Cardiff Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide

Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Cardiff - Cardiff Holiday Package Deals

Cardiff Holidays Overview

A guide to holidays in Cardiff - Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital.

Nowhere is the growth and development of the city more evident than in the Cardiff Bay area, a massive new commercial development and urban regeneration project. The trendy waterfront district known as Mermaid's Quay is home to striking modern architecture and modern art, as well as chic shops and boutiques, top-class restaurants, and plenty of clubs and bars. These modern amenities lie alongside some impressive historical sites, including the Cardiff Castle, which was built by the wealthy third Marquis of Bute. The castle is located in the centre of Cardiff on a site used by both the Romans and the Normans as a strategic point of defence. Visitors can still explore the Norman Keep, set on top of a small hill overlooking the city.

Other popular attractions in Cardiff include the National Museum and Gallery, St David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, the outdoor Museum of Welsh Life and the Millennium Stadium - the new home of the Welsh Rugby Union. There are also many historical attractions and points of interest just outside the city, including several Neolithic sites, and the area is also resplendent with natural beauty.

This fast growing urban centre may seem an unlikely tourist destination, but more and more travellers are flocking to enjoy the sights, sounds and 24-hour buzz of the Welsh capital.

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Cardiff holidays - Top Places To Go

 

1. Brecon Beacons	What is it? The Brecon Beacons National Park is only half an hours drive north from Cardiff and comprises four mountain ranges and an interesting terrain of old mining valleys, bare escarpments and sprawling sheep farms. Most visitors are walkers heading for Offa's Dyke Path, which passes along the eastern border, or the Taff Trail, heading south from Brecon. Offa's Path runs through the Black Mountains, which boasts spectacular views including sights such as the ruins of Llanthony Priory, the River Honddu and the pretty church at Patrishow. The highest point in the Black mountains is Waun Fach and the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons is Pen-y-Fan. Don't be surprised if you bump into groups of soldiers in the park - this is a major army exercise area and a main training ground for the SAS who you might see bounding up the mountains, doing the Fan Dance. Around the park are the historic market towns of Brecon Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, a fascinating little town with Norman and Jacobean ruins and the world's largest selection of second-hand book shops - 30 of them. Hours of Operation: Phone:
2. Pembrokeshire	What is it? Located in the southwest corner of Wales the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history (open every day between 10am to 4pm). Just South of the Park is the city St David's, which is actually little larger than your average village. The cathedral is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome. Hours of Operation: Phone:
3. Snowdonia	What is it? Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park after the Lake District, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. While Snowdonia is a Mecca for hikers and climbers, there is plenty to explore including lakes, waterfalls, glacial valleys, as well as forts, railways and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also takes the public on tours through its cavernous slate mines. Hours of Operation: Phone:

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