Cardiff Archives -

Why Cardiff is the best city to live in

24th December 2016/in Cardiff /by jfrazermann

If you live in Cardiff City, then you already know why it’s the best place in wales to live in. For those not in the know, here are some reasons why it takes the top spot.

Good things come in small packages

We love a big city as much as the next person, but if you want a city that has everything you need in walking distance then Cardiff fits that mould perfectly. It’s large enough that there is plenty to keep you occupied there, between historic castles and extensive hiking trails. But also small enough that you can really get to know the all areas of the city well. Many of the local business owners and residentant do know one another, and that makes it an endearing place to come back to. Theres always a good positive vibe.

Convenient Location

We mentioned it’s close to a few big cities, and those are Birmingham and Bristol, the latter of which is only 40 miles away. There are beautiful beaches less than 20 minutes drive from the town of Barry. And of course less than 1 hour from the spectacular Brecon Beacons. Through the centre of the city is the River Taff, which provides some great water sports opportunities and an idyllic appearance to this quiet town. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors and the calm, quietness of smaller towns out in the country, but who also want to be close enough to some great daytrip destinations.

Something for Everyone

There are many great things to see and do in Cardiff. If you are into the arts and culture scene, then Cardiff has you covered there. The museums, art galleries and performing arts centre all make it a hotbed of culture and fine art. For those who like the great outdoors, the Taff River, the hiking trails and the beautiful green spaces littered throughout the city make for some great experiences. It’s also the perfect place for those who love history to come and visit. There are many ancient landmarks and buildings here.

Value for Money

If you have stayed in one of the larger nearby cities for any length of time, you know how prohibitively expensive they can be. The rent and cost of living are so high that unless you have a great job, you probably have to make a lengthy drive from the city just to afford it. In Cardiff, however, the accommodation is much more economical. There’s not as many people vying for a place to stay there, and even renting a place to keep sheltered for the night is inexpensive, comparatively speaking.

You might not have all the glitz and glamor in Cardiff that London provide, but those things along with property prices cost ten fold the money. If you are looking to have a great time while spending a bit less, then it’s a great alternative to some for the more prominent tourist hotspots.

The Top 3 Rated Business’s in Cardiff

15th December 2016/in Cardiff /by jfrazermann

Cardiff is known for its historical landmarks and friendly people, but you might not know that it offers some great local services as well. There are hundreds to chose from and we haven’t got time to cover them all. So we are just going to cover the three best ones for those who want the finest local service in the area. Ratings are built upon three core factors: customer service, quality of service and value for money.

Vale Carpet Cleaning

Yes, I know this is a highly bias marketing plug…. This professional carpet cleaning company in Cardiff has a reputation of providing exceptional service to all their customers. That’s why they are our top pick from Cardiff’s selections of local services. There is nothing too tough for them to tackle. They clean every type of rug and carpet, and they have been in the business for over 15 years. Their team is very experienced and friendly. Able to walk you through what your carpet needs to have done to it to look its best. They are also great at troubleshooting. Handling jobs that no one else can take and getting out stains no other cleaning service can remove. Vale carpet cleaning is who you call when no one else is up to the task or you just want the work done properly.

Cardiff Window Cleaning Company

Our second pick is the Cardiff Window Cleaning Company not only do they clean windows, but also gutters and solar panels. They use a highly advanced purfied water system that thoroughly removes all built up dirt and grime. This cleaning methods leaves no water marks or streaks behind. Like all the best local services, their team members are trained to high standards. All work is fully insured and they are safe contractor approved, Clients don’t have anything to worry about when they hire them. They serve both domestic and commercial clients with decades of knowledge and experience.

Vale Vet Centre

Coming in at third is the Vale Veterinary Centre. They offer services both at their clinic as well as at your own home. That’s right- they come to you to take care of your precious animals in their time of need. And they do it 24/7, so you never have to worry about whether there will be help available for your pets. The experienced team is able to handle emergency medical care as well as routine check-ups and treatments. They are the perfect place to take your pet any time they need care.

Top 10 things to do in Cardiff

13th December 2016/in Cardiff /by jfrazermann

If you’re planning to visit Cardiff, then here are the ten best things you absolutely have to see while you are there.

Cardiff Castle

One of the most prominent tourist sites in the town is the castle, located right in the town’s centre. The basic Essential Ticket will allow you to see much of the grounds. But if you want a guided tour and access to some of the private apartment rooms, you will have to pay more for the Premium Ticket. The castle features historic books and posters as well as shelters that were used back in World War II. For a historic trip to the past, you can’t do any better in Cardiff.

National Museum

One of the most expansive museums in the region, this one features plenty of paintings, as expected. But it also has an extensive display of sculpture, geology, natural history and archaeology. Whether you are an art or history buff, you will have an unforgettable experience here.

Taff Trail

For those that like to get in some walking or biking in the great outdoors. The Taff Trail is the perfect way to get as long or as short of a hike in as you like. It stretches across kilometres of the town, covering many of the paths of the old railway system. The unprecedented number of green spaces in Cardiff have been made good use of with this winding and seemingly endless trail.

Farmer’s Market

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and foods, you can’t do it any better than by visiting the Farmer’s Market. There, fresh-grown produce is sold right alongside homemade delicacies, presenting you with a massive array of culinary options. There are actually four different farmer’s markets spread across Cardiff, so no matter where in the town you are, you should be able to find one near you.

St. John the Baptist Church

If the Cardiff Castle tickled your fancy for older structures, then church is going to be right up your alley as well. It’s the second oldest building in the town after the castle, and it dates all the way back to the 12th century. Unlike many of the sites on this list, you can enjoy the church for free. However, if you want to take pictures, the caretakers request a donation.

Principality Stadium

The sports fan visiting Cardiff is definitely going to want to take a trip to the stadium. It’s primarily used for rugby and football matches, though it has a retracting roof to make it suitable for a variety of events. That makes it unique in Europe. Only one other stadium in the entire continent has such a feature.

Museum of Welsh Life

This outdoor museum is completely free, and you can walk through streets populated with buildings that are recreations of centuries old Welsh grocery stores, houses and more. It’s like taking a walk through the past, and it’s a great way to take in some of the history of the region in an interactive way.

Cardiff International White Water

For something more extreme and adventurous, you might want to try the white water rafting in Cardiff Bay. It’s situated between some of the town’s more famous landmarks. Which makes it the perfect choice for breaking up the slower pace required by art museums and historic landmarks.

Cardiff Bay Barrage

While you are in the bay, you should take some time to see the Barrage. It’s a one-of-a-kind civil engineering project that consists of a dam and lake. The majesty of the still waters is juxtaposed against the remarkable human accomplishment of the dam. Creating a site that stands out in the town mostly filled with historic structures.

Millennium Arts Centre

This remarkable centre is built from wood, glass, slate and metal. It is host to a performing arts theatre as well as commemorative flourishes that honour Welsh artists of the past.

Find out about our highly recommended local services in Cardiff.