Car Rental Cardiff - Exploring Cardiff

Cardiff is an excellent base from which to explore the outlying areas. The mountainous landscapes of Wales are very inviting to adventurous types who like climbing and rambling. Both Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons national parks have fantastic walking trails, and there are also plenty of medieval castles and quaint seaside towns.

Covering over 1,300 square kilometres, Snowdonia National Park is Britain’s second largest national park and includes Snowdon, the highest peak (1,068m) in Britain south of the Scottish Highlands. Despite being a few hours drive from Cardiff, Snowdonia has many wonerful trails for the outdoor enthusiast and they make the summit accessible even to amateurs - the view from the peak is well worth the climb. The park is also full of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests and beautiful coastline.

Brecon Beacons National Park is not so big in size, but many people go there to walk Offa's Dyke Path, which passes along the eastern border of the park, or Taff Trail, which heads south from Brecon. On the latter, you can visit various quaint towns and villages, especially Brecon, Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye.

Offa's Dyke Path runs through the Black Mountains, with some superb views and sights, including: the ruins of Llanthony Priory; the River Honddu; the pretty church at Patrishow; and the highest peak at Waun Fach.

Just 9.6kms from the centre of Cardiff, the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans is one place that shouldn’t be missed. This is Europe’s largest open-air museum, and has more than 30 original Welsh buildings reconstructed in perfect detail, nestled in the setting of a Celtic village.

For a popular seaside resort, visit Llandudno in northwestern Wales. The town boasts unique Victorian architecture, with a lengthy pier and promenade. Llandudno is located between two sweeping beaches, with the spectacular limestone cliffs of Great Orme at one end.

Conwy is one of the best European examples of a medieval walled town. The town is dominated by Conwy Castle, which has eight massive towers. Over one kilometre of the town’s original walls remains intact, topped off with 22 towers and three original gateways.