Cardiff is a city that offers something for everyone, from history enthusiasts to adventure seekers. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites or enjoying its modern attractions, Cardiff is sure to leave a lasting impression. So let’s get started Exploring Cardiff, Wales together!
A Brief History of Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The city’s origins can be traced to the Roman fort of Cardiff Castle, which was established in the late 50s AD. Over the centuries, Cardiff evolved from a small Roman settlement into a bustling port town during the medieval period. The 19th century saw Cardiff’s transformation into a major coal-exporting hub, earning it the nickname “Coal Capital of the World.” Today, Cardiff is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its historic past with modern amenities and cultural attractions.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cardiff
- Cardiff Castle: Explore this medieval castle with its impressive towers, battlements, and lush gardens.
- St. Fagans National Museum of History: Visit this open-air museum showcasing Welsh history and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits.
- Castell Coch: Discover this fairy-tale-like castle located in the Taff Valley, known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
- Cardiff Bay: Enjoy the scenic waterfront area with its modern attractions, including the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament Building).
- Roald Dahl Plass: Relax in this public square named after the famous author, featuring a striking glass canopy and vibrant atmosphere.
- Cardiff Market: Experience the hustle and bustle of this historic market, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and street food.
- Techniquest: Visit this interactive science center, perfect for families and those interested in hands-on learning experiences.
- Bute Park: Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through this picturesque park, which offers beautiful gardens and green spaces.
- National Museum Cardiff: Explore this museum’s extensive collection of art, natural history, and Welsh cultural artifacts.
How to Get There
Getting to Cardiff is convenient, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. You can reach Cardiff by:
- Plane: Cardiff Airport (CWL) offers flights from various international destinations. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to the city center.
- Train: Cardiff is well-serviced by trains from major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central takes around 2 hours.
- Car: If you prefer driving, Cardiff is accessible via the M4 motorway. The drive from London takes approximately 3 hours.
- Bus: National and regional bus services connect Cardiff to other parts of Wales and the UK.
Interesting Historical Sites
Roman Amphitheater in Cardiff
Cardiff has a hidden gem that dates back to Roman times – an ancient amphitheater. The amphitheater was discovered in 2011 during construction work for a new office development in the city center. Archaeologists from the Ardentia Archaeology team were called in to investigate, and they quickly realized the significance of the find. The site was carefully excavated, revealing the remains of the amphitheater, which had been buried for nearly 2,000 years.
The amphitheater is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD, during the Roman occupation of Britain. It was a relatively small amphitheater, measuring approximately 120 meters (394 feet) in length and 50 meters (164 feet) in width1. The structure included seating areas for spectators, as well as a central arena where gladiatorial games and public spectacles would have taken place.
The discovery of the amphitheater provides valuable insights into the Roman presence in Cardiff and the surrounding region. It suggests that Cardiff was an important settlement during Roman times, with a thriving community that enjoyed entertainment and public events. The amphitheater is one of only three known Roman amphitheaters in Wales, making it a rare and significant find.
Cardiff’s Secret Tunnels
During World War II, a network of secret tunnels was constructed beneath Cardiff to serve as air-raid shelters. These tunnels, known as the “Cardiff Blitz Tunnels,” were built to protect residents from German bombing raids. The tunnels were equipped with medical facilities, canteens, and even a theater to keep people entertained during air raids. Today, parts of these tunnels are still accessible and offer a unique glimpse into Cardiff’s wartime history. You can find many of these tunnels under Cardiff Castle that are open to the public so you can see and feel what it was like to be in these tunnels during a German bombing run.
Places to Stay and Eat
Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Cardiff, Wales:
- voco St. David’s Cardiff: A luxurious five-star hotel located on Cardiff Bay waterfront, offering stunning views, a spa, and exquisite dining options.
- The Royal Hotel Cardiff: A stylish four-star hotel in a Victorian building, conveniently located near the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
- Park Plaza Cardiff: A city-center hotel known for its original art, extensive spa, and excellent dining, all within walking distance of Cardiff’s main attractions.
- New House Country Hotel: A Georgian manor with breathtaking views of Cardiff’s skyline, offering a relaxing atmosphere and traditional charm.
- Hotel Indigo Cardiff: A boutique hotel with modern accommodations and a Marco Pierre White restaurant, reflecting Welsh culture and style.
Here are some fantastic dining spots in Cardiff, Wales:
- Wahaca Cardiff: A vibrant Mexican restaurant offering fresh small plates inspired by Oaxacan markets. Located in The Hayes, it’s known for its sustainable practices and lively atmosphere.
- Viva Brazil Cardiff: An authentic Brazilian steakhouse with a variety of meats and a salad bar. It’s situated on St. Mary’s Street and offers a unique dining experience.
- The Welsh House Cardiff: A cozy spot focusing on locally sourced Welsh ingredients. It’s perfect for experiencing regional flavors in a relaxed setting.
- Côte Cardiff Central: A French brasserie serving classic dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Located on Mill Lane, it’s praised for its friendly service and delicious food.
On a Budget Options to choose from:
I was in Cardiff for 5 days and will admit I mostly stayed in the city center, so my range was pretty limited to walking and buses.
For a budget hotel, I would suggest the Travelodge Cardiff Central. It is relatively cheap and right next door to the train station. My room on the 4th floor was large, comfortable and clean. The hotel is located on St. Mary Street, the main drag for the city centre, with tons of eateries, bars, markets, and attractions within walking distance. I would recommend a room away from St. Mary Street if possible, since the weekend nightlife can get quite loud and goes late into the morning hours.
In terms of budget places to eat in the city centre, take your choice. Cardiff is a tourist town in that part of the city, so the choices are endless. Pub food, pizza, Turkish, Asian, and the list goes on and on. You will not find it hard to locate a relatively cheap meal if you chose. Yet, there are some really upscale restaurants in this area as well. As I always suggest, just wander.
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