Indoor attractions, activities and things to do in South Wales

Find out where your coins come from, how they’re made and why they look like they do. Take a journey into the world of money-making at The Royal Mint Experience. This fascinating guided factory experience is based in the home of UK currency in Llantrisant - you can find out the history of coin making and watch the money-makers at work. The interactive exhibition lets you follow the lifecycle of a coin from design to distribution, with plenty of rare coins and medals for you to look at.

Ever wondered what it's like to read the news? Or how sound effects are added to your favourite podcasts? Join the friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of BBC Cymru Wales in Central Square, Caerdydd (Cardiff). Visit the state-of-the-art television and radio studios to discover the secrets of making BBC programmes. BBC Cymru Wales has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award for the quality of its tours and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award. These guided tours are available in Welsh, English and BSL.

Coal mining is a huge part of Wales’ history. Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon (Blaenavon) offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the miners and the work they did on this site in the South Wales Valleys. It's also a really good day out for all the family. Get kitted up with a miner’s helmet and battery pack then travel 300 feet (100 metres) underground to find out what being down the mines was like. There’s an on-site exhibition to stroll through and there are often events and workshops to take part in. While you're in the area, discover more about Blaenavon's industrial landscape.

Do as the Romans did many centuries ago and explore the remains of the Second Augustan Legion’s state-of-the-art leisure complex. Visitors to Caerleon Roman Fortress get to see a vivid picture of life in second-century Roman Britain. Depending on when you visit, you can see different parts of the Roman baths – including the bathing areas, changing rooms and communal pools – and take part in arts and crafts, talks and demonstrations. You can also explore the National Roman Legion Museum and when the showers stop, take a look at the most complete Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, which is just a few minutes down the road.

It might be grim outside, but inside Caerdydd's Treetop Golf, follow tropical trails or in the footsteps of ancient explorers on an indoor mini-golf adventure. The courses are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and they also run a quiet session on the first Sunday of each month.

Book an energy-blitzing session for the kids at Cardiff Jump - a massive indoor soft play centre, with toddler-friendly areas, inflatable courses and football pitches. The courses are adult friendly too.

Rock UK Summit Centre offers indoor climbing and bouldering courses and sessions, ideal for groups and families to get together. Or whizz around an indoor track at Supakart Newport. At speeds of up to 45mph, experience a thrilling race around a multi-level 800m track, featuring tunnels, hairpin bends and banked corners to really make it fun! Alternatively, Kart Kingdom caters for drivers aged eight and above, with petrol-powered karts reaching speeds of up to 60kph. Tight corners, fast straights and technical sections provide a challenge for beginners and experienced drivers alike, making it a great choice for groups.

Techniquest in Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) is full of entertaining science-related interactive displays, and will keep all ages amused for a couple of hours at least. As group activities go, escape rooms are definitely a fun mental challenge for all the family. Work as a team to solve the clues and puzzles to get out of the room. Try Puzzled Escape Rooms in Taff's Well, or Escape Rooms Cardiff in the city centre.

Curious minds will really enjoy a visit to National Museum Cardiff. Explore Cymru’s finest examples of national art, natural history, archaeology and geology alongside major touring and temporary exhibitions. See 500 years of magnificent paintings, drawings and sculptures from across the globe, including one of Europe’s best collections of Impressionist works. 

Take a steam train ride through our beautiful countryside, watching the scenery drift by in a lovely dry carriage. The dog-friendly Brecon Mountain Railway, near Merthyr Tudful (Merthyr Tydfil), heads into the Bannau Brycheiniog, with calming views over reservoirs and mountains. While you're in the area, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery's local history museum, art collection and tea room is well worth visiting.

Check out our guide to museums in South Wales for more indoor inspiration.

You might recognise the Wales Millennium Centre from the TV - it's repeatedly featured in episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood. The largest performing arts venue in Wales is the place to find the Welsh National Opera, stadium-filling comedians, touring West End shows and much more besides. It's also a great place to visit during holidays and weekends. Watch free small performances, grab a bite to eat, see an exhibition or simply soak in the atmosphere of the Bae Caerdydd landmark. Check out more cultural venues in Caerdydd.

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Casnewydd (Newport) is another great spot to catch a show or a film. They also hold regular concerts, arts courses and craft workshops for all ages.

Just on the edge between South and Mid Wales is the market town of Y Fenni (Abergavenny). As well as lots of cute shops to nose around and the creative haven that is The Art Shop and Chapel, the afternoon tea of a lifetime awaits at The Angel Hotel. One of the only afternoon teas outside of London to achieve an Award of Excellence from the UK Tea Guild, it offers delicious nibbles and finger food that is paired with luxury East India Company teas. Treat yourself!

If the forecast is looking iffy, plan ahead and book a pampering session at one of our gorgeous spa hotels. Indulge in a facial or massage and spend time unwinding in the pool or steam rooms. Caerdydd options include voco The St Davids Hotel & Spa, The Parkgate Hotel and Park Plaza Hotel, while countryside spas include The Celtic Manor, Vale Resort and Cwrt Bleddyn.