#JonesonTour: rydym wedi cyrraedd pen ein taith!

Cardiff: A Vibrant Capital City 

And now for the final Jones on Tour as our travels around Wales come to an end for 2023, where we have explored locations, activities and attractions we love. Last time, we actually ventured out of Wales to London and found some Welsh links, but we now return to our very own capital city.. Cardiff

As always, this won’t be a comprehensive selection, just another random sample, a little snack if you will, of the things we enjoy and makes us proud to be ‘o Gymru’. Of course, we have been here before in an earlier blog, so this time we’ll focus on some alternative things to see and do. And it will come as no surprise that we’ll give you a heads up on where to find our Jones o Gymru products and share a taste of Wales!

So, back again to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, a captivating destination that blends rich history, striking architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. From ancient castles to modern waterfronts, Cardiff offers a wide range of attractions and activities for every visitor.

Shopping and Eating

Step inside St. David’s shopping centre or out onto Queen Street and you’ll find all of the regular high street stores and eateries you’d expect from a city.Keep an eye out for A Welsh Secret and grab some Jones o Gymru stuff! Take a stroll through the old arcades off St. Mary Street and you’ll find some real treats, there are lots of independent retailers selling fabulous gifts, vintage clothing and sweet treats.

Try the sourdough range at the Pettigrew Bakery in the Castle Arcade, where there might also be one or two Jones o Gymru items!

Meet some ‘Fflocers’, grab a coffee and some wonderful food at Ffloc on Cowbridge Road East. Again, Jones o Gymru will be appearing!

For locals, a night out just isn’t the same without ending up on Caroline Street – also known as Chippy Lane – where you can enjoy a tray of cheesy chips and curry sauce! Located just behind Mill Lane and off St. Mary Street, it’s a must for anyone out in the city at the end of the night!

Parks

Anyone who lives in Cardiff knows Roath Park. Boasting 130 acres of scenic park land in the city and a 30 acre lake, there’s lots for you to do. Feed the ducks, hire a boat, take a walk or enjoy a picnic on a sunny day. You can even admire unusual plants, terrapins, fish and whistling ducks at the large glasshouse in the park.  And Roath Park isn’t the only park in Cardiff. There are a wealth of other parks including Bute Park, Cefn Onn, Victoria Park and Llandaff Fields.  All well worth a visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Escape the bustling city and unwind in the tranquillity of Bute Park and Arboretum. Located next to Cardiff Castle, this expansive green oasis provides a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or explore the variety of plant species in the arboretum.

Music

A relatively new live music venue to join the Cardiff scene, The Tramshed has already hosted some great live acts, but it’s not all about music. There’s also regular cinema screenings at the venue. And when there’s big events such as rugby internationals taking place in Cardiff, head to The Tramshed to soak up the atmosphere and watch the games. 

Clwb Ifor Bach has been at the forefront of Welsh culture for over 40 years, bringing the best music from Wales and beyond. A must visit.

Cardiff Bay

Head to Cardiff Bay,  a transformed waterfront area that offers a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues Take a stroll across the Cardiff Bay Barrage, a walkway that connects Penarth Marina to Mermaid Quay. Enjoy stunning views of the bay, spot wildlife, and feel the refreshing sea breeze. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a bike ride.Enjoy a boat ride on the bay, or visit attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre and Techniquest Science Discovery Centre and the Norwegian Church. The Senedd is also nearby and well worth a visit and pick up some Jones o Gymru stuff to keep your energy levels up as you enjoy this wonderful area!

Cardiff Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff Market, located in the city centre. Browse through a plethora of stalls offering fresh produce, local delicacies, crafts, and antiques. Indulge in traditional Welsh treats or find unique souvenirs to take home.

Principality Stadium

Sports enthusiasts should visit the iconic Principality Stadium, perhaps better known as the Millennium Stadium. This world-class venue hosts rugby matches, football games, and concerts (Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel on the way in 2024). Experience the electric atmosphere during an event or take a guided tour to learn about its impressive architecture.

Cardiff, with its wonderful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty,is a fantastic destination to explore. So, pack your bags (leave some room for Jones o Gymru produce!) and explore the vibrant streets of Cardiff.