Cardiff is Europe’s greenest capital city, boasting mountains, forests, rivers, canals, lakes, marshes, coastline, Britain’s largest park and its own offshore island! The City Safari is a fascinating and original way to tour a city, led by an official Wales guide and former nature reserve warden. Discover our wild side and explore Cardiff from top to bottom, mountain to ocean, passing the city’s famous landmarks on the way.
Conquer Cardiff’s mountain, the Garth, with panoramic views of the city, the sea, the Valleys and the Brecon Beacons. With its Bronze Age burial mounds and ancient woodlands it’s hard to remember you’re in a city.
Follow the River Taff, once a polluted ‘dead river’ but now home to salmon, otters and kingfishers, to a ‘hidden gem’ on the banks of the historic Glamorgan Canal. Industry has been replaced by a stunning oasis of woods, pools, wetlands and meadows rich in wildlife.
From a hidden gem to Cardiff’s best-loved space, the Grade One listed Bute Park. Once the playground of the world’s richest family, now Britain’s largest park and Cardiff’s green heart. With views of the castle and civic buildings (complete with nesting Peregrines!) it’s the perfect lunch stop with elegant cafes or bring a picnic for the lawns.
After lunch, discover Cardiff’s coast beginning with its ‘secret shore’ on the Severn Estuary ,internationally important for birds and a dramatic seascape dominated by the world’s second highest tides.
Explore Cardiff Bay, once the world’s busiest port where industrial decline has been followed by massive regeneration. Visit the wetland reserve and walk the famous barrage across the harbour mouth to the cliffs of Penarth Head, where Cardiff meets the Atlantic. Look across the waves (the ‘tigers’) to historic Flat Holm, Cardiff’s own island and then back inland to the summit Garth where our Safari began.
The City Safari runs on Fridays throughout the year and other days by arrangement. The cost is £39 per person (minimum two people) and pre-booking is advisable as spaces are limited. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Binoculars are provided.
