Cardiff & South Wales Tourist Information

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It may be the youngest capital city in Britain but Cardiff has everything you should expect from a modern metropolis - elegant architecture, a bustling centre, superb shops, a tapestry of historic buildings, beautiful riverside walks and a famous waterfront.

Cardiff stands on the narrowest part of the south Wales coastal plain at the mouth of three rivers, the Taff, Rhymney and Ely, where they run into the Bristol Channel. Today Cardiff has a host of major attractions ranging from the National Assembly for Wales, The National Museum and Gallery, the Metropolitan
Cathedral, Cathays Park, the popular Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay barrage and the Coal Exchange. A key modern landmark in Cardiff is the Millennium Sports Stadium, which rises up at the heart of the city.

Beneath it is a superb "heritage" coastline offering Blue Flag beaches, wild cliffs and dramatic mountain views. West is the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan and to the east lies lush countryside.

Within easy reach of the city are some of Wales' most fascinating villages and a host of towns dating back into the mists of time.

Dunraven Bay, Southerndown - Photo: Paul Roberts CCL

In recent times a huge amount of regeneration and restoration has taken place to turn Cardiff into one of Britain's trendiest cities, though its story really began in the 1st century when the Romans built a fort where 11th century Cardiff Castle now stands.

Cardiff Castle grounds and keep -
Photo: Nick Smith CCL

It played such a pivotal role in the wars between the Normans and the native Welsh that it now claims to have the largest concentration of castles of any European city.

The Norman Robert FitzHamon built the picturesque castle as a defensive structure. William the Conqueror's eldest son, Duke Robert of Normandy, was held within its sturdy walls until his death in 1134.

Its splendid apartments were created in the 19th century by eccentric architect William Burges for the wealthy Third Marquess of Bute. The Museum of the Royal Regiment of Wales is also housed here.

Legend has it that the knight Lancelot set sail from Cardiff as he escaped the wrath of a cuckolded King Arthur.

Gradually a town began to develop but its modern form dates from the Industrial Revolution following the construction of Cardiff's sprawling docks, the 25-mile Glamorganshire Canal and the arrival of the railway.

The 2nd Marquess of Bute built the canal to bring huge coal reserves from Merthyr Tydfil to the docks, transforming the town into the world's biggest coal exporting port. The Taff Vale Railway eventually replaced the barges and enabled new docks to be built.

Nash Point Lighthouse - Photo: Peter Wasp CCL

In less than an hour you can reach the wilds of the Brecon Beacons, walk along the South Wales "Heritage Coastline" or explore the many castles, great houses and a variety of other attractions.

Forest Fawr, for example, is an ancient woodland linked to the Disneyesque Victorian folly of Castell Coch (the ‘Red Castle’).

Five miles from Cardiff lies the tiny island of Flat Holm, a nature reserve which acted as a sanctuary for Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, silver miners and smugglers. It was fortified in Victorian times and is most famous for receiving the first trans-Atlantic radio message sent by Marconi in 1897.

Waterfall on the River Taff near Pontypridd - Photo:Nantcoly CCL

Flatholm Island - Photo © Martin Southwood
Flatholm Island - Photo: Martin Southwood CCL

According to legend the River Ogmore, which runs through the Vale of Glamorgan, was named after the body of the dying King Arthur who was brought up the river to be buried in the mountains above.

The remains of Candleston Castle lies on the edge of Sahara-like sand dunes where parts of the movie 'Lawrence of Arabia' were filmed.

The heritage coast and surrounding countryside has much to offer - including seaside fun, picture postcard villages, craft centres, country parks and luscious scenery.

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If you are looking for accommodation, first choose the type you require:

   Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc.

   Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc.

   Camping and Touring Caravan Sites

   Boating and Sailing Holidays

Please note that if you are wanting to stay in an apartment, some may be listed as "Aparthotels" in the Hotels section. These tend to offer more services than a normal apartment, eg restaurants, bars, and "Reception" staff more associated with hotels. Normal apartments are listed in Self-Catering.

If you are planning a holiday in a static caravan or mobile home, these should be listed in the Self Catering section.

Don't forget we offer lots of information on Activities, Attractions and Travel to help you plan your vacation.

Tourist Information Centres

BARRY ISLAND (Seasonal)
The Promenade, Paget Road, Barry Island, CF62 5TQ
Tel: 01446 747171
E-mail: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

BRIDGEND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
Bridgend Designer Outlet, The Derwen, Bridgend, CF32 9SU
Tel: 01656 654906    Fax: 01656 646523
E-mail: bridgendtic@bridgend.gov.uk

CARDIFF TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
The Old Library, Working Street, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH
Tel: 029 20873 573
E-mail: visitor@cardiff.gov.uk

NEWPORT
Museum & Art Gallery, John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA
Tel: 01633 842962    Fax: 01633 222615
E-mail: newport.tic@newport.gov.uk

PENARTH (Seasonal)
The Esplanade, Penarth Pier, Penarth, CF64 3AU
Tel: 020 2070 8849
E-mail: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

PORTHCAWL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
The Old Police Station, John Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3DT
Tel: 01656 786639    Fax: 01656 782387
E-mail: porthcawltic@bridgend.gov.uk

Southern Wales Attraction Partnership (formerly SEWAP) -
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
Packed with attractions in Cardiff and South Wales for all the family. You'll find places to explore, events to enjoy and activities to discover.

Cardiff & South Wales Tourist Information

Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc. Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc. Camping and Touring Caravan Sites Boating and Sailing Holidays

Tourist Information Centres

Useful links

Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc.

Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc.

Camping and Touring Caravan Sites

Boating and Sailing Holidays