My Day Trip to Cardiff

Last week, I left England for a day to visit Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. I'd been there before in 2012 when my family and I were lucky enough to get tickets to watch an Olympic football match at the Millennium Stadium. That was a great day, but I don't remember seeing that much of the city itself. Recently I started wanting to go back, after finding out about Cardiff Castle. I love visiting castles, so when I had the opportunity to take a day trip last week, I decided it was the destination I most wanted to go to!

On the train to Cardiff, we passed through Newport. There were great views of Newport Castle next to the river. I tried my best to take a decent photo, but it wasn't easy!

Stepping out of Cardiff Central Station, I was immediately reminded of the fact that I had arrived in a capital city. The station is located in a big square with the headquarters of BBC Wales directly opposite. For me, it's a great thing that within two hours, I can go from my house in a small village to a big city in a different country (sort of)!

My first sightseeing stop was the castle. Apparently, Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country! Last year, I enjoyed seeing Chepstow Castle, so I was intrigued to find out how Cardiff's version compared. I definitely wasn't disappointed. Even its outside wall is an impressive sight.

I'd bought a ticket online, so I was able to start exploring the grounds of the castle straight away. Firstly, I went up inside the keep, which is probably the most famous part. From the top, there are amazing views across the city. You can see the Millennium Stadium and the City Hall, depending on which part you look out from.

The Welsh dragon in the centre of the grounds is a nice touch! Afterwards, I went into the main building to look around the castle apartments, which are very ornate. My favourite room was the Arab Room, which is decorated in a beautiful Arabic style.

Next to the castle, you can find Bute Park. Along the park's wall is a series of statues of different animals. Unsurprisingly, this is called the Animal Wall!

Next, I made my way to the National Museum. On my way there, I saw the City Hall, which is a beautiful building.

The National Museum is a great place to visit. What makes it even better is that entry is free! Dippy, the dinosaur skeleton replica from the Natural History Museum in London, is currently on display there.

The museum has a natural history section as well as an art gallery. The art gallery has a brilliant selection of paintings by some of the most famous artists of all time. I especially liked the Impressionism section, where you can find two versions of Waterlilies by Monet.

I had wanted to visit the Norwegian Church Arts Centre at Cardiff Bay, but it's a long distance from the city centre, and I wanted to get the train back before rush hour. But I had time to see the River Taff before going home.

I really enjoyed my trip to Cardiff and I'm sure I'll return in the future. 

Over the next month, I'm going to be busy getting ready for my big move back to Chile. Before going to Santiago, I'll be spending a few days in Buenos Aires, and I've also got a day trip to Uruguay planned, so I'm very excited about it all!