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Dragon & Daffodil Break
The most famous symbols of Wales are the Red Dragon ('Y Ddraig Goch' in Welsh) and the daffodil ('cenhinen pedr' in Welsh). They are well represented in Wales' capital because the Welsh history and heritage are firmly in its mind, even though Cardiff is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and has achieved an international reputation for its many dynamic and modern developments. When you explore the museums, ancient castles, country houses or listen to the choirs, whether you have a general interest or specialist interest, it is sure you will have a rich and rewarding experience. Please find below our suggestions for a Dragon & Daffodil Break.
From Celtic Times to Present Days
The St Fagans National History Museum ( a 15 minutes drive from Cardiff) is one of Europe's foremost open air museums and Wales' most popular (and free) heritage attraction. The museum shows how the people of Wales used to live over the last five hundred years and visitors can gain an insight into the rich heritage and culture of Wales. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St. Fagans Castle, a late 16th century manor house. The 100-acre parkland includes buildings such as a Celtic village, school, chapel and workshops where craftsmen, such as the blacksmith and the cooper, demonstrate their skills.
Welsh Male Voice Choirs
Wales has a huge choral tradition, nowadays represented by the famous Welsh Male Voice Choirs. They originate from the community spirit forged in the coalmines and steel industries in the South Wales Valleys and the quarries of North Wales. You are welcome drop-in on rehearsals of most choirs, which are often as stirring and enjoyable as a full scale concert, but with the added interest of discovering what goes on behind the scenes.
On Mondays, from 19:30 -21:30, you can attend a rehearsal of the Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir at Cardiff Arms Park Rugby Club in Cardiff (Tel: +44 (0) 29 20 627 519). On Wednesday, from 19:30-22:00, you can listen to the Cardiff Male Choir at the Conway Road Methodist Church in Cardiff (Tel: +44 (0) 29 20 790 905). On occasion, the choirs may be attending a concert or enjoying a holiday period and therefore there will be no rehearsals. In order to avoid disappointment, please contact the choir in advance to confirm arrangements.
On Mondays, from 19:30 -21:30, you can attend a rehearsal of the Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir at Cardiff Arms Park Rugby Club in Cardiff (Tel: +44 (0) 29 20 627 519). On Wednesday, from 19:30-22:00, you can listen to the Cardiff Male Choir at the Conway Road Methodist Church in Cardiff (Tel: +44 (0) 29 20 790 905). On occasion, the choirs may be attending a concert or enjoying a holiday period and therefore there will be no rehearsals. In order to avoid disappointment, please contact the choir in advance to confirm arrangements.
Towers and Turrets
Located in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle has a history spanning nearly 2000 years. Your guide will lead you through the gothic towers to discover lavish and magnificent interiors. You can also explore the 12th century Norman Keep - a climb to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views across the city. Castell Coch (meaning 'red castle' in Welsh), on the outskirts of Cardiff, is the ultimate fairytale castle. Its conical towers and needle-sharp turrets peek out from a wooded slope. It started as a medieval castle, but during the centuries the design of the building has been transformed into a vision more in tune with a castle out of the Walt Disney studio. In the late 19th century the interiors were transformed into pure Victorian fantasy, richly decorated and highly imaginative.
Black Gold
The wealth that created the Cardiff of today was generated by Black Gold, more commonly known as coal. To discover how deeply coal affected Cardiff's development in the late 18th century make a pit stop at Rhondda Heritage Park, a living mining museum. Join an ex-miner underground, ride the 'cage' to 'pit bottom' and experience for your-self the conditions under which coal was mined. Exhibitions, period village street, art gallery and much more complete your mining experience.
Galleries
The Butetown History and Arts Centre collects, preserves and presents the history of old Tiger Bay and the Docks. Its exhibitions, books and other materials are drawn on the photographs, documents and memories of local people and give you a surprising view on the area which used to be one of the world's greatest coal ports. Just a 2 minute stroll away from the Butetown Centre you'll find Craft in the Bay. The gallery, a remarkable cast-iron framed structure, is well worth a look from the outside. Inside, the Makers Guild in Wales brings together and promotes the best of Welsh talent and has established a worldwide reputation for quality and artistic innovation.
Back to the 14th century
Cosmeston Medieval Village is a Heritage Project that is unique in Britain. The reconstructed 14th Century village is on it's original site and consists of medieval buildings, gardens, rare breeds and a small museum. A costumed guide will provide an enthralling view of peasant life in the 14th Century, or you can take a self-guided tour using our portable CD audio system. Special events take place throughout the year such as jousting, medieval combat, archery, crafts, Halloween events and Summer Festivals.
