Explore Essentials: Things to Do in Cardiff

“With Cardiff’s beautiful parks, historic shopping arcades, music venues and excellent restaurants, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or on your own, here are the top things to do in Cardiff to make the most of your experience.

### Bute Park

Bute Park is near the city centre and offers vast networks of pathways under the trees and near the river. You’ll find a castle at one end with spectacular architecture, expansive gardens and an ornate tearoom for an afternoon tea break. Another highlight is the legendary Animal Wall, an art wall designed by William Burgess that features unique depictions of animals.

The park is also famed for its thousands of tree species, arboretum collections and local wildlife. If you want to learn more about the park, you can visit the Bute Park Education Centre to explore exhibits showcasing its value to the city.

### Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a modern development area with restaurants, bars and the Wales Millennium Centre, a world-class entertainment venue for musicals, theatre and other live performances. Historically, the bay area’s former docklands were used to transport Welsh coal around the world.

Outside the Wales Millennium Center are the Mermaid Quay, where the biggest restaurants, shops, bars and cafes are found, and the Roald Dahl Pass, which holds a major international food-and-drink festival each summer. You could also enjoy a boat trip around the bay. If you want some outdoor activity, you can take the Barrage walk on foot, bicycle or scooter to an outdoor exercise area and skate park.

You’ll also like the Wetlands Reserve, an 8-hectare space with a rich diversity of plants and animals that can be seen from a viewing area that stretches over the water. This spot is excellent for bird-watching.

### Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a massive stone fortress that’s been watching over Cardiff since the 11th century. You can take a self-guided tour of the impressive grounds to see bomb shelters from World War II, a Norman keep, the Battlement Walk and interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into the building’s rich history. With a house tour, you can explore the private rooms that are filled with period artefacts and the extravagant rooftop garden that offers views of the landscape.

By Million Moments – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3528133### Cardiff International White Water Centre

If you’re travelling with the kids, you’ll love the Cardiff International White Water Centre. This water-sports centre boasts numerous aquatic sports and the only whitewater rafting course in the country. You can try canoeing or surfing with the indoor wave machine that’s complete with a viewing area from which you can watch the kids have fun.

### Cardiff Central Market

The Cardiff Central Market is a historic marketplace within a dual-level Victorian structure that’s been open since the 1700s. It boasts a variety of traders selling homewares, clothing, tools, records, fresh produce and more, so you could spend hours exploring all the options available.

### BBC Tour

The BBC Tour gives you a chance to see the inner workings of hit television and radio shows. At the BBC Wales Broadcasting House, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour that starts from a program’s conception and takes you through the whole process until it reaches the air. This attraction is a must for anyone who’s interested in television and radio.

### Llandaff Cathedral

The Llandaff Cathedral is an impressive historical landmark with beautiful Anglican architecture and treasures. It sits on one of the oldest Christian sites in the country and boasts significant medieval architecture. During its restoration in 1869, features like the Welch Regiment Memorial Chapel were added, giving the structure a unique blend of old and new. Though it’s surrounded by urbanised Cardiff, the Llandaff Cathedral has a serene and secluded charm that’s perfect for a day of relaxation in nature.

Cardiff is known for everything from gorgeous historic sites and tranquil countryside to unique city sights and attractions. If you’re planning a Welsh weekend getaway, check out these Cardiff hotel options to help you prepare. Iechyd da!

#### Photo Credits

Cover pic: By Francois Moureau – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58145325“