Cardiff

Cardiff is the Welsh capital, is less than a hour drive from Bristol. The journey will pass through the elegant Severn Bridge.

Cardiff Castle is a good place to start the city tour. The ticket cost GBP1.80 (student rate) back in 1998.

Here is the general layout of Cardiff Castle.

The Castle is standing on a Roman site developed by the Normans, it was embellished by William Burges in the 1860s, and each room is now a wonderful example of Victorian "medieval" decoration.

Five minutes walk from Cardiff Castle is the National Museum and Gallery of Wales in Cathay Park houses a version of Rodin's The Kiss, a fine collection of Impressionist paintings and natural history and archaeological exhibits.

Cathay Park with the mini water fountain at the background

Lady Luck was on my side that day as there was a performance at Cathay Park. I assume this is the traditional Welsh dance.

Wales iconic symbol is the dragon and it is widely sold at the souvenir shops around the city

Other places on interest at Cardiff are Cardiff Bay, Welsh Industrial and Maritime Museum, The Museum of Welsh Life, Blaenafon Big Pit Mining Museum and Castell Coch. All these attractions are outside the city centre and can be reached by bus