![]() |
Home - City Guide - Cardiff - Excursions | ||
![]() |
||
Excursions For a Half Day Castell Coch: Situated in woodland just outside the city on the A470, this landmark is a memorial to the imagination of the third Marquis of Bute, his skilled architect William Burges and the Victorian idealisation of all things medieval. Built on the site of a thirteenth-century fort, Castell Coch (tel: (029) 2081 0101) has all the trappings of a fairytale castle. Opening hours are daily Mar-Oct 0930-1700; Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 0930-1600, Sun 1100-1600, admission costs £2.50. There is a car park for those with their own car; alternatively the train (or bus 26) goes to Taff's Well station. Llanerch Vineyard: The largest vineyard in Wales (tel: (01443) 225 877; fax: (01443) 225 546; e-mail: enquiries@llanerch-vineyard.co.uk) is situated near Pendoylan, about 13km (eight miles) west of Cardiff city centre. Each year, 30,000 bottles of wine are produced here. Within the vineyard's 4.2 hectares (10.5 acres), there are many rows of vines, a visitors centre, woodland walks and a play area for children. Self-guided tours are available, with guided tours for groups of 25 or more by arrangement. Opening hours are daily from Mar-Dec 1000-1700, admission costs £3. For a Whole Day Brecon Beacons National Park: This area of stunning mountains, moorland and forest is one the treasures of South Wales (tel: (01874) 624 437; fax: (01874) 622 574; e-mail: enquiries@breconbeacons.org; website: www.breconbeacons.org). Situated to the north of Cardiff, transport to the National Park (by train from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil plus scenic bus connection to Brecon) is almost as pleasurable as the visit itself. Drivers should take the picturesque route via the Usk Valley. |