Days in Cardiff, South Wales

Even those of us on a budget can have a great time in Cardiff. All of the following locations are easily accessible from Bridgend, Pontypridd and obviously the Cardiff area.

  • St. Fagan’s, National Museum of Welsh Life, Cardiff Founded over 50 years ago, St. Fagan’s brings the history of Wales through the centuries in full technicolor – and life-size! Admission is free and parking is ample and only costs 3.50 per day. Maps and information abound on the many interior acres and galleries. A wide variety of buildings have been recreated exactly as originally built with each brick numbered for accurate reconstruction. These buildings include a Victorian school, a Tudor house, a Welsh chapel and church, farms, a Celtic village, a mining institute, shops, prefabs and pigsties. A visit would not be complete without experiencing a journey back in time through the Rhyd-y-Car cabins. It consists of a row of terraced houses, each decorated from a different decade, moving forward through the years to the 1980s. As such, it’s a great way to explain developments through time to children. The bakery and old sweet shop are always popular, judging by the queue for homemade bread and bara brith, a true taste of Wales. Special events are often held at St. Fagan’s and one of the highlights are Christmas nights, complete with mulled wine and carol singers.
  • Cardiff Bay Much has been written about the extensive redevelopment of Cardiff Bay in recent years, so this is just a snapshot. With easy access to most of South Wales, particularly Bridgend and Pontypridd, the bay offers everything you could want for a day (and night) out. From boat trips to shelling, to indoor science fun and a planetarium at the ever popular Techniquest, to numerous restaurants and the world famous Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay has it all. Ice cream parlors sit alongside Italian restaurants, comedy clubs, and fish and chip places. The Roald Dahl Plas is particularly spectacular at night, where constantly changing colored lights illuminate the columns and water tower. The Dr. Who exhibit is conveniently located as much of the filming takes place in Cardiff for both Dr. Who and the Torchwood spin-off series. A Norwegian church is one of the famous sites within the bay area and is within walking distance. There is a train station nearby, as well as excellent bus connections and a cheap multi-storey car park. Those interested in the transfer of Welsh status may wish to visit the Senydd and the architecturally impressive new building that houses the National Assembly.
  • Castell Coch, Cardiff Imagine a typical turreted fairytale castle complete with a drawbridge surrounded by trees, you probably imagined Castell Coch (Red Castle) visible from the M4. A folly built for a beloved wife, the castle is circular with an open courtyard and beautifully decorated rooms. Gold-edged murals and intricate woodwork are typical of this wedding venue (it only seats 28) and the small but perfectly formed cafe is a must before heading out to explore the forest. Admission is paid, but parking is free. Historians may be interested in discovering the link between Castell Coch and Cardiff Castle, which is located in the center of the city.

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