After an epic hike up Mount Snowdon, all I wanted to do was relax, drink some tea, and wander round a super-cute Welsh town. Enter, Caernarfon. This colourful little spot is home to a medieval castle with world-class views – just the ticket to finish off our awesome Welsh weekender.
Mount Snowdon is Wales’ and England’s highest peak but is also a very achievable day hike. I assembled an awesome girl-gang for a very fun weekend in Wales, and we set off early armed with a ton of snacks and enthusiasm. We were rewarded with one of my favourite days out in 2016 and some spectacular views of the gorgeous Welsh countryside.
For someone living so far from their actual home, I’m pretty lucky – every time I visit Wales, I feel like the country is giving me a big cwtch. One of my favourite Welsh words, cwtch literally means a safe place, and is used to refer to an affectionate, loving, protective hug – isn’t that lovely?!
My latest experience of the cwtch was on a trip to Cardiff with friends to see the All Blacks play Wales at Millennium Stadium. You may have seen my previous rugby trips to see the All Blacks play Ireland in Dublin, and to see them play England at Twickenham – now I almost have the complete Home Nations set! While we were there we took advantage of the mostly glorious weather to visit Cardiff Castle and wander round the central city.
Cardiff Castle is actually a mishmash of a number of different buildings dating from the third century onwards. The Norman motte and bailey castle seen above is just what I think a traditional castle should look like – isn’t it sweet? Excavations have shown that the Normans were actually following a well-trodden path in choosing that spot for their fortifications, as it was originally the site of a third-century Roman fort.
The large Gothic-style building and the walls are Victorian constructions, and we followed tradition ourselves in taking a promenade along the walls.
The Norman Castle wall, the Victorian Castle, and the Millennium Castle (or rugby stadium!) beyond
Inside the more modern part of the Castle, the rooms are a Gothic-Victorian fantasy run riot. There are moldings, carvings, gold and enamel everywhere. I particularly appreciated the “Arab Room” and the incredible library. If you’ve time when you visit you can take a tour with one of the highly knowledgeable guides, who can fill you in on the history and decorations, as well as a bit of family gossip!
Looking up in the incredible “Arab Room”
We wandered on through the city enjoying the beautiful sunshine, and before we knew it, it was game-time! The Welsh certainly know how to throw a good party, particularly when it’s a big-game weekend. We loved the massive street party before the game and the fiery atmosphere inside… and of course the All Blacks win at the end!
My split scarf was the perfect way to show my double heritage… but I was only yelling for one team!
For more information on visiting Cardiff Castle, click here
Do you have somewhere that gives you a big cwtch when you visit, even though it’s not strictly home?
November is my birthday month – so happy birthday to me! It was my second birthday over here, so I think it’s safe to say that presents to myself of tickets to see the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team on their autumn UK tour are now a tradition. I also took a weekend trip to beautiful Prague, a city I’ve been wanting to visit for a very long time. Then there were fireworks, the beginnings of Christmas, and a couple of walking tours – another busy month! I’m so excited that we’re now into December, it’s getting chilly in London but there’s lots to look forward to with Christmas markets, parties, a trip to see the Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany – and of course the big celebration at the end of the month. Happy December all!
A sunny Saturday in beautiful Notting Hill
Incredible fireworks at Battersea Park
Loved this ombre tree by the Serpentine – nature is awesome
My first Paddington Bear – click here for more!
Poppy wreaths in Kensington for Remembrance Sunday
Beautiful lights at Southbank while on the #Giffgaffsnaps Walking Tour
Prague’s beautiful Astronomical Clock
Wrapped up warm to admire Charles Bridge – can you make out the many statues that line it?
I love this autumnal shadow shot of my friends and I walking through Prague
Views over the city from the steps up to Prague Castle
The gorgeous Cardiff Castle in Wales
Haha time in Millennium Stadium – go All Blacks!
An outstanding tasting menu at The Shed in Notting Hill started with these beauties
On a walking tour with World in London we admired the beautiful Aziziye Mosque in Stoke Newington
A festive #LDNBLoggersTea at Lancaster London was the perfect way to start getting into the December spirit!
Is your December looking super busy or are you relaxing at this time of year? Do you have any Cologne recommendations for my weekend trip?
