Spooky

Best for spotting ghosts:

Candlelit tour of Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Whether you consider yourself a sceptic or are Derek Acorah’s No.1 fan, you’re guaranteed a night to remember on a ghost tour (from October to March) of 17th-century Civil War manor house Llancaiach Fawr, recently named one of Britain’s top 10 most haunted buildings. Your guide will share true stories of the uncanny things that have happened to staff and visitors over the years, while you keep your eyes peeled for the shadowy form of 19th-century housekeeper ‘Mattie’, or the mischievous little boy who’s been known to pull the hair of passers-by.

Where: Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson, Treharris (16km/10 miles outside Cardiff), tel: +44 (0)1443 412248. Tours take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm and 8.30pm, and last for 90 minutes. Price: £12.50 per person including a bowl of soup and bread roll. Booking essential

Website: www.llancaiachfawr.com

View

Best view:

Norwegian Church

Small wonder that this religious landmark boasts a spectacular view over Cardiff’s waterfront: it was originally established as a place of worship for Norwegian sailors. Soak up the view – and get your caffeine fix while you’re at it – from the Konditori coffee shop, where you can also indulge in a Norwegian & Welsh cheese platter, which includes Jarlsberg, Westot and Y Fenni, alongside bread and chutney, for £5.95.
Where: Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay, Tel: +44 (0)29 2045 4899.
Website: www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com 

Museum

Best tourist must-see:

St Fagans National History Museum

Set in 100 acres of parkland, this open-air museum is worth a full day’s visit: it features buildings from all over Wales, which have been lovingly reconstructed, brick by brick. As well as a Victorian schoolroom and quarryman’s cottage, there’s an entire Celtic village including a bakery and village store, both of which are open for business. Best of all, there’s a vivid pink farmhouse, painted thus to scare off those pesky, livestock-thieving evil spirits.
Where: St Fagans National History Museum, four miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232, Tel: +44 (0)29 2057 3500.
Website: www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans

Dining

Best traditional pub:

Y Mochyn Du (The Black Pig)

Escape the worst of the wintry weather in this warm and inviting pub, housed in an old lodge building at the entrance to Sophia Gardens. Rugby memorabilia lines the walls, you’ll hear Welsh being spoken at the bar, and will find a good selection of Welsh ales behind it. There’s also a budget-friendly menu featuring plenty of authentic Welsh dishes, including laver bread and cockles, bara brith (fruit bread), rarebit and a hearty lamb stew.

Where: Y Mochyn Du, Sophia Close, off Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HW. Tel: +44 (0)29 2037 1599

Website: www.ymochyndu.com