Cardiff
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Overview
Cardiff is the youngest capital in the EU, acquiring that status in 1955. Now, it's the hub of media, culture, and sport for Wales. Home to the Millenium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, it boasts a population of just over 300,000, and is the political centre for the National Assembly for Wales, known as the Senedd to citizens.
Tourist Information
The Tourist Information Centre (map) is located in The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre.
There is also a Visitors Centre in Cardiff Bay (The Tube), next to the Norwegian Church.
CouchSurfing in Cardiff
The majority of CouchSurfers in Cardiff are in regular contact with each other. The community is small but very active and friendly.
Regular meetings are held on 15th of each month at various venues.
A Spanish conversation group meets most Wednesdays, normally in Central Bar, Windsor Place, details are posted on the group forum each week, and you can add yourself to the events pages if you wish to attend.
Gatherings are arranged very regularly by hosts to welcome guests, and those who are unable to host help to give guests a warm Cardiff welcome by attending gatherings and showing people around. If your host is unable to meet you straight away or show you around, it's likely another member will be only too pleased to keep you company.
Day trips and excursions regularly take place. Trips so far have included, Cardiff Big Weekend and Carnival, The Big Cheese festival in Caerphilly, day trips to Bath, Nights out in Bristol (where we have joined the CSers in those cities) the Gower, The Big Pit, Cardiff Bay, Flat Holm Island, potluck and boardgames, cinema, concerts...
New ideas and suggestions are always welcome from visitors and newcomers alike.
Alice Didier, a Couchsurfer from Paris who visited Cardiff for a month in August 2008 created a blog of her experience. It contains some interesting photos of the excellent time she had, and captures the spirit of Cardiff CS activities.
http://www.photoblog.com/aliceincardiff
How to get there
Train
Most travellers arrive into Cardiff Central Station (map). Cardiff is situated conveniently on the London Paddington to Swansea rail route. Cardiff is 2 hours from London Paddington, with trains running frequently throughout the day. Alternatively, Cardiff is 3.5 hours from London by Coach (Victoria).
Cardiff is also connected to North England via the Cardiff-Manchester Picadilly route which generally runs twice hourly and takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
Due to Welsh geography, train travel between North, South, and Mid Wales can be complex involves travel to outside of Wales and changing trains. Some routes (info to be completed soon):
- Cardiff > Holyhead
- Holyhead > Cardiff
- Cardiff > Aberystwyth
- Aberystwyth > Cardiff
As with the majority of the UK, train fares to nearby towns will generally cost the same on the day of travel or in advance. Nearby towns:
- Newport (15 minutes. Return fare £3.60 off-peak / £4.10 anytime OCT-09)
- Abergavenny (35 minutes. Return fare £10.40 off-peak / £10.90 anytime OCT-09)
- Swansea (1 hour. Return fare £6.20 off-peak / £7.90 anytime OCT-09)
- Bristol (Temple Meads) (35 - 50 minutes. Return fare £9.40 off-peak / £13.90 anytime OCT-09)
Times and fares listed as guides. Note, tickets may be subject to travel time restrictions. See national rail webpage for exact details.
Travellers arriving from longer distances (more than 2-3 hours) should reserve tickets in advance to save money. Rail stations also sell rail cards to people between the ages of 16-25 for £26 to save 1/3 on all rail fares. You will need to provide the money either by cash or card, and 1 passport photo to buy the card.
Nearest airports are Cardiff International Airport (half an hour from city centre) and Bristol International Airport (1 hour).
Coach
- Offers regular services to Cardiff. The bus stop is outside Cardiff Castle in the city centre and tickets are bought on-line.
- Has an office by Cardiff Central bus station. Megabus is usually cheaper but check National Express also for special offers known as "funfares"
- Long distance couch routes in Wales. (tbc)
Left luggage
There is no left luggage in the train or bus station. Lockers are located in the Tourist Information Centre in The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre
If you visit the museum, there are lockers there for museum visitors.
Car
Internet access
Local transport
Cardiff is a very walkable city with most neighborhoods within 30 minute walking distance of the city centre.
Buses
Visit Cardiff Bus Company for route information and bus map. Also, visit Traveline Cymru for information on bus and train timetables, and a journey planner. The central bus station (map) is located near the Cardiff Central Train Station.
A single bus ticket costs £1.50 and a return £3, the same price a the 'Day to go' which can be bought on the buses. You MUST have the correct amount as drivers don't give change.
Trains
There are several local rail stops for various districts within Cardiff, including Cathays, Cardiff Bay, Ninian Park and Caerphilly (for the castle).
Services provided by Arriva Trains Wales. Check National Rail for timetables.
Taxis
Dragon Taxis
- 029 2033 3333
Capital Cabs
- 029 2077 7777
Premier Cabs
- 029 2055 5555
Cycling
Cardiff is situated on the Route No4 of The National Cycle Network running from London to Fishguard, also known as the Celtic Trail.
It is also the bottom end of the National Cycle Network Route No8 Holyhead to Cardiff known as "Lôn Las Cymru"
For full details of these routes and The National Cycle Network in general, please refer to http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Cardiff Pedal Power has a range of cycles for all ages and abilities.
The Cardiff Smart Bike scheme operated by OYBike is now running.
Places to stay
Hostels
- Run two hostels in the city centre on the riverside. NosDa and Riverhouse Backpackers
- Located in Roath Park.
- Located on Newport Road
For a full list of accomodation go to: Hostels.com Cardiff or Hostelworld.com Cardiff
Long Term Accommodation
- Collection of ads posted for accommodation.
- Primary student letting agents.
Bed & Breakfast (B&B) / Guesthouses
Camping
Hotels
Food, drink & nightlife
Pubs and Cafes
Cardiff CS events are usually held at the following venues:
- City Road
- Located on Wellfield Place.
- Located in Cardiff Bay.
Tair Pluen
- Church Street
- A colourful cafe and cocktail bar.
The Vulcan
- Adam Street (opp. The Atrium)
For more pub information:
Delis / Take-aways
Restaurants
- Traditional Welsh food in a Welsh speaking environment.
Garlands Coffee Shop
- 4 Duke Street Arcade, City Centre
Kismet Indian Restaurant (City Road)
- Cheapest meal in Cardiff (possibly). All you can eat buffet £2.50, 3 course meals for £5.00
For vegetarian or vegan visitors:
- Clifton Street, Cardiff.
- Penarth Road, Cardiff.
- Morgan Arcade Cardiff.
Clubs and Live Music Venues
- Live music and dining.
- [Church Street]
- Live music almost every night.
- [Kingsway (opposite Cardiff Castle)]
- Bar, club, garden and kitchen.
- [Windsor Place (off Queen Street)]
- Known as the Welsh Club to locals hosts tons of local and touring acts.
- [Womanby Street (backstreet opposite the Castle)]
- Re-opening November 1st.
- [Mountstuart Square, Cardiff Bay]
- A live music venue holding up to 350 people.
- [Albany Road, Roath]
- One of our meeting places. Live music, DJs, food and drink.
- [Guildford Crescent (a short walk from Queen Street Station)]
- Live bands and DJs
- [Womanby Street (a few steps away from Clwb Ifor Bach)]
Cardiff International Arena (CIA)
- A large live music arena in the city centre.
- [Mary Ann Street]
Attractions
- A castle in the middle of the city right near the high street. Guided tours available regularly (Note: If you work or live in Cardiff you can get a residents pass which entitles you to free access to the Castle grounds and half price on tours.)
- Great for a stroll after visiting the castle.
- Known as a fairy-tale castle.
- Largest castle in Britain after Windsor castle.
- Tours may be available of this massive sporting venue in Cardiff.
Museum of Welsh Life (St Fagans)
- An entire village of Welsh buildings from different periods, reconstructed brick by brick.
- Former docklands regenerated into a new area full of restaurants and local events. Dr. Who fans will recognise the local landmarks and will probably enjoy the exhibition located in the Red Dragon Centre.
- A hands-on science education centre (near Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay)
Llandaff Cathedral Flatholm Island
- Take a boat journey out to this little island for an interesting tour.
- Another island worth visiting as well.
- Beautiful park where you can hire a row-boat (or swan) and visit the botanical gardens.
Cosmeston Lakes, Country Park and Medieval Village
Culture
- World cinema, modern theatre, and art installations.
- Roath based arts centre.
- Contemporary theatre.
- Bigger venue for more traditional stage productions such as musicals and opera.
- Concert Hall. Home of the Welsh Proms. and the Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
- Known as the 'large armadillo' to locals because of its odd shape, the Millennium Centre hosts world class events including opera and ballet. Occasionally free events open to the public take place.
Architecture
Walks / Tours
Museums / Galleries
- Major museum for the city with rotating exhibitions.
Butetown History and Arts Centre
- Exhibitions about early immigration to Cardiff. Also host guided tours around the bay area if booked.
Events
The following are a list of annual events that take place in or around Cardiff (dates subject to change):
- To check out current events.
2009
- A Ferris Wheel, Ice-rink, mulled wine stalls, and Santa's grotto
- Opens 12th November
Calennig New Year Celebrations
- Free New Year concert in Civic Centre (Winter Wonderland Site)
- December 31st
2010
- Little known festival: The Welsh New Year. Held around January 6th/Twelfth Night. There is usually an event held in the Mochyn Du
- January'
The Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival
- Mid June at the CIA
Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival
- Theatre in the castle grounds.
- Early July
Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
- Held in Cardiff Bay
- Mid July
- Early August
- Late August
Abergavenny Food and Drink Festival
- Local vendors sell everything from fruit wines to tofu jerky
- Mid September
- Late September
- Early October
- Music festival featuring local bands.
- Late October
Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival
- Late October
Fireworks (Sparks in the Park)
- Firework Display and Bonfire in Cooper's Field. A charity event organised by Cardiff Round Table.
- Late October/Early November
2011
BBC Singer of the World Competition
- June
Nearby Destinations
Reachable by public transport
- Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. Take an underground tour of the mine!
Caerleon Roman Fortress Mumbles (Swansea)
- Seaside village to Swansea.
- Now recognised as an 'area of outstanding natural beauty', the Gower Peninsula is full of beaches and cliffs.
- Take tours of caves.
Reachable by car only
The Blue Anchor Inn, East Aberthaw
- 800 year old Pub
- Step back in time and see how the other half once lived.
Cymraeg (Welsh)
Welsh gained equal status as the language of Wales with English in 1993. All public sector organisations must be able to operate in both English and Welsh. It is estimated that 1 in 5 citizens in Wales speak Welsh, with the figure 1 in 3 quoted for those under 21. About 11% of the Cardiff population speak Welsh.
For those interested in learning Welsh while visiting or residing in Cardiff, the following links may be helpful:
- A good starting place for mastering the basics.
- Free, extensive mp3 audio course for beginners.
Welsh for Adults Centre Cardiff
- Book a course for any level.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
- POLICE STATIONS
The emergency number is 999 or 112. The non-emergency number is 101. The city centre station, operated by South Wales Police is located at Cathays Park (behind the Law Courts) and is open 24 hours.
- HOSPITALS
If you require urgent medical assistance call 999 or 112. The Accident and Emergency Unit can be found at University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, CARDIFF. Tel. +44 (0) 29 2074 7747. Local NHS services are now provided by Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
- MEDICAL ADVICE HELPLINE
Call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 to seek medical advise from a nurse.
- EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
There are a number of consulates based in Cardiff. It's important to note that the issue of visas and visa enquiries are normally handled by the London embassies.
Consulate General of Ireland Brunel House, Fitzalan Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2066 2000
Consulate of Canada c/o St. John Cymru/Wales, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2044 9635
Consulate of Switzerland c/o Morgan Cole, Solicitors, Bradley Court, Park Place, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2048 8533
Embassy of the United States, Welsh Affairs Office Temple Court, Cathedral Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2078 6633
German Consul Haywood House, Dumfries Place, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 5511
Italian Vice Consulate 58 Kings Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 1757
Honorary Consul of The Czech Republic 1 Kings Road, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2039 6622
Honorary Consul of Slovakia 194 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2034 3434
Royal Netherlands Consul 55 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. Tel. 0871 226 0180
Royal Thai Consulate 9 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff. Tel. 029 2046 5777
- RAPE CRISIS UNIT
As far as I know there is no RCU in Cardiff but useful information can be found at the Cardiff University Counselling Services website.
- DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE
Freephone domestic abuse helpline: 0808 801 0800 (open 24 hours)
- CITIZEN'S ADVICE BUREAU
Citizens Advice Bureau, 1st Floor, Castle House, Castle Street,Cardiff. CF10 1BS Tel. 029 2034 6490
- THE IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE
The Immigration Advisory Service, 30 Richmond Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3AS Tel. 029 2049 6662
- YOUR LOCAL CS AMBASSADOR
KENTISBEAR. If you have any questions about this list and the Cardiff wiki page then contact me through CS. You should receive a prompt answer.
