A Weekend Away.

View from 7th floor.

I am so so sorry for not updating for a good few months. It has been hectic here between school events, James working, my uni and everything in between!!  We were lucky enough to go on a few holidays last year. As you know, I went to Cardiff in June and had a fantastic time. The day after I came back from that trip, the hubby booked us a weekend away to Cardiff for October, when the kids were away to Blackpool with their gran.  Here is what we got up to on our first weekend away together.



James had never been to Cardiff before, so I was excited for him to experience the amazing city that I fell in love with just months before. After a loooonnngggg 9 hour bus journey (yes 9 hours) we finally arrived and soon checked into our hotel.  We stayed at the Cardiff Bay Premier Inn.  The hotel is in the perfect location, just behind the Millennium Centre and is at the heart of Cardiff Bay. Cue a very happy and excited Angela!!  The hotel was brand new and had only been open for 2 weeks. The room was gorgeous and the staff were so lovely and friendly. The service was incredible.

Cardiff Sunrise

With only 2 full days in Cardiff, we had to squeeze in as much as possible. So, here is a break down of what we done.

Saturday

Tour bus - On the Saturday morning, we jumped on the city tour bus. The best way to get around Cardiff and learn more about the beautiful city.  Stops include Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Wales, Norwegian Church and it also passes one of my favourite places in Cardiff, Roath Lock studios. (Can't imagine what is filmed in there...) If you want to see the city and visit as many of the attractions as possible, the tour bus is for you.

Principality Stadium - James loves rugby, so it was only right we visited the Principality Stadium. We were booked onto the 3pm tour but as part of the road was closed off , we were late and they happily moved us onto the 4pm tour instead. Our tour guide was friendly and was very happy to answer any questions we had. The stadium is absolutely massive. On the tour we were taken to both dressing rooms, the Presidential Suite (Very posh), hospitality box (one of many), press conference room, pitch side and up to the highest level of seating (very high and very very steep) Pretty much everywhere really. The tour lasts and hour. I 100% recommend a visit to the stadium. £12.50 for an adult is super cheap for the experience.

Sunday

Millennium Centre - On the Sunday morning, we were booked onto a backstage tour at the Millennium Centre. This is something I have always wanted to do. As a theatre fan, this was a dream come true.  Our first stop was the stunning Donald Gordon Theatre. As we walked in the doors, I couldn't help but say wow. It really is breathtaking. After taking a couple, OK a lot, of pictures, we moved backstage to one of the dressing rooms, then to "the street" where the stage sets etc are delivered. We then went into one of the rehearsal rooms, had a quick peek at the stage (its massive!) and then went up to level 6. If you are scared of heights, do not go to level 6, it is very high above the stage but still pretty cool.  Our tour finished at the inscription wall. If you love theatre, then this is the tour for you.

Welsh Assembly - Our tour guide that morning recommended visiting the Welsh Assembly as they offer free tours. We decided to give it a try. After passing through airport style security, we went into the reception area and booked onto the tour. The building is gorgeous. I don't want to give too much away as the story behind the building is something that needs to be heard in person. Trust me. The tour lasts 30 minutes and is so insightful. Do the tour, you won't be disappointed.

The rest of our time was spent walking around the bay and enjoying the gorgeous sunshine (it was roasting!!)

Roll on June for our family holiday to my favourite city!!

Here are some pictures from our break.