When friends came down from London I thought what things in cardiff can I show them in such a short space of time. These are just the things we manged to do in 24hrs. I will list at the end other things to do if you have more time. First things first use the buses, for £10 you can get a day to go for up to 5 adults on cardiff bus. This can be purchased by the driver or on the cardiff bus app.
We started our trip at the bottom of St Marys street, after getting the number 8 bus in to the centre.
Cardiff train station
Built in 1850 cardiff central train station is a grade II listed building. Originally engineering completed by Isabard Kingdom Brunel and the stations first purpose of transporting coal. It still stands with a lot of the victorian features in tact.
2. St Mary Street
A street full of restaurants and bars , you are a bit spoilt for choice. One pub formally a theatre the Prince of Wales pub has a hidden bit of history. On the west side of the pub you will find the outline of where St Mary Church once stood. Due to flooding it eventually no longer was a function church.
3. Cardiff Market
In the middle of St Mary Street is Cardiff marketing existing since 1700. With changes throughout the years its now home to a range of stalls. Link below to find out more. https://elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/cardiff-market
4. Dead man's alley
As you come out of the market , the side with the fishmongers, you will need to look down. There is an alley with numbers on the floor. These are former burial Chambers from the church next to it St John's.
5. Victorian arcades
Turning left out of dead man's alley heading up Woking Street onto St John's Street you will see the arcades. Head in through high Street arcade , where you fill find tones of independent shops. Many of the original features still stand if you look up.
6. Cardiff Castle
Coming out of high street arcade and turning right, walk up high street still you hit castle street. You will see in all its glory Cardiff Castle! The castle does cost to get in, but you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe which is free to go to. The day we went the whole grounds were open even the gates to bute Park(which i have never seen). Below you can learn more about the castle.
7. Bute Park
Named after the marquees of bute the park is right in the centre next to the Castle. Accessible through several routes, the most popular is by Pettigrew tea rooms on the left hand side of Castle Street. Here you will see the castle animal wall along your walk . There are 12 animals in total as you walk towards the gate. In the park there are cafes plants and visitors centre. As well as being host to the Welsh college or music and drama.
8. Principality stadium( millennium)
Opening in 1999 the stadium has held host to many an event. As you walk away from the park along Westgate Street you will see it from many a view. From sports events to big star concerts it has it all under one roof.
(Head to the bottom of St Marys street to catch the number 6 bus now)
9. Cardiff bay
The original docks bringing coal and supplies.It went under a regeneration project starting from 1987. From mud flats to a fully function area of restaurants , bars,housing and views.
10. Millennium Centre
The first thing you will notice is the big armadillo shaped building with a solgan alongside. Built from Welsh supplies such a slate and wood it is an impressive build. Hosting big musical performance as well my graduation.
11.Roald Dahl Plass
The oval shaped basin named after the famous author is often used for a host of events. The author being from Norwegian roots and linked to the Norwegian Church also situated in the bay. To the left up the stairs you will see a statue of a man on a chair. Ivor Novelle a famous writer and actor stands. Next to it a red brick building know as the pier head building . Another grade I listed building original headquarters of the bute Dock company.
12. Senedd (Welsh parliment)
Completed and opened on March 1st(St Davids day)2006 by Queen Elizabeth the II , the building which looks over the water. Designed by Lord Rogers of riverside with suitability in mind , renewable technologies and energy efficiency. Visitors are allowed in so do check their website for opening times.
13. The merchant seaman's memorial
Pictured below this carefully sculptured memorial is made from a real ships Hull. Created by Brian Fell in 1994 often displaying poppy wreaths of those lost to war.
14. Norwigean church
If you follow the path around you will see the church a white small building standing since 1868. Original built for those Scandinavian sailors for worship, it now host events , holding an art gallery and cafe.
15. Mermaid key
As you walk back on your self past the peir head building over the bridge you will be met with Mermaid key. A busy area or restaurants, bars and shops. But what might go unnoticed with the poem situated next to ice cream parlour. Written by John Masefield and named Cargoes after the docklands it once was. If you look above many of the restaurants you will see metal statues representing the poem.
These are just a few things in Cardiff to do in a short space of time , but if you have more time here are a list of extra activities.
St Fagans - museum of Welsh life. https:/elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/2015/04/24/st-fagans
Roath park https://elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/2015/04/15/roath-park
Cardiff museum https://elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/2015/08/09/cardiff-museum
Cefn onn https://elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/2018/07/14/cefn-onn-park
Thompson park https://elfthebest.wixsite.com/emmasescapades/post/2018/08/21/thompson-park-cardiffhttps://elfthebest.wi
Cosmeton lake and medieval village.
Cardiff bay barrage
Barry Island
Pernath pier
Tradegar house and park
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