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.

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
Hilton Cardiff

Hilton Cardiff

4.5 out of 5
Kingsway, Cardiff, Wales
Hilton Cardiff
The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel

4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Parkgate Hotel
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
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
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 offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities nearby, including excellent theatre productions and diverse entertainment options. Shopping enthusiasts can explore various boutiques and stores in the vicinity. Additionally, don't miss the fascinating air museums that showcase the history of aviation, making your visit both enjoyable and educational.

Shopping

For shopping near Cardiff University, visit St. David's, a vibrant shopping centre just 966m away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Cardiff Market, located 1.1km away, features local businesses and city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., 37.0km away.

Recreation

Principality Stadium, a vibrant sports venue 1.3km from Cardiff University, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. St. David's Hall, located 1.1km away, provides an entertaining musical experience. For wellness and relaxation, visit Cardiff International Sports Village, 4.8km from the university, featuring various recreational activities.

Adventure

TeamSport Cardiff offers exhilarating karting experiences, located 1.6km from Cardiff University, where you can race against friends in a thrilling atmosphere. For a scenic adventure, hike the Lower Blaen y Glyn trail, 4.8km away, and enjoy stunning landscapes. For climbing enthusiasts, the Spot Climbing Centre, 12.9km distant, provides challenging routes in a vibrant setting.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the New Theatre, just 966m from Cardiff University, where you can immerse yourself in culture and romance. For a thrilling experience, visit the Cardiff Bay Carousel, 3.2km away, or catch a film at Cineworld Cardiff, 1.4km away, perfect for entertainment lovers.

*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 is surrounded by a wealth of attractions, including captivating castles, beautiful urban parks, and the scenic bay. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring historical sites or enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Cardiff offers a delightful mix of experiences that will enrich your visit.

  • Cardiff Bay: A vibrant waterfront located 4.8km from Cardiff University, Cardiff Bay offers stunning outdoor scenery and sandy beaches. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, take a boat tour, or indulge in local cuisine at waterfront restaurants, all while soaking in the fresh sea breeze.
  • Cardiff Castle: Situated a mere 966m away, Cardiff Castle is a historical gem showcasing romantic architecture and rich cultural heritage. Explore the lavish interiors, wander through the beautiful grounds, and learn about its fascinating history, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Cardiff International Arena: Just 1.4km from the university, this premier entertainment venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to family shows. Experience the lively atmosphere and enjoy thrilling performances that promise fun for all ages.

Best time to go to Cardiff University

The best time to visit Cardiff University can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cardiff University falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Cardiff University falls in January, 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

To save money on your trip to Cardiff University, consider visiting in October or between December and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly options and consider bundling hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. For public transport, Cardiff has an efficient bus system, offering affordable travel. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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 preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Cardiff University with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.