Cardiff University Tours and Activities

Cardiff University
Cardiff University


Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.

Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group, made up of 24 leading UK research intensive universities and, at the last count, had 28,540 students representing more than 100 countries, making it the 12th largest in Britain.

The winner of five prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, awarded every two years for work of outstanding excellence, in 2014 Cardiff was ranked fifth among UK universities in the Research Excellence Framework for quality and second for impact.

The university is split over two campuses, Cathays Park and Heath Park. Cathays Park is home to most of the academic schools and is less than half a mile from the city centre. With wide tree-lined avenues and elegant Portland stone buildings, it is close to several halls of residence, has a number of libraries, a large students’ union and a dedicated centre for postgraduates.

Next to 100 acres of parkland and playing fields, Heath Park caters for students on healthcare-related courses. A mile from the city centre and shared with the University Hospital of Wales, the campus is home to world-famous research faculties, a students’ union and extensive sport and fitness facilities.

Plan a trip to see Cardiff University

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Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Aaron Wise - 51 Fitzhamon
Lincoln House Hotel

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cardiff University

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG

4 out of 5
Dominions Arcade Queen Street, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Wales
Hotel Indigo Cardiff by IHG
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday

4 out of 5
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
Park Plaza Cardiff

Park Plaza Cardiff

4 out of 5
Grey friars Road, Cardiff, Wales
Park Plaza Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Parkgate Hotel
Hilton Cardiff

Hilton Cardiff

4.5 out of 5
Kingsway, Cardiff, Wales
Hilton Cardiff
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff

3 out of 5
Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff, Wales
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street, Cardiff, Wales
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cardiff University

When visiting Cardiff University, be sure to explore the vibrant local scene, which includes excellent theatre performances, entertainment venues, and diverse shopping options. Don't miss the chance to purchase day tickets for various events and attractions nearby to fully immerse yourself in the cultural offerings of Cardiff. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and unique experiences that this historic city has to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is St. David's, just 966m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. Cardiff Market, located 1.1km away, features local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is 37.0km away for specialty gifts.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Principality Stadium, just 1.1km from Cardiff University, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at Cardiff Golf Club, located 4.8km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. For a cultural touch, catch a concert at St. David's Hall, also 1.1km away.

Adventure

At TeamSport Cardiff, experience thrilling go-kart racing only 1.6km from Cardiff University. For a scenic adventure, hike the stunning trails of Lower Blaen y Glyn, located 4.8km away. Challenge yourself with climbing at Spot Climbing Centre, a short 12.9km journey from campus.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at New Theatre, just 966m from Cardiff University, where culture meets romance. For a thrilling evening, visit Les Croupiers Casino, 3.2km away, offering excitement and city vibes. Don't miss the fun at Cardiff Bay Carousel, also 3.2km from campus.

Find the best attractions near Cardiff University

Visiting Cardiff University offers a delightful blend of attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the scenic Cardiff Bay, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences. The area features urban parks and history museums, making it an ideal destination for families and travellers alike. Explore these local points of interest to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff.

  • Cardiff Castle: Nestled just 966m from Cardiff University, Cardiff Castle is a stunning blend of history and romance. With its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage, visitors can explore the opulent interiors and lush grounds, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a romantic outing.
  • Cardiff Bay: Located 4.8km from the university, Cardiff Bay offers a vibrant waterfront experience. Enjoy outdoor activities, picturesque scenery, and sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, picnicking, or taking in the stunning views of the bay.
  • Cardiff International Arena: Just 1.4km away, this lively venue is perfect for family entertainment. Hosting a variety of concerts, sports events, and shows, it guarantees a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Cardiff University

Visitor numbers around Cardiff University is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cardiff University is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cardiff University

To save money on your visit to Cardiff University, consider travelling during the off-peak months of April and December to January, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are more expensive. Utilize Expedia to find affordable lodging by filtering for budget options and eco-friendly hotels. Take advantage of free attractions like Cardiff Bay and Bute Park, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Walking is also a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cardiff University are April and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cardiff University is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cardiff University is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Cardiff University with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.