Revealed: Here are the prettiest autumnal spots according to Cardiff Uni students

Oh yes, autumn in Cardiff – the penultimate season of the year where leaves turn golden, the air turns crisp, and your socks are permanently soggy from treks to Lidl through three inches of wet leaves.

While some of us might romanticise autumn for its cosy colours and sense of nostalgia, others know it as wet jeans and seasonal depression wrapped in a scarf.

To combat the rain-soaked chaos, we have gathered some aesthetic and wholesome activities for you to embark on this autumn, courtesy of some of JOMEC’s finest students.

So grab your comfiest scarf and overpriced hot beverage of choice and explore some of Cardiff’s top spots this autumn. 

1. Bute Park and The Secret Garden Cafe

For the times when you need to reconnect with nature, why not venture out with friends to Bute Park. It really is exactly how it sounds: beaut.

The autumnal colours, crunchy leaves and fresh air really do give you that cosy autumnal feeling whilst wrapped up with a hot drink in hand. If this doesn’t appeal to you quite yet, make a stop at the dog-friendly Secret Garden Café to grab TikTok’s latest trending drink.  

2. The Arcades 

If nature and walking through the occasional mud patch isn’t your vibe, Cardiff’s arcades offer the peak autumnal experience without the soggy-ness. Kitted out with cafes, bookshops and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to trade the library for.

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Some favourites include Maple & Bean or Coffee Barker which are both ideal for people watching and also completing work. Or for a comforting feeling and sweet treat, head to Mrs Pott’s Chocolate House and indulge in a fresh hot chocolate. 

3. Vale Pumpkin Patch 

When you’re sick of Cathays and it’s feeling a bit grey, it may be time to venture out and go to Vale Pumpkin Patch.

Just a thirty minute drive from Cardiff, this countryside gem offers so many activities. From a fresh walk with friends or the main event, pumpkin picking, it’ll be a wholesome day filled with fun and memories.  

Whether you’re going with friends or with family, you can then bring the pumpkins back home for a spooky evening of carving and scary movies.

4. Pub roast 

For the homebodies out there (like me), to top off a day, treat yourself to a roast dinner. Whether that be at one of the fabulous pubs like the Pen and Wig or The Flora, or even at home curated by you and your housemates, don’t underestimate your culinary skills!

To make it an even more perfect night, go light some candles and watch an episode of Gilmore Girls with a cup of tea and an M&S cookie in hand.  

5. Llandaff Cathedral

The stunning architecture will take you back in time to appreciate the history of the cathedral. The beautiful colours surrounding create the warmest atmosphere for you to have a stroll down into Llandaff or Pontcana fields and picnic near the river Taff.

Whatever may appeal to you, as a student you should definitely go and explore some new spots in Cardiff over autumn before the weather becomes just too gloomy. Hopefully these spots inspire you to romanticise autumn and embrace the change of season.  

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