Cardiff and South Wales Guidebook
Sightseeing
A must see heritage attraction that's interesting for adults and children.
Entry to the museum is free.
1 mile away by car or bus.
328 locals recommend
St Fagans National Museum of History
A must see heritage attraction that's interesting for adults and children.
Entry to the museum is free.
1 mile away by car or bus.
A medieval castle and Victorian gothic revival mansion located in the centre of Cardiff.
The original motte and bailey was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd century Roman Fort.
43 locals recommend
Cardiff Castle
Castle StA medieval castle and Victorian gothic revival mansion located in the centre of Cardiff.
The original motte and bailey was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd century Roman Fort.
An excellent, free to enter, museum and art gallery in the centre of Cardiff.
One of Europe's finest art collections. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including Europe's best collection of impressionist art.
221 locals recommend
National Museum Cardiff
An excellent, free to enter, museum and art gallery in the centre of Cardiff.
One of Europe's finest art collections. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including Europe's best collection of impressionist art.
A fairytail 19th century gothic castle, built on the original normal castle site dating 1081
168 locals recommend
Castell Coch
A fairytail 19th century gothic castle, built on the original normal castle site dating 1081
Cardiff Bay is home to a number of attractions such as Techniquest Science Discovery Centre ideal for all the family, Craft in the Bay, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and Arts Centre, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre.
The bay is home to many restaurants. Here you can take a thrilling speedboat ride or a more leisurely riverboat taxi to the centre of Cardiff.
215 locals recommend
Cardiff Bay
Bute StreetCardiff Bay is home to a number of attractions such as Techniquest Science Discovery Centre ideal for all the family, Craft in the Bay, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and Arts Centre, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre.
The bay is home to many restaurants. Here you can take a thrilling speedboat ride or a more leisurely riverboat taxi to the centre of Cardiff.
Beautiful rugged scenery with many walks for all ages and abilities.
For the more adventurous there is a hike up Pen-y fan the highest point in southern Britain.
279 locals recommend
Brecon Beacons
Beacons ParkBeautiful rugged scenery with many walks for all ages and abilities.
For the more adventurous there is a hike up Pen-y fan the highest point in southern Britain.
The Brecon Beacons National Park has many waterfalls. This is the highest, you can even walk behind it. The film Batman was filmed here. Why not visit it on the way to Brecon Town.
A 1 hour car ride away.
57 locals recommend
Henrhyd Falls
Dol HenrhydThe Brecon Beacons National Park has many waterfalls. This is the highest, you can even walk behind it. The film Batman was filmed here. Why not visit it on the way to Brecon Town.
A 1 hour car ride away.
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff has a pretty tall order to fill but, thankfully, it delivers. This ancient city has a whole host of museums, attractions, parks, music venues, restaurants and bars to explore - all the more tempting considering the last year we've had.
If anything, the tricky part is narrowing down exactly what you want to spend your precious time getting stuck into.
Whether you want to wander the grounds of Cardiff Castle, cycle around Cardiff Bay, take a stroll in Bute Park, visit Spillers, the worlds oldest record shop or splurge out on Sunday Lunch at Heaney's in the fashionable district of Pontcanna, you'll be spoilt for choice at what Cardiff has to offer visitors.
218 locals recommend
Cardiff
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff has a pretty tall order to fill but, thankfully, it delivers. This ancient city has a whole host of museums, attractions, parks, music venues, restaurants and bars to explore - all the more tempting considering the last year we've had.
If anything, the tricky part is narrowing down exactly what you want to spend your precious time getting stuck into.
Whether you want to wander the grounds of Cardiff Castle, cycle around Cardiff Bay, take a stroll in Bute Park, visit Spillers, the worlds oldest record shop or splurge out on Sunday Lunch at Heaney's in the fashionable district of Pontcanna, you'll be spoilt for choice at what Cardiff has to offer visitors.
Events
The National Stadium of Wales. Home of the Welsh rugby union team. Also hosting large music concerts in the centre of Cardiff.
Just a 15 minute bus ride away.
324 locals recommend
Principality Stadium
Westgate StreetThe National Stadium of Wales. Home of the Welsh rugby union team. Also hosting large music concerts in the centre of Cardiff.
Just a 15 minute bus ride away.
Comprising one large theatre and two smaller halls with shops, bars and restaurants. It houses the National Orchestra and Opera, dance, theatre and literature companies.
164 locals recommend
Wales Millennium Centre
Bute PlaceComprising one large theatre and two smaller halls with shops, bars and restaurants. It houses the National Orchestra and Opera, dance, theatre and literature companies.
Home to many big-name concerts. An easy 15 minute bus ride away
65 locals recommend
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Mary Ann StreetHome to many big-name concerts. An easy 15 minute bus ride away
The National Concert Hall and Conference Centre of Wales. It hosts the annual Welsh Proms and the biennial BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Also a performing arts and conference venue in the heart of Cardiff. Just a 15 minute bus ride away.
10 locals recommend
Saint Davids Hall
The HayesThe National Concert Hall and Conference Centre of Wales. It hosts the annual Welsh Proms and the biennial BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Also a performing arts and conference venue in the heart of Cardiff. Just a 15 minute bus ride away.
Home to the Cardiff Bluebirds football club.
A 10 minute bus ride and 15 minute walk.
Or a 3 minute train ride and 6 minute short walk.
77 locals recommend
Cardiff City Stadium station
Leckwith RoadHome to the Cardiff Bluebirds football club.
A 10 minute bus ride and 15 minute walk.
Or a 3 minute train ride and 6 minute short walk.
Parks
Cosmeston has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, some areas are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.
Great place for a picnic and children to play.
32 locals recommend
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Cosmeston has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, some areas are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.
Great place for a picnic and children to play.
Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most popular parks, owned by Cardiff County Council and managed by the Parks Section. It retains a classic Victorian atmosphere and has many facilities. During the summer months, they have rowing boats for hire. Free to enter.
30 locals recommend
Roath Park Lake
Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most popular parks, owned by Cardiff County Council and managed by the Parks Section. It retains a classic Victorian atmosphere and has many facilities. During the summer months, they have rowing boats for hire. Free to enter.
Dyffryn Gardens is a collection of botanical gardens located near the villages of Dyffryn and St. Nicholas in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The gardens were selected by the British Tourist Authority as one of the Top 100 gardens in the UK and are in the care of the National Trust.
Just a 15 minute car ride away.
33 locals recommend
Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn CloseDyffryn Gardens is a collection of botanical gardens located near the villages of Dyffryn and St. Nicholas in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The gardens were selected by the British Tourist Authority as one of the Top 100 gardens in the UK and are in the care of the National Trust.
Just a 15 minute car ride away.
Bute Park is like a little countryside oasis in the middle of Cardiff, just next to the castle. It borders the River Taff and is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the Taff Trail, a cycling/walking route that starts by Cardiff Bay. The 130-acre garden contains several self-led nature and walking trails and contains an amazing array of tree and plant species.
181 locals recommend
Bute Park
North RoadBute Park is like a little countryside oasis in the middle of Cardiff, just next to the castle. It borders the River Taff and is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the Taff Trail, a cycling/walking route that starts by Cardiff Bay. The 130-acre garden contains several self-led nature and walking trails and contains an amazing array of tree and plant species.
Beach
Great day out at the safe sandy beach, with an amusement park open in the summer.
Tours of the Gavin and Stacy film sets.
Lots of parking.
23 locals recommend
Barry Island Beach
Great day out at the safe sandy beach, with an amusement park open in the summer.
Tours of the Gavin and Stacy film sets.
Lots of parking.
Chill out on the pier or a walk along the esplanade, followed by a coffee or a meal.
75 locals recommend
Penarth Pier Pavilion
The EsplanadeChill out on the pier or a walk along the esplanade, followed by a coffee or a meal.
Shopping
Great compact shopping centre, with all the big names and eateries right in the centre of Cardiff, just a 15 minute bus ride away.
142 locals recommend
Saint Davids Centre
Great compact shopping centre, with all the big names and eateries right in the centre of Cardiff, just a 15 minute bus ride away.
Cardiff Market is an impressive Victorian structure offering a unique shopping experience and has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s.
51 locals recommend
Cardiff Market
5-7 St Mary StCardiff Market is an impressive Victorian structure offering a unique shopping experience and has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s.
Be sure to head to Cardiff's well-preserved and still bustling Victorian shopping arcades. Dissecting the city centre, these fascinating, old covered pedestrian thoroughfares were built to allow residents and visitors to enjoy shopping indoors without having to concern themselves with the weather or the poor conditions of roads and sidewalks.
A good place to begin your exploration of the more than 2,600 feet of arcades to explore is the oldest of them, the Royal Arcade, built in 1858.
Other favourites include the High Street Arcade, built in 1886 and well-known as a place to shop for clothing, and the Castle Arcade, which opened a year later.
18 locals recommend
Castle Quarter Arcade
Castle StreetBe sure to head to Cardiff's well-preserved and still bustling Victorian shopping arcades. Dissecting the city centre, these fascinating, old covered pedestrian thoroughfares were built to allow residents and visitors to enjoy shopping indoors without having to concern themselves with the weather or the poor conditions of roads and sidewalks.
A good place to begin your exploration of the more than 2,600 feet of arcades to explore is the oldest of them, the Royal Arcade, built in 1858.
Other favourites include the High Street Arcade, built in 1886 and well-known as a place to shop for clothing, and the Castle Arcade, which opened a year later.
Activity
Cardiff International White Water is an Olympic-standard set of artificial rapids. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, you can try your hand at white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and even surfing on the indoor wave machine. The centre is on the outskirts of the city, about 4 miles south of Cardiff Central train station, but the No. 13 bus will drop you right at the door. You’ll find other activity facilities nearby, including an ice rink, swimming pool and yacht club.
84 locals recommend
Cardiff International White Water
Watkiss WayCardiff International White Water is an Olympic-standard set of artificial rapids. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, you can try your hand at white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and even surfing on the indoor wave machine. The centre is on the outskirts of the city, about 4 miles south of Cardiff Central train station, but the No. 13 bus will drop you right at the door. You’ll find other activity facilities nearby, including an ice rink, swimming pool and yacht club.
Going away skiing? Picking up a new Hobby? Snowboarding with your friends? Fancy a thrilling tubing party? Get ready for the mountains, right here in Fairwater.
6 locals recommend
Cardiff ski and snowboard centre
198 Fairwater RdGoing away skiing? Picking up a new Hobby? Snowboarding with your friends? Fancy a thrilling tubing party? Get ready for the mountains, right here in Fairwater.
Food scene
Highly recommended, Dine at Cardiff Prison.
No, that’s not a typo – you really can dine at Her Majesty’s pleasure in Cardiff. You don’t need to suffer prison food, either. The Clink is a gourmet dining experience and an opportunity for prisoners to rehabilitate and gain new skills and experience in the hospitality industry. It works, too – those who prepare and serve your delicious food are much less likely to re-offend. Expect first-class cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and served in quite an elegant setting. Just don’t expect any alcohol because it’s banned on prison grounds.
24 locals recommend
The Clink Cymru
Knox RoadHighly recommended, Dine at Cardiff Prison.
No, that’s not a typo – you really can dine at Her Majesty’s pleasure in Cardiff. You don’t need to suffer prison food, either. The Clink is a gourmet dining experience and an opportunity for prisoners to rehabilitate and gain new skills and experience in the hospitality industry. It works, too – those who prepare and serve your delicious food are much less likely to re-offend. Expect first-class cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and served in quite an elegant setting. Just don’t expect any alcohol because it’s banned on prison grounds.