If you happen to find yourself in London, whether on business or a holiday, you have the chance to explore the rest of the United Kingdom.
Cities like Southampton on the coast, Manchester and Liverpool in the north-west, and Edinburgh in Scotland are a must-see for anyone who is new to the area.
Another place you must not forget to visit is Wales. You can easily fly from London Heathrow or other airports into Cardiff and then explore Wales.
You will have to navigate some bureaucracy before you can fly from London to Cardiff. Make sure you book a covid test, print out your boarding pass, and keep information about your hotel handy.
Below is a comprehensive guide to flying from London to Wales, including a list of fun activities you can enjoy in Cardiff and nearby cities.
Traveling from London to Wales
The most significant and only international airport in Wales is in Cardiff, roughly 12 miles away from the city centre. If you are travelling from London, you are likely to depart via Heathrow or Gatwick airports.
Ensure you are booking a flight at least a few days in advance, so you can get a seat on the flight of your choice. If you book even earlier, you are likely to find many discounts from low-cost airlines.
One of the challenges of flying out from Heathrow is the traffic into the airport. By leaving your hotel or residence early enough, you can relax during your journey, as you will not feel tense about possibly missing your flight due to excessive traffic.
Arrive at Heathrow Airport, head to the relevant terminal, check your luggage in if necessary, present the staff with proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and head into the waiting area to board your flight.
Heathrow is the largest airport in the UK, which means that you should have plenty of areas to explore if your flight is not for another hour or so.
Exploring Cardiff
Everyone who gets a chance to go to the UK should make time to visit Cardiff. The city offers a great balance between quaint, vintage charm and sleek modernity.
One of your first stops in Cardiff as a tourist should be Cardiff Castle. Part of the structure was first built in 50AD, while the entire property was reconstructed in the 1800s.
The entire castle is a sight to behold, with its behemoth walls on the exterior and the extravagant, lavish designs of the interior. The best part is that Cardiff Castle is in the middle of the city, which means you do not have to go far to discover a true Welsh landmark.
Another great site is the National Museum, especially if you happen to visit the city on a rainy day. Next to the charming Cathays Park, the museum has a great deal of contemporary art and natural history pieces. You can also view the Evolution of Wales Galleries, while your kids may love the mammoth and dinosaur skeletons on display.
If you have had your fill of old landmarks and museums, the Millennium Centre should be your next stop. A modern marvel that is beautiful to view from the outside, and features shops, restaurants, and other attractions indoors, the Millennium Centre is a great way to spend an afternoon in Cardiff.
Should you happen to visit Cardiff at the weekend during football or rugby season, you may want to sample a sports game. The atmosphere at venues such as the Principality Stadium can be electric.
Other Sights to See In Wales
Those who enjoy venturing into nature should visit Snowdonia National Park. While the area is outside Cardiff, you can easily get there by renting a car.
This range of mountains and hills consists of more than 14 peaks that reach as much as 3,500 feet high. Roughly four million people visit Snowdonia throughout the year, making it one of the most popular tourist spots in the UK.
One of the best ways to experience Snowdonia and the nearby areas is by taking a ride on a vintage railway. Many of the old mining trains in Wales are repurposed as tourist attractions, allowing visitors to buy a ticket for a ride through picturesque countryside.
If you are an avid hiker, you can experience some of the more than 1,000 miles of marked trails, or try mountain biking, horse riding, or climbing.
Another attraction in Wales is the Devil’s Bridge, near the Hafod Estate. Devil’s Bridge is a structure that features three bridges stacked on top of each other. The oldest of the three bridges was constructed in the 11th century, while the newest one is from the early 20th century.
Heading Back to London
Ensure the last stop on your Wales adventure is Cardiff, as you can get a plane or train out of the Welsh capital into London. The distance between the cities is short enough for you to schedule a return trip to London from Cardiff, and catch a connecting international flight from London on the same day.
Make the Most of Your Trip to the UK
The charm of visiting the United Kingdom is that you can never run out of places to visit. If you spend a few days in London and want a new experience, you can visit a city on the coast, go up north, or travel to Scotland or Wales.
There is only one major airport that services international flights into Wales, which means you will land in Cardiff from London if you choose to visit this part of the UK.
When you arrive in Wales, you can easily get around using public transport such as buses and trains or rent a car to take you to the various sights and landmarks in the area. Whether you plan to visit Snowdonia or another attraction, most trips are affordable and take less than one or two hours.