Cardiff Museum
Until now there has been no single site where the story of Cardiff is told. To put that right Cardiff Council is creating a city museum - The Cardiff Story - which will be developed with the people of Cardiff.
The Museum will be in the historic Old Library in the city centre and be rich in stories, objects, photographs and film, telling the history of Cardiff through the eyes of those who created the city – its people.
Visit the Museum web pages to find out more about what’s being planned and how you can get involved. You can also find out more about our programme of free exhibitions and activities.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is located in the heart of the city and enjoys a history spanning nearly 2000 years.
The highlight at the castle is a guided tour of the spectacular castle apartments. They were created in the 19th century by eccentric architect William Burges for the very rich Third Marquess of Bute. Designed as a medieval fairytale home, the rooms are filled with ornate fireplaces, gilded ceilings, intricate stained glass and carved and painted animals throughout.
Your visit to Cardiff Castle includes:
- Interpretation Centre with exhibition and state-of-the-art film presentation
- Audio guide to explore the castle grounds and Norman Keep
- Magnificent walkways around the Castle battlements
- Visit a selection of spectacular castle rooms at your own pace
- Wartime tunnels, used as air raid shelters in WW11
- Exhibition, Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier
- Café and terrace with panoramic views
- Gift shops offering exquisite Welsh crafts and gifts
You may also choose to upgrade to a Premium Tour to see more of the wonderful castle interiors with an expert guide (further charge applies).
For a fun night out join us for a Welsh banquet with food, wine and entertainment in the 15th century Undercroft
Guided tours and banquets available all year. Admission charged.
For a detailed history of the Castle and information on what it offers visitors, please the Cardiff Castle website
Forest Fawr (and Castell Coch)
Forest Fawr is ancient woodland designated as ‘open access’ land owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. Its mixed plantation is being progressively cleared to return it to broadleaved woodland. Spectacular wildflower carpets of bluebells, and wood anemone, with wild garlic characteristic of ancient woodlands can be seen in April/May.
Forest Fawr is linked to Castell Coch by public rights of way. Castell Coch is an enchanting fairytale castle in a woodland setting. It is a listed building, owned by CADW with admission charges. Visit website here
Cardiff Market
It’s well worth making your way through the crowds of shoppers to find out what Cardiff Market has to offer at this time of year.
Within this food-lovers paradise you’ll be sure to find something delicious to take your fancy whether you have a passion for pastrami or a penchant for pork pies!
You will find stalls laden with seasonal vegetables - both a tasty and cheap way to fill up and stay healthy.
The market’s range and quality of meat and poultry is second to none. So make sure you pay a visit to one of the butchers’ stalls to sample the fresh goods they have on offer all year round.
Of course it’s not just food glorious food at the city’s central market, you will also find a wide variety of household goods, jewellery, gift ideas for all age groups and even a selection of pets!
And if you need a pick-me-up while poring over the many stalls why not treat yourself to a warm Welsh cake, a portion of fresh cockles or a pasty straight from the oven?
Make sure you don't miss a unique shopping opportunity!
http://www.cardiff-market.co.uk
St Fagans National History Museum
A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction.
Open to the public since 1 November 1948, the museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.
http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans