The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a compact city set around Cardiff Bay on the Bristol Channel with a University.
A city built on heavy industry and its docklands, Cardiff has been totally transformed in recent years to become an exciting, vibrant and fashionable place to visit, shop, eat and drink.
Today it is a energised and fashionable University city.
Historically, Cardiff has been an important place since Roman times. The remains of the old Roman fort now lie beneath Cardiff Castle, built by the Normans in the 12th century and altered over the centuries to finally become the magnificent NeoGothic edifice seen today. The 19th century architect responsible was the great William Burges, who also created the fantasy fairytale castle of nearby Castell Coch. Visit the excellent local museums and St Fagans to find out more about the rich history of the area.
Cardiff has two main centres attracting millions of visitors every year. The old city centre close to the castle has some impressive historic buildings in attractive streets and is a great shopping destination - from the old Victorian arcades to enormous new retail centres such as Saint Davids. It also has a great choice of restaurants, bars and clubs. Nearby is the Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and a world-class sport and music venue.
However Cardiff's biggest attraction must now be its second centre, the newly developed and chic Cardiff Bay area. A lake created from aging industrial docks by the new Cardiff Bay Barrage, its regeneration has been a success story on a grand scale, creating trendy waterside apartments, shops, cafes and buzzing nightlife. It is the location of the Welsh Assembly (or Senedd) as well as theatres, art galleries, fantastic lakeside scenery and watersports.
St Davids Shopping Centre Hills Street, Cardiff CF10 2EQ
Huge shopping mall with leading stores. St Davids Shopping Centre information
Millennium Stadium Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Iconic world class sporting and music venue. Millennium Stadium information
The Senedd Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
Visit the National Assembly for Wales in its spectacular modern building. The Senedd information
Techniquest Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Science activity fun for the whole family. Techniquest information
Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre Jim Driscoll Way, Grangetown, Cardiff Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre information
Cardiff International White Water Watkiss Way, Cardiff CF11 0SY
Fantastic purpose built rapids course. Cardiff International White Water information
Cardiff Castle Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 3RB
Splendid and impressive building with Roman, Norman and finally Victorian origins. Cardiff Castle information
Castell Coch Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7JS
Victorian opulent Gothic fantasy, nestled in woodland. Castell Coch information
Norwegian Church Arts Centre Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 4PA
Cultural centre in a historic waterside building. Norwegian Church Arts Centre information
The Cardiff Story The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1BH
History of the capital city of Wales. The Cardiff Story information
National Museum Cardiff Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Major natural history, archaeology and art collections. National Museum Cardiff information
St Fagans National History Museum St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6XB
Open air museum bringing history to life with original buildings. St Fagans National History Museum information
The Pierhead Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA
Landmark Victorian building towering over Cardiff Bay. The Pierhead information
Mermaid Quay Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
Eat, drink and relax on the Cardiff bay waterfront. Mermaid Quay information
Cardiff Bay Barrage Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
Feat of engineering creating a scenic link between Cardiff and Penarth. Cardiff Bay Barrage information
Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5AL
Cultural centre in an amazing modern building - the number one visitor attraction in Wales. Wales Millennium Centre information
The Red Dragon Centre Hemingway Road, Cardiff CF10 4JY
Leisure complex in Cardiff Bay, with cinema, bowling and restaurants. The Red Dragon Centre information
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Havannah Street Cardiff CF10 5SD MAP Set in an iconic building, with stunning views across Cardiff Bay, the 5-star St David’s Hotel features a luxury spa, stylish bedrooms and an innovative restaurant. Mermaid Quay is a 5-minute walk away. The sumptuous bedrooms at The St David’s Hotel ... More Information and Book ... |
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Kingsway Cardiff CF10 3HH MAP This luxury hotel is in the city centre, looking out over Cardiff Castle and City Hall. It has large air-conditioned rooms, a 20-metre heated pool, a gym, spa, sauna, steam room and spa bath. The Hilton Cardiff is 200 metres from the shops of Queen Stree... More Information and Book ... |
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Castle Street Cardiff CF10 1SZ MAP This classic Victorian building offers modern air-conditioned bedrooms next to Cardiff Castle and 150 metres from the Millennium Stadium. It has an elegant restaurant, bar and free leisure club access. Many rooms at Barceló Cardiff Angel have views of ... More Information and Book ... |
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118 Clive Street Cardiff CF11 7JE MAP The Ty Rosa is a boutique gay-run guest house just 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre. It offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and an extensive breakfast menu including traditional, continental and vegetarian. The evening menu offers traditional Welsh d... More Information and Book ... |
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108 St Mary Street Cardiff CF10 1DX MAP The ML Lodge's location is only 2 minutes' from the Millennium Stadium and is ideal for shopping and nightlife. All rooms are en suite and have a range of excellent facilities. Check-in is across the road at the Sandringham Hotel, which is located opposi... More Information and Book ... |
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179-185 Newport Road Cardiff CF24 1AH MAP Located in Cardiff city centre, just a 15-minute walk from Queen Street’s shops, Bubba’s Place has free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. A 24-hour licensed bar is available at this hotel and includes a pool table and a dartboard. Tea and cof... More Information and Book ... |
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Dumballs Road Cardiff CF10 5NS MAP Some apartments offer a prime riverside location, by Cardiff Bay in the city's rejuvenated maritime quarter, a short walk from the Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay and Techniquest. This area is booming with entertainment, especially for restaurants and pu... More Information and Book ... |
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Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2HR MAP City Apartments provide luxury apartments situated in heart of Cardiff City Centre on Churchill Way. The property has been designed to a superior specification. These apartments are fully furnished and tastefully decorated to a high standards. All two b... More Information and Book ... |
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Bute Terrace Cardiff CF10 2FE MAP Located in Cardiff city centre, Meridian Terrace Serviced Apartments are just 500 metres from Cardiff Central Rail Station. Bars and restaurants are within a 2-minute walk and free Wi-Fi is available. An LCD flat-screen TV and stylish furniture feature i... More Information and Book ... |
Our choice would be to go north on the A470 to the Brecon Beacons.
Towns Near Cardiff To Visit - straight line distance:
Penarth Tourist Information (3.04 miles) Barry Tourist Information (6.18 miles) Caerphilly Tourist Information (6.95 miles) Flat Holm Tourist Information (7.65 miles)