Darran Valley Travel Guide

Cardiff

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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

Catch an event at Principality Stadium during your trip to Cardiff. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene or seek out its local tours.

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

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

You can learn about the history of Cardiff when you stop by Cardiff Castle. Discover the area's great live music or seek out its local tours.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Barry Island Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Barry. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its churches.

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

Cardiff University

Enjoy the student vibe at Cardiff University during your stay in Cardiff. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Catch an event at Utilita Arena Cardiff during your trip to Cardiff. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene.

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Top hotels in Darran Valley

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! (2,981 reviews)
Room was clean and warm friendly staff

Reviewed on 8 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 3.350.396 ₫ per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
3.350.396 ₫
per night
27 Feb - 28 Feb
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 2.363.595 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
2.363.595 ₫
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Door handle loose

Reviewed on 10 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 2.077.009 ₫ per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
2.077.009 ₫
per night
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,579 reviews)
Everything we needed. Easy parking, simple check in process, friendly staff, clean room. All great.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is 2.127.235 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
2.127.235 ₫
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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! (1,204 reviews)
Clean comfortable room. Staff very friendly. Breakfast in Browns was fab too!

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street Cardiff Wales
The price is 3.161.308 ₫ per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
3.161.308 ₫
per night
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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! (1,781 reviews)
Spotless room. Really comfortable bed and lots of pillows. Definitely will come back

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

The Parkgate Hotel
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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.

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

4/5(29 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

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 religious elements, heritage elements and interior views

Llandaff

5/5(1 area review)

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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