Le ravissant Bute Park offre un monde de verdure pastorale dans le centre de la ville de Cardiff. Enjambant le fleuve Taff, ce parc offre une grande sélection d’attractions : un arboretum, des jardins de fleurs, des terrains de recréations et même des sculptures. Situé dans le parc est Glamorgan County Cricket Club, les Jardins Sophia, le Welsh Institute of Sport et une école d’équitation. Le parc est just’à côté d’une faculté de musique et de théâtre alors écoutez-bien : vous pourrez peut-être entendre le bruit distant d’un violon ou d’une flute. Ce parc attire des grandes foules les weekends et est aussi un lieu de promenade pour les travailleurs prenant une pause pendant la semaine.
Blaenavon Pwll Mawr, ou plus simplement le Musée national du charbon de Big Pit, est l'un des rares endroits permettant de découvrir la vie d'un mineur de charbon. Ancienne mine de charbon en exploitation, aujourd'hui un musée, une visite guidée fascinante vous emmène à 90 mètres (300 pieds) sous la surface jusqu'aux travaux miniers. À la surface, vous trouverez une exposition sur les constructions de mines de charbon ainsi qu'une boutique de souvenirs et une cafétéria. Il est fortement conseillé de vous munir de vêtements chauds et de chaussures adaptées, et la visite sous-terraine n'est pas autorisée pour les enfants de moins de cinq ans. Téléphonez pour connaître les heures d'ouverture en hiver.
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.
Le Wales Millenium Centre est renommé pour être un des meilleurs sites pour les arts du spectacle. Il présente des opéras, des ballets, des danses contemporains et les meilleures comédies musicales internationales. Le Théâtre Donald Gordon accueille 1.900 places et le Studio theatre peut acommoder jusqu’à 250 personnes. Le centre héberge aussi sept troupes de théâtre : Urrd Gobaith Cymru, Diversions Dance Company of Wales, Ty Cerdd, Hijinx Theatre, Academi, Touch Trust et le Welsh National Opera. Vous pouvez aussi trouver ici une grande sélection de boutiques et restaurants.
Le St. Fagans National History Museum est un musée en plein air avec un château et un champ de bataille de la Guerre Civil. Les visiteurs viennent surtout pour admirer les bâtiments surplace : des merveilles architecturales qui représentent les splendeurs du Pays de Galle. Explorer une église médiévale, des chaumières de mineurs et le House of the Future—un bâtiment à faible consommation d’énergie. Avec cette grande variété d’attractions, vous pouvez explorer la vie Galloise à travers les siècles.
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 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.
Royal York Crescent is the longest terrace found in Europe. Located on the hillside, it can be seen from below the gorge and the harbor. It was built between 1791 and 1818 and seems stretched out in to the Clifton sky. The balconies are made of wrought iron and face the sun. The door of each home is open to the raised street. The basement and vaults are located below the street level. A majestic sight for those who love old buildings and architecture.
For a blockbuster fix while on holiday, book a seat at Blaenavon Theatre. With an exciting schedule of new releases, great sound and tech systems and menu of must-have refreshments, this is the place to go for fun time in the city. For tickets and more, call ahead.