Best Day Trip to Cardiff from Bristol by Train

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The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is just a one hour train ride away from the train station Temple Meads in Bristol, so it makes for the perfect day trip.

I must admit, despite many visits to England because my boyfriend is from there, it took me a long time to finally visit Wales. During a month-long housesit in Bristol, I finally decided to explore Wales’ capital.

In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Cardiff from Bristol, getting there, and top activities like visiting Cardiff Castle, and exploring Mermaid Quay. Finally, I’ll also talk about if the trip is worth it.

Expansive view of Cardiff Castle with the cityscape in the background, illustrating the blend of history and modernity that makes Cardiff worth visiting. — View of Cardiff from the Norman Keep

Table of Contents

How to get to Cardiff from Bristol

The most convenient way to get from Bristol to Cardiff is by train. Trains run frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel, with prices varying depending on the time of day and type of ticket.

Taking the train is super easy, and to make your journey even smoother, here are some helpful tips:

In case you’re planning to take a bus to the Bristol Temple Meads train station, make sure to set off early enough. Buses in Bristol are known for being late.
Keep your train ticket handy for station entry/exit and in case the conductor asks for it onboard.
On the way back, make sure the Cardiff to Bristol train heads to Temple Meads, not Bristol Parkway. I mistakenly took a train that only stopped at Parkway and had to wait there almost 30 minutes for the next one to Temple Meads.

What to Do in Cardiff

Visit the Castle

Cardiff Castle standing against a cloudy sky, an emblematic sight that makes you answer the question "Is Cardiff worth visiting?" with yes. — View of Cardiff Castle from inside the castle walls

The main attraction in Cardiff is the Cardiff Castle, and for good reason. The castle dates back to Roman times and has a rich history filled with wars, battles, and royal families.

You can walk through the castle gate for free but you have to pay an entrance fee to see the inside of the castle. I went inside the castle and I think it’s definitely worth it.

The medieval Norman Keep at Cardiff Castle under a drizzly sky, a testament to Cardiff's enduring heritage and allure for visitors. — Norman Keep

Cardiff Castle's magnificent Arab Room ceiling, rich in detail and design, showcasing Moorish craftsmanship, a must-see for a day in Cardiff. — Norman Keep

The castle rooms are stunning, way cooler than I expected. The most beautiful room inside is the so-called Arab Room which was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, so beautiful. I didn’t expect to see Moorish elements in South Wales. The library was another highlight.

When you pay the entrance fee to the castle you also get to climb the steps of the Norman Keep, at the top you have the best views of Cardiff. I love seeing historic and modern buildings side by side.

Relax in a Park or Visit a Museum

Peaceful Bute Park in Cardiff, featuring ancient stone formations set against lush greenery, one of the best free things to do in Cardiff Wales — There’s even a ancient stone circle in Bute Park

Cardiff has several beautiful parks to relax in. Bute Park is located right behind the castle and offers plenty of green space for a picnic or a stroll. Cathays Park, which is also called Alexandra Gardens, is another beautiful park filled with statues, fountains and beautiful gardens.

Spending a bit of time in one of those two parks is the perfect thing to do in Cardiff on a warm, sunny day.

One of the best free things to do in Cardiff in the rain is to visit the National Museum Cardiff. The museum has a good collection of Welsh and British art, natural history galleries, as well as galleries featuring works from around the world.

Stroll Through the Shopping Arcades

Hand holding a package of Fabulous Welshcakes, a local delicacy, purchased on a day trip to Cardiff from Bristol, with a blurred arcade in the background. — Vegan Welshcakes with the arcade in the background

Cardiff is well known for its Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. They are a great place to wander around, have a cup of coffee, buy some souvenirs or check out the independent shops.

My two favorite arcades were Morgan Arcade and Royal Arcade. Both are elegant structures with intricate details and unique shops inside.

Inside the Arcades is also the best place to try some Welshcakes. They are traditional Welsh cakes, similar to scones, but made with raisins. I found some vegan Welshcakes at Fabulous Welshcakes at the Castle Quarter Arcade.

Explore Mermaid Quay

Vibrant Cardiff Mermaid Quay waterfront with the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, featuring inscriptions, on a day trip from Bristol to Cardiff. — The Wales Millennium Centre in the front and the Pierhead Building in the back at Mermaid Quay

Mermaid Quay is a bustling waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Some of the highlights of Mermaid Quay are the beautiful red-brick Pierhead building with the ferris wheel next to it and the modern parliament building The Senedd, or the National Assembly for Wales, which you can visit for free.

Mermaid Quay is a bit of a walk from the city center of Wales. So, I recommend getting a bus from the center to the bay area. Simply check Google Maps for the nearest bus station using the city’s free WiFi. I took the bus from Canal Street which is just around the Central Library.

Unique framed view of Cardiff Castle showcasing its historical architecture, inviting exploration and affirming that Cardiff is worth visiting. — There are so many cool photo spots inside the castle walls

Is a Day Trip to Cardiff Worth It?

So, is Cardiff worth it? Yes. On a day trip from Bristol to Cardiff you get to explore the city’s beautiful castle, stroll through shopping arcades and visit the bay area. All in all, the city has a very unique atmosphere to it.

It’s a nice break from Bristol and offers a great mix of history, modernity and nature. Plus, the train journey between the two cities is very easy and scenic.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Cardiff from Bristol

Taking a day trip to Cardiff from Bristol is definitely worth it. The train journey is easy, the city has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture and entertainment, and the atmosphere is unique and charming.

Discover Cardiff’s rich history at Cardiff Castle, relax in its lush parks, explore quaint shopping arcades, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Mermaid Quay, making your day trip from Bristol truly unforgettable.

I hope this post has given you some ideas for your own day trip to Cardiff.

If you’re looking for other day trips from Bristol you might want to consider the historic Bath or the charming Cotswolds.

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Collage for 'Day Trip to Cardiff from Bristol' featuring images of Cardiff Castle, the Pierhead Building, and the Ferris wheel at Mermaid Quay, with the website 'vegandelust.com' for travel inspiration, epitomizing the diverse experiences awaiting in Cardiff. — Amazing Cardiff Day Trip from Bristol by Train