The focal point for Welsh culture, Cardiff, was only officially declared the capital city of Wales in 1955 during the first years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Meaning ‘the fort on the River Taff’, its origins are probably Roman, as can be discovered at Cardiff Castle. Lovers of water sports only have to head the short distance to Cardiff Bay, which is home to wetlands, yacht clubs and several kayaking outfits. The mountains of Brecon Beacons National Park, including Pen y Fan, are just 60 kilometres and an hour north by road.
The M4 motorway connects Cardiff with Swansea to the west and London to the east, via Bristol. Although it is the only motorway to enter Wales, well-maintained A-roads make travelling by road a simple process and perfect for motorhome hire Cardiff. Cardiff Central railway station is the largest in Wales and has regular services to North Wales, Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington stations. Sixteen kilometres west of the city, you’ll also find Wales’s only international airport. The departure gates for flights to Amsterdam, Spain and Greece operated by KLM, TUI and Wizz Air can be reached by both bus and train. No ferries depart from Cardiff.
Sophia Gardens has authorized campervan parking during the day and at night in the heart of the city, although you’ll find no overnight facilities here. It costs around €3 for one hour and €20 for up to 24 hours. No change is given. Few other car parks in the city centre permit campervans. However, on the outskirts of the city, there are three separate Park and Ride sites where it’s usually possible to find bays suitable for campervan hire in Cardiff. Well-signposted, Cardiff East is located just off the A38, Cardiff West off the A4232, and Cardiff South (County Hall Park and Ride) is located between Cardiff Bay railway station and Bute East Dock. Buses then travel into the city centre at regular intervals throughout the day. Two or more people can travel for around €7 return.