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Cardiff Travel Trade Hub
Cardiff is Wales’ capital city and one of the UK’s most accessible destinations for group travel, educational visits, coach tours and business events. This page provides travel professionals with itinerary ideas, attraction information, accommodation options, transport guidance, familiarisation visit opportunities and direct support from the Visit Cardiff team to help you confidently promote Cardiff to your clients.
Cardiff at a glance
• Country: Wales
• Population: around 370,000
• From London: about 2 hours by train, about 3 hours by road
• Nearest airport: Cardiff Airport, about 25 minutes away
• Annual visitors: over 20 million
• Main group attractions: Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium and Cardiff Bay
- Compact and walkable: Cardiff Castle, the Victorian arcades, Cardiff Market and Principality Stadium are within walking distance of each other.
- Capital city of Wales: National Museum Cardiff, Y Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre are all here.
- Major event destination: international rugby and football, concerts and festivals take place through the year, with Principality Stadium in the city centre.
- Waterfront attractions: Cardiff Bay has Y Senedd, Pierhead, Wales Millennium Centre, boat trips and restaurants.
- Easy rail access from London: direct trains take around two hours.
Coach travel and parking information
Cardiff has coach drop-off and parking in the city centre and Cardiff Bay, including outside National Museum Cardiff and near Wales Millennium Centre. This is first come, first served and can’t be pre-booked. Drivers can reach the centre from the M4 at J29 from the east or J33 from the west, or along the A470 from the north.
Travel Via Train
GWR operates frequent high-speed services between London Paddington and Cardiff Central, making rail one of the quickest and most convenient ways for visitors to reach the Welsh capital. Modern Intercity Express trains provide a comfortable journey, with spacious seating, onboard facilities and regular departures throughout the day. Cardiff Central Station is located within walking distance of many of Cardiff's leading attractions, hotels, shopping areas and event venues. GWR's dedicated travel trade team can assist with group rail bookings, FIT arrangements, tour operator rates, special group fares and assistance with connecting coach transfers where required.
Where can groups visit gardens and historic houses near Cardiff?
Bute Park runs alongside Cardiff Castle and covers more than 130 acres in the city centre. Dyffryn Gardens and Fonmon Castle are in the Vale of Glamorgan, within easy reach of the city.
What shopping can groups do in Cardiff?
The city centre’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades connect independent shops, cafés and specialist retailers, and sit close to the main shopping streets. Free time here suits groups that want to browse at their own pace.
What action and adventure activities can groups try near Cardiff?
Options include water sports, treetop courses, zip lines, cycling tours, escape rooms, boat trips and the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs. They suit younger groups, team-building days and active breaks.
Events in Cardiff for groups
Cardiff hosts international rugby and football, concerts, festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year, and Principality Stadium is in the city centre. Check event dates early when planning, as event days are busy across the city. See everything going on, on our Events section.
Educational visits, incentive travel and business events
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Can Cardiff be combined with other places in Wales?
Yes. Cardiff works as a base for group travel across Southern Wales, from the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan to the valleys and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
RHONDDA CYNON TAF
Featuring some of the most majestic scenery in the UK, a short 20-minute drive from Cardiff. Easily accessible from the M4, it offers unique, award-winning group attractions, including the Welsh Mining Experience and Royal Mint Experience.
Introducing…
SOUTHERN WALES
The Tourism brand for Cardiff Capital Region
Southern Wales has loads to offer. Spectacular countryside, a National Park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a dramatic coastline.