St Fagans National History Museum
Bursting with Welsh history, culture and heritage, St Fagans National History Museum offers and exciting and educational day out for the whole family. This open-air museum takes visitors on a journey through the ages from Celtic times to present day. Explore over forty original buildings from different historical periods, stroll the beautiful gardens and extensive grounds of St Fagans Castle, a late 16th century manor house, and watch craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills in their workshops (produce is usually available to buy).
St Fagans museum is also a hub of exciting events from festivals to music and dance, often celebrating Welsh traditions and lifestyles. The museum offers free entry and is open daily 10am -5pm. St Fagans National History Museum sits a twenty-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Cardiff.
Described as ‘Cardiff’s Historic Heart’, Cardiff Castle offers a rich story spanning 2,000 years. A unique mix of its historical origins, the castle is made up of a little bit of everything with a Roman fort, a Norman castle and a ‘Victorian Gothic fantasy palace’. The castle apartment interiors are elaborate and lavishly decorated from fine art murals to intricate wood and stone carvings.
Embark on the ‘House Tour’ to discover the marble roof top garden, the opulent Lord Bute’s Bedroom, and the ornate Winter Smoking Room – this castle’s rooms offer an intriguing blend of eccentric and extravagant! You can also explore the clock tower, the Norman Keep, Battlement Walk, and the North Gate for the full historic journey.
The castle is open seven days a week, and opening times vary depending on the time of year. Tickets cost £12 for adults (an extra £3 for the house tour) and £9 for children aged 5-16 (an extra £2 for the house tour). Situated in the city centre, Cardiff Castle is a five-minute walk from our Cardiff hotel.
Cardiff City Hall
Cardiff City Hall is a magnificent example English Renaissance style architecture carved from Portland stone. The hall is mostly reserved for private events, however, the impressive and beautifully designed building is worth exploring, even if just walking around the exterior. The hall is home to collections of artwork and sculptures, and has an interesting history that you can learn more about in the visitors guide.
Cardiff City Hall is a six-minute walk from Leonardo Hotels.
Pierhead
Housed in a beautiful Grade I listed building, Pierhead offers exhibitions, interactive displays, and a collection of artefacts showcasing milestones in Welsh history. Learn about the history of the bay area in an engaging video or discover Welsh heroes who helped shape/contribute to Wales’ cultural and political identity in the informative digital display. The ‘Futures Gallery’ hosts temporary exhibitions, discussions, and storytelling offering visitors the opportunity to share their thoughts on the future of Wales.
The museum offers free admission and is situated a leisurely thirty-minute walk from our Cardiff hotel.
