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5 (5)

Location Icon Cardiff

Cardiff Private Day Tour: Castle, History & Bay Views

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540

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The Private Day Tour of Cardiff offers an immersive exploration of the Welsh capital's highlights, including Cardiff Castle, St Fagans National Museum of History, and Cardiff Bay. This tour is perfect for visitors who want to discover the best of Cardiff in a single day. A local Cardiffian guides the tour, offering insights into the city's history and culture, including recommendations for the best local spots to eat, drink, and explore.

During the tour, visitors can expect to see iconic landmarks like Cardiff Castle, where they'll enjoy entry to explore its rich history. The tour also includes a visit to St Mary's Street & Victorian Arcades, Principality Stadium & Urban Tap House, Spillers Records, Cardiff Market, St John The Baptist Church, Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan Statue, Cathays Park Civic Centre, The National Museum Cardiff, Llandaff, St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff Bay, The Exchange Hotel (Former Coal Exchange), Portland House (Former National Provincial Bank), Roald Dahl Plass, The Senedd, Wales Millennium Centre. The tour provides a comprehensive overview of Cardiff's key attractions.

This private tour is designed for small groups but can accommodate larger groups upon request. It includes entry to Cardiff Castle, ensuring a seamless experience. Gratuities are not included. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore Cardiff Castle: Step back in time and discover the rich history within the walls of Cardiff Castle.

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Discover St Fagans: Delve into Welsh history at St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Welsh life.

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See Cardiff Bay: Experience the vibrant waterfront of Cardiff Bay, with its modern architecture and stunning views.

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Local Guide: Benefit from the insights of a local guide who knows the best spots in Cardiff.

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Private Tour: Enjoy a personalized experience tailored to the group's interests and preferences.

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Key Attractions: Visit the must-see attractions of Cardiff in a single day.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally enjoyed the tour for its comprehensive overview of Cardiff's key attractions and historical insights, with some suggestions for extended time at specific locations. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers liked having a friendly tour guide

    Positive Highlight Icon Travelers enjoyed learning about the history of Cardiff

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors appreciated seeing so many attractions in one day

    Positive Highlight Icon Guests found the tour well-organized

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some guests wished for more time at certain locations

    Negative Highlight Icon One traveler had wished to see more of the bay

The Journey

1

Cardiff Castle

Step back in time at Cardiff Castle, a site with layers of history dating back to a Roman fort. Explore its Norman keep, opulent Victorian interiors designed by the Marquis of Bute, and fascinating World War II tunnels. Climb the keep for panoramic views of Cardiff, and discover the Million-Pound Ceiling. A must-see Welsh national treasure.

2

St Mary's Street & Victorian Arcades

Wander through St Mary's Street and its enchanting Victorian arcades, the historic heart of Cardiff's shopping district. Discover unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and the world's oldest record shop. Experience the charm and local flavor of these shopping gems, a world away from the typical tourist trail. Enjoy the flexibility to explore shops that catch your eye.

3

Principality Stadium & Urban Tap House

Visit the Urban Tap House (21+) and enjoy a view of the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby. Discover how rugby became the national sport of Wales, and learn about the stadium's innovative design, including its retractable roof. Hear tales of its multi-purpose use, from hosting the FA Cup Final to welcoming music legends.

4

Spillers Records

Discover Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world and a South Wales institution. This shop is a treasure trove for music lovers of all genres. Find hidden gems and rediscover the joy of vinyl in this iconic Cardiff landmark.

5

Cardiff Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff's Victorian covered market, a local favorite for diverse products and culinary delights. Sample local delicacies, explore the stalls, and discover unique treasures. Learn about the market's history as the site of Dic Pendryn's execution, a pivotal event in Welsh history.

6

St John The Baptist Church

Explore St John The Baptist Church, one of Cardiff's oldest buildings and a remnant of the medieval walled town. Admire its pre-Norman origins and 15th-century redesign. Discover its beautiful interior decor, including Victorian stained glass by pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Morris. Also notable for its appearance in Doctor Who.

7

Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan Statue

Reflect on the legacy of Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan, the father of the UK's National Health Service, at his statue. Learn about Bevan's life, political battles, and his pivotal role in creating the NHS. Explore Cardiff's connection to the coal trade, which shaped Bevan's social conscience and political vision.

8

Cathays Park Civic Centre

Wander through Cathays Park, an early 20th-century civic center built with Portland Stone. Discover the historical significance of Cardiff's Crown Court, Cardiff University, The National Museum Cardiff, and the Welsh National War Memorial. Uncover how the booming coal trade funded this grand architectural project and see how Cardiff is now a popular filming location.

9

The National Museum Cardiff

Visit the National Museum Cardiff and immerse yourself in its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including masterpieces by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Rodin. Explore Welsh art, both modern and historic, spread across 15 galleries. (Note: Closed on Mondays; alternative locations will be added to the tour). Learn the history of how this impressive art collection was amassed.

10

Llandaff

Drive through Llandaff, one of the most important Christian sites in Wales. See the stunning Llandaff Cathedral, heavily damaged in World War II, and discover the childhood home of author Roald Dahl. Spot the Cathedral School and the former site of Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop, which inspired Dahl's beloved stories.

11

St Fagans National Museum of History

Step into the past at St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular visitor attraction and the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019. Explore historic buildings transported from across Wales, offering a glimpse into Welsh life since the Celtic period. Visit an Iron Age roundhouse, a mediaeval Prince's court, and St Fagans Castle.

12

Cardiff Bay

Explore Cardiff Bay, once the world's largest coal exporting docks and now a vibrant cultural and political center. Discover the Wales Millennium Centre, Roald Dahl Plass, The Senedd, and the BBC Wales studios. Uncover the area's rich history and its transformation into a beautiful waterfront destination.

13

The Exchange Hotel (Former Coal Exchange)

Visit the Exchange Hotel, formerly the Coal Exchange, where the first £1 million deal was struck in 1904. Discover its stunning architecture and history as a hub of global trade. Learn about the significance of coal to Cardiff, Wales, and the British Empire.

14

Portland House (Former National Provincial Bank)

See Portland House, the former site of the Cardiff Dock branch of the National Provincial Bank, where the first Million Pound Cheque was cashed. Learn about the architectural heritage of the area and the challenges faced in preserving these listed buildings.

15

Roald Dahl Plass

Discover Roald Dahl Plass, named after Cardiff's famous son and children's author. Admire the iconic Water Tower fountain. Check for free events like the International Food and Drink Festival or Cardiff Bay Beach, which your guide can incorporate into the tour if available.

16

The Senedd

Explore The Senedd, the home of the Welsh Parliament, designed by Lord Richard Rogers. Reflect on the open and democratic nature of Welsh devolution and its modern architecture. Discuss the role Wales has played in UK politics and the growing movement for Welsh independence.

17

Wales Millennium Centre

Visit the Wales Millennium Centre, one of Cardiff's most iconic buildings and home to renowned arts organizations. Explore its unique architecture, designed to reflect Welsh culture. Learn about its international significance and the thoughtful details that make this building a masterpiece.

Know Before You Go

This private day tour includes entry to Cardiff Castle. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Please confirm pickup and drop-off locations with the tour operator upon booking.

Hot Tip

Travelers suggest wearing comfortable shoes for walking and allowing extra time at St Fagans to fully enjoy the historical exhibits.

From £385 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.