St David's Metropolitan Cathedral - Image 1
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St David's Metropolitan Cathedral Cardiff

4.6
·228 reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautiful, airy late-Victorian cathedral in Cardiff, rebuilt after WWII, offering a modern, light, and calm atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St David's Metropolitan Cathedral - Image 1

St David's Metropolitan Cathedral Cardiff

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful, airy late-Victorian cathedral in Cardiff, rebuilt after WWII, offering a modern, light, and calm atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

4.6
(228 reviews)

"Very modern Catholic Cathedral in the downtown area of Cardiff. Beautiful interior, light and calm."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Service Times

Verify service schedules to plan your visit and avoid closures. :calendar:

Quiet Reflection Space

Find a peaceful escape from city noise for prayer and contemplation. :pray:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Interior

Modern Interior

Main Nave

Experience a light and calm atmosphere with striking art and sculptures in prayer coves.

Reddit
Pugin & Pugin Architecture

Pugin & Pugin Architecture

Exterior

Admire the late-Victorian design, a testament to its original architects, Pugin & Pugin.

Reddit
Boys Choir Performances

Boys Choir Performances

Main Sanctuary

If you're lucky, catch a performance by the famous St. David's Cathedral Boys Choir.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While St. David's is a place of worship, check the schedule for services to ensure you can explore freely. Some visitors note events can restrict access, so a quick look at their website is wise before you go. Reddit

Accessibility & Parking

The cathedral offers disabled parking, but for others, the nearby multi-storey car park is the main option. Inside, the modern design generally allows for easy navigation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

St Davids Cathedral

Check Service Times

Verify service schedules to plan your visit and avoid closures. Reddit :calendar:

Quiet Reflection Space

Find a peaceful escape from city noise for prayer and contemplation. Reddit :pray:

reddit.com

Take a look around St Davids, Britain's tiniest city and a lure for Christian pilgrims

reddit.com

What's the most impressive church or cathedral you've visited in the UK?

Parking Advice

Utilize the nearby multi-storey car park if disabled parking is unavailable. Reddit :car:

Admire the Art

Don't miss the good art and sculptures in the prayer coves. Reddit :art:

reddit.com

Planning a visit to Cardiff. Desperately need answers to a few questions.

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Service Times

Verify service schedules to plan your visit and avoid closures. Reddit :calendar:

Quiet Reflection Space

Find a peaceful escape from city noise for prayer and contemplation. Reddit :pray:

Parking Advice

Utilize the nearby multi-storey car park if disabled parking is unavailable. Reddit :car:

Admire the Art

Don't miss the good art and sculptures in the prayer coves. Reddit :art:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(228 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral for its beautiful, modern, and light interior, offering a calm and amazing atmosphere for prayer and reflection. The art and sculptures are noted as highlights, and its central location is convenient. Some visitors have noted difficulty finding restrooms and that events can sometimes restrict access.

"This church is very beautiful and gives an amazing atmosphere inside, it’s worth going to this church to sit and pray there."

rawlins Rodrigues

"Very modern Catholic Cathedral in the downtown area of Cardiff. Beautiful interior, light and calm. Some good art and sculptures in the prayer coves. Downside: could not find a bathroom. Disabled parking available, all others must park in the multistorey carpark."

Shannon Mead

"The Cathedral (originally built in 1887 by Pugin & Pugin Architects) was destroyed in World War II when an incendiary bomb penetrated the roof. It was rebuilt and restored in the 1950s. It reopened in 1959. The restoration work was carried out by Bates, Son & Price.
The Cathedral has a choir school and the famous Boys Choir, established in 1959."

Nikos Gkekas

What People Like

Beautiful modern interior
Calm and peaceful atmosphere
Central location

What People Dislike

Restroom availability
Event access restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cathedral is located in the downtown area of Cardiff. Public transport is readily available, with many bus routes stopping nearby. For those driving, the most convenient option is the multi-storey car park adjacent to the cathedral. Reddit

Yes, the cathedral is well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes in Cardiff stop within walking distance, making it easy to reach without a car. Check local bus timetables for specific routes and times.

There is dedicated disabled parking available. For all other visitors, the primary parking option is the multi-storey car park located very close to the cathedral. Reddit

Absolutely! St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral is situated in the heart of downtown Cardiff, making it a pleasant walk from most central locations. It's a great way to see more of the city.

Cardiff Central Station is the main railway hub. From there, it's a short taxi ride or a walk of about 15-20 minutes to reach the cathedral. The walk is relatively flat and passes through the city centre.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral is generally free, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep. Reddit

The cathedral is typically open daily, but hours can vary due to services and events. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. Reddit

Visitors are usually welcome to attend services, but access to certain areas might be restricted during Mass or other liturgical events. If you wish to explore the cathedral freely, it's best to visit outside of scheduled service times. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral. It's a functioning place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and experience its atmosphere. Donations are appreciated. Reddit

The cathedral sometimes hosts special events, concerts, or guided tours. Information about these is usually advertised on their website or notice boards within the cathedral. Keep an eye out for announcements. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Visitors describe the interior as beautiful, modern, light, and calm, offering an amazing atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Reddit

Yes, the cathedral features some good art and sculptures, particularly within the prayer coves, adding to its modern and serene ambiance. Reddit

Absolutely. It's described as a quiet place of prayer and reflection, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or prayer. Check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions. Reddit

Information about a gift shop is not widely available in reviews. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check their official website for details on any available merchandise.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Being in the heart of downtown Cardiff, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs within easy walking distance of the cathedral, offering a wide variety of dining options. Reddit

Reviews do not mention an onsite cafe or restaurant within the cathedral itself. Visitors typically dine at the many establishments surrounding the cathedral. Reddit

You'll find a diverse range of culinary choices, from quick bites at cafes to sit-down meals at various international and British restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. Reddit

Cardiff city centre is known for its diverse food scene, so you should have no trouble finding vegetarian and vegan options at many of the surrounding eateries. Reddit

While there are no specific restrictions mentioned, it's generally best to consume your own food in designated public areas or parks nearby, rather than inside or immediately outside the cathedral itself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The modern interior with its light and sculptures offers great photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture by Pugin & Pugin is also a key subject. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always be respectful of worshippers and any posted signs. Avoid flash photography during services. Reddit

Afternoon light can be excellent for illuminating the interior and highlighting architectural details. Early mornings might offer a more serene, less crowded experience for exterior shots. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in urban areas or around religious buildings due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local bylaws before flying a drone. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the interior space. For low-light conditions, a camera with good high ISO performance or a tripod (if permitted) would be beneficial. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral offers a peaceful environment that can be a welcome respite for families. While it's a place of worship, the modern and light interior can be engaging for children, with interesting art and sculptures to observe in the prayer coves. Reddit

It's advisable to visit outside of service times to allow children to move more freely and explore without disturbing worshippers. The cathedral's central location in Cardiff also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in the city centre. Remember to check for any specific family-oriented events or services that might be happening during your visit. Reddit

🙏 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers

For solo travelers or those seeking a spiritual experience, St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral is an excellent destination. Its reputation as a 'quiet place of prayer and reflection' makes it ideal for contemplation and finding peace amidst a busy city. Reddit

The modern, light, and calm interior, along with the presence of art and sculptures, creates an atmosphere conducive to introspection. Visitors often praise the 'amazing atmosphere' for sitting and praying. It's a place to connect with oneself and experience a moment of tranquility. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History and Restoration

St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral boasts a fascinating history, originally constructed in 1887 by the renowned architectural firm Pugin & Pugin. Its architectural significance was tragically interrupted when it was largely destroyed by an incendiary bomb during World War II. The cathedral was subsequently rebuilt and restored in the 1950s, reopening its doors in 1959. The restoration work was expertly handled by Bates, Son & Price, ensuring the preservation of its late-Victorian character while incorporating modern elements. Reddit

This rebuilding effort is a key part of the cathedral's identity, transforming it into a space that blends historical roots with a contemporary feel. The resilience shown in its reconstruction is a testament to its importance within the community. Visitors often remark on the 'modern Catholic Cathedral' aspect, appreciating the blend of old and new. Reddit

The cathedral is also home to a distinguished choir school, established in 1959, and its famous Boys Choir. This musical heritage adds another layer to the spiritual and cultural significance of St. David's, making it a vibrant centre for both worship and the arts. Reddit

Architectural Style and Interior Experience

The architectural style of St. David's Metropolitan Cathedral is rooted in the late-Victorian era, a legacy of its original architects, Pugin & Pugin. While the exterior retains this historical charm, the interior presents a distinctly modern and airy ambiance. This contrast is often highlighted by visitors who appreciate the light-filled spaces and the calm atmosphere it fosters. Reddit

Inside, the cathedral is noted for its beautiful design, featuring good art and sculptures thoughtfully placed within prayer coves. These elements contribute to a serene environment, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and prayer away from the city's noise. The spaciousness and the thoughtful integration of art create a welcoming and contemplative setting for all who enter. Reddit

Many visitors find the interior to be a highlight, describing it as 'light and calm' with an 'amazing atmosphere.' This modern interpretation of a sacred space, while respecting its historical foundations, offers a unique spiritual experience that resonates with contemporary worshippers and visitors alike. Reddit

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