Enjoy a guided tour of Cardiff, the historic and vibrant capital city of Wales famous for its castles, its rugby, its outstanding university as well as a thriving arts and cultural scene. Situated on the banks of the River Taff and the Bristol Channel, Cardiff is also the home of the Welsh Parliament called the Senedd, and of course Welsh Rugby!
On your private tour, you will:
- Begin your tour outside the historic Cardiff Castle with Roman and Norman origins;
- Learn about Cardiff’s strong Welsh identity, from laverbread, the Welsh language, and male voice choirs to the national passion for Rugby;
- Visit the famous Castle Arcade, one of the oldest and most charming arcades in the city opened in 1887 and stretching between Castle Street and High Street;
- Stroll along Morgan Arcade, another Victorian gem in Cardiff's collection of arcades and renowned for its ornate, glass-domed roof that floods the space with natural light;
- Discover The Royal Arcade, Cardiff's oldest arcade, dating back to 1858 and known for its long, narrow layout and its distinctive simple design;
- Enter the iconic Covered Market, a historic marketplace housed in a Grade II listed building, offering a wide range of goods providing an authentic taste of Wales;
- Explore the highlights of Cathays Park, the heart of Cardiff’s magnificent Civic Centre and a showcase of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage;
- Pass by the City Hall, a striking example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, with its distinctive clock tower, grand portico and ornate interiors;
- End at the foyer of the stunning National Museum and Gallery of Wales, a grand neoclassical building with an extensive collection that includes everything from the dinosaurs to the arts, or from Mammoths to Monet!
The history of Cardiff dates back well over 6000 years. Neolithic people were living here before the completion of Stonehenge, and the Pyramid of Giza. It was later occupied by the Romans, who built a vast fortress on the river Taff, surrounded by several neolithic burial chambers. Castle on the Taff or Caer Dydd is how the city got its name. Later, the Normans invaded in 1066 and built castles all over Wales. It was William I who built Cardiff Castle into the remains of the Roman fort in 1081, and it is still standing to this very day. Today Cardiff is the proud capital of Wales, a vibrant university city and the proud home of Welsh Rugby!
On this fascinating private walking tour of Cardiff, you'll learn how it was transformed from a humble fishing village, into a successful coal shipping port during the Industrial Revolution. With your expert private guide, see all the highlights and many hidden gems.
Wander through the city’s covered arcades and understand why Cardiff is often referred to as the “City of Arcades.” Visit the iconic Castle, Morgan and Royal Arcades, living pieces of history offering a unique shopping experience that blends the old with the new. Also, you'll enter the famous Central Covered Market. The Market is an impressive Victorian building and very much the beating heart of the city. Filled with food stalls selling fresh local produce, it is a truly unique shopping experience with a buzzing atmosphere.
Next, head to several of the city’s great architectural and cultural treasures at Cathays Park where you'll see the majestic City Hall - made of impressive Portland stone dating back to 1905.
Your tour ends at the magnificent National Museum Cardiff, which houses an extraordinary collection of literally everything from art to dinosaurs. Enjoy a brief introduction to this treasure trove from the foyer and continue to explore at your leisure.
Disclaimer: Please note that the Cardiff Central Market (Covered Market) is closed on Sundays. On this day, your guide will allocate more time to exploring the other attractions in the itinerary.