Cardiff Castle
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Cardiff Castle is in the middle of the city. It is an easy walk from the train station through a pedestrian only shopping area to the castle.
The stone keep seen above was built on the remains of a Roman fort and was started in the 11th century. Over time more buildings surrounded this structure until the 18 century when all the surrounding buildings were either torn down or renovated in an incredibly elaborate style.
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The mansion was home to a wealthy Cardiff family who eventually gave it to the city of Cardiff.
It was rainy and cold when we got there. There appeared to be some sort of program that was supposed to be going on but the rain was complicating things. No one knew actually what was supposed to be happening.
We started our tour in the mansion.
Every surface is decorated.
I particularly liked the Arab Room.
As the two guys in front of me said, “That’d be a bitch to dust.” What kind of person do you need to be to think, “You know what this place really needs? Crazy elaborate ceilings.”
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There is a library that I could get used to though.
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There was a falconry with some dry but cold and grumpy looking birds on display.
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Then we went up to the top of the stone castle. When we tried to come down though, we couldn’t.
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The rain had let up a bit so they went ahead with the ceremony. Turns out it was for the 70th anniversary of VE Day. We couldn’t come down because there was a trumpeter positioned on the stairs leading up to the castle for dramatic intrigue. There ceremony was on the lawn with a choir and a cannon (A little kid waiting with us happily yelled, “Fireworks!” every time they set off the gun.). Then the attention (and TV cameras) shifted to the lone trumpeter on the stairs playing a song. Can’t have tourists going up and down the stairs ruining the shot so we hung out with the trumpeter in the first room until it was his turn.
Cardiff Castle
Open 9 AM – 5 or 6 PM depending on season
Admission £12
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10 Comments
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids
What a fascinating building! The floors look so plain next to those out of control ceilings! Thank you for linking up with #teamwanderlust.
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penguinsangel
Wow amazing!
I’d love to explore here, I doubt I’ll ever get the chance – at least you took some of the photos to let my mind explore. Found you via #SmallVictoriesSundaylinkup
heather
Thanks for visiting
Melinda
Wow, such great pictures! I agree, though, that housekeeping there must really be up for the challenge!
Ginny
What great photos. I love that one of the ceiling, though the real live birds are my favourites.
Sandra Nachlinger
I love castles, and Cardiff looks like a beautiful one. I’m adding it to my list of things to see when we go to England again.
Louise
We spent a day in Cardiff a few years ago, and did see the outside of the castle but didn’t have a chance to go in. What a shame- it looks fabulous, I love that Arab Room ceiling .
jmcguin7
This looks amazing! And to be there for the VE ceremonies.
joyweesemoll
Cardiff looks like a terrific place to spend a day!