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 Heart of the city |
Castle Street Cardiff CF10 2RB United Kingdom +44 29 2087 8100 http://www.cardiffcastle.com/ |
Cardiff Castle is an impressively gaudy affair with its flamboyant Victorian clock tower and extraordinarily ornate gilded interiors. This site has been crowned a castle, since the early days of the Roman occupation of Wales, and parts of a Roman wall are still visible, beneath the outer battlements. It was the third Marquess of Bute, who with the help of the architect William Burgess, began the grandiose alterations we see today. Admission: adults GBP6.50; child GBP4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Novak |
 Photo: Happy A  |
 Photo: Matthew Myatt |
 Photo: Memento Mori |
 Photo: Anton Lee |
 Photo: Nathan Collins |
 Photo: TwoCrabs |
 Photo: Rachael Preddy |
 Photo: the general's cat |
 Photo: aryan |
 Photo: Ryan Kelly |
 Photo: migimatronica |
 Photo: Stuart Herbert |
 Photo: deepak_y3ks |
 Photo: Michael Parsons |
 Photo: ocamacho |
 Photo: Kerryn |
 Photo: Jaleel Paje |
 Photo: Arcturus Kirwin |
 Photo: wentloog |
 Photo: Martin Pollard |
 Photo: Nicole Lee |
 Photo: Welsh Wales forever |
 Photo: devinkg14 |
 Photo: Andy Goodridge |
 Photo: James Thewlis |
 Photo: newmoonvirgin |
 Photo: Daniel Guy |
 Photo: David Cohen |
 Photo: RAY BEER |
 Photo: Kathryn Jago |
 Photo: -TheDebster- |
 Photo: Travis Toscan |
 Photo: Lindsay |
 Photo: Erin Jones |
 Photo: Barry Phillips Smith |
 Photo: Trooperman |
 Photo: Sandra Hsu |
 Photo: Rebel Bailey |
 Photo: Jen Smith |
 Exhibitions and concerts |
St Mary Ann Street Cardiff CF10 2EQ United Kingdom +44 29 2022 4488 |
This is a thoroughly modern arena in the heart of the city center. The CIA is huge enough for the largest exhibitions and pop concerts. Performances range from children's shows and ice spectaculars to top-name bands and soloists in concert. Shirley Bassey has performed here and so have the Teletubbies. Exhibitions include jobs fairs, craft shows and computer/technology shows. Tickets for exhibitions can be bought at the door. Tickets for major concerts and events need to be booked well in advance - phone the box office for details of what's available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matthew Wood |
 Photo: Alex Johnson |
 Photo: Piia |
 Photo: Amanda Morgan |
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Sleeping Beauty's castle |
Castle Rd (Tongwynlais) Cardiff CF15 7JQ United Kingdom +44 29 2081 0101 |
Located five miles north of Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, or the "Red Castle," was built to be its country companion. Built on the foundation of a 13th century castle, it was always intended more as a realisation of a romantic fantasy, than as a practical residence. The castle, which looks like something out of a fairytale, was the culmination of the combined efforts of the Marquess of Bute and William Burges. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Bolton |
 Photo: Sean Bolton |
 Photo: Ade Rowbotham |
 Photo: Gale |
 Photo: gareth dewar |
 Photo: Kirsten Loza |
 Photo: Deji Ogundairo |
 Photo: Jeremy Price |
 Photo: Emma Dixon |
 Photo: Andrea DG |
 Photo: Cerys |
 Photo: Sara J Long |
 Photo: The Groovster |
 Photo: firthamigo |
 Photo: Terry Winter |
 Photo: Rob Wheaton |
 Photo: Ward Broughton |
 Photo: P. Willshaw |
 Photo: Sara J Long |
 Photo: Andrea DG |
 Photo: john f1 |
 Photo: Miles Champion |
 Photo: Byron Edwards |
 Photo: Llyr G. Lewis |
 Photo: joemor2 |
 Photo: Cauthon |
 Photo: C S Blayney |
 Photo: Derek John Murphy |
 Photo: flokione |
 Best of contemporary Welsh culture |
Market Road (Canton) Cardiff CF5 1QE United Kingdom +44 29 2030 4400 http://www.chapter.org/ |
The Chapter Arts Centre brings the best of the arts and contemporary culture in Wales to a captive audience. The centre organises 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. The Chapter Kitchen cafe is a great place for a snack and a coffee. Check the Web site for details of current schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Zoe Goodacre |
 Welsh club |
11 Womanby St (off Castle St) Cardiff CF10 1BR United Kingdom +44 29 2023 2199 http://www.clwb.net |
This old-style club is open to all Welsh speakers and learners and even holds Welsh study sessions during the day. The building is spread out over three floors, a feature that is put to good effect by hosting a different "scene" on each floor to cater to a variety of musical tastes. There is a new band night and classic rock night call for the current schedule. An indication of its success is that several famous bands, including Catatonia and the Manic Street Preachers, have been spotted here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rokfoto |
 Photo: arth'o'love |
 Photo: jonathan fisher |
 Photo: jonathan fisher |
 Photo: kate greswell |
 Photo: Peanut Turner |
 Photo: lounatik |
 Photo: snotgrumbledungeonpig |
 Photo: Carl J Godwin |
 Photo: tabi electric |
 Small and intimate concert venue |
Mount Stuart Square Cardiff CF10 6EB United Kingdom +44 29 2049 4917 http://www.coalexchange.co.uk/ |
Built in 1886 as the coal dealing centre of Great Britain, the Coal Exchange achieved fame in 1911 when the world's first million pound deal was struck within its walls. Today, the building forms an exciting concert venue, with its original architecture and interior columns, balcony and wood paneling preserved. The programme features much jazz and popular music, and for such a small place, some surprisingly famous names have appeared on the stage: The Manic Street Preachers, Ultravox and Jools Holland have all performed here. Early booking is recommended as concerts often sell out - online booking is possible through the website. The centre is also available for corporate and private hire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: llefenni |
 Photo: mout84 |
 Photo: Richard T Harvey |
 Cardiff's first dedicated comedy venue |
Mermaid Quay Cardiff CF10 5BZ United Kingdom +44 870 241 5093 http://www.glee.co.uk |
The Glee Club is an ultra-modern venue offering the best in live comedy. The evening's entertainment includes a compère and three stand-up acts, and the weekend shows are followed by a disco. The Club also promises one-off shows from the top names in British comedy. Dress code is relaxed, and restrictions on large same-sex groups ensures a good atmosphere. The comfortable setting includes tables from which to watch the show, a bar, and food available all night. Ticket prices vary; call or check the web site for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Fecci |
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Cool, smooth and mellow |
Sandringham Hotel, St Mary Street Cardiff CF10 1PL United Kingdom +44 29 2038 7026 |
Chill out to the mellow sounds of great jazz. Home of the Welsh Jazz Society, this café welcomes both new talent and international musicians. Cheap entry, cool atmosphere, good food, attractive bar - do you really need any more persuading? M nights see Jazz Attic - an evening of fresh, unknown talent, accompanied by the resident band. Tu and Th play host to unspoilt traditional jazz music, supervised and presented by the Jazz Preservation Society. Sa usually see Cafe Jazz transformed into a piano bar. Music kicks off at 9p - jazz-lovers will not be disappointed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Pride of Cardiff |
101 St Mary St Cardiff CF10 1GE United Kingdom +44 0870 013 8600 http://www.millenniumstadium.c... |
Built to replace the hallowed Cardiff Arms Park, this GBP100,000,000 development was used for the first time for the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and has since hosted numerous world class sporting events. It is also used as a venue for spectacular pop concerts. The 75,000-seater stadium has a retractable roof which means even the unpredictable British weather cannot spoil your viewing pleasure. Visitors to the city should take advantage of the stadium tours which run daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicholas John |
 Photo: Alex Jones |
 Photo: Matt Thomas |
 Photo: Kevin L. Stoesz |
 Photo: James Richard Harrie |
 Photo: Rob Evans |
 Photo: G. Delle Grottaglie |
 Photo: Jim McDonald |
 Photo: Tommy James Jones |
 Photo: Kathryn Carless |
 Photo: Steffan Harries |
 Photo: RatherNotSay |
 Photo: Neil Asher |
 Photo: AlanPWilliams |
 Open-air museum |
A4232 (St. Fagans) Cardiff CF5 6XB United Kingdom +44 29 2057 3500 http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/mwl |
This expansive museum is set on an open-air site that incorporates a small castle and the site of a Civil War battle. Most visitors come to see the buildings, which have been taken from all over Wales and carefully moved and rebuilt here. From a medieval church, a terrace of miners' cottages (each one reflecting a different decade) and a wartime shopping centre to the energy-efficient House of the Future, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Welsh life through time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dio Bach |
 Photo: Susie Gardner-Brown |
 Photo: annicariad |
 Photo: Rachelle |
 Photo: Kat Aldridge |
 Bringing art to life |
King Edward VII Avenue (Museum Avenue) Cardiff CF10 3NP United Kingdom +44 29 2039 7951 http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/nmgc |
Wales' premier museum is an impressive, white stone building, housing a number of separate exhibition rooms and art galleries. The central exhibition is the multimedia "Evolution of Wales," which documents the history of Wales. The galleries include works by some of the world's most famous impressionist painters, as well as displays by Welsh artists. There are sections on natural history, Celtic art and archaeology, while the new Glanely Gallery offers activities, talks and a hands-on exhibition for all ages. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Chapple |
 Photo: Haakon Hansen |
 Photo: Gareth John Williams |
 Photo: Amy Davies |
 Photo: zoey2909 |
 Photo: Marina Müllen |
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Cardiff's most loved |
Park Place Cardiff CF10 3LN United Kingdom +44 29 20 87 8890 http://newtheatrecardiff.co.uk/ |
Home of the Welsh National Opera, but if Madame Butterfly isn't your thing, there is plenty more on offer - drama productions, musicals and ballet regularly grace the stage here. The regal auditorium, with its burgundy tassels and gilded frames, creates a suitably impressive interior and the recently refurbished bars add to the theatre's elegant style. The main crowd-puller is undoubtedly the Christmas pantomime, and this ever more popular seasonal trend seems set to continue providing good, old-fashioned fun for many years to come. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lady_T_220 |
 Photo: StephenNewton.com |
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Arts centre and tea shop with gallery |
Harbour Drive Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF10 5PA United Kingdom +44 29 2045 4899 |
This former Norwegian naval church is famous for being the place where the author Roald Dahl was baptized. Thanks to a trust established by Dahl himself, it has now been converted into a highly popular arts centre. The gallery upstairs - lit by two gorgeous rose windows - houses varying temporary exhibitions by local artists. The church hall provides an intimate setting for a wide variety of ensemble and solo recitals, and is also available as a venue for business meetings. The coffee shop downstairs serves a delicious range of continental cakes and pastries. Phone for details of opening times on weekdays as the gallery is sometimes closed for private functions. Admission to exhibitions is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kaidi_k |
 Photo: Talia Bromstad |
 Photo: Philip Giles |
 Photo: Steven Waite |
 Photo: www.mysnapz.co.uk |
 Photo: Jill Hudgins |
 Photo: Pilar Silva |
 Photo: Emrys Hopkins |
 Photo: Tom Götze |
 Photo: Graham Aylard |
 Photo: gw_westdale |
 Photo: Michael Gwyther-Jones |
 Photo: missy.manic |
 Photo: Emrys Hopkins |
 Photo: Nicholas Kaye |
 Photo: Chris Evans |
 Photo: Derek Binns |
 Photo: mike ixer |
 Photo: Katie |
 Photo: sharon ingerson |
 Photo: Kat Brown |
 Photo: Remi Olsen |
 Photo: sian johns |
 Jazz on the river |
53-59 Despenser St Riverside Cardiff CF11 6AG United Kingdom +44 29 2037 8866 http://members.aol.com/riverho... |
Lovers of jazz and lovers of sport wend your way here. The Riverbank has gardens that overlook the Millennium Stadium and the cellar bar features a programme of live jazz from 9p every Wednesday night. The style is modern: 'bebop, cool, hard-bop, fusion' and ranges from solo guitarists to big band, taken from the best of the South Wales talent. Happy hour is from 7:30p-9p and food is served until 9:45p. The pub also has a very good reputation as a hotel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cardiff's Number One Venue |
The Hayes Cardiff CF10 2SH United Kingdom +44 29 2087 8444 http://www.stdavidshallcardiff... |
One of Britain's top entertainment venues, this impressive, modern, 1,900-seater concert hall is home to the National Orchestra of Wales. Musicians, artists and orchestras from around the world queue up to perform here because of its excellent acoustics. St David's Hall stages the very popular Cardiff Singer of the World competition, the Welsh Proms, performances by the National Orchestra of Wales and a diverse range of other classical concerts, shows and solo performances. Temporary art exhibitions on all levels are free of charge and change on a regular basis. There is also a popular restaurant and a spacious lounge bar (complete with coloured glass screen) which was a present from Cardiff's twin city, Stuttgart. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Wheadon |
 Photo: alextsui86 |
 Photo: Matt Andrews |
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Interactive science center |
Stuart Street Cardiff CF10 5BW United Kingdom +44 29 2047 5475 http://www.tquest.org.uk |
Anyone who thinks science is boring should pay a visit to Techniquest to be proved wrong. This hands-on, interactive science center is a major source of fascination for children and adults alike. There are more than 150 exhibits to play with, including giant puzzles, computers and a mirror maze. In addition, the center has a planetarium, science theater, cyber-library, a discovery room for young children, a shop and cafe. A programme of events and talks covers subjects as diverse as forensic science and music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donna Mills |
 Photo: Liliya Novikova |
 Photo: Dafydd Tomos |
 Photo: Craig Bagguley |
 Photo: ady36 |
 Photo: joychayan |
 Photo: Roger Coleman |
 Photo: 避世凯特&ShakesBear |
 Photo: James Barton |
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For something a little different |
Mount Stuart Square Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF10 6EB United Kingdom +44 29 2046 0873 http://www.thepointcardiffbay.com |
The old church of St Stephen stands in what was once the commercial heart of Cardiff docks. Now a venue for musical and theatrical events, conferences and exhibitions, it retains its original interior. The stained glass windows - all based on maritime themes - are of particular interest. Concerts include solo recitals and the rarer fringe performances not normally seen in larger venues. Performances are often not very widely advertised and rarely sell out, so if you have a free evening in the city, it's worth phoning the centre direct to see if there's anything on. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jenny Drayden |
 Photo: Ceri Davies |
 Photo: eye-foto |
 Photo: Lauren Hockey |
 Photo: loopslyn |
 Photo: Elizabeth Goddard |
 Photo: Owain Richards |
 Photo: motörben |
 Twelve screens in leisure complex |
Atlantic Wharf Leisure Park, Hemingway Road, Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF10 4YJ United Kingdom +44 87 12 24 4007 http://www.uci-cinemas.co.uk/ |
This modern, 12-screen cinema is the focal point of the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village in Cardiff Bay, which also houses a 26-lane bowling alley, a micro-brewery, a nightclub and several restaurants and bars. It offers extra-large seats, non-smoking auditoriums, a snack shop and a Ben and Jerry's ice cream outlet. There's a huge, free car park, buses run until 10.30pm and, for extra convenience, it's possible to book seats in advance by credit card - phone the 24 hour hotline or check the website for details of the current programme. Film showings generally run from noon-9p at intervals of two hours or more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Beck |
 Photo: Gareth I Davies |