Things to do in Cardiff for self travelers

Embark on a self-guided audio journey through the historic and cultural heartbeat of Cardiff, now including a scenic walk around the Cardiff Bay area. Designed for curious individuals eager to experience the city's evolution, this tour is a trek through time, from ancient fortifications to modern landmarks. The route kicks off at the Wales National War Memorial, where history stands tall amid the bustling city energy. Travelers will traverse landmark-studded paths, including Cardiff Castle's ancient walls, the unique Animal Wall sculptures, and charming city streets, all the way to the grandeur of Cardiff City Hall. Along the way, the tales of Cardiff's Roman origins, coal-fueled growth, and the influential Bute family come to life through engaging narrative audio clips, offering a unique perspective of the capital's past and present. The exploration continues with a walk around the picturesque Cardiff Bay area, where you can marvel at the Wales Millennium Centre and other waterfront attractions. The tour culminates at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, after passing by key institutions like Cardiff University and the Welsh National War Memorial. Each stop is a chapter in Cardiff's story, marked clearly for ease of following.

This in-app audio tour delves into the ghostly realm of Llandaff, guiding those with a curiosity for the paranormal through the area’s enigmatic past and its present, shrouded in myth. It's a perfect experience for listeners interested in a blend of history, nature, and spine-tingling tales set against the eerie backdrop of an ancient cityscape. The journey begins at the enduring Llandaff Cathedral, winds along verdant, secluded paths, and culminates with the haunting atmosphere of the old Llandaff Graveyard. Travelers start this self-styled excursion amid Gothic spires and finish surrounded by centuries-old tombstones, a true exploration of the spectral and the sacred. The tour covers silent thoroughfares, once bustling with medieval vitality, introduces the chilling legend of the Welsh Banshee, and contemplates the still waters by the River Taff, weaving through locations where ghastly apparitions were once said to frequent. Noteworthy stops include an ancient lane bearing countless secrets, the site of enigmatic ghost sightings, and the final resting place framed by solemn yews that watch over lingering spirits. Along the way, a captivating narrative of phantoms and local lore complements the visual tapestry of Llandaff’s lesser-seen corners. By journey’s end, listeners will have touched the essence of a world where tales of the otherworldly resonate as vividly as the historic environment that cradles them. This tour promises to leave an indelible impression of Llandaff's ghostly heritage, inviting you to thread the boundary between the spectral past and the tangible present.

Delve into the grandeur of Cardiff's Civic Centre with this immersive in-app audio tour. Designed for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados, the tour highlights the city's impressive collection of public buildings. Set amidst serene gardens and grand avenues, these structures tell the story of Cardiff's past and present alike. The tour is a journey through history, architecture, and lush green spaces, all narrated with engaging stories and interesting facts. Starting at the majestic Cardiff City Hall, the route weaves through the ornamental gardens, passing the National Museum of Wales and Cardiff University. It concludes on Museum Avenue, where echoes of academic prestige and civic pride resonate. Along the way, travelers encounter statues and memorials that commemorate significant figures and events, offering a deeper understanding of Cardiff’s heritage. Highlights of the tour include up-close views of the City Hall's clock tower, the intricacies of Cardiff's coat of arms, and the somber beauty of the Wales National War Memorial. The University's stunning main building and the sublime Temple of Peace are also key features on the route. Ending with a stroll down the historic Museum Avenue, participants leave with an appreciation of Cardiff's civic identity, a wealth of knowledge, and memories of the city’s striking architectural masterpieces.

This tour is perfect for history buffs and curious minds ready to unearth the remnants of Tudor Cardiff, a time when the city was but a humble port and market town. Led by the voice of your audio guide, James, you'll navigate the transformation from a small town to a modern city, discovering hidden tales of the Tudor dynasty. The tour format is ideal for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace, with captivating narration accompanying each step of their journey. Starting at the enclosed garden opposite Barclays Bank, the tour takes you down treasured paths like The Hayes and St Mary Street, then through the old town quay, ending in the lush tranquility of Bute Park. Along the way, you'll gain insights into the daily lives of townsfolk, walk the streets where markets thrived, and stand where historical events unfolded. You'll traverse historic marketplaces, solemn grounds of punishment and worship, and lanes narrating Cardiff's bustling past. This tour promises memorable encounters with the past, as you uncover the dietary habits of Tudor Cardiff, the contrasting lives of the rich and the poor, and the once-dreaded Black Tower. By the journey's end, crucial moments and figures of Tudor Cardiff will have been resurfaced, leaving you with a deepened appreciation for the city's rich historical tapestry.

Embark on a self-guided audio tour, designed to unravel the vibrant history and present-day charm of Cardiff's Bay and Barrage. This experience is crafted for curious souls eager to dive into the city's transformation from a bustling industrial port to a picturesque waterfront teeming with life. Beginning at the white walls of the historic Norwegian Church and ending with the serene views of Penarth, your journey will trace the footsteps of adventurers and explorers who've left their mark on this coastal treasure. The route guides you along the scenic waterfront, past visionary landmarks such as the Scott Memorial, through the innovation of the Cardiff Bay Trail, and across the marvel of engineering that is the Cardiff Barrage. Starting at the bay, you'll explore richly storied paths, encounter iconic wildlife at East Quay Park, and capture the essence of a reclaimed urban space turned leisure haven. Throughout the walk, engage with unforgettable sights: giant art installations paying homage to literary legends, panoramic vistas over a 500-acre freshwater lake, and the bustling activity of Cardiff's working docks. Concluding at Penarth, the trail leaves you amidst the tranquil beauty of the seaside, where history and modern leisure converge to create an indelible memory.

Embark on an enlightening journey through the streets of Cardiff, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. This self-guided audio tour is crafted for curious explorers eager to experience the soul of Wales's capital. You’ll set out from the famed St. David's Hall and conclude your adventure at the Hayes, traversing the city's vibrant pathways and uncovering stories that have shaped Cardiff into the treasure it is today. Striding from the echoes of music at St. David's Hall, you will meander past weathered gravestones in St. John's churchyard, savor the sights and smells of Cardiff Market, and be intrigued by the whispers of history at Cardiff Castle. The path will unveil the city's medieval remnants along Womanby Street, the roar of rugby at Principality Stadium, and the historic docklands' legacy as narrated by the Aneurin Bevan Statue. Starting at St. David's Hall, situated on The Hayes, the route is a simple and accessible trail through the city's most notable sites. You'll end the tour with a wealth of memories, from the artisan ambiance of the Victorian arcades to the solemnity of the National War Memorial. Along the way, pause to marvel at the craftsmanship of the Animal Wall, and immerse in the bustling atmosphere of the Brewery Quarter. Cardiff's stories await, ready to be discovered at each stop of this immersive in-app experience.