This once industrial city offers a holiday that combines history, culture, traditional snacks and craft beer.
Cardiff Castle, a medieval marvel, is located right in the city center and commemorates the rich history of this rejuvenated city. During the Victorian era, Cardiff was a coal capital of the world until the industry collapsed and the city disappeared. But over the past two decades, major projects have been unveiled, such as an elegant government building and a modern performing arts centre, both of which have helped to rejuvenate Cardiff Bay. The Welsh capital is just 150 miles from London, easily accessible by train or bus and surrounded by idyllic villages. Here are some things to do, see, eat and drink in this revitalized urban destination.
1. Discover Cardiff Castle
“I hope you love history, because I am 2000 years old,” the guide said when he was taking a tour of Cardiff Castle in the 19th century. A tour is recommended to give you a detailed explanation of the Roman ruins, the large castle structures, the ornate details of the interior decoration and the influential families who have occupied their quarters over the centuries. Your ticket entitles you to an audio device for a self-guided tour of the castle grounds, including the dungeon. (You can climb a narrow winding staircase to enjoy the view of the city). And do not forget to visit the long underground tunnels: they served as a shelter from the boom during the Second World War, and today the stone walls are decorated with debating posters, and Churchill’s speeches are broadcast on loudspeakers. Also take time to visit the Military Museum in the basement of the Welcome Center, which traces three centuries of Welsh military history.
2. Walking Distance To Cardiff Bay
The first thing you should do when you come to the city is not to read a guidebook or ask your concierge where to go. Head straight up Mermaid Quay, the rejuvenated section of Cardiff Bay, for a rough journey through the city’s history. One of the largest coal reserves in the region since the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is a destination that is supported by the Millennium Arts Centre (wmc.org.uk ), an elegant building that houses opera, symphony and theater productions, and the Senedd (assemblywales.org/visiting/senedd ), House of the National Assembly since its opening in 2004. there is also Pierhead (pierhead.org ), the former office building of the port, which now houses an exhibition on Welsh democracy. Along the water you will see a screen explaining the role of the port in the economy of the city. Then take a walk along the paved path by the water to see the church where the local son Roald Dahl was baptized, as well as an adorable alligator sculpture paying tribute to the author Charlie and the chocolate factory. From here, follow the half-moon course a little over two miles over a short causeway to Penarth, a quaint town with casual shops, cafés and restaurants, or head back to the main area to visit the Senedd, a café in the lobby of the Millennium Centre, followed by a show if you plan it right, and a whirlwind on the legendary water carousel.
3. Snack on a Welsh cake
Italy has ice cream, France has macarons and Tokyo has bubble tea. When it comes to sweets in this coastal capital, it’s about Welsh cakes, a cross between a biscuit and a cake. You can try an incredible variety in the city. Through fabulous Welsh cakes, in a shopping arcade a stone’s throw from Cardiff Castle, the staff bake cakes on a pan that is visible from the window. They make more than 50 flavors that rotate regularly. Pettigrew Victorian style Teahouses You can make a more classic experience and order tea with your snack. Vegan options are available at Wild Thing, an airy new place that focuses on meat-free and dairy-free dishes. At the historic Cardiff Market, watch a small team of bakers prepare many flavors from start to finish in a compact kitchen and then enjoy them fresh from the oven. Just do not ask for jam. “You don’t need anything in them, luv,” the baker will tell you with a smile.
