Highlights |
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| Snowdonia National Park, Wales |
Climate |
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Wales is a year round destination experiencing four seasons – spring in April and May; summer from June to September; autumn in October to November; and winter from December to March. Remember the British seasons are the reverse to Australia.
Average Temperatures in °C |
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January |
July |
| Cardiff |
4 |
17 |
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Currency |
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British money is based on 100 pence (p) to each pound sterling (£). Coin denominations are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Note denominations are in £5, £10, £20 and £50. Notes may look different in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands but the monetary system is the same.
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Distances |
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km |
| London - Cardiff |
250 |
| Cardiff - Holyhead |
328 |
| Cardiff - Fishguard |
192 |
| Cardiff - Manchester |
307 |
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The birthplace of the legend - Merlin the Magician and King Arthur...
Wales is packed with culture, heritage and would you believe, its very own language! The country boasts a wealth of castles, cathedrals, and ancient sites including the myth, or legend of Merlin the Magician and King Arthur.
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and the youngest capital city in Europe. Enjoy Cardiff Castle with a history that dates back to the Romans. Find that special ‘buy’ exploring the Victorian alleyways now boasting speciality shops.
And for the sporting folk, Millennium Stadium is a must, with its striking architecture and home of Welsh Rugby.
Cardiff:
The youngest Capital City in Europe celebrated its 50th birthday in 2005 and is currently enjoying the transformation of a new and vibrant existence. In the centre of this trendy city is Bute Park and where you will also find Cardiff Castle with over 2000 years of history.
Cardiff’s unused docks have been transformed into a place for eating and drinking and can be located in the Cardiff Bay Area.
Swansea:
Located at the opening of the River Tawe is Wales’ second largest city – Swansea. The famous poet Dylan Thomas grew up in Swansea and his work can be seen at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Swansea is the main gateway to Gower Peninsula with beautiful beaches and headlands.
Holyhead:
Holyhead is a major departure point for ferries to and from Ireland and is very much a working town.
Located on the Holy Island with beaches and wonderful coastal scenery it offers a fabulous option for those interested in walking and cycling.
Traveller’s Secrets
What to See and Do
St Fagans National History Museum
St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB, Ph: +44 (0)29 20 57 3500
Discover 500 years of Welsh history in one of Europe’s biggest open air museums. Set in 100 acres of parkland, the museum features buildings from all over Wales painstakingly rebuilt on site, brick by brick. The buildings include a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute as well as several workshops where craftsmen, such as the blacksmith and the cooper, demonstrate their skills to the public.
Craft in the Bay
The Flourish, Lloyd George Ave, CF10 4QH, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 48 4611
This modern glass building houses a retail craft gallery, changing exhibitions of applied art, and craft workshops. Worth a visit to pick up a very special souvenir of your visit to Wales.
Cardiff Market
City Centre, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 87 1214
In complete contrast to the modern malls, don’t miss Cardiff’s unique Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades with their specialist shops, and the city’s bustling Victorian Market.
Millennium Stadium
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Ph: +44 (0) 29 2082 2228
No visit to Cardiff is complete without a tour of its most hallowed turf – the Millennium Stadium, at the heart of the city centre. The spectacular home of Welsh Rugby Union – and venue of the 1999 World Cup Final - has also played host to heroes of many an FA Cup Final, as well as the greatest names in Rugby League, World Championship Rallying and speedway and superstars from the world of rock and pop.
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Ph: +44 (0) 29 2087 7900
One of the UK’s most spectacular engineering feats - the Cardiff Bay Barrage - separates the city from the world’s second highest tidal range in the Bristol Channel. The Barrage is 1.1km long and has created a freshwater lake with over 13km of waterfront.It’s worth a visit just to look back at the breathtaking view of the city and surrounding countryside, and marvel at the engineering accomplishment that has become a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.
Pubs/Clubs
The Robin Hood
16, Severn Grove, Cardiff, CF11 9EN, Ph: +44 (0) 292037 8829
Star spotters may want to head to this unassuming pub just outside the city centre, owned by none other than local girl Charlotte Church. She and her rugby international boyfriend Gavin Henson are often seen in here and regularly invite their friends from the celebrity circuit for an impromptu sing-along in the bar.
The Goat Major
High St, City Centre, CF10 1PU, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 33 7161
The name is taken from the mascot of the Royal 41st Regiment of Wales. This is a traditional pub that serves a selection of ales and pub meals. It also holds a Welsh even on Wednesdays.
City Arms
10-12 Quay St, City Centre, CF10 1EA, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 22 52 58
Built in the 1880’s the City Arms is a traditional pub just a stone’s throw from the Millennium Stadium. Inside don’t miss the boxing and football memorabilia.
The Mochyn Du
Sophia Close, Pontcanna, CF11 9HW, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 37 15 99
A Welsh pub & restaurant, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, offering a variety of live entertainment including Welsh Folk music, Welsh quizzes and even opera.
Where to Eat
La Brasserie
60 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FE, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 39 80 36
A popular favourite in the Mill Lane Café Quarter, the Brasserie is a bustling Parisian style-brasserie serving an extensive menu including seafood, meat and game, complemented by an impressive wine list.
Armless Dragon
97 Wyverne Road, Cathays, Cardiff, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 38 23 57
One of Cardiff’s top restaurants serves contemporary Welsh cuisine using fresh local produce.
Thomas
Queensgate South, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4JY, Ph: +44 (0) 29 20 43 27 85
Part of the hotel chain ‘Future Inns’ Thomas offers a contemporary Welsh flavour in a relaxed & informal atmosphere.
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