The seven wonders of Cardiff is a quick guide to Wales’s capital city. In truth, there are more than seven reasons to visit Cardiff in a wheelchair, but in our opinion, these are the must-see places!
This post is a shorter version of Cardiff City Break: A Weekend in Wales Capital City. The seven wonders will help you take in the highlights when the time is premium.
Cardiff City Centre
Dominating the city centre, Cardiff Castle is an imposing structure. Boasting a long and varied history, the site was initially occupied by one of four Roman Forts.
Unlike many of these historically important relics, Cardiff Castle is still functioning. Of course, it’s a great place to stage mock battles, but it’s also used as a film set, wedding venue and education centre.
Most of the castle and grounds are wheelchair accessible, and there are steep steps in towers and apartments, but there’s more than enough to see and do on your visit … castle access details.
Cardiff is home to many museums, each celebrating a long and proud Welsh history. The most important is the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff Civic Centre.
Opened in 1927 as the National Museum of Wales, the building houses fantastic permanent archaeological, art, geological and natural history collections and accommodates temporary exhibitions.
Fully accessible either independently or with staff assistance, the museum is the perfect place to experience the evolution of Wales. With free admission, disabled parking and a wheelchair loan scheme, the National Museum should be high on any visitor’s list.
As council buildings go, City Hall must be up there with the best of them. Initially opened in 1906 to celebrate Cardiff’s city status City Hall forms the centrepiece of an impressive civic centre.
The building oozes opulence indoors and out! If history and art are not your things, then spend some time chilling outside (on a sunny day). It’s impossible not to be in awe of this area of Cardiff.
Cardiff Market –
The hustle and bustle of a marketplace often tell a story, a story untold by any guidebook.
Wherever you travel your trip will be enhanced by meeting the locals and Cardiff market is the best place to meet them.
The market is on the site of the original Cardiff gaol, a grade II listed building it opened in 1891, but a farmers market existed here long before that. If you love bargains, you’ll love Cardiff market.
Cardiff Bay
Senedd (Welsh Assembly Building) –
If you’re in Cardiff, especially on the bay, take the time to visit the Senedd!
It’s more than the Welsh National Assembly, it’s a building for the people. Visitors are welcome to pop in for a cup of coffee, sit in the public gallery or browse the souvenir shop.
As wheelchair users, it was the building rather than what it does that impressed us. Constructed with Welsh slate, the ramp-up to the main doors is like a maze, and it’s only tiny but fun all the same. There’s also an access lift if you’re not feeling adventurous!
The Wales Millennium Centre is Wales’ No one visitor attraction, and it’s not hard to see why!
Acting as the gateway to Cardiff Bay, the centre is a striking building.
Opened in two phases in 2004 and 2009, the centre was designed by Iraq-born Zaha Hadid, who won an international design competition.
Today the centre is home to three theatres, the Welsh National Orchestra, Welsh Opera and Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre. With restaurants, bars and shops the centre deserves its title as the number one visitor attraction.
Norwegian Church Arts and Craft Centre –
Cardiff docks are well known for exporting coal, but did you know they were also a massive importer of Norwegian timber used as pit props?
The church initially acted as a Seaman’s mission for up to 70,000 visiting Scandinavians. The church eventually fell into disrepair in the ’70s but was reinstated and moved to its current site.
Today the Norwegian Church and Arts Centre hosts events and exhibitions and is home to a Cafe with cakes you could die for. All that said, you should visit and support this historically significant building which incidentally has a warm homely feel to it and is a welcome resting place for exploring the bay.
Why not take a look at our full Cardiff Trip Report
Cardiff Castle Photo Credit: DncnH