Weekend in Cardiff

Caught between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, the compact Welsh capital has a new-found confidence that makes it a thoroughly fun weekend getaway.

MINI GUIDE

The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay

Friday

CARDIFF CASTLE

There’s a medieval keep at its heart, but it’s the later additions to Cardiff Castle that capture the imagination. During the Victorian era, extravagant mock-Gothic features were grafted onto this relic, including a clock tower and a banqueting hall. Flanking the castle is Bute Park (cardiffcastle.com; Castle St; 9am-5pm Mar-Oct, to 4pm Nov-Feb; admission £12, incl tour & full access £15).

The twelve-sided Norman shell keep of Cardiff Castle

GOAT MAJOR

Hunt down this solidly traditional wooden-panelled pub with armchairs, a fireplace, sports on screens and Brains beers on tap. The Goat Major’s gastronomic contribution comes in its selection of savoury pot pies served with chips. If it’s on the menu, try the Wye Valley pie: buttered chicken, leek, asparagus and Tintern cheese (sabrain.com/goatmajor; High St; kitchen noon-10pm Mon-Sat, to 4pm Sun; pies from £7.50).