TRAVEL TRADE DESTINATION GUIDE
Unique Attractions, Quality Shopping, Historic Buildings and Top Class Entertainment
Welcome to Cardiff CARDIFF, THE CAPITAL CITY OF WALES A fabulous destination for a visit. With over 20 million visitors per year, Cardiff offers a huge range of unique attractions, activities, top-class entertainment and a wide range of accommodation. Recently named the sixth best shopping destination in the UK, Cardiff also offers quality shopping with a difference all year round. Highlights of a visit include the iconic Wales Millennium Centre situated on Cardiff Bay’s waterfront and the worldfamous Principality Stadium, both of which offer guided tours and group rates. In addition, the jewel in the city’s
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crown is Cardiff Castle offering guided tours of the Victorian Gothic-Revival Apartments as well as the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Welsh Banquet and an evening of entertainment within the medieval Undercroft in a true taste of Wales. Visit Cardiff can provide travel trade planners and group organisers with advice and support, and develop bespoke itineraries to match the interests and needs of the group.
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Cardiff Essential Information
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Cardiff’s Capital Appeal
12 Tours 22
Major Events
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Cardiff Bay
30 Cardiff Accommodation 32
Sample Itineraries
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Press Releases
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Cardiff Visitor Map
@VisitCardiff | CARDIFF CAERDYDD
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Essential Information Location: Currency: South East Wales British Pound Sterling
Twinned with: Nantes – France, Stuttgart – Germany, Xiamen – China, Hordaland – Norway, Lugansk – Ukraine Distance from London: Approximately 2 hours by road or train. Major Airports: Flights to Cardiff Airport are available from numerous destinations with a large amount of flights available through Flybe.com including Faro, Geneva, Dusseldorf, Cork, Dublin, Munich and Verona to name but a few. Bristol, Birmingham and London Airports are within easy reach. Airport Transfers: T9 Airport Express to Cardiff Central Station runs every 30 minutes during the day, 7 days a week.
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Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 1 in summertime)
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Language: English and Welsh
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Phone Code: Country code 44, Area code: 029
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Population: 348,500
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IFF CA • Contact Us Contact: Victoria Beesley Address: Visit Cardiff The Courtyard – CY6 County Hall Atlantic Wharf Cardiff CF10 4UW Telephone: +44 (0)29 2078 8578 Website: www.visitcardiff.com/travel-trade Email: Vikki.Beesley@cardiff.gov.uk
Rideways Transport: visitcardiff.com/seedo/rideways/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/visitcardiff www.twitter.com/meetincardiff
Flight Link Wales: visitcardiff.com/seedo/flight-link-wales/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitcardiff
Coach Parking: There are coach drop-off and pick-up points near most of the main attractions e.g. Cardiff Castle and the National Museum with longer-term parking available close to the city centre.
Further Information: Leisure Tourism visitor@cardiff.gov.uk www.visitcardiff.com @VisitCardiff t: +44 (0)29 2087 3573
dedicated off-street coach park with 24 hour A CCTV is available close to the city centre at Sophia Gardens, off Cathedral Road, CF11 9HW. The Council- managed coach park also has toilet facilities and is long stay 7 days a week. ther areas include North Road and ‘The Flourish’ O near the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Getting Around: Cardiff is a compact city and can easily be explored on foot with the majority of attractions, shops, restaurants and hotels all within the a few minutes of each other. For more information, go to: www. visitcardiff.com/gettinghereandaround/gettingaround/
Business Tourism & Major Events hello@meetincardiff.com meetcardiff.com @MeetinCardiff T: +44 (0)29 2087 1846
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Cardiff News Visit Cardiff & Meet in Cardiff e-newsletters. To sign up to hear more about us and receive the latest news click here. Social media icons - Freepik.com
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ROAD RAIL AIR
Aberdeen
A90
WELCOME! CROESO!
M90
GLASGOW
EDINBURGH
M8
A68 A7
M74
Newcastle A69
BELFAST
M6
A1
Isle of Man
DUBLIN
LIVERPOOL
MANCHESTER M6
A5 A470 Aberystwyth
M54
A487
A470 M50
M4
Swansea
Exeter
Edinburgh
M1
BIRMINGHAM Cambridge M5
M1
M4
BRISTOL
CARDIFF
Aberdeen
M62
M62
M3
M5
M11
LONDON M25
M20
Dover
Southampton
A38
Glasgow Newcastle
Belfast Anglesey
Amsterdam
Cardiff Dusseldorf Jersey
Paris
Cardiff Closer than you think Road – Cardiff is on the A48/M4, providing a direct route from London and the South East. The M50 and M5 link with the M4 from the Midlands and North of England and the South West of England. Rail – Trains link most main cities with Cardiff. The journey between London Paddington and Cardiff is 2 hours and trains depart every 30 minutes.
Barcelona
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Air – Cardiff Airport has direct flights from over 50 destinations and also connecting flights from over 800 destinations worldwide. cardiff-airport.com flybe.com
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Cardiff’s Capital Appeal Forty-eight hours in a city normally means whistle-stop tours, rushed meals and a pocket full of expensive bus and train tickets. Thankfully, things are different in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The city is so compact that nothing is more than 15 minutes away, which means visitors can spend a more leisurely time exploring the city.
Left to right: The ornate clock tower of Cardiff Castle installed by the Marquess of Bute. World Speedway Championships at the Principality Stadium, the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof. Wales Millennium Centre is the nation’s home for the performing arts situated at the heart of Cardiff Bay.
Within the one square mile of Cardiff’s bustling city centre are the big three attractions: the Principality Stadium, the Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle. These attractions sit alongside luxury hotels, a network of shopping malls and arcades, and a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafés. The Principality Stadium, built in 1999, helped place Cardiff firmly on the world sporting map and has played host to the Rugby World Cup, artists such as Madonna, Take That and Oasis, and the UEFA Champions League Final. Cardiff Castle is just around the corner from the stadium, and has been there for around 2,000 years longer. A fort was first built in Cardiff by the Romans in AD55 and further fortifications were added by the Normans in the 11th century. Then, in the late 19th century, the 3rd Marquess of Bute transformed the castle interiors into a GothicRevival medieval fantasy palace; a Welsh Victorian Camelot. The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay was inspired by the Welsh landscape, language and culture; much of it was built with Welsh materials and it provides a suitably impressive stage for Welsh opera singers such as Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins, as well as a wide variety of international musicals, ballet, theatre and modern dance.
Take a walk around the Bay and if you don’t mind getting wet, Cardiff International White Water is waiting, with White Water Rafting, Indoor Wave, Stand Up Paddleboarding and other adventures. Cardiff is one of the flattest cities in the UK, which makes a familyday out all the more easier. Hire a bike with Pedal Power and explore Pontcanna Fields and Sophia Gardens. Explore the spacious greenery, which comprises a broad mix of historic landscape and urban woodland. Its city centre location is ideal for a picnic or enjoy an afternoon of Arts and Crafts at Bute Park Education Centre. Another short 15-minute drive from the Bay takes you out to the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan featuring championship standard golf courses, acres of vineyards producing award-winning Welsh wines, and one of the UK’s most interesting and ambitious museums – St Fagans National Museum of History which features a range of historic buildings from across Wales, moved and re-built on this site. After 48 hours in Cardiff there is still the rest of Wales to explore of course. Cardiff’s main train station provides links north to the Brecon Beacons National Park, west to the Pembrokeshire Coast or east to the Wye Valley.
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Culture Cardiff is home to national institutions Old meets new in Cardiff. There aren’t many cities where you can experience the breathtaking architecture within such close proximity to each other. Cardiff’s cultural offer continues to evolve and you can find out about its roots as a city at the Cardiff Story, the National Museum or the Glamorgan Archives. You can also discover the landscapes and architecture – over 60 parks and a host of newly restored buildings around the city. Cardiff may only have been a city for 100 years, but there has been a castle here for nearly 2,000 years. The original Roman walls and Norman keep can still be explored, but the highlight of a visit is the tour of the refurbished Victorian interiors together with the Interpretation Centre which recounts the Castle’s history with an exhibition, film show and audio guide. Cardiff Bay is a diverse waterfront built around a 200 hectare freshwater lake known as ‘The Bay’. Find a fantastic combination of iconic attractions, entertainment and events, coupled with vibrant bars, shops and a range of accommodation that create a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city! Embark on a mini-waterside tour of Cardiff Bay and you will be treated to the glorious spectacle of Y Senedd, the Pierhead Building and the Wales Millennium Centre – each within touching distance of each other. Back in the city centre, marvel at the Edwardian shopping arcades, which house Spillers - the oldest record shop in the world! And of course the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle are right in the centre. Cardiff University is also renowned for its Welsh School of Architecture.
Art The National Museum Two wealthy Welsh sisters, the Davies sisters, bequeathed their large art collection to the museum and gallery in the mid 20th century, resulting in Cardiff owning one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside
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Clockwise from left: The Blue Lady by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the National Museum of Wales. The Winter Smoking Room in Cardiff Castle. Village life in St Fagans National Museum of History. Artes Mundi exhibits across Cardiff’s galleries. Central Cardiff’s Edwardian shopping arcades. Nightlife at Cardiff Bay. The Senedd, home of Wales’ Government at Cardiff Bay.
Paris, with works by Renoir, Monet and Cézanne on display. A couple of hours can easily be spent exploring the extensive galleries as well as the museum exhibits and there is also a regular programme of events and activities taking place within the National Museum. All of these venues play a part in the Artes Mundi, Cardiff’s biennial art festival which brings artists from around the world to the city to create pieces across galleries and public spaces. Artes Mundi takes place between July and October.
Museums National Museum, Cardiff and St Fagans National Museum of History +44 (0)300 111 2333 | www.museum.wales Discover art, natural history, archaeology and geology at the National Museum, Cardiff as well as one of the finest art collections in Europe. Another arm of the Museum is St Fagans National Museum of History, one of the world’s best open-air museums. Located on the outskirts of Cardiff, it is home to over forty original buildings that have been moved stoneby-stone from different parts of Wales and re-erected at the Museum. There is a regular programme of events and activities taking place at both Museum sites.
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Theatre and Comedy Wales Millennium Centre +44 (0)29 2063 6464 | www.wmc.org.uk WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE is Wales’ No. 1 visitor attraction and one of the UK’s top cultural attractions outside London, welcoming more than one million visitors every year. An architectural landmark in the heart of Cardiff Bay, it stages a year-round programme of comedians, dance, ballet and the best touring shows and musicals from the West End and is home to Welsh National Opera. As part of a visit to the Centre, behind the scenes tours can be provided, enabling you to discover the secrets of the landmark building and find out what lies beneath the inscription. Special deals are available for groups and there is ample coach parking nearby. As well as the tours, the Centre offers plenty of things to do; you can take in a show, relax in ffresh restaurant with a Welsh Brew Afternoon tea, or let the group singing together to deliver a performance with 'true harmony' with our Choir lessons.
New Theatre
The Glee Club – Comedy Club & Music Venue
Sherman Theatre
+44 (0)871 472 0400 | www.glee.co.uk/cardiff
+44 (0)29 2064 6900 | www.shermantheatre.co.uk
The multi-award-winning GLEE CLUB can be found on the waterfront in Cardiff Bay. The heart of live comedy and music in South Wales for over a decade, this place is a corker. Every weekend this is ‘Wales’ premier comedy club’ where having a great time is the order of the day for both audiences and comics alike.
THE SHERMAN THEATRE makes exceptional theatre for the people and wants to share it with you – theatre about the world we live in, theatre that is relevant to our lives and has real meaning. Alongside their own productions they curate work for you to enjoy. Sherman Theatre is your place to think, feel and lose yourself in.
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+44 (0)29 2087 8889 | www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk THE NEW THEATRE is the oldest theatre in the city, opening in 1906. Since then the 1100 seat theatre has hosted a yearround programme of drama, musicals, ballet and a wide range of other events, often taking productions direct from the West End. The New Theatre is owned, funded and managed by Cardiff Council.
St David’s Hall +44 (0)29 2087 8444 | www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk ST DAVID’S HALL is the National Concert Hall and Conference Centre of Wales located on The Hayes in the heart Cardiff. Since opening in 1982, millions of concert-goers have visited to experience the auditorium’s awe-inspiring sound, which continues to host the world’s best orchestras. In October 2016, leading media website Business Insider UK ranked St David’s Hall ninth in the Top 10 world’s best sounding concert halls. With an overall capacity of 2,000, the venue hosts illustrious events such as the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, International Concert Series, Welsh Proms and British Academy Cymru Awards. Iconic Welsh artists like Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey enjoyed performing at the venue for several nights in the 80s, whilst Manic Street Preachers first honed their craft whilst busking outside the front entrance as teenagers.
A hugely diverse array of stars have graced its stage including Sir Anthony Hopkins, U2, Adele, Sir Elton John, Ray Davies, Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Joe Calzaghe, Brian Wilson and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
or more information go to F visitcardiff.com/culture
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Tours The best way to navigate the city is with our tour guides – whether that be an individual or group tour.
Tours of the Principality Stadium +44 (0)29 2082 2228 | www.principalitystadium.wales When the stadium isn’t hosting major sports matches or concerts you can take a tour of the 74,500 capacity stadium. Walk down the players’ tunnel, try out the Queen’s seat in the Royal box and discover how they removed the curse from the away-team changing rooms. The Principality Stadium also offers group tours where visitors have the chance to explore the features that make the Stadium one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales. Discounts are offered for groups of 20+ and coach drivers can visit free of charge with the group.
Guided Tours at Cardiff Castle +44 (0)29 2087 8100 | www.cardiffcastle.com Take a specialist tour of Cardiff Castle’s enchanting apartments which conceal elaborate and splendid interiors of unique architecture and magnificent décor designed for the 3rd Marquess of Bute by art-architect, William Burges. Working at the height of the Gothic Revival, Burges with a passion for the past and obsession with the medieval world created a Welsh Victorian Camelot with spectacular interiors, rich with murals, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. The tour which lasts approx. 50 mins takes in rooms such as The Winter Smoking Room, The Nursery and Lord Bute’s Bedroom – all created for the world’s richest man.
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Water Taxis to Cardiff Bay +44 (0)7445 440 874 | www.cardiffboat.com Why not travel to Cardiff Bay on one of the water taxis that shuttle back and for between Bute Park in the city centre and Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay? Cardiff Boat Tours offer a regular service on the fully equipped, covered vessel, the Princess Katharine, which has capacity for 90 passengers and is operated by highly qualified skippers. Dedicated to providing passengers with the best river experience possible, whether they are first time visitors to Cardiff or daily commuters. For further information either phone the boat direct: +44 (0)7500 556556 or contact the office on +44 (0)29 2034 5163. Or try Aquabus www.aquabus.co.uk with its specially designed features they welcome all users on board.They have full wheelchair, pushchair and bicycle access, easy step-on access for infirm and senior passengers.
Cardifferent Historic Pub Tour www.cardifferenttours.co.uk This historical walking, talking and drinking tour will take you on a journey celebrating the people of Wales and their stories within the setting of its capital city, Cardiff. With professional actors as guides you will be regaled with accounts of bygone times, engaging tales and colourful characters. Performance, dates and times may vary so check online for availability.
Griffin Guiding www.griffinguiding.co.uk Griffin Guiding provides a flexible approach to tour guide services for groups visiting Wales. Tours can be tailored to your needs, ensuring that you have a memorable time in Cardiff and Wales. One of the popular tours is an orientation tour of Cardiff & Cardiff Bay that takes in its historical landmarks and key sights, including Cardiff Castle, the magnificent buildings of the Civic Centre, and the Principality Stadium. The tour proceeds to Cardiff Bay, once the busiest coal exporting port in the world, now a clever mix of old and new buildings, such as the Millennium Centre and Pierhead Building, that has transformed the area into a vibrant waterfront development.
Loving Welsh Food www.lovingwelshfood.uk The Cardiff Tasting Tours run every Friday and Saturday 10:30 – 14:30. This walking and tasting tour consists of 6 tasting stops, including continental meats, cheeses, cockles, laverbread and Welsh drinks. Along the way we’ll pass beautiful parks, majestic buildings and key landmarks including Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium ‘the home of Welsh rugby’. Private tours and workshops can also be arranged - in French, Italian, Spanish, German as well as English and Welsh. Our Cardiff Food Safari is a popular choice for small groups (4-15). The safari includes 3 courses in 3 different venues in Cardiff and Cardiff Bay. There’s plenty of tasting and sitting down, a little walking and a leisurely waterbus journey along the river Taff to Cardiff Bay. Bespoke tours and workshops can also be organised to suit your group’s tastes and interests.
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As well as Llandaff Cathedral apparitions, Cardiff Castle’s supernatural incidents are; a mysterious maiden; a mischievous playful spirit; a cloaked male figure; the spectral coach and ghostly footsteps.
Gavin and Stacey Tours.
Griffin Guiding Tours.
Castell Coch.
Brit Movie Tours
Ghost Tours
www.britmovietours.com/bookings/doctor-who-tourof-locations
www.cardiffhistory.co.uk
Brit Movie Tours offer more than just sightseeing tours. Choose from three fun TV location tours which include The Gavin and Stacey Tour departing from Barry Island and Doctor Who Tours departing from Cardiff. Doctor Who Cardiff Locations Bus Tour, an intergalactic tour which departs from Cardiff city centre is ideal for fans of the famous Time Lord. You will get a chance to wander through Amy Pond’s village, New Earth, Clara Oswald’s house, as well as locations from more recent episodes with Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor. Dates: Saturday at 2pm (Feb – Dec). Private tours are also available.
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Take a Llandaff Ghost walk through Llandaff Cathedral and grounds. Cardiff’s Centenary Walk is a great way to explore the city centre on foot. Find out more about how Cardiff became the city it is today. The Centenary Walk takes in some of Cardiff’s most celebrated and historic landmarks, as well as some well-kept secrets. You can join it anywhere along the route, taking in as much – or as little – as you fancy.
Blue Badge Guides www.cardiffwalesguidedtours.com Croeso! Discover the people and places that make Wales special on a personalised guided tour that will give you a real ‘Sense of Place’. Cardiff Wales Guided Tours’ Blue Badge Guides look forward to introducing you to the real Wales and ensuring your experience is magical and memorable.
Castle Arcade part of the Morgan Quarter.
Shopping www.visitcardiff.com/shopping Cardiff has become top-of-the-shops in recent years, with a combination of designer brands, high street names, independent boutiques and antique markets. It’s unsurprising that it’s the sixth best shopping destination in the UK. Plenty of shopping can also be squeezed in between visits to the attractions. THE ST DAVID’S CENTRE has propelled Cardiff into a top shopping destination. Pedestrianised streets, undercover malls and a network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades ensure that it’s easy to get around the hundreds of brand name stores, designer boutiques, vintage and quirky gift shops - many of them with a Welsh flavour. Also, why not visit Spillers, the world’s oldest record store! St. David’s Centre offers the ultimate 21st century shopping experience and features the high streets most popular names across a spacious 1.4 million square feet, including Apple, Hollister and the biggest John Lewis outside London.
The centre also boasts a five floor flagship Primark, as well as Hugo Boss, Karen Millen and Kurt Geiger. THE MORGAN QUARTER is home to the Royal Arcade and Morgan Arcade, offering a unique shopping experience with a host of prestigious brands and a fascinating mix of independent retailers. McARTHUR GLEN DESIGNER OUTLET is located just outside Cardiff in Bridgend and is the largest designer outlet in Wales where you can find your favourite brands are up to 60% off, all year round. With cafes, restaurants, free parking and more than 90 brands there is something for everyone with a wide range of stores from iconic fashion brands to athletic labels and high street favourites. JACOBS MARKET is an Aladdin’s cave for items such as vintage clothing, furniture, records, army surplus and comics and a good spot to while away the hours in the heart of the city. #CardiffIs | @VisitCardiff | CARDIFF CAERDYDD
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Left, St David’s Centre 2; top, The Hayes and below High Street Arcade.
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Top, Morgan Arcade and below, trading since the 1700s Cardiff Indoor Market.
CARDIFF’S CENTRAL MARKET is a great place to get a taste of the city all under one roof. The impressive Victorian structure offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of a modern, bustling city and you’ll find a wealth of products ranging from fresh baked bread and Welsh cakes, flowers, records, sweets and hardware to fresh fish. Cardiff Market has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s. It has occupied the same site for over 100 years and although you will no longer find livestock tethered and penned outside its doors, some of the old features remain to this day.
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Welsh Banquets.
Eat and Drink Cardiff is a city that loves to entertain, so you’re guaranteed a great time with hundreds of places to eat and drink whether it be day or night.
Welsh Banquets at Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquets.
+44 (0)29 2087 8100 | www.cardiffcastle.com
Chapel 1877.
Join the Welsh Banquet for a relaxed and entertaining evening in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle. Dating from the 15th-Century, the Undercroft is one of the oldest parts of the Castle and here you can enjoy the best of Welsh food, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts, the Bute-iful Nights. Tours of the Castle Apartments are also offered before you are seated for the evening’s entertainment and banquet. Discounted rates are available for groups and travel trade.
Afternoon Tea and Talk at Mansion House Cardiff +44 (0)29 2087 1736 | www.mansionhousecardiff.co.uk Originally home to James Howell, founder of the famous department store in the city centre, Mansion House offers unrivalled opulence and sanctuary for events that are a little
Chapel 1877.
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Duchess of Dehli.
The Mansion House.
more special. Bespoke lectures and tours are available for gro ups and led by the curator and manager of Mansion House who can offer a wealth of knowledge about the venue. There is also the opportunity to take afternoon tea in the magnificent dining room.
Chapel 1877 www.chapel1877.com Chapel 1877 is one of the most vibrant restaurants in Cardiff on three floors of luxurious surroundings them,emns opn the renovated Chapel first constructed in 1877. The FrenchItalian Gothic themed creation was originally designed by the architect Henry C Harris, renowned for his incredible structures througout Cardiff and Wales in the late 1800’s.
Seafood Shack www.visitcardiff.com/eatdrink/seafood-shack The newest addition to the capital’s thriving culinary scene is this nautically-designed casual-dining restaurant, specialising in high-end dishes. The site incorporates a Victorian-style fish and chip bar with its own street entrance; a 150-capacity ‘shanty tavern’ which has perfected the balance between traditional and modern, and delivery function, serving an exciting menu
Cardiff Bay.
Seafood Shack.
primarily but not limited to seafood, teamed with a variety of cocktails, over 100 wines, 50 craft beers and champagnes, gins and classic whiskies. All of this is before we even get onto the full-service 200-seat restaurant; first floor’s astonishing 200-capacity champagne and oyster bar, and adjacent roof garden providing capacity for a further 40-50 people.
Duchess of Dehli www.visitcardiff.com/eatdrink/duchess-of-delhi South Asian Cuisine at its best amidst Cardiff Bay’s picturesque waters and popular tourist spots sits a beautiful grade 2 listed building overlooking the Millennium Centre. Formally occupied by a Sea Captain and eventually the Glamorgan Coal Company in 1893, this building has witnessed the area grow from a coal exportation site to an area known as ‘Tiger Bay’. It now tells a very different story, marking the Asian food industry as commonplace in Britain. Clockwise from top left: A warm welcome at Cardiff Castle; the Undercroft in Cardiff Castle; the grandeur of the Mansion House; the beach style Seafood Shack; the vibrant waterfront at Cardiff Bay; the grade 2 listed exterior of the Duchess of Dehli and the gothic beauty of the exterior and interior of Chapel 1877.
For more about bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs here visitcardiff.com/eatdrink
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You will be spoilt for choice with the sporting offerings across the city, from white water rafting to major sporting events held in the Principality Stadium, the second largest stadium in the world.
Cardiff International White Water.
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Sport White Water Rafting at Cardiff International White Water +44 (0)29 2082 9970 | www.ciww.com Located in the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay, this on demand white water facility offers a vast number of activities including White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Air Trail, which are suitable for all abilities. Also, the adrenaline-fuelled Indoor Wave machine gives visitors the chance to bodyboard in the city.
Boulders.
Principality Stadium +44 (0)29 2082 2228 | www.principalitystadium.wales A prestigious and iconic venue, the Principality Stadium, home of Welsh Rugby has an unrivalled major events heritage. From the 1999 Rugby World Cup, unforgettable Grand Slam victories, 2012 Olympic football games and most recently the UEFA Champions League Final, it continues to welcome the world’s most memorable events. Experience the Stadium under its world - famous retractable roof with tours operating daily from the WRU store on Westgate Street.
Boulders Climbing Centre +44 (0)29 2048 4880 | www.bouldersuk.com Boulders indoor climbing centre is a fantastic outing for the whole family that’s guaranteed to pack your day with adrenaline and adventure! The Centre is just 5-minutes from Cardiff’s city centre, with easy access to the M4 motorway, free parking and bike racks. With climbing walls that reach between 4 to 12 metres in height, Boulders is designed to cater for the most intrepid explorer, through to the more sedate traveller.
Principality Stadium.
Pedal Power.
Pedal Power +44 (0)29 2039 0713 | www.cardiffpedalpower.org Pedal Power is a unique cycling charity which aims to help everyone, regardless of ability, enjoy the benefits of getting on a bike. They have a wide variety of adult and children’s bikes available for hire at their headquarters at Pontcanna (located on the Caravan Site not far from the Swalec Cricket Stadium), where there is also a friendly on-site café offering homemade cakes and snacks. Pedal Power also has bikes for hire at their site at the Bay and here you can enjoy the added fun of pedal cars and gokarts, making your Bay visit even more memorable.
Ice Arena Wales +44 (0)29 2078 9630 | www.icearenawales.co.uk/ group-booking
Ice Arena Wales.
Ice Arena Wales is situated in Olympian Drive in Cardiff Bay and offers special discounted rates for groups of 15+ on all of their sessions. If you wish to book an organised group visit they request that you aim to book at least one week in advance.
For sporting activities in Cardiff and the area: www.visitcardiff.com surrounding
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Events Cardiff is a compact city and has a reputation for undertaking large scale, one-off events: host city to Rugby World Cup 2015; the Roald Dahl City of the Unexpected celebrations in 2016; and most recently the UEFA Champions League Final in 2017. In 2018, Cardiff will host a stopover in the 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. www.volvooceanracecardiff.com
Six Nations, Principality Stadium (Feb-Mar Annual) www.principalitystadium.wales The Wales rugby team take on England and Ireland, or France, Scotland and Italy at home every spring, as one of the teams that compete for the title of Six Nations Champions and a possible Grand Slam. The atmosphere is like no other!
Artes Mundi Prize and Exhibition (Biennial) www.artesmundi.org The international contemporary arts prize, Artes Mundi, takes place in Cardiff’s National Museum every two years. Eight artists from across the world compete for the £40,000 grand prize. The competition and prize identifies and supports contemporary visual artists whose work engages with social reality, real life experience and the human condition.
Six Nations, Principality Stadium.
Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival (July Annual) www.visitcardiff.com/events The foodie event of the summer takes place in Cardiff Bay with a glorious spread of farmhouse cheeses, handmade chocolates, specialist liqueurs and much more to tempt the tastebuds. With over 100 specialist food and drink producers and a beautiful waterfront venue, it’s the perfect occasion to sit back, relax and enjoy the free entertainment.
The Royal Horticultural Show (13-15 April 2018) www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-cardiff The Royal Horticultural Show will return to Cardiff in April in the grounds of Bute Park and is a must for all gardening lovers.
Festival of Voice (7-17 June 2018) www.festivalofvoice.wales The Wales Millennium Centre’s Festival of Voice was created to celebrate Wales’ timeless connection with song and the positive effects singing together can have on peoples’ wellbeing, whether participating or listening and observing. Rooted in the unique locations and community of our capital, it is the city’s first biennial international arts festival. Artists from as far away as the United States, South Africa, Mongolia, the Republic of Congo and Georgia will be invited to join some of the UK’s most distinctive singers. Splicing up genres and opening up new collaborations, performances reflected the great versatility of the voice – from opera to jazz, hiphop to French chanson, visual experimentalism to choral singing.
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Festival of Voice.
Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival.
Volvo Ocean Race.
The Royal Horticultural Show.
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Volvo Ocean Race (27 May - 10 June 2018) www.volvooceanracecardiff.com Cardiff will host a stopover in the 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2018 – a move that will see the world’s premier round-the-world sailing race visit Wales for the first time ever and mark its return to the United Kingdom for the first time in over a decade.
FIM Speedway Grand Prix, Principality Stadium (Summer Annual) www.speedwaygp.com The FIM Speedway Grand Prix is the biggest motorsport event of the year and is right up there with the biggest events on the British motorsport calendar. Fans flock to the Welsh capital to see the best speedway riders in the world go full throttle on their 500cc bikes with no brakes or gears, travelling at speeds over 120kph on their quest for vital championship points.
National Eisteddfod 2018 (3-11 August 2018) www.eisteddfod.wales/2018-eisteddfod The most important eisteddfod is the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the largest festival of competitive music and poetry in Europe. Its eight days of competitions and performances, entirely in the Welsh language. Volvo Ocean Race.
National Eisteddfod.
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Cardiff Harbour Festival, Extreme Sailing.
Winter Wonderland, Civic Centre.
Winter Wonderland, Civic Centre (Nov-Jan Annual) www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com Cardiff’s City Hall Lawn is transformed into a winter wonderland every November, complete with an outdoor ice rink and Christmas fair. The ice rink, which has been named as the best regional outdoor rink in the UK, stays open until late every evening. Further entertainment includes live music, ice sculpting displays, visits from Santa, fairground rides and street entertainment.
Cardiff Harbour Festival hosts Extreme Sailing Series, Cardiff Bay (August Annual) www.extremesailingseries.com Using the circuit’s action packed ‘stadium sailing’ format, the Extreme Sailing Series can be viewed from all around the waterfront and the public Race Village. Spectators can enjoy intense competition, as international, elite-level sailing teams battle it out in the Bay, as well as shore-side entertainment for the whole family, bars, food stalls and more.
For major events in Cardiff and the area: www.visitcardiff.com surrounding
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Cardiff Bay What a difference a Bay makes The old Cardiff docklands have been redeveloped to create Cardiff Bay, home to a large freshwater lake for sailing and watersports; the stylish five star St David’s Hotel and Spa; Mermaid Quay – a restaurant hotspot offering everything from Italian to Turkish cuisine; and the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. A hundred years ago, the docklands were the hub of the world’s coal industry, transporting millions of tonnes of coal across the globe. The docks were left to decay after the decline of the coal industry, but have now been reborn into a popular tourist attraction.
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Clockwise from left: Dining al fresco in Mermaid Quay. The Norwegian Church. Cardiff International White Water. An aerial view of Cardiff. Techniquest. Y Senedd.
Mermaid Quay
Craft in the Bay
+44 (0)29 2048 0077 | www.mermaidquay.co.uk
+44 (0)29 2048 4611 | www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
Cuisine from all around the world is waiting to be savoured at the dozens of restaurants, bars and cafés in Mermaid Quay, along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. You’ll also find the popular comedy venue, the Glee Club, and boutique shops.
Discover a showcase of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, metal work and bespoke furniture exclusively made in Wales by members of The Makers Guild in Wales. Come and visit the light and spacious gallery in the heart of the cultural Cardiff Bay. You can browse and buy individually selected, quality craft work at your leisure, meet the maker members and relax in the fabulous café. You can also explore exhibitions of contemporary craft and applied art and take part in weekend hands-on workshops.
Norwegian Church +44 (0)29 2087 7959 | www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com The Norwegian church was first established in Cardiff Bay to serve the large community of Norwegian sailors working in the docks. Its main claim to fame is as the church where author Roald Dahl was christened – today, however, it houses an art gallery and café.
Y Senedd/ Pierhead Building +44 (0)300 200 6565 | www.assembly.wales The Welsh Assembly Government’s debating chamber, Y Senedd, was opened by the Queen in March 2006. Visitors can explore the building, enjoy coffee and Welsh cakes in the café, or watch Assembly debates from the public viewing gallery. Next door to the Senedd is the historic Pierhead Building, which features an interactive exhibition on the role of the National Assembly. Group visits are welcome.
Cardiff Bay Barrage +44 (0)29 2087 7900 | www.cardiffharbour.com Perfect for a relaxing stroll, the Barrage is situated in a stunning maritime setting and offers spectacular views over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary. Thanks to its flat gradient and lack of steps, it’s accessible for all visitors. Attractions include a children’s play area, Skate Plaza, outdoor gym, free exhibitions and the Enormous Crocodile bench.
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The Red Dragon Centre +44 (0)29 2025 6261 | www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk The Red Dragon Centre is the city’s ultimate entertainment destination, boasting everything you need to eat, drink and play under one roof. Inside you’ll find a 12 screen cinema, which boasts the only digital IMAX in South Wales, a 26-lane bowling alley, casino, and hit music station Capital FM. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés to suit all tastes.
Cardiff Bay Trail Wrap up warm and enjoy the sea air by walking or cycling along the Bay Trail. The full route is just over 6.2 miles, with art and heritage exhibitions along the way, as well as a variety of cafés and ice cream parlours to keep you going.
Techniquest +44 (0)29 2047 5475 | www.techniquest.org If you’re looking to entertain the kids then look no further than this interactive science centre. Don’t forget that once you’ve got your Techniquest wristband, you’re free to come and go throughout the day – and with all the sights and sounds of Cardiff Bay right on the doorstep, why not turn your visit into a whole day out?
Cardiff International White Water
Flat Holm Island
+44 (0)29 2082 9970 | www.ciww.com
+44 (0)29 2087 7912 | www.cardiffharbour.com/flatholm
If you’re searching for water-based adventures then you’re guaranteed to find them at this exciting, on demand white water facility. Get the biggest thrill from Family Rafting, where you can descend the rapids or try out Indoor Wave, Canoeing, Hotdogging and lots more! Activity prices start from as little as £10. Or for those who prefer to stay dry, Air Trail is a must. Get harnessed up and cross the high ropes towering above the white water course, tackling the Burma Bridge, Monkey Swing, Barrel Crawl and Zip Wire obstacles along the way.
Get away from it all by taking a boat trip to a remote, picturesque island, just five miles off the coast of Cardiff. Enjoy a guided tour, explore the array of wildlife and learn about its fascinating history. Then pop into the cosy Gull and Leek pub and gift shop before you sail home.
To find out more about Cardiff Bay, please www.visitcardiffbay.info see #CardiffIs | @VisitCardiff | CARDIFF CAERDYDD
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Accommodation Cardiff offers a wide range of accommodation to cater for all needs including luxury hotels, cosy B&Bs and guest houses for smaller groups, serviced and self catering accommodation and hostels. Many of these offer group rates and cater for the travel trade market. Cardiff is also proud to have an Hoteliers’ Association within which there are 35 hotel members. The Cardiff Convention Bureau is a free one-stop shop here to support groups looking for accommodation and venues in Cardiff. If you’d like to speak to someone about organising a conference in Cardiff, give our dedicated team a call on +44 (0)29 2087 1846 or email hello@meetincardiff.com.
Hotel
Star Rating
No of Rooms
St David’s Hotel & Spa
5★
142
Hilton Hotel
5★
197
The Vale Resort & Spa
4★
143
Mercure Holland House Hotel
4★
165
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
4★
184
Radisson Blu
4★
215
The Angel Hotel
4★
102
Copthorne Hotel Cardiff
4★
135
Jury’s Inn
4★
142
Novotel Hotel
4★
138
Park Plaza
4★
129
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
4★
216
Holiday Inn North M4 J32
4★
95
Hotel Indigo
4★
122
The Exchange Hotel
4★
240
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
3★
146
The New House Country Hotel
3★
37
Village Urban Resort Cardiff
3★
118
Future Inn Cardiff
3★
197
Holiday Inn City Centre
3★
157
Jolyons at No.10
3★
21
Jolyons Boutique Hotel, Cardiff Bay
3★
7
Sleeperz
3★
74
Sandringham Hotel
2★
28
The Big Sleep
Budget
81
Express by Holiday Inn (Cardiff Bay)
Budget
87
Ibis Hotel Cardiff City
Budget
102
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Airport
Budget
111
Ibis Budget
Budget
157
A Space in the City
Service Apartment
130
Cardiff University
Campus
5542
Cardiff Metropolitan
Campus
1,000
Cardiff Metropolitan (Private Halls)
Off Campus
921
University of South Wales (Cardiff)
Campus
947
University Accommodation (available outside of term time only)
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Cardiff has a comprehensive selection of hotels and accommodation from luxury hotels to budget hostels.
Summary of Serviced Accommodation in Cardiff
Grading
Serviced Accommodation
Establishments
Rooms
Bed spaces
5*
2
339
4*
10
1,401
3*
8
771
2*
1
B&Bs/ Guest Houses
46
Listed
3
BUDGET
14
28 322 371 1,258
UNGRADED Hotels
11
756
Ungraded B&Bs
28
204
Hostel
TOTAL SERVICED
Campus
Campsites
TOTAL INC CAMPUS
6 129 3
535 spaces
5,450 5,100
1 133
694
83 spaces
10,550
In terms of the larger South East Wales region (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, RCT, Torfaen, VOG) a ballpark figure supplied by Visit Wales is approx 23,000 bed spaces in 580 Serviced Accommodation establishments (Source: Cardiff Council Tourism).
For more information and a full list of accommodation www.visitcardiff.com/wheretostay visit #CardiffIs | @VisitCardiff | CARDIFF CAERDYDD
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Itinerary
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Come and explore the magnificent facets and features that make the Principality Stadium one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales. Join one of our experienced tour guides and visit the Press Conference Suite where the worlds of rugby and journalism meet. Experience the build up before the match in the Dragon’s Lair, Wales’s team dressing room. Hear the roar of 74,500 fans as you walk down the players’ tunnel towards the hallowed turf. Learn about the only palletised pitch system and fully retractable roof in the UK, which allows the entire playing surface to be removed to create one of the world’s largest indoor arenas. Take in the view of the pitch from a VIP hospitality suite, and finally lift the trophy to the skies like a sporting superstar in the President’s Box, an area normally reserved for royalty. From the Principality Stadium, take a short walk to Cardiff Castle where you can explore Cardiff and go back to its very roots. Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history and originally the site of a Roman fortress, the grounds are today dominated by the dramatic Norman Keep. The guided tour will unveil the lavish Gothic-Revival interiors of the Castle Apartments created for the Third Marquess of Bute by eccentric architect William Burges in the 19th century. After a visit to Cardiff Castle, take the leisurely journey from Bute Park in the city centre to Cardiff Bay on the Princess Katharine, a fully equipped, purpose built, covered vessel with a capacity for 90 passengers and operated by highly qualified skippers. Once docked in Mermaid Quay, make the short walk towards Cardiff Bay Barrage and take a break, enjoy a coffee, a bite to eat, or afternoon tea at the Norwegian Church, an iconic building at the waters’ edge, former place of worship for Norwegian sailors and the church where Roald Dahl was christened. Conclude your day with a visit to the Wales Millennium Centre where you can enjoy West End hit musicals, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop and stand up comedy shows.
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Begin you day with a visit and tour of the beautiful Llandaff Cathedral which is set apart from the bustle of the city of Cardiff, nestling in a hollow in a secluded site beside the River Taff. The Cathedral lies in the ancient “City of Llandaff” much of which is now a conservation area. From Llandaff Cathedral travel a short distance to your next destination St Fagans National Museum of History. Within one hundred acres of attractive countryside, a magical place has been created. Authentic dwellings from different periods in Wales’ history have converged to form the enchanting St Fagans National Museum of History. Situated 4 miles west of Cardiff (free coach parking) visitors are welcome to explore all the buildings from the 2,000 yearold Celtic village to an impressive Elizabethan mansion house. Seize the opportunity to see a potter, weaver, woodturner, baker, tanner and many more authentic craftspeople at work. Then to finish off the day, visit the Royal Mint which is just 20 minutes from Cardiff. Here you can gain unprecedented access to The Royal Mint to discover the people and events behind the coins in your pocket, and hear some surprising stories from their history. www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience
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Visit the National Museum Cardiff, built of elegant Portland stone in the heart of Cardiff’s Civic Centre, and meander through some stunning exhibitions, including the Evolution of Wales, a dazzling journey through the last 4,600 million years, using robotics and audio-visual effects and especially the priceless collection of Impressionists and postImpressionist paintings – the largest outside Paris. A stay in Cardiff is never complete without experiencing its shopping delights. From modern, glossy shopping malls to Victorian or Edwardian Arcades as well as all the high street and top brand names, situated within 20 minutes walking distance or 5 minutes drive, the visitor will definitely be tempted to go home with a lighter purse. After a spot of shopping visit the tea room within St John the Baptist City Parish Church where you can enjoy a selection of refreshments including home made cakes and sandwiches. The church is the second oldest city centre building in use, located next to the city’s covered market. Situated next to the church is the beautiful and historic Old Library building which is home to the museum for Cardiff, The Cardiff Story. The Cardiff Story is a fun, free, family day out and a fantastic learning and community resource. It is a great point for any visit to Cardiff, providing an introduction to the city’s history and pointing visitors to places where they can find out more. It tells the tale of how Cardiff was transformed from the small market town of the 1300s, to one of the world’s biggest ports in the 1900s, to the cool, cosmopolitan capital we know today. Bring your 3 day visit of Cardiff to a close with an evening of good food and entertainment at the Welsh Banquets at Cardiff Castle. The banquet is a relaxed and entertaining evening in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle. Dating from the 15th Century, the Undercroft is one of the oldest parts of the Castle and here you can enjoy the best of Welsh food, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts, the Bute-iful Nights. Dressed in traditional Welsh costume, your hosts will serve Welsh mead and your three course dinner whilst entertaining you with a selection of English and Welsh songs. It is the perfect setting for a memorable night out.
If you’re looking to explore what is available outside of Cardiff then start the day off with a short drive to Dyffryn Gardens www.visitcardiff.com/seedo/dyffryn-gardens. Now in the care of the National Trust, the magnificent Edwardian gardens flow from grand vistas to intimate spaces overlooked by a large mansion. The gardens cover more than 55 acres with intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and an extensive arboretum Finally, travel up to the historic mining town of Blaenavon where you can explore the World Heritage Site, packed full of attractions, activities, history, heritage, arts and a spectacular landscape. Located at the gateway to the South Wales Valleys, the attractions in the World Heritage Site tell the story of an area which was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Start your journey at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre to find out why the area was the perfect location for the Iron industry to thrive. Within the town you can also visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum, the Blaenavon Ironworks and the Blaenavon Heritage Railway.
For more information, visit www.visitcardiff.com/travel-trade #CardiffIs | @VisitCardiff | CARDIFF CAERDYDD
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Tourist Information Centres Call into the Cardiff’s Tourist Information Centres, one in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay and the other in Yr Hen Lyfrgell in Cardiff city centre for local information. There are free Cardiff Visitor maps and leaflets to take away with you and you can also find out what is going on in Cardiff by looking at Visit Cardiff using our iPads and large accessible touch screen. Visitors can also buy the Cardiff Visitor Card which features discounts at a variety of shops, attractions and restaurants and costs just £4 and is valid for a whole month. Opening times at the Centre at Yr Hen Lyfrgell are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10am to 4pm and at the Wales Millennium Centre are Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm (7.30pm if there is a show on at the Centre) and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Save with Cardiff Visitor Card We all love a money saving deal – and you’ll find plenty of offers with Cardiff’s Visitor Card which you can buy in bulk for your group. The card costs just £4 and offers a wide range of discounts around the capital city of Cardiff. Visitor Cards can be used for a month from the date of validation, giving plenty of time to take advantage of the range of offers available. The cards can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centres in the Wales Millennium Centre and in Yr Hen Lyfrgell in the Hayes, Cardiff Bay, Holiday Inn Express, Cardiff Castle, NosDa Studio Hostel, Novotel and through the websites Visit Britain www.visitbritainshop.com/world/cardiff-visitor-card and Visit Cardiff www.visitcardiff.com/card
Notes Visit Cardiff is the Tourism and Destination Management Organisation representing tourism product in Cardiff and the surrounding area, promoting the city to Travel Trade and Group Travel organisers.
Our friendly, multilingual and knowledgeable team will provide you with personal information and insider tips about the city to help you make the most of your time in Cardiff.
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F or more info contact Victoria Beesley, Visit Cardiff on +44(0)29 2078 8578 or email Vikki.Beesley@cardiff.gov.uk
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A Castle, a Cruise and a Cream Tea - What’s not to like? An all-inclusive bookable group product for Cardiff will be launched at World Travel Market which brings together the best elements of any day out in the city. This group package combines a visit to Cardiff Castle, a river cruise along the River Taff and an indulgent cream tea at the iconic Norwegian Church with spectacular views over Cardiff Bay. The package is competitively priced at £30 per person. The starting point is Cardiff Castle, one of the most important historic houses in the UK and set within magnificent grounds. With a long history stretching back to the Roman invasion, the site you see today is at once a reconstructed Roman fort, an impressive Norman castle and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace, created for one of the world’s richest men. Take time to explore the site at your own pace or up-grade to a guided tour with a Castle expert. A short walk through Bute Park brings you to the pick-up point for your river tour to Cardiff Bay on board the Princess Katherine. This covered vessel has a recorded commentary which gives a fascinating insight into the historic buildings en-route, abundant wildlife, the barrage and the transformation of Cardiff Bay from one of world’s most important 19th century ports to a bustling re-vitalised waterfront. Take time to explore the iconic buildings and attractions in Cardiff Bay, from the magnificent Wales Millennium Centre to the Pier Head and the Senedd – home to the Welsh Assembly. Make your way to The Norwegian Church for a delicious Cream Tea including scones with jam and cream, tea or coffee. Formerly a church for Norwegian Sailors, with close connections to the world famous author Roald Dahl, enjoy the panoramic views across the Bay from this superb location. The following itinerary is recommended although timings are flexible and weather dependent. Coach parking is available in the city centre with easy coach pick-up points in Cardiff Bay. 10am – 12noon: Cardiff Castle 12.30pm: Board the Princess Katherine at Bute Park Water Taxi Stop 1.00pm: Arrive Cardiff Bay 3.00pm: Cream Tea at The Norwegian Church To book this package call Cardiff Castle on +44 (0) 29 2087 8100.
ENDS:
For further information or images: Jones, Venues Marketing Manager + 44 (0)29 2087 3004 Helen
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Be part of the action at Cardiff International White Water! An exciting, on demand white water facility, Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is situated only a few miles from the vibrant city centre. Since opening seven years ago, the venue has hosted ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup events and been hailed as ‘Best Visitor Experience’ at the Visit Wales Awards. For the majority of visitors though, its main draw is the range of exhilarating activities that it offers for adventure-seekers of all ages and abilities. With up to six people in a raft, one of the most sociable sports is White Water Rafting (from £40-£55). Suitable for complete beginners, as well as seasoned white water enthusiasts, the two hour coached sessions provide adrenaline-fuelled fun from start to finish. Each raft holds up to six people, making hitting the rapids perfect for groups. Another must for watersport fans is Indoor Wave using the world renowned Flowrider® machine. This invigorating activity offers the thrills and spills of bodyboarding with the convenience of being indoors in a city location. Prices start from only £22.50. If water doesn’t float your boat, the aerial attraction Air Trail, which costs £10 a session, is bound to appeal. Get harnessed up, then cross the high ropes steel and timber terrain above the white water course, tackling zip wires and obstacles along the way. You can also pop into the café bar to unwind and enjoy a drink and bite to eat on the balcony, while you watch others take on the challenge of the white water. The centre is open all year round, and all kit and training is provided. Age restrictions and terms and conditions apply.
ENDS:
To find out more or make a booking, contact the CIWW team on +44 (0)29 2082 9970, www.ciww.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. visit
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The Welsh Banquet at Cardiff Castle wins Prestigious Award for a third consecutive year The Welsh Banquet at Cardiff Castle has been rated ‘Best overall dinner and entertainment attraction ’ in the UK for the third consecutive year by Irish coach tour operator, CIE Tours International, based on customer satisfaction scores by the 14,000 visitors CIE brought to the UK in 2016. Hosted in the stone-vaulted, atmospheric 15th century Undercroft, the Welsh Banquet has been the keystone of Cardiff Castle’s group offer for many years. The banquet promises an unforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality in historic surroundings with the best of Welsh food, music and entertainment. Throughout the night, the hosts dressed in full Welsh national costume, enthral the guests with a selection of traditional and contemporary songs, in both English and Welsh. A three course meal with wine is served interspersed with plenty of audience participation. Elizabeth Crabill, Managing Director of CIE Tours International commented: “We need to work hard to encourage our main market, US travellers, to holiday outside of the US, so the quality of the experience in the UK has to be consistently high. The level of customer satisfaction achieved by our suppliers plays a vital role in our current business growth.” Cardiff Castle’s Commercial Manager, Ruth Nicholls, said, “We are delighted that the unique experience our Welsh Banquets offers is appreciated and enjoyed by so many of our visitors. This is a huge honour and we will continue to ensure our high standards are maintained in providing a truly unforgettable night for everyone.” For more information and to make a booking call: +44 (0)29 2087 8100
ENDS:
For further information or images: Helen Jones, Marketing Manager +44 (0)29 2087 3004 | www.cardiffcastle.com Venues
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Make your day with a trip to the Bay The spectacular waterfront of Cardiff Bay offers an exciting blend of breathtaking views, historic landmarks and entertainment venues, nestled alongside vibrant bars and shops. Whether you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy a scenic stroll, or soak up the atmosphere of the Bay’s unique cultural scene and lively nightlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Many visitors come to walk or cycle along the Barrage, which boasts panoramic sea vistas, free exhibitions, a play area, the Enormous Crocodile bench and lots more. You can continue your picturesque promenade by walking the length of the Bay Trail, which extends from Cardiff Bay around to Penarth Marina via the Pont Y Werin Bridge. Or why not get closer to the water and tour the Bay in style on a fun-filled boat ride? For world class entertainment, look no further than the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff’s iconic performing arts and cultural venue, where you can take in a top show with family and friends. For laid-back cafés and pubs, stylish bars, a superb selection of restaurants and boutique shops in a beautiful waterfront location, Mermaid Quay is the place to be. You can find even more great places to eat and drink, as well as a cinema, bowling complex and casino all under one roof at The Red Dragon Centre. The area is also home to Cardiff International White Water and Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, which offer a vast range of thrilling watersports to keep adrenaline junkies happy. An ideal destination for visiting groups, Cardiff Bay really does provide something for everyone, and a lot more besides. So, make sure you head down to the Bay today!
ENDS:
For more information, go to www.visitcardiffbay.info, www.twitter.com/ and www.facebook.com/Cardiff-Bay-Official-175050992619725 VisitCardiffBay
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Cardiff welcomes Hotel Indigo to the city Visitors to Cardiff are now able to enjoy a new, unique hotel experience as Hotel Indigo opens its doors within the heart of the Welsh capital. The boutique hotel, managed by Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH) – the UK’s leading independent hotel management company – brings 122 beautifully decorated bedrooms to Cardiff celebrating the history of the city. Each of the guest rooms are designed to highlight three recurring themes - made in Wales, Welsh industries and music – highlighting the heritage synonymous with the local area and beyond. Those staying at the hotel can also enjoy all of those at-home luxuries they’re accustomed to, including free Wi-Fi throughout. Foodie lovers can also rejoice, with acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White’s famous Steakhouse Bar & Grill on the roof of the development, further increasing Cardiff’s claim to being one of the UK’s best food destinations outside of London. Located within close proximity of Cardiff’s business district and with easy access to major attractions such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium, both adventurous guests wishing to explore the city or those who prefer to relax in the boutique surroundings of the hotel are well catered for. A small fitness centre is also available for those wishing to keep fit during their stay. Hotel Indigo Cardiff’s General Manager, Tom Gaskell, said: “Cardiff has become one of the UK’s top destinations for tourists and visitors due to its excellent leisure and sporting attractions and we are extremely proud to welcome guests to Hotel Indigo Cardiff. “Not only will Hotel Indigo Cardiff provide travellers with a luxury experience, and cater for the needs of those seeking to experience the city’s fantastic sights, shopping and nightlife – having Marco Pierre White’s prestigious Steakhouse Bar & Grill within the property will create a real buzz within the heart of the capital.” NOTES TO EDITORS About RBH - Redefine|BDL Hotels (“RBH”), the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, manages a diverse collection of over 75 branded and private label hotel properties. Working in partnership with five of the most prestigious international hotel brands, including IHG, Hilton, Accor, Marriott and Wyndham, RBH is a driving force in the hospitality industry. The company offers a wealth of hotel management expertise and currently has an annual turnover under management in excess of £350m. The RBH expert team of over 140 hotel specialists operate from offices in London and Glasgow. The portfolio unites over 11,000 rooms across the managed and leased hotels.
further information www.redefinebdl.com For
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ABOUT MARCO PIERRE WHITE RESTAURANTS Marco Pierre White is an active shareholder and investor in Black and White Hospitality (BWH). The company owns the franchise rights to five Marco Pierre White restaurant brands: Wheeler’s of St. James’s, Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Mr. White’s English Chophouse, Marco’s New York Italian and Bardolino Pizzeria, Bellini & Espresso Bar. Black and White Hospitality works alongside hotel owners to provide a branded, profitable F&B solution to their hotel business. BWH currently has 35 restaurants across the UK and Northern Ireland. All five restaurant brands boast menus of timeless classics with a twist, created by one of the UK’s greatest living chefs. Guests can expect sumptuous, relaxed surroundings and a range of menu options that offer something for every palate and budget. Marco calls it “affordable glamour”; a consistently high quality dining experience that is also comfortable and entertaining.
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For media enquiries please contact Beattie Communications: John Scott – +44 (0)1698 787844 – john.scott@onlybeattie.com Smith – +44 (0)1698 787868 – maria.smith@onlybeattie.com Maria
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St David’s Hall Tues 19 – Sun 31 December 2017 2pm, 5.30pm & 7pm (Excluding 25 & 26 December) What better way is there to get in the Christmas spirit than to enjoy a world class ballet with your loved ones at St David’s Hall? We’ve got the festive season all wrapped up with three enchanting productions from the prestigious Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia. Our captivating series starts in style with Cinderella (Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 December). The world’s favourite rags to riches fairytale is a mesmerising mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes. Will Cinderella’s dreams come true? Then get ready to be swept off to a mysterious place where nothing is quite as it seems in The Nutcracker (Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 December). Watch with astonishment as toys spring to life, and the treacherous Mouse King battles the handsome Nutcracker Prince. The series climaxes with the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake (Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 December), which features Tchaikovsky’s haunting score. From the majesty of the palace ballroom to moonlit lakes, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. And for the first time ever at St David’s Hall, this year’s ballet season features a sprinkling of special effects with an atmospheric and ever-changing digital backdrop to make everything even more magical!
CINDERELLA Tuesday 19 December, 7pm Wednesday 20 December, 2pm Wednesday 20 December, 5.30pm Sunday 24 December, 2pm SWAN LAKE Wednesday 27 December, 2pm & 7pm Thursday 28 December, 2pm & 7pm Friday 29 December, 2pm & 7pm Saturday 30 December, 2pm & 5.30pm Sunday 31 December, 2pm
Continued overleaf ▲ ▲ ▲
THE NUTCRACKER Thursday 21 December, 2pm & 7pm Friday 22 December, 2pm & 5.30pm Saturday 23 December, 2pm & 5.30pm
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TICKETS 2pm Matinee (under 16)
Tiers 9, 13 Tiers 10 & 12 (rear) Tiers 10 & 12 (front), Tier 11 (rear) Stalls, Tiers 1, 2, 8, 11 Platinum ticket Tier 1 Plus an optional £1 postage fee.
£16.50 £8.25 £24.50 £12.25 £31.50 £15.75 £37 £18.50 £45
5.30pm & 7pm Evening Child (under 16)
Tiers 9, 13 Tiers 10 & 12 (rear) Tiers 10 & 12 (front), Tier 11 (rear) Stalls, Tiers 1, 2, 8, 11 Platinum ticket Tier 1 Plus an optional £1 postage fee.
Matinee Child (2 adults and 2 children under 16)
Evening Adult (2 adults and 2 children under 16)
£18.50 £9.25 £27.50 £13.75 £33.50 £16.75 £39.50 £19.75 £47.50
Family tickets
£46.50 £70.50 £88.50 £105.50
Family tickets
£52.50 £78 £94.50 £111
Discounts (not available on Platinum tickets) Students, over 60s, unemployed, claimants, disabled people plus one companion, Friends of St David’s Hall; £2 off each ticket, offer excludes 22, 29 Dec at 2pm. Wheelchair users plus one companion: seats at lowest price. Limited number of tickets available on Hynt. Platinum Ticket Platinum package includes a best available seat in Tier 1, a complimentary programme and an ice cream. Early Bird Offer £5 off each full-price adult ticket (except Platinum) if booked by 30 September. Friends of St David’s Hall Special Early Bird Offer £6 off each full-price adult ticket (except Platinum) if booked by 30 September (£2 off after this date). Not available online. Please contact Box Office on 029 2087 8444. Multi-Ballet Saver Book for any 2 ballets at the same time and save 20% or Book for 3 ballets at the same time and save 25% on full-price adult tickets only (offer excludes over 60s / children / students / claimants / family / Platinum / Early Bird tickets). Group Discount 20% off for groups of 10+ and a free ticket for group organiser (excludes Platinum tickets).
To book you seats, please visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on +44 (0)29 2087 8444. ENDS.
Press Enquiries: Neil Collins, Press & Marketing | St David’s Hall (0)29 2087 8542 | neil.collins2@cardiff.gov.uk | www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk +44
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The new Exchange Hotel opens in Cardiff Bay A 200 bed upmarket boutique hotel has opened its doors to guests, located in the Coal Exchange – one of Cardiff’s finest historic and most important commercial buildings in Wales. Built between 1883 and 1886, the Coal Exchange was where coal owners, ship owners and their agents met daily on the floor of the trading hall during the 19th century coal boom. It is claimed that the first £1 million business deal was made at the Coal Exchange in 1903. In recent years, the building had fallen into disrepair, with its structures suffering from severe neglect and decay. Having acquired the building, Signature Living invested circa £40 million to create a magnificent hotel, whilst retaining all the historical architectural features that make it so unique.
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For further information, please contact +44 (0)29 2010 7050
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CARDIFF’S A TO Z... Iechyd da Cheers
A Arcades – Victorian, Edwardian & modern shopping arcades B Brains Beer and Bale (Gareth) & Bassey (Shirley) – Cardiff natives! C Cardiff Castle & Cardiff Bay D Dewi Sant/St David’s Shopping Centre E Extreme Sailing Series F Film location for Doctor Who & Casualty G Blue Badge Guided Tours are available H High growth capital – Cardiff is the UK’s fastest growing core city I International Sports Village
R Roald Dahl was born on 13 September 1916, in Llandaff, Cardiff S Spillers Records – the oldest record store in the world T Techniquest Science Discovery Centre
J Jacobs Market – a Cardiff gem! K King James I granted a Royal Charter to Cardiff in 1608 L Llandaff Cathedral – dating back to 1107 M Museums: National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National History Museum, The Cardiff Story Museum N Norwegian Church O Opera – Welsh National Opera that is! P Parks – Cardiff has more green open spaces than any other UK core city Q Quirky Quarters – we have Café, Brewery and Fashion quarters
U Universities – Cardiff is home to 75,000 students! V Volvo Ocean Race – Cardiff will host a stopover in the 13th edition of this race in 2018 W Warm Welsh Welcome X Xiamen in China has been twinned with Cardiff since 1983, Cardiff being the first UK city to undertake such a partnership Y Young at Heart – Cardiff has been entitled ‘UK: Best City to be Young’! Z The Zoological collection at The National Museum Wales ranges from tiny insects to the skeleton of a Humpback whale!
Talkin’Tidy! As you travel around Cardiff, you will often hear Welsh spoken and see Welsh signs everywhere. Here are some basic Welsh words that you may like to use. Don’t be scared, it’ll be fun to test out on the locals!
Welsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Croeso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diolch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iechyd Da! . . . . . . . . . . . . Hwyl Fawr . . . . . . . . . . . . Bore Da . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prynhawn Da . . . . . . . . . . Nos Da . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caerdydd . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Pronunciation . . . . . . . . . . English Kroyso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcome Deeolk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thank You Yekeed dah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheers! Hoil Vaawr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good Bye Borer-Dah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good Morning Prin-hown Dah . . . . . . . . . . . Good Afternoon Noss Dah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good Night Kair-deethe . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cardiff
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Shw mae? How are you?
Bore Da Good Morning
TOP10 Attractions you can’t miss out on in the city! 1. Cardiff Castle 2. National Museum Cardiff 3. Principality Stadium 4. Wales Millennium Centre (locals call it WMC) 5. Techniquest Science Discovery Centre 6. Cardiff Story Museum 7. Cardiff International White Water Centre & Indoor Surfing 8. St Fagans National History Museum 9. Shopping in Cardiff’s many Arcades & Centres 10. Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Bay Barrage www.visitcardiff.com/seedo
SOPHIA GARDENS COACH PARK
COACH PARKING COACH PICK-UP / DROP-OFF POINT
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Coach Parking There are coach drop-off and pick-up points near most of the main attractions, with longer-term parking available close to the city centre. There are three areas in the city centre where coaches can park:
Cardiff Bay, North Road and Sophia Gardens. Sophia Gardens has a dedicated off-street coach park close to the city centre with 24 hour CCTV available. The Councilmanaged coach park also has toilet facilities and is long-stay 7 days a week. Please note that from 1st August 2015 the number of coach parking bays is limited to 4.​
Tour Guides Make sure that you get the most out of your visit to Cardiff by hiring the services of a tour guide. Members of the Wales Official Tour Guide Association are the only guides officially recognised to be able to guide in Wales. They can provide highly trained , professional and experienced Blue Badge Guides, who will help bring your journey to life.
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