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Cardiff

The pride of Cardiff

Cardiff, having already successfully hosted a World Cup, is a city full of life and passion, none more so than for the game itself. With recent developments in the city only adding to the already vibrant mood you will never be at a loss for something to do...

Stadium: Millennium Stadium. Capacity: 74,500

Stadium History: The stadium was built in conjunction with Wales hosting the 1999 Rugby World Cup, and replaced the old Arms Park as the national stadium. The totally cost of £126m was considered to be relatively low for such a modern up-to-date stadium and was contributed to by the National Lottery funding scheme. The first ever game played there saw Wales host South Africa, before the stadium was totally finished, and marked the first time Wales had ever beaten the Springboks, 29-19. During the World Cup the stadium hosted seven games including the opening fixture between Wales and Argentina, as well as the final between Australia and France. The most memorable day in the Stadium was when Wales completed their first Grand Slam in 27 years in 2005 with their final round win over Ireland. As well as international rugby union, the Millennium Stadium has hosted a variety of sports, including association football, rugby league (Including the Challenge Cup final on 3 occasions between 2003 and 2005, and Welsh Rugby League internationals) speedway, indoor cricket, rally and boxing. Further to this the removable pitch enables to stadium to be used as a concert venue and has seen acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, U2, Rod Stewart, Oasis and The Foo Fighters appear there.

Town: The origins of the name for Cardiff's capital city are mixed, with the most popular view being that it stems from the Welsh name, Caerdydd. The translation is split into two, Caer and Dydd. Caer is the Welsh for fort or castle and Dydd is believed to be a corruption of Taff, giving the cities name the following meaning, The fort on the river Taff.

Originally a small town until the break of the nineteenth century Cardiff developed at a rapid speed with the development of the coal industry in the region. It was declared a city in 1905 by King Edward VII and became the capital of Wales in 1955, a honor bestowed by Home Secretary Gwilym Lloyd George. The battles between the Normans, who at the time occupied the lowlands of Wales, and the Welsh for the Uplands has led to Cardiff having the highest concentration of castles in any city worldwide.

The most famous of these castles being Cardiff Castle itself, situated at the heart of the modern city. Originally built for Robert Fitzhamon in 1091 the castle was a development of the Roman fort that already stood there. The castle has been the focus of many historical events, including the imprisonment of Robert, Duke of Normandy and Llywelyn Bren, the latter for revolting against the English.

Since then the castle has experienced many renovations, the most notable being in the early nineteenth century carried out by William Burges in a Gothic Revival style. the Winter and Summer Smoking Rooms, the Chaucer Room, the Arab Room, Lord Bute's Bedroom, the Roof Garden, repeatedly illustrates Burges' supreme skill as an art-architect. It is said his work on Cardiff Castle is unrivaled.

The city today is a hub of activity, and with the development of Cardiff Bay into a thriving economic and social center there is a bright future for Cardiff.

Local rugby clubs: The main side in Cardiff is the Cardiff Blues, the capitals regional side. Founded in 2003 with the advent of regional rugby in Wales the Blues were in effect the same side Cardiff RFC used to be. However now Cardiff RFC act as a semi-professional side, leaving the Blues as the premier professional side. In the four years since their conception Cardiff Blues have been under the tutelage of former Wales and British Lions prop Dai Young. Whilst Young has failed to deliver any silver wear in that period the Blues are now a formidable side. A second place finish in the Magners League last season was the highest finish for the Blues but with the arrival of Welsh captain Gareth Thomas they will be hoping for better things in the future.

Aside from Cardiff Blues the region has a host of highly successful semi professional sides who play in the Welsh Premiership. All these sides, Cardiff RFC, Glamorgan Wanderers RFC and Pontypridd RFC all act as feeder clubs to the Blues. Of the three Pontypridd have been the most successful since regional rugby took over, winning the Welsh Cup in 2005. Glamorgan Wanderers are the most recent side within Cardiff to make an impact, having gained promotion to the top tier of Welsh rugby two years ago and finishing sixth in 2007, ahead of Cardiff themselves.

Tourist attractions: With recent developments bringing the city up-to-date Cardiff has a whole host of activities and sights to keep you occupied. Ranging from natural beauty to Cardiff Bay there is never a shortage of fun to be had.

Cardiff Castle: As explained in the city history Cardiff Castle is a fine example of Gothic renovation and there will be plenty to keep the whole family occupied for an afternoon.

Cardiff Bay: Until recently Cardiff Bay was the industrial center of the city. However recent developments have ensured now it is a prime tourist attraction. As well as shops and restaurants you will be able to enjoy a boat trip around the Bay and marina.

Roath Park: Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or fancy an excursion on the boating lake Roath Park is a perfect place to relax for the afternoon. Visit the rose gardens or enjoy drinks looking out over the tranquil lake.

Castle Coch: Having been used in various TV shows and films the castle is set in the rural outskirts of Cardiff and is surrounded by woodland with various walks in the vicinity. A nice change to the hustle and bustle of the city.

National Museum: Home to an amazing collection of art it will be celebrating its centenary in 2007 and is an exceptional way to wile away a morning, even if it is just to see the portrait of Oliver Cromwell.

Transport connections:

By Air: Cardiff Airport is situated roughly 12 miles from the city itself. The X96 Shuttle bus will take you from the airport to Cardiff Bus Station which is a two minute walk from the Millennium Stadium. The bus will cost you no more than £5 and will take around 45 minutes. The other option is to use a taxi from the airport which will cost around £20-25 but will be a lot quicker than the bus, around 20 minutes.

By Car: Leave the M4 at J29A and follow the signs on the A49 into the city center. Once in the city the stadium is clearly signposted and can also be seen from most places such is its height in structure.

By Rail: Trains run directly from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Swansea to Cardiff Central. The stadium is a two minute walk from the station. Be warned on match days though that the station can be very busy and can take time to exit the area.

By Bus: The bus services within Cardiff run on a regular basis and depending where you are based in the city will cost no more than £2 to reach the stadium. The stadium is very close by to the bus station.

Transport information:

Train Enquiries: 0044 (0)8457 484950
www.cwlfly.com

RWC Matches:
15 Sep: Wales v Australia
16 Sep: Fiji v Canada
20 Sep: Wales v Japan
06 Oct: Quarter Final Two
Post-match hostelries:

The Planet Rugby Choice:

Walkabout
St Marys Street

A top notch Australian sports bar with a vast capacity. The biggest screen in all of Cardiff and excellent beer to boot. On match day head their early to avoid the disappointment of not getting in. Easily the most popular match day venue for sport and beer.

Dempseys
Castle Street
A lively Irish bar within throwing distance of the stadium itself. When the noise picks up inside the stadium it can be heard in the bar adding to the vibrant atmosphere. A wide selection of beer and bitter and good food. Again go early to avoid disappointment.

Prince of Wales
St Marys Street
Another popular pub with the locals with an outstanding selection of food and local ales. Prices are the cheapest in town but the downside is the screens are slightly small.

Incognitos
Park Place
A more upmarket wine bar that serves traditional local food and boasts a fine selection of Wales' finest ales and beers. A sizeable beer patio and a large screen for the game.

The Scrum
Park Place
A suitably named rugby themed pub in the heart of town. Screens showing rugby from the past and present but when it is game time only one game is shown on every screen, including the big screen.

Other bars:

Goat Major
St Marys Street

Henrys
Park Place

Fat Cats
Greyfriars Road

Salt Bar
Cardiff Bay

Angel Hotel Bar
Castle Street

Cardiff Rugby Club Bar
Westgate Street

Queens Vault
Westgate Street

Clubs:
Their are various clubs in Cardiff city center and vary in genre and cost. Nowhere is more than £10 for entrance and most will remain open until 2am. Drinks can be slightly expensive and after an international places fill up very quickly, so it is best to get in early.

Accommodation:
Luxury:

The Hilton
Kingsway
0044 (0)2920 646300

The Thistle Inn
Park Place
0044 (0)870 333 9157

Park Plaza
Greyfriars Road
0044 (0)2920 111111

Mid Range:
Sandringham Hotel
St Marys Street
0044 (0)2920 232161

Angel Hotel
Castle Street
0044 (0)2920 649200

Holiday Inn Cardiff City
Castle Street
0044 (0)870 4008140

Budget:
Millennium Lodge
St Marys Street
0044 (0)2920 374377

Village Hotel
Pendwyalt Road
0044 (0)2920 744177

Anchorage Guest House
Fitzhamon Embankment
0044 (0)2920 228904