For a relatively small area of the UK, South Wales manages to cram in a huge number of things to see and do. This includes two National Parks, copious museums, sandy beaches, gothic abbeys, a multitude of castles including the biggest one in Wales, which is second largest only to Windsor Castle in the UK, secret waterfalls, rugged coastlines, plus the vibrant capital city of Cardiff.
The bustling city of Cardiff is home to a variety of attractions suitable for all ages and budgets. Let’s take a peek at some of the more diverse and popular things to do:
Doctor Who Walking Tours
The show’s revival in 2005 was produced by BBC Wales, so where better than to film the Doctor’s encounters than on its beloved doorstep? Numerous episodes have been filmed in and around the city with the Welsh capital doubling as Paris, New York, London and Pompeii for different adventures.
Follow in the Doctor’s footsteps by joining one of the organised walking tours which will take you into the city’s famous side streets where characters met and fought a bizarre bunch of diverse aliens. From the site of Donna Noble’s wedding to the staircase of the National Museum of Wales where we saw The Doctor’s arch-nemesis conquering the stairs in the 2005 episode, Dalek, you’ll get a taste of it all.
Cardiff Market
For a unique shopping experience why not visit Cardiff Market, an impressive Victorian structure which has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s’. Located in the heart of the city under a huge glass roof, this buzzing market is home to a variety of independent local businesses from Welsh cuisine to artisan coffee, street food, vintage clothing, fruit and veg. If you fancy a break, sit back and relax with a unique balcony dining experience under the historic apex roof.
Cardiff International White Water
For the thrill seekers amongst you, a visit to the Cardiff International White Water facility is an absolute must. This on-demand adventure centre offers a number of water-based activities including white water rafting, paddleboarding, gorge walking, kayaking, hot dogging, and the exhilarating indoor wave facility for stand-up surfing or body and knee boarding. If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can always flex your pecks on the in-house climbing wall.
Cardiff’s Nightlife
From cosy pubs and independent restaurants to bustling bars and rave bingo halls, Cardiff has everything you need for a great night out. Top recommendations include the Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience (perfect if there’s a few of you), Roxy Lanes – enjoy shuffleboard, karaoke and 10-pin bowling, or why not try your hand with Escape Rooms.
If the glitz and glamour of a casino is more to your taste, you can always visit one of the half a dozen casinos in Cardiff and enjoy an evening of low to high stakes gambling on a table of your choice. Alternatively, you can register online at one of the new casinos UK from your hotel room whilst the family are resting or prepping for the evening ahead.
Cardiff Castle
A visit to Cardiff wouldn’t be the same without a tour of Cardiff Castle, the biggest castle in Wales and second largest in the UK. The site is one of international significance and boasts 2,000 years of history.
It began in the 1st century when the Romans built the first in a series of forts. The 11th century saw the Normans construct its Keep which still dominates the Castle Green to this day. The medieval Lords of Glamorgan began work on the house in the 15th century, whilst the Bute family transformed the house into an opulent Victorian Gothic Palace during the 19th century.
During World War II, the Castle walls were used as air raid shelters for thousands of Cardiff citizens of which there is a reconstruction open for visitors to explore.