What to do in Cowbridge

Activities, attractions and tours

Cowbridge
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Gareth Bickerton
Photo by Russell Gurdin
Photo by Russell Gurdin
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Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Opened in June 1999 complete with the first fully retractable roof in the UK, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous sporting events as well as concerts featuring the biggest entertainers in show business, from Take That, One Direction and Oasis to Madonna, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
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Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Brecon Beacons National Park which includes rainforest, a waterfall and a lake or waterhole

3. Cardiff Castle

A 12-sided medieval keep offering panoramic views across the city from a platform at its top is at the castle’s heart, but the site is also full of later additions that capture the imagination. Fabulous mock-Gothic features, including an extravagant banqueting hall and clock tower, were added during the Victorian era.
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Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

4. Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is one of Britain’s smallest national parks. Spanning 268 square miles (694 square kilometers), the park encompasses high moorland and over 34 miles (55 kilometers) of coast. Take a scenic hike, spot rare wildlife, cycle across high moors or visit the park’s charming medieval towns.
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Exmoor National Park featuring wild flowers

5. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

6. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

7. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
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D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

What to do in Cowbridge

Popular places to visit

Wales Millennium Centre showing modern architecture, a city and a square or plaza

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
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
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
Barry Island Beach

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
Cardiff University

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
Utilita Arena Cardiff

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
Wales Millennium Centre which includes modern architecture, street scenes and signage

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(210 reviews)

An architectural masterpiece, the Wales Millennium Centre is at the heart of Cardiff Bay, a wonderfully regenerated area full of striking buildings, wide open spaces and intriguing pieces of public art.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey featuring château or palace, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(26 reviews)

The monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey are nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty and can boast 900 years of history in their walls. This was the first Cistercian abbey built in Wales and only the second in Britain, and despite now being exposed to the elements, it remains one of the most stunning surviving examples of gothic architecture in the country.

Tintern Abbey
Bute Park featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Bute Park

5/5(4 reviews)

One of the great city parks of the world, Bute Park is a favoured haunt of both locals and visitors alike. First landscaped in the 18th Century by legendary garden designer Capability Brown, this 130 acre park is known as the ‘Green Heart’ of Cardiff and offers a leafy habitat for exercise, picnics and recreation, not to mention a wealth of seasonal attractions.

Bute Park

Day trip destinations from Cowbridge

Cardiff which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes

Cardiff

Bridgend

Bridgend

Barry

Barry

Photo by Melanie Hartshorn

Pontyclun

Photo "Marcross" by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA)

Marcross

Frequently asked questions

Is Cowbridge worth visiting?
Known for its bars and pubs and dining, discovering awesome things to do in Cowbridge is easy. Remember to add Llantrisant Castle to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Cowbridge?
Llantrisant Castle and Whitmore Bay are two good places to begin your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Cowbridge while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cowbridge?
The top tourist attraction in Cowbridge is Llantrisant Castle, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cowbridge?
Three days in Cowbridge is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many travellers book for two days on average. Llantrisant Castle, Newcastle Castle and Fonmon Castle are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Cardiff.
Is Cowbridge a walkable city?
That all depends on what you plan to do and see in Cowbridge. Several key attractions, like Beaupre Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through one of Cowbridge's vibrant neighbourhoods, The Herberts is 2 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Cowbridge with kids?
Planning what to do in Cowbridge with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Cowbridge for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Cowbridge. Whether you're into culture, outdoor pursuits or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Cowbridge?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Cowbridge is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Llantrisant Castle is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.