Cardiff truly comes alive in the summer, especially in its many free green spaces. Bute Park, right next to the university, is perfect for picnics, reading, sketching, or just soaking up the sun. Roath Park offers a scenic walking route around the lake, where you’ll spot ducks, paddle boats, and plenty of quiet corner to unwind.
The Cardiff Bay Trail is a great budget-friendly adventure—take a long walk or cycle along the waterfront, and end with a packed lunch by the water at Mermaid Quay. If you’re craving the sea, hop on a train ride to Barry Island or Penarth Beach—bring your own snacks, and you’ve got yourself a full day out for just a few pounds. Being on a student budget doesn’t mean missing out on fun.
Cardiff offers some brilliant summer events for free or at very low cost. This June, the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival will take over Cardiff Bay, serving up global street food, artisan goods, and live entertainment. It’s a great place to try new cuisines or simply people-watch by the water with friends.
Visit the National Museum to escape the heat and explore Welsh art and history. For book lovers, Waterstones on The Hayes often hosts free literary events—I love spending quiet afternoons here, browsing through the fiction section or poetry corner with an iced coffee in hand. There’s something comforting about getting lost in a good book while the city buzzes just outside.
You can also borrow summer reads from Cathays Library, another great free resource. For affordable snacks, head to Cardiff Market—from samosas and Welsh cakes to fruit smoothies—and enjoy them on the steps of The Hayes or by the fountains at Gorsedd Gardens. Staying in Cardiff over the summer offers something truly special—a rare opportunity to experience the city without the usual rush.
With fewer crowds and a quieter campus, it’s the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, your interests, and the community around you. The slower pace of summer gives you the space to explore hobbies or skills you might not have time for during the academic year. Why not sign up for a short language course at a local centre or online?
Whether it’s Welsh, Spanish, or Japanese, learning a new language can be both fun and practical. If you love stories and discussion, look out for student-run book clubs or community reading groups that welcome new faces. Global Gardens, which promotes sustainable urban gardening, are always happy to welcome new volunteers.
You don’t need experience—just a willingness to help and learn. In return, you’ll find a sense of connection and purpose, and maybe even pick up some gardening skills along the way. Sometimes, the most memorable parts of summer are the simplest: writing in a journal, taking a walk along the River Taff, people-watching in Bute Park.