This is resurgent Cardiff, the undisputed capital of Wales, a truly modern and cosmopolitan city with a nightlife to match. In the redeveloped Cardiff Bay area, you’ll find some stunning showpiece buildings. The Millennium Centre is a fantastic arts and cultural venue, the Millennium Stadium is the finest sports venue in the country and Techniquest is a hands on science experience. But despite all that forward thinking, it is a city that has not forgotten its past. The National Museum is one of the finest in Britain and Cardiff Castle should be seen too.
Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park
This former quarry has now been reclaimed and provides for an intriguingly balanced day out. On the 100 hectare site, you’ll find woodland, grassland and wetlands that have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. But you’ll also find a specially reconstructed 14th century medieval village, complete with jousting, combat, archery and festivals.
Cardiff Bay
This area has undergone a dramatic change over recent years. What used to be rundown docks has been extensively regenerated in Europe’s largest waterfront development. There you can now find the Millennium Centre, the family orientated Techniquest Science Discovery Centre and the Butetown History and Arts Centre. It is also home to the Welsh Assembly.
Millennium Centre
This is another one of the showpiece venues that can be found in the Cardiff Bay Area. A stunning building that is a major venue for the arts, it is instantly recognisable by the two inscriptions carved into the front: ‘In these stones, horizons sing’ and ‘Crev Gwir Fel Gwydr O Ffwranais Awen’ (creating truth in glass from the furnace of inspiration).
Millennium Stadium
Cardiff Arms Park may be gone, but its replacement, the Millennium Stadium, is proving a more than worthy successor. An all weather arena, complete with sliding roof, it is a fantastic venue and already a scene of Welsh sporting triumph. It also doubles as a venue for stadium gigs and, much to Welsh amusement, as a venue for English football cup finals as the Wembley redevelopment lurches on.
National Museum and Gallery
This is the pride of Cardiff and is not just Wales’ best museum, it’s one of Britain’s too. As it suggests on the tin, this is the story of Wales from pre-history through to the present day, realised through a series of fantastic separate exhibitions with hi-tech displays including stunning aerial footage of the country.
Find out more about the National Museum & Gallery
Llandaff Cathedral
A couple of miles north west of the city centre lies Llandaff Cathedral. It’s been a place of Christian worship since the sixth century. Work on the current cathedral began in 1120 and since then it’s seen damage in a 14th century revolt, being overrun by Parliamentarian troops and partially blown up by German bombs. But now it’s fully restored and back to all its glory.
Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagan''s
The Museum of Welsh Life is no ordinary museum – it’s outdoors for starters, in the grounds of a 16th century manor house. It demonstrates how the people of Wales have lived, worked and played during the last 500 years. There are over 40 buildings and displays to look at, as well as craft demonstrations and native livestock to see.
Castell Coch
With its domed turrets rising from the surrounding forest Castell Coch is the product of true Victorian eccentricity. A fan of all things medieval, the fantastically wealthy Marquis of Bute commissioned William Burges to design a fantasy castle for him on the site of 13th century ruins. The result is a sight to behold, with lavish interior decoration and over the top architecture.
Find out more about Castell Coch