Car Hire Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant city, with plenty of culture packed in. Main routes such as North Road and the A469 run directly into the centre, allowing you to reach the heart of the city.

The Castle Quarter features a pedestrianised zone, but you can drive around much of the centre in your hire car. It’s made up of single and dual carriageways, with a few larger roads such as the A4161 that cuts through the middle, past the city centre and Cardiff Castle. Otherwise expect many small, tree-lined streets that offer a few shortcuts for well-planned journeys.

There are two major roads surrounding Cardiff, as the A48 runs along the north of the city, while the adjoining A4232 comes down on the western side around to the docks. It passes the Wales Millennium Centre and eventually ends up in Newport if you keep following it. Head in the other direction along the coast and you’ll encounter mostly narrow country roads and incredible views. 

Driving in Wales, as with the rest of the UK, is on the left. Be aware of changing speed limits. As a general rule, in many of the residential areas and the city centre in Cardiff the speed limit is just 20mph (32km/h), while some of the busiest roads have fallen from 40mph (64km/h) to 30mph (48km/h). Even on the A48, some sections have been lowered from 60mph (96km/h) to 50mph (80km/h), so ensure you check signs for the route that you are on. On motorways in the UK, the limit is typically 70mph (112km/h), but there may be variable speed limits in force.

On-street parking is one of the cheapest choices in Cardiff, but there are various car parks that charge decent rates. The council-run Castle Mews close to Bute Park and the castle offers good value, while the St David’s Centre car park is open 24 hours and has reasonable evening and overnight rates.

Whether you only have a couple of days in the city or are visiting Cardiff for a longer holiday, there’s plenty to see and do in and around the city. Discover the best history, nature and entertainment hotspots with our guide.

Enjoy a day around Cardiff Bay

Many of Wales’ most important buildings can be found in the Cardiff Bay area. Start in the Roald Dahl Plass, a public square named after the Cardiff-born writer. Attached to this plaza is Wales Millennium Centre, a modern creative hub hosting theatre, opera and musical performances.

Next to it you’ll see The Senedd, with its unique roof that looks like a bent piece of metal has been placed on top. This is where the Welsh Assembly meets and it’s possible to book a guided tour to learn more about its history and how it operates.

To the other side of Roald Dahl Plass is Mermaid Quay. The boardwalk holds many different bars, restaurants and amusements, offering excellent views over the bay. It’s a great place for an afternoon snack in the sun or an evening meal watching the sunset.

Another long boardwalk lies further around the bay and runs alongside Cardiff’s wetlands. These were created when the bay flooded and have remained ever since. Wander down the boardwalk and look out for the variety of birds now living here. You might even see a few young chicks if you’re visiting in hatching season.

Call on Cardiff’s castles

History fans should make Cardiff Castle their first stop. Once the site of a Roman fort, then a Norman stronghold, the foundations date back nearly two thousand years, but the current fortress was reconstructed in the 19^th century. Explore the interior with a house tour led by an expert guide, admiring the intricately designed ceilings and lavishly decorated rooms. Uncover some of the castle’s secrets too, such as the tunnels within its walls. These were used as air-raid shelters during World War Two and you can experience what it was like at the time.

Castell Coch meanwhile looks like it was plucked from a fairy tale, thanks to its large cylinder tower, coned roof and drawbridge. In fact, it was built in the Victorian era. It’s well worth a visit and is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre in your hire car.

Extensive grounds and the national museum of history can be found at St Fagan’s, also on Cardiff’s outskirts. It’s more than a castle, with 40 buildings recreating an Iron Age village, and there are traditional crafts and activities to get involved with for an active history experience.  

Parks and paths

There’s a lot of green space to be found in Cardiff, starting with the huge area that Bute Park covers. Bordering the Castle Quarter, follow one of the trails leading through it to find a true sense of serenity. Each one focuses on a certain topic, whether it’s wildlife, plants or activities for youngsters, making it a great day out for families. 

Roath Park is another popular public space, and has kept its classic Victorian feel. If you fancy a spot of fishing or a boat trip then the lake here is ideal. Winding paths lead through the wild garden if you’d rather remain on land. The recreation ground, meanwhile, provides space for a game of tennis, football, bowls or even Welsh baseball.

Experience the capital of Wales and all its attractions with car hire in Cardiff, and delight in history, culture and the idyllic countryside beyond.