Llandaff is a centuries-old town that lies within the city limits of Cardiff. It’s famous for its cathedral—one of the UK’s oldest Christian sites—under which early Roman burial sites have been discovered. It is said that ghosts and spirits, such as the White Lady, haunt Llandaff and roam the local woods. Beware!
The small town of Llandaff is technically a city, thanks to its large cathedral. It is thought that a Christian community developed here as early as the sixth century AD, and the 12th-century Llandaff Cathedral has seen waves of destruction and restoration. The present structure was badly damaged in a German bombing raid in 1941 and repaired in the 1950s. Many visitors come here to see the nativity triptych painted by pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Jacob Epstein’s aluminium sculptureChrist in Majesty.
Llandaff has been featured in the popular TV series Dr. Who, and keen viewers can take part in a guided tour of different filming locations. Literary lovers will want to stop at the birthplace of children’s writer Roald Dahl—a blue plaque marks his family home.
Llandaff is ideal for fans of Christian and Welsh history, and Dr. Who die-hards.
There are several coffee shops and restaurants in town.
The cathedral is open daily with public church services on Sunday.
Llandaff Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users at its east and west ends.
Llandaff is located on the northern edge of Cardiff, close to both the M4 and the A48. Alternatively, local trains as well as the number 24 bus link Llandaff and Cardiff.
Llandaff is pleasant to visit in spring, summer, and fall, when the flowers bloom in the grounds of the cathedral. The last weekend in June sees the Llandaff Summer Festival, with live music and stalls selling local products.
For a taste of British seaside nostalgia, head to Pleasure Park at Barry Island, just south of Cardiff city. There you will find old-fashioned arcade games, a Ferris wheel, and other amusement park attractions, plus the chance to stroll along the wide sandy beach and enjoy a classic meal of paper-wrapped fish and chips.
