Darran Valley Travel Guide

Cardiff

Parc Cwm Darran lake The lake has been dredged and slightly remodelled in the last year and is now nearly rectangular (compare the OS map).
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Parc Cwm Darran Nearly deserted on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The structures on the right are a children's playground.
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Cefn Gelligaer Gelligaer and Merthyr Common extends for a few miles. This is roughly halfway. Small ponds such as these are frequent; most are not marked on the map. The area is probably usually used for grazing horses but nothing was out on this cold rainy day. The transmitter in the background is on Twyn y Fidffawydd, two squares away.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Pasture at Cefn Bach A footpath runs along the western side of the ridge, across the pastures of Cefn Bach farm. This area is full of rough pastures divided by substantial stone walls.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Gelligaer Common. The start of the common land above Bargoed. As suggested by the foreground, it is soggy off the road. For a close up of the sign see 625514
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

4.5/5(198 reviews)

The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(190 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(251 reviews)

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4/5(76 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(44 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University

Things to do

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

฿536
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

฿732
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition
Cardiff in a Day

Cardiff in a Day

฿3,558
per adult
Cardiff in a Day
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

฿3,683
per adult
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour
Cardiff: Waterfalls, Mountains & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: Waterfalls, Mountains & Castles Day Tour

฿3,683
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cardiff: Waterfalls, Mountains & Castles Day Tour
Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour

Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour

฿372
per adult
Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour
See all activities in Cardiff

Top hotels in Darran Valley

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
The price is ฿3,163 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
฿3,163
฿3,796 total
17 Apr - 18 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,038 reviews)
Needs improvement

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street Cardiff Wales
The price is ฿3,703 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿3,703
฿4,444 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,776 reviews)
Always a good stay

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

The Parkgate Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road Newport Wales
The price is ฿4,037 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
฿4,037
฿4,844 total
13 Apr - 14 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,345 reviews)
Swimming pool out of action evening of stay

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Celtic Manor Resort
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff Wales
The price is ฿2,395 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
฿2,395
฿2,874 total
7 Apr - 8 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,585 reviews)
Fantastic staff! They were friendly, smiling and attentive.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Novotel Cardiff Centre

Novotel Cardiff Centre

4 out of 5
Schooner Way, Atlantic Wharf Cardiff Wales
The price is ฿2,613 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
฿2,613
฿3,136 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean and well maintained. Great facilities. But overall a bit dated.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Novotel Cardiff Centre
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is ฿2,697 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
฿2,697
฿3,236 total
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,229 reviews)
Room was good. Nice and clean. But no air conditioning. The room was far far to hot

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
See all 2,037 properties in Darran Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Darran Valley

The Royal Mint.

Llantrisant

Llantrisant is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like The Royal Mint Experience and Llantrisant Leisure Centre.

Llantrisant
Hollybush Estate Road - Coryton

Whitchurch

4/5(29 area reviews)

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
Well-preserved oval mound that once hosted gladiatorial combat and military processions. This amphitheater was built for the Roman forces at Isca around AD 90 and would have seated around 6000 spectators!

Caerleon

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Isca Augusta and Caerleon Amphitheatre.

Caerleon
Llandaff Cathedral featuring religious elements, heritage elements and interior views

Llandaff

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to Llandaff like its monuments and historical sites, and Insole Court is a sight worth a stop.

Llandaff
DSC_3799

Penylan

Travellers like the restaurants in Penylan, and Teamsport Karting is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penylan
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cathays

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Cardiff City Hall.

Cathays

Darran Valley Travel Guide