What to do and see in Cardiff, Wales: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Principality Stadium is the home of the Welsh Rugby Team and one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Sporting the first fully-retractable roof in the UK, the venue is at the leading edge as a multi-purpose, multi-faceted event venue. The Stadium is established as a world class must play, must visit venue and has played home to major sporting bodies and music artists over the years. From Madonna and U2 to David Beckham and Joe Calzaghe, Rugby World Cups & Olympics events, some of the world's greatest stars have set the stage alight here. Tours of the Principality Stadium are available through out the week. Experience the inner workings of the 74,000 seater stadium and see where the Welsh Rugby Team battle against opponents from across the globe and where the football titans of Europe fought for the 2017 Champions League Trophy. Principality Stadium Tours run 7 days a week and are £12.50 for adults & £9.00 for 5-16 year olds.

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.

Interactive, hands-on exhibits make this science discovery centre the perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

Rhondda Heritage Park is situated on the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, once a thriving coal mine now preserved as a tourist attraction. With a brand new museum and Italian themed cafe for 2017, plus added experiences on the Black Gold Experience guided tour. Rhondda Heritage Park also hosts an array of events from Santa’s Toy Mine & X Scream to Classic Car shows & Family History Days. Located just outside Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf

The oldest shopping mall in the city, dating back to 1856; features everything from antiques to clothes.

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 beautiful fabled home of a very wealthy man. While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day. The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

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.