

 

 

Staycation without a car

Cardiff is a compact city and easy to explore. Large parts of the city centre are pedestrianised, so it's easy to get around on foot. Cardiff Bus runs an extensive system throughout Cardiff and the local area, travelling to Penarth and Barry. You need the exact money if paying with cash, as drivers do not give change. You can also pay by contactless card. There are 20 railway stations in Cardiff, most of which form part of the commuter rail network, known locally as Valley Lines, with Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central being the city's main hubs. You can also cycle, boat, taxi and uber.

Getting around Cardiff

Embrace the supernatural

There are some chilling tales from Cardiff's history. There have been exorcisms, unexplained disturbances and ghostly sightings. The eerie buildings of Cardiff's ghost stories can all be visited during your staycation break.

Haunted places in Cardiff

Literature legends

Cardiff was home to one of the world's greatest storytellers, Roald Dahl. He was also a spy, an ace fighter pilot, a chocolate historian and a medical inventor. You can walk in Roald Dahl's footsteps when you visit Cardiff.

Roald Dahl's Cardiff

A walk through time

Flat Holm is a small island just 4 miles off the coast of Cardiff. From Viking raiders, a Victorian fortification to becoming the first line of defence, protecting Cardiff, Penarth, Barry and Newport during the Second World War - its history is fascinating. It is the most southerly point in Wales and is a fantastic place to visit.

Flat Holm Island

National Trust

There are plenty of National Trust properties to visit in Cardiff with landscaped gardens, beautiful scenic walks, and stately homes. The National Trust care for hundreds of historical sites, gardens and estates around Wales and the UK. They are all uniquely different and are a pleasure to visit. By the end of the 19th Century, industrialisation threatened to destroy the remaining natural landscape and the country's heritage.

National Trust in Cardiff

Explore Cardiff

Rich in ancient history, sporting excitement, romantic ambience, eclectic culture and 'out of this world' activities, Cardiff is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples and groups. Unique attractions and top-class entertainment are within walking distance.

Destination guide

Stay at Future Inn Cardiff 

If reading this has left you feeling tempted to book your trip, then look no further than Future Inn Cardiff Bay. The city centre is close by and easily accessible via public transport or by bike.

Alongside free parking and free WiFi, there is a whole host of home comforts. All bedrooms can sleep up to four, which are ideal for families. Under 12's even stay for free! Plus, you can even dine on homemade, fresh, local food in Thomas Restaurant.

Staycation in Cardiff

Staycation Wales 2022

Hopefully, our staycation UK ideas have given you some inspiration to visit Cardiff. As government guidelines change constantly, we recommend you check out the staycation rules before you get on the road.

Book your stay with confidence

Many new or improved procedures have been introduced with our safeguarding measures, and we are welcoming guests safely. You can also book with confidence, with our super flexible hotel rates.

Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or email reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.


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