Cardiff's Winter Wonderland opens to the public today, with the attraction split across two locations: Cardiff Castle and the museum a five-minute walk away. The castle setting includes an open-air ice trail weaving through the grounds, plus an undercover rink.
New for 2026: Bavarian Curling
New this year is Bavarian curling, a traditional wintertime team sport played on real ice. Teams compete to get their wooden curling stick as close to the target as possible, and visitors can book a private lane without needing prior ice experience.
After time on the ice, the Tafarn bar inside the castle offers wooden tables, open fires and soft sofas, with a well-stocked bar. Across the road, the Sur La Piste Alpine bar provides a similar warm setting with cosy booths, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Museum Site Attractions
At the museum site, visitors will find a funfair, additional food options, the Sur La Piste Alpine bar and the Big Wheel. Rides include the Ice Breaker Ship, the Apres Ski Party fun house, Deep Impact and dodgems, with options for very young children.
The star food attraction this year is Spudman, a TikTok food personality with more than four million followers, serving traditional baked potatoes with toppings such as cheese, BBQ pulled pork, beans and tuna mayo. Other options include Chipstix spiral potatoes, beef brisket on mac and cheese, fried chicken, French toast, halloumi fries, apple crumble, churros, hot chocolate, bratwurst sausages, fudge, burgers, marshmallows for toasting, crepes and coffee.
Prices and Opening
Ice skating for one hour costs £15 for adults and £12.50 for children off-peak (Monday to Friday afternoon), rising to £20 and £15.50 respectively at peak times (from 5pm Friday through the weekend). Bavarian curling sessions of 40 minutes cost £60 per lane for up to six players off-peak (Monday to Thursday) and £85 per lane at peak times (Friday to Sunday). The Big Wheel is priced at £7.50 for adults and £5 for children, while the Ice Breaker Ship and Deep Impact rides cost £4 each.
