Top Tourist Attractions in Cardiff

Cardiff is an exciting city to visit any time of year, with a lot of attractions on offer. The iconic Cardiff bay, for instance, is one of Europe’s biggest waterfront developments with boat tours and events held there throughout summer and winter.

Because we provide driving lessons in Cardiff, our team go past a lot of these tourist attractions every day. Here, we’ve put together a list of our favourites.

1. Cardiff International White Water Centre

If you want to start your visit with plenty of excitement as well as a challenge or two, the International White Water Centre on Watkiss Way near Cardiff Bay is a great place to start. The Olympic standard facilities are among the best in Europe and there are courses for complete beginners as well as professionals.

There is also paddleboarding at the indoor wave facility which is just as much fun. Once you’ve finished you can visit the onsite café and watch all the fun as you unwind.

2. Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay has been developed with tourism in mind and there is a great deal to do and see. First, there’s the Millennium Centre which has played host to many events, concerts and world-class shows of all types including opera and ballet. If you’re visiting Cardiff, we suggest you book a show if you want the experience of a lifetime.

Lying across the mouth of the bay is the Cardiff Barrage and it’s a great location for a relaxing walk or a bike ride. It’s also got some great outdoor activities for the kids such as the Skate Plaza and the outdoor gym, all with magnificent views of the city.

3. Cardiff Central Market

If shopping is your thing, there are plenty of places to visit around Cardiff city centre with stores to suit almost any taste. One of the most popular locations is Cardiff Central Market on St Mary Street. It’s a huge Victorian market place with a glass roof and there has been commerce in some form or other here since the early 1700s.

You get a real feel for historic Cardiff at the Central Market and products range from clothing and toys to traditional Welsh cuisine.

4. Cardiff Festivals

As you might expect of a cosmopolitan city, there are several different festivals held throughout the year that bring people in from all over the world. The Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, for example, takes place during July and gives you a chance to explore not only traditional Welsh fayre but foods from across the globe.

Pride weekend in Cardiff usually takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and you can expect a real party atmosphere as thousands rush into the city to celebrate LGBTQ life and the traditional parade with all its spectacular colour.

In June, Bute Park becomes home to the Inside Out Festival with a bunch of international bands and singing stars showing up to perform. Almost any time that you visit Cardiff, however, there is usually something going on.

5. Brecon Beacons

Not all the tourist attractions are in Cardiff city centre. If you want to get out for a drive to the country, the Brecon Beacons offers some stunning walks and impressive landscapes to explore. It’s a great place to go cycling or mountain biking. There are a variety of underground adventures and water sports such as kayaking to take part in.

6. Castell Coch

Also known as the `red castle’, this 700-year-old fairy tale castle has some really amazing interiors and surrounding grounds that you can explore for hours on end. It’s a great location for the kids and all the family to spend the day. It is not far from the city centre.

7. Dyffryn Gardens

If you prefer fresh air and beautiful gardens, this National Trust location is perfect for a sunny afternoon. Dyffryn Gardens and the estate date back to the 7^th century. Later it was redesigned by Thomas Mawson, who earned his money during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. More recently it has become host to exotic plant species from around the world.

Driving Lessons Cardiff

If you are searching for driving lessons, Cardiff is a great place to learn to drive. Our expert team of approved driving instructors can tailor courses to meet your needs. Contact us today to find out more or book an appointment.