Things to do in Cowbridge

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Looking towards Nash Point from Southerndown, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, South Wales, United Kingdom
Looking towards Nash Point from Southerndown, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, South Wales, United Kingdom
An aerial view of The beach and cliffs at Dunraven bay at Southerndown on the south coast of Wales
Nash Point, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, South Wales, United Kingdom
Beautiful evening
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Cowbridge must see attractions

1. Principality Stadium

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.
Learn more
Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Learn more
Brecon Beacons National Park showing rainforest, a waterfall and a lake or waterhole

3. Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is one of Britain’s smallest national parks. Spanning 268 square miles (694 square kilometers), the park encompasses high moorland and over 34 miles (55 kilometers) of coast. Take a scenic hike, spot rare wildlife, cycle across high moors or visit the park’s charming medieval towns.
Learn more
Sunset from the Valley of the Rocks

4. Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.
Learn more
Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

5. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
Learn more
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

6. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
Learn more
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

7. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
Learn more
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Recommended things to do in Cowbridge

Number of things to do
72
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
The Ghosts of St Fagans: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Cowbridge

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cowbridge? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cowbridge

Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

4/5(21 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of sporting and musical greats when you tour this vast sporting arena. Walk on the pitch, see dressing rooms and lift a trophy.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(93 reviews)

A fortified tower from the 12th century, World War II tunnels and Welsh military history make a fascinating day out at this magnificent castle.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(12 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4/5(8 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, modern architecture and signage

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Book your tickets for theater, opera, dance and comedy shows and go on a backstage tour at this prestigious arts venue.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and religious elements

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Tintern Abbey
Bute Park showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements

Bute Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take a calming stroll through Cardiff’s Bute Park. Follow the trails, explore the remains of a medieval friary and admire the horticulture and wildlife.

Bute Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Cowbridge

Cardiff showing a city, street scenes and night scenes

Cardiff

Aerial view of Porthcawl beach harbour and fun fair in South Wales UK

Bridgend

Colorful Beach Huts at Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry

Ogmore Castle, A ruined Norman castle near Bridgend, south Wales. The castle is reflected on the smooth water of the river Ogmore.

Pontyclun

Wonderful building can even be appreciated by an atheist. #llantwit major #wales #valeofglamorgan

Llantwit Major

Hensol Castle
Photo by TedColes (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

)

Hensol

Ruins of Ewenny Priory, farm building, and mansion.
Photo by John Lord (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Ewenny

Lane off Sycamore Cross near Bonvilston
Photo by Mick Lobb (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Bonvilston

Frequently asked questions

Is Cowbridge worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Cowbridge is explore Whitmore Bay. Check this major sight off your list, then experience more of this area's bars and pubs and dining.
How do I spend a day in Cowbridge?
Whitmore Bay and Llantrisant Castle are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Cowbridge while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cowbridge?
Whitmore Bay is one of the top tourist attractions in Cowbridge and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cowbridge?
You can easily visit popular sights like Llantrisant Castle, Newcastle Castle and Fonmon Castle with a three-day stay in Cowbridge. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Cardiff.
Is Cowbridge a walkable city?
With popular attractions like Beaupre Castle close by, Cowbridge is very much a place to see on foot. Like to discover some vibrant neighborhoods a walkable distance from downtown? The Herberts is only 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Cowbridge with kids?
Planning what to do in Cowbridge with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Cowbridge for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are many things to do in Cowbridge for adults.
Are there free things to do in Cowbridge?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Cowbridge is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Llantrisant Castle is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.