This restaurant is simply excellent. It serves pure vegetarian Asian food (no fish or eggs are used in the cooking) at affordable prices. The menu has over 100 dishes so you can really keep going back again and again trying something new each time. If you like tofu, paneer and dahl (to name just a few of their ingredients used) you'll love coming to this restaurant. As well as Indian dishes they also serve oriental dishes which are noodle based. My favourite dish is Masala Dosa, a huge pancake of spiced potato which also arrives with a spicy soup and cooling coconut chutney on the side. It tastes just as good as in the bustling cafes of India I remember so fondly. An added bonus is that although they don't have a drink licence you can take your own alcohol into the restaurant. Not to be missed!

109 Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 6JT.
+442920 238222.
www.vegetarianfoodstudio.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/h6KoUO

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This castle can easily be seen emerging from the trees on a hillside beside the M4 (junction 32). It has a fairytale appearance even when passing at speed, but entering the castle takes this feeling of enchantment further. Unlike most castles this one is relatively modern (although built on ancient foundations) and is the result of money and Victorian imagination taken to the extreme. It was built as an elaborate holiday retreat for the 3rd marquess of Bute at the end of the 19th century. Its walls are beautifully decorated with intricate paintings of many things, including Aesop's Fables in one room. The furniture and decor is wonderfully over the top and bizarre. There is also Caerphilly Castle 5 minuites drive away, with all the splendor of a decayed ancient castle but Castell Coch brings history to life in a fantastically refreshing way to adults and children alike. It is reasonably priced and also has a lovely, if small, tea room.

www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, www.castlewales.com/coch.html
02920 810101
Google map: tinyurl.com/38v9hjf
Follow signs from junction 32 of the M4

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This is a great small independent bar with a big heart. The music is always spot on whether it's laid back lunch or feel good Friday. This place does great Welsh food produced only from the local area. The Promised Land has a nice big city atmosphere that you would find in New York or Manchester. The best pubs and bars are catalysts...friendships can be forged in them, relationships can be made, business can be done and memories created. This is what The Promised Land is - a home from home, a place to meet and greet, a bolt hole, and a place you rest on your journey. You'll enjoy whether you are a romancer, dancer, soul boy, beat kid, young go-getter or should know better!

4 Windsor Place, Cardiff, 029 2039 8998
www.thepromisedlanduk.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/33g7ycx

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A very good cycle route from Penarth Road to St Fagans via Ely (and back). Cardiff County Council say that the Ely Trail goes 'along the whole length of the River Ely within the council boundary. The trail is a mainly off-road stone-dust path suitable for cyclists and walkers. The Ely Trail is nearly finished apart from the old paper mill site (Arjo Wiggins) at Ely Bridge, but it is possible to walk and cycle from Cardiff Bay to St. Fagans. On completion of the bay edge Route it will be possible to link into the Taff Trail and Coastal Path.'
The Council also says that 'the route passes through a variety of landscapes from the mouth of the river, to the rural and parkland landscapes around St Fagans. There are opportunities along the route for leisure activities and to visit sites of historic or environmental significance.'
The only drawback is that there is a bridge with steps at either side to be negotiated half way along the route.
This cycle route is perfect for that hot and sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon as the meandering, flat river path takes you from the bustle of the city to the tranquility of the countryside. The sudden change of terrain and surroundings is what makes most of Cardiff's cycle routes a pleasure to experience.

www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2868%2C4407%2C4411&parent_directory_id=2865&id=3436

Google map: tinyurl.com/2ufbbbc

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