Private Day Tour to Cardiff By Train

1 Review | London, England

13 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)

Mobile Ticket

Overview

Cardiff, the Welsh Capital, is full of hidden gems, colourful people, history, heritage, and fun. Starting in London, this 13 hour tour takes the train from London Paddington to Cardiff and returns in the evening around 23.20. Perfect for people who want to explore Cardiff in one day, your knowledgable guide will not only show you the historic sites, but also a numer of hidden gems and delights that only a local would know.

During your train journey too and from Cardiff you will have chance to chat to your guide about what makes Cardiff so special, what the difference is between England and Wales, and how Cardiff has boomed (and bust) over the centuries.

Explaining everything from the Roman invasion of Wales, to the Wealthiest man alive, and everything in between this tour offers a healthy mix of shopping, history, food and drink.

Description

Pass By: Royal Arcade, Royal Arcade, Cardiff

Royal Arcade is one of Cardiff's many covered arcades. Whilst exploring these beautiful boulevards of boutiques, your guide will explain the history of these wonderful (and wanderful) walkways.

You will have time to explore some of the shops, and your guide will also point out some of the Cardiff institutions, such as Wally's Delicatessen, which is a must-see for any visit to the Welsh capital.

Stop At: Wally's Delicatessen, 38-46 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF101AE

Wally's Delicatessen is an esteemed institution located in Cardiff. Known as the ultimate destination for indulging in gourmet delicacies everyone in Cardiff loves shopping here. Cherished by both locals and international visitors alike, it serves as the ideal spot to procure delectable goodies for your journey back home.

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: Saint Mary Street, St Mary St, Cardiff CF10, UK

St Mary's Street is one of the main shopping/hospitality areas in Cardiff. Named after the now-demolished St Mary's Church, which was destroyed in a typhoon, this street contains some of Cardiff's most iconic shops, such as Cardiff Market.

Whilst wandering up this street, your guide will point out some of the numerous historical landmarks. Including where Captain Scott and his crew had their final meal before their ill-fated expedition.

Stop At: Cardiff Market, St. Mary Street, Cardiff CF101AD

Explore Cardiff's historic market one of the finest examples of a Victorian covered market in the UK. Famous with locals for its range of products and produce, including delicious cakes, rare vinyl records, second-hand books, and fresh fruit and veg, fans of TV series filmed in Wales may recognise the market from A Discovery of Witches and Torchwood. Considered to be one of the last bastions of 'old Cardiff' this is one of those locations that you would only visit with a local, who knows the secrets that this marvel has to offer including a 100-year-old family business that has traded from the same stall since 1928 and a fishmonger who has traded at Cardiff market since 1866!

Once the site of Cardiff's prison or gaol, the market now stands on the site of one of the most famous (or should that be infamous) miscarriages of justice in Wales' (and the UK's) history. But what happened? Find out on this tour!

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: St John The Baptist City Parish Church, St John St, Cardiff CF10 1GJ, UK

St John The Baptist Church in Cardiff is one of the oldest buildings left in Cardiff and the only building that remains from the old medieval walled town. Built around 1180 it is one of the few pre-norman building left in this part of Wales, although much of the church was redesigned in the 15th century after Owain Glwndwyr sacked the city in 1404. Famous for its use in the TV series Doctor Who, in the episode "The Runaway Bride" starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate, St John's Church should be known for its beautiful interior decor, which includes Victorian stained glass by leading pre-raphaelites including William Morris which will be pointed out to you as part of the tour.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Castle Quarter Arcades, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BU, UK

Another of the covered victorian arcades that we will visit in Cardiff, this one is home to Liquor stores, Violin makers, Second-Hand bookshops, and even one of Wales' national theatres!

Whilst exploring this arcade, you will have time to visit some of the boutiques and learn why Wales is the only country in the UK with two national theatre companies!

Stop At: Wally's Liquor Cellar, 10 - 14 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU, UK

The sister site to Wally's Delicatessen, this liquor shop has to be seen to be believed. Stocked with the best booze that the world and Wales have to offer, it is a must-see for any visit and is the perfect place to grab some presents to take home with you.

Should you need any advice on what to buy, or wish to skip this location, please let your guide know, and they will be happy to help.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Fabulous Welshcakes, 44, Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BW, UK

Indulge in the delectable flavor of freshly baked, crumbly and buttery Welshcakes from Fabulous Welshcakes Bakery, where each cake is expertly crafted with great care and pride.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Welsh House Cardiff, 5A High St, Cardiff CF10 1AW, UK

Our lunch stop will be at one of the few places in Cardiff that serves traditional Welsh food. From Lamb Cawl (a hearty soup that tastes like the one our guide's grandmother makes) to Shepherds Pie and Welsh Rarebit, this restaurant is a hit with everyone we have taken there.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Castle Grounds, Cardiff CF103RB

Cardiff Castle started life as a Roman Fort, evidence of which is still visible today. Indeed the city of Cardiff gets its name from the old Roman fort, as Cardiff or the Welsh version Caerdydd translates into English as "Fort on the river Taff". Developed by the Normans the castle has seen many changes and was once used as a royal prison. Developed further by various English marcher Lords, the castle fell into ruin in the 16th century. Taken over by the Marquis' of Bute in the 17th Century, it wasn't until the 3rd Marquis that the current version of Cardiff Castle came into being. Described as a victorian escapist dream, it is a stunning location for film and TV crews to use and has been seen countless Films and TV Series.

Whilst here your guide will show you around the castle, including its most interesting historical features. You will also have time to explore the Firing Line Museum and Second World War Shelters contained within the Castle Walls.

Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Cathays Park - Cardiff Civic Centre, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF103AX

Cathay's Park is one of the finest examples of an early 20th Century Civic Centre. Built on land previously owned by the Bute family, the buildings in this part of Cardiff are constructed using Portland Stone, the same stone as St Pauls Cathedral. Home to Cardiff's Crown Court, Cardiff University, The National Museum Cardiff, and the Welsh National War Memorial we will explore why this area is so important, and how it was built using the wealth brought into the city by the booming coal trade in the 18th - mid 20th century. Whilst exploring the civic centre we will also discuss why Cardiff is now one of the most popular filming locations in the UK, and how this sector of the creative arts industry and the tourism it generates to the South Wales area is filling some of the gaps left by the de-industrialisation of Wales.

Stop At: National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF103NP

The National Museum Cardiff is home to one of the best collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art in the UK. Its collection, which is spread over 15 galleries, includes masterpieces by Monet, Cézanne, includes Renoir's famous Blue Lady 'La Parisienne' and Rodin's 'The Kiss'. Also home to some of the best Welsh art, both modern and historic, it would be easy to spend a whole day in the museum exploring the world-class collection that is on permanent display. Sadly this tour can only offer you a taster of what is on show but promises to get you 'up close and personal' with as many of the most famous artworks. How did the National Museum manage to collect such an impressive range of art? Your guide will explain all, including who to thank, during the tour. Please note that the Museum is closed on Mondays. Tours booked on Monday will be unable to visit the interior of the museum, but other locations will be added to the tour by the guide on the day to compensate for this.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Cardiff Bay, Cardiff

Explore the beautiful Cardiff Bay. Whilst enjoying the scenery that 'the bay' has to offer, you will learn about its history, including its time as Cardiff Docks, how the docks created the wealthiest man alive, and how this part of Wales has been and continues to be, one of the most multicultural, and important parts of the Country.

All of the impressive and important buildings that now exist in this part of Cardiff will be pointed out to you, and there are several bars which will offer you the chance to grab a quick pre-dinner drink before heading off to one of the best-kept culinary secrets that Cardiff has to offer!

Duration: 45 minutes

Pass By: The Classroom, Dumballs Rd, Cardiff CF10 5FE, UK

The Classroom is a hidden gem of a resturant, which most people who live in Cardiff dont know exists! Hidden at the top of the local College, the staff here are a mix of professionals and students. The professional staff are their to guide the students, who are learning to undertake a career in the hospitality industry, and while the students sometimes get things wrong, this only adds to the charm of the dining experience.

The food is often traditional european, but by not reinventing the wheel, it is us the diner, who benefit. With seaonally changing menus, and a range of dishes to choose from this is one of our favourite places to eat - not just on tours, but with friends, and family.

While we will always attempt to book the Classroom, due to exams, college events etc, this may not always be possible. If The Classroom is unavailable then we will advise you accordingly.