Photo credit: JoshuaMiranda
Cardiff, Wales is one of the most interesting and historical places in the United Kingdom. In its rarity, the city stands out as a modern city of beauty, yet gives us a clear picture of life here more than 2000 years ago. As we look a bit deeper, let us point out some unique features of this beautiful, capital city of Wales.
Cardiff Castle
In the centre of the capital city is the ancient Cardiff Castle. When you enter the castle you can identify and trace Cardiff’s history. This includes their earliest settlement and continues well beyond the second world war.
Not many people are lucky enough to be able to actually enter, use, and enjoy their historical sites. But Cardiff Castle is open for many events throughout the year.
A Very Lucky Place – The Luckiest City in Wales
Cardiff is not just a “lucky place”. Some consider Cardiff, the lucky place. The citizens of Cardiff love their lotteries. And luckily, Cardiff has more than its share of lottery winners. The hottest and most sought-after lottery choice right now is the Irish Lotto from Lottoland. You can now play lottery with a lottery win from the comfort of your smartphone, or computer. Lottoland offers lotteries in more than 33 countries and boast a customer base of close to eight million customers.
In September of 2020, Lottoland named Cardiff, “The luckiest city in Wales” when it comes to winning the lottery. That was based on their own official numbers.
The City of Arcades
You would not assume Cardiff is the City of Arcades at first glance. That is because the shops are twisted and turned throughout the city. There are more than 100 shops and eateries marked in the Welsh architecture of the city. You will find some of the best names in the designer world and the latest styles and fashions.
You will be overcome with awe as you walk among the winding, Victorian lanes. Then you will see them. Lovely little boutiques and boho shops that will rival anywhere else in the world.
Photo credit: Vince L. Falcone
Captain Henry Morgan AKA Captain Morgan
Captain Henry Morgan (yes the one pictured on the spiced rum bottle) was born in Cardiff! The stories you have heard of him being from the Caribbean are untrue. He spent his childhood in Llanrumney. When he was of age to join the army, he served in the West Indies. Captain Morgan Spent most of his buccaneer days targeting (mostly) Spanish settlements. Then he settled in Jamaica. Much of what we know about Captain Morgan came from exploits written by crewmembers that were prone to exaggerate. Captain Morgan died in 1688 at the age of 55.
The World’s Oldest Record Store – CD’s, Vinyl, How about Wax?
Spiller’s Record Store is the world’s oldest record store. Spiller’s Record Store is located in Cardiff. In today’s world, we are lucky to find a music store that features a few vinyl selections. But, Spiller’s records were established way back in 1894. They sell all of the music you love today and the music of yesterday.
If you are a history buff you will want to add Spiller’s Records to your tour list. Spiller’s specializes in:
- phonographs
- wax phonograph cylinders
- shellac phonograph discs.
Photo credit: Pinterest
The Principality Stadium – The Largest and first of its kind
When Cardiff builds something, they do it right. The Principality Stadium was built in 1999 in time for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. The Principality Stadium was first named the Millenium Stadium, but in 2016 the name was changed to The Principality Stadium. This was due to a ten-year advertising agreement with the Principality Building Society.
The Principality Stadium has an open, retractable dome. It is the 3rd largest stadium in the Six Nations Championship. It is the largest, and the first studio of its kind, in the United Kingdom.
Other points of interest
- Cardiff University is one of the best colleges in the United Kingdom. They have an impressive acceptance rate of 19.14%. Cardiff University was ranked in the top 154 Universities in the world and number 1 in Wales.
- Cardiff is the capital of Wales. Yet, only 10.75% of its citizens can speak Welsh. The government hopes to change that. By including the teaching of the ancient language in the middle schools, the government plans to have 1-million Welsh speakers by next year. However, there are over 90 languages spoken.
- According to giffgaff – It is the friendliest city in the UK
- Cardiff is the location of Homeless World Cup hosts 2019
After several days of research and looking deeply into corners, I found nothing but good things to say about this city. Be sure you add Cardiff to your itinerary. You will be glad you did.