Cardiff and the University of Wales

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a place of contrasts. Modern innovative architecture sits alongside historic buildings, reflecting the city’s changing status from an important trading centre in Victorian times, to its current status as a world famous and popular city.

Whether you are interested in historic castles or sport, culture and entertainment, Cardiff has it all.

The home of the eccentric millionaire the Marquis of Bute, Cardiff Castle is a perfect example of Victorian Gothic, and the massive Millennium Stadium, home to Welsh rugby and pop concert venue, is a great place to visit for its atmosphere.

Cardiff has a wide range of shops, both old and modern, in the city centre or by the waterside, as well as a wealth of theatres, galleries, cinemas and museums.  As a gateway to exploring other areas of Wales, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome from this proud nation.

There are lots of reasons to visit Cardiff:

	A modern, vibrant, waterside city
	Wales' capital and a centre of culture and history
	Excellent shopping centre and markets
	Fine restaurants, cafes and coffee bars
	Home to the Millennium Centre – one of Europe's iconic arts and cultural centres
	Home of the National Museum of Wales
	World-class theatres and entertainment centres
	Excellent leisure facilities including parks, sports centres and the waterfront
	Easy access to the beautiful Welsh coast and  countryside
	Inter-city train service to London

Our courses take place at the University of Wales, campus at Cyncoed.  This is a specialist sports college on an attractive campus just to the north of the city centre, and within easy reach of the centre by bus.

All sports are available at Cardiff, and if it’s not on the programme, ask and we’ll arrange it: football, volleyball, tennis, dance, art, and drama workshops, as well as IT access, too.

In the evenings, there will be a varied programme of social events designed to help students mix and get to know each other, including discos, quizzes, games and competitions.

Accommodation

The accommodation is in good quality single study bedrooms in university flats for 6 – 10 students sharing a common kitchen area.  Each accommodation block has its own security access code.

Some of the accommodation is en-suite, while some have basins in the room and shared shower / toilet facilities.

All accommodation is very close to the teaching areas and sports facilities.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken in the university refectory, a light and airy modern dining area located in the main building.  The excellent menus include vegetarian options as well as a selection of hot and cold dishes together with a salad bar.

A full English breakfast is served once a week with continental breakfast on other days.

Excursions from Cardiff

Cardiff is superbly located for a wide range of excursions.  The course features one full-day and one half day excursion each week.  Half-day trips include the Big Pit Coal Mine, a wonderful trip back into the industrial past of Wales, and the famous Cardiff Castle.  The full day excursions include a visit to St Fagans Museum of Welsh Life, Cardiff Bay and City; and Swansea, the second city of Wales and birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas.

Big Pit Coal Mine

The museum lies on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitors wear the very same equipment – helmet, cap lamp, belt, battery and ‘self rescuer’ – used by miners.

Once underground, you will be guided (a 50-minute walk) around the coal faces, engine houses and stables in the company of a former coal miner.

Your guide will explain the different ways in which coal was mined and transported, and share some of his own experiences.

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is located in the heart of the city and enjoys a history spanning nearly 2000 years.

The highlight at the castle is a guided tour of the spectacular castle apartments. They were created in the 19th century by eccentric architect William Burges for the very rich Third Marquess of Bute.  Designed as a medieval fairytale home, the rooms are filled with ornate fireplaces, gilded ceilings, intricate stained glass and carved and painted animals throughout.

Out in the grounds, you can have a picnic, visit the museum of the Royal Regiment of Wales and climb the Norman Keep.

Bath

There’s so much to see in the historic city of Bath.

This excursion aims to give you a good understanding of Bath through its most famous attraction, the Roman Baths.

Following a tour of the Baths and the Pump rooms, there will be free time to spend browsing in the excellent shopping centre.

Visit the Bath City website

Swansea

Swansea is Wales' second-largest city, and sits on the five-mile sweep of Swansea Bay.

While Swansea has a long history, it has also evolved rapidly in recent years.  The City Centre has extended seaward into the award-winning Marina and Maritime Quarter, where you'll find attractions including the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre.

Visit the Swansea website