Would you rather go to Bath or Cardiff for the day?

[EachandEveryone]

My French lodger is going to stay in Bristol for two nights with friends. On a limited budget they are arguing over whether to go to Bath or Cardiff for the day. I dont know either of these places. Any thoughts please?

I'm a huge fan of Cardiff and I love the castle but with only one to choose from I'd take an overseas visitor to Bath, plus it's nearer Bristol than Cardiff is.
The Roman Baths really are exceptional and worth the trip alone. Agree about the costume museum too. Just walking around the city is interesting in itself. They used to do free daily tours from the Mayor's office - worth a look to see if these are still running

DH is French and he loves eating at Sally Lunn's in Bath, not too expensive for lunch and think she was French. Would recommend spa for views over Bath, Roman baths but just lovely to potter round.

I love both I live near both ...they both have their good points but touristy I'd say bath but for boozing def Cardiff ....however bath got a fab gin bar lol xx

It depends on what they want really.
Both are nice.

Bath and take the free guided walk from outside the Roman Bath

Don't know Cardiff, but Bath is wonderful, and as Jane Austen once wrote, "Oh! Who can ever tire of Bath?". Not me that's for sure.

I have been to both a few times and would definitely say Bath.

Cardiff is fine but very chain-y.

Good to get drunk on the cheap though! Bath is not so much!

Bath, particularly as a tourist.

I like Bath and as someone else has said there's lots to do in Bristol.
So much to do in Cardiff. The Arcades are lovely with lots of shops and cafes. The museum and Castle. A boat ride to the Bay from Bute Park.

I find Cardiff a little soulless to be honest. All chain shops and chain restaurants.
Really? Did you go down any of the arcades? I visited recently and loved all the independent shops and eateries.

I'd stay in Bristol too but I am very biased. I probably prefer Bath to Cardiff as a tourist.

I second staying put in Bristol, it's a fab place

There's a bus from Bristol to Bath (x39) so really easy to get too, Cardiff would be a bit trickier but obviously still quite easy. Bath is beautiful and has some great little shops and nice pubs, Cardiff is also nice but for me on a day trip from Bristol I'd always choose Bath.

Bath - UNESCO world heritage site, unique in the world. Absolutely beautiful, small enough to wander around, great shopping, eating, spa reasonable, decent museums.

I'd get the train from Bristol Temple Meads, it's only 15 mins.

Definitely Bath!

I know both well.

I'm tempted to say stay in Bristol for both days as there's plenty to keep them occupied, but in a choice between the two I'd visit Bath for the day (but I wouldn't live there!)

Bath
Not much in Cardiff (used to live there) unless she's interested in fake castles

Old castle that should have sayd

Bath

Definitely Bath. It's got more character.

If a one time only chance to visit one of the two, then Bath.

I'd say Bath, but fuck me I'm wondering if half the posters on here have actually been to Cardiff. Its amazing! It has both chains and independent shops. The museums are great especially the Welsh Folk museum. You can't compare it to Bath, but its a wonderful destination.

Hollowvictory I was about to get my sword and dragon out to fight you on that fake castle comment

Cardiff for sure.
Bath is heaving with tourists and the shopping is poor IMO - I live very near and avoid it as much as I can. Parking is very expensive too.
Cardiff is lovely for a day out.

I live in Bristol.

I love both Cardiff and Bath but if I wanted a 'day' to look around I think I'd go to Bath.
Cardiff is great for events and bigger museums etc.