Cardiff is not just the UK’s youngest capital city but also Europe’s. With businesses booming and house prices rising comfortably, it is little wonder this Welsh wonder is becoming such a desirable place to live, but more importantly an exceptional place to visit. Cardiff sets Wales on the world map for diversity, as this modern, cosmopolitan hub sits on top of a country known for a country way of life, secret monasteries and mysterious druid activity! There is little wonder that Cardiff is Wales’ leading light. Close to the English border with its neighbouring cities of Bath and Bristol, Cardiff is easily accessible by car and rail and having its own airport makes it a gateway to the rest of Wales.
The city has all the modernities expected of a capital, its own world class Rugby team, hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants and a finely flowing stream of cultural activity. The events calendar is constantly packed with things to do, from mainstream pop acts, to art exhibitions and food festivals such as the International Food Festival which takes place in July, or for cheese fans head to Cardiff in September for the Great British Cheese Festival, where not only can you sample some of the UK’s finest, but also participate in cookery lessons!
Cardiff’s depths of interesting things to see and do, don’t end here though. With many interesting buildings dotted around the city, any keen historian, or architecture fanatic, will be kept busy taking lots of snaps! Cardiff Castle is a must see for any roman history fan as its history stretches back to more than 2000 years ago, being used as a great fortress right into the Second World War era as an air raid shelter. Today its perfect design draws in hundreds of visitors to wander round the battlements or even dine in traditional Welsh style in the Castle’s Undercroft Quarters.
For those that prefer to keep up with the times however, Cardiff has much to offer the cosmopolitan visitor. Shopping in Edwardian and Victorian style arcades gives retail therapy a much cosier feel than you’d get in another capital city. Head to Morgan’s arcade to see Spiller’s record store, the UK’s oldest record store which has reopened three times since its first in 1894! Alternatively, you could pop into Castle Arcade which was built around 1887 the arcade has a very interesting construction with several wooden footbridges, small shops and a beautiful gallery!
After a busy day of sight-seeing and emptying your wallet you’re going to want to find some food and somewhere to rest your head for the night. Before kicking back and fully resting, head to Cardiff’s dedicated restaurant quarter where you can find a wide range of Welsh and international treats to satisfy your taste buds. The Social at the Park Hotel by Thistle has 2 AA rosettes and they serve a fantastic variety of fresh and locally sourced ingredients cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s luxury design and comfortable setting makes it the perfect place to sample a wide range of cocktails, wines and beers. Afterward a heavy meal (and maybe a few too many of those delicious cocktails!) you will want to find somewhere to wind down and rest. Finding a place to stay is easily done when you arrive, however you will probably want to book before you turn up! Many visitors recommend Number 62 Cathedral Road as the perfect stop for anyone seeking a warm Welsh Welcome. Rates start at £49 a night and you will get an en-suite, well furnished room.
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