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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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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Cafe Sereno is a small family owned business on Albany road that does great food, is fully licenced and has a fabulous beer garden. It’s open all day until 10pm and is ideal for a quick snack, coffee, pint or a romantic evening meal. It’s also available for bookings. They always have special offers and meal deals available which makes it very reasonably priced. Child friendly.

68 Albany road,
Roath,
Cardiff
CF24 3RS

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An excellent and innovative new concept at the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff.

They have a professional theatre company in house who offer four different West End-style shows. We saw the "West End to Broadway" show which was amazing - the cast are a very talented bunch of people.

The food served was excellent and the whole evening was fantastic value. The standard price is £27.50 but we booked a special offer with dinner theatre, room, & breakfast for only £89!

We have just booked for the Swing show next week! They also have a rock n roll show and a Western-themed one. They told me that there will be brand new shows for 2008!

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornecardiff/

Tel: 02920 599100

The Copthorne is at Culverhouse Cross opposite M&S. It is just a few minutes from Cardiff Bay and the city centre.

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Rugby and football fans should go on the Millennium stadium tour, where you can take a look at the teams’ dressing rooms, visit the VIP area, walk through the players’ tunnel and marvel at the famous retracting roof. It’s £5.50 for adults and £3 for children.

www.millenniumstadium.com/

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This science discovery centre down at Cardiff Bay should keep the kids happy. It’s £6.90 for adults and £4.80 for children.

www.tquest.org.uk

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A lovely park with a huge lake to feed the ducks or hire a boat. There’s a great playground for children, lovely rose gardens and an impressive greenhouse. Also in the park is a memorial lighthouse dedicated to Captain Scott, the South Pole explorer, who set sail on his final, ill-fated voyage from Cardiff.

www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure/Parks/roathpark.htm

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A bit further out of Cardiff in the north, Cefn Onn is a 200-acre park where you can get lost among the rhododendron bushes.

www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure/Parks/cefn_onn.htm

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This museum, with its collection of Welsh archaeology, arts and crafts, and surprisingly impressive collection of Impressionist paintings, is worth a visit if you’ve got a few days here. Entry is free.

www.nmgw.ac.uk/www.php/nmgc/

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It's a brilliant free outdoor museum 10 minutes west of the centre showing how Welsh people lived, worked and spent their spare time through the ages. Set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland in the grounds of St Fagans castle, a 16th-century manor house, over 30 buildings have been painstakingly moved from various parts of Wales and reassembled brick by brick. Native farm animals roam the fields and farmyards, and there’s a working flour mill and blacksmith. There are also some great old-fashioned shops including a baker’s and a sweet shop. The village of St Fagans itself is worth a look, with pretty thatched-roof cottages, a picturesque cricket ground and decent pub.

www.nmgw.ac.uk/www.php/mwl/

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