Cardiff & Gower Weekend Escape

Best time to go: Definitely avoid the winter but the rest of the seasons would be alright… most probably it will be raining! I must say that I visited at the beginning of October and it didn’t rain at all!!! (Lucky me!)

General Advice: It would be better if you go by car so you can spend the next day exploring the areas outside of Cardiff and the amazing nature and landscapes around it.

I would book the hotel in Cardiff as this is a very nice city and you can travel from here to explore other areas. The hotels recommended in Cardiff are: “Jurys Inn Cardiff” and “Pontcanna Inn”, both very central and with available parking.

Day 1: Arrival

Recommended dinner for your first night at "The Potted Pig”, this is a welsh restaurant serving a seasonal menu alongside wonderful gins.

Day 2: Gower peninsula

I would spend the day visiting the beautiful Gower peninsula, the landscape is absolutely stunning and it will for sure be something that you will never forget. I really recommend spending time exploring the area!

Start the day driving to “Three Cliffs Bay Gower” that’s 1.20 min from Cardiff. Three Cliffs Bay Gower is one of the best beaches in the UK, the location in a secret valley with sand dunes either side of the beach makes it in my opinion one of the best beaches that I have ever seen.

After, drive for 25 min towards "Rhossili Bay Gower". It would be ideal if you arrive at lunch time so you can pop in to "Rhossilli Pub", the bar at the Worm´s Head Hotel. During the summer this is a very popular place so you might want to book in advance. In front of Rhossili Bay Gower, you will see the tidal island called Worm´s Head, which looks like a basking dragon. My advise is to stay in the area until sunset as it is a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset from.

Once you have visited these 2 fantastic locations, it will take you 1.35 min drive back to Cardiff.

Recommended dinner at “La Cuina”, a very nice Spanish restaurant for a gourmet experience.

Day 3: Cardiff

The next day you can explore the main sights of Cardiff.

I would start with Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort.

After, you can go for nice walk to the Castle Arcade and explore the nice shops including a mix of eclectic and independent stores.

If you want to stay at the city centre for lunch, the suggested option is “Madame Fromage”, as the name indicates you have to like cheese if you’re are planning on eating here! Obviously a great place to try welsh cheese amongst an international variety.

Another option is to go to the Cardiff Bay that is now a trendy area full of life where there are few interesting things to visit. If you are in the area, a good place to go for lunch is “Sunflower&I”.

• Pierhead, the beautiful neo-gothic red brick building formerly the headquarters of Bute Dock Company.

• Norwegian Church Arts Centre.

• The National Assembly for Wales.