The Best Student Day Trips From Cardiff

Cardiff is, of course, a capital city. This makes it well connected and easy to navigate. It’s also a small enough place to walk around with ease. Choose to live in one of our luxury Cardiff student properties, and you’ve got the perfect base for exploring South Wales and beyond. In Cardiff, a free Saturday can become a trip to the beach, a castle, or another country all before lunch.

Got an Afternoon Spare?

If you’re pushed for time, then a short hop over Cardiff Bay to Penarth is the answer. A short train journey from Cardiff Central takes you to the scenic town that still houses a classic Victorian pier and promenade. If the weather is nice, you can walk along the coastal path back towards Cardiff Bay, or enjoy some of the cosy pubs and restaurants.

Step Back in Time 

Known as the Red Castle, Castell Coch rises high above the famous Beech woods of Fforest Fawr. The outside gives off a medieval vibe, though the truth is that the castle is actually a 13th-century ruin that was once a hunting lodge for the local lord. The trip here is made worthwhile by what’s inside. Architect William Burges was once given free rein to build a Victorian interior that looks nothing like the historic stone exterior. We won’t spoil it, but it needs to be seen. To get here from Cardiff, simply catch the 132 bus from Greyfriars Road.

How About a ‘Real’ Castle?

While Castell Coch is a romantic and architecturally stunning site, it’s not a true castle. Caerphilly Castle, on the other hand, is. As the biggest castle in Wales, it spans 30 acres behind a double ring of stone walls and two moats that have long since been dry. Much of the castle still stands alongside life-size replicas of siege engines on the South Dam Platform. By train, the Rhymney Line gets you there in about 30 minutes, with a 10-minute downhill walk from the station to the gates.

Is There a Beach Nearby?

There are plenty! Cardiff is a coastal city, after all. The most notable beaches are on Barry Island, though. The iconic seaside town houses Whitmore Bay and some of the best water in the UK. It is also the Welsh home of Gavin and Stacey. You can visit the Island Leisure Amusements and the street Stacey and her family lived on in the show. Barry Island Pleasure Park is another great day out. It’s been there since 1896 and remains free to enter.

Are There Any Other Cities I Can Visit?

Bristol is a popular choice for a night out or change of scenery. It’s around an hour away by train, and there are plenty of trains taking you there and back each day. If you’ve come from overseas, it’s also an excuse to make the journey into England for the first time. You can discover more about Bristol on our dedicated blog page.

Some Money and Time Saving Tips

• A Cadw membership includes entry into both Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle. It’s worth it if you are planning to visit both and more places across Wales.
• Get an early train to Barry Island on a hot Saturday. The good spots on Whitmore Bay fill up faster than you would think.
• Check the live departure board before you leave. Weekend services on some of these lines can get incredibly busy.

A term spent only in Cardiff is a term spent seeing a fraction of what’s actually close to your front door. Our Cardiff student accommodation puts all of this within reach, so take a closer look today.