Cardiff Outdoor Activities
Cardiff outdoor activities, as you will see from this extensive list cover all the elements be it on land in or on the water or in the sky with or without a parachute.
Taff Valley Quad Bike
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Address: Taff Valley, Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd, CF37 5BJ
Quad bikes are small, all-terrain vehicles with four wheels and big tyres powered by a small motor engine. Riding helps balance and are great fun cornering overtakin and just getting muddy!
Phone: 02920 831658
Taskforce Skirmish Paintball
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Address: Just off Main A48 Penllyn, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.
PostCode: CF71 7RQ
Phone: 02920 593900
Taskforce Skirmish is the premier paintballing centre in South wales it also offers laser tag (quasar outdoors), as well as archery, it is one of the classic Cardiff outdoor activities for a stag do.
There are team building exercises, laser clay pigeon shooting and the real thing, 12 bore clay pigeon shooting.
Go Ape
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Arial Cardiff outdoor activities including 5 zip lines.
The minimum age is 10 years old, and the minimum height is 1.4m (4’7″). The course typically takes 2-3 hours to complete it has 5 epic zip wires, up to 200m long
Address: Margam Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot
PostCode: SA13 2TJ Phone: 0845 643 9215
Go Ape Website
St Fagans Ariel Walk
District: Cardiff Outskirts. Address: St Fagans, Post Code CF5 6XB, Phone 0300 111 2333
Well structured and well supervised activity, kids of all ages can enjoy this. The safety kit is well cared for and the walk ends with a zip line for a thrilling finish. A challenge for everyone but not an impossible one.
Flashpoint Cardiff
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Climbing centre designed with climbers of all abilities in mind; from new climbers to those looking for a challenge there are climbing and bouldering walls to enjoy.
Freemans Parc, 236 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 8EQ
Phone: 029 2233 7227
info@flashpointcardiff.com
Cardiff outdoor activities – (Water based) Celtic Quest Coasteering
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Phone: Call us to book 01348 837337. Postcode SA62 6DT
Celtic Quest offer coasteering as one of the water based Cardiff outdoor activities and other sea and mountain based activities. The activities take place west of Cardiff in Pembrokeshire.
Celtic Quest Coasteering website
Quest Adventures
District: Cardiff Outskirts
Address: 49 New Road, Porthcawl,
PostCode: CF36 5
Quest adventures website Phone: 029 2029 1055
If you fancy coasteering S Wales has brilliant coastline Quest offer organised trips to a variety of locations along with loads of other Cardiff outdoor activities as well.
Canoeing – Cardiff International White Water
District: Cardiff Bay
Address: Watkiss Way Cardiff
PostCode: CF11 0SY
Phone: 02920 829970
Here you can learn and enjoy canoeing, kayaking, sea canoes and just get paddling. They even do rafting and white water rafting.
White water rafting white water canoeing are easily available within the bounds of the International Sports Village. Full teaching facilities exist but we thought it was a little expensive. It is one of the most thrilling of Cardiff outdoor activities and well worth a try.
Opening Times. Basic hours are 9.00am – 5.00pm with late nights to 8pm on Wed and Fri
Sunday closes an hour earlier at 4.00pm
Cardiff International White Water website
Scuba Diving
It goes without saying that with any ‘extreme’ sport, health and safety is a huge priority,
This is particularly true with diving the major organisations that train SCUBA divers are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and they award the full PADI certification. The other is the British Sub Aqua Club, BSAC. When qualified the sport has some fantastic thrills and leads to superb locations. On top of that there is camaraderie the often leads to friends for life.
So wherever you go, make sure that the diving centre is registered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and has the full PADI certification. Once you have done your homework, then you are ready to enjoy the thrill and excitement of scuba diving in Cardiff.
Scuba Diving & Sub-Aqua Clubs in Cardiff
There are a number of diving clubs in Cardiff and the surrounding area, providing a wide variety of different levels and dive experiences across the sub-aqua spectrum.
Trident Divers Sub Aqua Club
Formed just last year (2012), via the merging of three older clubs, the Cardiff Dolphins, Cardiff Underwater and South Glamorgan BSAC. Based in Cardiff, they great access to three superb inland diver training sites which offer a variety of fresh water diving experiences. Trident welcomes anyone of any age and ability, from complete beginner to divers with PADI, SAA or BSAC experience. Weekly training is held at Whitchurch High School (during school term time only) between 7.00pm & 8.00pm.
With the merging of three older diving clubs, Cardiff Dolphins, South Glamorgan BSAC and Cardiff Underwater in 2012 a pooling of resources, (sorry for the pun), led to the formation of Trident Divers Sub Aqua Club.
This club has access to 3 really excellent inland dive training sites which enables them to offer a wide range of diving experiences in fresh water.
They welcome all divers whatever their ability or experience be they PADI, SAA or BSAC trained.
It is a weekly meet at Whitchurch High School ) between 7.00pm & 8.00pm, only during term time.
Contact Trident Divers by phoning 07547 398802 – please leave a message if no reply
Trident Divers Sub Aqua Club Website
Cardiff Phoenix Divers
Providing boat & shore experiences to all certified members, Cardiff Phoenix Diving Club is a non-affiliated diving club who warmly welcome divers from all diving organisations. They have a strong social element to the club and also arrange at least three overseas diving trips every year. Pool training sessions are held 8:15pm until 9:15pm every Wednesday night at Howells School, Llandaff.
Boat dives and shore dives are available to all registered and certified members. The club is non-affiliated and they warmly welcome scuba divers whatever their base qualification. Diving is renowned for its social scene and there is a strong identification here at Cardiff Phoenix. In addition travelling aboroad at least three times a year.
There are pool sessions at Howells School, Llandaff. 8:15pm until 9:15pm on Wednesdays
Contact by email to membership@cardiffphoenixdivers.co.uk. Cardiff-Phoenix-divers Website
Cardiff BSAC
As a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club, Cardiff BSAC is a friendly organisation for recreational divers. With regular diving courses and dive trips throughout the year, there is something here for the complete beginner or those with experience of the other training agencies.
The British Sub-Aqua Club is a major organization catering for recreational diver.
They run regular courses for divers and organize trips throughout the year.
BSAC caters for complete novices and also cater for those wishing to refresh their previous training with other agencies.
Cardiff BSAC Training occurs at Whitchurch School Swimming Pool, Wednesdays between 7.00pm & 8.00pm.
Cardiff BSAC
88 Queens Rd, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1DH. Tel: 01633 897997
Email :Teresa.Darbyshire@museumwales.ac.uk
Cardiff BSAC website
Cardiff Bay Water Activities Centre
District: Cardiff Bay
Address: Channel View Jim Driscoll Way, Grange town
PostCode: CF11 7HB
Phone: (029) 2035 3912
Rowing, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, power boating, mountain biking are part of the range of Cardiff outdoor activities. All with experienced and qualified instructors.
Cardiff Bay Water Activities Website
Bay Island Voyages
District: Cardiff Bay
Address: Lower Board Walk, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
Bay Island Voyages Departure Point PostCode: CF10 5BZ
Enjoy a quick blast round Cardiff Bay or go out through the lock into the channel to visit the islands of Steep Holm and Flat holm. Phone: 07393 470476
Cardiff being a major port on the Bristol Channel is not surprisingly blessed with stretches of water to enjoy as sporting venues.
Cardiff Bay, a 2 square kilometre freshwater lake formed by the construction of the Cardiff Barrage. Access to the Bristol Channel is via 3 locks. See major sailing events like the Extreme 40’s catamaran series, regattas at both the sailing clubs Cardiff Bay Yacht Club and Cardiff Yacht Club as well as CBWAC. (See sailing tab)
The river Taff and the river Ely flow into the bay, great opportunities for fishing at designated locations.
Bristol Channel, numerous boat trips for fishing or take a high speed rib out into the Channel.
Just round the corner is Penarth with its pier or visit the island of Steepholm and Flatholm.
Fishing is well catered for with carp fishing available at a surprising location, also at Lamby Lakes and Cefn Mably Lakes.
Cardiff being the major city in South Wales became so successful due to its position as a port for exporting coal and steel from the valleys, these valleys and hills provide massive opportunities for Cardiff outdoor activitivities.
Windsurfing
Cardiff Windsurfing
Windsurfing in Cardiff is best served by the beach at Cold Knapp Barry ,here you get access to good wind in the afternoon and sailing in a bay so if you do get into trouble it might be a long walk back but at least you shouldn’t need a life guard. ‘The Knapp’ is tidal so you have to keep an eye on the bean and currents. Some great sailing there though, you will need a proper wetsuit, after all it is Britain.
Further down the coast is another great venue at Porthcawl, with a much bigger sailing area.
If you are beginning then best to start of on an inland lake, 30 minutes in the car will get you to Llandegvedd you can hire a board here and there is rescue available.
Gwent Adventures
General enquiries: Terry Scully
Windsurfing enquiries: Mike Walklin
Gwent Adventures CIC.,
Llandegfedd Reservoir,
Coed-y-Paen,
Nr. New Inn,
Gwent.
NP4 0TA.
Tel: 01291 673002 (1st March – 31st October)
(1st November – 28th February) please e-mailEmail: information@gwent-adventures.co..uk
Cardiff Mountain Biking
Cardiff mountain biking can be enjoyed at various locations around Cardiff.
Some great biking activities in the bay and on the Taff trail and also mountain biking activities on the ‘ridge’ and Caerphilly mountain, these include Cwm Carn near Cross Keys, Afan Argoed in the valleys above Port Talbot, Glyncorryg which is a little further up the valley from Afan Argoed. Some of the trails at Glyncorryg are a bit technical but they really are well worth the trip. Add to that there is probably the best cafe in South Wales in the purpose built cycling centre and it makes for one of the best Cardiff outdoor activities around.
Bike Park Wales is a new centre opened in the summer of 2013 in the Merthyr region. It has a great range of trails for anyone from Cardiff mountain biking in this region.
Paragliding and Hanglliding
The CFI Steve Millson has been paragliding since 1990, and has been professionally involved with
the sport since 1992. Before that he worked as an Assistant Director / Locations manager and
Cameraman for many years on some well-known feature films.He has also several seasons as a
ski guide in the Alps, where the paragliding adventure began.As a BHPA qualified Senior Instructor,
Paramotor instructor, and Tandem instructor, Steve will be the guy you do most if not all of your
training with. He is also a practicing Buddhist, so if you are looking for the answers to other questions he may have some interesting insights!
South East Wales Hang gliding and Paragliding Club
The South East Wales Hang gliding and Paragliding club has nearly 250 members with multiple locations to caver almost any wind direction. It includes Blorenge and Hay bluff in the black mountains with its superb scenery. Farthest West is Bridgend and there are 19 flying sites currently in use.
This exciting sport has the advantage that you actually get to fly!
Contact for south east Wales hang gliding and paragliding club.
Paul Dancey 02920 710616 or 07879 491146
https://www.flysouthwales.co.uk
Email paul-dancey@sewhgpgc.co.uk
Axis Paragliding
The Chief Flying Instructor takes real care with his students and has been very successful at getting students qualified who have had difficulty before or qualified overseas and need a British qualification.
Axis use radios to communicate with their students and regularly use tandem and modern equipment.
Axis training
35 Mount Street
Abergavenny
NP7 7DT
01873 850111 mob 07970421373
Website http://www.paraglide.co.uk
Bungee Jumping
Closest bungee jumping venues to Cardiff appear to be Chepstow and Bristol. Bookable through The Activity People Approx £65 per person, minimum age 14, age 50 plus need a doctors certificate.
There is a nationwide network called the Bungeepros who also offer jumps from differing venues.
Gwent Adventures
General enquiries: Terry Sculley
Windsurfing enquiries: Mike Walklin
Gwent Adventures CIC., Llandegfedd Reservoir, Coed-y-Paen, Nr. New Inn, Gwent. NP4 0TA.
Tel: 01291 673002 (1st March – 31st October)
(1st November – 28th February) please e-mail Email: information@gwent-adventures.co.uk
Gwent Adventures
General enquiries: Terry Sculley
Windsurfing enquiries: Mike Walklin
Gwent Adventures CIC.,
Coed-y-Paen, Nr. New Inn, Gwent. NP4 0TA.
Tel: 01291 673002 (1st March – 31st October)
(1st November – 28th February) please e-mail Email: information@gwent-adventures.co..uk
Penarth Water Ski
Cardiff Bay is a great place to ski both for the experienced and novices, the club ski from the Channel view facility, there is a ski area or zone which is adjacent to the Cardiff International Pool
They have permission to use the bay is at these times.
Friday – 14:00 till dusk
Saturday – 08:00 till 12:00
Sunday – 16:00 till dusk
Monday – 14:00 till dusk
http://penarthwaterski.co.uk/cardiff-bay/
Sailing
Cardiff Bay Water activities Centre
District: Cardiff Bay
Address: Channel View Jim Driscoll Way, Grange town
PostCode: CF11 7HB
Phone: (029) 2035 3912
Rowing, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, power boating, mountain biking, Situated on the barrage but operating in the bay They have experienced and fully qualified instructors.
Llangorse Sailing Club
Sailing at Llangorse Sailing club
Website: https://llangorsesailing.com
Merthyr Sailing Club
Sailing at Merthyr Sailing Club is on the 253 acre Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Website: https://www.mtsc.org.uk
Cardiff Sailing Clubs include
Cardiff Bay Yacht Club https://cbyc.co.uk/
Cardoff Bay Yacht Club https://www.cardiffyachtclub.org.uk/
Hot Air Balooning
Not surprisingly hot air balloon trips are heavily dependent on weather and wind. There is only one company that is based in Wales
Launching from the edge of the Brecon Beacons the flights are more personal as a result of smaller gondolas.
Arrange for champagne on board or ask about special events. Launch sites include Aberglasney Gardens, Llandeilo and National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Not close to Cardiff but for some this would be the perfect Hen Party or Stag Party event!
Contact: 01558 822827 anytime between 9am and 5pm.
Enquiries through the contact form at Floating sensations website
Site Operator: Floating Sensations Ltd, Cwmisaf, Ffairfach, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6TD
Skydive Swansea
The Skydive Swansea Club is situated at Swansea Airport on the Gower Peninsular.
Operating most weekends and Bank Holidays they offer a sensational experience with stunning views.
The aim of the company is to allow you to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Safety is at all times the top priority and strict adherence to the regulations of the British Parachute Association and the Civil Aviation Authority is followed.
Swansea Airport
Swansea SA2 7JU
E-mail: info@skydiveswansea.co.uk
http://www.skydiveswansea.co.uk
Telephone: 01792 207035 or Telephone: 07779 019655
Bailey Balloons
Bristol has a fearsome reputation as a balloon centre so we had to include a Bristol based company.
They organise ballooning over Usk with terrific castle views, Raglan and the scenery of the Usk valley as a backdrop.
This company is well geared up for corporate events and special occasions so give them a call if you have a plan in mind and they will help you develop it.
Bailey Balloons,
44 Ham Green, Bristol, BS20 0HA
TEL: 01275 375 300, FAX: 01275 375 660
E- mail: info@baileyballoons.co.uk Website: Baileyballoons
4×4 Driving Off Roading
Landrover driving, is fantastic 4×4 fun
There are various tracks and routes and you get a training seesion with a qualified instructor
Perfect for a Stag Party or just a group of friends doing something different.
Wales Activity Breaks
Cwrt y Celyn Farm
Upperboat
Pontypridd
CF37 5BJ
Tel: (029) 20 831658
Email: info@walesactivitybreaks.co.uk
Cardiff Outdoor Activities – Gower Coast
Cardiff Outdoor activities gives you a taste for things to do outdoors. Fantastic if you are thinking of organising a stag do! Many of us just want to find a great idea to enjoy the outdoors on the Gower Coast. Some outstanding biking activities on the Gower coast with idealic spots to camp overnight. Coastal rides combine a range of terrain combining some great views.
Cardiff Outdoor Activities – Coasteering on the Gower coast.
If you fancy coasteering S Wales has brilliant coastline Quest Adventures offer organised trips to a variety of locations. Coasteering combines walks along the coastline with climbing, scrambling and swimming along with a coastal route, your guide will let you know when you can do the crazy stuff like jumping from height into the sea !
Knowledge of tides and local terrain is really important so planned trips are best, particularly if its a Stag party or a hen Party! Loads of other activities as well. Including gorge walking, surfing , mountain adventures, kayaking, some of these occur a bit further inland.
Cardiff Outdoor Activities – Air Sports
Those who participate in air sports will know the geography and wind direction are pretty much critical to a good session. It so happens that South Wales and the Gower coast has several locations that meet these criteria, Hot air ballooning provides some truly beautiful sights and these can often be combined with Champagne.
Cardiff Outdoor Activities
One of the simplest of Cardiff outdoor activities is to simply get out and have a walk. Cardiff city council has been increasing the opportunities to do this by setting up a series of Cardiff nature trails in the Cardiff area.
There is pressure on local authorities to get adults and children partaking in Cardiff outdoor activities to combat obesity. The Biodiversity & Nature department is helping by increasing the number of Cardiff nature trails.
These Cardiff outdoor activities are made fun for all the family by a series of metal signs showing information about various plants and animals. These become part of the fun as they can also be used as rubbings to develop a set of images whilst introducing nature. These can be added to in of the Wildlife Explorers Trail booklet. This is becoming one of the most popular Cardiff outdoor activities and there are now five trails available. The programmed is in its infancy and more are to be added in the future.
Designed for all the family to use, but particularly with children in mind, a series of posts with metal plaques has been placed in different parks. These signs show information about the different wildlife and plants in that area and are a great way to introduce nature for children in a fun way. Each of the various Cardiff nature trails in the parks has their own unique set of plaques & images, which can also be used to make rubbings in the Wildlife Explorers Trail booklet.
As at the beginning in 2013, there were five trails in total, As a Cardiff outdoor activity the Cardiff nature trails are effectively free many more have now been added to the list. Keep an eye on this page for more information as it is released or contact the Cardiff Council for further details.
Cardiff Outdoor Activities – Newport Walks
There are 11 excellent walks including the Newport Weltlands centre with great view of the Bristol Channel and lighthouse.
