24 hours in Cardiff

Just how much can you fit in to 24 hours in the Welsh capital? We packed off Paul Watson and Helen Phillips to find out. Here’s what they got up to…

Day One

13:00 Cardiff Castle
“Cardiff is a tourist’s dream because everything is so close together. Smack in the centre is the imposing castle (www.cardiffcastle.co.uk). We discovered its long history (the site was a Roman fort as far back as first century) on the hour-long tour.”

14:30 quick bite
“About five minutes’ walk from the castle is St John’s Square. Opposite the pretty church is a fab fresh pastie shop, with loads of perfect combinations like pork and apple, or lamb and mint. Pasties aren’t a food specific to Wales, but we went for ham, leek and cheese, so it was practically their national dish!”

15:30 something old
“Tucked away (though signposted) just past the end of St Mary Street on West Canal Wharf is Jacob’s Antiques Centre, a relaxed and fascinating place to wander around. With several floors housing dozens of dealers, from coins and clocks to books and comics, you never know what you might find round the next corner. It’s open 9.30am–5pm, Thursday to Saturday.”

16:30 something new
“Helen was in her element in Queen Street, boasting every store imaginable. It has a friendly feel and doesn’t feel rushed like in some capital cities. There are also a couple of shopping centres to duck into if it’s raining – or you just want more shoes and bags!”

20:00 cocktails
“Time for our first drink of the day. We struck gold with Pica Pica (www.picapicacardiff.com), a classy tapas and cocktail bar. All drinks are mixed for flavour rather than gaudy flamboyance, using good quality alcohol and fresh ingredients. Happy hour is until 8pm every day and all day Wednesday.”

21:30 Mexican munc
“Easily found on both St Mary Street and Caroline Street is the Brewery Quarter, a very busy collection of international restaurants and bars. Down the steps was Chiquito (www.chiquito.co.uk), a brilliant Mexican boasting a varied menu, including a great range for children. Our booze-fuelled hunger made us go for a jumbo platter, which nearly finished us off before our gorgeous fajitas arrived.”

Cardiff class
With so much to do in 24 hours, it was lucky we had the beautiful four-star Paramount Angel Hotel as our home away from home! Located in the heart of the city, nestled between the castle and “Exterminate!! We couldn’t go home without visiting the permanent Doctor Who exhibition (Cardiff has been the filming location for three years), housed in a spooky darkened location next to the bay’s multiscreen cinema in the Red Dragon Centre (www.doctorwhoexhibition.com). Get yourself snapped alongside the Doctor’s famous friends and enemies.” “Mermaid Quay is the picturesque name of the city’s prettiest setting. Easily accessible from the city centre by bus, train or water taxi, there must be few greater pleasures in Cardiff than a leisurely stroll around the bay, at day or night. Also be sure to try its French market and high quality restaurants.” www.cardiffbay.co.uk log on to bmibaby.com for details and prices bmibaby flies to 14 destinations from Cardiff – the Millennium Stadium, it boasts the most fantastic views. Built in 1880, it oozes Victorian charm and character in the foyer, with marble, a sweeping staircase and a Waterford crystal chandelier all adding to the grandeur. In the 102 air-conditioned bedrooms, however, it’s all about lush, contemporary furnishings – the perfect blend of old and new. The Beatles, Gregory Peck and the South African rugby team have all apparently stayed here, and given the warm reception and service we received, it’s no surprise. Perfect.

Day Two

10:30 Cardiff Bay
“Mermaid Quay is the picturesque name of the city’s prettiest setting. Easily accessible from the city centre by bus, train or water taxi, there must be few greater pleasures in Cardiff than a leisurely stroll around the bay, at day or night. Also be sure to try its French market and high quality restaurants.” www.cardiffbay.co.uk

11:30 Millenium centre
“The riveted squares of golden metal and unusual curved design resemble an alien spacecraft. However, the Wales Millennium Centre (www.wmc.org.uk) not only has striking architecture to offer, but is also a top theatrical venue with loads of big touring acts and shows landing here.”

13:00 Doctor’s visit
“Exterminate!! We couldn’t go home without visiting the permanent Doctor Who exhibition (Cardiff has been the filming location for three years), housed in a spooky darkened location next to the bay’s multiscreen cinema in the Red Dragon Centre (www.doctorwhoexhibition.com). Get yourself snapped alongside the Doctor’s famous friends and enemies.”

got a passport and a digital camera?
Want to be in a coming issue of yeahbaby? We’re looking for two people to take to the streets of a bmibaby destination for 24 hours and keep a record of their adventures. If you’re handy with a camera and happy to tell our readers what they should see and do, we want to hear from you! Please email bmibaby. ed@ink-publishing.com with a photo of you and your travel buddy, and tell us why you’d like to be our next guest writer. We’ll organise return flights for two from any bmibaby UK airport to one of our destinations (to be decided), plus accommodation for one night and £100 towards transfers and meals etc.

bmibaby flies to 14 destinations from Cardiff – log on to bmibaby.com for details and prices