A day out in the city of Cardiff
If shopping till you drop is your idea of a great day out, Cardiff is the city for you. With seven – count ’em! - Victorian and Edwardian arcades to explore, mainly populated by indie shops and coffee stops and all utterly beautiful. For the High Street names, head to St David’s, which is full of the go-tos, including a huge John Lewis.
If you fancy a culture hit, you can always head to the castle or the National Museum of Wales (free entry) – and a walk through the historic 130-acre Bute Park - particularly stunning in autumn with its tree-lined parkland and aboretums - will show you one reason why Cardiff is considered one of the UK’s greenest cities.
Head to Cardiff Bay for a wander back to the times when Cardiff was the world’s largest coal exporter. You can visit the Pierhead Building for some history – including as the backdrop to the launch of Hayley Mills’ acting career alongside her father in the film Tiger Bay. Notice the Norwegian Church - where Roald Dahl’s family worshipped as he was born and grew up in the city – and take in a show at the majestic Wales Millennium Centre
Castles, anyone?
Did you know Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in the world? We’ve picked just three within a few miles of our doorstep – all very different, all worth a visit.
First up has to be our nearest and Wales’ biggest - Caerphilly Castle- second in size only to Windsor Castle in the UK and with a tower wonkier than Pisa’s. A mediaeval monument, it has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, including opening its Great Hall with new state-of-the-art digital exhibits. Less than ten minutes away by car.
Castell Coch (the ‘Red Castle’) is around four miles away. Like something out of a fairy tale, it’s a pretty, Victorian folly after a mediaeval style, extravagantly decorated inside. And finally, Cardiff Castle – five miles away and in the heart of our capital city. It has a 2000-year history as a defensive site, with Roman remains, mediaeval towers and a keep as well as extravagant, florid Victorian interiors thanks to the same duo behind Castell Coch – The Third Marquess of Bute and his architect, William Burges.
Spend a day in the south Wales countryside
From our doorstep or just minutes away in the car, choose from country parks and the mountain next door. Parc Cefn Onn, a Grade 2 listed historic park, is just over a mile away with plenty of parking. Enjoy the stunning autumnal colours of the park’s collections of indigenous and exotic plants and trees in the various gardens, including red and orange maples. It’s pretty easy walking, with a gently sloping valley and good paths passing tranquil ponds, woodland and streams and their abundant wildlife as you go. A mural depicts the history of the park, and you can join Caerphilly Mountain’s footpath network from here, too. It’s just over a mile to the Caerphilly Mountain (free) car park next to the snack bar. There are lots of different walks you can do from here for spectacular 360° views.