For some, the idea of a trip to Wales conjures up monotonous car journeys, hills, fields and not a lot else. What many people do not realise is that the Welsh capital is breaking this mould and is fast becoming a tourist hotspot, packed with cultural sites, attractions and swanky Cardiff hotels.
Since being officially proclaimed the capital of Wales in 1955, the city has undergone regeneration and transformation on a huge scale. Once the busiest port in the world, Cardiff's streets are now lined with chic boutiques, fine restaurants and designer shops, as well as a plethora of cultural and historical sites.
The old docks, which were once the hub of international coal export, have made way for the scenic and bustling waterfront of Cardiff Bay. Regarded as the most successful regeneration site in the United Kingdom, Cardiff Bay is reminiscent of many of the Mediterranean's coastal spots; with cafes and bars in plentiful supply it is the ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying a refreshing drink.
Cardiff Bay is also home to some of the city's most impressive structures. One of these is the Norwegian Church, which, at first glance, appears somewhat out of place in the Welsh capital. First constructed in 1868 to accommodate the religious needs of the thousands of Scandinavian seamen in the area, this quaint building is now an arts centre which specialises in showcasing local and Norwegian talent.
Also located in the same area is the Wales Millennium Centre. This exquisitely constructed theatre placed Cardiff on the cultural map of Europe from the moment its doors first opened in 2004. Holding up to 70,000 spectators, and costing over £100 million to construct, the centre attracts the best performers in opera, ballet and musical theatre from around the world; you can be sure to find something to see that suits your tastes during your stay.
Historic Cardiff is equally as intriguing as the modern day version. Cardiff Castle dates back 2,000 years and reflects the diversity of the city’s history. Inside its walls, visitors can observe relics from Roman, Norman and the Victorian Eras.
Castell Coch is also a popular landmark. Finished in 1891 by William Burgess, during the Gothic Revival, the castle has turrets and towers that rise up out of the tree-covered hillside, forming a scene more akin to Bavaria or Austria than South Wales. Also worth a visit is the 900-year-old Landlaff Cathedral. This building, which is famous for its Christ in Majesty sculpture which presides over the interior, is one of the oldest Christian sites in Great Britain.
Cardiff’s quest to become one of Europe's leading cultural capitals means that its museums can rival any other in the UK. The National Museum and Gallery features the largest collection of impressionist art outside of Paris. It also houses a superb collection of sculptures, paintings and drawings; as well as a unique exhibition of historic artefacts that trace the story of Wales from prehistoric times to the modern day. The city's Techniquest Museum is a fun, exciting and interactive science centre and is one of the biggest family attractions in Cardiff.
When choosing to stay in the city, the number of modern and luxurious hotels on offer is a pleasant surprise for visitors. With so many spectacles, shows and sporting events in and around Cardiff, the hotels are perfectly placed to make exploring the city hassle-free. As with most European cities, Cardiff has hotels to suit all budgets. Some of the more basic are found within 15-20 minutes’ walk of the city centre, situated near the lovely Potcanna Fields, just across the River Taff. The more luxurious hotels are located in the centre of Cardiff and on the bay; many of these come complete with spas, swimming pools and fine dining.
If you have enjoyed the delights of Cardiff, then have you considered a trip to either Bristol or Cambridge? From Cambridge’s historic colleges to Bristol's Banksy artwork and Brunel's architecture, both of these gorgeous university cities are packed full of activities for couples and families and offer a great alternative to a stay in Cardiff.
3 star rooms in Bristol are frequently available for very reasonable prices and the variety of Cambridge hotels by HotelClub range from private guest houses to the grand De Vere University Arms Hotel Cambridge, a former post house that takes visitors back in time over 200 years and is perfectly situated in the city.