10 best day trips from Cardiff by train

Day trips from Cardiff come in all shapes and sizes, from city adventures and beach escapes to rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Conveniently located for access to top destinations across Wales and the West of England, Cardiff boasts excellent train links from Cardiff Central and Queen Street Stations to get you on these many adventures.

In this guide, we propose 10 of the best day trips from Cardiff by train that allow travellers to explore varied and beautiful places in just a day and back. From Roman history to breathtaking national landscapes, if you’re looking for places to visit near Cardiff, you’ll never be short of ideas. Explore seaside and scenery, all within a day – what are you waiting for?

Caerphilly: Roman heritage

Caerphilly Castle

A short train ride from Cardiff and you’re in Caerphilly, a charming Welsh town scattered with remnants of its Roman roots. Visit the Aber Valley Heritage Museum to see a wide range of Roman relics, as well as learning about the town’s mining heritage, or check out Caerphilly Castle, a 13th-century fortress and the largest in Wales, with its imposing towers and vast walls.

You could also take a stroll through the beautiful Caerphilly Gardens or, if you’re feeling more energetic, plan a trip up to Caerphilly Mountain for great views down over Cardiff. With plenty of independent boutiques and cafes, those seeking a more gentle afternoon can while away the hours in this historic town before returning to Cardiff on one of many trains to Queen Street Station.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Bristol: Bridges and Banksy

Clifton Suspension Bridge

In half an hour, you can get from Cardiff Central to Bristol Parkway, leaving a whole day to explore the city. Be sure to make a trip out to Clifton Suspension Bridge, a feat of engineering that has attracted both admiration and awe since 1864. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge is one of England’s most recognisable landmarks. And, whilst you’re over in Clifton, be sure to grab something to eat or drink from one of the many popular spots there.

Those looking for an indoor activity that can stretch out for hours should make a stop at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. A treasure trove of geology and archaeology artifacts, this popular venue is also a fount of knowledge on street artist Banksy, so is a must-see for anyone who loves street art. However you spend your day in Bristol, getting there by train from Cardiff is affordable, with prices starting from just £5.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Weston-super-Mare: Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside

Grand Pier

There’s something for everyone at the seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare. If you’re looking for things to do near Cardiff for the whole family, this activity-packed destination is guaranteed to keep everyone happy.

Walk along the Grand Pier, with its many rides and eateries, and bear witness to the power of the sea crashing in. In the afternoon, make time to visit Europe's biggest Helicopter Museum or consider enjoying a show at one of Weston-super-Mare’s many theatres and comedy venues.

The best time to visit is arguably November when the Weston-super-Mare Carnival comes to town, where tis free event lights up the seaside town. But the excitement isn’t just relegated to one day – you can choose from indoor climbing, laser quest or tenpin bowling. Best of all, Cardiff travellers can get there in little over an hour and for under a tenner.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Brecon Beacons: Stunning scenery

For nature lovers looking for a day out near Cardiff, nothing compares to the Brecon Beacons. Stunning walking routes and breathtaking scenery pull in visitors from far and wide – in Cardiff you’re lucky enough to be only one hour away by train!

Get the train from Queen Street Station to Merthyr Tydfil, where you’ll have access to a delightful range of hills and rocky terrains. Look out for lakes and waterways between rolling green valleys: a true sensory experience to ease weary legs. If you want a more active day trip pack your mountain bike for full access to a great range of cycling trails. Or, if you have a head for heights, why not try paragliding or abseiling? Whatever you end up doing, you’ll return to Cardiff glowing from spending time in nature.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Exeter: History in every step

Haldon Belvedere Lawrence Castle

At the longer end of a day trip from Cardiff, Exeter is a destination renowned for its history. With many Roman remains to explore, including the imposing Roman walls, as well as unique features like the Underground Passages, visitors to Exeter are spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic sights.

For full city sightseeing, book onto a free Red Coat Guided Tour. Or, make your own way to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum to learn about the city’s 2,000-year history. We also recommend the spectacular Exeter Cathedral, a 15th-century masterpiece. If you’re visiting near December, check the dates of the popular Christmas Market. Or if you’ll be in Exeter in summer, the Quayside is the best place to relax on a hot day.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Carmarthen: The oldest town in Wales

Pendine Sands

An ancient town with a cosmopolitan feel, the self-proclaimed ‘oldest town in Wales’ offers something for the whole family.

A day trip to Carmarthen is a perfect opportunity to make the most of the great outdoors. Ever wanted to drive your own steam engine? Then you need to head to the Gwili Steam Railway, a scenic 4.5-mile route past wooded hills and rolling vales. It’s a popular attraction, so remember to book in advance.

Strolling around the National Botanic Garden of Wales could fill a whole day on its own, with rare and exotic plants, a wildflower meadow and abundant learning resources for budding horticulturalists. Round off your trip at the ruins of Carmarthen Castle, home to a fascinating museum collection of relics from Carmarthen’s past.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Malvern: Outstanding beauty

Malvern Hills

Combining culture and natural scenery, the Malverns are a great choice for a day trip by train from Cardiff. Nestled beneath the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Great Malvern is a quaint town with an impressive priory. A few miles further on from Cardiff, you’ll find Malvern, a charming spa town with roots in the Bronze Age.

For culture seekers, Malvern’s galleries and second-hand bookshops make it a must-visit destination for an afternoon at a slower pace of life. And, in that spirit, take your time over lunch in one of the town’s many independent restaurants, tea rooms and cafes. Often described as one of the most popular free tourist attractions in the West Midlands, the Malverns are a great spot for a day trip by train from Cardiff.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Newport: Nature on your doorstep

If you’re looking for a convenient day trip near Cardiff, Newport is a city full of life within easy reach. At the mouth of the River Usk, lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy a visit to RSPB Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, where you can follow some of the seven kilometres of resurfaced paths around reedbeds, grassland and saltmarsh lagoons – a wild environment ideal for restoring your natural zen!

In the city centre, you can’t miss a visit to the impressive Newport Cathedral, a powerful stone structure with a tumultuous history sometimes described as one of the most interesting religious buildings in Wales. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to Newport indoor market, a large venue spread across three floors that hosts a large food court, as well as more than 60 independent stalls.

Then, for your fill of culture and history, head to Newport Museum and Art Gallery, an entertaining and educational journey through the geological, archaeological and historical development of Newport.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Bridgend: Local history

Ogmore River

This historic market town is another easy day out from Cardiff. For your itinerary, start by seeking out Bridgend’s history at St John’s Medieval House, the oldest habitable building in the town. From there, keep climbing to reach Newcastle, a small medieval castle with a three-storey tower and some of the best views over Bridgend. We’d also recommend leaving some time to browse Bridgend’s array of independent shops and galleries.

Or, if you’re looking for bracing sea air, take a short bus ride a few miles further to Porthcawl. This traditional seaside town is perfect for a summer’s day out from Cardiff, with a classic funfair and stunning wide beach at Rest Bay. Thrill seekers might want to head straight for the new Watersports Centre, while sporty types could test their golfing skills at the historic Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. There is nothing quite like a day trip at the seaside!

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Swansea: A beautiful bay

Worms Head

The South Wales coast offers visitors some of the most breathtaking views in Wales. A visit to Swansea from Cardiff is a handy way to experience these stunning sights from the sweeping waterfront of Swansea Bay. Take a gentle stroll to the western edge of the Bay and you’ll arrive at the Mumbles, a well-loved area of Swansea famed for its ice cream and cosy seafront atmosphere. It also marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula coastline if you have time to explore further afield.

The second-largest city in Wales is also full of activities for the whole family. For the literary minded, the Dylan Thomas Centre informs visitors about the life and legacy of one of Wales’ best-loved poets. Contemporary art fans shouldn’t miss out on the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery with its innovative exhibitions. And the National Waterfront Museum is a great choice to learn about more than three centuries of Welsh industrial history.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

Cardiff offers easy access to so many top destinations in a single day. If you’re looking for things to do near Cardiff, you don’t have to travel far to reach green spaces, wide beaches or historical cities. From Newport to Carmarthen, Cardiff day trips can suit all tastes and budgets. And with fares starting from just a few pounds, there’s no stopping you from exploring them all. For the best rates, plan ahead and book your tickets in advance with Trip.com.

Check out our guides for the best day trips by train fromEdinburgh, London and Birmingham.