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 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 |
 Country park with lively entertainments programme |
Brynmenyn Cardiff CF32 8UU United Kingdom +44 16 56 72 5155 http://www.bridgend.gov.uk |
A haven of natural beauty, this country house and park is situated four miles from Bridgend, close to Junction 36 of the M4 motorway. The park is a mixture of woodland, water and open expanses of grass and has barbecue and picnic areas, a visitor center, gift shop and a children's play area. There's also a programme of entertainment in the summer, while the elegant restaurant is open daily for light meals, cream teas and candlelit dinners. Best of all, admission is free. If you're traveling by bus, catch a bus to Bridgend and then take a number 12 or 15. The bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the park. Call +44 16 56 64 7093 for details of buses. Opening times vary according to season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane |
 Largest castle in Britain |
Castle Street Cardiff, WE CF83 1JD United Kingdom +44 29 2088 3143 |
This, the largest castle in Britain and second largest in Europe, is famous for its leaning tower and the display of working siege engines that are demonstrated regularly throughout the year. The impressive water defences are thought to be modelled on Kenilworth Castle. An audio-tape tour, guided tours on selected days, a programme of special events and a museum are among the other attractions here. Easy to reach from Cardiff by car, bus or train, the area around the castle boasts an information centre and gift shop, a small shopping centre and several tea shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Yasu |
 Photo: Jen Thornton |
 Photo: k.e. overbey |
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 Photo: Jen |
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 Photo: Rosli Othman |
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 Photo: Chris Hume |
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 Photo: Emanuele Marchioni |
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 Photo: Neil C. Morgan |
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 Exhibition and information |
Twyn Square Cardiff CF83 1JL United Kingdom +44 29 2088 0011 |
This bright, modern center is set opposite the imposing remains of Caerphilly Castle. There's a tourist centre (which offers a wealth of information about the local area as well as an accommodation booking service), a gift shop selling Welsh craftwork and the famous Caerphilly cheese, a Welsh food shop stocking local produce and an exhibition area; you can also try learning Welsh and playing the harp here. It's well worth calling in to pick up some information if you want to get the most out of your stay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Visit a medieval banquet |
Caldicot Castle Cardiff NP26 4HU United Kingdom +44 12 91 42 0241 http://www.caldicotcastle.co.uk/ |
This twelve to fourteenth-century castle was renovated as a family home in the 1880s and inhabited until as recently as twenty years ago. Well preserved, it now serves as a local museum with a range of interesting exhibits. The surrounding country park is an ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon. There is a gift shop and snacks are available all day. The castle also plays host to popular medieval banquets and theme nights. Phone ahead for details. Admission fee is £1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: D Wheeler |
 Photo: John Page |
 Photo: Hot Tin Snowman |
 Photo: Tess Savigear |
 Photo: Dakini2007 |
 Photo: bretuk |
 Photo: Tim Davies |
 Photo: chrispins |
 Photo: John Pember |
 Photo: Luc |
 Photo: darkcell |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: Andrew&Marie Bellis |
 Photo: a59rambler |
 Photo: Mayuree Martin |
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 Photo: STU.C |
 Photo: wiffsmiff23 |
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Working village |
Cosmeston Park Cardiff, WE CF64 5UY United Kingdom +44 29 2070 1678 |
Set in the grounds of Cosmeston Park, the medieval village developed out of excavation work carried out in the 1980s. Thanks to a full restoration programme, visitors can now see a fully working village, peopled with actors in costume. Life is played out as it would have been lived over 600 years ago. Both guided and audio tours are available. A series of special events includes Medieval Battle days, a Medieval Fayre in August and an evening Halloween celebration. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: norman preis |
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Picnic by the lake |
Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park Cardiff, WE CF64 5FA United Kingdom +44 29 2070 1678 |
Few visitors would believe that this picturesque country park was once a limestone quarry. Parts of the area were flooded when quarrying ceased, forming an extensive area of lakes and wetlands. This, plus the landscaped countryside around, form the main attractions of the park. Facilities include free car parking, marked footpaths for country walks, a visitor centre and restaurant, adventure playground, wardens and an educational package for visiting groups of children (phone to book in advance). On the same site is Cosmeston Medieval Village. The park offers limited wheelchair access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Salter |
 Photo: Luke Collinson |
 Photo: David Townsend |
 Photo: Ping Zou |
 Photo: david.creedy |
 Photo: Kelvin Dean |
 Photo: Daniel Weaver |
 Photo: Jenni Taylor |
 Great day out for all the family |
Greenforge Way Cardiff, WE NP44 5AJ United Kingdom +44 16 33 86 2202 |
Look out for the sheep signs on the way to this community farm which attracts schools and youth groups as well as a large number of day-trippers. Children are always fascinated by the milking demonstrations, and there's much more to keep them amused too, with tractor and trailer rides, nature trails, a pets' corner, an adventure playground and tame animals waiting to be stroked and fed. Adults meanwhile, can take advantage of the cafe and bar for a well-deserved rest. Take a taxi from Cwmbran rail station (one mile away) or catch a bus to Cwmbran town centre and then take a number 6 bus to the farm. Call +44 1633 266366 for bus times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wildlife and woodland |
Lisvane Cardiff CF14 United Kingdom |
Exploration of this unspoilt woodland reveals meandering streams, burbling brooks, beautiful flowers and a mass of wildlife. A good time to visit is in May when all the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom and a carpet of bluebells covers the ground, but the park is equally beautiful in the height of summer, and in the autumn with the leaves changing color. This really is a great place to get away from it all. There's a large field with benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, so take a picnic and chill out. Dogs have to be kept on a lead. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Williams |
 Photo: gareth jones |
 Photo: deckfourtyfour |
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Sea, sand and gardens |
Penarth Tourist Information, The Esplanade, Penarth Cardiff CF64 3AU United Kingdom +44 29 20 70 8849 |
A few minutes' drive or a short bus or train journey from Cardiff city centre will take you to the coast and this picturesque Victorian resort, with its gift shops, restaurants and old-fashioned pier. The marina offers a touch of modernity, with its waterfront homes and collection of yachts. A bracing cliff-top walk takes you alongside landscaped gardens which date back to the last century and there are plenty of benches for those who prefer to just sit and watch the sea. Also, take a look at St Augustine's Church on Church Place where the composer Dr Joseph Parry (who composed the famous Welsh melody Myfanwy, much-loved by male-voice choirs) is buried. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: welshlady |
 Photo: The Blands |
 Photo: Pashmin@ |
 Photo: Spamboy.com |
 Photo: locus_imagination |
 Photo: Ping Zou |
 Photo: Melissa Bowen |
 Photo: Chris Henden |
 Photo: Richard Jones |
 Photo: Maciej Stangreciak |
 Photo: sue davies |
 Photo: Robert Larner |
 Photo: wallknee |
 Photo: Michael Limbrick |
 Photo: Chris Marrow |
 Photo: Steve Ryan |
 Photo: Ed |
 Photo: virtual.sphere |
 Photo: Craig Davey |
 Photo: jonni kafka |
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Miles of sand |
Porthcawl Tourist Information Old Police Station, John Street Cardiff, WE United Kingdom +44 1656 78 6639 |
With its three separate bays (Sandy Bay, Tresco Bay and the peaceful Rest Bay), Porthcawl offers miles of unspoiled sand. Easily reached from Cardiff by car or train, the area includes an amusement park, a seafront theatre, parks and nature reserves. Porthcawl is generally quieter than the other coastal towns, and the bays are the cleanest you'll find in this part of South Wales. So, if you fancy a relaxing day by the sea, this is where you should be heading. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Susan Knigh |
 Photo: Louise Fitzpatrick |
 Photo: Justin Alei |
 Photo: tpwiththeqqs |
 Photo: andy pearsall |
 Photo: Dan Jones |
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Charles II mansion in formal gardens |
M4 Junction 28 Cardiff NP10 8YW United Kingdom +44 1633 81 5880 |
A short trip from Cardiff, Tredegar House is a Charles II country manor set on over 90 acres of parkland and formal gardens. There are occasional guided tours of the house, and audio tours of the gardens are always available. The house is also home to several craftsmen who demonstrate their skills. Then, while adults spend some time relaxing in the craft shops and tea room, children can amuse themselves in the adventure playground. Admission: Adult GBP4.75; children GBP2.25; concessions GBP3.65, family ticket (two adults, two children) GBP12.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Craig Thomas |
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A thousand years of history |
Tretower Court Cardiff, WE NP8 2RF United Kingdom +44 18 7473 0279 |
Well worth a trip out of Cardiff, especially if you're a keen gardener, Tretower Court has a fascinating history spanning almost a thousand years. The main building has in its time been a fortress, a medieval castle and a stately home. An audio tour takes you through its history. The small but immaculate formal gardens really come to life in the spring, planted up with a fascinating array of medieval herbs and culinary plants. There are occasional special gardening days and tours during the spring and summer - phone for details. Access is via the A40 from Abergavenny, and then the A479. Admission: £2.50 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An ancient medieval kingdom |
Cardiff Cardiff, Wales CF37 1DL United Kingdom http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/ |
The Vale of Glamorgan consists of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside and as such, it is characterized by rambling hills and a jagged coast-line. Despite the fact that it is part of Wales' most industrialized county, Glamorgan, it is largely an agricultural area and is made up of several small towns and villages, which add to its charm and rustic feel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Barn Oldman |
 Photo: Nediva |
 Photo: Dave |
 Photo: suh73 |
 Photo: dumnonia |
 Photo: Stephen Buckle |
 Photo: Geoffrey Thomas |
 Photo: Nicky Vaughan |
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 Photo: Ian Grinter |
 Photo: Henry Uniacke |
 Photo: Olivette Otele |
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