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CardiffCulture & history

Our most recommended Cardiff Culture & history

From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip

1. From Cardiff: Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons Full-Day Trip

Discover the highlights of South East Wales on this full-day trip from Cardiff. See sights such as the ancient Roman remains of Caerleon, the ruins of the Abbey of Tintern, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Meet your guide in Central Cardiff and set out to your first stop, Caerleon Roman town. See the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the legionary barracks. Follow the Wye Gorge towards Tintern and stop briefly to visit Tintern Abbey, a sight made famous by painter JWM Turner. Continue up through the gorge and the spectacular Forest of Dean to Monmouth and Rockfield. Next, enter the Brecon Beacons National Park in the beautiful Black Mountains, visiting the hidden church of St.Issu. Stopping in the little market town of Crickhowell for lunch (not included). Brecon Town, home of the Army in Wales, with its canal and Cathedral. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the fast running waters of a beautiful mountain stream. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Pen y Fan and Corn Ddu, South Wales' highest peaks, check your reflection in the reservoirs of Talybont and Pontsticill. In Merthyr Tydfil, cradle of the Welsh industrial revolution, discover the beginnings of train travel, following the river Taff for our return to Cardiff in the late afternoon. Example Itinerary, weather and other conditions can dictate route taken.

From Cardiff: Castles Mountains and More Full-Day Trip

2. From Cardiff: Castles Mountains and More Full-Day Trip

Escape the hustle and bustle of the capital with this day trip to the castles of Coch and Caerphilly. Ride through the lush landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National park, and have some free time to take in the charming town of Brecon at your own pace.  Meet your guide at the conveniently-located City United Reformed Church in the center of Cardiff which is easily reached by train, car, or on foot. Relax on the scenic drive in a comfortable bus.  Admire views of Cardiff Castle from the bus. View the unique mix of Gothic, Norman, and Roman architecture of this castle that was home to the Romans during their occupation of Wales. Stop at Castell Coch, which translates in Welsh as red castle. See for yourself why it is known as the ‘fairytale castle’ thanks to its tapered turrets and conical rooves. Although built in the 1870s, this charming castle has a medieval style, as it was built as a country retreat for the third Marquess of Bute, one of Britain’s richest men. Explore the inside and outside of Caerphilly Castle, Wales’ largest and Britain’s second largest castle (behind Windsor). This formidable, 13th-century fortress boasts an extensive ring of water defenses and huge gatehouses. Have some free time for refreshments in the town of Caerphilly before continuing the sightseeing tour. Take a drive through the Brecon Beacons, one of the 3 National Parks in Wales. Marvel at the rolling hills and mountains until you reach the town of Brecon. Discover this picturesque market town that is steeped in history and dates to Norman times.  Spend some free time visiting the 12th-century cathedral or walking through the narrow streets and browsing the eclectic range of shops. Brecon also marks the start of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, so a peaceful walk alongside this beautiful canal is also an option. End the tour with drop-off in central Cardiff.

The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

3. The Royal Mint Experience: Ticket, Guided Tour & Exhibition

Pre-book your entry ticket to The Royal Mint Experience, the only place in the world where you can witness the United Kingdom’s coins being made. Follow the journey of a coin from a blank to a bank on an exclusive behind-the-scenes guided factory tour experience.  Marvel at the home of U.K. coin production at The Royal Mint, a mint that’s been minting coins for up to 60 countries at a time. Follow your guide through the factory and learn about different processes.  As you explore, you may be lucky enough to see U.K. coins being made during your visit. At the end of your tour, get the opportunity to strike a coin of your very own at the only place in the world where you can do this (fees apply).  Following your tour, find yourself surrounded by over 1,100 years of history at the mint’s exhibition. From tales of the Tower Of London to the present day, get authentic insights into what makes a world-leading mint. See rare items, Olympic medals, Sir Isaac Newton’s notes, and much more. The exhibition area is home to some of the most important and historical artifacts in the 1,100-year history of The Royal Mint. Take advantage of plenty of free time to explore the exhibition at your own pace. Enrich your visit through temporary exhibitions that change year on year. Before the end of your visit, stop at the on-site cafe to enjoy lunch and visit the official gift store that stocks a huge array of one-of-a-kind gifts and merchandise. Team members are on hand to assist you with any purchase.

Cardiff Day Trip from London

4. Cardiff Day Trip from London

Depart London in the morning, and then travel across the country by bus to visit the historic port city of Cardiff, capital of Wales since 1955. Take a sightseeing tour on arrival with a local guide, to admire the impressive monuments of the city center, where highlights include the new National Assembly building in the regenerated waterfront district of Cardiff Bay. After lunch we’ll continue our tour through the seaside town of Penarth before travelling back into the centre of Cardiff. We will conclude our time in Cardiff with a visit to the fabulous Cardiff Castle, a fortress with a 2000-year history, from a humble Roman Fort to the Romantic Victorian splendour of today. Depart in the early evening for the scenic drive back to London through the Welsh Valleys and get dropped off in central London in the evening. 

From London: Wales 5-Day Group Tour

5. From London: Wales 5-Day Group Tour

Day 1: Leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds through England’s prettiest historic villages. Get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales. Travel through the Welsh Marches marked out by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. Head into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and beautiful Elan Valley. Finally, head to the beautiful seaside town and cultural center of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights. Day 2: Travel to the mountainous region of Snowdonia National Park. Visit the mountain village of Beddgelert to see the famous grave of Gelert, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine. Next, head to the town of Machynlleth to see the ancient clock tower and the quaint houses, and go antique hunting. Move on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching the impenetrable medieval Harlech Castle. After a fulfilling day, return to Aberystwyth in the late afternoon. Day 3: Travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through Aberaeron to New Quay. Explore the picturesque harbor and get the chance to spot dolphins and whales. Head into the foreboding Black Mountains to explore a bedrock cave under a castle, before you visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play Under Milk Wood. Move on to Tenby, a charming seaside town and your base for two nights. Day 4: See some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and exploration, and stop in the county town of Pembroke to enter the thick medieval walls of the castle. From here, return to Tenby for a relaxed evening. Day 5: Leaving Tenby in the morning, begin your return journey to London. Head past the industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, and visit the outdoor National History Museum. Take the Severn Bridge back into England, and take a break at Castle Combe, a Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th-century ironstone cottages.

Day Trip to Cardiff from London

6. Day Trip to Cardiff from London

Croeso! Welcome to Cardi­ff The gateway to Wales which is a city of contrasts. Innovative architecture sits alongside historic buildings giving the city a rich cultural heritage. Cardiff’s Roman influence stems from AD 55 when the Roman’s established a fort on what is now the site of Cardiff Castle Open top Bus Tour Hop-on and off to explore all the attractions and famous landmarks in and around Wales' capital city! With 14 stops along our route, you'd be sure to see Cardiff Castle and Bute park, Principality Stadium, Norvegian Church, Cardiff Bay, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff's Civic Centre and more! Cardiff Bay is a great area to explore. Jump off the bus, admire the modern Wales Milenium Centre, visit the Craft in the Bay Gallery and the fascinating Cardiff Barrage or stop for a drink at the Mermaid Quai, ideal for an evening break. If you are looking for a family-friendly activity in this area you may want to have a look at Techniquest, an interactive science discovery centre including a 360° Planetarium. Once you have covered Cardiff's Bay area, get back on the bus to head the city centre. Cardiff City has a combination of designer brands, high street shops and independant stores the city is a fantastic place to go shopping and is considered one of the top ten shopping destinations in Britain! Be sure to grab a pair of earphones and listen in to our informative multi-lingual audio commentary. Or get amazed by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides! Lunch and shopping There is time for independent shopping and lunch. First Class (optional) includes refreshments served at your seat, extra leg room and access to the first class lounge.

Cardiff: Doctor Who Walking Tour

7. Cardiff: Doctor Who Walking Tour

Walk in the footsteps of Doctor Who as you explore the locations that the world-famous franchise was filmed in, around the vibrant city of Cardiff. Enjoy a fascinating journey through the history of Cardiff and the production of Doctor Who, as well as learning behind-the-scenes stories from the BBC hit series. Gain captivating insights into the rise and fall of the largest coal-exporting city in the world during the 20th century, and get invaluable tips on the highlights of modern-day Cardiff. Learn about the hidden gems of the city, such as the best places to buy Welsh cakes and try traditional Welsh dishes. Admire impressive Dr. Who filming sites along the way such as Millennium Stadium, the National Museum of Wales, and the Welsh Parliament building.

Cardiff: City Center Walking Tour

8. Cardiff: City Center Walking Tour

This 2.5-hour walking tour of central Cardiff shows you the best the Welsh capital has to offer: beautiful green spaces, the iconic castle, unique arcades and its stunning civic center. Cardiff is a city with over 2,000 years of history. It’s the youngest capital city in Europe, and the fastest growing capital in Western Europe. Discover many facets of Cardiff’s rich past and present on a leisurely stroll through the city. The route will take you via the shopping district, the Castle Quarter, through Bute Park and the civic center, ending in front of Cardiff Castle.  Your guide will give you plenty of tips, suggestions and recommendations of things to do in Cardiff and around Wales, including where to find the city’s hidden gems and best bars and restaurants. The tour is flexible, so if you have any specific requests they can be catered to, such as where you want to start or finish, what you want to see, and what you want to learn about in particular.

From Cardiff: Tintern Abbey and Roman Ruins Full-Day Tour

9. From Cardiff: Tintern Abbey and Roman Ruins Full-Day Tour

Our Wye Valley Heritage Trail journeys through history as well as the beautiful scenery of the Wye Valley, from Roman times at Caerleon to the historic picturesque market town of Monmouth. This sightseeing day tour also includes the magnificent Tintern Abbey and the final stop at the Newport Transporter Bridge, an engineering marvel.

Cardiff: Half-Day City Walking Tour

10. Cardiff: Half-Day City Walking Tour

Explore Cardiff with a local guide, and get an insider's view of the historical sites, local landmarks, and hidden gems. Meet at Cardiff Central railway station before walking through the city's stunning Victorian shopping arcade. Listen to your guide explain local favorites, including the oldest record store in the world. Next, walk to Cardiff's famous indoor market, where you can purchase a range of local treats. After, visit Cardiff Castle, the oldest building in the city. Later, follow your guide to the second-oldest building in Cardiff, St John the Baptist Church, before strolling through Cathay's Park and National Museum Wales. View the museum's impressive collection, including work by leading contemporary Welsh artists. Afterward, travel to Cardiff Bay, which was once the largest coal-exporting port in the world. View the modern buildings that have sprung up since the bay's redevelopment.

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What people are saying about Cardiff

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 338 reviews

It was an amazing day! We had a rainy day yet Riki made it super fun. It was a small group of Riki, my friend, and I. When we hopped in the van he explained the history of Wales and why Cardiff was made the capital. He kept the conversation going with all kinds of facts and stories. At one point if the trip my friend and I tried to stump him with our questions, he was not phased and answered all our questions and then some. We all ate at a small pub he recommended some sandwiches and they were very good. We continued our journey stopping at really good photo spots for my photographer friend. It was a 10/10 day and the rain did not ruin anything.

The guide was absolutely fantastic and did a wonderful job of engaging everybody in the group. I like that there was some flexibility for us to explore at our own pace at some of the sites. I learned a lot not only about the sites that we visited, but about Wales in general.

Riki was a phenomenal tour guide. He took us all around different places in the southern countryside of Wales, and he was full of knowledge and enthusiasm throughout the whole tour. I had a wonderful experience, and I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone!

Great tour despite the bleak Welsh weather! Christo ,our driver come guide, was full of stories and anecdotes and made the trip even better! Really enjoyed ourselves on this tour!!

I definitely recommend it. This is the opportunity to see very attractive areas, sights and small towns in the interior of Wales.