Cardiff University

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.

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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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Angel Hotel
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
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

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

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Park Plaza Cardiff

Park Plaza Cardiff

4 out of 5
Grey friars Road, Cardiff, Wales
Park Plaza Cardiff
Hilton Cardiff

Hilton Cardiff

4.5 out of 5
Kingsway, Cardiff, Wales
Hilton Cardiff
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
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
Meridian Gate, Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Wales
Radisson Blu 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

Cardiff University is surrounded by a vibrant array of activities and attractions, including excellent theatres, entertainment venues, and diverse shopping areas. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural performances, explore local shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere unique to the city. With so much to see and do, Cardiff offers a delightful experience for tourists looking to engage with the local scene while visiting the university.

Shopping

St. David's shopping centre, located 966m from Cardiff University, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Cardiff Market, just 1.1km away, features a bustling atmosphere with local businesses. If you're up for a drive, The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is 37.0km away, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

At Principality Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere, just 1.3km from Cardiff University. St. David's Hall, 1.1km away, offers captivating musical performances in a lively setting. For ultimate wellness and relaxation, visit Cardiff International Sports Village, located 4.8km from the university.

Adventure

At TeamSport Cardiff, you can experience thrilling karting races, located 1.6km from Cardiff University. For those who enjoy hiking, Lower Blaen y Glyn offers stunning trails and breathtaking scenery, situated 4.8km away. If climbing excites you, visit Spot Climbing Centre, 12.9km away, for an adventurous challenge.

Nightlife

In Cardiff University, the New Theatre offers a charming cultural experience, while Cineworld Cardiff provides a cinematic escape filled with romance. For a whimsical touch, the Cardiff Bay Carousel invites you to enjoy the fun of classic amusements, making for a lively nightlife atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cardiff University

As a tourist visiting Cardiff University, you'll discover a variety of attractions nearby, including the historic castle, scenic urban parks, and the picturesque bay. These points of interest offer cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, enjoy nature, or spend quality time with loved ones, Cardiff has something to delight every visitor.

  • Cardiff Bay: A stunning waterfront area, Cardiff Bay offers a delightful mix of beach and outdoor activities. Enjoy scenic walks along the promenade, savour delicious food at waterfront restaurants, or take a boat tour to fully appreciate this vibrant bay.
  • Cardiff Castle: Steeped in history, Cardiff Castle is a romantic landmark showcasing impressive architecture and rich culture. Explore the opulent interiors and beautiful gardens, and immerse yourself in tales of Welsh heritage and royal history.
  • Cardiff International Arena: A hub of entertainment, the Cardiff International Arena hosts a variety of events from concerts to family shows. Experience the lively atmosphere and enjoy a thrilling night out with family or friends.

Best time to go to Cardiff University

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
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

For a budget-friendly visit to Cardiff University, consider travelling in the quieter months of October and December to January, when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and sorting by price. Booking your hotel alongside flights and activities can also lead to savings. Look out for deals on advance bookings and consider staying in hostels or budget hotels to further cut costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cardiff University are October 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and best deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking your Cardiff University hotel alongside your flights and activities through an Expedia package.