Cardiff
District Guide
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Cardiff, Capital of Wales since 1955
Wales has undergone many changes in the last decade and nowhere is this more apparent than the transformation of the capital city, Cardiff. Very compact for a city, and far quieter than London, it attracts large numbers of visitors who come for the shopping, the nightlife, the peaceful parks and surrounding countryside and the modern delights of the city centre and Bay development.
City Centre
An excellent starting point is Cardiff Central Station and the Cardiff Welcome Centre, opposite, which has details of current events, festivals and concerts.
Step out of the station and cross the road. The Welcome Centre is to your left. Now, turn right, towards St Mary Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. Some of its early architecture is still intact, as are the classic old shopping arcades and the grand Howells department store. Turning left up St Mary Street, cross the road and call in at the old indoor market, opened in 1891, which retains its original roof and décor, and has the stalls placed in the same positions as they were the first day of trading. Local delicacies, such as cheeses, meats and wines, are on sale here at a very reasonable price.
Coming out of the market, cross St John Square past the 15th century church of St John the Baptist. The magnificent bell tower has views of Castell Coch (Red Castle) and beyond. Follow the road around to the top of Queen Street, a pedestrianised shopping centre, complete with cafes, pubs, restaurants, indoor shopping, famous name brands and bargains galore. If you prefer history then turn back towards Cardiff Castle, a Norman fortification built in the 11th century. For a small entry fee take a tour of the castle gardens and keep, sit in the famous banqueting hall or walk along the battlements. To learn more about the historic growth of Cardiff from small town to major iron and coal exporting port, jump on one of the open air buses outside the castle entrance—an excellent way to see Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff Bay and the Millennium Stadium.
Alexandra Gardens
To visit Alexandra Gardens on foot simply take the subway under the Boulevard de Nantes and you will surface directly in front of Cardiff Crown Court, Cardiff City Hall and the National Museum of Wales. These impressive white stone buildings date from 1904 and were built by Turners.
The gardens are behind the civic buildings and at their centre stands a beautiful war memorial. For a pleasant walk, cross North Road into Coopers Field and follow the footpath over the bridge, along the banks of the River Taff, past the Welsh Institute of Sport and Glamorgan County Cricket ground to Pontcanna Fields and Black Weir.
Llandaff
Keen ramblers may decide to continue walking through Pontcanna Fields and across the A48 to reach the ancient cathedral city of Llandaff, a peaceful village complete with village green and tea rooms. Stop at Llandaff Cathedral, which dates from the 6th century, and marvel at the world famous Epstein statue, 'Christ in Majesty,' or take a rest in the Bishop's Palace.
Cardiff Bay & Atlantic Wharf
A fifteen minute walk from the city centre, Cardiff Bay has a regular train and bus service and is well served with car parks. The Bay area has become one of the most fashionable spots in Cardiff with a large number of bars, restaurants, clubs and entertainment venues. The oldest part is the Queen Alexandra Dock, opened in 1907 by King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria. More information on the redevelopment of the Cardiff Docklands is available at the
Canton
Bustling Cowbridge Road East runs through Canton and on towards Ely. It is always alive with new sights, sounds and cuisine, and is a popular choice with the locals for shopping. Just off the main road past the library, experience the Chapter Arts Centre, where all manner of artists, poets, dancers and independent theatre companies showcase their work.
Pontcanna
Bordered by the Canton district on one side and Bute Park on the other, Pontcanna is a fashionably smart area of the city. Mainly residential, it also encompasses the Welsh Institute of Sport and a number of trendy little cafes and shops. Take a stroll along the tree-lined Cathedral Road with its numerous hotels, to the open parklands of Llandaff Fields at the top. If you're feeling particularly energetic, you can join the Taff Trail at Llandaff Fields for a 55 mile walk northwards to the town of Brecon.
Roath
Best accessed from the city centre by bus, go east along Newport Road, take a left turn into City Road, and turn right at 'Death Junction' at the top (so-called, not because of the number of road accidents there, but because it was once the site of the city gallows). You'll find yourself in Albany Road which has all the character of a busy high street. Further down the street check out Wellfield Road for fashionable hairdressers, cosy cafes, and boutiques selling top designer names. Indulge in some ice cream at Thayers and stroll on towards Roath Park Lake with its resident bird community and rowing boats for hire.
