Although occupied since the Middle Ages, Cardiff really came into its own during the Industrial Revolution as an important dock town used for the distribution of iron and coal in Wales. Since becoming the Welsh capital in 1955 and subsequently the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, Cardiff has undergone a massive transformation from a forgotten industrial port to a modern capital.

Nowhere is the growth and development of the city more evident than in the Cardiff Bay area, a massive new commercial development and urban regeneration project. The trendy waterfront district known as Mermaid's Quay is home to striking modern architecture and modern art, as well as chic shops and boutiques, top-class restaurants, and plenty of clubs and bars. These modern amenities lie alongside some impressive historical sites, including the Cardiff Castle, which was built by the wealthy third Marquis of Bute. The castle is located in the centre of Cardiff on a site used by both the Romans and the Normans as a strategic point of defence. Visitors can still explore the Norman Keep, set on top of a small hill overlooking the city.

Other popular attractions in Cardiff include the National Museum and Gallery, St David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, the outdoor Museum of Welsh Life and the Millennium Stadium - the new home of the Welsh Rugby Union. There are also many historical attractions and points of interest just outside the city, including several Neolithic sites, and the area is also resplendent with natural beauty.

This fast growing urban centre may seem an unlikely tourist destination, but more and more travellers are flocking to enjoy the sights, sounds and 24-hour buzz of the Welsh capital.

Brecon Beacons

Address: Cardiff

Telephone: (01874) 624 437

The Brecon Beacons National Park is only half an hour's drive north of Cardiff and comprises four mountain ranges and an interesting terrain of old mining valleys, bare escarpments and sprawling sheep farms. Most visitors are walkers heading for Offa's Dyke Path, which passes along the eastern border, or the Taff Trail, heading south from Brecon. Offa's Path runs through the Black Mountains, which boasts spectacular views including sights such as the ruins of Llanthony Priory, the River Honddu and the pretty church at Patrishow. The highest point in the Black mountains is Waun Fach and the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons is Pen-y-Fan. Don't be surprised if you bump into groups of soldiers in the park - this is a major army exercise area and a main training ground for the SAS who you might see bounding up the mountains, doing the Fan Dance. Around the park are the historic market towns of Brecon Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, a fascinating little town with Norman and Jacobean ruins and the world's largest selection of second-hand book shops - 30 of them.

Pembrokeshire

Address: Cardiff

Located in the southwest corner of Wales the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs along a coastline riddled with rugged cliffs, superb sandy beaches, rocky coves and tiny fishing villages. There is some spectacular scenery and wonderful coastal walks including the well-trodden 167-mile (269km) Coast Path. Inland, the historic Preseli Hills conceal ancient trade routes, hill forts, standing stones and burial chambers. The tiny islands offshore are inhabited by colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and grey seals. The area is an activity-lover's paradise, with a choice of hiking, pony trekking, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. The best time to visit is in spring when wild flowers abound and most ramblers have yet to arrive. The town of Pembroke is worth visiting only for its fearsome castle, which, founded by the Normans, has an intriguing history (open every day between 10am to 4pm). Just South of the Park is the city St David's, which is actually little larger than your average village. The cathedral is the resting place of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, and during the Middle Ages was one of the most holy places in Britain. Two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one to Rome.

Snowdonia

Address: Cardiff

Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park after the Lake District, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. While Snowdonia is a Mecca for hikers and climbers, there is plenty to explore including lakes, waterfalls, glacial valleys, as well as forts, railways and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also takes the public on tours through its cavernous slate mines.

Caernarfon

Address: Cardiff

Situated in North Wales, across the Menai Strait from the Isle of Anglesey, is Caernarfon, dominated by the walls of its 13th-century castle. It was here that, in 1969, Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is probably most noted for the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllanty - siliogogogoch, which has the longest place name in the United Kingdom. The name, when translated into English, means 'The church of St. Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church by the red cave'. The island was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic activity in Britain and many Neolithic ruins remain. Many people rush through Anglesey, on their way to catch the Irish ferries at Holyhead, and miss out on its spectacular coastal scenery of sandy coves and rocky headlands.

Cardiff Castle

Address: Castle Street Cardiff

Admission: £8.95 (adults); £6.35 (children). Concessions available Open daily from 9am – 6pm (March - October); 9am - 5pm (November - February)

Telephone: 029 20 87 8100

Cardiff Castle is a unique complex of historical buildings incorporating a medieval castle, Victorian Gothic Mansion and a Norman keep which in turn was built over a Roman fort standing guard over on a cliff above Cardiff. The city itself may have only been there for 100 years, but Cardiff Castle dates back over 2,000 years. Roman soldiers have spent many nights here, knights have spent many a day here while the wealthy Bute family have resided here since the 19th century. Those who visit Cardiff Castle will be rewarded with opulent rooms, Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian décor. Guided tours are available. Family friendly visits are also available to those with young children.

Techniquest

Address: Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay Cardiff

Admission: £7.00 (adults); £5.00 (children) Concessions available Open daily from 9.30am – 4.30pm (school days) and 10am – 5pm (weekends)

Telephone: 029 20 475 475

This fascinating hands-on science museum is a must for those who are young at heart, perpetually intrigued and amazed by the power of science. Techniquest was voted Europe's best science centre in an industry survey and it continues to thrill those who visit with its puzzles, gadgets and structures on display. The Science Theatre and Planetarium are popular stops for most who come to Techniquest for the day, while younger visitors will love the children's educational programs, laboratories and workshops on offer.

St. Fagans: National History Museum

Address: St Fagans, Cardiff Cardiff

Admission: Free Open daily from 10am - 5pm

Telephone: 029 20 57 3500

This open-air museum located in St Fagans chronicles the historical lifestyle, architecture and cultural heritage of the people of Wales and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The 16th century manor house in which the museum stands bears testament to the magnificent heritage of the Welsh and the museum features more than 40 original buildings, moved from various parts of Wales and erected to show how the people of Wales lived over the last 500 years. Among these are houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute. Donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth, the museum first opened in 1948 and to this day, the original strain of native livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and the Welsh language proudly heard in the air.

Wales Millennium Centre

Address: Bute Place, Cardiff Cardiff

Admission: Guided tours £5.50 (adults); £4.50 (concessions) Guided tours are available daily. Call 08700 40 2000 for information.

Telephone: 08 70 040 2000

Nicknamed the 'Armadillo', this arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area hosts performances such as opera, ballet, dance, comedy and musicals. Known as one of the world's iconic arts and cultural destinations, it features a world-class stage and also offers free foyer performances, tours, exhibitions and a choice of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy with an overall vision to bring the best of the world to Wales. Guided tours of the centre are available where guests can check out the dressing rooms, marvel at the sheer size of the stage and find out what lies beneath the mystical inscription.

Sparks in the Park

Where: Coopers Field, Bute Park,Cardiff

When: 6 November 2010

The grandest fireworks display in Wales blasts the sky bright with Cardiff Castle in the background to create a memorable image. There are rides for the children to keep them occupied until the bonfires begin. For more information phone (0)29 2023 0130.