Travel

How to: Spend 48 Hours in Cardiff

A couple of weeks ago Joe and I headed to Wales, to spend a brief night in it’s beautiful capital- for a day of eating, exploring and sampling plenty of cake (obligatory when there’s so many gorgeous tea rooms, surely)? With the journey shy of just over 2 hours, there was plenty of time to catch up on reads, magazines and the like- before arriving in a bright Cardiff late on the Sunday afternoon. After checking in Joe and I put our tourist hats on and headed out to scour out a few wonderful recommendations and make the most of our short but sweet stay. Fortunately, a lot of the places we discovered were near the centre (great if you’re short on time)- but we’re definitely keen to come back and see the rest of the city soon…

Park Plaza Cardiff:

Situated in the city centre, the Park Plaza is top of my list for convenient, comfortable and all-round lovely places to stay. A short walk from the parades of shops and quaint arcades (as well as certain famous castle), the Park Plaza has it’s own treats to offer too, all in the shape of a gorgeous spa (Joe had his first massage here and subsequently wondered why he’d waited so long), delicious restaurant and bar, as well as offering all the afternoon teas, including a gin and gents one too- they’ve definitely got your covered. If that’s not enough, the bed may be the most comfortable bed I’ve ever stayed in (no word of a lie)- and it was so big, Joe and I practically needed to phone each other to chat- dreamy! ; )

Park Plaza Cardiff – Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff CF10 3AL

Coffee Barker:

Coffee Barker was one place recommended to me again and again on Twitter, and before we even stepped inside I could see why. If it wasn’t the vintage and antique decor that had me at hello (iPhone camera’s at the ready, kids)!, it was the extensive menu- ranging from fresh cakes (, homemade paninis and biggest tea selection I’ve ever seen that certainly did it. Not only do they have hand roasted coffee (and plenty of soft leathery chairs to melt into with your laptop to while away the hours)- but they also offer amazing breakfasts (not just fry ups) and plenty of friendly faces, that’ll definitely make you wish you could stay all day.

Coffee Barker – Unit 13, Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU

Home by Kirsty:

Another Castle Arcade gem, Home by Kirsty is the kind of shop I can walk past and physically can’t not go into. Perhaps it’s the promise of beautiful independent homewares and stationary, or a love of design- but this little gem certainly got me more than a little excited upon discovering it. Whether you’re looking for baby gifts (their baby grows are cute enough to make you consider sweeping the shelves), Pinterest-inspired prints or pegboards or even another notebook you don’t need but is so beautiful you couldn’t possibly resist- Home by Kirsty has it all (and now I’m certainly feeling super glad they have an online shop too- huzzah)!

Home by Kirsty- 16 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU

Forbesfield Flowers:

Although this florist wasn’t open when we walked past (which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing otherwise the train to Paddington would have literally been filled with my excessive flower buying), Forbesfield Flowers looked absolutely stunning inside (the charm of beautiful clear glass shop fronts)- and saw everything from pretty potting plants at bargain prices, stunning sorbet roses to delicate peony buds- absolutely dreamy!

Forbesfield Florist- Studio 6-8, The Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1BW

Pettigrew Tea Rooms:
Situated on the edge of the grounds to Cardiff Castle (perfect if you plan on killing two birds with one stone), these traditional tearooms are the perfect place to sit down for a classic tiered afternoon tea, or a slice of cake on a rainy Monday (guilty)! As well as offering sandwiches, soups and salads- Pettigrew Tea Rooms have a pretty tempting selection of gluten free options too, which mean nobody has to go without any of their delicious treats!