Cardiff is the capital city in Wales, and is situated on the southern region of the country, in a tributary of the Irish Sea opposite the city of Bristol. A small town until the beginning of the nineteenth century, Cardiff only came to the fore as a result of being a major port handling the relatively vast quantities of coal coming out of the Welsh coal mines that were active at that time and used to fuel the fast growing industries of the Welsh region. Cardiff was only proclaimed capital of Wales as recently as 1955. Overlooking the city which it has done for the last nineteen hundred years is the highly imposing Cardiff Castle. Scene of the investiture of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales forty years ago, the gothic towers of Cardiff Castle echo a history that is as old as the city itself.

The city is now regarded as a leading destination for shoppers, proudly being home to three major shopping centers. The most modern and largest is the recently opened St. David’s Center which has more than two hundred retail outlets as well a major department store under its roof. To add a flavor of the traditional; Cardiff has maintained many of the shopping arcades that were built around the Victorian era. The most well know are the Castle Arcade, Morgan Arcade and the Royal Arcade. These arcades and indeed all the city center flow with visitors both during the days as well as in the evenings where the winning combination of being a commercial and entertainment center, that Cardiff provides attracts visitors from around the World who want to enjoy this blend of the tradition and the modern that the city has on offer. Another hot spot in Cardiff is its redeveloped waterfront area. Pavement cafes and restaurants catering for all tastes abound. At night Cardiff rocks to the sound of nightclubs, discos and bars where the action continues till the sun rises. For the more conservative visitors to the city the National Museum should be on their itinerary. Housing a collection of French impressionist paintings estimated to be the second largest in Europe, containing works by Monet, Renoir and Cezanne, the Museum had these priceless paintings donated by the Davies Sisters in the mid nineteen fifties.

Not many people are aware of the fact but the iconic “Doctor Who” series of sci-fi adventures dating back to the early sixties were all recorded in Cardiff. To celebrate the fact, the city has established a museum where many of the original characters and mock ups are on display. Children of all ages flock to this exhibition every year to discover if the Daleks are still as frightening today as they were once.

For those who want to travel outside the city, there is much to do and see and within easy reach. The coastline of Pemborkeshire, with its typical fishing villages that appear to have stood still in time. When one thinks of Wales the image of green and lush hills and valleys spring to mind, and these can be found a plenty within the conveniently situated Brecon Beacons national park.

Cardiff, as befitting a major city has a highly developed transport system including and airport for national and international flights, a major rail connection as well as links to all the major cities by road.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Cardiff and the Welsh region. Car Hire in Cardiff usually comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Cardiff as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around South Glamorgan and all of Wales.