Cardiff, it’s often considered to be lacking in today’s modern ways, but to me – that’s what makes this Welsh capital one of the greatest places to visit. Standing in almost central Wales, Cardiff prides itself in being home to a number of traditional attractions, offering tourists the chance to learn more about this beautiful city. With a number of things to do on your own or with a friend, take a look at just a few of the places I’ve recommended to visit this year.
Millenium Stadium
Iconic to Wales as a whole, this stadium has had it’s fair share of public limelight. Over the last 13 years the Millenium Stadium has played host to hundreds of thousands of visitors, with an astonishing amount of events carried out over the years. Home to the Wales national rugby team the stadium now stands as an attraction that the rest of the world come to admire. The history of the place stands for itself, after it has held events such as football, indoor cricket, rugby finals, opera and even a monster-truck derby! There is bound to be something that throws your mind if you take one of the stadium tours, allowing you access to all of the main areas and a detailed talk as you head round this astonishing building.
Cardiff Bay
A fantastic way to spend a day out, the Bay offers a whole host of restaurants and pubs, with your choice of what to eat being the hardest decision. The bay sits in the former docks area, which has recently been completely renovated to achieve a number of beautiful surroundings as you indulge in your food. A great way to visit the Bay is by ferry, giving you the chance to see the whole venue in all it’s glory, perfect during the day as it offers you sea views under the sunshine. A perfect place to come during the night, not many shops around so is very idellic, allowing you to have a lovely meal and then walk it off as you stroll around the bay during the evening. Even better when the Bay is all lit up, offering some very pretty scenery on a calm night.
Cardiff Castle
This place really does have it all if you’re a history lover. Packed with over 200 years worth of architecture, the Castle provides you with history from each of the Norman, Roman and Victorian eras. The highlight being the guided tour, you are shown the result of what was a complete refurbishment by the Bute family during the mid-19th century. Sparing itself from any other castle, the features were made to recreate a medieval gothic fantasy. A truly unique experience and one you won’t forget. After the 50 minute tour you are then able to wonder in your own time around a number of museums offering artefacts from the Norman era.
Cardiff Delta-Force Paintball
Something a bit different for you now, the Delta Force Centre is sat deep in the woodlands, offering players a beautiful scenic landscape as they are out letting off a bit of steam. The centre aims to mix the hard-hitting action with the feeling of tranquillity to result in a truly unique paintballing experience. I recommend it being somewhere to go in a large group, but do stress that it is not brilliant for younger children. However, the centre is easy to get to as it’s only a short journey off the M4, easy to be directed to by car or when using public transport.
Techniquest
Such a good way to spend the day, you’ll find that time flies by. Whether your coming hear with or without children, it really doesn’t matter – everyone manages to become so interested, that they end up becoming a big kid themselves! This museum holds a number of exciting scientific exhibits, allowing you to become hands on with modern-day science. With plenty of things to do and see the science museum has now become an attraction for young and old. It very often offers event days, where special guests are brought in to give you an everlasting experience that you won’t want the day to end. A perfectly relaxed place to explore at your own pace, with children in perfectly safe hands. If you do find yourself wanting to take a breather from it all, then the museum is also home to a couple of cafes, allowing you to get some food and drink on sight.
Exploring Cardiff is super easy – you could grab a hire car from Cardiff airport parking and stick around Wales as a single destination or why not do the same from Bristol airport parking and explore some of neighbouring England aswell?
