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Many people will say that there's no such thing as poor (wet) weather - just the wrong clothes! Whilst that is true, its always good to have a few places to visit where you can have a great, family day out without getting rained on. Here are some ideas.
There's lots to do in Cardiff
On a wet day, a visit to Cardiff has lots to offer the whole family:
- Children of all ages love playing (or doing science) at Techniquest - follow it up with a stop at the Pierhead Building.
- In the city centre the National Museum Cardiff and Cardiff Castle are both indoors and offer hours of fascinating activities.
- You could also visit Llandaff Cathedral or Insole Court.
- If you fancy a bit of shopping then explore the wonderful Victorian/Edwardian arcades where there are lots of independent shops and cafes.
Go Underground
Underground the conditions are always the same - so in the summer it feels cool but in the winter it's warm - and it's always the same - no rai from above!
So a trip to Big Pit National Coal Museum or A Welsh Coal Mining Experience: Rhondda Heritage Park will always be exciting, informative and out of the weather.
If you like industrial stories then another option out of the rain is to hop on a steam train and enjoy the views - we have 2 in Southern Wales - Brecon Mountain Railway and Blaenavon's Heritage Railway - both of which are fun for the young but are also a memory trigger for older visitors.
Museums are full of stories
Do you visit museums? If not, then give them a try - they bring hidden and forgotten stories to life, and can easily fill a wet afternoon in an entertaining way. Here are some of the local museums across Southern Wales:
- Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil - everything from the first steam whistle to dresses designed by Julien McDonald - and even Hover washing machines!
- Pontypool Museum has a fabulous collection of Japanware - iron made beautiful.
- Pontypridd Museum - exhibitions about life in Ponty - the mines, the railways, Brown Lenox Chainworks and more.
- Tredegar Medical Aid Society tells the story of the creation of the NHS - perfect before starting a walk around the town when the rain stops.
- Nantgarw China Works and Museum shows off the best porcelain ever made in the UK - and how the secrets have been rediscovered.
- Explore the story of the Police at the South Wales Police Heritage Centre.
- Abergavenny Museum & Castle has an Air Raid Shelter, Welsh Kitchen and various old shops to explore.
- Newport Museum and Art Gallery - stories of the Chartists, the Romans and how Newport became one of the biggest ports in the world.
- Tredegar House or The Royal Mint Experience are also great ideas.
If it's Wet - then Get Wetter
If it's raining then why not embrace the weather and get wetter - have a go at a water sport - Southern Wales has great facilities:
- White Water Rafting, Wave Riding and SUP - all at Cardiff International White Water Centre.
- Great waves for Surfing, Body-boarding, Kite Surfing and SUP at Rest Bay - and you can book lessons.
- Visit one of our inland waterways to have a go sailing, kayaking, SUP or maybe even some wild swimming - try Parc Bryn Bach, Llandegfeddd Lake or Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs. You can also hire equipment to canoe on the River Wye or book a Canoe Experience.
You could do some other adventures - like rock climbing at Rock UK, Mountain Biking at Bike Park Wales, Cwmcarn or Dare Valley Country Park or walk to a waterfall, such as Penpych, Sgwd yr Eira or in the Clydach Gorge.
