With the sun shining, the longer days and the May Bank Holidays , the new season always brings with it a desire to try something new. Whether it’s about straying away from routine, booking something we’ve been meaning to try for a while or meeting new people, stepping outside our self-imposed limits can be difficult. To brighten up Spring ~ and bring a little joy into your everyday ~ we have found three activities to do in Cardiff depending on what you’re craving. From the social supper club to the local arts classes via the must-visit store, we have taken the stress out of weekend planning with some spots and events you will want to add to your list straightaway.

If you want to make new connections – The idea of ‘networking’ can feel intimidating to so many but, thankfully, gone are the days of awkward never-ending events and lukewarm prosecco. A prime example of this is Cardiff Young Professionals, an interactive platform for young and ambitious professionals in Cardiff. Think really fun venues, interesting speakers and, if you prefer to network in more relaxed settings, a newly launched supper club. The latter is a good excuse to try out new places in the city and expand your network in a ‘no pressure’, inclusive environment. If you want to book an event, you can find them here and, if you’re across the bridge, they’ve just launched a Bristol branch which you can find here.

If you want to ease stress – While the idea of soothing the nervous system after a busy day of work is not novel, most of us will turn to a yoga class, hit the gym or head out on a run. All of these are brilliant yet we rarely associate creativity with stress-relief when nurturing new hobbies, or returning to activities which we enjoyed when we were younger, can provide much-needed mental relief. For anything art and photography created, you have to try the Art Workshop in Rhiwbina. There is so much on offer from textiles to print-making and, of course, plenty of art-based classes too (think watercolours, acrylics and oil painting to name a few). There are also holiday classes for children as well as plenty of opportunities for adults to alleviate the stress accumulated throughout the week.

If you want a Spring refresh – Unsurprisingly, Spring is a time where we take a good look at our clothes and re-assess accordingly. Perhaps you’re not feeling the jumpers that have seen you through the winter or your everyday coat is ready to head to the back of the wardrobe. In a bid to buy less and buy better, once you’ve gone through a wardrobe detox and donated pieces that you’re not so in love with anymore (Working Wardrobe is a good option and we love the ethos behind it), you will want to visit CWFL. With a selection of really great pieces, lots of cool brands & self-care items, this spot is perfect for a style refresh or a last-minute gift. To plan your next visit or add some new fashion to your trolley (they offer UK delivery), you can find them here.