What to do and see in Cardiff, Wales: The Best Free Things to do

Witness one of Europe's finest art collections. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art. The building also has galleries showing the diverse natural history of Wales, as well as a journey taking you through the Evolution of Wales (with dinosaur displays) from the very beginnings of time to the present day.

A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction.

This dam transformed Cardiff's landscape from unsightly, marshy mudflats to dry, fertile land surrounding a pretty lake.

Bute Park & Arboretum is an extensive area of mature parkland that forms the 'green heart' of Cardiff. Equivalent to 80 football pitches in size, Bute Park is one of the largest urban parks in Wales. As well as beautiful flowers and an abundance of paths and tracks to explore, visitor facilities include an Education Centre & Visitor Centre (open daily 12 - 3pm), 3 cafes, toilets, a woodland play trail, wooden sculptures and fitness equipment. There is a varied events programme, see Bute-park.com for current listings. A Grade 1 listed landscape, it contains designed views and interesting built heritage such as the remains of a medieval friary and the ever-popular Animal Wall. The magnificent arboretum contains “champion” (tallest or widest of their species in UK) and many rare and beautiful trees. The site is managed by Cardiff Council and benefitted from a £5.6M restoration project between 2010 - 2014, supported by a £3.1M grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Picturesque wharf lined with shops, boutiques and cafes.

The Castle Quarter Arcades are a historical part of Cardiff's architectural and retail heritage, spanning 131 years of public service since doors first opened in 1885. The Castle Quarter is comprised of 3 outstanding Victorian and Edwardian arcades, all located within a short distance of Cardiff Castle - Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade and Duke Street Arcade. Originally home to many specialist shops of the era - drapers, apothecaries, tailors, jewellers and fortune tellers - the Castle Quarter has grown and adapted to the needs of a modern shopping environment without losing any of it old world charm. Castle Arcade, built in two sections during 1882 and 1889, is known for its striking central junction. From here the view of the iconic Cardiff Castle is framed perfectly through the Dutch renaissance-inspired archway. This North/South section was designed by local architect EWM Corbett, and the East/West wing, slightly different in character, was designed by S Rooney. The Castle Arcade also houses its iconic balcony, splitting the retail floors over two levels, and incorporating public walkways which you are welcome to wander and explore. There are two staircases leading to the balcony, one on each wing, with wonderful opportunities to photograph the mirrorred walls at each end.

The City Parish of St John the Baptist stands at the heart of Cardiff City Centre. The church which dates from the 12th Century is one of Cardiff's oldest remaining mediaeval buildings. We are next to the Covered Market and almost opposite Cardiff Castle in the centre of Cardiff's main shopping area. St John's welcomes a thousand visitors each week and hosts many different celebrations for city institutions, charities, and individuals. The community that gathers at St John's Church shares in God's mission by welcoming people of all ages, cultures and traditions to worship, witnessing to Christian faith, knowing God and making God known by serving Christ in our visitors and our neighbours. We pray for and with our local and national communities. Our Café@St John's is open Wednesday to Saturdays and serves simple, good homemade food with warm Welsh hospitality. All profits go towards the work of St John's. We look forward to welcoming you.