Cardiff

About

Settled since 6000BC, modern Cardiff began when William the Conqueror built a castle on the site of an old Roman fort in the 11th century. For much of its history, Cardiff was a relatively small settlement, and it wasn’t until the 1830s, when John Crichton-Stuart began building the docks that Cardiff would develop into a city worthy of being called a capital (a title granted in 1955). Today, Cardiff is a refreshing mix of old-and new. Head to Cardiff Castle to see the Norman keep before stepping into the lavish Victorian neo-Gothic palace with its amazing apartments. The National Museum isn’t just home to world class art and natural history exhibits - it’s a staple in Doctor Who! In fact, many scenes from the Doctor and Torchwood were shot in Cardiff. The revitalized waterfront is watched over by the bright red Pierhead building, while the rest of the bayside is filled with modern shops and cool cafes.