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.
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.
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.
Located to the north east of the city, this huge park is Roath's focal point. At one end of the Roath Park is an immense boating lake with islands and a floodlit lighthouse, a tribute to Captain Scott who departed for Antarctica from Cardiff. Walking on, you'll come to a garden with scores of different varieties of roses, a tropical conservatory with the most amazing colored fish and plants, children's play areas, tennis courts, a bowling green and a large recreation ground. The summer months often see special events and guided walks taking place.
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.
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.
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.
Like a defiant rock piercing the surface of glassy waters, the island of Flat Holm stands eight kilometers (five miles) off the Cardiff or Barry coast. Dating as far back as the medieval and Anglo-Saxon ages, this picturesque island is a massive treasure of nature and geology interspersed with an indelible history. It is a small piece of land with an amazing claim to fame as the destination for Marconi's first radio message sent over water. The island, now a picturesque nature reserve with war fortifications and a lighthouse, welcomes day trippers and many a nature aficionado. Having undergone a restoration during the Victorian eon, the marvellous Flat Holm island now boasts a treasury of seabirds crooning into the depths of pristine grasslands, a giant repository of wildlife, as well as military remnants like canons, barracks and bunkers. Accentuated by sparkling blue waters of the sea, Flat Holm Island is home to many landmarks like the picture-perfect Flat Holm Lighthouse, a country farm house and the pristine Foghorn Building. A magnificent nexus of historical wonders as well as cultural nuances, this splendid island is where beauty is revitalized, time itself freezes.
Come out of Newport bus station into the busy shopping area of John Frost Square and you will find this modern building housing the town library and museum. The museum contains many items of interest, including natural history, local history from the Romans to the Chartist uprising and beyond, a weather center and a wildlife display. The separate art gallery has an extensive program of exhibitions which are updated regularly, featuring local artists. There is also a museum shop stocked with local publications, cards and souvenirs, and a tourist information center. Admission is free.
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.
Blaenavon Pwll Mawr, or the Big Pit National Coal Museum, is one of the few places where you can experience life as a coal miner. Once a working colliery, this museum offers fascinating guided tours across the massive expanse of the mine and chronicles the workings as witnessed here. In the colliery buildings, one can find numerous interesting exhibitions that offer theoretical insight into its history. The on-site gift shop and cafeteria are worthy pit stops, offering delectable snacks and unmissable souvenirs.