Despite being designated capital of Wales in 1955, it took some considerable time for Cardiff to grow into its status as the largest and most prestigious city in the country.
Once an industrial and commercial hub, particularly for the Welsh ‘black gold’ of coal which was shipped around the world from its Tiger Bay port, Cardiff had fallen into a period of steady decline. It took four decades to pass before massive regeneration began to turn what had been, in my opinion, a pretty unspectacular small city with limited ambition into the Cardiff I know and love today: a buzzing, cosmopolitan capital with incredible international appeal.
Seeing the city change was wonderful: I had grown up on its outskirts, and visited regularly, but had come to feel that I was outgrowing its slight selection of attractions. There were only so many times I could visit its castle, or walk its single pedestrianized shopping street. Yet the 1990s marked the beginning of a new stage for the city, with huge investment in its infrastructure and facilities which continues to this day – and now visitors will be spoiled for choice with things to see and do.
Cardiff Bay
In ten years the docks, port and bay area has changed dramatically – what was once a dirty and derelict swathe of coastline has been transformed into a world class district of high end accommodation, entertainment venues, malls and tourist attractions. The luxury five star St. David’s Hotel and Spa is the centrepiece, perched over the waters of the Bay, while around it are the shops, restaurants and bars of Mermaid Quay, the Red Dragon Centre with yet more eateries and a huge cinema complex, along with some glorious buildings from the port’s past, such as the Coal Exchange and the Pierhead Building.
Image Courtesy: flickr.com/BenSalter
Millennium Stadium
Home to Wales’ national rugby and football teams, and a major venue for tournaments, concerts and special events, the Millennium Stadium is an iconic location in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup, its all-weather sliding roof and special atmosphere has seen it go on to become a top draw for major rock and pop performers, and during the rebuilding of London’s Wembley Stadium, it hosted many of English football’s prestigious matches, including the FA Cup. Its four white spires dominate Cardiff’s skyline and can be seen from any location across the city.
Image Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org/M4ttred1
BBC Roath Lock
As well as growing up loving Cardiff I grew up loving TV shows such as Doctor Who – the BBC’s long-running and world-famous science fiction show featuring the eponymous Time Lord – so was thrilled when both came together at the newly-built Roath Lock Studios in the Bay. The studio is part of BBC Wales’ drama village, and production on Doctor Who – along with its spin-off Torchwood, and the much-loved hospital drama Casualty – was moved there in the Noughties, to make use of the studio’s exceptional facilities and the beautiful scenery Wales and its capital has to offer.
Image Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org/ChrisSampson
Wales Millennium Centre
For lovers of the arts, the Wales Millennium Centre is the place to go. The premier destination for ballet, theatre, opera, exhibitions, literature and more, it sits in the bay next to the open air amphitheatre of Roald Dahl Plass. Some love its gargantuan, quirky ‘Armadillo’ façade of slate, glass and copper – punctuated by huge letters from a poem – while others think it an eyesore. It certainly gets people talking though!
Image Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org/plumandjello
Shopping
Shopaholics will be in heaven in Cardiff. That single, pedestrianized shopping avenue of Queen Street still exists, but around it now are an array of monolithic malls, sprawling complexes and winding Victorian arcades. From luxury designer goods in the glitzy Saint David’s 2 centre to handcrafted Welsh ‘love spoons’ at the quirky Castle Welsh Crafts shop, Cardiff has everything.
Image Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org/SethWhales
Food, Drink and Nightlife
Renowned for its vibrant ‘night-time economy’, the Welsh capital is alive most nights of the week. Restaurants and eateries pepper the main roads and side streets, with everything from global fast food joints to gourmet international cuisine and the famed ‘curry and chips’ in lively Caroline Street. Bars and traditional pubs line the main entertainment hotspot of Saint Mary’s Street, while nightclubs are in abundance and stay open well into the early hours.
Image Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org/Andrew*Evans
I would highly recommend Cardiff to anyone considering a long weekend away. It has an excellent transport infrastructure, including its international airport just 20 minutes away, regular train services to London and all other regions of the UK, as well as plentiful bus, taxi and chauffeur services to suit any traveller’s needs.
