Things To Do In Cardiff For Couples
Cardiff is Wales' capital city and offers top class entertainment, high profile sporting events, unique attractions, quality shopping and a diverse history. It is the perfect holiday or staycation destination, with so many fun things to do in Cardiff for couples.
The Roman’s arrived in 54AD and the area has been inhabited ever since. The first fort was built at Cardiff Castle, alongside the River Taff and within Bute Park. The huge structure is in the middle of Cardiff city centre. You can explore the grounds, view the opulent apartments, visit the clocktower and even climb to the top of the 12th century Norman fort which has spectacular views of the city.
By 850 the Vikings had arrived and attacked the Welsh coast. They used Cardiff as a base and later a port. Many of the street names used today come from the Vikings including Womanby Street one of the oldest streets in Cardiff. It has always been host to alehouses, beer and entertainment. Today you can find alternative music venues such as Clwb Ifor Bach, known as The Welsh Club, and other food and drink establishments.
Cardiff came alive in the late 18th Century when the second Marquess of Bute built up the dock area and railway lines from the south Wales valleys, to export coal to the rest of the world. The town grew rapidly from the 1830’s, at a rate of 80% per decade. The area is now known as Cardiff Bay, where Future Inns can be found. The East Bute Dock can be seen from the hotel, and it is a short stroll over to the waterfront which has funky bars, shopping, boat trips and visitor attractions.
At Future Inn Cardiff, we try to keep the spirit of romance alive all year round with our Romantic Break Package. From £79.50 per person, it includes everything you could need to feel amorous:
The package is available Sunday – Friday and bookings can be made with the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or by enquiring with reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
Location, location, location! The hotel in Cardiff Bay with free parking is the ideal location for exploring the area and Cardiff city centre. Some of our suggestions are below…
Our hotel in Cardiff Bay is the ideal location for exploring the area, attending one of the many annual events or experiencing the local entertainment. After the Second World War, most of the industry closed down and became derelict, but new life was brought to the area from a development fund in the late 1980’s. The area is now unrecognisable and features some of Cardiff’s most notable landmarks.
Norwegian sailors were a familiar sight in Cardiff during the Industrial Revolution, and many decided to settle and run businesses associated with shipping, including children’s author Roald Dahl’s father, Harald. It was built in 1868 and became known as the Little White Church. In 1992 the church was relocated, and now has fantastic views of the waterfront and is open to the public and has free entry. It houses an art gallery, café and holds events throughout the year including craft fayres and live music.
The walk across around the bay and across the sea into Penarth Marina is a great way to take in the views. However, if you did not want to walk, there are hourly taxi boats. If you choose to stay on you can see the sights on route to some of the other stops including the Principality Stadium and Brains Brewery.
The UK’s longest established science centre, Techniquest, is not just for children. It engages and teaches people of all ages. It has a planetarium where you can sit amongst the stars, and hear stories and myths about the constellations. You can also launch your own rocket or make a smoothie by riding a bike. The fun and possibilities are endless. A 10-minute walk from Future Inn Cardiff, Techniquest is open Tuesday – Sunday and prices start from £7.20 for adults. Throughout the year they even do adult-only evening events, called After Hours where street food and alcohol is served too. Check out the showreel.
The Senedd – The Welsh Assembly
The main public building for the National Assembly of Wales. It is open to the public and is free to visit. You can visit the public galleries or enjoy a coffee on the upper level. Throughout the year you can see performers, singers, exhibitions and all sorts of activities. The building is impressive; made from sustainable Welsh materials such as slate and oak, and it is heated by an earth exchange system from the bottom of the old dock.
The eye-catching red building is a historic Grade One listed building and has stood proud in Cardiff Bay since 1897. It was built as a replacement headquarters for the Bute Dock Company. The clock on the building is known as Baby Big Ben and now serves as a Welsh history museum. It contains a number of films and exhibits exploring Welsh history. There are some real artefacts housed here too, the ships compass from the ship Terra Nova and a letter from a Welsh Prince, Owain Glyndwr from 1406. There are no admission charges.
Fans of Torchwood and Dr Who can step through the crack in time and explore some of the set locations, just a short walk from the Future Inn Cardiff hotel. Many scenes have been filmed in Roald Dahl Plass, the heart of Cardiff Bay, named after the Cardiff-born children's author. It is home to the secret location of The Hub, Torchwood's headquarters. Located on the Cardiff Space-Time Rift, the TARDIS can also use this spot to re-fuel on rift energy. Ianto Jones' shrine is also still going strong if you want to pay your respects to Torchwood's much-missed 'tea boy'. In the city centre and other areas nearby, you can see other set locations.
The Centre is Wales’ home for the performing arts. It is one of the UK’s top cultural attractions and the Welsh landmark stages musicals, plays, opera, ballet, circus and contemporary dance throughout the year. It also often hosts free performances in the large foyer. Backstage tours are also available, where you can learn about the building’s architecture, inscriptions and inner workings – see the dressing rooms, technical areas and rehearsal rooms.
If you do book a ticket to see an event, Future Inn Cardiff is a proud sponsor and hotel partner of the Wales Millennium Centre and can offer exclusive accommodation packages. Our Cardiff hotel is the perfect choice for a theatre break, especially as our hotel in Cardiff Bay has free parking.
Cardiff Bay has a lot going on, it is even in the top 10 in the UK for people to visit. Throughout the year, there are many big events for couples to attend in Cardiff Bay.
Cardiff Triathlon - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019
2019 is expected to be the races biggest ever year. You can swim in the world-famous bay, followed by a fast cycle route along the closed roads of Cardiff city centre finishing with a run along the Cardiff Bay barrage.
Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival – July 2019
Even though the date is to be confirmed, it is the food event of the summer. From farmhouse cheese, handmade chocolate, specialist liqueurs and much, much more to tempt the taste buds. With over 100 specialist food and drink producers and live entertainment, it is the perfect way to sit back and relax.
Cardiff Half Marathon – 6th October 2019
The route takes runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks and historic buildings. It is a predominately flat and fast course making it ideal for all abilities. Runners head into Cardiff Bay from Penarth Marina over the barrage, and right through the heart of the bay and Roald Dahl Plass.
It is always cheaper to book your hotel stay direct! Booking a hotel room used to be a strenuous task, however with the use of modern technology these can be booked from your phone, laptop or tablet with a few clicks. Online booking agents have made the information easily accessible and allow you to find new hotels. They may save you time and effort, but you could end up paying more.
So, for your next hotel stay in Cardiff, book direct for the best rate guaranteed. Or you can call the team on 02920 487111 or enquire with reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
You can see our further recommendations for sightseeing in Cardiff here.
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