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 19th 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.