cardiff attractions
Cardiff is famous for its millennium stadium and the redeveloped cardiff bay area - with historic quaysides, trendy restaurants and bars. But Cardiff is also packed with traditional attractions, a fairytale castle and museums, along with a some of the best shopping in Britain.
The city's wealth grew during the 19th century and large-scale developments during this time can be viewed with the sweeping avenues lined with elegant Victorian town houses. Although Cardiff went through some hard times in the depression era, it has bounced back with the redevelopment of the Cardiff Bay area and the city is now home to a stunning opera house, superb museums and excellent sporting venues.
Cardiff has 1,200 hectares of parks and leisure gardens that extend to within yards of the city centre shopping areas. Cardiff offers a beautiful setting to relax in, while still having the buzz of a capital city on your doorstep. Such is the hive of cultural activity that Cardiff has been designated a centre of culture and short-listed for the title 'European Capital of Culture 2008'.
We have included outline details on the top things to do near Cardiff airport below (in alphabetical order), with more details on separate pages. Click on the name of the attraction to find out more:
Cardiff Annual Events: details of the events are held in Cardiff each year.
Cardiff Antiques Centre: antiques bought and sold with over a dozen stall-holders - a rich seam of bargains spread over 3 floors of the Royal Acarde.
Cardiff Bay: at the heart of Cardiff's regeneration project; walk along a promenade lined with interesting sculptures, eat in a restaurant overlooking the bay, visit an exhibition, take in an event or visit any of the varied visitor attractions.
Cardiff Central Market: Cardiff has been a market town for over 600 years and this is its original supermarket. With over 50 stalls that show off their wares beneath the splendid Victorian Canopy, this is the place to experience shopping as it used to be.
Cardiff Millennium Stadium: best known as the home of Welsh Rugby, this 70,000 seat stadium also hosts football, concerts and other large scale events.
Cardiff Shopping: as one of Europe's youngest capital cities, Cardiff has planned well shopping facilities, with large department stores, high street chains plus chic boutiques and oulets. It has an array of shopping for all types of shopper.
Cardiff Welsh Proms: much loved music proms, includes Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with outstanding soloists and choirs plus Jazz, World Music, Lunchtime proms, Children’s and a Tiddly Prom (Prom).
Spillers Records Cardiff: established in 1894 by Henry Spiller, this is thought to be the oldest record store in the world.
