Best Cardiff freebies

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The National Museum of Wales is set in the beautiful Edwardian civic complex of Cathays Park in the city centre. The building houses one of Europe's finest collections of Impressionist works, archeological artifacts, which date back 250,000 years, and 55,000 leafcutter ants. It also explains the evolutionary story of Wales and takes visitors on a journey to explore the natural history of the country. Besides all of this the Glanely Discovery Gallery gives visitors a chance to get answers to their questions, and an exciting programme of events brings the museum's ever-changing programme of family activities, exhibitions and lunchtime talks bring the exhibitions to life for one and all.

Our Local Expert Says:

St Fagans National History Museum sticks in children's memories long after the visit. It's so well put together that kids don't even realise they're learning.

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At St Fagan's National History Museum you don't read about history, you see it. The museum consists of re-erected buildings from throughout Welsh history. The museum is set in the grounds of the 16th-century manor house St Fagans Castle, and includes a re-erected farm, school, chapel, as well as several houses, workshops and shops. See people wearing traditional clothing, workmen demonstrating traditional skills and farming tasks, native livestock breeds, and sample traditional food and drink at the "village" bakery. This museum is serious fun for all ages, and incredibly it's completely free to visit.

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Since its opening in June 1999 the Millennium Stadium has become an icon not only of Cardiff, but of Wales. It can be seen from as far away as the Somerset coastline, but while in Cardiff you would miss out if you didn't take the opportunity to get a close-up view of the fabulous building. Book a tour of the Millennium Stadium and you'll be able to imagine teams preparing for a match in the changing rooms, pretend you're walking down the tunnel to the pitch, and see where Her Majesty the Queen enjoyed the final of the Rugby World Cup. In addition you will learn about the construction of the stadium, and find out about the mechanics of the removable pitch and retractable roof. This is one tour sports fans shouldn't miss.

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If you enjoy the simpler things in life you will love to while away a sunny afternoon in Roath Park. Situated northeast of the city centre, Roath Park covers 130 acres, and includes a 30-acre lake, which is popular for boating and fishing. It also houses a large play area, a pretty Victorian lighthouse, beautiful floral displays and a famous conservatory. Roath Park was recently awarded a Green Flag award, which shows that its high standards have been recognized.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fairytale castle easily accessible from Cardiff.

Description:

The beautiful Castell Coch is the epitome of a fairytale castle, and a magical site to behold as you approach Cardiff on the motorway. Sadly its history is as authentic as the tales it conjures up in your mind. The castle was built on medieval remains between 1871 and 1891 by the third Marquess of Bute and William Burges. Their aim was to construct a gothic castle in a 13th century style. The historical accuracy of some elements, such as the pretty conical towers, has been much debated, but one thing is a guaranteed fact: Castell Coch is a great place to while away a few magical hours.

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The beautiful Bute Park provides Cardiff with greenery in the very centre of the city. Straddling the River Taff, it offers a combination of arboretum, flower gardens, recreation grounds and even some standing stones. Within the park's grounds is the Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, the Welsh Institute of Sport and a riding school. The park backs onto a music and drama college so listen out for the sound of strings and oboes as you walk past. Especially busy at weekends, it is also popular with city workers taking a quick lunchtime stroll.

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When you fancy getting out of the city, jump on a bus or train bound for the nearby town of Penarth. Wander the sleepy streets aimlessly, admiring the yachts that you'll find moored in the marina and the town's numerous art gallerys. Alternatively, have the cobwebs blown off you as you walk out along the cliff tops and pier to admire views over the Bristol Channel towards Weston-super-Mare and the rest of the Somerset coastline. Round your day at the seaside off with a game of crazy golf and an ice cream.

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A major landmark and an award-winning design, the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre's tube-like appearance resembles the fuselage of a plane. Inside, a dynamic exhibition tells the story of how the bay was successfully resurrected after the demise of one of Britain's busiest ports. The centre also contains a gift shop, information booklets and a large model of the Cardiff Bay development plans. An exciting interactive display of the Spirit of Cardiff, one of the world's most high-tech powerboats which has broken several world records, is on display. Admission is free.

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While walking around Cardiff Bay, you will not fail to notice the Welsh Assembly's striking new Senedd building, with its wavy wooden roof. The Senedd is so named because it is Welsh for senate. It houses the National Assembly for Wales's debating chamber and committee rooms. The Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas is keen to remind people that the Senedd is a building for people to enjoy. "The Senedd is not just a building for Members, it is your building," says Elis-Thomas. "It is an open building – a building into which you can walk, have a cup of coffee in the Oriel on the upper level, and go into the public galleries from the Neuadd on the centre level." See democracy in action in this striking building.

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Set against the sleek and shiny buildings of Mermaid Quay and the Welsh Assembly's Senedd, the Norwegian Church looks quaint and enchanting. Step inside to explore its art exhibitions and cozy café and you will find that it's just as welcoming as it looks. The Norwegian Church was built in 1868 to give the thousands of Norwegian sailors who travelled to Cardiff a space in which to worship, socialize with their fellow countrymen, and to read their national newspapers. It was decorated with portraits of the Scandinavian royal families and paintings of Norwegian scenery and Norwegian flags. One of the children to have worshipped at the Norwegian Church is the much-loved author, Roald Dahl, who spent his early years in Cardiff's Llandaff. Dahl and his sisters were christened at the church and it's for this reason that the open area in front of the nearby Millennium Centre is names Roald Dahl Plass. Dahl became the first president of the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust when restoration work began in 1987, and to honour him the annual Roald Dahl birthday party is held at the church every September.