12 Things to Do By Yourself in Cardiff to Relax and Recharge
Whether you’re on a solo city venture for work or pleasure, Cardiff is inundated with things to help you relax and recharge whilst taking in some of the most amazing sights the city has to offer. We’ve rounded up 12 activities in Cardiff that are suitable for solo adventurers to help unwind and enjoy the city at leisure.
1. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day at Laguna Health and Spa
What better way to relax and recharge than treating yourself to a spa day?
Alongside a fully equipped gym, Laguna Health and Spa boasts a spa bath, steam room, indoor pool, a relaxation lounge, and an intimate dining area if you wish to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Laguna Restaurant and Bar kitchen. The spa offers a range of luxurious treatments and packages from ESPA and Pevonia as well as full use of their facilities to take you way from the hustle and bustle of the city and help you find your happy place.
Described as a ‘sensory space to relax, recharge and feel your best’ Laguna Health and spa couldn’t be a more perfect place to put aside everyday life and treat yourself to that much needed pampering.
View and book treatments here.
2. Take the Water Taxi to Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay has a range of things to see from historic landmarks to an abundance of eateries with views of the River Taff. Cardiff Bay is also home to The National Assembly for Wales, open to members of the public to attend plenary sessions and committee meetings, as well as the Norwegian Church that hosted Roald Dahl’s baptism.
Take the boat from City Centre park Bute Park down to Cardiff Bay and enjoy hearing about the history either side of the water and seeing historic landmarks along the way. Adult tickets are priced from £4 and this scenic trip will certainly alleviate any stresses and help you recharge whilst also teaching a thing or two about Cardiff and its history.
View the timetable here.
3. Discover Bute Park’s Hidden Sculpture Trail
Credit: Betina Skovbro
Lose yourself amongst the extensive nature throughout Bute Park whilst following the park’s sculpture trail. The trail is made up of 20 wooden sculptures, all with their own story, created by various artists who have used dead trees from around the park. These sculptures are dotted across the grounds, along with a selection of cafés, an animal wall and the herbaceous border. The trail will take you through the most scenic and peaceful areas of the park before taking you towards the north side of Bute Park, where the sound of rushing water can be heard as the River Taff comes into view - a photographic opportunity not to be missed.
Read more about the trail and download your map here.
4. Soak up the city’s culture with a show at New Theatre Cardiff
Credit: New Theatre
Cardiff has played host to a variety of creative shows and is home to The New Theatre. The restored Edwardian Playhouse is the home of the Welsh National Opera, and is where theatre companies from around the country come to perform. The New Theatre exhibits a range of plays across multiple genres, so whether you're looking for belly laughs or floods of tears, The New Theatre is a great way to spend a few hours.
Head a few doors down at Laguna Kitchen & Bar based within the Park Plaza hotel. The award-winning restaurant and bar has a designated pre-theatre menu with a variety of tasty dishes. Just a stones throw away from the theatre, Laguna Kitchen and Bar is the perfect location for a solo meal before or after the show. The Laguna Bar has a selection of tasty tipples on their for a post-show reflection.
Click here to see what’s on during your visit.
5. Laugh and relax at the comedy club
Credit: Richard Wood
You know what they say: laughter is the best medicine. Feeling stressed or tired from work? Entertain yourself at Cardiff's Comedy Club. Based in Cardiff Bay, The Glee Club has been host to a huge number of comedic acts including stars from Ru Paul's Drag Rage and iconic faces. With something for everyone, The Glee Club makes for a great evening out and having hosted some well-known acts as well as up-and-comers, you’re guaranteed to laugh.
Get your tickets here.
6. Wind down and dine at Laguna Kitchen & Bar
With a great atmosphere and an even better menu Laguna Kitchen & Bar is not one to be missed. At the heart of Park Plaza Cardiff, the warm and inviting atmosphere is perfect for anyone looking to relax and recharge over mouth-wateringly tasty food. Their varied menu caters for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet and use of local produce ensures great flavour and freshness in all their dishes. If you fancy something a little different why not try their afternoon tea and choose between Traditional, Hendrick’s gin, gluten free, vegan, or gentleman’s afternoon tea? You’re spoilt for choice here!
View their menu and book here.
7. Hop across the city on an open-top bus
City Sightseeing bus outside Cardiff Castle
What better way to see Cardiff than by open-top bus? With 360° views of the city, a ticket will grant you 24 hours to hop-on and hop-off, exploring as many sights as you can manage. With so much to see, this is the perfect way to take it all in, especially if your time in Cardiff is limited. Discounts at local attractions are also included in your ticket and narration of the tour is offered in 7 different languages. The tour includes over 11 stops and gives you the freedom to enjoy each one at your leisure.
Click here to see more about the tour and book tickets.
8. Unlock the key to the city at Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle
Boasting 2000 years of history, Cardiff Castle is a leading heritage attraction as well as a site of international significance. Located in heart of Cardiff city centre, the historic Castle has a house tour, castle apartments, and wartime shelters as well as many other must-see spots whilst visiting. Tickets start from £13.50, which can be upgraded to include the House Tour, and include a free audio guide to take you round the castle. These provide exclusive historic information and interesting facts. The peaceful atmosphere in and around the castle make for the perfect environment to soak up the history provided here as well as helping you to feel relaxed and recharged.
To book tickets visit their site here.
9. Travel back in time at National Museum Cardiff
Credit: Amgueddfa Cymru- National Museum Wales
The historic hot-spot, the National Museum of Cardiff explores a range of collections and exhibits suitable for all ages and interests. With its peaceful atmosphere, the National Museum is the perfect place to step out of busy city life and into an architecturally beautiful and culturally rich building bursting at the seams with history. As well as their permanent exhibits, the museum often has temporary exhibits on offer which have included the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and Japanese exhibition Kizuna. The permanent exhibitions and entry to the museum are free whilst temporary exhibitions have a small admission fee.
See what exhibitions are on offer here.
10. Paddle across Roath Park Lake
Roath Lake
Step out of the city and explore the rural area of Cardiff with a trip to Roath Park. The stunning park includes a lake, café, botanical gardens and a conservatory peacefully housing a range of greenery, Roath Park makes for a quiet and picturesque afternoon. Not only is Roath Park great for a stroll, coffee or much talked-about ice cream, if you fancy viewing the park from a different perspective try out their rowing boats or pedalos, which can be rented for use on the lake. This is a great way to see the lighthouse up close and the various wildlife surrounding the lake whilst the calm of the water helps you wind down.
11. Take the Taff Trail and walk or cycle along the River Taff
Despite being known for its busy city centre, Cardiff has a number of areas not far from the city centre but that feel a million miles away from any city life. The Taff Trail stretches the length of the River Taff at 55 miles, starting in Cardiff Bay and finishing in Brecon whilst passing some unmissable attractions and landmarks. The trail can be walked or cycled with nextbike locations dotted throughout the city centre that can be rented for £1 for every 30 minutes or £10 for 24 hours. The Taff Trail also passes several train stations to allow your legs a rest or travel the distance with a different view.
To read more about nextbike click here.
Click here to print your free map of the trail.
12. Shop in the Victorian Arcades
Credit: City of Arcades
Tucked away from the bustling main streets of the city centre are an array of stunning Victorian and Edwardian arcades for you to wander through. Each arcade offers a unique shopping experience, from bars and café’s to clothing, most of which are independently run and bursting with character, much like the arcades themselves. Whether being used as a pathway to the adjoining street or looking to seek out something wonderfully different, these arcades are definitely a must-see when visiting Cardiff.
To read more about the arcades and what you can expect to find within them click here.
