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History
The city of Cardiff’s colourful past really begins with the Romans, who invaded in AD 43. The Vikings later raided Wales whilst England was being overrun by the Saxons. Some 20 years or so after the Battle of Hastings, the Normans were marching through Wales where in 1091, Robert FitzHamon began work on Cardiff Castle. A small settlement then grew up around it. As the years past, Cardiff grew, and by the Elizabethan period in 1608, the city was a lawless, pirate-infested port and the Castle was in disrepair. The industrial Revolution brought in the local gentry, such as the Butes, and some years later, Cardiff became the biggest coal – exporting port in the world. Cardiff was then granted city status by Edward V11 in 1955, and was proclaimed the capital of Wales. Today Cardiff is said to have a population of 327,500, and is still growing!
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Music and Entertainment in Cardiff
Cardiff has something for everyone, regardless of age. As Europe’s youngest capital, there is much to see and experience, so whatever you feel like doing, Cardiff can guarantee to entertain you, seven days a week.
New Theatre – a fully restored Edwardian Playhouse which has hosted many stars past and present.
Sherman Theatre – A new theatre that has commissioned more new plays than any other in Britain.
St David’s Hall – The National Concert Hall of Wales, which hosts such concerts as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Cardiff International Arena – With 5,000 seats, the Arena regularly hosts big names, and is a venue that attracts the best of the best, from Pop to Opera to Rock to Classical.
Clubbing – Cardiff is renowned for it’s lively nightlife, particularly with it’s range of clubs and cosmopolitan bars.
Comedy Club – Based on Schooner Way in Atlantic Wharf Cardiff
Live music – There are many places to hear live music, whether it is the numerous festivals that take place throughout the year, in the concert halls, or in the many pubs.
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Leisure/Places to Visit in and around Cardiff
Cardiff Bay Attraction Trail is one of Europe’s most exciting waterfront developments. You will find a number of visitor attractions, activities and entertainment here. It’s rich history lies amongst a modern development of waterfront shops, bars and restaurants with a whole range of architectural buildings and sculptures.
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay – “ Over 150 hands on interactive puzzles and experiments guaranteed to captivate and fascinate adults and children of all ages.” Explore the links between science and music, or enter the discovery room. How about going on a voyage of discovery to outer space or visit the free Science Show, before stopping off at the waterfront café for food and drink.
The Millennium Experience – See the dressing room of the players, see the pitch and marvel at the size of the retractable roof. Learn how the pitch is laid, and walk the player’s tunnel.
How about visiting the VIP box before taking away a memento from the shop. See where Robbie Williams, Michael Owen, Ryan Giggs, Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers have entertained their crowds.
Cardiff Castle – look back at more than 2000 years of history and see the lavish designs that each period has left at the castle, from the Romans to the Victorians. Why not try one of their banqueting nights here and be entertained in the 15th Century medieval hall. Experience true Welsh hospitality with great food and entertainment.
Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagan’s. One of Europe’s biggest open air museums, in a hundred acres of country side, just off junction 33 of the M4, 4 miles West of Cardiff. Take a step back in time to see the Celtic village, the farmyard and animals, the old Victorian Schoolroom, and the mansion house. Over forty buildings that have been taken down stone by stone, and re-built. There are also plenty of craft demonstrations, and festivals going on – well worth a visit.
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Travel in and around Cardiff
Airport – Cardiff’s International Airport is just 19km from the city centre
Trains – High Speed Intercity trains commute between Cardiff and other cities, for example London Paddington is just 2 hours by train from Cardiff. The train station is within easy walking distance to all the shops and the Millennium Stadium.
By road – Cardiff is ideally situated with the North of the city running through the M4, approximately 25 minutes from the Severn Bridge Crossing.
Parking – There are plenty of multi-storey car parks in the city centre, with some off road pay and display car parks around the museum and university.
Coach – The Coach Station is located directly outside the main Railway Station, and there are plenty of bus services in and around Cardiff. There is also an open air Cardiff Tour Bus, which allows visitors to see the main sights and attractions that Cardiff has to offer (departures outside Cardiff Castle every 30 minutes).
Schools and Education in Cardiff
Much like every city, Cardiff has a wealth of education facilities to suit every need. From playgroups, nurseries, primary and secondary schools to schools for special needs.
Cardiff is also well known for it’s student population of around 25,000 as it has all the facilities you would expect a capital city to have, but has the advantage of not being anywhere near as expensive! Cardiff’s good economy also means that there are plenty of job opportunities for work placements, and in fact many students choose to stay in Cardiff long after their courses have finished. Some of the employers in the surrounding area are Companies House, Panasonic, Marks and Spencers, Tesco, BBC, Red Dragon Radio, and Lloyds TSB.
Most of the subjects that you can think of can be studied at on of the city’s higher education establishments. They are:-
• Cardiff University
• University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
• University of Wales College of Medicine
• Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Students really are spoilt for choice here, from leisure facilities, to accommodation, to entertainment and nightlife with the natural beauty of Wales just on the doorstep.
For more information on Cardiff:-
http://www.cardiff.gov.uk
Or for more information contact Cardiff’s Tourist Information Office on 02920 22 72 81.
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