7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Cardiff

Cardiff, the bustling capital of Wales, is not only a vibrant city for digital nomads to work from but also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural offerings, the region around Cardiff offers a plethora of weekend getaway options. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems off the beaten track, there's something for everyone within a short journey from the city.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Just an hour's drive from Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, waterfalls, and wide-open spaces, it's the perfect place to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with nature. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular activities here. Don't miss the chance to climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, for breathtaking views.

How to Get There: The best way to reach the Brecon Beacons is by car, which takes about an hour from Cardiff. Alternatively, you can take a train to Merthyr Tydfil and then a bus into the park.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, visit the park at night. Brecon Beacons is one of the few Dark Sky Reserves in the world, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Where to Stay: The Gliffaes Country House Hotel offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For a more rustic experience, the Brecon Beacons YHA provides comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Where to Eat: The Felin Fach Griffin is a cozy gastropub known for its locally sourced Welsh cuisine and warm atmosphere. Try their seasonal dishes for a true taste of the region.

Gower Peninsula

For breathtaking coastal scenery, the Gower Peninsula is a must-visit. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to some of the UK's most stunning beaches, such as Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay. Whether you're into surfing, walking along the coast, or simply relaxing on the beach, Gower has it all. The peninsula is also rich in history, with ancient castles and churches dotting the landscape.

How to Get There: The Gower Peninsula is about an hour and a half drive from Cardiff. Public transport options are available but may involve multiple connections.

Travel Tip: Visit Worm's Head at Rhossili Bay, but be sure to check the tide times as it's only accessible for a few hours before and after low tide.

Where to Stay: The King Arthur Hotel offers a charming retreat with comfortable rooms and an excellent restaurant serving local fare.

Where to Eat: The Beach House Restaurant at Oxwich Bay provides stunning sea views and a menu featuring fresh, local seafood.

Bath, England

Just over an hour from Cardiff by train, Bath is a city steeped in history and culture. Famous for its Roman-built baths, stunning Georgian architecture, and the iconic Royal Crescent, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a delightful mix of history, shopping, and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to take a dip in the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in naturally warm waters just as the Romans did.

How to Get There: The quickest way to Bath is by train, with regular services running from Cardiff Central Station and taking just over an hour.

Travel Tip: Visit the Bath Abbey and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers luxury accommodations with its own naturally heated spa circuit. For a boutique experience, try the Queensberry Hotel.

Where to Eat: Sally Lunn's is one of the oldest houses in Bath and home to the famous Sally Lunn Bun, a must-try local delicacy.

Hay-on-Wye

Known as the "Town of Books," Hay-on-Wye is a charming market town on the border of England and Wales, about an hour and a half from Cardiff. With its myriad of bookshops, it's a bibliophile's paradise, especially during the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts. The town is also a gateway to the beautiful Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering plenty of walking and canoeing opportunities.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Hay-on-Wye is by car, as public transport options are limited and may involve lengthy journeys with multiple changes.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting in late May to early June, don't miss the Hay Festival, which attracts writers and thinkers from around the world.

Where to Stay: The Swan at Hay is a lovely boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves delicious local food.

Where to Eat: For a casual lunch, try Richard Booth's Bookshop Café, which offers a selection of homemade cakes and light meals amidst a literary atmosphere.

Tintern Abbey

For a more unusual and off the beaten track destination, consider a visit to the ruins of Tintern Abbey, nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley. This 12th-century abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and inspired the famous poem by William Wordsworth. The surrounding area is also perfect for picturesque walks along the River Wye or exploring the nearby woodlands.

How to Get There: Tintern Abbey is best reached by car, taking around an hour from Cardiff. Public transport is possible but less convenient, involving a train to Chepstow and then a bus to Tintern.

Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a walk to The Devil's Pulpit, a viewpoint overlooking the abbey that offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

Where to Stay: The Parva Farmhouse Riverside Guesthouse offers a cozy stay in a historic building with beautiful views of the Wye Valley.

Where to Eat: The Anchor Inn, located near the abbey, serves hearty meals in a traditional pub setting with a riverside garden.

Llanthony Priory

Another hidden gem within reach of Cardiff is Llanthony Priory, located in the secluded Vale of Ewyas. This 12th-century Augustinian priory is set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains and offers a peaceful retreat from the modern world. The surrounding area is excellent for hiking and enjoying the tranquility of the Welsh countryside.

How to Get There: Llanthony Priory is best accessed by car, as it's situated in a remote area. The drive from Cardiff takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: If you're up for an adventure, hike up to the nearby Offa's Dyke Path for spectacular views of the priory and the surrounding landscape.

Where to Stay: Stay at the Llanthony Priory Hotel, which is actually located within the priory grounds, offering a unique historical experience.

Where to Eat: The Half Moon Inn is a quaint country pub in the area, known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional Welsh dishes.

Portmeirion

Portmeirion is a unique coastal village in North Wales, designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the style of an Italian village. It's a bit further afield but well worth the trip for a weekend getaway. The village is known for its picturesque architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views over the estuary of the River Dwyryd. It's also famous as the filming location for the 1960s TV series "The Prisoner."

How to Get There: The journey to Portmeirion from Cardiff can take around 4 hours by car. Alternatively, you can take a train to Bangor and then a bus or taxi to the village.

Travel Tip: Make sure to check out the subtropical forest, Gwyllt, with its rare and exotic plants, as well as hidden sculptures and trails.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Portmeirion offers luxury accommodation with rooms overlooking the estuary or the surrounding woodland.

Where to Eat: The Castell Deudraeth Brasserie offers a modern dining experience with a menu that highlights local produce and seasonal ingredients.