Ahh, Cardiff - Wales' cultural, colorful capital. Nestled on glistening Cardiff Bay, this quaint city is filled with castles, artsy cafes, Victorian architecture, and much more! Discover the beauty of Wales from this amazing city that's small in size, but huge in character. What to Know This lovely port city on the River Taff is home to the Wales Millennium Centre, national museums, Rugby stadiums, and postcard-worthy waterfront shops. Named Wales' capital in 1955, Cardiff has grown into a buzzing artsy city filled with music venues, cafes, and art galleries. Take a walk through Victorian shopping arcades, then take a day trip to Wales' mountainous countryside! Cardiff is the perfect home base for an unforgettable Welsh adventure. When to Go Cardiff is one of those cities that's special all year round. If you go in the spring, the city will be bursting with colorful flowers in bloom. Summer and fall are filled with special events such as musical performances and food festivals! Keep in mind: even in its warmest month (July), Cardiff only reaches a pleasant 70 degrees Farenheit, so you're never really looking at shorts and tank-top weather. How to Get Around You know what's great about Cardiff? It's so compact that many of the city's amazing attractions, shops, and restaurants are within a few minutes of each other! With that being said, exploring on foot or by bike is definitely the way to go. Now, if it's raining or you've had a bit too much whisky, buses and taxis are easy and plentiful. Looking to travel outside the city? Trains run regularly from Cardiff's Queen Street Station and make stops throughout the area with connections to London and other cities in the UK. Of course, driving is always an option, but be warned, the Welsh drive on the left side of the road! Where to Eat Cardiff is chock full of eateries - everything from cute cafes to posh restaurants. Whether you're looking for a spot of afternoon tea, a hearty English breakfast, or international cuisine, look no further than these local go-tos.
What to See Cardiff Castle Built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders, this unique castle blends medieval architecture with Victorian and Gothic architecture. This castle is the stunning centerpiece of Cardiff and definitely deserves a visit. Principality Stadium Also known as "Millennium Stadium," this national stadium is the home of the Wales national rugby union team! If it's rugby season when you're in Cardiff, definitely get tickets to a match. Cardiff Bay This bay is way more than just a pretty body of water. Lined with shops, eateries, and historic buildings, this marina is a picture-perfect spot to walk around. You might want to have dinner at a waterfront restaurant in the area and watch the sunset! Wales Millennium Centre This gigantic arts center is an architectural spectacle in itself. When you're done gawking at its interesting, modern facade, treat yourself to tickets to a performance! The Millennium Centre holds everything from dance shows to opera, so keep your eye on its events calendar. St Fagans National History Museum This open-air museum is located in a quaint village right outside Cardiff's center city. Immerse yourself in the history, lifestyle, and culture of the Welsh people in a truly unique setting. Tips and Tricks
Day Trips
Brecon Beacons National Park Get ready for some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK! Take a 45-minute drive or a 1 hour-45 minute train/bus route to this stunning national park. Upon arrival, you'll find rolling green hills, sky-high mountains, and quaint villages lined with adorable restaurants and pubs. Snowdonia National Park Okay, so a 3 1/2-hour drive may not exactly seem like a day trip, but whether you stay overnight or not, Snowdonia is a must. In order to get the most out of your day, wake up early and enjoy a breathtaking morning drive north. If you have time, take a ride up the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, Mount Snowdon. If it's a clear day, you'll see views across the sea to Ireland! Pembroke Castle Yes, it's a 2-hour drive, but it very well might be the most beautiful 2-hour drive you'll ever take. Upon arrival, you will step back in time as soon as you see this storybook medieval castle that opened in 1093! On the way to or from Cardiff, be sure to stop in the colorful resort town of Tenby. There, you'll find nice restaurants, gorgeous beaches, fascinating castles, and museums!
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Sure, you could spend your precious pounds soaking at the Roman Baths and drinking mineral-rich water in Bath, but when your wallet needs a break there's plenty still to discover. If you're headed to England's enchanting spa city, here are eight free things to do! 1. Royal Crescent and The Circus Bath is famous for its stunning honey-colored Georgian architecture, and the two best examples are the Royal Crescent and the Circus. A row of 30 townhouses laid out in a curve, the Royal Crescent is the most impressive of Bath's seven crescents. While you won't find any flamethrowers or elephants, The Circus is another beautiful set of three crescents forming a circle, hence the name. Both places provide iconic Bath photo opportunities! 2. Bath Abbey Whether you're coming for a service or just want to admire its architecture, a visit to Bath Abbey won't disappoint. The present abbey dates back to 1499, but there has been a place of Christian worship here for 1,200 years. Take in the striking facade, then step inside for to admire the detail of its magnificent stained-glass windows. While entry is free, a small donation is suggested. 3. The Victoria Art Gallery and The Holburne Museum Lucky for you, two of Bath's premier museums are free! The Victoria Art Gallery holds a lovely collection of classic and contemporary art in a splendid Victorian building dating back to 1897. The Holburne Museum, set in a Grade I listed building among landscaped gardens, holds an impressive collection from Renaissance works to masterpieces by English painter Thomas Gainsborough. 4. Kennet and Avon Canal Connecting the River Thames in Reading with the Bristol Channel, the Kennet and Avon Canal passes through some incredible landscapes, including Bath. The path lining the canal is one of the city's most popular places for walking, running and biking. Watch the canal boats glide gently along the water as you take in the panoramic views of Bath and beyond. 5. Pulteney Bridge Crossing the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world with shops spanning both sides. Inspired by Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the bridge was opened in 1770 and remains an iconic feature of Bath. Simply stroll across the bridge with a camera in hand. 6. Bath Skyline Walk Explore Bath beyond the city center on this six-mile route taking you through meadows, woodlands and valleys. You'll certainly get your steps in, but the journey is well worth at as you will be treated to gorgeous views everywhere you look. Bring a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring Bath's countryside. 7. Royal Victoria and Alexandra Parks
Named after Queen Victoria who visited the park when she was 11 years old, the Royal Victoria Park is one of the best places to spend an afternoon in Bath. Spanning 57 acres, the park features beautiful botanic gardens, an 18-hole mini golf course, children's playground and an ice rink in winter. Lesser known is Alexandra Park, considered one of the best places to go for views of Bath and the surrounding countryside. 8. Assembly Rooms Completed in 1771, the Assembly Rooms were at the center of the social scene in Bath. Described as "the most noble and elegant of any in the kingdom," the four rooms - the Great Octagon, Tea Room, Ball Room and Card Room - were used for entertainment and attended by Bath's wealthy elite. Today, you can visit them for free as long as they are not in use. |
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