Close

VisitBritain Survey

VisitBritain would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes

Go to the survey
  1. Home
  2. Wales
  3. Cardiff

Cardiff

Cardiff Castle is a traditional motte and bailey castle with Roman foundations, Norman origins and Victorian additions.

Cardiff

The dynamic Welsh capital has deep roots in the past.

Cardiff at a glance

  • If Wales is the ‘Land of Castles’, Cardiff must be ‘Castle Capital’. See medieval knights joust at the majestic Cardiff Castle or visit the fairy-tale Castell Coch. 
     
  • When it comes to sport, Cardiff is a champion. The world-famous Principality Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby and football and is also the regular venue for the British Speedway Grand Prix.
     
  • Visit graceful Victorian shopping arcades, which tempt with independent shops and cafes.
     
  • Just 5 minutes from the city centre is the chic Mermaid Quay — the perfect place to refuel after a busy day of sightseeing, or to relax with a romantic meal on the waterfront.
     
  • Cardiff is a hugely creative city with a vibrant cultural scene. You’ll find live music in the city every night of the week at venues like Barfly, Clwb Ifor Bach and the Coal Exchange.
     
  • The Welsh capital is the main jumping off point for any tour of mainland Britain’s most westerly country. 
     
  • Cardiff is just over 2 hours west of London by train. 
The Wales Millennium centre, an arts centre on Cardiff Bay with a bronze exterior inscribed with two lines of poetry in Welsh and English, glass windows lit up at night.
We love

With world-renowned rugby, over 600 castles and a whole host of myths and legends to discover, there’s something to appeal to every traveller in the land of King Arthur – and nowhere more so than capital Cardiff. Whether its white water rafting or an epic music scene you’re after, the city is a quirky, creative hub brimming with things to see and do. Step into 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle, or savour local produce and modern day arts and crafts at Cardiff Central Market. Catch rugby legends in action at the Principality Stadium or indulge your love of music with a gig at venues including Clwb Ifor Bach and The Globe. Want to get a taste of the action? Feel your heart racing at the international white water centre or head out of the city on the Cambrian Way to discover 185 miles of National Parks, fairy-tale castles and snow-capped peaks. With a buzzing arts and foodie scene and independent shops galore, Cardiff is your gateway to all that’s wonderful about Wales.

Things to do in Cardiff

Bestselling deals

Visit the VisitBritain Shop

Where is Cardiff?

Located in south Wales, Cardiff is a two-hour journey from London by train. The city is also served by Cardiff Airport, which operates direct and non-direct flights to/from a wide range of destinations.

Getting around Cardiff

  • You can navigate the city by bus hassle-free – visit Cardiff bus to plan your journey and get all the latest information on ticket types
  • With pedestrianised areas, walking trails and parks and gardens galore, it’s easy and enjoyable to explore Cardiff by foot
  • Need more information on travel around Cardiff and Wales? Discover more at traveline.cymru

BY BUS

Download the Cardiff bus app and you can buy and store tickets on your mobile, making travel round the city even easier.

BY TRAIN

Trains run into Cardiff Central Station from destinations across Britain – for more information click here.

BY FOOT

Plot your route and discover more about the city’s walking trails, including the Wales Coast Path, at Outdoor Cardiff.

Register for our newsletter