Cardiff City Centre 10.06.2007

After we had another great win in Cricket on Saturday, we headed with Phil to Cardiff on the Sunday morning.

This was a fairly quick visit to the Capital of Wales, however after a 50 minute drive, we arrived in Cardiff and managed to sneak in Lunch before we headed towards the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff Castle

On the way to the Millennium Stadium, we walked past the Cardiff Castle, which is located right in the centre of the City. the Castle itself is still standing however not inhabited by anyone nowadays. It consists of large stone walls which enclose the grounds of the Castle. Inside, interestingly enough there is a moat (normally seen on the outside of the perimeter wall) that adds secondary defence to the inner building. Being short on time, and that we have seen numerous Castle's since being in the UK, we just took some photos of the outside and I found a good photo from another website which I have included so you can see what its like inside.

View from above (not taken by me)




Outer Wall

Millennium Stadium

We previously booked tickets for the Millennium Stadium Tour due to its popularity. The Millennium Stadium was built as part of the feature venue for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. However, the venue is actually used for much more than just Rugby. The venue primarily hosts sporting events, including Rugby, Football, and 20/20 Cricket. However, the Grass Pitch can then be removed, and then dirt can be brought in for dirt bikes jumping, water can be pumped in for windsurfing (plus big fans to make wind), and of course massive concerts can also be staged here. They were on the process of setting up for a concert while we visited, hence no grass to give the stadium a proper 'feel'.

The grass pitch when used, is shipped over from Denmark, at a cost of 150,000 pounds. It can be laid for a further 50,000 pounds, then removed for another 50,000 pounds. The staff can go from bare concrete to the built up grass pitch in 3 days, but require 15 days at least to allow the grass to take hold. It really is a multi use venue and can seat up to 80,000 people.

The tour also takes you through the Locker Areas where players prepare before a match, and the Corporate area, and we even got to hold a Trophy recently won by Wales over Australia.

And of course the Roof opens and closes, but was closed whilst we were there during the tour.

Millennium Stadium


Wayne Rooney is one of the famous players has used this 'changing booth'


Stadium Views

More Views - no grass, it has been removed in preparation for a concert


Holding the Cup - don't drop it...


Holy Jumping Stadium's Batman...

Cardiff Museum and City Hall

Following the Stadium tour, we walked around the rest of the city centre, walking past the City Hall, and we also briefly visited the museum, which mainly contains modern art and stuffed animals. We had all seen similar in other museums, in particular over in Dublin, so after a quick walk through, we headed to the Pub for a Cider before heading home for dinner.

Big thanks to Phil for driving us to and from Cardiff!!! Next trip is London in 2 weeks...

Statue near the Cardiff City Hall


Cardiff City Hall


Typical Museum Displays