Things to do in Cardiff
Cardiff Castle, Welsh Folk Museum, Techniquest and Cardiff Bay
Cardiff is a modern city with a history. Walk to Cardiff Castle, The Millenium Stadium and The National Museum from the station. Other attractions are further afield.
Cardiff is a city of contrasts. Stand at the top of the Norman Keep at the Castle and admire the modern architecture of the Millenium Stadium. Head out of town to the regenerated buzz of Cardiff Bay or to traditional Welsh life, lovingly recreated at the Welsh Folk Museum. Wander round the shopping centre, where modern malls mix with Victorian arcades, and well known high street names stand alongside locally owned speciality shops. While in Cardiff try to see:
Museum of Welsh Life
A open air museum recreating life in the Welsh countryside since Tudor times. Over forty buildings from all over Wales have been reassembled in the 100 acre grounds of St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house.
Explore houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and the Workmen's Institute. Craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, little used in today's modern society, and most of the things produced can be bought as souvenirs.
Getting There
The museum is 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232 and is well signposted from junction 33 of the M4. Buses 32 and 320 run from Cardiff Bus Station (immediately outside Cardiff Central Railway Station
Millennium Stadium Tour
Discover what goes on behind the scenes at Wales's largest sporting venue. See the changing rooms, run down the tunnel and have a trophy presented to you in the Royal Box. Tours are available every day, except match days and events days, contact the stadium for details. Pre booking is recommended.
Getting There
The stadium is in Cardiff city centre , just outside Cardiff Central bus and train station.
Roath Park
A traditional park with a family atmosphere; hire a boat, feed the ducks or simply walk round the lake. Children can let off steam in the large playground and older visitors can enjoy the rose gardens or visit the Captain Scott memorial lighthouse, dedicated to the Antarctic explorer.
Gettiing there
The park is roughly 2 miles north of the city centre, take bus 28, 29 or 29B from Cardiff Central Bus Station.
Cardiff Castle
Explore the grounds and keep of this Norman Castle, right in the city centre next to the shopping centre. Full guided tours of the castle and apartments, taking 50 minutes, start at regular intervals throughout the day. Peacocks roam freely in the grounds and there is a display of birds of prey. Refreshments are served in the 15th century vault, The Undercroft, which is one of the oldest parts of the castle still in use.
Getting There
The castle is in Cardiff city centre , 10-15 minutes walk from Cardiff Central bus and train station.
Techniquest
Learning science is fun at Techiquest, over 160 interactive exhibits help visitors , young and old, to discover that science need not be boring. Launch an hot air balloon, create animations or freeze shadows and any stargazers can visit the purpose-built Planetarium to see the stars, whether it is dark outside or not.
Open seven days a week and special events are offered at weekends and school holidays.
Getting There
Follow the directions for Cardiff Bay below.
National Museum & Gallery
The National Museum of Wales is located next to Cardiff Civic Centre, a 20 minute walk from the bus and railway station. Displays include Art, Archaeology & Numismatics Biodiversity & Systematic Biology, Geology, Social & Cultural History and Industry.
The museum is undergoing a major refurbishment during 2007 and some sections may be temporally closed. Please contact the museum for more details. In common with all National museums in Wales admission is free of charge.
Getting There
The museum is in Cardiff city centre , 15-20 minutes walk from Cardiff Central bus and train station.
Cardiff Bay
The Cardiff Bay area has undergone massive redevelopment over the last decade, as Eurpoe's largest waterfront development offers a wide range of attractions and restaurants. Attractions include Craft in the Bay, Butetown History and Arts Centre, Goleulong 2000 Lightship, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre , and the the Wales Millennium Centre.
Getting There
By car - Leave M4 at junction 33 and take the A4232 dual carriageway then follow brown signs to Cardiff Bay or Techniquest.
By bus - services 6 and 8 run from Cardiff Central Bus Station to Cardiff Bay.
By Train - Regular services run from Cardiff (Queen Street) and the South Wales Valleys to Cardiff Bay.
Other things to do in Wales
Things to do in South West Wales
Family Days Out in South Wales
Days Out on The Gower Peninsula
Things to do in Snowdonia Wales
Margam Country Park ,South Wales
