Besides being the capital of Wales and the tenth largest in the United Kingdom, Cardiff is also a major commercial centre and a focal point for many of the nation's cultural and sporting events. It is for these reasons that Cardiff is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities to visit throughout the United Kingdom. To appreciate the variety or attractions which this city has to offer, let us examine some of the most well-known activities in Cardiff.
Local Attractions
Sightseeing is one of the most popular activities for both tourists and locals alike and Cardiff is renowned throughout the United Kingdom for its famous locations. At Cardiff Bay one can visit the Wales Millennium Centre as well as the church where the world famous author Roald Dahl was christened. In contrast, for the millions who follow the Doctor Who television series, Cardiff Bay offers an event known as the Doctor Who Experience where visitors can experience an interactive journey themed after the famous program.
Notwithstanding some of the more modern attractions, Cardiff is also known for the numerous castles and cathedrals that remain from medieval times and earlier. In fact, the city centre itself is home to Cardiff Castle whose history spans more than two thousand years while just outside the city is the St. Fagan's National History Museum. This cultural centre is one of the world's largest open-air museums and contains nearly forty original buildings shipped from disparate parts of Wales one piece at a time. Nearby also is the site of the National Museum Cardiff which contains galleries of some of the finest impressionist artistic works outside of Paris.
Sports Activities
Cardiff is also famous for its numerous sporting activities and attractions. The Swalec Stadium is one of the best known cricket venues in the world while not far away stands the Cardiff City Stadium which is home to both the Cardiff Blues and the Cardiff City FC, combining rugby and football under one roof.
The Cardiff region also contains many other leisure activities sure to please even the most adventurous spirits. The Taff Trail is an 88 kilometer path that is mostly off-road and takes the bicyclist through scenic routes within the surrounding countryside, eventually ending in the town of Brecon. In addition there are also a handful of mountain biking paths; one of the best-known being Cwmcarn path whose serpentine downhill trails span nearly fifteen kilometers. For those who choose to view the countryside at a more leisurely pace there are numerous walking paths which allow for scenic and tranquil views of the surrounding environs.
Shopping Attractions
As Cardiff is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom, it should come as no surprise that is has also become one of the best known destinations for shopping in all of Wales. The city offers a unique combination of designer and high street brands as well as local shops, helping to cater to the desires of each individual shopper. Perhaps the most well-known area is the Cardiff Market which offers the unique combination of a Victorian structure within a 21st century city. Whether one comes to Cardiff for the history, culture, outdoor attractions or simply for a day of shopping, the choice of activities in Cardiff will not disappoint the seasoned traveller.
