Cardiff

This walled fortress boasts 2000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, the castle was rebuilt after the Norman conquest and served as a keep until the 18th century, when it became the home of the Bute family, who renovated it in Gothic Revival style. You can walk around the Norman keep, discover the Roman foundations and take a guided tour around the grand apartments with their gilt ceilings and murals.

Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition, from its past as the world’s largest coal exporting port to a modern sports and leisure complex. It is also Europe’s largest waterfront development which has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. Sights of interest and things to do include: Pierhead Building, Coal Exchange, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Mermaid’s Quay’s restaurants and bars.

A fairytale castle nestled in the woods on the outskirts of the city. Despite bearing the mark of Victorian renovation, it still retains much of its medieval charm and it offers an interesting insight into medieval architecture and art.

Open air museum set on 100 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Cardiff. The museum is a village of 40 buildings that tell the story of Wales throughout the ages, and each building was transported brick-by-brick from their original location. The village includes a 17th-century farmhouse, working men’s hall, a tannery, bakery and terrace of workers’ cottages with each house representing a different decade.