Gateway to Wales, this busy commercial and university city has some unusual and rewarding sights which are worth lingering to see. Its striking city-centre castle, important national museum and art gallery, redeveloped docks area, as well as the impressive new Millennium Stadium, built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, all add to the appeal Wales' chief city.

With a strong maritime history, Cardiff sits along a re-developing waterfront adorned with many sculptures and elegant pieces of architecture. Cosmopolitan in places it offers great shopping excursions and first-class dining, accommodations and entertainment. Cardiff is a clean and modern city, with fine wide streets and many trees, and is a good launch point to the magnificent countryside and coastline of Wales.

Settled since the Roman times, evidence of ancient ruins still can be seen at the impressive Cardiff Castle, built almost nine hundred years ago and centrepiece of the city today. Within its gothic towers is an opulent and lavish interior.

The National Museum of Wales, Llandaf Cathedral and the Welsh Folk Museum are among other attractions. For rugby fans there is a good visitors centre at the new Millennium stadium.

Cosmeston Park Medieval Village, near the city, is a curious re-creation of rural Welsh life from days gone by, complete with farm buildings, bakehouse, peasant's cottages and domestic animals.

Within easy reach by car is the lovely Pembrokeshire coastline, while the beautiful, unspoilt, rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons national park, lies to the North.

Famous for choirs, rugby and long place names, Wales adds an interesting and unique new perspective to a visit to the British Isles.

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