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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St David's Metropolitan Cathedral Cardiff
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

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.
"Very modern Catholic Cathedral in the downtown area of Cardiff. Beautiful interior, light and calm."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Interior
Main Nave
Experience a light and calm atmosphere with striking art and sculptures in prayer coves.
Pugin & Pugin Architecture
Exterior
Admire the late-Victorian design, a testament to its original architects, Pugin & Pugin.

Boys Choir Performances
Main Sanctuary
If you're lucky, catch a performance by the famous St. David's Cathedral Boys Choir.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
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St Davids Cathedral
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:Take a look around St Davids, Britain's tiniest city and a lure for Christian pilgrims
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.
:car:Admire the Art
Don't miss the good art and sculptures in the prayer coves.
:art: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.
:calendar:Quiet Reflection Space
Find a peaceful escape from city noise for prayer and contemplation.
:pray:Parking Advice
Utilize the nearby multi-storey car park if disabled parking is unavailable.
:car:Admire the Art
Don't miss the good art and sculptures in the prayer coves.
:art:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors describe the interior as beautiful, modern, light, and calm, offering an amazing atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
Yes, the cathedral features some good art and sculptures, particularly within the prayer coves, adding to its modern and serene ambiance.
Absolutely. It's described as a quiet place of prayer and reflection, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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.
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.
Reviews do not mention an onsite cafe or restaurant within the cathedral itself. Visitors typically dine at the many establishments surrounding the cathedral.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern interior with its light and sculptures offers great photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture by Pugin & Pugin is also a key subject.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always be respectful of worshippers and any posted signs. Avoid flash photography during services.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🙏 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Restoration
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.
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.
Architectural Style and Interior Experience
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.
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.
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