15 Best Rainy Day Activities in South Wales

Looking for the best rainy day activities in South Wales? Wales doesn’t really have a dry season - it’s why the countryside here is so spectacularly green. But a little drizzle shouldn't dampen your day. From high-octane indoor attractions to hidden, undercover adventures, there are plenty of ways to get your heart racing when the clouds roll in.

If you have ‘big kids’ or teens who want something a bit more bracing than mooching around museums, we’ve got you covered. While Wales is a world-class destination for outdoor adventure, you’ll find plenty of adrenaline-fuelled indoor activities in South Wales to keep everyone entertained. From the Brecon Beacons down to Cardiff Bay, here are 15 high-energy alternatives for when the weather isn’t on your side.

Rock UK Summit Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil

This adventure hub is just 25 minutes from the M4 and features an impressive climbing setup. The main climbing wall tops out at a dizzying 18 metres high, and there are over 120 routes to tackle. If you prefer going subterranean, there’s a man-made caving system with 150 metres of tunnels to explore, and even an underground waterfall.

Visit the Rock UK Summit Centre website for details.

Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, near Brecon

This activity centre is ideal if you’re looking for alternative things to do around the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheniog) National Park. It features an indoor natural limestone climbing area (using real rock moved indoors), bouldering, and caving. It's a great way to experience the ruggedness of the Beacons without the wind chill. And, when the mist clears, there are gorgeous views of Llangorse Lake and some wonderful walks. 

More information on the Llangorse Multi Activity Centre website.

Boulders, Cardiff

With two sites in the capital (Newport Road and Culverhouse Cross), Boulders is a staple of the Cardiff indoor scene. It’s geared up for newbies with dedicated induction sessions, but offers plenty for intrepid climbers, including roped walls, bouldering caves, and autobelays. There's even soft play for the little ones and a great cafe for a post-climb caffeine fix. 

Check out the Boulders website for opening hours and prices.

Supakart Newport 

Run by karting fanatics, this multi-level track is a hit with serious racers and families. It features a banked figure-of-eight, a tunnel, and a huge 450ft bridge with a crossover. Drivers can reach speeds of up to 45mph on the 200cc karts, while Cadet karts mean younger racers (8+) can get a piece of the action, too.

Full details on the Supakart website. 

Kart Kingdom, near Cowbridge

Set in a converted WWII Spitfire hangar, this track combines a historic backdrop with high-tech racing. It’s equipped with the latest technology, including onboard cameras, so you can re-watch your best moves in the cafe afterwards. For something a bit more unusual, there’s also 4x4 off-roading and a lorry driving experience on the same site. 

Visit the Kart Kingdom website for info on all of these activities.

Vindico Arena, Cardiff

Glide around this Olympic-sized ice rink in one of the daily public skating sessions, or, if you want more of a party atmosphere, look out for the disco skate sessions on Friday evenings. The Vindico Arena is also the home of the Cardiff Devils - catch a live ice hockey match, and the electric atmosphere will eclipse any weather worries. 

Check the Vindico Arena website for session times and prices.

Cardiff International White Water, Cardiff Bay

The UK’s first on-demand white-water facility is a rainy-day godsend. While the rafting is outdoors, the FlowRider is an indoor, never-ending wave designed for bodyboarding and stand-up surfing. Outside, you’ll forget about the weather when you’re hurtling down the rapids with your friends. And the best bit? This is a controlled environment, and sessions usually run whatever the weather. 

Book in advance on the Cardiff International White Water website.

Rest Bay Watersports Centre, Porthcawl

If you’re going to get wet, you might as well do it at South Wales’ surfing hotspot. The Watersports Centre at Rest Bay offers year-round surf hire and classes. And the beauty of surfing in the rain is you’re in a thick wetsuit anyway. Plus, the cafe bar here offers panoramic, moody views of the coast, so you can warm up afterwards. 

Check the Porthcawl Surf School website for schedules and prices.

Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar

The 36-acre lake at the heart of this nature reserve is a hub for seasonal watersports. From wild swimming to ‘tiki boarding’ (a giant SUP for up to eight people), it’s a great spot for groups. And when the Valleys mist rolls in, the Lake View Cafe is a cosy refuge with a view of the water. 

Visit the Parc Bryn Bach website for details.

Innoflate, Newport

If you’ve ever dreamt of being let loose on a giant bouncy castle, this inflatable park will be right up your street. Suitable for adults and kids, there’s an inflatable obstacle course, massive slides, and Nerf war sessions. It’s one of the best indoor activities in Newport for burning off some serious energy.

Book your session on the Innoflate website.

Ninja Warrior UK, Cardiff

Inspired by the hit TV show, this indoor adventure park is a real physical challenge. You’ll need to climb, balance, and swing your way through the course. Our advice? Don’t save the infamous Warped Wall until last - you’ll need every bit of leg power you have! 

Go to the Ninja Warrior UK website to book.

Jump Jam Trampoline Park, Bridgend

There are dozens of trampoline parks in South Wales, but Jump Jam stands out for its scale. Featuring a performance zone for serious gymnasts, a rodeo bull, a LaserTag arena, and an inflatable assault course, it’s the ultimate energy burner on a rainy day in South Wales.

Book online through the Jump Jam website.

The South Wales Simulator Academy, Cwmbran

Play 18 holes at world-famous courses like Pebble Beach or Augusta without ever leaving South Wales. Located at Llanyravon Golf Club, this academy uses two state-of-the-art Foresight Falcon Launch Monitors to provide an incredibly accurate, immersive experience. The 19th hole is the refurbished on-site bar and restaurant, Ten, which serves homemade pizzas and burgers.

For more information and to book, go to the Simulator Academy Website.

Trackman Golf Simulator, Chepstow

There’s more virtual golf to be played at Chepstow Golf Centre, where a state-of-the-art golf simulator will whisk you away (virtually at least) to some of the world’s most prestigious courses. It even imitates the course weather conditions - better hope for some sunshine. 

Book online at Chepstow Golf Centre. 

The Race Cave, Pontypridd

F1 fans will love this high-octane simulator racing centre in the South Wales Valleys. With 15 high-spec driving simulators (including 3 full-motion rigs), you can race against your friends and family in real-time. There’s even a Ferrari-themed room and a winners' podium for those all-important celebratory snaps. Open for bookings of two or more drivers. 

Contact The Race Cave to book in advance.

Every cloud has a silver lining - including the chance to discover some of the best rainy day activities in South Wales. These are some of our favourite high-energy indoor attractions, along with some brilliant outdoor adventures that’ll get you wet through whatever the weather. Have fun exploring them!