What Cardiff is known for

On the island of Great Britain—primarily in the country of Wales—is the Cardiff Destination. This region comprises the lower half of the country, bordering Birmingham to the west. Cardiff, the namesake of the destination, is the capital of Wales and is located in the southernmost part of the area, along the Bristol Channel. Reportedly, Cardiff is the largest city in Wales and has witnessed population growth over the years. In 1950, the population stood at 310,229 people, but as of 2023, it has grown to an estimation of 488,153. These population figures encompass not only the city center but also its adjacent suburban areas, forming the urban agglomeration of Cardiff. The Larger Urban Zone, which extends beyond the city limits, has an even larger estimated population of 890,000 residents. Cardiff's relatively diverse demographic makeup is a result of its historical trade connections, post-war immigration, and international student community. As of the 2011 census, the racial and ethnic composition revealed that the population makeup consisted of White (84.7%), followed by Asian (8%), Black (2.4%), Arab (1.4%), and various mixed and other ethnic groups.[2] 

The city's culture and diverse attractions have made it a "popular destination," ranking sixth in the world as an alternative tourist destination in 2011 and drawing 21.3 million visitors in 2017. Additionally, Cardiff has established itself as a center for television and film production and serves as the Welsh base for national broadcasters.[1] Regarding attractions, tourists can visit the St. Fagans National Museum of History or explore the historical Cardiff Castle, perched on a Roman fortification dating back centuries. Cardiff Bay, a waterfront complex, offers opportunities for shopping, entertainment, and a mix of modern and historic sites. Principality Stadium hosts rugby games. National Museum Cardiff includes exhibits spanning from the age of dinosaurs to Bronze Age weaponry, along with art collections.[3]

Situated on the border between Mid Wales and South Wales, Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses an expanse of 520 square miles. The park is home to four mountain ranges: the Black Mountains, the Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr, and the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du). This region features grassy moorlands, heather-covered escarpments, and weathered Old Red Sandstone peaks. Brecon Beacons is known for its outdoor activities, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, with over 2,000 miles of public footpaths to explore. These activities can cater to both seasoned adventurers and leisurely explorers.[4]

There are multiple cities within the Cardiff Destination, namely Aberporth, New Quay, Aberystwyth, Tregaron, Lampeter, Tenby, and Swansea, to name a few. Swansea is the second-largest city in Wales and is situated along Swansea Bay in the southwest of the country of Wales. In 2020, the city had an estimated population of 246,563 people. Officially known as the City and County of Swansea, it encompasses the Gower Peninsula. Swansea is also a part of the larger Swansea Urban Area, which includes Neath and Port Talbot, having a combined population of 300,352 residents in 2011.[5]

Geography

The geography of Cardiff is characterized by its relatively flat city center, surrounded by hills to the east, north, and west. This location played a fairly important role in "its development as the world's largest coal port" due to its proximity and relatively easy access to the coalfields of the South Wales Valleys. The highest point within the local authority area is Garth Hill, at 1,007 feet above sea level. The city itself is built on reclaimed marshland, resting on a bed of Triassic stones that extend from Chepstow to the Ely Estuary, marking the natural boundary between Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Various Triassic rocks, notably the purplish coastal marl near Penarth and the "Radyr Stone," are used as building materials in Cardiff. Additionally, Devonian sandstones from the Brecon Beacons and Portland stone from Dorset are imported for construction. The city is bordered by the Vale of Glamorgan to the west, Newport to the east, the South Wales Valleys to the north, and the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel to the south. The rivers Taff, Ely, and Rhymney, along with Cardiff Bay, contribute to the city's landscape.[1]

Cardiff experiences a maritime climate with seasonal variations in weather. Some consider the summers in the city to generally be comfortable, with the warm season lasting for about three months, typically from late June to early September. During this period, average daily high temperatures rise above 64°F, with July being the warmest month with an average high of 68°F. Notably, however, Cardiff's climate can be partly cloudy year-round. In contrast, winters are characterized by long, cold, wet, and windy conditions, spanning approximately four months from late November to mid-March. February is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to 38°F and daily highs reaching around 46°F. Overall, the temperature in Cardiff typically ranges from 29°F in the colder months to 78°F during the warmer season. Based on the Weather Spark tourism guide, "the best time of year" to travel to Cardiff for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September.[6]

Brecon Beacons National Park’s geography includes habitats for various species of flora and fauna. The main species that can be found in the park are otters, marsh fritillary butterflies, bats, reed warblers, and great crested newts. Rivers in the landscape are often the breeding grounds for salmon and trout and are also home to endangered creatures, namely water voles, freshwater lobster, and white-clawed crayfish. In terms of plant life, wildflowers, mosses, fungi, and trees that are reportedly “found nowhere else on Earth” are growing in the park.[7]

History

Cardiff's history dates back to the 1st century CE when the Romans established a fairly small fort at the crossing of the Gloucester-Carmarthen road over the Taff River. Over time, the Normans arrived in the 11th century, led by Robert FitzHamon, who built a fortification within the Roman remains, laying the foundation for Cardiff Castle. This castle served as the seat of the lords of Glamorgan, governing the county on behalf of the English crown for four and a half centuries. Cardiff's growth was closely tied to its status as a staple port and trading center. However, the castle and its accompanying lordship changed hands several times, eventually coming under the influence of the Herbert family and later the Bute family in the 18th century, who "greatly influenced" the city's development. The advent of coal and iron ore mining around Merthyr Tydfil in the 18th century spurred Cardiff's expansion. Construction of the Glamorganshire Canal in 1794 and the development of docks and railways facilitated trade, leading to population growth. By 1901, Cardiff's population had grown to 164,000 people, and it had become the world's largest coal-exporting port by 1913. Cardiff officially earned city status in 1905 and later became the capital of Wales in 1955.[8]

Archaeological evidence indicates that Swansea has a history dating back to the Palaeolithic era. The Gower Peninsula, in particular, holds significance as the site of the first modern humans in Britain and the location of Western Europe's oldest ceremonial burial, dating to 22,000 BC. During the medieval period, the region was contested among early Welsh kingdoms, but Viking trade also found its way to the mouth of the Tawe River. Norman rule arrived with the cession of the area to Henry de Beaumont in the early 1100s, leading to the establishment of Swansea Castle and the granting of borough status. The Industrial Revolution led to Swansea becoming the global hub of copper smelting from the early 1700s to the late 1800s, earning the moniker "Copperopolis."[5]

In terms of Brecon Beacons National Park's history, it dates back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, evident in the burial cairns that dot the landscape. Iron Age hillforts, including the y Gaer Fawr and y Gaer Fach, once served as trading and political hubs in the region. During Roman times, the area was home to over 600 soldiers, with y Gaer near Brecon as their main base. The Norman Conquest saw the construction of many castles, such as Carreg Cennen Castle and Brecon Castle. In 1966, the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre was established to educate and welcome visitors. The western part of the national park achieved global recognition as Fforest Fawr Geopark in 2005, encompassing the Black Mountain and surrounding areas. In 2013, the entire park became an International Dark Sky Reserve.[9]