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 Cardiff Bay, Glamorgan.
Attractions
Mid Glamorgan
| Cyfarthfa Castle |
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 Cyfarthfa Castle is a castellated mansion that was originally home to the Crawshay family, who were ironmasters of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil. Built in 1824 by architect Robert Lugar at a cost of £30,000, the castle features 15 towers and 72 rooms. Today, it houses a museum and art gallery with artefacts spanning 2,000 years of local history, set within 160 acres of parkland offering spectacular views across the valley and to the Brecon Beacons. Notable exhibits include the world's first steam whistle and the first voting ballot box. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities including a splash pad, playground, miniature railway, tennis courts, fishing lake and woodland walks with nature trails. The original building included impressive features such as a billiard room, library, and extensive storage cellars that once housed over 15,000 bottles of wines and spirits. Interestingly, the castle was strategically positioned so workers could see their ironmaster's residence from below, whilst at night, the blast furnaces would illuminate the castle's stone walls, creating an unusual pattern of red and yellow reflections in its windows. |
Other attractions
 Candleston Castle (ruins)
Merthyr Mawr
Merthyr Tydfil
South Glamorgan
| Cardiff (Caerdydd) |
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Cardiff, the capital and largest city of Wales, has a population of 372,089 as of 2022. Boasting more castles than any other European city, Cardiff features three notable ones: Cardiff Castle, Castle Coch and St Fagans. The city's port area, Tiger Bay, was once the world's busiest port, exporting over 10 million tonnes of coal annually before WWI, and hosted the first-ever million-pound business deal in 1907. The city stands out for having more green spaces per person than any other UK core city. The Victorian arcades house quirky cafes and the world's oldest record shop, offering a labyrinth of stores and eateries. Visitors can sample traditional Welsh cuisine including Welsh rarebit (melted cheese and ale on crusty bread), cawl (traditional stew), bara brith (fruit loaf), and Welsh cakes3. Cardiff is also a major centre for television and film production, serving as the filming location for shows like Doctor Who, Torchwood and Sherlock. St. Fagans, one of Europe's leading open-air museums, showcases traditional crafts and activities with craftspeople demonstrating their skills. |
Other attractions
Barry
Penarth
West Glamorgan
| Swansea |
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Swansea offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant modern attractions, meeting everyone's needs. The city was once the cultural and intellectual centre of Wales, home to the first weekly and daily papers in Wales, as well as the Royal Institution for the Arts and Sciences (now Swansea Museum). A short drive from the centre lies the Gower Peninsula, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches and lush countryside, with breathtaking coastal paths and hidden coves. The award-winning Swansea Market is a must-visit for local delicacies, including cockles, laverbread (a renowned dish made from seaweed collected on Gower's shores) and Welsh Cakes. The striking National Waterfront Museum celebrates Welsh industrial and maritime history dating back to the 1800s, showcasing an era when Wales supplied the world with coal and steel, along with countless inventions including Richard Trevithick's groundbreaking steam locomotive. For indoor activities, visitors can enjoy the LC Leisure Complex with its water park and climbing walls, whilst cultural attractions include the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Plantasia Tropical Zoo, Dylan Thomas exhibition, and the sprawling greenery of Singleton Park. |
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England Guide
Ireland Guide
Scotland Guide
Cyfarthfa Castle is a castellated mansion that was originally home to the Crawshay family, who were ironmasters of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil. Built in 1824 by architect Robert Lugar at a cost of £30,000, the castle features 15 towers and 72 rooms. Today, it houses a museum and art gallery with artefacts spanning 2,000 years of local history, set within 160 acres of parkland offering spectacular views across the valley and to the Brecon Beacons. Notable exhibits include the world's first steam whistle and the first voting ballot box. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities including a splash pad, playground, miniature railway, tennis courts, fishing lake and woodland walks with nature trails. The original building included impressive features such as a billiard room, library, and extensive storage cellars that once housed over 15,000 bottles of wines and spirits. Interestingly, the castle was strategically positioned so workers could see their ironmaster's residence from below, whilst at night, the blast furnaces would illuminate the castle's stone walls, creating an unusual pattern of red and yellow reflections in its windows.
Candleston Castle (ruins)
Aberdulais Falls
Rhossili & Gower Peninsula
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe