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Cardiff Just 3 hours out of London, the compact city lies between the grandiose Cardiff Castle and the ultramodern waterfront.

Cardiff only became the capital of Wales as recently as 1955, after which time, the city began to blossom. There has been significant development made to Cardiff since the 1990s and the majority of the compact city lies between the grandiose Cardiff Castle and the ultramodern waterfront.

The remains of a Roman fort can be seen in the eight acre grounds of the castle, as testament of Roman occupation some 2,000 years ago. The castle was owned by noble families until in 1766 when it was passed on to the Bute family, one of the country’s richest families, through marriage. Over time, generations of the Bute family added new sections, opulent and lavish interiors and the impressive themed gardens to create the flamboyant fairy-tale castle that it is today. Cardiff Castle was gifted to the City of Cardiff by the family in 1947, following the death of the 4th Marquess of Bute, and is now one of Wales’ biggest tourist attractions.

Between the Castle and the River Taff is Bute Park, an extensive area of mature parkland that was also given to the city by the Bute family. With 130 acres of landscaped gardens and parklands, it’s a peaceful and beautiful place to wander around or enjoy a picnic. Visit the superb National Museum in Cardiff, one of seven institutions around Wales which make up the Welsh National Museum - it’s devoted mainly to art and natural history.

On the banks of the River Taff, you’ll find the spaceship-like Millennium Stadium, completed in time for the 1999 World Rugby Cup. You can take a tour of this mammoth structure that seats nearly 75,000 or if you’re lucky enough, take in a home game where the crowd can be heard from just about anywhere in Cardiff. There’s an interesting mix of architectural styles in the city and some buildings worth a look at include the fairytale-like Norwegian Church, the beautiful red-bricked Pierhead Building and the majestic looking City Hall. Just out of Cardiff is Llandaff Cathedral and, like a castle you’d expect Walt Disney to create, Castel Coch – summer retreat for the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

The contemporary Wales Millennium Centre is the city’s premier arts complex where you’ll be able to see an opera, ballet or dance performance, comedy, musical or theatre show or visits the many shops, bars and restaurants located in the centre. Down on the waterfront area of the Bay, you will also find the interactive Doctor Who Experience, for fans of the TV show. The exhibition, which is located next to the BBC studios where the popular series is filmed, also includes costumes, props and displays of sets.