Cardiff is both Wales‘ capital and the largest city. The most well-known castle in this city is Cardiff Castle. It is a heritage destination and a significant worldwide site that has stood for nearly a thousand years. There are a lot of things to do and explore in Cardiff. Let us learn about some of the best places to visit in Cardiff.
The Romanesque walls and fairy-tale towers of Cardiff Castle are situated in a lovely parkland in the centre of the capital city. We shall briefly discuss this in this article.
Places to Visit in Cardiff
Cardiff is popular because of the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. The scenery makes it the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
One can also perform a lot of activities like cycling, walking, and water sports. There are also numerous old homes and castles in Cardiff.
If you are driving to Cardiff, you can readily see the castle because it is just outside the city limits. One of Wales’ most visited tourist destinations is the Cardiff Castle.
For those who are travelling to Cardiff, let’s just look at some of the attractions there.
1. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a tourist destination and a location of worldwide significance. It has been standing for nearly a century.
Cardiff Castle is very famous for its Romanesque walls and fairy-tale turrets.
It is situated in a lovely parkland in the middle of the capital’s historic center and hides 2,000 years of history.
It also was once the residence of the illustrious Bute family. This family contributed to the development of Cardiff into a significant industrial port.
Cardiff Castle became primarily a heaven from enemy attack during World War 2. Despite the fact that two nearby lodges were destroyed, the exterior walls of this structure were used as air raid shelters.
The structure could have housed over 2,000 people. The 5th Marquess of Bute presented the Castle to Cardiff residents in 1947
2. Wales Millennium Centre
It is a gallery of art that is situated on Cardiff Bay. It is also one of Cardiff’s main tourist destinations in Wales.
The Wales Millennium Centre is constructed on 4.7 acres of land. The building’s first phase was inaugurated on the weekend of November 26–28, 2004 and the second on January 22, 2009.
The Center aspires to become a centre for the performing arts. It also strives to be a significant cultural monument with a global reputation for innovation, excellence, and leadership.
The Wales Millennium Centre has two smaller halls with shops, pubs, and restaurants. It also has one large theatre in addition.
Eight arts organizations are housed here. They include the National Symphony, Opera, Dance, Theatre, and Literature Companies.
3. National Museum of Cardiff
You must visit this museum if you enjoy visiting major tourist destinations and historical sites.
Cardiff’s National Museum is both a museum and an art gallery. This national museum was founded in 1907.
It is an art museum where you can view great works of art from Wales and around the world.
These artworks span five hundred years, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, silver, and ceramics.
There is a vast range of things to view there. Both in the permanent galleries and the changing exhibits.
It has housed Tim Peake’s Spacecraft, and also Works of Art by the well-known Grayson Perry. Dippy the Diplodocus is a dinosaur skeleton that has occupied a major part of this place since 2019.
There is a lot of information about archaeology here. You can also visit a display of Bronze Age weapons here.
There is no admission fees required for visitors who wish to explore the museum.
4. Shopping Arcades
Visitors who enjoy shopping should also go here because it is a top Cardiff shopping destination.
The gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian arcades have stood in this location since 1885. They are now home to over 100 independently owned cafes, pubs, and stores. Cardiff is therefore known as “The City of Arcades.”
Cardiff also has six Victorian arcades that provide a cozy setting for shoppers. It seeks an alternative to the well-traveled high street.
There are more than 100 interesting stores to explore. High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, and Castle Arcade make up the Castle Quarter. Spillers Records opened its doors in 1894 and is the oldest record store.
It is the primary location in the city for purchasing tickets for performances featuring alternative music. These are available in addition to selling records.
5. Cardiff Bay
Wander along the lovely Cardiff Bay Barrage or take a boat trip to Flat Holm Island. You will surely have the best experience. You can also discover some fantastic locations to visit for both families and couples.
Wales Millennium Centre is also in this location as mentioned above. There are a lot more places, but this area is more like a collection of parks. This area has a tonne of walking pathways, attractions, and trails running through it.
Additionally, there is a wetland centre where you can see local species. However, Cardiff Bay is perhaps the nicest area in town. It is the best place if you’re travelling with children because there is so much to do there.
It is free to enter this area, although there are facilities there that are fee-based. The beach is situated in Roald Dahl Plass along Cardiff Bay’s shoreline.
Swimming is not allowed because it could be fatal. And you should avoid the water for your own protection.
Cardiff Bay typically has water that is at least 2.5 metres deep. Take a stroll along the lovely Cardiff Bay Barrage if you enjoy fun outdoor activities.
6. Bute Park
Cardiff, Wales’ Bute Park is a stunning park surrounded by vegetation. It spans 130 acres of beautifully designed gardens and parkland that were formerly Cardiff Castle’s grounds.
The 3rd Marquess of Bute, whose ancestors possessed the castle, is honoured in the park’s name.
William Burges built the Swiss Bridge and Animal Wall in the late 1800s. The Fifth Marquess of Bute donated the castle and its grounds to Cardiff in 1947, and on April 15, 1949, a public park on the property was dedicated.
Visitors are welcome at any time, and because admission is free, they are also free to stay as long as they choose.
Since 1981, Bute Park has been the site of the fireworks display known as Sparks in the Park.
They donate any profits they make to a good cause. The Round Table branch in Cardiff sponsors this event each year.
7. Millennium Stadium
Due to sponsorship, Millennium Stadium has been referred to as the Principality Stadium since 2016.
Wales’ national rugby union team calls it home, while Wales’ national football team has played there as well.
Try to attend a rugby game at Principality Stadium if you enjoy sports.
The Stadium was built between 1997 and 1999 on the site of the previous National Stadium. It used 56,000 tonnes of steel and concrete.
The stadium officially opened on June 26, 1999.
The main bowl area’s direction was changed to run North to South as part of the Stadium’s design to maximize the utilization of the site’s acreage.
Wales met Spain at the Millennium Stadium in October 2018 despite the Cardiff City Stadium continuing to serve as the primary site for the national team due to ticket demand exceeding the stadium’s capacity.
8. Roath Park
One of the most well-known parks for outdoor recreation is this one. This park is great if you want to spend time with your family because there are lots of enjoyable activities for everyone.
Cardiff County Council owns and operates this park, which is overseen by the Parks Section.
This trail is well-liked for walking, running, and trekking. Families and tourists have been welcome there since its opening in 1894.
Despite being Cardiff’s most popular park today, it nevertheless has the same layout and beautiful Victorian feel.
The plot, which follows the Nant Fawr stream, is centred on the 30-acre Roath Park Lake, a well-liked recreational area.
9. Cardiff City Hall
Weddings, conferences, exhibits, and other special events can be held in this magnificent structure’s exquisite interiors.
It is also a civic structure in Cardiff, Wales, UK’s Cathays Park. It acts as Cardiff’s municipal government hub.
The Cardiff City Hall was constructed as a component of the creation of the Cathays Park Civic Centre and opened in October 1906.
It is a significant example of Edwardian Baroque architecture and was constructed from Portland stone.
The 59-meter-tall clock tower, fountains, pools, memorials, and a rectangular pool were all built as part of the outside architecture (dedicated to Polish soldiers, airmen, and sailors who gave their lives during the Second World War).
The assembly room is also used for various ceremonies, conferences, and events. The marble hall is ornamented with statues, and the council chamber is among the interior spaces of the city hall (located above the main entrance).
10. Caerphilly Castle
A medieval fortification called Caerphilly Castle is located near Caerphilly, South Wales. The fortress was built by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century.
It was built as part of his effort to keep control of Glamorgan which was also the scene of intense conflict between Gilbert, his heirs, and the local Welsh king.
It is renowned for its huge gatehouses and for introducing concentric castle defences to Britain. It is the second-biggest castle in Britain and the largest in Wales.
You may discover the finest hot chocolate, handcrafted cakes, nibbles, specialty tarts, and barista coffee at Caerphilly Castle. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a stop.
11. Cardiff International White Water
Given that it offers both white water and flat water entertainment for the entire family, this palace is ideal for those who enjoy difficulties, seek out adventure, or are enthusiastic.
At the Cardiff International Sports Village near Cardiff Bay, there is also an Olympic white rafting centre called Cardiff International White Wave.
It is the first on-demand white water centre in the UK. The place took two years to construct and was inaugurated on March 26, 2010.
They also offer rafting, mini rafts, stand-up paddleboarding, tubing, air trails, hot dogging, gorge walking, kayaking, and indoor waves, among other activities.
Whether you decide to stay on-site or satisfy your need for adrenaline with one of our popular off-site activities like Gorge Walking, they have something for everyone.
12. Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons Mountain Center was founded in 1957 and opened in 1966 to help tourists understand and enjoy the environment.
Brecon Beacons National Park is well known for its secluded reservoirs, waterfalls, and caves.
Since this national park is free to enter, you can also have a lot of fun and undoubtedly create lasting memories.
Two-thirds of the 520 square miles that make up this national park in South and Mid Wales are made up of ancient red sandstone rocks.
If you enjoy outdoor sports, you should visit this national park. Here, you may go walking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and many other outdoor activities.
13. Llandaff Cathedral
The Church in Wales is a region of the global Anglican Communion and also hosts religious services in Llandaff Cathedral. It serves as the bishop of Llandaff’s residence as well.
In the Diocese of Llandaff and for the City of Cardiff, the Cathedral serves as a centre for spirituality and pilgrimage.
Therefore, we exist to worship God and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Entry is free for tourists. Llandaff Cathedral is located within a nice 20-minute stroll from the city’s centre.
It is also a perfect spot to get away from the bustle of downtown Cardiff while learning about the lengthy and fascinating history of a significant holy site.
It is one of the earliest Christian places in all of Britain. People have been coming here to worship since the sixth century.
The ancient church is no longer there, but the twelfth-century reconstruction more than holds its own spiritually.
14. Techniquest
Cardiff Bay is home to Techniquest, a science exploration facility. It features a scientific theatre, a planetarium, and an exhibition area with more than 100 interactive displays.
These are also geared for visitors of all ages, giving them a hands-on approach to science.
On the location of the former British Gas Showroom at the intersection of Duke Street and St. John Street, Techniques first opened its doors.
Its objectives are to get people interested in science and encourage them to learn more. They also touch on scientific-related topics like technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Techniquest runs exhibits, performances, and programs aimed at increasing public discourse on science and technology in Wales. It also helps in making science more accessible to the general population.
To supplement Wales’ formal education system, it also provides complete educational services to schools and teachers.
15. Penarth Beach
Penarth is at the top of our list of places to visit close to Cardiff because it’s the easiest to drive there. Even though Penarth Beach lacks sand, it is a sizable beach.
It has a pier, and Penarth Pier is accessible year-round for walking and includes neighbouring cafes, restaurants, and food and drink sellers.
To see a different side of Cardiff and breathe in some fresh sea air, this is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Cardiff and around throughout the year.
The 658-foot-long Penarth Pier, one of just two remaining pleasure piers in south Wales (the other being at Mumbles), was built in 1894 and was opened the following year. It is a throwback to a more tranquil era.
16. Castle Coch
Castle Coch is one of the best castles in Wales and is only a 15-minute drive from the heart of Cardiff. If you want to see beautiful castles, you should definitely go.
In the woods sits Castle Coch, a gothic-style castle constructed in the 19th century. It is accessible to tourists, but you may also enjoy it from the outside simply by taking a walk in the nearby woods.
Due to its distinctive appearance, Castle Coch is also the best tourist destination in Cardiff to see.
Conclusion
These are some of the amazing places to visit in Cardiff. Make sure to bring your friends and family along and have a great time. You can also bring your kids as Cardiff has a lot of offers for kids as well.
We hope you have a great time in Cardiff and also enjoy everything here.
