The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

How To Do A Cardiff Day Trip from London With Things To Do in Cardiff!

Categories U.K , Wales

I used to live in London and now I live in Cardiff, so when getting the train from Cardiff to London recently to see some friends, you can imagine my delight when I realised the London to Cardiff train is less than 2 hours and it made me think just how easy it is to do a Cardiff day trip from London!

I loved doing day trips from London when I lived there but I always thought Cardiff was a bit too far, how wrong I was!

Aside from the quick train time, the other reason a Cardiff day trip is a great idea and very doable is because when you arrive in Cardiff everything in Cardiff City is very central and easy to get to.

Cardiff is only a small city to get around with good public transport links meaning there are lots of things to do in Cardiff on a day trip , and easy places to visit in Cardiff in one day!

So, in this Cardiff and London travel blog, I’m going to detail ways to get from London to Cardiff, including day tours from London to Cardiff, plus what to do in Cardiff in one day so you can see the best of the Welsh capital on a day trip!

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Cardiff Day Trip from London

Cardiff day trip from London

What is the best time to visit Cardiff?

Any time of year is a good time to visit Cardiff! As long as you have the right clothing!

For a day trip, winter, spring, summer or autumn are all good and beautiful times to visit. Cardiff does get wet and grey but as long as you pack an umbrella and dress up warm you will enjoy your day in Cardiff.

Even if it rains, there are plenty of things to do in Cardiff when it rains which I’ll detail below and if it’s nice and sunny then even better as Cardiff is beautiful in the sunshine !

When it comes to planning this London to Cardiff day trip the only thing I would say to keep in mind is if you visit in the winter months, because of the 2 hour travel time to Cardiff it’s likely you will have to leave early in the morning like 8 am and will get back at about 7 pm which means you will be on the transport in the dark but that shouldn’t be a problem.

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff in Winter

Cardiff By Train From London

Out of the ways to get to Cardiff my advice is to get the train because the London to Cardiff train is quicker than driving and with fewer possibilities of delays.

The only Cardiff to London train is from London Paddington Station to Cardiff Central Station and takes just 1 hour 57 minutes !

cardiff tours from london

From my last experience, the train on this line is a brand new train with food service, it was pretty fancy and very enjoyable and once you arrive in Cardiff Central Station you will be in the heart of Cardiff ready to start exploring Cardiff!

I admit the only problem with getting the train is that London to Cardiff train tickets can be quite expensive.

I recommend Transport For Wales to book your train to Cardiff as I love how easy it is to compare the prices on different dates and times.

From my experience of train travel in the UK, it is best to book a ticket a few weeks in advance , and definitely a few days in advance to get the best price!

Search Transport For Wales to find the best price and ticket for your London to Cardiff train!

Cardiff From London Bus

There are coaches that run from London Victoria Coach Station to Cardiff Coach Station. The Cardiff to London bus is much cheaper than the train but it takes longer at approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes .

Check Coach fares and times on The Train Line here !

Cardiff From London Drive

Lastly, if you have a car in London your can drive from Cardiff to London. The drive is around 3 hours depending where you leave London from.

I’d say that driving from London to Cardiff is a good idea, a great idea in fact, if you are spending a few days in Wales like 3 days in Wales or 1 week in Wales on a Wales Road Trip .

However, for a day trip to Cardiff from London it is not worth the risk that the traffic could be bad and will take hours from your day trip in Cardiff!

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Day Tours from London

If you like the idea of having your Cardiff day trip from London all planned for you, then there are a few day tours from London to Cardiff on offer.

1 – The cheapest Cardiff Day Tour from London via Viator!

This tour includes luxury coach travel from London to Cardiff and back. A tour guide with you all day. A coach around Cardiff’s top attractions and a stop at the impressive Caerphilly Castle just outside Cardiff – Click here to look into prices and availability! It sells out fast!

2 – Day Trip to Cardiff Tour where your train tickets are booked for you from London to Cardiff along with the Hop on Hop Off Bus in Cardiff to see all of the top Cardiff attractions! – Click here to look into prices and availability!

3 – Cardiff Day Tour from London by bus from London to Cardiff with a tour guide plus a sightseeing bus in Cardiff to see the top attractions and a unique visit to Caerphilly Castle just outside of Cardiff! – Click here to look into prices and availability!

Things To Do in Cardiff on a Day Trip

Cardiff is a pretty small city which is why it makes such a good city to visit on a day trip.

With 1 day in Cardiff , you can do quite a lot from seeing historical places like Cardiff Castle and the Victorian Shopping Arcades to seeing a modern and cosmopolitan side down at Cardiff Bay and seeing some of the beautiful nature and impressive views that Cardiff and Wales are known for.

Here are the top things to do in Cardiff which you can do in just a few hours!

Be sure to save this page and pin these places on your map so when you get to Cardiff you can start seeing these top Cardiff attractions straight away!

Cardiff Castle

This is one of Wales’ top heritage attractions so you have to visit when on a day trip in Cardiff! Cardiff Castle is located in the middle of the city at the top of High Street about a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station and it is open every day.

You can buy tickets to enter the castle and the castle museum, this is especially good if it’s raining or cold when you’re in Cardiff so you can be inside. However, if you think you’ll be short on time, you can enter the castle grounds for free and still see a lot of the 2000 years of history Cardiff Castle has to offer!

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Shopping Arcades

As a local to Cardiff I want to tell you about the Cardiff gem’s that are the shopping arcades! Cardiff is known as  ‘ The City of Arcades ‘  because of all its beautiful Victorian & Edwardian arcades that now house over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops.

The arcades date back to 1885 which is when the first one was completed which is High Street Arcade.

Make sure you add Castle Quarter Arcades, High Street Arcade, Royal Arcade and Morgan Arcade to your list of places to see in Cardiff on your day trip.

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Shopping Arcade

Cardiff Market

For more history, to see some Welsh culture and to try the best Welsh Cakes in Cardiff , head to Cardiff Market which is in the middle of the city and just a few minutes walk from the Castle.

Here you’ll find row’s of independent shops and cafes selling local products. Cardiff Market is known as the beating heart of Cardiff and it’s something you can’t miss.

Because the market is all undercover, this is another one of the top places to visit in Cardiff when it’s raining!

For the best Welsh Cakes , be sure to buy some from Cardiff Bakestones!

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Market inside

Cardiff Hop On Hop Off Bus

Even though Cardiff is fairly small to walk around and it’s all pretty flat if you don’t fancy walking from attraction to attraction and you want a guided tour to learn more about the Welsh Capital on your Cardiff from London day trip I recommend booking a ticket on the Hop On Hop Off Bus !

The Cardiff Hop On Hop Off Bus offers 11 stops throughout the city which is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short time and just want you need on a day trip to Cardiff!

From Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Cardiff, Principality Stadium, The Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay and many more stops, you really will visit the top things to do in Cardiff on this bus !

National Museum Cardiff

The National Museum Cardiff is the top museum in Cardiff and not only is it full of interesting pieces and history from art to dinosaurs, but it is also free to enter and it’s a beautiful building from the outside.

Even if you don’t want to go inside I still recommend adding the National Museum Cardiff on your list of things to do in Cardiff on a day trip because it will get you to see another really cool side of the city where it’s popular for students to hang out.

Cardiff day trip from London, National Museum

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

After exploring the above places to visit in Cardiff City Centre I recommend heading to Mermaid Quay which is in Cardiff Bay on the water.

To get from Cardiff City Centre to Cardiff Bay you can either  walk down Lloyd George Avenue  which will take about 15 minutes or you can check  Cardiff Bus for nearby bus stops.

Mermaid Quay is full of restaurants, bars and cafes and it is a really cool place to walk around and enjoy the ocean views from. It’s a good place to stop for lunch on your Cardiff day trip from London.

Cardiff day trip from London, Mermaid Quay

Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve

For some nature and to see a good view of the water and nearby Penarth, head to  Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve which isn’t far from Mermaid Quay.

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve

Norwegian Church Arts Centre Cardiff Bay

This is a really unique white church where many Norwegian sailors lowered their anchors on arrival at Cardiff port.

The church is now a thriving arts centre with a cafe and home to a gallery celebrating Cardiff’s most famous writer,  Roald Dahl  who was born in the area to Norwegian parents so it’s also a must-visit when in Cardiff Bay!

Cardiff day trip from London, Norwegian Church

10km Cardiff Bay Trail Walk

If you have the time, and the right shoes, the best way to see Cardiff Bay and one of the top things to do in Cardiff is to do the 10km circular Cardiff Bay Trail.

There are signs showing the direction of the circular trail throughout the bay so you can’t get lost, the footpath is also on Google Maps.

So why not take yourself for a walk out onto the water over the barrage and back round for a unique and impressive look at Cardiff!

Cardiff day trip from London, Cardiff Bay Trail

Places near Cardiff to visit:

If you arrive in Cardiff on your London to Cardiff day trip and decide you don’t want to spend time in the city and you would rather get out into the countryside a bit or by the coast, you can!

Cardiff is well connected by train and bus, so I would recommend the following things:

  • Penarth Beach
  • Barry Beach
  • Castle Coch
  • Caerphilly Castle and Caerphilly Mountain Walk
  • Garth Mountain Walk

Cardiff day trip from London, Castle Coch

For even more information, have a look at my 1 day in Cardiff itinerary post here to help you fully plan your day trip in Cardiff!

FAQ about a Cardiff Day Trip From London:

Is cardiff worth a day trip from london.

Yes! Whether you live in London and want to explore a city that is slower paced but steeped in history and on the water, or you’re a visitor to London and want to experience another capital city in the UK, Cardiff is worth the day trip from London, just make sure you start your day early to get a full day!

How much is the train from London to Cardiff?

Train tickets from London to Cardiff vary in price from £65.00 to £100.00 depending on the day, time and when you book the ticket! To get the cheapest London to Cardiff train, I advise trying to book a few weeks before.

What can you do in Cardiff for one day?

Cardiff is a fairly small city so with one day in Cardiff you can see the top attractions like Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Shopping Arcades and Cardiff Bay.

What are good day trips from London?

Cardiff is a good day trip from London, other good day trips from London are to Oxford, Bath, Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Brighton, Hastings, Cambridge, Bristol.

I hope this helps you plan your Cardiff day trip from London!

  • More of my day trip from London posts to help you see more of the UK:
  • 26 Day Trips from London By Train!
  • 7 Cardiff Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss!
  • How To Visit The Seven Sisters Cliffs from London On A Day Trip!
  • How To Visit White Cliffs of Dover From London On A Day Trip!
  • 10 Things To Do On A Brighton Day Trip from London! & By Train!
  • 12 Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford From London! By Train or Bus!
  • 12 Day Trips From London in Winter To Explore And Get Cosy in!

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Epic Day Trip to Cardiff from London

cardiff tours from london

Cardiff the capital city of Wales makes the perfect day trip from London. For those of you unfamiliar with the geography of the UK, Wales is a small country off the west coast of England. Although Wales is part of the mainland of Great Britain, it is officially recognised as a different country from England, and this immediately becomes apparent when you visit. There are many interesting facts about Wales including that Wales has their own language, flag, government, an extensive history and many cultural traditions including songs, dances, and food. There are plenty of things to do in Cardiff on a day trip from London with many unique sights to see, drinks to enjoy, and friendly locals to meet. If you have some time, be sure to chat to the Welsh people for insider recommendations such as where to find the best Welsh Cakes or even to learn a few words of Welsh! If you like the sound of Wales and want to extend your stay why not go on a Wales road trip.

Table of Contents

How to get to cardiff from london.

Cardiff is approximately a 3.5–4-hour bus ride from London, so plan to leave as early as possible for a full day in a whole new country! For the ultimate day trip to Cardiff from London we recommend getting the 8am bus from London Victoria coach station to Cardiff University which is near to the beautiful Bute Park and a short walk to the main roads of the city centre. The bus journey costs around £30 return and can be booked with any of the large national coach services such as National Express or Megabus.

You can also get a train from London Paddington Station to Cardiff Central Station which is located on Central Square in the heart of the city, this costs around £80 return and takes under 2 hours. Alternatively you can book a day trip to Cardiff from London package tour which includes a guided tour around Cardiff once you arrive. Check train times and ticket prices here.

One of the best ways to get around in Cardiff on a day trip from London is a hop on, hop off bus tour . This costs around £20 and the ticket is valid for 24 hours from purchase. The hop-on hop-off bus has 11 stops on its route which are Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Wales, Fitzalan Place, Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay, Techniquest, Craft In The Bay, Lloyd George Avenue, St Mary’s Street and Principality Stadium. Perfect for seeing the best sights in Cardiff.

For more active tourists or if the weather is favourable then you may want to experience a walking tour around Cardiff to take in all the sights. Walking tours usually last around 2 hours and are a great way to see the main sights around the city and learn the history of the place without using up your whole day.

Places to See in Cardiff

Cardiff castle.

The main attraction of Cardiff is without a doubt Cardiff Castle which takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore.

The site of Cardiff Castle on top of a hill in the city centre was originally used as a Roman fort from as early as the 1st century but back then it was a much larger area. The Normans took over the site in the 11 th century and constructed the Keep that still dominates the Castle Green to this day, the rest of the castle and grounds have undergone several upgrades since then.

The medieval Lords of Glamorgan began working on the Castle House during the 15th century and the Bute family took over ownership of the Castle and its grounds in the 19th century, they also transformed the House into the Victorian Gothic home it is today.

During second world war the walls of Cardiff Castle were used as air raid shelters for citizens and a reconstruction of the shelters can be seen inside the walls today. On 10 th September 1947 the 5 th Marquess of Bute gifted Cardiff Castle and the surrounding parkland to Cardiff city and its people.

Entry costs £12.50 for adults, £9 for children, £10 for senior citizens and students and under 5’s can enter for free. Cardiff Castle is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Keep at Cardiff Castle a must visit on any day trip to Cardiff from London

Black Tower/ South Gate – This is the main entrance through the castle wall which can actually be entered for free, and you can enjoy the castle green and visit the café inside the walls of the castle. If you want to enter any of the Castle buildings however you must pay the visitor’s fee. When you first enter the castle grounds, there is a small museum called the “Firing Line” where you can learn all about The Queens Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh military history.

Castle House/Apartments – The oldest parts of the Castle’s residential buildings date from the 1500s but by the time the Bute family inherited Cardiff Castle most of the house was in disrepair and some of the original lodgings were demolished and subsequently rebuilt. The current Victorian-gothic style house is spectacular and although many the original furnishings were removed when the castle was gifted to the people of Cardiff it is still lavishly decorated with pieces from the correct time period. Visit Lord Bute’s Study, The Arab Room, The Banqueting Hall, Small Dining Room, The Library and The Drawing Room.

You can pay a small upgrade fee to your entry ticket and take a guided 50-minute tour of the castle apartments. The tour guide will show you the fascinating history of the house and point out specific details in the décor and the design of the house that you might miss otherwise. You also get access to more incredible rooms that are not open to the public, including The Nursery, Chaucer Room, Bute Bedroom and Roof Garden. The upgrade fee is £4 for adults, £3 for children and £3.50 for seniors and students and is well worth the price.

Clock Tower – The clock tower which sits in the corner of the castle walls was the first part of the Castle House built by the 3 rd Marquess of Bute and comprised a suite of bachelor’s rooms, including a bedroom, a servant’s room and the Summer and Winter smoking rooms.

Castle Walls – within the walls of the Castle are tunnels which were used are air raid shelters during the second world war. Venture inside the walls to see the replication of what it was like during that time. You can also enjoy a stroll along 3 sides of the Castle’s outer defences, taking The Battlement Walk from the south wall around the eastern wall and ending at the north gate. You can patrol the castle walls which were reconstructed on the site of the original roman fortress walls which you can still see in the lower sections of the walls.

cardiff tours from london

The Keep – Probably the most iconic part of Cardiff Castle is the shell of original Norman Keep that sits atop a hill in the middle of the castle green within the castle walls. If you are up to it climb the 50 or so steps to the entrance of the Keep and continue up to the viewing platform for a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Cardiff. Historically the Keep would have housed smaller important buildings within its walls.

Principality Stadium

The national stadium of Wales formerly known as Millennium Stadium, is an impressive icon in Wales. Principality mainly hosts rugby games and even though the stadium on the site is relatively new it has been the site of Rugby and football matches for centuries. If you are a sports fan then you won’t want to miss a tour of the stadium where you can visit the Dragon’s Lair aka the teams changing room, walk the players tunnel onto the pitch and lift the trophies in the President’s box. The stadium is hard to miss, and if you’re enjoying a hop-on hop-off tour around Cardiff it’s one of the stopping points.

Fun Fact: The Welsh national rugby team were the first team ever in the world to sing their countries national anthem “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” or Land of my Fathers as it’s called in English, before a sporting event. This historical moment happened on the site of the Principality stadium in 1905 when Wales hosted New Zealand in response to the Kiwi’s performing their native Haka.

Location: Westgate Street, Cardiff  

Cost: Adults £13.75, Seniors/Students £11.00, Children £9.90 or you can get a family tour for £41.80

cardiff tours from london

National Museum of Wales

One of the stops on the hop on, hop off bus tour is the National Museum of Wales. Wander around the museum and explore the history of this tiny country with the Evolution of Wales galleries. Admire one of Europe’s finest art collection in the art galleries and get some hands-on exploration of museum objects such as insects, fossils and Bronze Age weapons. The museum also has temporary exhibits so check what’s on before visiting. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday and most bank holiday Mondays from 10am-5pm and is free to visit making it a great stop for budget travellers. Don’t get it confused with the Museum of Cardiff, which focuses on items with a strong link to Cardiff’s history and have personal stories or memories attached.

Location: Park Place, Cardiff. Next to the Cardiff University.             

Bute Park and Arboretum

Bute Park located in the heart of the city next to Cardiff Castle is the former private gardens of the 3 rd Marquess of Bute whose family previously owned Cardiff Castle. The Park is huge at 56 hectares the equivalent to 75 football pitches! It comprises over 130 acres of landscaped gardens and features over 3000 different types of trees including 41 champion trees. Champion trees are acknowledged as the tallest or broadest of their type in the British Isles and Bute Park currently has the most out of any other public park in the UK.

Running through the middle of Bute Park is the River Taff where you can get on one of the river cruises to Cardiff Bay and take in all the history and sights along the way. The river cruises last around 25 minutes each way and cost £5 for adults and £3 for children or you can buy a family ticket for £15.

There are several lovely cafes and tearooms throughout the park, so wherever you end up you can enjoy a nice tea break.

Location: North Road, Cardiff.                                                      Cost: Free

cardiff tours from london

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a beautiful area to see, even for a few minutes from the hop-on hop-off bus tour . If you have time, then we recommend stopping and admiring all the area has to offer. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy around Cardiff Bay for visitors of all ages. Wander around the bay across the sea barrage embankment to Penarth Marina and see the boats docked in the harbour or if time is short take a sightseeing boat tour around the bay .

For nature lovers, visit the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve on the northern shore of Cardiff Bay. The reserve is home to a diverse number of plants and animals, including invertebrates, fish and other wildlife and there is a dedicated viewing area over the water, which is perfect for bird watching. During the summer Cardiff Bay is transformed into Cardiff Bay Beach, an urban pop-up beach featuring a sandy play area and a shallow swimming area, bars and food stands along with live music and events to enjoy.

Penarth Marina in Cardiff at dusk with boats docked in the foreground and buildings in the background

Doctor Who Tours

A visit to Cardiff wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Doctor Who which was historically filmed in the city. Although the Doctor who exhibit is now closed, fans of the sci-fi show can still visit the Doctor Who filming locations around the city. You can either take a Doctor Who walking tour around the city or there is also an unofficial Doctor Who bus tour which may be better for visitors on a day trip to Cardiff from London.

Where to Eat in Cardiff

There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in Cardiff many of which are within walking distance from Cardiff Castle. If you need help deciding where to go during your limited time in the city we recommend these eateries and pubs for the best food and drinks in Cardiff.

Coffee Barker

This quirky little coffee shop is a great place to start your day trip in Cardiff, you can grab yourself a quick coffee, tea, hot chocolate or something stronger if you prefer with their extensive alcoholic drinks menu. Treat yourself to one of the delicious homemade cakes, traybakes or waffles with a selection of different toppings you won’t be disappointed.

Location: 1-13 Castle Arcade, High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BU                                    

A red teapot sits on top of a wooden table next to a small vial of milk and a teacup. There is also a large mug of hot chocolate and two cakes on plates alongside a square vase with a flower in it which is labelled table A5 at the Coffee Barker cafe in Cardiff

The Alchemist

This cocktail bar is the perfect stop for a refreshing instagrammable beverage and is a must on any visit to Cardiff. As you sit and sip on one of the many colourful drinks you will notice the unique décor around the bar, ask the friendly staff to tell you the fun stories about the bar and the decorations inside.

Location: 117 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DY   

Revolution Cardiff

Directly across from Cardiff Castle on Castle Street, is Revolution Cardiff. Although part of the larger Revolution chain the Cardiff branch is different from others and is a fun, spacious bar where you can play games such as foosball while you drink. There is also a lovely outdoor seating area which is perfect on a sunny afternoon.

Location: 9-11 Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BS

Perfectly located in Penarth Marina if you are getting the river cruise from Bute Park you can stop here and indulge in some freshly caught seafood at this nautical themed restaurant overlooking the marina. The kitchen is open so you can watch your food being prepared if you wish or grab a cocktail and sit out on the deck and enjoy the atmosphere. We had the mussels which were amazing and the portion was huge, it’s not the cheapest place but it’s worth it for what you get.

Location: Penarth Marina, Penarth Portway, Penarth, Cardiff.

A large pan of mussels in a white creamy garlic saunce on top of a wooden serving board with a basket of chips and a small bowl with a slice of lemon. Behind sits a glass and a bottle of cider

Cardiff Market

Stop by Cardiff Market to sample local delicacies, we highly recommend going to Bakestones for some delicious homemade Welsh Cakes. Welsh cakes are like a flattened scones but taste completely different. The ones at Bakestones are made right on the market stall and come in loads of different flavours like: traditional fruit, plain, coconut, chocolate chip, Nutella and lemon curd! Starting at just 35p each they are cheap and tasty so make sure you grab a couple to take home with you.

Location: 5-7 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

cardiff tours from london

Cardiff Food Tasting Tour

If you can’t decide between all the amazing restaurants and eateries around the city, then maybe you should take a food tasting walking tour around Cardiff. In this tour you can try 6 dishes, some local Welsh dishes and some international dishes at different eating establishments from high-end dining to street food stalls. You will also get to see the main sights of the city. Book your tour here .

Afternoon Tea in Cardiff

Another great foodie option in Cardiff is indulging in a traditional afternoon tea and Cardiff has no shortage of establishments to enjoy one. Here are a few places to try.

The Admiral at Voco St David’s Hotel

Indulge is a selection of savoury and sweet treats at this 5-star hotel located in Cardiff Bay. The traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, English scones with clotted cream and jam and other sweet cakes and pastries. Served of course with tea or upgrade to prosecco or champagne. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SD     

Cost: Prices start at £25.95 per person.

Pettigrew Tea Rooms

This independent tearoom can be found by entrance to Bute Park in the heart of Cardiff City centre and is open from 10am to 6pm 7 days a week. They allow afternoon tea for one if you are a solo traveller and the extensive menu has nine choice for sandwich fillings. Afternoon tea for one comes with two sandwich fillings, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and welsh strawberry jam and a large slice of homemade cake of your choice. Afternoon tea for two or more people comes with a choice of three different sandwich fillings, scones and cake.  For groups of five or more people a selection of every sandwich filling is offered.

Location: Castle West Lodge, Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 1BJ  

Cost: Afternoon tea for one £17.50 per person, afternoon tea for two £32.50 per couple.

Barker Tea House

A sister business of Coffee Barker mentioned earlier Barker Tea House takes the tea and cake offerings to the next level with their delicious vintage afternoon teas set in a vintage atmosphere. The afternoon tea has a lovely selection of cakes and pastries alongside sandwiches and scones.

Location: 8-12 High Street Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BB

Cost: £19.50 for 1 person or £17.50 each for two or more people.

cardiff tours from london

Waterloo Tea house

With several locations to choose from you won’t be disappointed. The Waterloo afternoon tea consists of a three-tier cake stand filled with sandwiches and savoury treats, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and a pot of tea. They also have over 50 varieties of tea to choose from.

Location: Most central location is 21-25 Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1FH

Cost: £15 per person

Now that you know what to see and where to eat in Cardiff and you’ve made a jam-packed schedule, go and enjoy your day trip from London to Cardiff!

For more UK travel inspiration, check out these posts:

  • 12 Best Day Trips from Nottingham
  • Camping in Devon: The Ultimate Budget Staycation

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Steph is the main writer of Book It Let's Go! and is arguably the better half of the couple. She is an expat originally from England currently residing in St Kitts where she teaches veterinary students. In 2019 Steph packed up her old life, her husband Lewis, and their 2 cats in to leave the cold and wet behind in exchange for beaches and palm trees. Now she has made the leap to move abroad she has no plans to return anytime soon and wants to help others make the leap to move abroad too. Steph is currently enjoying being based in the Caribbean and doing some island hopping while planning her next big adventure with Lewis.

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cardiff tours from london

  • Day Trips & Excursions

cardiff tours from london

Cardiff Day Trip from London

  • All entrance fees included
  • Informative, friendly and professional guide
  • Fully narrated tour
  • Comprehensive tour by bus
  • Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Live commentary on board
  • Local guide
  • Professional guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entry or Admission - Caerphilly Castle
  • Food and drinks

Departure & Return

, central London

08:15amTimes are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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  • Itinerary is intended as a guide and some details may be subject to change due to operational reasons
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it's canceled because the minimum isn't met, you'll be offered a different date
  • experience or a full refund

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All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

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