Darran Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Parc Cwm Darran lake The lake has been dredged and slightly remodelled in the last year and is now nearly rectangular (compare the OS map).
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Parc Cwm Darran lake The lake has been dredged and slightly remodelled in the last year and is now nearly rectangular (compare the OS map).
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Parc Cwm Darran Nearly deserted on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The structures on the right are a children's playground.
Photo by Colin Bell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Cefn Gelligaer Gelligaer and Merthyr Common extends for a few miles. This is roughly halfway. Small ponds such as these are frequent; most are not marked on the map. The area is probably usually used for grazing horses but nothing was out on this cold rainy day. The transmitter in the background is on Twyn y Fidffawydd, two squares away.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Pasture at Cefn Bach A footpath runs along the western side of the ridge, across the pastures of Cefn Bach farm. This area is full of rough pastures divided by substantial stone walls.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium showing a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

4/5(6 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(3 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(28 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

3/5(2 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
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

3/5(1 review)

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

Cardiff University

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

Activities

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

NZ$29
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience

Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience

NZ$134
per adult
Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience
A tour arrives at Caerleon.

The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.

NZ$205
per adult
The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

NZ$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour

NZ$200
per adult
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour
United Kingdom 15 minute Go Kart Race Session

Go Karting, Llandow South Wales @ Kart Kingdom

NZ$45
per adult
Go Karting, Llandow South Wales @ Kart Kingdom
See all activities in Cardiff

Our pick of the best Darran Valley Hotel Deals

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,988 reviews)
Room was excellent, perfect size for pur family of four while we had a couple of days for my sons birthday. Staff on reception were really helpful, kind and welcoming. Cleaning staff we met and chatted with the kids, were also very kind. Beds were amazing! The hotel is beautiful and is looked after ...

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

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The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road Newport Wales
The price is NZ$246 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$246
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,336 reviews)
Always a pleasure to stay at Celtic Manor 👍

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Celtic Manor Resort
Village Hotel Cardiff

Village Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton Cardiff Wales
The price is NZ$180 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
NZ$180
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Lovely helpful staff!

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Village Hotel Cardiff
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff Wales
The price is NZ$151 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$151
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,577 reviews)
Lovely room, comfortable bed friendly and efficient staff

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is NZ$162 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$162
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,208 reviews)
Very helpful reception staff and great location

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street Cardiff Wales
The price is NZ$227 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
NZ$227
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,777 reviews)
Staff was friendly and professional. Dinner was delicious and the beds are very comfortable. Plan to stay on my next trip to Cardiff

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

The Parkgate Hotel
See all 2,011 properties in Darran Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Darran Valley

The Royal Mint.

Llantrisant

Visitors to Llantrisant enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, The Royal Mint Experience is worth a stop.

Llantrisant
Hollybush Estate Road - Coryton

Whitchurch

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
University Hospital of Wales gardens

Heath

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Heath and surrounding area, you can visit Cardiff Golf Club and National Museum Cardiff.

Heath
Well-preserved oval mound that once hosted gladiatorial combat and military processions. This amphitheater was built for the Roman forces at Isca around AD 90 and would have seated around 6000 spectators!

Caerleon

4/5(1 area review)

Caerleon is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Isca Augusta and Caerleon Amphitheatre.

Caerleon
Llandaff Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and religious elements

Llandaff

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Visitors to Llandaff like its monuments and historical sites, and Insole Court is a sight worth a stop.

Llandaff
DSC_3799

Penylan

Travellers like the restaurants in Penylan, and Teamsport Karting is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penylan

Darran Valley Travel Guide

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