Christened after the 3rd Marquess of Bute, this gorgeous public park blankets the heart of Cardiff City in lush greenery. Straddling the unperturbed waters of River Taff, the green oasis offers a unique assemblage of features that manifest in the park's arboretum and flower gardens. Across the park's grounds is the famous Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the exuberant Sophia Gardens, and the influential Welsh Institute of Sport. The park's serene meadows have been annually hosting the widely-followed Royal Horticultural Society Show since the year 2005.
Nestled next to the Bristol Channel, the St Donats Castle is a domineering landmark. This medieval castle has made the otherwise quaint Saint Donats village quite popular. Built in the 12th Century, the ownership of this castle has passed through several hands, but originally it belonged to the de Hawey family. The castle is open to visitors only once in a year and the opulent decor, huge dungeons and other antique stuff is certainly worth the wait. Ghost stories and tales about witches and sightings of executed pirates lend a mystic feel to this castle. Currently, it is home to the St Donat's Arts Centre and Atlantic College. For interesting insights, tales of the past and a vivid description of St Donats Castle, tourists can avail guided tours that are generally conducted in the month of August.
This legendary 11th-century castle sits in the heart of Cardiff, engulfed by the blissful meadows of Bute Park. Interspersed with elements of Gothic revival and Victorian architecture, this impressive Welsh landmark is steeped in nearly 2000 years of history. Exuding immense gravitas still, the Cardiff Castle was initially a Norman-era motte-and-bailey castle that transformed into a stone-built entity in the 12th Century, most likely at the behest of the 1st Earl of Gloucester. Its time-honored walls have been testament to years of conflict, but conceal within grandiose alterations that the third Marquess of Bute brought about, with help from renowned architect William Burges.
A soulful window into Cardiif's beguiling countryside, the 'Red Castle' is a rustic castle which watches over the rural terrains of Tongwynlais. Built on the foundation of a 13th-century castle, it was always intended more as a realization of a romantic fantasy, than as a practical residence. Accentuated by the verdant woodland around, this 19th-century marvel is awash in Victorian Gothic Revival style, while also drawing inspiration from French architectural influences. Boasting a tapestry of ceilings, furnishings and interiors in general exuding generous proportions of opulence, Castell Coch is a site which feeds the medieval Victorian dreams and fantasies of many. The sturdy castle is further ornamented with three picturesque towers, a courtyard and a string of embrasures, whereas an arsenal of marvelously done-up rooms denote a sense of architectural extravaganza used for its interiors. Reflecting a history caught in the whirlwind of time, Castell Coch truly embodies an amalgamation of architectural splendor and the long-standing legacy of the Welsh.
Spanning the Avon Gorge, arching above the waters of the mighty river, the Clifton Suspension Bridge has come to be a spectacular symbol of the city. Designed by John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow and completed in 1864, this bridge is set against a backdrop of splendid cliffs, making it a picture-perfect icon of both romanticism and engineering finesse. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a marvelous feat of engineering indeed, with its structural and strategic layout, as well as the grandiose design of the towers that uphold it. This magnificent bridge not only affords views of the gorge, but also way across Clifton. Nearby, the Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre extensively chronicles the bridge's history and struggles. Open through the day, the bridge is especially striking when it is set alight against the ink-black sky at night.
Built by Brunel and launched from this Great Western Dock site in 1843, the SS Great Britain was one of the largest ships to be built of iron and powered by steam. You can tour the meticulously restored ship and visit attractions such as the Dockyard Museum and Brunel Institute among others.
The more adventurous among you might like to take a day trip at the Steep Holm Nature Reserve. Steep Holm is a small island which lies 8 kilometers (5 miles) offshore from Weston-super-Mare, and enjoys spectacular views in all directions. It is only recommended for people who are reasonably active however; there is a zigzag climb to the island's plateau, some 76 meters (250 feet) above sea level. Apart from rare plants and vegetation, there are colonies of seabirds and even a small herd of Muntjac deer that graze the island. A medieval priory was established here in the 12th century and the island was fortified in Victorian times with the barracks now used as a Visitor's Center. Sailings are determined by the tide but are made on most Saturdays throughout the year. There are also Wednesday sailings from June to August.
The South Wales canal system was once used to transport coal and iron from the Welsh valleys to the docks at Cardiff and Newport. No longer used for industrial purposes, it provides a relaxing setting for a lazy day afloat. Red Line Boats offer a variety of boats for day hire as well as longer breaks. Their largest boats can accommodate 12 people. Full instructions are given and the boats are easy enough for children to manage, so you don't need to be an expert.
The cute little launch called Daffodil ferries around the Cardiff Bay, and functions as a popular tourist attraction, offering some of the best views in the city. The little boat has the capacity of about 12 people; aboard this boat, there are tailored tours as per the visitor's wishes. Whether you seek to explore Cardiff's scenery or have a look at it's skyline or plenty of wildlife that is the city's treasure, The Open Boat is sure to give you an insight like no other. Manned by professionals who know the city like the back of their hands, The Open Boat cruises last for just 20 minutes but they're quite the memorable 20 minutes.
Associated with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Challenge Wales is a training center dedicated to encourage the Welsh youth for sailing activities. Offering training programs and workshops for people between ages 12 and 25 years, Challenge Wales is named for the vessel of the same name which has successfully completed the World Challenge, a race that requires the participant vessels to go around the world, not once but twice! Apart from training, Challenge Wales also hosts various business and private events such as anniversary celebrations, hen/stag parties and corporate trainings; check the website for more details.
Mad Dog Brewing Co Ltd started out as a small brewery in the kitchen of Alexis Jones and today, with their specialty brews, are in high demand all over the city. Their 5 core beers combine flavors that are unique with full notes and are brewed using the finest ingredients. The Bohemian Hipster is a deep pale ale and one of the favorites. All of their brews are available either by the bottle, keg or cask at very reasonable rates.
Fancy a drive in the country? Cwmcarn Forest Drive offers a seven-mile route through some beautiful scenery across South Wales. With a total of seven spectacular viewpoints, marked walking routes, permanent picnic and barbecue facilities and an adventure playground, there is enough to keep the whole family happy. The visitor center includes a gift shop and tea shop. Enjoy the walk long the trail, a fishing lake and a single-track mountain bike trail.