Sophie Williams

This is about the time when the January blues start to hit pretty hard. It’s dark at 4pm, you’ve got no money left after Christmas and winter feels like it’s dragging on forever. But we’re here to tell you that things are looking up, because 2025 is going to be a corker of a year for the UK.  It turns out that 2025 is going to be a bit of a big one, with a number of landmark occasions being celebrated across Britain. There’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Southampton, as well as the art-packed Folkestone Triennial, a celebration of 200 years of the British railway in York and Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture festivities. Then, there are up-and-coming foodie towns in Cornwall, music scenes that are popping off in Cardiff and Belfast, and the reopening of grand cultural insitutions like the Tate Liverpool.  If there’s ever been a good time to book a trip, it’s now (it might even help keep some SAD at bay). There is so much fantastic stuff happening across the country this year, so read our list curated by local experts of the best places to visit in the UK in 2025, and get stuck in.  RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧 The 25 best new things to do in the UK in 2025📍The 12 most underrated city breaks in the UK 🏨 The UK’s 13 best new hotels opening in 2025👨‍👩‍👧 6 amazing places to stay with Kids in the UK

A small but mighty city built on a rich tapestry of heritage and tradition, Cardiff packs a punch when it comes to its diverse cultural offerings. I was born and raised in the Welsh capital, and though I moved to London at 20, I still return often. This pull on my heart is known in Welsh as ‘hiraeth’, a word likened to feeling a deep longing for the place where you grew up.  Within Cardiff’s many characterful suburbs, you’ll hear sing-song accents via the wild, humorous stories that tumble out of the city’s warm-natured people. You’ll try both local delicacies and global delights from its thriving food scene (check out our list of the best restaurants for the very best picks). Above all, you’ll see why it’s no wonder I feel so immensely grateful to call it my hometown. Here are the best things to do in Cardiff right now.  How long do I need in Cardiff? While 48 hours may be enough to get a feel of the city, you could spend days traversing its rolling hills, historic castle grounds or Edwardian arcades and continue to unearth new discoveries and surprises, from local landmarks to the city’s best boozers (and beyond).  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Cardiff🏨 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff📍 The best things to do in Wales☀️ The best things to do in the UK This guide was recently updated by Sophie Williams, a writer based in Cardiff. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our ed

What is it and why is it famous? The most iconic feature of the city’s skyline, Cardiff Castle is home to over 2000 years of history, with remains dating from Roman, Norman, and Victorian times.  With Rapunzel-like towers, elaborate stained glass window displays and a menagerie of carved stone animals to explore and gawk at, the castle consists of an 11th Century Norman Keep and a lavish collection of staterooms. It has been used as a filming location for the likes of Doctor Who, Sherlock and Torchwood, among other acclaimed TV series. Is it worth visiting? If you’re looking to better understand Welsh culture and heritage, Cardiff Castle should be at the top of your list. Its expansive park grounds are also home to a museum, which contains artefacts from the castle's storied history.  Can you get into Cardiff Castle for free? Walking around the main courtyard is free of charge, however, entry to the castle itself is ticketed (£14.50 for adults and £10 for 5-16 year olds). Where’s good to eat nearby? Womanby Street, the nexus of Cardiff’s music scene, is just round the corner. At brewery-cum-gig venue Tiny Rebel, you can sample crisp craft beer and stack burgers, or head around the corner to Donald’s Pies for some moreish pastry-coated grub. 📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Cardiff