Cardiff, Wales

[DeniceRG]

Hi Everyone!   We are booked on the Crown Princess, Nov 23, Trans-Atlantic crossing from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale.  We are planning to meet up with some friends in Cardiff, Wales prior to the cruise.  Anyone with tour ideas, hotels, tour companies, restaurants, bars, etc to do while in Cardiff.  It'll be a  short, whirlwind time there, but it's better than no time.   Thanks for your advice!

 

Denice

[Morgans]

There's a Marriott, Radisson Blu and a Hilton and they are all very central and convenient. The Hilton overlooks the Castle -which is worth a tour. Also a very interesting museum. You can walk to Cardiff Bay where there is lots to see and do and if you fancy going further afield take a trip to St Fagan's Folk Museum which is interesting - houses brought from all over Wales and set up as a village. If you're into Golf,  perhaps take a trip to the Celtic Manor Hotel and Golf Course where the Ryder Cup was held. Good choice of restaurants in the hotel and around the course(s)  and they do a lovely afternoon tea. Further afield, Swansea and the Gower make a lovely day out - more so when the weather is favourable. Penarth is also an attractive little seaside town. Be aware that the weather at the end of November may not be the best however.

Cardiff city centre has dozens of bars, pubs and restaurants - you will be spoilt for choice. If there are any Rugby matches scheduled to take place at the Millennium Stadium (especially International ones) make sure you book your hotels sooneer rather than later as prices will rise considerably and the City centre will be extremely busy then.

[newport dave]

I live just a few miles down from Cardiff in Newport, and Morgans as just about got it sown up. For restaurants, there are a few good ones. The Ivy has just opened in the city centre, Giovanni's(Italian) either on the Hayes or opposite the New Theatre, The Clink Cymru is actually in Cardiff Prison and is run by Prisoners, has a couple of month waiting list(highly recommended). Across the Marina is the Custom House which houses 2 different restaurants. Further afield you have the Hardwick in Abergavenney(about 40min drive). Numerous other restaurants to choose from, your friends show know most of them.  For pubs, well there's absolutely loads, in the city centre and the suburbs.

[cardiff_bay_aj]

Another hotel recommendation would be the Indigo Hotel, on Queen Street. It's a little more quirky and individual than the others mentioned, but is still very centrally located.

 

Cardiff Castle is always worth a visit, and is right in the city centre. Castell Coch is a little further out, but still accessible by an easy bus ride (plus a bit of a walk up to it!).

 

I've lived in Cardiff for best part of 20 years, so feel free to ask any questions....

[DeniceRG]

Thanks for the suggestions!  What can you tell me about the Winter Wonderland?  Is it like a Christmas Market?

 

Denice

[cardiff_bay_aj]

On 1/30/2020 at 7:31 PM, DeniceRG said:

Thanks for the suggestions!  What can you tell me about the Winter Wonderland?  Is it like a Christmas Market?

 

Not really - it’s a (somewhat tacky) fairground - a bit like a state fair, only a lot smaller. A few rides, toss the ring style games to win a cuddly  toy, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a couple of food/drinks outlets - burgers/frankfurters etc. It usually runs from early/mid November to the first week of January, and unless you have kids or want to ice skate it’s not really worth the effort.

 

Cardiff does have a Christmas market, again, runs from mid November to just before Christmas, which is situated in the main shopping area - around the Hayes/St Davids Hall area. Lots of craft/food type cabins, usually open from mid morning to about 6pm each day.