Cardiff’s Roman history is there for all to see, but the building of the Millennium Centre also gives a big clue as to what has been behind the city’s transformation into a modern hub of culture, sport, gastronomy and more.
Top of the world
Cardiff Castle is small but beautiful, founded some 2000 years ago as a fort perched on a strategic hill. The Normans took over later, building a keep, before it came into possession of a number of noble families. In 1947 the Bute family bequeathed it to the city, opening up a new chapter as a visitor attraction.
The interior is stunning, and a guided house tour is highly recommended to bring the place to life. The decorations throughout are lavish and ornate, with the bathrooms, dining rooms, Winter Smoking room and more, all perfectly preserved. It’s a wonder of Victorian Gothic whimsy, built by one of the world’s richest men. The Norman Keep and remains of the Roman wall tell one story, the inside of the castle another – it was also a location for TV shows Doctor Who, Sherlock and more. Below the castle is yet another tale – the tunnels here provided air-raid shelters during World War Two.
Models of the millennium
Cardiff Bay was the hub of many of the city’s regeneration projects and the Wales Millennium Centre is the one that stands out above all. The multi-shaded Welsh slate, designed by a Welsh architect, seems to ripple in the light, while the Centre itself houses the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the National Opera and more. The whole area has a sense of space and a scent of the sea, with water features dotted throughout and the lovely Bute Park nearby.
Recently renamed the Principality Stadium, the Millennium Stadium opened in 1999 for the Rugby World Cup. The timing was impeccable – with England’s Wembley Stadium closed for redevelopment, Cardiff played host to numerous FA Cup finals. The 2017 UEFA Champions League final took place here, while it’s a popular venue for concerts too.
Culinary Cardiff
With its position on a bay and its long trading history, it comes as no surprise that there are a diverse range of cultures in Cardiff. And that has led to a diverse range of foods on offer too. You can find traditional dishes, fresh seafood and creative curries throughout the city.
The Purple Poppadom entices with nouvelle Indian cuisine by chef Anand George – the Tiffin seabass comes highly recommended. They have stiff competition in Mint and Mustard, serving up Keralan treats like fish mango curry and Hyderabadi lamb shank.
The Potted Pig, resident in a former bank vault, has been getting noticed outside of Wales and serves up hearty food such as pigeon breast with blackberries and bacon and Welsh lamb rump with crispy belly. If you’re here as a group, order well ahead (they recommend two weeks) for the whole suckling pig – all £350 if it.
Beyond the boundaries
Car hire in Cardiff brings much of the rest of Wales into play. Less than an hour away, you can visit Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, wonderfully preserved next to the Wye. Or head underground and experience the mesmerising Dan-yr-Ogof caves. Full of fascinating rock formations and waterfalls, this beautiful destination is only 45 minutes away.
Staying in the city will definitely keep you busy, but with so much on your doorstep, car hire is your key to unlocking the many wonders of Wales.