Western Avenue Rhodfa’r Gorllewin Caerdydd CF5 2YB CF5 2YB Tel: +44 (0)29 2041 6070 Ffôn: +44 (0)29 2041 6070 Fax: +44 (0)29 2041 6286 Ffacs: +44 (0)29 2041 6286 cardiffmet.ac.uk cardiffmet.ac.uk Cardiff about the city World famous Millennium Centre, Welcome to Cardiff Croeso I Gaerdydd

The capital city of has altered beyond recognition over the past decade or so. Massive investment in the city, the regeneration of its docks into a superb waterfront and a general interest in all things Welsh, from its music scene to its independent government, makes Cardiff an exciting European destination. Cardiff’s a young, prosperous and vibrant city Cardiff has the good fortune to house such full of character and atmosphere with a range gems as the National Museum of Wales, the of first-class facilities for sport, nightlife, Museum of Welsh Life, the Wales Millennium shopping and sightseeing. If you are looking Centre and stunning civic buildings for a place where you will be made to feel surrounded by acres and acres of parkland. welcome; somewhere that’s lively, inexpensive and easy to get around - Cardiff is The city boasts a year-round calendar of your answer! events. For the very latest on all the city’s events, theatre and show listings and concerts, contact Cardiff Visitor Centre or pick Waterfront City up Buzz magazine and keep an eye on the students’ union notice board - but a night out Barcelona may be a famous city by the sea, in Cardiff is usually an event in itself! Despite but it is Cardiff that boasts Europe’s largest all the recent changes, Cardiff remains a waterfront development, Cardiff Bay. famously friendly city. The harbour area has always been important to the city and in the late 19th century Cardiff was the world’s busiest coal port. In 1999, the created a huge freshwater lake which is now surrounded by chic waterfront bars, restaurants and cafes.

The Plass, named after the famous Cardiff-born author, is a stunning public plaza next to the modern Building and the . The bowl-shaped area, with amphitheatre style seating, acts as a venue for open-air concerts and festivals throughout the summer.

Lazy Sundays can easily be spent in Cardiff Bay, with a tapas lunch on the balcony at Terra Nova, followed by ice-cream at Cadwalader’s and then a boat trip over to the seaside town of , or back to the city Cardiff Bay centre.

1 Out and About

Few capital cities are better placed than If surfing is your thing, Britain’s first area of Cardiff for blowing away the cobwebs when outstanding natural beauty, The Gower city life becomes too hectic. Peninsular, is also within an hours drive. Famous for its clean, award-winning beaches, The remote wilderness of the Beacons the area has some of the world’s best surf National Park is under an hour away from spots, but is equally attractive for sun Cardiff and home to some of Wales’ most worshippers and walkers alike, with golden spectacular landscapes. The opportunities for sands and a breathtaking, rugged coastline. activity are endless, from hiking to the summit of Wales’ highest peak, to mountain The runs through the centre of biking, or kayaking, fishing and caving, Cardiff, following the route of the river from alongside amazing rivers and waterfalls. the Brecon Beacons in the north, through the valleys, before ending in Cardiff Bay, with plenty of sights en route for cyclists and walkers.

2 View from the Brecon Beacons

Sporting City

Cardiff is without doubt a sporting capital. The Millennium dominates the skyline and has seen sporting history played out under its retractable roof, since 1999.

Watching: A legendary destination for rugby fans - Cardiff on an international match day is often awash with people from across the world.

Many say there isn’t anywhere better to watch a major sporting event than in a world class Bustling Cardiff street on match day. Wales , Cardiff stadium, unusually situated at the heart of a city centre.

It’s not all about rugby though - the Millennium Stadium is also home to the British Speedway Grand Prix and has hosted international boxing clashes.

Cardiff City FC also has its brand new stadium at Leckwith for the fans to enjoy the games.

Cricket enthusiasts will enjoy an afternoon at , home to County Cricket Club, whilst ice hockey fans can see the team in action at the city’s National Indoor Athletics Centre, ice-rink.

Playing: The Welsh Institute of Sport at Sophia Cardiff Met itself has some of the best Gardens has world class facilities including sporting facilities in Wales, but outside of the badminton, tennis and netball courts. university, there is plenty of opportunity for recreational sport. If rowing is your thing, the Winter sports are also catered for - Cardiff has runs right though the city centre and its own dry ski slope in Fairwater and a there is also a chance to row in the beautiful temporary ice-rink until Cardiff’s new multi- surroundings of Park Lake in Cardiff. million pound sports village is completed.

3 St Davids-Dewi Sant, Cardiff’s new shopping complex

4 Travelling to Cardiff

Cardiff is easy to reach whether you’re travelling by car, coach, train or plane.

By Car By Train The lies just a mile or so to the The main station for Inter-City services is north of the city centre giving easy access to Cardiff Central in the city centre. It is London and the South East or, via the M5, to approximately three miles from the campuses the Midlands, the South West and the North. at and Cyncoed.

Rail travel is just as easy. A good rail network Taxis and buses to all the centres and the links Cardiff to all parts of Wales and there are Halls of Residence are available from the fast, daily services to other major cities. station. Local train services operate from both London is only two hours away by Inter-City. the Central and the Queen Street stations.

Twelve miles from the city is Wales’ premier By Coach regional airport. There are regular services to National coach services operate from the city many British cities as well as to European centre bus station, adjacent to the central capitals. railway station. Coach services connect the city to destinations nationwide.

By Bus The central bus station is adjacent to the

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