Cardiff Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is located in Glamorgan. In recent years it has become known as a thoroughly modern city that attracts tourists for its culture as well as its history and vibrant nightlife. Visitors make their way to Cardiff throughout the year, although summer is without a doubt the most popular time to visit. There is much to see and do throughout the city, including Cardiff Castle, which was constructed on the remains of a Roman fort. There are also many galleries and museums, theatres, including the hugely popular Millennium Centre, cinemas and concerts to see and enjoy throughout Cardiff as well as the massive Millennium Stadium home to many high profile rugby and football matches.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales as well as being the largest city in the country with almost a third of a million inhabitants. Surprisingly, it has only been the capital of Wales since 1955. Whilst the site of Cardiff has been inhabited since at least the time of the Romans, much of the growth of this city came when the docks were created in the early 1800's.

When you visit Cardiff, you will probably recognise some of the scenery as it is often used in television and film, including being the setting for many recent episodes of the TV show "Dr Who" as well as a number of other television shows such as 'Torchwood' and 'Gavin and Stacey'. The famous children's author Roald Dahl was also born in the city.

Sports fans will recognise the Millennium Stadium, which is the home of the Welsh rugby union team as well as their football team. The stadium also holds other sporting events including speedway and boxing. At other times, it is transformed into a rock music venue and has featured concerts by Madonna and the Rolling Stones amongst others although the Cardiff International Arena is the more regular concert venue in the city.

The Wales Millennium Centre is also worth a visit during your stay in Cardiff. Home to resident organisations Welsh National Opera, Diversions Dance and Hijinx Theatre the venue plays host to a colourful and exciting programme of performance, dance, film and music.

Cardiff Castle can be found in the centre of the city. During the day, you can tour the castle ruins whilst at night it regularly turns into a concert venue. It also hosts the annual University Summer Ball as well as the Welsh Mardi Gras during August.

Close to the castle is Cardiff's main shopping district and the St David's Centre is one of the premier shopping centres in Wales. Indeed, it is one of the largest shopping centres in the whole of the UK.