St. Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff

This open-air museum located in St Fagans chronicles the historical lifestyle, architecture and cultural heritage of the people of Wales, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The 16th-century manor house in which the museum stands bears testament to the magnificent heritage of the Welsh, and the museum features more than 40 original buildings, moved from various parts of Wales and erected to show how the people of Wales have lived over the last 500 years. Among these are houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute. Donated to the Welsh by the Earl of Plymouth, the museum first opened in 1948 and to this day, the original strain of native livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and strains of Welsh language proudly heard in the air.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Admission:
Free

Techniquest, Cardiff

This fascinating hands-on science museum is a must for those who are young at heart, perpetually intrigued and amazed by the power of science. Techniquest was voted 'Europe's best science centre' in an industry survey, and it continues to thrill all those who visit with its puzzles, gadgets and structures on display. The Science Theatre and Planetarium are popular stops for most who come to Techniquest for the day, while younger visitors will love the children's educational programs, laboratories and workshops on offer.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm (weekdays), and 10am to 5pm (weekends)

Admission:
£7 (adults), £5 (children). Concessions are available

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion and a Norman keep, which in turn was built over a Roman fort standing guard over on a cliff above Cardiff. The city itself may have only been there for about a hundred years, but Cardiff Castle dates back over 2,000 years. Roman soldiers and knights have lived in the castle, and the wealthy Bute family have resided in it since the 19th century. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian décor. Guided tours are available. Family friendly visits are also available to those with young children.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9am to 6pm (March to October); and 9am to 5pm (November to February)

Admission:
£11 (adults); £8.50 (children). Concessions available

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cardiff

Located in the southwest corner of Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks, including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring, when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting if only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history (open every day for visitors between 10am to 4pm). Just South of the Park is the city of St David's, which is actually only a little larger than your average village. The cathedral found there is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome.

Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff

The Llandaff Cathedral, located on the western edge of Cardiff, is one of Wales' premier sights, not to be missed by visitors to the Welsh capital. Situated in what used to be the tiny village of Llandaff, the area surrounding the cathedral still retains a village-like feel, with stone-and-timber buildings and narrow, crooked lanes providing excellent photo fodder. The cathedral itself has a long and interesting history. Constructed in the 12th century on the site of an earlier church - of which, a pre-Norman Celtic cross is all that remains - the Llandaff Cathedral boasts, in the form of its west front, some of the greatest medieval art to be found in all of Wales. Suffering extensive damage during Nazi bomb raids in World War II, the cathedral was restored and received two modern additions - the Welsh Regiment Chapel, and the striking Jacob Epstein sculpture Christ in Majesty. The sculpture, made of aluminium and suspended from a concrete arch that dominates the cathedral's nave, is a controversial piece, dividing opinion between those who find it arresting, and those who find it garish and out of place. Head to the Llandaff Cathedral and see the interesting work for yourself, before relaxing in the tranquil public gardens that surround this significant religious site.

Getting There:
Route 25, 33, 33A or 62 from Cardiff Central Railway/Bus Station

Opening Times:
Open to visitors from 7am to 7pm daily (times may vary), and for guided tours between 10am and 1pm from Monday to Friday

Admission:
Free admission

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Nicknamed 'the Armadillo', this arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as operas, ballet and dance recitals, stand-up comedy and musicals. Known as one of the world's iconic arts and cultural destinations, it features a world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours, exhibitions and a choice of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy with an overall vision to bring the best of the arts world to Wales. Guided tours of the centre are available where guests can check out the dressing rooms, marvel at the sheer size of the stage, and find out what lies beneath the mystical inscription.

Opening Times:
Hour-long guided tours are available daily.

Admission:
Guided tours: £5.50 (adults)