Things to do in Usk

Activities, attractions and tours

0_17172
0_17172
The castle courtyard highlights some of the fine details that went into the castle construction. Raglan is a grand 15th-century castle that eventually fell to Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War (1646). The castle was surrendered mostly in-tact, but was slighted (purposefully disabled) to prevent any future use as a fortification. Today it's an atmospheric ruin that makes for a fun visit.
This is a photo of listed building number
Photo by Dr Steven Murray (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
St John's church in Llandenny
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Opened in June 1999 complete with the first fully retractable roof in the UK, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous sporting events as well as concerts featuring the biggest entertainers in show business, from Take That, One Direction and Oasis to Madonna, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Learn more
Millennium Stadium showing a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Learn more
Brecon Beacons National Park which includes a waterfall, a lake or waterhole and rainforest

3. Cardiff Castle

A 12-sided medieval keep offering panoramic views across the city from a platform at its top is at the castle’s heart, but the site is also full of later additions that capture the imagination. Fabulous mock-Gothic features, including an extravagant banqueting hall and clock tower, were added during the Victorian era.
Learn more
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace

4. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
Learn more
University of Bristol

5. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
Learn more
Bristol Hippodrome

What to do in Usk

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium showing a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

4.5/5(198 reviews)

The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(190 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(251 reviews)

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4/5(76 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(44 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre featuring signage, modern architecture and street scenes

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(210 reviews)

An architectural masterpiece, the Wales Millennium Centre is at the heart of Cardiff Bay, a wonderfully regenerated area full of striking buildings, wide open spaces and intriguing pieces of public art.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey showing heritage elements, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(26 reviews)

The monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey are nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty and can boast 900 years of history in their walls. This was the first Cistercian abbey built in Wales and only the second in Britain, and despite now being exposed to the elements, it remains one of the most stunning surviving examples of gothic architecture in the country.

Tintern Abbey
Bute Park featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

Bute Park

5/5(4 reviews)

One of the great city parks of the world, Bute Park is a favoured haunt of both locals and visitors alike. First landscaped in the 18th Century by legendary garden designer Capability Brown, this 130 acre park is known as the ‘Green Heart’ of Cardiff and offers a leafy habitat for exercise, picnics and recreation, not to mention a wealth of seasonal attractions.

Bute Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a ruin

Chepstow

View of Newport Sands Beach from the golf club. Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales. UK

Newport

Cardiff featuring street scenes, night scenes and a city

Cardiff

Frequently asked questions

Is Usk worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are loads of great things to do in Usk. Make sure to experience the area's blend of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Usk?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Usk Castle and Raglan Castle, spend the rest of your day discovering Usk's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Usk?
Don't go home without checking out Usk Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Usk.
Is three days enough to stay in Usk?
Three days in Usk is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Usk Castle, Raglan Castle and Bowlplex Cwmbran are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Cardiff.
Is Usk a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, Usk is a great place to visit. Find major sights, like Usk Castle, a walkable distance from downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Llantrisant Fawr, a cool neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Usk with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Usk with kids.

What to do in Usk for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Usk, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales or Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.
Are there free things to do in Usk?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Usk. If you're in need of ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Usk Castle is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia