The capital of Wales, Cardiff is situated in the south staring across the Severn Estuary towards England. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hire a car in Cardiff so you can discover the youngest capital city in Europe and this inspiring country.
In Cardiff
The city itself is a great place to spend some time and Cardiff’s friendly atmosphere will make you want to stay longer. There’s also a lot of things to see and do to keep you busy while you’re here.
Make sure you visit Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city. Transformed by the Bute family from a Roman stronghold to a Victorian palace, it’s a brilliant day trip for families. You can also return to the castle in the evening for a medieval banquet in the Undercroft, but you will have to book in advance.
Next to the BBC Wales building is the Doctor Who Experience. This is a must-see for any fans of the series, young or old, and takes you on an adventure through time and space showcasing some of the props and costumes used in the show. Take a ride in the Tardis, use the Sonic Screwdriver, or come face to face with a Cyberman.
If you would like to see the country’s more traditional cultural heritage then visit the National Museum Cardiff. There are so many different things to see here, including fine art, natural history and an insight into the evolution of Wales, starting with the Big Bang. Alongside other activities, you can also take in a show, have a drink in the Millennium Centre, or spend an afternoon shopping at the city’s Riverside Farmer’s Market.
Around Cardiff
The real beauty of Wales lies in its rural landscapes. Make sure you use your rental car to explore the wilder side of the country before you leave.
Around 30 minutes’ drive from Cardiff city centre is the Vale of Glamorgan. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and there are many charming villages to discover. Visit the Glamorgan Heritage Coast for stunning views and to relax on one of its fantastic beaches. Penarth is perhaps the most popular tourist spot in the region and is a good place to spend an afternoon.
Just north of Cardiff is the town of Caerphilly, home of the Big Cheese Festival and Caerphilly Castle. The castle is the second largest in the UK and it is worth a visit. It has a fantastic moat and dramatic leaning tower that will keep your camera working hard whilst you’re there. You can also take a walk around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and relax with an ice cream from Hapus Ice Cream Parlour.
Further afield you can visit the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park for some excellent hiking. The park is under an hour away and can make for an excellent day trip. Alternatively, you can travel west past Swansea to Pembrokeshire. The coastline in this region is one of the most picturesque in the UK and a must-see if you are in the area.
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