Welcome to Cardiff: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Cardiff, the historic and vibrant capital city of Wales famous for its castles, its rugby, its outstanding university as well as a thriving arts and cultural scene. Situated on the banks of the River Taff and the Bristol Channel, Cardiff is also the home of the Welsh Parliament called the Senedd, and of course Welsh Rugby!
On your private tour, you will:
- Explore the highlights of Cardiff city centre with an expert private guide;
- Begin your tour outside the historic Cardiff Castle with Roman and Norman origins;
- Explore the attractive Victorian Shopping Arcades of Cardiff and the famous Covered Market;
- Visit St David's Metropolitan Cathedral with its beautiful gothic revival architecture in the heart of the city;
- Sample local Welsh products, and stop for refreshments on us at an authentic local cafe or pub;
- Wander along the picturesque banks of the River Taff and learn about Cardiff's history, from its origins as a humble fishing village to a major coal port during the Industrial Revolution;
- Stop to admire the impressive Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh Rugby;
- Walk through some of the grounds of Cardiff University, one of the top 5 universities in the UK;
- View Cardiff’s magnificent Civic Centre, including the Law Courts and City Hall;
- Visit the outskirts of Bute Park, with its extensive arboretum and Alexander Gardens, which houses the National Memorial;
- Learn about Cardiff’s strong Welsh identity, from laverbread, the Welsh language, and male voice choirs to the national passion for rugby;
- Finish with a half-hour guided tour of the stunning National Museum, a grand neoclassical building with an extensive collection that includes everything from the dinosaurs to the arts (or from Mammoths to Monet!);
- Enjoy the finest collection of Impressionist paintings outside Paris, and end inside with free time to explore the museum.
The history of Cardiff dates back well over 6000 years. Neolithic people were living here before the completion of Stonehenge, and the Pyramid of Giza. It was later occupied by the Romans, who built a vast fortress on the river Taff, surrounded by several neolithic burial chambers. Castle on the Taff or Caer Dydd is how the city got its name. Later, the Normans invaded in 1066 and built castles all over Wales. It was William I who built Cardiff Castle into the remains of the Roman fort in 1081, and it is still standing to this very day. Today Cardiff is the proud capital of Wales, a vibrant university city and the proud home of Welsh Rugby!
On this fascinating private walking tour of Cardiff, you'll learn how it was transformed from a humble fishing village, into a successful coal shipping port during the Industrial Revolution. With your expert private guide, see all the highlights and many hidden gems.
From the castle to the cathedral, you'll then see Cardiff’s vast Principality Stadium, a venue at the heart of Welsh cultural life, from cheering rugby fans on match days to Beyoncé gigs, male choirs and operas.
Wander through the city’s covered arcades and the famous Central Covered Market. The Market is an impressive Victorian building and very much the beating heart of the city. Filled with food stalls selling fresh local produce, it is a truly unique shopping experience with a really buzzing atmosphere, where you'll enjoy a taste of Welsh fare on us!
Next, head to several of the city’s great architectural and cultural treasures, and green spaces. You'll see the majestic City Hall - made of impressive portland stone dating back to 1905, and some of the grounds of Cardiff University, with its stunning Edwardian baroque architecture. Established in 1883, the university is one of the top 5 in the UK. You'll also skirt the outskirts of beautiful Bute Park, named for the Marquess of Bute, who donated the castle and 130 acres of gardens to the city of Cardiff.
Your tour ends at the magnificent National Museum Cardiff, which houses an extraordinary collection of literally everything from art to dinosaurs. Enjoy a half-hour introductory tour of this treasure trove, including the extensive wing of Impressionism, and end inside to explore at your leisure.
