Cardiff Bay Parking: Where to Leave the Car
Cardiff Bay parking made simple: the new Mermaid Quay multi-storey, the Red Dragon Centre's free-parking trick, the overflow options, and what to do on event days.
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South Wales
Where most Welsh days out begin. Cardiff packs a castle, Victorian arcades and a rebuilt Bay into a very walkable capital; Swansea answers with its market, Mumbles and the Gower peninsula — Rhossili, Llangennith and some of Britain's best beaches; Newport and the Vale of Glamorgan fill in the gaps with Roman remains, transporter-bridge oddness and a surprisingly wild heritage coast.
Getting there: this is the easy one — the M4 corridor and the south Wales mainline connect the three cities, and most days out here work fine without a car. Parking, where you do need it, is its own art form: we keep dedicated guides for it.
Guides in South Wales
A Rainy Day in Cardiff That Doesn't Feel Like a Backup Plan
A rainy day in Cardiff, sorted — free museums, Victorian arcades, castle interiors and market food that make the weather beside the point, not a write-off.
Where to park in Cardiff city centre without the usual stress
From easy multi-storeys to lesser-known car parks, these Cardiff city centre parking spots make visiting the capital simpler and calmer.
The Cardiff Bay Barrage Walk
A flat, breezy walk across Cardiff Bay Barrage with sea views, coffee stops, and sunset calm, ideal for locals and visitors who want an easy reset.
Elevens, Cardiff: Gareth Bale's sports bar
Opposite Cardiff Castle, Elevens is a modern sports bar with big screens, Gareth Bale memorabilia, and easy food for match days and city lunches.
Cardiff Castle: History at the Heart of the City
From Roman roots to Victorian fantasy, Cardiff Castle anchors the city centre as a history-rich visit for locals and first-time visitors in Cardiff.
Wales-wide reads that visit this area
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wales: How the Rules Actually Work
Dog-friendly beaches in Wales, without the guesswork — how seasonal bans work, which classic beaches welcome dogs all year, and how to check before you drive.
Why surfing in Wales feels like the best-kept secret on the coast
From wild Atlantic swells to welcoming beach towns, surfing in Wales offers a laid-back alternative to crowded surf scenes elsewhere.
The Best Hikes in Wales for Every Kind of Explorer
From coastal paths to mountain ridges, these are the best hikes in Wales for big views, quiet moments, and unforgettable days outdoors.