By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But Cardiff has a castle in the middle of the city, a big park along the river, a waterfront with plenty of space to walk, Victorian arcades full of independent cafés and the coast and the valleys on the doorstep, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early or stretch out if it's going well. Here are twelve ideas in and around Cardiff.
Green space and water
1. Bute Park
A huge park running beside the River Taff, right next to Cardiff Castle, with wide paths, an arboretum and a café. It's an easy, relaxed walk that's simple to shorten or stretch out.
2. Roath Park and the lake
A Victorian park north of the city centre with a boating lake, a wild garden and a famous lighthouse tower in the water. A lap of the lake gives you plenty to talk about, and there's a café nearby for afterwards. Check opening times before you go.
3. Cardiff Bay and the Barrage
A waterfront walk around the Bay, with the option of carrying on across the Barrage to Penarth. It's flat and open, and there are cafés and places to sit along the way. Wrap up on a breezy day.
4. Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
A country park near Penarth with lakes, woodland paths and a reconstructed medieval village. It's a quiet, unhurried place for a walk and a chat. Check opening times if you'd like to see the village.
History and culture
5. Cardiff Castle
A castle with Roman walls, a Norman keep and a lavish Victorian interior, right in the city centre. There's lots to look at and talk about. Check opening times and tickets before you go.
6. National Museum Cardiff
A grand museum and art gallery in Cathays Park, with art, natural history and archaeology under one roof. It's a good choice if the weather turns. Check opening times and any charges before you visit.
7. Cardiff Market
A Victorian covered market in the city centre, with stalls selling food, records, books and more. A wander round followed by something to eat is an easy, friendly first date.
8. Castell Coch
A fairytale castle on a wooded hillside just north of the city, built in Victorian times. The setting is lovely and the walk up through the trees is part of the fun. Check opening times and tickets before you go.
A little further out
9. Penarth Pier and seafront
A Victorian pier with a café, and a seafront promenade with views across the Bristol Channel. A stroll along the front with something to eat afterwards makes a lovely afternoon.
10. St Fagans National Museum of History
An open air museum on the western edge of the city, with historic buildings from all over Wales set in parkland. There's plenty of room to walk and talk. Check opening times before you travel.
Keep it simple
11. Coffee in the arcades
Cardiff's Victorian and Edwardian arcades are full of independent cafés and small shops. Pick one, find a table and see where the conversation goes. It's an easy first date that's simple to end after one drink.
12. A show
The Wales Millennium Centre, the Sherman Theatre, the New Theatre and St David's Hall mean there's usually something on, from drama to comedy to live music. It gives you something to talk about on the way home. Check what's on and book ahead.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather and opening times before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, see who's near you.
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