Tourist info

Highlights

Cardiff, The Capital City of Wales

As it’s capital, Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh) is the largest city in Wales and the 11th largest in the UK.

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of people settling in Cardiff as early as 6,000 BC. The Romans established a fort here during their conquest of Britain, near the River Taff. In 1081, following the Norman Conquest, Cardiff Castle was built within the walls of the fort, under the order of the King, William the Conqueror. Much of Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle, was destroyed in 1404 by the last native Welsh Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr, during the Rebellion.
Cardiff established itself as a busy port during the Middle Ages, and particularly grew in prominence due the Industrial Revolution, with the building of the docks by the 2nd Marquis of Bute. At its peak, the port of Cardiff (known as Tiger Bay) was the busiest in the World, exporting coal, iron and other commodities from across the South Wales valleys throughout the British Empire.

There is plenty to do in Cardiff city centre, as well as further afield.
You can find a great compilation of things to see and do around Cardiff and across Wales, as well as places to eat and drink, places to stay, and other information, at the Visit Cardiff and Visit Wales websites.

Amongst the unmissable sites of Cardiff, is Cardiff Castle and its grounds. The Castle is surrounded by the large and very well-maintained Bute Park to the north, and provides a beautiful view of the city centre to the south, all the way to Cardiff Bay. Entry to the castle grounds is typically free (unless there is an event taking place), but you will need a ticket to visit the walls, the fort, and the gothic palace. We will also be visiting the Castle for the Conference Dinner.
The pedestrianised city centre is very lively, bursting with restaurants, bars, and shops, and a couple of museums, including the National Museum of Wales (National Museum), where our Conference Welcome Drinks Reception will be held. There is also the National Museum of Welsh Life, just outside Cardiff (National Museum of History).
Cardiff is also known as the City of Arcades, due to the several Victorian and Edwardian arcades that nestle amongst the city centre streets. The Principality Stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team, is also impressively set in the city centre.
With a short bus or train trip from the city centre, you can also reach Cardiff Bay, home of the Welsh Parliament Building (Senedd Cymru), the Millenium Centre (Wales Millennium Centre), The Pierhead (historic Grade 1 listed building, now a museum), and the Cardiff Bay barrage that copes with impressive ~10m tides and prevents Cardiff from flooding.

Cardiff Food/Drink Guide

With the Conference venue, social events and local hotels being so close to the city centre, there are a wide range of bars, traditional Cardiff pubs, nightclubs and restaurants within walking distance, to cater for all tastes and budgets. Many of these are located on St Mary’s Street, The Hayes, Castle Street, Westgate Street and Church Street. You can find information on many places to eat and drink at the Visit Cardiff website.