Saturday 31 May 2014

Cardiff: Sights, Shops and Statues in pictures

It was time to get away for a few days, so we chose Cardiff. I visited briefly as a young girl, having family in Wales, but the shopping and attractions have changed a lot since then.

The train journey was direct and we stayed at the City Centre Premier Inn. I will say now that the staff were the friendliest and kindest we've ever come across, and I've stayed in a lot of Premier Inns! We were made to feel very welcome. We had pizza at the Thyme restaurant (part of the Premier Inn) on the first night. The food and service was very good.

We also were able to leave our bags after check out, so that we could wander round freely before we got our train home. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who dealt with us.

Walking into town,we were greeted by a massive seagull!
 We had a brief look at Cardiff Castle and I was able to take some pictures.

 I also came across this beautiful building with window displays that I couldn't resist capturing on camera.
In terms of the City Centre, there is so much to see and we happily walked around on both days we were visiting. In terms of shopping, there is everything you could want, plus some quirky shops that I'd never come across before.
A beauty and fashion lover's haven!
Just look at this doll shop, Bonnie and Pearl; and Blott sells the most amazing array of erasers I've ever seen!
Cardiff Indoor Market
  We loved wandering around the indoor market. There is a wide array of stalls selling everything from fruit, fish, cosmetics, craft materials and wigs! Having permanent stall signage, the market has a traditional feel to it. Even its 'in house' fortune teller has its own place!                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I also loved the Wales gift shop pictured below. I like to see shameless patriotism in all its glory! What a fantastic window display.
Then, down one of the smaller, more boutiquey shopping arcades I found the E.L.F cosmetics store. I didn't even know they existed!
Outside the E.L.F store
The Royal Arcade and the E.L.F store inside

  We had a good look around on the first day and on the second we spent the morning shopping, after a delicious Pret a Manger breakfast!
There are also lots of sculptures, interesting architecture and statues across the city that we enjoyed looking at as we explored.
We took a trip to Cardiff Bay for dinner on the second night which is a very short train trip away (less than five minutes).
Pierhead building
 
Cardiff Millenium Centre: theatre and music venue

Left: Pierhead building, gothic architecture                                   Right: Mermaid Quay- the king is alive!
For the Torchwood fans
We had a great two days in Cardiff. The people were lovely and it was great to see some different attractions and shops, rather than the same we usually see here in the South of the UK. We would definitely go back!







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