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 Local history at its best |
Castle Street Abergavenny Cardiff, Cardiff NP7 5EE United Kingdom +44 18 7385 4282 http://www.aboutbritain.com/Ab... |
The market town of Abergavenny is a short drive or train ride north of Cardiff and is worth a visit in itself. While you're there, make sure you visit the ruined Norman castle, which houses the town's museum. There is a permanent display detailing the rich history of the area from Roman times, including the infamous massacre of the Welsh Lords by William de Braose in the 12th and a regularly changing series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Quizzes and special activities will keep the children amused. Take a picnic and enjoy the scenic castle gardens. The museum closes at 4pm from November to February. Admission: adults £1; concessions £0.75; children free when accompanied by an adult Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Free entry coal mine |
M4 (Junction 26) Cardiff, WE NP4 9XP United Kingdom +44 1495 79 0311 http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/bigpit/ |
Standing at the bottom of a 90-metre mine shaft, the guide instructs everyone to turn off the lights on their mining helmets. It is so dark you cannot see your hand in front of your face. "That's what it was like when the candles blew out," he says. "But, of course, the real problem was the rats." A working mine for over 200 years, Big Pit is now a major museum. Underground guided tours last 2.5 hours, and there are exhibitions, a giftshop and restaurant in the colliery buildings. Not suitable for the children under 5. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mandy L |
 Photo: Jonathan Crookes  |
 Photo: Leslie Herbert |
 Photo: Chris Auld |
 Photo: ilovebagpuss |
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Celebration of ethnic diversity |
5 Dock Chambers Bute Street Cardiff CF10 5AG United Kingdom +44 29 2025 6757 http://www.bhac.org |
Butetown's major claim to fame is that the superstar Shirley Bassey was born and brought up here. At the beginning of the twentieth century however, with the coal trade at its height, it was home to a thriving community made up of more than 50 different nationalities from all over the world. The Butetown History and Arts Centre was set up as a celebration of this rich ethnic diversity, with a mass of archive material and a series of exhibitions, community and schools arts projects and social events, seeking to bring together people from all backgrounds. The exhibition gallery is small but fascinating to look around, with a regularly changing programme and free entry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The tube |
Harbour Drive Cardiff CF10 4PA United Kingdom +44 29 2046 3833 |
A major landmark and an award-winning design, the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre's tube-like appearance resembles the fuselage of a plane. Inside, a dynamic exhibition tells the story of how the bay was successfully resurrected after the demise of one of Britain's busiest ports. The centre also contains a gift shop, information booklets and a large model of the Cardiff Bay development plans. An exciting interactive display of the Spirit of Cardiff, one of the world's most high-tech powerboats which has broken several world records, is on display. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gareth John Williams |
 Photo: ashwin.rao |
 Photo: sirens_spaceships |
 Photo: Garry Bunkall |
 Photo: miketroll |
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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 |
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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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A platform for arts and crafts |
37 Pen-y-Lan Road Roath Park Cardiff CF24 3PG United Kingdom +44 29 2047 2595 |
Oriel Makers is a contemporary craft and art gallery that opened in the summer of 1991 and has built up a fine reputation for quality, unusual works. Acting as a platform from which local artists can show their work and promote themselves, you'll find permanent displays by the resident artists and a programme of temporary exhibitions featuring other UK artists and craftsmen. Much of the work shown in the gallery is for sale, and you have the added advantage of meeting and talking to the various artists - most of whom are happy to accept commissions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
