2025 Castle Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#cardifftrip Cardiff Castle is a remarkable historical site that offers a fascinating journey through over 2,000 years of history. Located in the heart of Cardiff, the castle features a striking Norman keep, elegant Victorian apartments, and remnants of a Roman fort. The richly decorated interiors, designed by architect William Burges, are a true highlight, showcasing intricate carvings, murals, and stained glass. The castle grounds provide a serene space to explore, while the wartime shelters offer a glimpse into its role during World War II. Informative exhibits and guided tours enhance the experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, Cardiff Castle’s architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-see destination.

Hey guys, today I'm sharing my one-day itinerary in Cardiff 😆 🎈Here's my route: Starting from the train station, my first stop was the Millennium Stadium, then I headed to the castle, exited from the side of Bute Park, went to the City Hall, and then to the free National Museum. After that, I walked south to the city center, where there's a large shopping mall called Queens Arcade, with all the major brands. My friends in Exeter would be envious! Then I continued south through the mall and found a large 5-story second-hand building called P4, which has comic books and all sorts of interesting things to explore. Finally, I went to the seaside, where Cardiff Boat Tours offers stunning views. Overall, Cardiff is a big city with lots of people, beautiful attractions, and a relaxing seaside. 🍜 As for food, I visited two Chinese restaurants recommended by local friends. One is called Little Restaurant, which serves generous portions of noodles and rice. The other is Happy Gathering, which offers amazing dim sum. It opens at 12 pm and is always crowded, with a lively atmosphere. 🏨 For accommodation, I stayed for one night at the Angel Hotel opposite the castle. The facilities were quite complete, and the experience was good.

#uktrip Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a dynamic city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and modern developments. Cardiff Castle stands as a historic landmark, while Cardiff Bay offers a scenic waterfront with dining, entertainment, and the iconic Wales Millennium Centre. The city is a sports hub, home to the Principality Stadium, hosting rugby and football events. Bute Park provides green space in the heart of the city, and the bustling shopping districts add to its appeal. With a strong Welsh identity, friendly locals, and a mix of old and new, Cardiff is a must-visit destination in Wales.

#RegisterJanuaryHotelTestSleeper2025#NewYearGoodDestination2025 #trip #Relax #GlobalTravel #FoodTour 🏞Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is the seventh largest city in the UK and one of the ten "core cities" in the UK. The road signs are written in Welsh and English, reflecting the strong national pride of the Welsh people. 🏞Cardiff has very convenient transportation and is close to other cities in England, reaching various places in 50 minutes (Bristol) and 2 hours (London). Houses are cheaper, but you get all the trappings of capital city living (National Theatre, Millennium Stadium, Parliament etc). 🏞Places such as Cardiff Market and Wells Bar highlight Cardiff's very active regional business network. 🏞Cardiff tour can start from the Cardiff Castle🏰 in the city center, all the way south, there is the World Heritage Centennial Wall, a large area of ​​city parks, walk into the Anchar arcade street, the core shopping area of ​​Cardiff city, stroll in the shopping street that combines history and daily life, and don't forget to pair it with Wales Cake, the traditional Cardiff delicacy. 🏞Pass by the famous landmarks Cardiff Central Library, Wales Millennium Centre🏟, Welsh Parliament🏢, Norwegian Church⛪️, and stroll all the way to Cardiff Bay🏞. In addition to enjoying the beautiful sunset, you can also enjoy dinner on the river bank.

#roadtrips Just wrapped up an unforgettable road trip through Wales, and it exceeded every expectation! We started in Cardiff, exploring the iconic Cardiff Castle (entrance around £14), before hitting the open roads to discover the country’s incredible scenery. Driving through the Brecon Beacons was a highlight—rugged hills, hidden waterfalls, and sheep everywhere you look! Snowdonia National Park was the next stop. We didn’t have time to hike Snowdon, but the drive alone offered jaw-dropping views. We took a detour to Conwy, a charming town with a medieval castle (entry was about £11). The historic vibe combined with the seaside setting made it magical. What really stood out about Wales was the peacefulness of the countryside. Every stop felt like a hidden gem, from quiet coastal towns to majestic mountains. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or just soaking up natural beauty, Wales has it all. I can’t wait to go back and explore even more! #WalesRoadTrip #SnowdoniaAdventures #CardiffCastle #BreconBeacons #ConwyCastle #DiscoverWales

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a lively city packed with cool vibes and rich history. Check out Cardiff Castle for a taste of the past and catch a game at the iconic Principality Stadium. Head to Cardiff Bay for fun waterfront dining and artsy spots like the Wales Millennium Centre, where you can catch a show. The city's food scene is diverse, from classic Welsh dishes to global eats. With plenty of parks for hangouts and events year-round, Cardiff has a friendly, youthful spirit that makes it an exciting place to explore and experience. #100WaysOfTravel #wales #cardiff

Discover Cardiff, UK, where history meets modern vibrancy. Explore Cardiff Castle's medieval wonders, stroll through the lively streets of the city center, and visit the stunning Cardiff Bay. Enjoy the green spaces of Bute Park, shop in Victorian arcades, and experience the dynamic cultural scene. Cardiff offers a perfect mix of heritage and contemporary charm for a memorable day. #uk #cardiff #100waysoftravel

Cardiff market is an iconic landmark in the city center that feels like a time portal to a bygone era. The indoor market was opened in 1891 and has kept most of its original features, it has two main entrances and it’s a hub of activity. The market has everything you could need from jewellers and cobblers to butchers and grocers. There are great hot food options with Mexican, Indian, Thai and even freshly made Welsh cakes. The upstairs offers great views over the market and most of the food stalls have seating around the balconies It’s a great place to have a snack and get some groceries while taking in the historical vibes 📍Address: Cardiff Center 💞Reasons to Recommend: A trip back in time! 🕰️Business Hours: Monday - Saturday 8AM - 5PM (Closed Sunday) #markets #100waysoftravel #localguides #cardiff #wales

The National Museum of Wales is a fantastic free day out for the whole family, located in the heart of Cardiff’s civic center. The museum is housed in a stunning building and houses both a natural history museum, art gallery and dedicated sections about the history of wales itself. The museum is famous for it’s large collection of dinosaur bones and life size models, I remember going so many times as a child - so it’s amazing to be able to come back and visit again. The natural history galleries are on the lower floors with the art galleries on the higher floors and through the extensions added to the back of the building. There is a nice cafe and gift shop in the main atrium where you can sit back and take in the stunning building around you. The museum is free so It does get busy, I would advise going early in the day to make sure you have enough time to take in everything you want to see. 🕰️Business Hours: 10AM - 5PM (closed Mondays except bank holidays) 📍Address: Central Cardiff Civic Center 💰Average Price per Person: free entry! (£6.50 for parking if needed) #100WaysOfTravel #museums #historicallandmarks #cardiff #wales #history

Attraction: National Museum Cardiff Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP Direction: Get off at Cathays station. If you are in city center, you can simply walk Entrance Fee: Free Summer is not only about heading to the beach, if you want to escape from the summer sun, museums are one of the best place to visit. National Museum Cardiff is one of the most interesting museum you can visit. This is a museum full of different things to see, from contemporary art to dinosaurs! This is a museum suitable for all ages. No wonder you are adult or young kid, you will definitely learn something new! #timetotravel #museum #cardiff

UK is huge but getting around is not too difficult thanks to its good public transport available. The ride from London to Cardiff is around 3.5 hours, so you can definitely do a weekend trip or even a day trip! Getting There : National Express, Flix Bus, Mega bus Attractions - Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, National Museum Accommodation: Hilton, Mrs.Pott Food & Restaurants - Many to choose from! Shopping - Cardiff City center, many malls and shops to shop! Cardiff is a peaceful place, you definitely will enjoy your time here. #londontrip

Name: Mrs. Pott Hostel Location: 109 St. Mary Street, Cardiff, UK This is one of the very few hostels in Cardiff, it very affordable with less than £20 a night for a dorm bed. Free hot drinks are available self serviced. The location of this place is perfect, only 6 mins walk from Cardiff Castle. Shopping mall and all restaurants are just around! The bed comes with curtains so privacy is ensured. Washroom and shower is also very clean. Unfortunately Wifi isn’t easily connected in rooms. If you are a backpacker, I definitely recommend this place to stay. Rating: 8/10 #freehotelstay #cardiff

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, a coastal city, very comfortable. We arrived in Cardiff by train from Gloucester the night before, found a hotel to stay in that night, and started our one-day tour of Cardiff the next day. It doesn't get dark until 7 or 8 o'clock after British Summer Time, so the time for sightseeing is greatly extended. In the morning we went to Cardiff market and bought some Welsh biscuits. We bought two of each flavour, including coconut jam, chocolate, traditional and lemon flavours. Ten pieces cost 4.5 pounds. They tasted sweet and very good. Then we walked to Cardiff Castle, took some photos there, and took a walk inside. It felt so magnificent. Then walk to the Cardiff Museum, which houses Monet's water lilies and is also a great place to take photos. Then we bought a day bus pass for 3.8 pounds and started our bus tour. We first had a meal, a South American dish called wings of glory. The dishes tasted very novel and worth trying. The boss was also very nice. The bathroom also provided free tampons and sanitary napkins, which was very thoughtful. Then we took a car to the beach and went to Cardiff Bay. The sunshine was great and the wind was not strong. Finally I took the 8:30pm train back home. It was a very fulfilling day! #OverseasTravel #UK #cardiff

The biggest stadium in Cardiff, also the home of the Wales national rugby Union team. It also hosted to countless other events including football, world class boxing and concerts. This stadium has a capacity of 74,500 seats and a retractable roof. Located at the city centre in Cardiff, you can head into the stadium for a stadium tour! #tripblazers #cardiff #stadium #europe #darwintravel

Visited Cardiff alone after meeting my friends studying in Bristol, the place where I spent a night at, hotel Indigo has super nice staff who are friendly and smiley all the time:)My favourite moment is when I got into Cardiff Market and bought cakes from Bakestones-nice old bakery with super delicious pastry which reminds me of HK’s authentic bakery. If you are tired when studying in UK Cardiff is always a nice place to go

1. Cardiff Castle Address - Castle St., Cardiff CF10 3RB Highlights - This castle is really beautiful. You can see the Wales flag on top of it. This is worth visiting. Rating - 5 out of 5 2. Cardiff National Museum Address - Cardiff CF10 3NP Highlights - There is no entrance fee here. This museum is perfect place for family, friends or solo traveller. You can see some animations and visual presentations. There are some preserved animals and skeletons of dinosaurs. There are paintings too and more. Rating - 5 out of 5 3. Norwegian Church Arts Centre Address - Harbour DR, Cardiff CF10 4PT Highlights - There’s a flag of Norway here. This is located near the Cardiff Bay and it’s nice to have a walk along this place. Rating - 5 out of 5

Address: 19 King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Alexandra Gardens is a very beautiful, peaceful, and well maintained large open space that is well maintained. beautifully manicured trees and lawns, well designed flowerbeds give the whole park a sense of peace and relaxation. It is a great place to take a walk, picnic, or just sit and enjoy nature. The view of the nearby town hall makes the scenery even more beautiful. It is clean, safe, and suitable for families,couples, or even a quiet solo visit. If you are in Cardiff and want a nice green space to relax, Alexandra Gardens is definitely worth a visit. #alexandragardens #naturalscenery #cardiff

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, offers a charming mix of historical grandeur and modern energy. Begin your visit at **Cardiff Castle**, a striking fortress with Roman roots and elaborate Victorian interiors. Don’t miss the **Animal Wall** just outside, a whimsical row of carved stone creatures. A short walk away lies the **National Museum Cardiff**, where you can explore everything from Welsh art to impressive dinosaur skeletons—for free. For modern culture and shopping, head to **St David’s Dewi Sant** and the surrounding arcades, full of indie boutiques and cafes. To experience the city’s maritime heritage, take a bus or train to **Cardiff Bay**. The waterfront here is lined with restaurants, the striking **Wales Millennium Centre**, and the historic **Pierhead Building**. A walk along the bay trail reveals scenic views and the peaceful **Norwegian Church**, once visited by Roald Dahl. If time allows, stroll through **Bute Park**, a vast green space perfect for unwinding by the River Taff. Cardiff is compact and walkable, but its character is broad—from medieval spires to lively pubs echoing with Welsh song. Whether you’re drawn by culture, sport, or castle towers, Cardiff leaves a lasting impression.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. Here are some suggestions to take photos of this city. Cardiff Castle 📍Location: Castle Street, city centre 🕘 Recommended Time: 9:30am–11:30am 💡 Photography Tips: Inside the castle walls: Dramatic towers, intricate interiors, and Roman ruins. Clock Tower: Best shot from the outside in golden light. Keep and moat: Get wide shots from the green for symmetry and depth. Interior murals and Gothic revival décor are great for close-ups. 2. Bute Park (next to the castle) 📷 Great for: Nature photography, riverside shots, and long lens cityscape images. Try leading lines with the Taff Trail paths and framed shots through tree-lined avenues. ☕ Coffee Break Suggestion: Coffee Barker (near Castle Arcade): Vintage aesthetic inside for café shots or flat-lay compositions. 🕛 Midday: Walk to Cardiff Bay 3. Walk (or take a boat) from the city centre to Cardiff Bay 🚶 Walking: ~30 mins along the Taff Trail, offering scenic river views and street photography opportunities. ⛵ Or take the boat from Bute Park Jetty to the Bay for water-based photography. 📸 Afternoon: Cardiff Bay + Norwegian Church 4. Cardiff Bay 📷 Focus: Wales Millennium Centre: Capture the famous copper facade with the inscription — try HDR for texture. Senedd (Welsh Parliament): Modern architecture, perfect for reflections and symmetry. Pierhead Building: Victorian Gothic style contrasts well with modern surroundings. Water features and docks for long exposure shots (bring a tripod). 5. Norwegian Church Arts Centre 📍 A white timber building with a red roof — visually striking. 📷 Best at golden hour or slightly overcast days to avoid glare. Frame with the bay in the background or use foreground flowers/plants for depth.

Forget rushing between landmarks — the magic of Cardiff is in its rhythm: lively but laid-back, rich with history, and full of friendly surprises. From medieval towers to artisan coffee and secret arcades, this city is made to be wandered, not rushed. ☕🎭🌿 ⸻ 🎯 Local Highlights You’ll Love • 🏰 Cardiff Castle Right in the city centre, but full of storybook charm. Locals love the green space outside the castle walls — perfect for picnics and people-watching. • 🛍️ The Arcades Tucked behind shopfronts are Cardiff’s biggest secret: a maze of Victorian and Edwardian arcades full of indie boutiques, record shops, barbers, and cafés. Explore Morgan Arcade and Castle Arcade like a pro. • ☕ Coffee Culture Grab a flat white at Hard Lines Coffee (in the Central Market) or Uncommon Ground. Cardiff takes its brews seriously — no chains necessary. • 🎨 The Civic Centre & National Museum Free, stunning, and full of Welsh art, natural history, and world-class exhibits. The surrounding gardens are a peaceful escape just minutes from Queen Street. • 🌊 Cardiff Bay Head south for a waterside stroll past the Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, and Pierhead Building. Take a boat ride or just enjoy fish and chips by the water. ⸻ 🗺️ Getting Around • 🚶♂️ The city centre is walkable — most spots are 10–15 minutes apart • 🚴♀️ Rent an OVO Bike to cruise the Taff Trail or along Cardiff Bay • 🚌 Take a local bus to Llandaff Cathedral or Roath Park for quieter neighbourhood charm • 🚤 Hop on the AquaBus from the city to the bay for a breezy river commute! ⸻ 🌟 Tips from a Cardiff Local-at-Heart • 🧁 Treat Yourself: Try a Welsh cake fresh off the griddle from Cardiff Central Market — locals grab them by the dozen • 🎭 Culture Hit: Check listings at Chapter Arts Centre in Canton — indie cinema, cool galleries, and a popular café-bar • 🍻 Pub with a View: Head to The Grange or Tiny Rebel for craft beer and local chat • 🌳 Hidden Gem Walk: The Bute Park Arboretum is bigger than you think — follow the river north past weirs, ducks, and wildflowers ⸻ 💬 Final Thought To really get Cardiff, slow down and sink in — it’s a city where community, creativity, and castles live side-by-side. Whether you’re sipping coffee in an arcade or catching sea air by the Bay, Cardiff feels like a small city with a big soul. 🏴☁️✨

Cardiff is a captivating city boasting a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively cultural scene. From its iconic castle to its bustling waterfront, Cardiff offers a diverse range of attractions for every visitor, making it a perfect destination for a memorable getaway. popular attractions for tourists include the following: Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, and Cardiff Bay. The most popular travel season is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Enjoy your time!

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a city full of character — where ancient myths and modern life blend beautifully. My day began at the magnificent Cardiff Castle, right in the city center. With its Roman walls, medieval towers, and fairy-tale interiors, it felt like stepping into a storybook. The Welsh dragon flag fluttered proudly above, reminding me I was in a land of legends. Next, I strolled through Bute Park, a peaceful green space where the River Taff winds quietly through trees and flowers. Locals jogged, walked their dogs, or simply relaxed in the sun. It felt more like a village than a capital. For lunch, I headed to Cardiff Market, a Victorian-era indoor market buzzing with life. I tasted freshly made Welsh cakes — warm, buttery, and slightly sweet — and couldn’t resist a classic lamb cawl, a comforting traditional stew. In the afternoon, I explored Cardiff Bay, where old docks have been transformed into a lively waterfront. The futuristic Wales Millennium Centre stood out with its poetic façade and glowing letters, a hub of music, art, and pride. Cardiff may be small, but it’s full of soul — a perfect mix of history, warmth, and just the right dash of dragon magic.

Spending a day in Cardiff felt like traveling through time and modern life at once. I began at Cardiff Castle, a stunning mix of Roman ruins, medieval towers, and Victorian elegance. Climbing to the top of the Norman Keep gave me a panoramic view of the city — a beautiful blend of old stone and glass skylines. Next, I wandered through Bute Park, a green oasis right in the heart of the city. Locals jogged, picnicked, and strolled along the River Taff, creating a peaceful, friendly vibe. For lunch, I headed to Cardiff Market, where I tasted freshly baked Welsh cakes and a delicious lamb cawl — warm, hearty, and full of local flavor. In the afternoon, I explored Cardiff Bay, a modern waterfront lined with restaurants, shops, and the striking Wales Millennium Centre, whose iconic façade gleamed in the sunlight. Street performers and live music added to the lively atmosphere. Cardiff is not just a capital city — it’s a cultural heartbeat. With its rich history, green spaces, warm people, and deep pride in its Welsh identity, it offers an unforgettable experience full of soul and story. #Cardiff

Address: Saint John Street, Cardiff CF10 1GJ, United Kingdom 🇬🇧. St John The Baptist City Parish Church is a stunning church with intricate details that reflect historical significance. It is a grade I listed parish church in Cardiff and is a peaceful place to admire or simply appreciate the architectural design and history of the church. It has a relaxing atmosphere and is well worth a visit if you are in the area, especially for those interested in history and architecture. #stjohnthebaptistchurch #history #cardiff

Address: North Road, Cardiff CF10 3ER, United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Bute Park is a wonderful green space in the heart of Cardiff, Wales, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is spacious, with beautiful gardens, paths, and plenty of open spaces to relax or enjoy the great outdoors. It is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The park is well maintained, with beautiful views and natural surroundings. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Bute Park is a must-see, especially on a clear day. #butepark #naturalscenery #cardiff

Cardiff City Hall – Cardiff City Hall (Neuadd y Ddinas Caerdydd) is one of the most iconic civic buildings in Wales, known for its Edwardian Baroque architecture and grand interiors. Located in Cathays Park, it’s part of Cardiff’s "Civic Centre," surrounded by other historic buildings like the National Museum Cardiff and Welsh Government offices. 🏛️ Key Features & History ✔ Built in: 1906 (opened in 1906 as part of Cardiff’s transformation into a capital city). ✔ Architect: Lanchester, Stewart & Rickards (designed in Edwardian Baroque style). ✔ Purpose: Houses Cardiff Council offices and hosts major events, including weddings and citizenship ceremonies. Must-See Highlights: • The Marble Hall – A grand entrance with 21 different types of marble. • The Assembly Room – Used for banquets, with a stunning dome ceiling. • The Clock Tower – Stands 59m (194ft) tall, offering panoramic views (rarely open to the public). • The Winter Garden – A peaceful indoor garden with exotic plants. ------ 📍 Location & How to Get There 🚶 Walking: 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station. 🚌 Bus: Routes 25, 27, and others stop nearby (Cathays Park). 🚗 Car: Limited parking; best to use St. David’s Shopping Centre car park. ------ 🎟️ Visiting Information • Entry: Free (public areas are open during working hours). • Guided Tours: Occasionally available (check Cardiff Council’s website). • Events: Hosts weddings, exhibitions, and civic ceremonies. Opening Hours: • Monday–Friday: 9 AM–5 PM (may vary for events). ------ 🌟 Best Things to Do Nearby 1. National Museum Cardiff (free entry, art & dinosaur exhibits). 2. Bute Park (scenic walks behind City Hall). 3. Cardiff Castle (5-minute walk). 4. Principality Stadium (10-minute walk).

Cardiff Castle, UK – A Complete Guide Cardiff Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerdydd) is a must-visit historic landmark in the heart of Wales' capital. With 2,000 years of history, it combines Roman ruins, a Norman keep, and Victorian Gothic splendor. ------ 🏰 Key Features & History ✔ Roman Roots (1st century AD) – Built on the site of a Roman fort (remains visible in the walls). ✔ Norman Keep (11th century) – A classic motte-and-bailey stone tower with panoramic views. ✔ Victorian Gothic Palace (19th century) – Transformed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and architect William Burges into a lavish fantasy castle. Must-See Highlights Inside: • The Arab Room – Gold-leaf ceiling, intricate mosaics, and Moorish designs. • The Clock Tower – A fairytale-like tower with stunning interiors. • The Banqueting Hall – Medieval-style feasting hall with stained glass. • Wartime Shelters – WWII air-raid tunnels beneath the castle. ------ 📍 Location & How to Get There 🚆 By Train: Cardiff Central Station (10-minute walk). 🚗 By Car: Paid parking nearby (St. David’s Shopping Centre or NCP car parks). 🚌 By Bus: Multiple routes stop near the castle (e.g., Castle Street). ------ 🎟️ Tickets & Opening Hours • Adult: £16.50 • Child (5-16): £11.50 • Family Ticket (2+2): £48 • Gardens: FREE to enter (paid ticket needed for castle interiors). Opening Times: • Summer (Mar–Oct): 10 AM–6 PM (last entry 5 PM). • Winter (Nov–Feb): 10 AM–5 PM (last entry 4 PM). 📌 Tip: Book online for discounts! ------ 🌟 Best Things to Do 1. Climb the Norman Keep – Best views of Cardiff. 2. Explore the Victorian Apartments – Lavishly decorated rooms. 3. Walk the Battlements – Great photo spots. 4. Visit the Firing Line Museum – Welsh military history. 5. Relax in Bute Park – Scenic gardens next to the castle. ------ 🍽️ Nearby Food & Drink • The Potted Pig (Modern British cuisine). • The Ivy Cardiff (Upscale dining). • Café at Cardiff Castle (Light bites inside the castle).

After living abroad for nearly four years I started to get homesick so travelled back to my hometown of Cardiff in Wales. After so many years away I had forgotten just how beautiful and special the city is, it has so much character and charm and a centrally located castle n makes it so magical. There are lots of historical sites, interesting architecture and great shopping. My wish for 2024 is to make it back to my hometown, and helpfully be able to visit every year! #2024wish #tripblazers #tripblazers #wales #cardiff #castle