Where to stay near Cardiff?

[user2848502016]

Hi need to stay near Cardiff for 1-2 nights in or near Cardiff over the summer (as part of a South Wales holiday).

We want to avoid the city centre if possible as we will have the car and dog with us so not sure where would be nice areas either on the outskirts of the city or villages/towns nearby - could be up to 30 mins drive from the city centre.

Would like somewhere with dog walks nearby, probably will go for an apartment/air BnB but happy with a hotel too if they allow dogs so any specific recommendations welcome

Thanks

How many of you? Hotel or mobile home type thing?

Penarth or Cowbridge are nice. Penarth has a seafront whereas Cowbridge is more of a village type feel. These areas are in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Roath is in Cardiff but not city centre - nice for coffee shops and has Roath Park as a green space. Llandaff also in Cardiff has nice historical buildings and nice fields for a big walk.

There are 4 of us, 2 adults, teen and tween.
Not too fussed on what accommodation- probably would prefer a self contained apartment/cottage as easier with the dog, but not fussy mobile home would be fine

These sound ideal, will have a look thanks!

Sully is also nice as is Llantwit Major - quite a few air bnbs

Barry island if you want the beach

sully for beach and mobile homes

Cardiff bay

Penarth is my suggestion, easy transport into Cardiff but you could also stay anywhere along the m4 corridor really as easy transport by car into Cardiff (despite Welsh government dissuading us with speed limits) parking is plentiful near university and reasonable for a city (MiPermit app), in front of the police station is my favourite spot, figure no thieves would dare! I’ve never had a dog in the city so not sure if they are welcomed. I’m only 45 minutes from Cardiff so we never stay there, nice city though, good afternoon tea spots too

Cardiff is a great place for walking. Theres the barrage in Cardiff Bay, the fields behind the castle, taff trail, llandaff, the Wenallt woods in Cardiff Bay, the woodland trails behind Castell Coch, along the Glamorganshire canal, Cefn onn park (especially in rhododendron season) where you can access the climb to the ridgeway with views across Caerphilly for a start. It's relatively easy to get around by car except on match/major concert days. Dogs are also allowed in st Fagans, free except parking, where they've rebuilt and furnished buildings representing different parts of Welsh history and do great cakes and bread as well as traditional craft demonstrations and sales. The centre has plenty of places you'll be able to eat but the better non chain restaurants generally aren't dog friendly. The Ty Mawr not far Cefn Onn adores them and has fabulous views across Cardiff to the sea

I find Penarth a little dull but it has some nice spots and is by the sea. Personally I'd look at Cardiff North or East or Caerleon with its Roman history. Theres nice walks around there too including fourteen locks which is an interesting wander

Llantwit Major. Beach walks, train to Cardiff if you want a day out. Few pubs and eateries. Hotel and air bnbs
Infact amazing coastal walks.........

Penarth for the coast and ease to get to Cardiff over the barrage or by public transport, Sully for caravan, Porthcawl has huge caravan site and lots of B&Bs (further out but lots of beaches and a surf school).