If you visit Cardiff as a Dr.Who fan you can play âspot the locationâ as so many locations in the city have featured in all of the 12 seasons such as Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, St. Fagans, and Cardiff Bay. For a full list of locations check out this list.
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FUN & FREE CARDIFF
With the cost of living increasing, we know that everyone will appreciate something cheap and cheerful to keep the family entertained over the Summer Holidays.
We’ve put together a guide to some free attractions and events throughout Cardiff.
1. ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
St Fagans National Museum of History has been Walesâs most popular heritage attraction for many years. This museum holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales because it is a peopleâs museum, where you can explore history together through peopleâs everyday lives.
It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. During the last fifty years, over fifty original buildings from different locations in Wales and from different historical periods have been re-built in the 100-acre parkland. Each building is frozen in time and opens a door into Welsh history offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
2. CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE
Perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride, the Barrage embankment is situated in a stunning maritime setting and offers spectacular views over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary. Thanks to its flat gradient and lack of steps, itâs accessible for all visitors.
A variety of leisure activities take place along the Barrage embankment at the childrenâs play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym. Visitors can also peruse the free exhibitions, have a sit down and selfie with the Enormous Crocodile, and take a pit-stop at the RSPB-run Hafren CafĂ©.
3. CARDIFF CASTLE PUBLIC SQUARE
If youâre planning a trip to Cardiff and would like a lovely spot to to catch up with friends or relax after hitting the shops, then come and use the public square in the beautiful setting of the Castleâs outer lawn.
The Public Square is free to enter and also includes access to the Castle Café, Gift Shop, Visitor Information Point and public toilets. Members of the public are welcome to bring their own food and drink in to the Public Square but cannot consume it in the café seating area.
4. Y SENEDD
The Senedd is situated overlooking the waters of Cardiff Bay, this easily accessible public building is a Parliament for the people of Wales.
It houses the Welsh Parliament for Walesâ Siambr (debating chamber) and Committee Rooms, all of which have a public gallery to allow members of the public free access inside to take an interest in the discussions that help shape their lives as well as hosting world class exhibitions and events throughout the year.
5. NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF
National Museum Cardiff is situated in the heart of Cardiffâs elegant civic centre and houses world class art and natural history, including Walesâs national art, natural history and geology collections, as well as major touring and temporary exhibitions.
If you want to stand and stare, thereâs plenty to please your eye â from Impressionist paintings to gigantic dinosaurs. For exploring you can pick up a range of gallery trails to guide you around the Museum. With a busy programme of exhibitions and events, we have something to amaze everyone, whatever your interest â and admission is free!
6. VISIT THE DR WHO FILMING LOCATIONS
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC since 1963. The programme had a reboot in 2005 where all 12 seasons have been filmed in Cardiff and Wales. The Reboot has been a huge success globally, it has attracted a younger generation of fans and has found a cult-following. Follow the adventures of a Time Lord called âthe Doctorâ, an extraterrestrial being, to all appearances human, from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor explores the universe in a time-travelling space ship called the the tardis. Accompanied by a number of companions, the Doctor combats a variety of foes while working to save civilisations and help people in need.
7. ROATH PARK & LAKE
Roath Park, opened in 1894 , was one of the first public parks in Cardiffâs and still retains its classic Victorian atmosphere and layout of characterful linear parks, extending along the Nant Fawr stream.
Each section of the park was designed for a specific purpose and the park still provides a wide range of horticultural interest, nature conservation and activities to delight todayâs visitors. It boasts a 30 acre man-made lake that sits in the centre of the park is a popular facility for fishing and boating. Be sure to row alongside the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, itâs one of the Cityâs most iconic images.
8. MUSEUM OF CARDIFF
The Museum of Cardiff explores the cityâs story and heritage, telling the history of Cardiff through the eyes of those who created the city – its people.
The museum tells the tale of how Cardiff was transformed from a small market town in the 1300s, to one of the worldâs biggest ports in the 1900s, to the cool, cosmopolitan capital we know today. With activities for all ages, it is housed in one of Cardiffâs most historic buildings â the Old Library â in the heart of the city centre, and is free entry.
9. THE ANIMAL WALL
The Animal Wall, alongside Cardiff Castle, is one of the most delightful and photographed historic features in Cardiff. It was designed by architect William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute and is much-loved by the people of the city.
The best view of the the Animal Wall is at the southern boundary of Bute Park from Castle Street.
10. THE PIERHEAD BUILDING
The Pierhead is a unique visitor, events and conference venue for the people of Wales; a space to express opinions and give voice to issues that matter.
It helped Wales forge its identity through water and fire in the late nineteenth century; today its aim is to inform, involve and inspire a new generation to forge a Wales for the future. It is an event and conference venue to complement the work of the Assembly. It is also a light touch exhibition to inform, involve and inspire visitors.