If you’re considering a UK city break, it’s easy to think of London, Edinburgh, and maybe even Manchester, but sitting quietly on the southern coast of Wales is the city of Cardiff. Cardiff is the compact capital city of Wales, offering plenty of culture, castles, and coastal walks. Cardiff ticks every box for a memorable getaway and often avoids the hustle and bustle of busier cities. Here’s why you should put this underrated hidden gem at the top of your city break list.
What Does Cardiff Have to Offer?
Cardiff is a city with both ancient and modern charm. There aren’t many UK cities where you can experience a historic castle, a lively food and drink scenic, museums and art galleries, and a bustling bay, all within a walkable distance owing to the city’s compact layout.
1. History, Modern Art and Museums
In the city centre, you’ll find the National Museum Cardiff, alongside other stunning Edwardian buildings such as Cardiff University, City Hall, and the Peace Temple, together creating one of the most impressive civic centres in the UK. The National Museum Cardiff is host to a fantastic collection, including “The Evolution of Wales” gallery, featuring dinosaurs and a very recent arrival, a Mammoth. The art galleries are also a must see, and include works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, it is said to be one of the best Impressionist collections in Europe. If you’d like some more history, then The Museum of Cardiff in the old library is a must-visit or taking a trip out of the city centre to visit St Fagans National Museum of History, where the story of Wales is told through buildings of all ages that have been moved to the parkland around St Fagans Castle. Back in the centre of the city the other great place to visit are the Victorian Arcades, filled with unique shops and eateries.
2. The Bustling Bay
Moving south of the city centre, you’ll find Cardiff Bay, which was once the hub of the coal industry. A walk around the bay gives you an insight into the history of the area; from the Merchant Sea Farers Memorial to the Norwegian Church, the “People Like Us” sculpture that is dedicated to remembering the people who lived in Tiger Bay (including the famous Shirley Bassey), and The Coal Exchange, which is now a hotel, but was once where many coal deals were done, including the world’s first £1million cheque!
3. The Food and Drink Scene
If you’re a big foodie, then Cardiff won’t disappoint. The city caters to all tastes! There are award-winning fine dining spots such as Heaney’s or Asador 44 if you’re looking to treat yourself to something luxurious, street food at Cardiff Market, or local favourite Chippy Lane for a casual bite or late-night snack. Cardiff’s nightlife is just as diverse as it’s food scene, with cosy pubs and trendy rooftop bars in Castle Quarter. You can also enjoy a relaxed evening out with stunning Cardiff Bay as the backdrop. This area offers a plethora of waterfront restaurants and bars. Finally, no visit to Cardiff is complete without trying Welsh cakes!
Some Unexpected Highlights in Cardiff
- Hop on the river taxi from Bute Park to Cardiff Bay or a trip to the island of Flat Holm, the site of Marconi’s first radio broadcast over water in 1897.
- Even if you aren’t a rugby fan, a visit to the city on a Six Nations match day for a unique and friendly atmosphere.
- Go behind the scenes at BBC Studios.
- Get away from the traffic and explore the city by bike with Ding Cycle Tours.
So, next time you’re planning a weekend away, why not skip the usual suspects and give Cardiff a go? It’s easy to reach from almost everywhere in the UK by public transport, affordable compared to bigger cities, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. At Best of Scotland Holidays, we have over 40 years of experience customising travel itineraries for our overseas clients visiting the UK and Ireland. If you’d like to incorporate a trip to Cardiff into your next visit to the UK, then contact our friendly team today who will be happy to discuss your requirements.
