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From London to Cardiff
After leaving London, I wasn’t sure what would greet us. But what we found was slow mornings, castles, hidden arcades, and a city that quietly lets you breathe. It was the perfect first stop, not too fast, not too quiet, just the right kind of unfamiliar.
Oh, and Roly? He approved immediately.
I got in late on Thursday night, slightly wired from the long drive. The car looked like organised chaos: boxes, bags, snacks, and a life squeezed into one Mini.
Friday started the right way, pancakes, bacon, maple syrup, and a dirty chai at The Wyndham Cafeteria, one of those cosy, dog-friendly spots that feels like a local secret. It was the soft landing I didn’t know I needed.
Exploring the City
Cardiff has this rare quality, a capital city that doesn’t rush you. Everything is walkable, people actually smile, and there’s space to just be.
We started at Cardiff Castle, wandering through its medieval walls before slipping into Bute Park, one of the largest urban parks in the UK. The River Taff runs straight through it, and Roly was in his element, nose to the ground, tail in overdrive.
Later that afternoon, I stopped at Uisce by Heaney’s for oysters and cocktails. It’s the kind of modern, easy-going restaurant where you lose track of time, sleek but unpretentious, and dog-friendly too. If you’re planning a longer meal, their sister spot Heaney’s next door serves tasting menus that balance local produce and creative flair beautifully.
Saturday Markets & Hidden Arcades
Saturday started at Kings Road Yard, home to a small farmers market with local produce, and a lively mix of vendors. From there, it was a short walk to Brava Cafe in Pontcanna for a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel.
Pontcanna itself has an easy, village feel, leafy streets, independent cafes, and relaxed weekend energy.
Back in the city, I spent hours wandering Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades which feel like stepping back in time. Morgan Quarter, Castle Arcade, and High Street Arcade are filled with vintage shops, coffee stops, and quirky independent stores. Spillers Records, tucked inside Morgan Arcade, is a must-visit, the world’s oldest record store, still spinning vinyl since 1894.
For vintage treasures, Penny Lane Vintage and Central Market are worth a browse, and Riverside Market offers more local finds if you visit on a Sunday.
Dinner that night was at Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails, easy-going, lively, and conveniently located right below my Airbnb.
Sunday by the Bay
Sunday was for slow exploring. I took the Aqua Bus from Cardiff Castle to Mermaid Quay, a river ride that gives you a whole new view of the city. From there, I walked the Cardiff Bay Trail, a 1.5-hour loop that circles the waterfront and passes landmarks like the Pierhead Building and Wales Millennium Centre.
Following the walk, I enjoyed lunch at The Sultan, a Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, warm bread, and comforting meze. The team were friendly, the food was excellent, and dogs are welcome inside, the perfect post-walk stop.
Work, Coffee, Repeat
Monday and Tuesday were for catching up on work. I set up base at Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery in the Royal Arcade which has fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, and the kind of background hum that makes getting things done easy.
When you work remotely, you quickly learn that not all cafes make good offices but this one does. The staff are friendly, the playlists are good, and it’s right in the heart of the city.
Midweek in Nature
By Wednesday, I was craving open space. A short drive out of the city led to Fforest Fawr, a mix of woodland trails and wide forest paths, and Forest Farm Country Park, where the trails wind along rivers and wetlands, perfect for clearing your head and letting Roly run wild.
Eating & Drinking in Cardiff
A few standouts worth noting:
- Casanova — refined Italian tucked away in the city centre.
- Asador 44 — Spanish grill and wine house serving incredible tapas and meats.
- Mowgli Street Food — vibrant Indian comfort food.
- La Pantera - a lively taco bar tucked in the city centre, great for casual bites and cocktails, with outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly.
- Pasture — the city’s best steak house.
- Bar 44 and Curado Bar — great for tapas and wine (not dog-friendly inside).
- Tiny Rebel — craft beer, casual atmosphere, and dog-friendly.
- Uisce by Heaney’s & Neighbourhood Kitchen — best balance of food, cocktails, and welcome-to-all energy.
💌 A Note from the Road
This first stop in Wales felt like the beginning of a slower, more spacious chapter. Cardiff has a way of easing you into travel with friendly faces and enough nature to remind you to slow down.
The River Taff runs right through the heart of the city, and by the end of the week, it felt like a quiet companion, always nearby, always moving.
Because sometimes, all you need is a new destination, a long walk, a dog at your side, and the courage to keep going.
Next stop: Bristol.
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FAQs - Visiting Cardiff
Yes. Most cafes welcome dogs inside, and the parks are huge. Bute Park, Pontcanna Fields, and Forest Farm Country Park were all favourites. Roly was treated like a local everywhere we went.
I stayed above Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails. They host a lovely Airbnb right upstairs. It’s central, stylish, and (best of all) a short walk to pretty much everything.
Cardiff’s compact, so you can walk almost everywhere. For longer distances, parking’s straightforward, and public transport is simple. The Aqua Bus is a fun, easy way to see the city from a different angle.
Four to five days felt right. Enough time to see the main sights, work remotely for a bit, and take a few longer walks without feeling rushed.
Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery is ideal, good coffee and food, plenty of space, and good Wi-Fi.
We visited late January and got lucky with the weather which was mild. Spring and early autumn are ideal, warm enough for walks around, but not too busy. Even when it rains (which it often does in the UK), Cardiff still has that easy charm.