Destination Guide: Cardiff

Cardiff, with its cultural diversity extending from medieval castles to invading Daleks and from sporting heritage to Welsh national pride, is the ideal location for events organisers wanting to offer a range of experiences for their delegates. The capital city boasts a stunning bay, bustling night life and entertainment and a combination of modern and historical architecture to keep any conference-goer interested. *Day One* Businesses who want to be in amongst the action of the city centre should check in to the four-star "Novotel":http://venues.org.uk/venues/novotel_cardiff_centre, which is conveniently located close to Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay train stations. After a hard day's work, delegates can relax in the hotel's Jacuzzi, solarium and sauna before heading out for the evening. The "Hilton hotel":http://venues.org.uk/venues/hilton_cardiff_1 offers an alternative city centre option, situated close to the Millenium Stadium and beautiful Bute Park, ideal for an early morning stroll before the day's business begins. Beauty professionals are on hand at the venue to give a relaxing massage to stressed-out workers. Meanwhile for those companies that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the "Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort":http://venues.org.uk/venues/the_vale_hotel_golf_and_spa_resort represents the ideal retreat. Located just 20 minutes from Cardiff International Airport and the central train station, it is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. Organisers can keep all their activities in one place by holding their conference in one of the luxurious suites at the resort, which include state-of-the-art facilities such as built-in projectors and flat screen TVs. For a venue with a difference, venture to "St Fagan's museum":http://venues.org.uk/venues/st_fagans_national_history_museum on the outskirts of the city centre. Delegates will be impressed with the combination of Victorian fixtures and fittings with modern corporate facilities in the Concert Hall, Reading Room, Library and Meetings Room or the Oakdale Workmen's Institute. If the party is made up younger conference-goers, the "Hard Rock Café":http://venues.org.uk/venues/hard_rock_cafe_cardiff is the place to choose. Ideally located within walking distance of the Hilton hotel, it has space for up to 150 people. Alternatively, the restaurant is the perfect place to start the evening with a meal before heading out on the town, or down to the waterfront for a cocktail. *Day Two* Following a business-like first day, slow down the second with some tourist activities. Take delegates on a tour of the historic castle to learn about its development from its Roman roots to its modern existence. Head to Cardiff Bay and embark a boat trip to see this fantastic city from the water. The Waterbus offers regular 30 minute cruises around the harbour and has the option to land at the barrage of Mermaid Quay. Priced at as little as £2 per adult, this is a cost-effective way of injecting some culture into an event. In the evening, the Edwardian New Theatre is an ideal place to see the latest west end shows with a year round programme of drama, musicals and dance. For something a little different, take delegates on the Creepy Cardiff Ghost Tour to hear tales about the national museum's resident ghoul, Welsh dragons and the burial place of Queen Boadicea while taking in the city's rich cultural history. Whether it's an action-packed event or a relaxed convention with some culture thrown in, Cardiff has a variety of options to entertain all delegates.