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Bute Park
About: Bute Park is Cardiff's biggest city centre park, with 130 acres of meadows, woodland and parkland to explore. Bute Park is the perfect place for spotting wildlife, hunting for sculptures, learning about the history of the park and lots more. They have a number of different free trails for everyone: families, couples and hikers.
Trails: Blackweir Woods, Wildlife Explorer Trail, Woodland Play Trail, Seasonal Discovery Trails, History Points Trail, Champion Tree Trail, Family Tree Trail and Fitness Trail. Click here to find the best trail for you.
Facilities: Visitor Centre, Toilets, Baby Changing, Cafe on site
Location: Bute Park, North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER
Forest Farm Country Park
About: Forest Farm Country Park is an expansive woodland and nature reserve with rivers, woods, lakes and plenty of wildlife to spot. There are a number of interesting walks along the riverbeds, through the forests and back to the car park for a picnic. Forest Farm is looked after by volunteers and is a non-profit organisation who protects and preserves the beautiful wildlife that lives there.
Trails: There are a number of trails at Forest Farm - one of the most popular trails is Taff Trail, which is part of a 55-mile trail from Brecon to Cardiff Bay, as well as Long Woods which is more of a woodland trail, taking you alongside the Glamorganshire Canal. More routes can be found at Forest Farm.
Facilities: Parking, Picnic Tables
Location: Forest Farm Rd, Cardiff CF14 7JH
Wales Coast Path
About: The Wales Coast Path runs all the way from Chester, around the Welsh coastline, passing through Cardiff Bay. The Cardiff section of the coast path makes a beautiful scenic walk and stretches for almost 10 miles, so there's plenty to see - including fabulous views across the Severn Estuary.
Trails: The coastal walk near Cardiff Bay takes you along a series of canals, passing the Barrage where you can overlook the bay and enjoy bird-watching. One of the most popular trails is the Cardiff to Newport walk - however please note this is 16 miles long so you may not want to complete the full walk.
Facilities: Limited facilities, although there will be numerous eating and drinking stops along the way.
Location: Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve
About: Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve is a small wildlife reserve situated on the northern shore near the Barrage, covering 8 hectares. As you can imagine, the reserve is brimming with wildlife including different plants, fish, birds and lots more.
Trails: There is a marked trail around the reserve - the Wetlands Wildlife Explorer Route, which is ideal for families as it guides you through the best spotting areas of the reserve. Simply follow the map to reach all 12 markers and tick each animal or plant off your list!
Facilities: Parking
Location: Havannah Street Car Park, Havannah Street, CF10 5SG
Castell Coch
About: Castell Coch is not just known for its beautiful medieval stately castle, but also the surrounding woodlands which makes the perfect leisurely stroll. A castle has stood on this site since 1081, so there's plenty of history to explore whilst on your walk.
Trails: Follow the popular, circular 2km route which loops around the castle, offering scenic views and plenty of places to birdwatch.
Facilities: Baby Changing/Toilets, Disabled Access, Parking
Location: Cardiff CF15 7JS