Holiday Destinations - Wales

Cardiff is the largest city in Wales and became the capital city of Wales in 1955. It is a stylish town which has gained in confidence since the recent establishment of the Welsh Assembly (devolved power for Wales) in the regenerated Cardiff Bay. It also has the best shopping in Wales: pedestrianised Queen Street is the centre, but the Victorian arcades which branch off St. Mary Street are more fascinating. The new St. David's Centre has just opened with its huge central gallery, and its incredible John Lewis store is probably the best department store you will find outside London.
The National Museum and Gallery is a bit of a jewel. A vast collection in a beautiful building, it effectively manages to combine exhibits of both art and science. The "Evolution of Wales" gallery is permanently on display and charts Wales over 4,600 million years using robotics and audio-visual effects (too many rocks, but good dinosaurs). Free admission.
The city skyline is dominated by the Millennium Stadium. One of the best sports stadiums in Britain was built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. It has a retractable roof which proves handy for keeping the merciless Welsh sun off the athletes and spectators. It is possible to take a stadium tour. If you don't want to leave your computer, try the 360° virtual tour.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle stands impressively in the heart of the city. The flamboyant design is actually a relatively modern creation (1867 - 1875). The Marquess of Bute, phenomenally wealthy from the coal fortunes of the Industrial Revolution, funded the reconstruction of the castle by the architect William Burges.
From the exterior, the extravagant design is clearly displayed in the 150ft high Clock Tower (shown left). The interior rooms are sumptuous if rather gaudy, reflecting the confidence and glory of the Victorian era.
It should be noted, though, that not all of Cardiff Castle is modern fakery: in the centre of the grounds stands the Norman keep dating to the 12th century.
And two miles south of the city centre ...
The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay has continued with the recent opening of the Wales Millennium Centre for the arts. This spectacular building stages musicals, opera, ballet, and dance. And the graceful Welsh Assembly building has recently opened. But best of all, the area features heavily in the new BBC Wales production of Dr. Who! When you're in Cardiff Bay, you might try taking a ride on the Waterbus, or go white water rafting along the 800-foot aqua race track at the International White Water Centre.
There are a lot of excellent restaurants in the area centred around Mermaid Quay, including the Pearl of the Orient and the spectacular Bosphoros Turkish Restaurant. I can also recommend Harry Ramsden's fish and chip shop. A luxurious setting, waiter service, and blinking good fish and chips.
I had great fun in Techniquest, a wonderland of scientific exploration for adults (well, it would be if all the children didn't get in the way). 160 interactive exhibits gives you the chance to learn about a range of scientific principles (or just muck around with water and a hammer).
And just outside Cardiff ...
Castell Coch
Castell Coch (the "Red Castle") is a romantic fantasy - a piece of Bavaria imported into the Cardiff valley. It clings dramatically to a hillside overlooking the Taff river. It is especially dramatic at night as you drive past Cardiff on the M4 and you see it illuminated above you.
Your delight on initially encountering this castle is tempered by the fact that it is little more than one hundred years old - it's another Victorian construction created by our friend the Marquess of Bute.
If you fancy a break from all this fake stuff, try Caerphilly Castle. This vast, 30-acre fortress is only equalled in size by Windsor Castle.
Also just outside Cardiff you can find the Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans. This open-air museum traces Wales's journey from rural tradition to industrial powerhouse, from the recreated Celtic village to the 21st century Home for the Future. Over 40 buildings have been transported to the museum, stone-by-stone, from all over Wales. Free admission.

Cardiff is a city proud of its culture, history and language which has undergone a fascinating journey over the last 2000 years. Discover Cardiff's progress from a small settlement, to the world's busiest port, to the modern capital city it is today. Learn about Cardiff Bay, its history and its future as well as what's on offer now.

When arriving in Cardiff, Wales or even the UK for the first time, it's good to have a bit of background knowledge.