Darran Valley

Cardiff

Rhos Las Reservoir. South Wales.UK
Rhos Las Reservoir. South Wales.UK
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)

Popular places to visit

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 relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

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
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

Cardiff Castle

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
Barry, South Wales. Vale of Glamorgan. UK

Barry Island Beach

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
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
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

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

Things to do

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

€15
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
A tour arrives at Caerleon.

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

€103
per adult
The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Bays Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

€101
per adult
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour
Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience

Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience

€57
per adult
Cardiff: Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience
Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour

Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour

€10
per adult
Doctor Who and Cinematic Cardiff: Self Guided Walking Tour
Penarth Marina

Personally guided walking tours of Penarth.

€12
per adult
Personally guided walking tours of Penarth.
See all activities in 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! (2,929 reviews)
Lovely location, friendly staff, comfy bed, could use a bit more of a variety regarding tea and coffee choices in room. Room needed a bit of tlc to get it to a high standard

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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The Angel Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
Meridian Gate 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Excellent service

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

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Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €86 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
€86
16 Jan - 17 Jan
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! (1,163 reviews)
Great location, friendly staff. Breakfast and check out times allow you to relax and unwind. Meal in restaurant was excellent too.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff Wales
The price is €81 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
€81
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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! (1,561 reviews)
Room was clean, temperature of room was good and the shower was nice and hot

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Village Hotel Cardiff

Village Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton Cardiff Wales
The price is €89 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
€89
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Fit for purpose.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Village Hotel Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street Cardiff Wales
The price is €81 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
€81
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Great hotel, great location. Another lovely stay.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Clayton Hotel Cardiff
See all 1,988 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.

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
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 Caerleon Amphitheatre and Isca Augusta.

Caerleon
Cardiff, UK

Gabalfa

Gabalfa is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to Insole Court or Cardiff City Hall.

Gabalfa
Llandaff Cathedral which includes interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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

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