If you’re an adrenaline junkie, thrill seeker, exercise enthusiast or if you simply have energy to burn, Cardiff has so many places where you can get your fitness fix. Here are some suggestions to help you break a sweat.
Where to: Go skateboarding
This indoor street-inspired skatepark is a whopping 7,000 square feet in size. It's suitable and for all ages and abilities, with the options to free skate, join classes, have private tuition, hire gear and make friends. As well as banks, blocks, hips, moveable kickers and bars, there's an 11ft high outdoor vert ramp for experienced (and brave!) skaters.
Where to: Climb, zip and drop
Climb to the very top of this iconic sports arena, providing unparalleled views of the stadium and the city beyond. Take a guided climb to the top of the Principality Stadium's roof. There's then the option of a zip wire flying 170m across the canopy of the stadium roof from south to north, traveling at approximately 27mph. Lastly, there's the option of Take The Drop, a 30m drop abseil experience from the viewing platform back down to ground level.
Welcoming all sorts of indoor extreme sports on wheels, including scooters, skates, skateboards, BMX bikes and extreme wheelchairs, RampWorld is another friendly place to practice everything from the basics to flips, grab tricks and grinds. There's a bowl area, spine, mini ramps, street sections and halfpipes. The foam pit and Resi ramp give you a softer landing when trying to learn new skills.
Where to: Ice skate
Home to the mighty Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey team, Vindco Arena is a purpose-built ice skating arena with two rinks. There are public skate sessions every day, as well as courses for all abilities and figure skating practice sessions. Bring your own skates or hire some from the arena.
Where to: Go climbing
Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre
Suitable for all ages, Boulders is a great way to have fun while getting active either on your own, with friends or as a family. You can turn up with zero experience and before you know it, you're up a wall under the expert guidance of qualified instructors. There are walls ranging from 4-12m in height and all equipment is provided.
Where to: Ride on water
Cardiff International White Water
The UK's first on-demand, Olympic standard white water rafting facility is based in Cardiff International Sports Village. On site at CIWW, you can take part in a vast range of water-based activities including canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, tubing, stand up paddleboarding and indoor wave surfing. There are trained facilitators to guide you on your adventure, or, if you're already experienced, you can park and play under your own steam.
Where to: Zoom around in go karts
Get your heart - and the rest of your body - literally racing at Teamsport Cardiff, a purpose-built karting facility off Newport Road. The 500 metre multi-level track has straight stretches for gaining super-fast speed, hairpin turns, wide bends and plenty of opportunities to sneak past your opposition. The 200cc karts average 40mph, with each lap coming in around 40 seconds. Now, that is fast!
Where to: Run, walk or cycle
Cardiff is a brilliant city for those looking to go for a run or a long walk. Its mix of urban areas, green spaces and dedicated trails means that there's something for most tastes. The Taff Trail reaches from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, over 50 miles of pathways and countryside, and can be enjoyed in small or large sections as you please.
You could take your feet along part of the Wales Coast Path: go from the Wetlands Nature Reserve in Cardiff Bay, loop past the Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was baptised, then cross over the Barrage to reach the pretty seaside town of Penarth.
For parks, Bute Park, nestled behind Cardiff Castle, is a lovely place to explore. Roath Park is very popular with runners thanks to its flat 5km loop around pretty rose gardens, a large boating lake and its landmark lighthouse. The pavement route is well lit, making it ideal for year-round early morning and evening runs.
There are also a number of organised ParkRun sessions across Cardiff parks, namely routes in Bute Park, Trelai Park, Grangemoor and Tremorfa. Check the ParkRun website for specific details.
Ding Cycle Tours guided bike tours are a great way to see the city on two wheels.
More ideas
- If you want to head beyond Cardiff with your running shoes, our guide to some of the top places to run in Wales and Lowri Morgan’s favourite 5km trails should give you food for thought
- In and around the neighbouring county of the Vale of Glamorgan, there are beautiful beaches, cliffs, dunes and open spaces to walk, including the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Search for activities in Cardiff to find other exhilarating options.
