Valentine's Dates in Cardiff

6 February 2023

So, you’ve secured the date, now it’s your time to impress. Whether it’s the first meet up, or the one-hundred-and-first, it’s important to show them how much you appreciate them.

Cardiff is the perfect date night for all interests and personalities, whether they’re an adventure seeker, film buff or a foodie.

Save yourself the research and check out our suggestions below, it’s guaranteed to win another date!

FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKER

Treetops Adventure Golf

Awkward introductions? This will get you talking! Challenge your date with an epic adventure. Trek into Cardiff’s lushest rainforest, where thunder rumbles, ancient spirits stir and mini golf reigns supreme! Feeling competitive? Which of you can beat the 19th hole and win a free game – that would be date two covered already, thank us later.

Ice Skating at Ice Arena Wales

A date venue to break the ice (not literally). The Viola Arena host public skates daily, and regularly offer beginner ‘learn to skate’ sessions. Why not test your date’s skills and find out if they’re as graceful as a gazelle or look a bit Bambi-on-ice.

Cardiff International White Water

Whether your date is a water sports aficionado or a complete novice, CIWW are bound to have the perfect activity to get hearts racing! Why not treat them to a White Water Rafting or Canoeing session? (Perhaps not for the fainthearted) If they’re a little tamer, arrange a Stand up Paddle boarding Yoga course (yes, that’s a real thing)!

Cardiff Castle

Make the date extra special with a private tour of Cardiff Castle and visit some amazingly romantic rooms, including the iconic clock tower. Certain bookings include some light refreshments either before or after your tour – the perfect day activity.
Psst… Ready to pop the question? Book the proposal package. Where better than in a fairytale castle?

Whizzard Helicopter Tour

If you want to give your date the celebrity treatment, take to the skies and fly over Cardiff with a private helicopter tour. For a date you won’t forget, The Cardiff City tour takes you over the famous landmarks in the city, including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay. You can even book a trial flying session and try it out for yourselves!

And that’s just to mention a few, check out our Visit Cardiff activities page for so much more!

FOR THE FILM BUFF

Everyman Cinema

Treat your date to a movie with a difference. Everyman in Cardiff Bay is redefining cinema and bringing in an innovative approach to cinema. Prepare to swap your soft drink for a glass of wine and a slice of freshly made pizza – all served right to your seat!

Odeon IMAX

The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay is home to an ODEON cinema, boasting the only digital IMAX screen in South Wales with the ability to show both IMAX 2D and IMAX 3D films. If you really want to impress, book the luxury Gallery VIP area with loads of extras! If you’re peckish after the film, The Red Dragon Centre is jam-packed with restaurants including Five Guys, Bella Italia and Oriental Garden, so the date doesn’t have to end early.

Looking for more entertainment options, look no further!

FOR THE FOODIE

The Ivy

If you’re looking for a statement dinner venue over two floors, offering sophisticated yet friendly all-day dining in a beautiful setting, The Ivy is your place! The brasserie is open seven days a week from morning until night, offering an idyllic location whatever the occasion. Treat your date to striking and colourful interiors, delicious cocktails or even push the boat out by hiring your own private dining space!

Thomas Restaurant at Future Inn

Dining between 11-14th February 2022? Head to the Thomas Restaurant and enjoy a cocktail on arrival before enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner all for £24.95 per person.

Pho Café

If you’re a health-conscious couple, Pho Café is a great option. It is a Vietnamese restaurant offering a diverse menu – where diners can choose from pho noodle soups, curries, salads, rice bowls and much more. The menu is also over a quarter vegan and nearly all gluten-free – ideal for those with dietary requirements.

Honest Burgers

Looking for something a little heartier? Honest Burgers serve up homemade burgers, using British chuck steak and rib cap from their own butchery, served medium pink as standard. There’s evidence of locally sauced produce with Tiny Rebel beers and tunes played from Kelly’s Records – setting the perfect atmosphere!

Afternoon Tea at Voco St David’s Cardiff

The Botanist

Immerse yourselves in a secret garden of food and drink, where the Botanists have foraged high and low to bring exceptional meals and cocktails! The venue is set over 3 floors filled with beautiful exotic plants, a bandstand with live music daily and a huge outdoor terrace with fairy lights and fire tables.

We’ve given you a few options but the list of restaurants in Cardiff really is endless, there’s something available to suit every palette and dietary need!

FOR THE COCKTAIL CONOISSEUR

Prefer to just do drinks? Cardiff’s bar scene is thriving, choose from classy cocktails, real ales, craft beers in rocking joints of quieter spots. You can take a look at the full list of pubs & bars but here are a few staples for you:

Pitch Bar & Eatery

Try something fiercely independent. Pitch pride themselves on locally sourced, Welsh produce from their Sunday roast to their cocktails!

Depot

For a venue that will really get the conversation flowing, Depot is set in a warehouse with regular pop-up, creative and alternative events. First date nerves? Set yourself at ease and book in a Bingo Lingo session – you certainly won’t need to do the talking!

The Alchemist

This bar are masters in dark arts and molecule mixology, try adding a devilish dash of theatre to your date. The cocktails appear flaming, smoking and bubbling – they really bedazzle bewitch and set the scene at the Alchemist! Fancy trying a sharing cocktail? The Mad Hatters featured mind bending science and is filtered before your very eyes before releasing fragrant smoke. There’s no such thing as a boring date night in this bar.

MORE OF A RELAXATION LOVER?

Perhaps an overnight stay or spa day is more your style? The city is full of chic hotels with ever changing deals and offers.

Here are a few of our favourites, but be sure to look at our extensive list of hotels.

Voco St David’s Hotel

If you’d like to stay in the Bay, Voco offers spectacular views across Cardiff & Penarth Marina. The spa promotes the ideology that relaxation is good for the soul and for the skin. The Voco St David’s Hotel Spa offer a ‘Couples Paradise’ package, including a 50-minute massage followed by a two-course dinner overlooking Cardiff Bay.

Clayton Hotel

If you’d prefer to be based in the city centre, you can’t get more central than the Clayton Hotel. With shopping and dining packages available, you’ll be keeping busy with a comfortable bed to climb into at the end of the day.

Hotel Indigo

This hotel has definitely put its Welsh stamp on it. If it’s your first time in the city, you’ll find yourselves inspired by design, whether you spend your night in the ‘Made in Wales, ‘Industry’, or ‘Music’ spaces, you’ll leave knowing our city a little better! Hint: Hotel Indigo has its own restaurant and bar, Marco Pierre White, ideal for an intimate celebration with your partner.

Don’t forget: Cardiff is famous for its music and major event scene. Be sure to keep up to date with What’s On, there may be the perfect first date event approaching!

Taken our advice? Tell us all about your date in Cardiff and join in the conversation! @VisitCardiff #VisitCardiff