A royal tour of Cardiff: The key sites Harry and Meghan should visit on their day in the Welsh capital
There is nothing like a visit from the world's most talked-about royal couple to put you firmly in the spotlight. Cardiff takes centre stage today thanks to the star-spangled presence of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The soon-to-be-weds are in the Welsh capital for a short tour that, as ever, will have a crowd gathering and cameras clicking.
But where - in a fantasy world where they have time out from their tight schedule - should they go, and what should they see? The following options might all appeal.
Alternatively, they offer much for royal-watchers to enjoy once the honoured guests have left town. A cocktail-making session and a dash of rugby heritage? Why not?
What to see: Cardiff Castle
The royal twosome's itinerary is already taking them to the city's medieval fortress, so this is rather a case of teaching your grandmother how to suck eggs, as the weird old phrase goes. But then, Cardiff's medieval landmark should be a key stop on any visit to the city. The building has an epic history. It was founded in the 11th century on top of a Roman fort. Significantly expanded over the subsequent decades, it played a part in conflicts including the rebellion of Welsh warlord Owain Glyndŵr (in 1404), the Wars of the Roses, and the English Civil War. Its defensive capabilities were downgraded in the 18th century when it was converted into a Gothic Revival mansion with gardens by Capability Brown. It retains plenty of the grandeur of this epoch, and is open for tours.
Details: From £12.50; cardiffcastle.com
What to explore: Principality Stadium
Harry loves rugby - and, indeed, has watched several international fixtures at what was known as the Millennium Stadium until 2016. This vast arena - which has a capacity of 74,500 people - is the home of the Welsh national rugby team, as well as its football counterpart, and plays regular host to major sporting events (wearing its football hat, it staged last season's Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus). Better still, even if nothing is happening on the pitch, its inner workings can be perused via a behind-the-scenes tour. These are available every day (timings may change on match days), and take visitors into the dressing rooms, as well as up into the President's Box - which, appropriately enough, is where the royals sit when they are in the ground.
Details: £12.50; principalitystadium.wales/tours
Where to eat: James Sommerin
You need to venture a little outside the core of the city to find this Michelin-starred haven of haute cuisine. It sits six miles south of the centre on the Esplanade at Penarth, and is run - as its name suggests - by Welsh chef James Sommerin, who started his career at 12 doing Saturday shifts at an Italian restaurant in Newport, and earned his official tip of the hat from Michelin as recently as 2016. His restaurant focuses - as high-end restaurants tend to these days - on "the finest ingredients, locally sourced". The menu includes a 32-day aged sirloin for £29.50, and wild sea bass for £25.00.
Details:jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk
Where to drink: Lab 22
Harry has, famously, enjoyed a tipple or two at various moments in the past, so probably wouldn't offer any objections to an evening at this intriguing watering hole at the heart of Cardiff. Lab 22 does fancy things with spirits, and offers regular cocktail masterclasses - including a five-course tasting session (£44.95) which it describes as a "pairing [of] the requested number of cocktails with elements of molecular mixology". Molecular mixology? Is that an obvious over-egging of what is essentially throwing a few different types of booze into a glass, with ice? Quite possibly. Good fun? That too.
Details:lab22cardiff.com
What to stay: Hotel Indigo
A future princess needs somewhere stylish to stay. But then, we all do from time to time. Hotel Indigo is one of Cardiff's more boutique-flavoured retreats, and is nicely pitched on Queen Street, almost in the shadow of the castle. Reviewing the property for the Telegraph, Benjamin Parker was impressed by its design. "Three concepts divide the rooms," he wrote. "Music, Welsh Industry and Made in Wales. It’s a toss-up between Music, with spotlights, drumstick lamps and images of Wales’ musical icons, and the "pit to port" industrial vibe of the Welsh Industry rooms (tweed cushions, coal scuttle bins, steel/wood furniture) for the coolest spaces." A Marco Pierre White steakhouse on the upper floor completes the picture for guests who check in hungry.
Hotel Indigo Cardiff
Cardiff, Wales
8Telegraph expert rating
Welsh culture and quirky symbolism have been bottled up in each of the 122 rooms at Cardiff’s Hotel Indigo, giving the city an injection of modern accommodation with boutique leanings and a headline Marco Pierre White restaurant that has captured the attention of locals. Read expert review From £60per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Where to stop: Spillers Records
There are plenty of Cardiff fashion stores which might stock a dress or three for the chic royal about town, but with a wedding to plan, Harry and Meghan's thoughts should really be on the important stuff - the tunes they want played at the reception. Cardiff may have an answer or two here - it is unusual in that, in the age of streaming, it has managed to sustain an independent music emporium. Even more excitingly, Spillers Records claims to be "The Oldest Record Shop in the World", dating back to 1894. Good news if Meghan wants some really early jazz to get the dancefloor surging.
Details:spillersrecords.co.uk
