Cardiff Travel & Vacation Guide

Located an hour from Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park is a natural reserve with an area of 1,340 square kilometres. Inside the park it is possible to enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and so on. The park is also perfect for stargazing, as it was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013.

The entrance to the park is a short walk along Castle Street, to the left of the castle. The gardens have their own walled parapet that features incredibly life-like stone animals including a bear, lion, hyena, monkeys and a pelican. The park runs alongside the River Taff and has great views of the castle and its moat – it even has a miniature Stonehenge!

The second biggest castle in Britain (after Windsor), it was built in the late 13th century to secure the area against Welsh attacks from the north. The castle is one of the greatest examples of medieval military architecture displaying an enormous array of defensive structures such as high towers, large moats and barbicans. It is located 15 minutes by train from Cardiff.

Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition, from its past as the world’s largest coal exporting port to a modern sports and leisure complex. It is also Europe’s largest waterfront development which has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. Sights of interest and things to do include: Pierhead Building, Coal Exchange, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Mermaid’s Quay’s restaurants and bars.

This walled fortress boasts 2000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, the castle was rebuilt after the Norman conquest and served as a keep until the 18th century, when it became the home of the Bute family, who renovated it in Gothic Revival style. You can walk around the Norman keep, discover the Roman foundations and take a guided tour around the grand apartments with their gilt ceilings and murals.

Water-based adventures and thrilling activities abound at Cardiff International White Water. Choose from a variety of sports including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and gorge walking. Additionally, the Indoor Wave offers the excitement of surfing with the convenience and safety of an indoor environment, simulating the rush of ocean waves right in the heart of the city.

A fairytale castle nestled in the woods on the outskirts of the city. Despite bearing the mark of Victorian renovation, it still retains much of its medieval charm and it offers an interesting insight into medieval architecture and art.

This impressive domed building houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in Europe, along with the best Welsh art. The museum also comprises an archaeology and geology collection as well as a natural history exhibit with giant skeletons of whales and dinosaurs.

Often called 'the Welsh Club', this venue spans three floors, each offering a distinct musical scene. It's one of the few places in Cardiff where you can still enjoy a dedicated rock night, catering to a variety of musical tastes.

Lab 22 is a sophisticated cocktail bar known for its refined interior and welcoming atmosphere. It offers a vast selection of cocktails and spirits, and you can even learn to craft your own drinks at one of their cocktail masterclasses.

Old Arcade is a typical Welsh pub with good local ales, pub food and rugby. The pub is owned by Brains Brewery, so the beer selection is great and the interior is nicely decorated with rugby memorabilia.

Porter's might look like a classic pub, yet it offers much more. With a selection of fine beers, wines, and teas, it's a popular spot among locals for its vibrant atmosphere and quality music. The pub also features a small theatre, hosting live performances and shows.

Hidden in a backstreet of central Cardiff, The Dead Canary welcomes its guests with a quiet atmosphere and amazing cocktails. The drinks are named after characters from the medieval Welsh tale collection Mabinogion, which adds a nice touch of Welsh folklore to the soft and cosy ambience of this bar.

The Dock is ideally located right on the water’s edge at Mermaid Quay. It spans two large floors, featuring a restaurant upstairs, a smaller crow's nest above the first floor, and two external balconies, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Capitol is a large shopping centre in the heart of the city that provides a modern shopping experience with a variety of stores and leisure options. Alongside retail outlets, it features gyms, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema, catering to a range of customer needs.

Cardiff's largest and oldest indoor market is housed in a Victorian building constructed in 1891, though the market's origins likely date back to the 18th century. It offers a wide range of items, from fresh local produce to various decorative objects and utensils.

This charming gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs including toys, clothes, and the beautifully carved Welsh lovespoons, with an option to have a name engraved on them — making it the perfect keepsake to take home from Cardiff.

The Royal Arcade, the oldest of Cardiff's many shopping arcades, offers a variety of stores and independent shops. Inside, you can find a wide range of items including gifts, souvenirs, homeware, and jewellery.

St David's, a large shopping centre located in The Hayes in central Cardiff, is one of the city's key shopping destinations. It houses a mix of major chain stores and smaller shops, alongside a variety of cafes and restaurants.

The Pumping Station, housed in a former Victorian pumping house, is a three-storey antique market. It features a wide array of traders offering everything from Victorian-era artefacts to contemporary items, including furniture, clothes, jewellery, and silverware. There's also a cafe on-site, providing a perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Cardiff's climate is mild, and while extreme temperatures are rare, the weather remains unpredictable. Visitors should come prepared with waterproof coats and shoes. The best time to visit is from April to September, which offers warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, ideal for enjoying the city and its major summer events like the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival. Expect high visitor numbers until mid-September. Autumn tends to be rainy, with occasional snow in late November and December, and winters are cold and slow for tourism.

For travel to the UK, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

Cardiff is served by its own international airport with regular direct flights from the UK and Europe. Hourly train services to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport operate on weekdays and Saturdays, with a reduced frequency every two hours on Sundays. A new partnership between Transport for Wales and Adventure Travel introduces a combined rail and bus ticket. Travellers can purchase this ticket, known as 'Cardiff Air Ria', to use the train to Rhoose and the 905 bus service for direct airport access. A shuttle bus from the train station to the airport is available for a £1 fee and takes about 10 minutes. Additionally, cyclists can reach the airport via several dedicated cycle routes. Bristol International Airport, located just one hour away, offers direct flights with Continental Airlines from the United States and budget-friendly options from EasyJet for routes within the UK and from Europe, including Germany. Additionally, Birmingham, Manchester, and London’s major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton — are conveniently reachable via high-speed InterCity trains or coach services.

Cardiff offers excellent connectivity across the UK. Frequent train services link many cities directly to Cardiff, complemented by easy access via the M4 motorway. Once in Cardiff, navigating the city centre on foot is a breeze. For a unique perspective, visitors can take a waterbus connecting the city centre and Cardiff Bay, or hop on the City Sightseeing bus, which provides insights into the local heritage and culture along the route. For those looking to venture beyond the city centre, Cardiff is an integral part of the South Wales Metro network. The network boasts 20 railway stations throughout the city, including major hubs like Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street, situated right in the heart of the capital. Public transport in Cardiff is run by Cardiff Bus (Bws Caerdydd), which covers the urban area.

London-style Hackney cabs are available in Cardiff and can be hailed from the roadside. Private hire taxis are also available but cannot be hailed from the roadside and must be pre-booked instead. Dragon Taxis Cardiff www.dragontaxis.com +44 29 20 333 333 Premier Taxis +44 29 20 555 555 Capital Cabs +44 29 2077 7777

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries. The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230V or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.

If you are in need of medication, there are many local pharmacies in Cardiff, as well as big chains like Boots.

You can find several post offices spread throughout the city, the main branch being located in Queens Arcade.