from the internet ABOUT CARDIFF...

>> WELSH TOURIST BOARD website here

Welcome to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, a city that will surprise you with its vast diversity and cosmopolitan air. If you have never ventured to the Welsh capital or haven’t been for some time, you can be sure that there are many new additions to captivate and inspire you and when you leave you will yearn to return. 2005 will see the capital celebrate with all the hype of the grandest of celebrations, as the city rejoices 100 years as a city and 50 years as Capital of Wales.

Cardiff oozes style and a cutting edge that amazes visitors. A bilingual city of English and Welsh, it has Europe’s largest waterfront development, stylish shopping arcades, attractions for all the family and bars and eateries to cater for all tastes. Cardiff is a destination that appeals to everyone.

Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, Cardiff is famous for friendly faces and an inviting welcome.

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>> CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL website here

Cardiff is a modern city with over 320,000 inhabitants established on the incredible wealth of a vast coal empire which is, through imaginative re-development, fast becoming one of Europe's finest maritime cities surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.
Cardiff is recognised for its quality of life featuring amongst the best of British cities. Its residents live in pleasant suburbs yet are only 10 or 15 minutes from the city centre travelling by private or public transport. Many of the suburbs still offer the pleasure of a village atmosphere.

Cardiff's parks and leisure gardens are world famous - 1,200ha of them. Uniquely Cardiff's parks extend to within yards of the city centre shopping area. Bute Park grew out of the grounds of Cardiff Castle and world acclaimed Roath Park and Lake are frequently visited by tourists and residents alike.

Fascinating Edwardian arcades and a Victorian covered market intermix with up to date modern shopping precincts in the heart of the city gives Cardiff one of the finest shopping centres in Great Britain.

Cardiff's world renowned Civic centre, which never fails to impress visitors to the city, houses government offices, law courts, museum and university campus. One of the prime buildings being City Hall which was the venue for the European Council in June 1998.

The Welsh capital is a hive of cultural activity with music and drama top of the bill. Cardiff is also a city of festivals including a month long summer street festival, "Music in the Bay" events and the well established and respected "Cardiff Singer of the World" competition held in St David's Hall.

Cardiff offers tourists the opportunity to sample Wales, the fabled "Land of Song" with its mystic castles, soaring mountains, lush valleys and spectacular coastline all within easy travelling distance.

Set in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is the jewel in the crown featuring Roman and Norman fortification and the magnificent lodgings that were rebuilt in the 19th century, the castle grounds are also home to The Welsh Regiment Museum and The Queen's Dragoon Guards Museum.

Cardiff is a sporting city, which in recent years has widened its range of activities and facilities. Famous as a hot bed of rugby, other sports also feature including being home to one of Britain's top ice hockey teams.

In 1999 Cardiff hosted the Rugby world Cup Final at the impressive Millennium Stadium. The stadium incorporates a sliding roof and is located a stone's throw from other city centre attractions such as shops, museum, castle and theatres.

Students keep Cardiff buzzing all year round with the majority of them living close to the city's vibrant centre. Cardiff University, University of Wales College of Medicine, the University of Wales Institute, and the Welsh College of Music and Drama make up a student population of over 25,000.

Cardiff University was very highly placed in the latest Research Assessment Exercise, the independent nation-wide analysis of research quality in over 100 UK universities, with several subject areas among the leaders in their field. It is equally highly regarded for the quality of its teaching, with 21 subject areas having been independently assessed as “Excellent”. The University boasts some of the Welsh capital's most beautiful buildings as well as one of the biggest, best and most active students’ unions in Britain.

More and more business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, medical and academic congresses and symposia are attracted to Cardiff by the range of facilities on offer. These include the Cardiff International Arena and St. Davids Hall, all within easy walking distance of the shopping centre, restaurants and other attractions.

Cardiff Bay, once known as "Tiger Bay", has in recent years undergone substantial redevelopment. A barrage across the joint estuary of the Taff and Ely rivers has been recently completed and has created a large lagoon that will ultimately be fresh water. Much of the heavy industry has gone, to be replaced with new office development and government establishments, including the home of the new Welsh Assembly.

Tourism plays an important part in the Bay economy. Places to visit include the popular hands on science museum "Techniquest", the Norwegian Church, now a cafe and art gallery, and Harry Ramsdens restaurant.

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