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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Popular places to visit


Top Cardiff University 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

When visiting Cardiff University, don’t miss the vibrant local scene, offering an array of activities such as live music performances and engaging theatre productions. Explore nearby venues for entertainment and enjoy shopping in charming boutiques. Cardiff's lively atmosphere ensures there's always something exciting to do, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Cardiff Market, only 1.1km from Cardiff University, offering a vibrant city vibe with local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Friars Walk Newport, 16.1km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Principality Stadium, located 1.3km from Cardiff University, exudes sports energy, perfect for enthusiastic fans. St. David's Hall, only 1.1km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with live entertainment. For a wellness retreat, visit Cardiff International Sports Village, situated 4.8km away, boasting relaxation and recreational opportunities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at TeamSport Cardiff, located 1.6km from Cardiff University. For a scenic outdoor adventure, hike the Lower Blaen y Glyn trail, 4.8km away. If climbing is your passion, visit the Spot Climbing Centre, situated 12.9km from the university for an exhilarating challenge.

Nightlife

In Cardiff, the New Theatre offers a romantic cultural experience just 966m from the university, while Cineworld Cardiff provides cinematic entertainment 1.4km away. For a fun-filled outing, the Cardiff Bay Carousel is a delightful amusement ride located 3.2km from campus.

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

Find the best attractions near Cardiff University

Cardiff University offers a rich array of attractions nearby, including the stunning Cardiff Castle, picturesque urban parks, and the scenic Cardiff Bay. These points of interest provide a perfect blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences. For a memorable stay, consider accommodation options near Cardiff University and Cardiff Bay to enhance your visit to this vibrant area.

  • Cardiff Castle: Nestled within beautiful parkland, Cardiff Castle offers a captivating blend of history and romance. Discover its stunning architecture, ancient walls, and the enchanting grounds that reflect the rich culture of Wales, all just 966m from Cardiff University.
  • Cardiff City Hall: A magnificent example of civic architecture, Cardiff City Hall is steeped in history and culture. Its grand façade and impressive interior make it a must-visit landmark, located merely 644m from the university.
  • Techniquest: Ideal for families, Techniquest is an interactive science museum that promises a fun and educational experience. With hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, it’s perfect for sparking curiosity, situated 3.2km from Cardiff University.

Best time to go to Cardiff University

The best time to visit Cardiff University is dependent 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 trip to Cardiff University, consider visiting between October and January when accommodation prices drop, particularly on Mondays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, when costs peak. Use Expedia to filter hotels based on your budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities in a package can also lead to savings. Look for deals on last-minute bookings and best value options to secure cheap hotel deals around Cardiff University.

  • 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’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Cardiff University with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.