One of Britain's top entertainment venues, this impressive, modern concert hall is home to the National Orchestra of Wales. Musicians, artists and orchestras from around the world queue up to perform here because of its excellent acoustics. St David's Hall stages the very popular Cardiff Singer of the World competition, the Welsh Proms, performances by the National Orchestra of Wales and a diverse range of other classical concerts, shows and solo performances. Temporary art exhibitions on all levels are free of charge and change on a regular basis.
Rossiters is one of the hidden gems located along the Royal Arcade in Cardiff. This department store was first established in Bath, and has since added this location as well. But this isn't just any department store, the articles you will find here are of a rather vintage make mixed with contemporary functionality. One can find everything from cute toiletries, to travel bags, classic jewelry, gift items, furniture, kitchenware and more in this spacious store. The prices might be high, but they are well worth the quality and novelty.
The New Theatre is home of the Welsh National Opera; but if Madame Butterfly isn't your thing, there is plenty more on offer like drama productions, musicals and ballet which regularly grace the stage of New Theatre. The regal auditorium, with its burgundy tassels and gilded frames, creates a suitably impressive interior, and the recently refurbished bars add to the theater's elegant style. The main crowd-puller is undoubtedly the Christmas pantomime and this ever more popular seasonal trend seems set to continue providing good, old-fashioned fun for many years to come.
Wales' premier museum is an impressive, white stone building housing a number of separate exhibition rooms and art galleries. The central exhibition is the multimedia Evolution of Wales, which documents the history of Wales. The galleries include works by some of the world's most famous impressionist painters, as well as displays by Welsh artists. There are sections on natural history, Celtic art and archaeology, while the Clore Discovery Centre offers activities, talks and a hands-on exhibition for all ages.
Formally known as the Cardiff International Arena, this is a thoroughly modern venue in the heart of the city center. The arena is huge enough for the largest exhibitions and pop concerts. Performances range from children's shows and ice spectaculars to renowned bands and soloists in concert. Shirley Bassey has performed here and so have the Tele-tubbies. Exhibitions include jobs fairs, craft shows and technology shows. Tickets for exhibitions can be bought at the door. Tickets for major concerts and events need to be booked well in advance.
The Chapter Arts Centre brings the best of the arts and contemporary culture in Wales to a captive audience. The center organizes regular exhibitions, workshops and dance and drama productions. The two in-house cinemas have disabled facilities, including full wheelchair access and headsets for the hearing impaired. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. Its cafe is a great place for a snack and a coffee.
The Red Dragon Centre is a modern, multi-purpose center housing UCI Cinema, Evolution, bars and restaurants, all set within the quirky surroundings of a glass-walled building with a nautical theme. The restaurants cater for most tastes, with a mix of Italian, American and bistro-style bars and you can generally drop in without booking. The variety of entertainment on offer makes the site equally popular with both families who come for the bowling and youngsters out clubbing till the wee hours of the morning. Opening hours of individual venues vary, as do the credit cards accepted.
The enormous parkland of Lllandaff Fields is one of Cardiff’s favorite family destinations, with something to do for everyone. The never-ending avenues of towering trees and vast green open spaces ensure that this picturesque park is loved by all. For the sports enthusiast, the park has provided a number of different sport pitches, tennis courts and even a few changing rooms. Joggers, cyclists and dog walkers can delight in the smooth winding path while children have the luxury to let loose in the expertly-supervised playgrounds. Surrounding sandwich shops, delis and cafes provide delicious cuisine allowing for a special picnic in the park.
Anyone who thinks science is boring should pay a visit to Techniquest to be proved wrong. This hands-on, interactive science center is a major source of fascination for children and adults alike. There are many exhibits to play with, including giant puzzles, computers and a mirror maze. Moreover, the center has a planetarium, science theater, cyber-library, a discovery room for young children, a shop and cafe too. A program of events and talks covers subjects as diverse as forensic science and music.
Located in the western suburb of Canton, Victoria Park is truly a paradise for your little ones and you too. There are well maintained grassy play areas, a shallow paddling pool, refreshment kiosk, basketball and tennis courts and bowling green and pavilion. They also host summer fetes and other such events during the summer season. Its colorful flower borders and numerous amenities are sure to captivate you to have a great time.
Heath Park covers several acres of ground close to the university hospital in Cardiff. Primarily aimed at families, there's plenty for children to do, from traditional play areas to a wildlife pond to miniature golf. Walkers can enjoy a pleasant stroll through the woodland on the outskirts of the park while local residents make good use of the open grassland as a place to walk their dogs. A small sports centre offers a multi-gym and sports hall with changing rooms, and a shop sells a range of ice creams, drinks and snacks. The park is open throughout the year.
This open-air museum take visitors through centuries of Welsh history and culture from the Celtic age to the modern day. The museum brings together a cross section of Welsh architecture from around the country that have been recreated on the Fagan Castle grounds. Originally called the Welsh Folk Museum, the museum has evolved since its opening in 1948. From Welsh rural life to life experience by the upper classes, the historic buildings include rural farm houses, medieval courts, mills, schools, smithies, chapels, and castles. The museum is a hive of activity, and traditional crafts including clog making and weaving. Festivals and music events held regularly keep Welsh tradition alive and celebrate the richness of the local culture. The beautiful location and old-school ambiance has led to the museum being featured in popular TV series like Dr. Who and Poldark.