Cardiff Wales

Cardiff

The Romans settled in Cardiff in 55AD and built a military fort on the site of Cardiff Castle Cardiff became a city in 1905 and was crowned the capital of Wales in 1955. In the 1900s Cardiff’s docks were the largest exporter of coal in the world and Cardiff’s coal exchange set the world price for coal The world’s first £1million cheque was signed in Cardiff’s coal exchange. Cardiff played an important role in the industrial revolution – Trethivick launched the first steam engine to run successfully on rails in 1804 in the Cardiff area.

Cardiff has a population of 328,000 and attracts more than 11 million visitors a year
The Frommer’s Guide ranks Cardiff as one of the 13 must see global destinations for 2008. Cardiff was recently described as the "epitome of cool" by renowned travel guide, Lonely Planet. Cardiff University is now ranked as a top 100 world University

Shopping:
Top 5 UK shopping destination when the £750million St David’s 2 shopping centre

Conference:
Cardiff is a top 10 UK conference destination

Attractions
The £1.8 billion Bay development of Cardiff - Europe's largest waterfront regeneration project, and the £102m development of the new Wales Millennium Centre, have helped launch Cardiff into the top five most favored travel and business destinations in the UK.
In the heart of the capital city is Cardiff Castle, a truly remarkable site with a history that spans over 2000 years. Roman soldiers slept here, noble knights held court here, and The Bute family, with extraordinary wealth and vision, transformed the Castle into a romantic Victorian fantasy. 'Eccentric genius' architect William Burges was given free rein to create the lavish and opulent interiors; each breathtaking room rich with murals, stained glass, gilding and superb craftsmanship.
The world famous BBC Dr Who is filmed and produced in Cardiff

Cardiff Sport Clubs, Venues

Millennium Stadium –One of the most famous sporting landmarks in Wales and home to the Welsh National Football and Rugby teams. Stages other major sporting events. The Millennium Stadium has been voted one of the seven sporting wonders of the world according to Barclays Spaces For Sports

Cardiff Rugby Club (Cardiff Blues) - Now sharing the new Cardiff City stadium at Leckwith moors.

Cardiff City FC - Currently in the Championship League (formerly Division 1), season runs from late August to May. With the hopes of Premier status, they have now moved into a new stadium on the old Leckwith moors.

Glamorgan Cricket Club - Season runs from April to September. Most home matches are played at Sophia Gardens, just outside the city centre, though some matches are played at Swansea and North Wales.

Cardiff Art

National Museum Wales

The National Museum Cardiff is unique amongst British museums and galleries in its range of arts and science displays. The elegant Art Galleries house dazzling works of art by some of the worlds most famous artists and includes one of the best collections of French Impressionists in Europe. In the Evolution of Wales gallery, discover 4600 million years of history with everyday objects, jewellery and artefacts.

St Fagans: National History Museum

St Fagans: National History Museum opened on the 7th July 1948. Since then, it has established itself as one of Europe´s foremost open-air museums, becoming Wales´ most popular heritage attraction. The Museum shows how the people of Wales lived, worked and spent their leisure time over the last five hundred years; and over the past fifty years it has inspired generations of visitors with an appreciation of Welsh history and tradition.

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Accommodation, activities, attractions and tourist advice for Cardiff