Cardiff Travel Guide - Introduction

The docks that once were busy with loading ships with coal have been recently transformed into tourist-friendly complexes featuring restaurants and numerous attractions. You’ll also find outstanding museums here, a number of theatres, plenty of shops and more than 300 gardens and parks open to the public.

The city has been populated since the Middle Ages, but it wasn’t until the time of the Industrial Revolution that it grew into importance as a distribution point for iron and coal. In 1955, Cardiff became the capital of Wales and the seat of the Welsh National Assembly. Since that time the city has completed its transformation from industrial port of the 19th century to the vibrant, modern capital it is today.

The castle is situated in Cardiff centre, on a site once dominated by Roman and Norman fortifications. You can still see the Norman ruins here, at the castle, set on a hilltop overlooking Cardiff.

Cardiff has numerous other popular attractions that include Llandaff Cathedral, the National Museum and Gallery, the outdoor Museum of Welsh Life, St David's Hall, and the new and impressive Millennium Stadium; home to Welsh Rugby Union.