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Things to do in Cardiff

Go white water rafting in Cardiff Bay

The International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay is home to Cardiff International White Water (tel: +44 (0) 2902 082 9970; www.ciww.com). Designed by the team behind courses at Sydney, Athens and Beijing Olympics, it's a purpose-built water sports centre, where you can try indoor surfing, zip lining or white water rafting.

Hear the roar at the Millennium Stadium

The Welsh take their rugby very seriously, and there's no better place to make like the locals than the national stadium (tel: +44 (0) 2920 822 432; www.principalitystadium.wales). Matches take place throughout the year, and you can also catch international football fixtures here.

Quad bike through the countryside

Not only is the Cardiff countryside blessed with beautiful scenery, it also has the ideal terrain for quad bikers. Quad Challenge (tel: +44 (0) 1269 592 734; www.quadchallenge.co.uk), an hour from Cardiff, has a purpose built woodland centre and routes can be tailored to each rider's ability. If you're trigger happy rather than a petrolhead, you can also try paintballing.

Run away with the circus…for an afternoon

NoFit State (tel: +44 (0) 2920 221 330; www.nofitstate.org) has played to over 250,00 people in 15 different countries since forming in 1986, and offer classes to anyone that's ever aspired to run away with the circus. Lessons include Tightwire, Trapeze, Circus Aerials and - if heights aren't your thing - Hula Hooping.

Trot across the Vale of Glamorgan

The Vale of Glamorgan, with its hills, forests and beaches, has plenty of horse riding opportunities. St Brides Major Riding and Trekking Centre (tel: +44 (0) 1656 880000; www.valeriding.co.uk) offers treks and lessons for both more and less experienced riders. For meatier treks and riding holidays in the Brecon Beacons, try Tregoyd Riding (tel: +44 (0) 1497 847 351; www.tregoydriding.co.uk).

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Novotel Cardiff Centre

Located in central Cardiff, near the Millennium Stadium, this hotel has 138 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, all decorated in neutral colours and natural pastels. The hotel also has an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. The Elements Restaurant and Bar downstairs offers good food and drinks.

Jolyons

This is a lovely boutique hotel located on Cardiff's oldest Georgian terrace, right in front of the new Millennium Centre and around the corner from the city's revamped waterfront area. Rooms (all non-smoking) are individually designed with solid furniture, exquisite linen and good lighting. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar with Wi-Fi access available in all rooms.

Hilton Cardiff

The central, modern 5-star Cardiff Hilton has 197 elegant bedrooms and suites, many with spectacular views across the city and over Cardiff Castle. There is also an award-winning restaurant, Razzi, as well as a bar, a health club, gym and spa and a 20m (66ft) pool. The staff's attentiveness has been acknowledged with tourism awards, while each room comes with soft beds, large LED TVs and lovely bathrooms.

The Big Sleep

Set in a converted 1960 office block, this high-rise Cardiff hotel offers simple yet funky modern retro décor and accommodation that channels minimalist chic but stays reasonably priced. This, in other words, is a design hotel for budget travellers. There are 81 comfortable rooms, all with ensuite bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms offer spectacular views.

The St David's Hotel & Spa

Located in the Cardiff Bay area only five minutes from the city centre the stylish 5-star St David's (part of the Principal Hotels chain) has 132 well-equipped guest bedrooms (including 20 suites) all with private balconies and splendid views across the bay. The hotel also boasts excellent spa facilities. There are good conference services and plenty of dining options too including an award-winning restaurant.

Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff North

Perched on the fringes of Cardiff city centre, the Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff North is a clean and classy budget choice with 132 rooms. All come with large LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and access to the on-site gym. The hotel also has a lounge area offering light snacks during the day and a Bar and Grill for a more relaxed dinner or late night drink.