If you are visiting Cardiff then chances are you've got your time out in the city all planned out. After all, Cardiff is absolutely goddamn amazing.
But just a short drive from the city are some incredible beaches, caves, priories and attractions that are well worth a visit. We have plenty of awesome things to do here in south Wales that are sure to entertain and inspire.
Here are some things to do near Cardiff, which all take around an hour (some just a little longer) to drive to. We've estimated times and the distance from the city centre, but check for traffic updates ahead of your trip.
Read more: 50 of the best family days out in south Wales
1 . Waterfall Country
The Vale of Neath boasts nine waterfalls set in a stunning vista of mountains and steep side valleys - see our main image.
Waterfall Country, as the area is known, has long been an inspiration to many artists including landscape painter Turner, who travelled here to paint Aberdulais Falls, a site now in the ownership of the National Trust.
And locals claim some of the idyllic woodland settings of some of William Shakespeare’s romantic plays were inspired by a visit the bard made to South Wales and the Vale of Neath in particular.
Where: Vale of Neath
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 40 miles
2. Tintern Abbey
One of our greatest monastic ruins, this is surely the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Tintern Abbey, is located in the scenic Wye Valley, on the banks of the River Wye and was only the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain. The Wye Valley area also has some beautiful day walks to try.
One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section.
It's a scenic, five-mile walk that takes you up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths. there's plenty of photo and picnic spots along the way and you'll also find some viewing points where you can gaze at the winding River Wye.
Where: Tintern, Gwent NP16 6SE
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 36 miles
3. Tredegar House
Situated within 90 acres of gardens and parkland, the stately red brick manor house is one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the UK.
For more than 500 years Tredegar House was home to the Morgan family, who by the end of the 18th century owned more than 40,000 acres in South East Wales.
Where: Newport, NP10 8YW
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 22 minutes / 12 miles
4. Margam Park
Wild deer, farm animals to stroke, a train around the grounds, acres of grass to run around on and a grand old stately home. It is free to enter but the parking is £4.70, minibus £8.15, coach £16.10.
Where: Off Margam Road, Groes, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ.
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 35 minutes / 30 miles
5. Ewenny Priory
One of Wales' finest fortified religious buildings, the priory was founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres, and the village of Ewenny grew up around it.
The church is open daily to visitors from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Church services, Holy days and festivals are announced on the notice sheet outside.
Where: Abbey Road, Bridgend, CF35 5BW
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 33 minutes / 21 miles
6. Dan yr Ogof caves
Dan-yr-Ogof is a 15km long cave system, one of the most extensive in Western Europe.
The caves were uncovered almost a century ago by two brothers, and feature underground lakes, rivers and two spectacular 40ft waterfalls.
There are also rock formations including stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands and, in some cases, millions of years.
There is also a dinosaur park with more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models.
Where: Abercrave
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour/45 miles
7. The Gower
The Gower became the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK in 1956 and it covers an area of 73 square miles with its 37 square miles of coastline also designated as Heritage Coast.
Rhossili’s three miles of golden sands and its iconic Worm’s Head rock formation is particularly worth a visit, but you won't regret a day at any Gower beach.
For hiking fans, the Gower Peninsula section of the Wales Coast Path has a series of easy, moderate and difficult walks to suit every ability.
Several popular walks in this area include Oxwich to Pennard Cliffs, Rhossili to Port Eynon, Langland Bay to Caswell Bay and Worm’s Head Walk.
The gorgeous scenery takes in the unspoilt coastline, limestone cliffs, beautiful headlands and golden beaches.
Where: Swansea
Distance from Cardiff: Approx.1 hour 30 minutes / 48 miles
8. Llanthony Priory
This part-ruined and secluded Augustinian priory dates back to 1100 and is a magnificent historical feature in wales. Llanthony Priory is often overlooked by the guidebooks in favour of Tintern Abbey to the south and set far up into the hills of the Black Mountains and as remote and beautiful as it gets.
Giraldus Cambrensis described it in the 12th century as being 'fixed amongst a barbarous people
Entry is free and it's open from 10am-4pm. Don't forget to check out its very own pub!
Where: Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7NN
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour 9 minutes / 51.6 miles
9. Brecon Mountain Railway
Travelling through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, the Brecon Mountain Railway chugs its way alongside the Pontsticill reservoirs until it reaches Pant, just north of Merthyr Tydfil.
The track meanders through stunning countryside, and once you have disembarked you can try the reservoirs on foot thanks to guided paths.
The main station at Pant opens at 9.30am and the last train leaves Pontsticill at 5pm or 4.15pm depending on the time of year.
Where: Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UP (use CF48 2DD for Sat Nav)
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 37 minutes / 27 miles
Visit www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk for more information.
10. Caerphilly Castle
This is the largest castle in Wales, it is famous for its ‘leaning tower’, which has leaned 3m out of the perpendicular since 1648. The network of motes and dams was considered by historian Allen Brown to be 'the most elaborate water defences in all Britain.'
The Castle is set to have a dramatic makeover which will see it become a major tourist attraction by 2023. On June 17 Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service gave details of a £5 million investment boost designed to strengthen the site as a world-class heritage site within two years.
Where: Castle Street, Caerphilly, CF83 1JD
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 20 minutes/8 miles
Read more: The plans to turn Caerphilly Castle into a big tourist attraction with a new visitor centre
11. St Mary's Priory
It is known as Wales' very own Westminster Abbey containing some of the most important medieval treasures in Britain. Among them are more than 10 alabaster chest tombs and the 15th-century wooden sculpture known as the Tree of Jesse, described by the Tate as “one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world”.
There is no charge but voluntary contributions are gratefully received.
Where: Monk Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5ND
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 40 miles
12. Big Pit
Big Pit is located inside a former working coal mine that was operational until 1980.
Take one of the world-famous tours 300ft underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Above ground, there are multi-media tours and exhibitions. Free entry.
Where: Blaenafon, Torfaen NP4 9XP
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 46 minutes / 30 miles
13. Pen y Fan
Iconic Pen-y-Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales with a steep climb to the summit, to which you can either add the longer "horseshoe" walk or head straight back down.
The Pen y Fan and Corn Du trail offers spectacular, unrivalled views of the beautiful Welsh countryside in the popular Brecon Beacons National Park
The weather on Pen y Fan often bears no resemblance to that at a lower altitude, so be always be prepared for conditions to change rapidly.
Where: Brecon Beacons National Park
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 51 minutes / 33 miles
Read more: Pictures taken just three hours apart at Pen y Fan show why it’s so important to be prepared at Wales’ beauty spots
14. Dylan Thomas' birthplace
You'll be stepping back in time when you visit the birthplace and childhood one of Wales' literary giants, Dylan Thomas.
The house looks just like it used to back in 1914 when Dylan's family first bought it. It's open for tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm but give them a ring beforehand if you're after a guided tour or book one online.
Where: 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea, SA2 0RA
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour / 45 miles
15. Newport Wetlands
You'll spot all sorts of birds, bugs and wildlife at this nature reserve.
It's a great day out of exploring and learning about nature.
Where: RSPB Newport Wetlands, West Nash Road, Nash, Newport, NP18 2BZ
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 35 minutes / 19 miles
16. Barry Island
This traditional seaside resort has a lot to offer visitors including amusements, independent cafes, fish and chip shops and coastal walks.
If you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan, then you can take a walk around the Island and try and spot where your favourite scenes were filmed, including Marcos Cafe, where Stacey worked in the later series.
Near the island, you'll find the Wales Coast Path, the Knapp and Jackson's Bay which is a popular spot for paddleboarding and open water swimming.
Where: Vale of Glamorgan
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 26 minutes / 11 miles
Read more: Beautiful short walks in the Vale of Glamorgan that are perfect for a mini adventure
17. Monk Nash Beach
Secluded Monk Nash beach on the Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan is only accessible by foot and is just down the road from the lovely Heritage Coast Campsite.
Make sure to take an evening stroll down to Monk Nash beach, just up from the campsite, to snap some glorious sunset photos on the striking bedrock beach.
Where: Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7QQ
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 25 miles
18. Newport Transporter Bridge
Originally built to take workers across the river to the steelworks on the east of Newport, the Transporter Bridge has become a symbol of the city.
Best to avoid if you're scared of heights, but the walk across the high level is exhilarating.
Opened in 1906, the imposing structure carries passengers across the River Usk on an electrically powered gondola that travels between two towers measuring 242ft each.
Where: 64 Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 2UA
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 25 minutes / 14 miles
19. Caerphilly mountain
The Caerphilly Mountain walk is an easy hike for those who fancy stretching their legs for an hour or so. There are numerous mapped walks and trails where you can walk with family and friends or take the dog out for a big walk.
One of the best features of the walk is the massive bacon baps at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, handily located in the free Caerphilly Mountain car park. Set yourself up for your mountain walk with a lush bacon roll with lashings of sauce and a hot cup of coffee. Perfection!
Where: Mountain Road, Caerphilly CF83 1HJ
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 25 minutes / 8.5 miles
20. Dyffryn Gardens
The Grade II listed house and its Grade I listed garden were created by Welsh coal baron John Cory and his family after he bought the site in the late 19th century.
With the help of Thomas Mawson, regarded by many as the leading architect of the Edwardian era, the Cory family developed a spectacular garden stretching over 55 acres, including formal lawns, an arboretum and a collection of themed “garden rooms”, such as a Mediterranean garden and rose garden.
The entire estate passed into the hands of the Vale of Glamorgan council in 1996 and has undergone extensive restoration, with the help of over £6m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Where: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 20 minutes / 11 miles
21. Craig Y Nos Country Park and Castle
You can enjoy the historic grounds of Craig Y Nos Castle, which the River Tawe meanders through, boasting lush meadows, woodland plantations, a fishpond, lakes and woodland walks.
And with its elegant fluted columns and stonework bearing the names of Verdi, Rossini and Mozart, Craig Y Nos Castle is a slice of continental Europe hidden away in the Welsh mountains.
You can stay in the 40-bedroomed Craig-y-Nos Castle once belonged to one of the world’s greatest opera stars Adelina Patti.
The opera house at the heart of the massive neo-Gothic complex in Pen-y-Cae, in the Swansea Valley, remains a resplendent testimony to the 19th-century singer's vision.
Patti, who performed with many of the 19th century’s leading stars, lived at the castle before building her now grade I listed opera house.
Where: Brecon Beacons National Park
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 1 hour 6 minutes / 45 miles
22. Llandegfedd Reservoir
Beautiful Llandegfedd Lake (on the border of Monmouth and Torfaen), is now offering safe, open water swimming sessions, with lifeguard trained staff in attendance.
There are four public sessions per week in a designated area, for organised, controlled and safe open water swimming, following accreditation from Swim Wales SAFE Cymru Accreditation Scheme.
If swimming doesn't take your fancy, the watersports centre also offer a range of activity sessions including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, raft building and sailing. You'll also find a modern café and visitor centre on-site.
Where: Llandegfedd Reservoir, Coed y Paen, Pontypool
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 35 minutes / 23 miles
Read more: Llandegfedd Lake now offers open water swimming and we went along to try it out
23. Blaenavon Ironworks
As the heart of the World Heritage Site, Blaenavon Ironworks is internationally recognised as representing South Wales’ pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
Blaenavon’s reach was global. Its iron was used to manufacture rails that carried trains across countries such as India, Russia and Brazil. It was also a hotbed of innovation and technological change.
Where: North Street, Blaenavon, NP4 9RN
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 30 miles
24. Raglan Castle
Raglan was begun in the 1430s, and built through the 15th and early 17th centuries by the ruling families of the Herberts and Somersets. The fortified castle has a large hexagonal keep, known as the Great Tower.
For history fans, the ruined castle has a fascinating, bloody history behind it. During the English Civil War in 1642, tension rose between local Protestant people and the Roman Catholic Marquess who owned the castle, who was called Lord Herbert.
Expecting the castle to be burnt down, Lord Herbert ordered eight hundred soldiers to guard the castle and for the trees and buildings around the site to be destroyed to stop them from being used by other forces. The first army arrived in early June and attacks didn't stop until August 19.
Men began to dig trenches towards the castle and used these to move mortars forward, which launched explosive shells to the castle. After surrendering, Lord Herbert was taken to Windsor Castle to be killed and buried there
Where: Castle Road, Raglan, NP15 2BT
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 33 miles 40 minutes
Read more: Six bloody stories behind Welsh castles that make Game of Thrones look tame
25. Lido Ponty
With three pools; a main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, Lido Ponty offers great swimming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
For just £2.50, visitors can also enjoy everything from fun inflatables to Aqua Scooterz, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker.
Lido Ponty originally opened in 1927 but underwent a major revamp in 2015. It opened just four years after the unveiling of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in 1923 and very quickly became a jewel of the town.
But it was forced to close in 1991 as major restoration work needed to be carried out at the site.
More than 10 years later, Lido Ponty made a big comeback and, in 2015, the National Lido of Wales was reopened by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
Where: Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, CF37 4PE
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 45 minutes / 17.5 miles
26. The Royal Mint Experience
The £9m interactive visitor centre showcases the fascinating history and manufacture of the coins we use every day.
The Royal Mint Experience, based at The Royal Mint gives visitors unprecedented access to the inner workings of the organisation.
Where: Heol-Y-Sarn, Llantrisant, CF72 8YT
Distance from Cardiff: Approx. 30 minutes/ 14.3 miles
27. Caerwent Roman Town
When you think about Romans in Wales, most people's minds will head straight to Caerleon. It's only natural - the historic area has its own baths, amphitheatre and barracks.
But it's not the only example of well-preserved Roman remains, The walled town is steeped in history - even the wall dates back to the fourth century.
It was once the tribal capital of the iron-age tribe Silures, and became known as Venta Silurum when the Romans moved in.
You'll find a number of excavated houses, a forum-basilica and a even Romano-British temple.
Where: Caerwent, NP26 5AU
Distance from Cardiff: 35 minutes/26 miles
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