The arcades are the best-kept secret in Cardiff. It has been dubbed the City of Arcades. This is where you tend to find Cardiffians supporting local and independents, and where you are bound to find an interesting purchase or an exciting menu. All while surrounded by beautiful architecture. Let’s be fair, the modern buildings do not compare! It’s amazing to think our ancestors walk these corridors. And, what famous faces have passed through?
There are 7 unique Victorian and Edwardian arcades sitting alongside some of the biggest names of the high street. They are called; Royal Arcade, Morgan Arcade, Castle Arcade, High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, Castle Quarter, Dominions Arcade and Wyndham Arcade.
With over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops right in the heart of the city centre, the arcades offer a truly unique shopping experience. Alongside the arcades, there are streets packed with high street favourites including John Lewis, Debenhams, New Look, Topshop, Hamley’s and The Disney Store.
What is City of Arcades Day?
On Saturday 16th November 2019, it will be the first City of Arcades Day. It is a fantastic excuse to start your Christmas shopping or experience parts of the city you do not usually venture too. Across all seven of the historic arcades, you can find special offers, live music and events in the eateries, shops and independent stores.
Listen to live music
In the Wyndham Arcade, Morgan Arcade and Castle Arcade, there will be live music between 1pm-6pm. Between 5pm-11pm there will also be live entertainment in Polarity Coffee in Duke Street Arcade. Artists include Branwen, The Mermerings, MILK and Surreal Kinnock.
If the spoken word is more your thing, local poets will be reading in Waterloo Tea in Wyndham Arcade between 7pm-9pm. Artists include Mab Jones, Hanan Issa, Topher Mills, Joao Morais and Emily Cotterill.
Are there any other special event?
Not only can you see the arcades in all of their bustling glory, but you will be able to see the stores showcasing their best bits too. Laura May Bridal in the Morgan Arcade is hosting a bridal show between 12pm-3pm. Also, in the Morgan Arcade at the Camera Centre, there will be a free photography day, with free family or individual portraits by photographer Casey Gutteridge.
If video games are your thing at The Arcade Vaults in the High Street Arcade, there will be a charity Mario Kart tournament between 5.30pm-9pm. They will also be hosting a Dungeons and Dragons tournament between 12pm-9pm.
What offers are on?
If you have started your Christmas shopping, love a bargain or just want to support local businesses, there are so many fantastic special offers available. There are far too many for me to list here, but here are some of my personal favourites;
- 10% off selected rums at Havana House all day in Wyndham Arcade
- Spin the wheel for a prize at Shop Rugby found opposite Duke Street
- 50% off a blow dry at This Is What We Do in the High Street Arcade
- Win two tickets to Wales V Barbarians at Jones the Barber in Castle Arcade
- 20% off a massage at Face Clinic in the Castle Arcade
- Complimentary Welsh cakes at Barker Tea Rooms in the High Street Arcade
- 50% off vintage menswear at Hatts Emporium
- 20% off hot drinks at Science Cream in Castle Arcade
- 15% off food and beverages at Marco Pierre White in the Dominions Arcade
- Free fragrance samples in Molton Brown in the Morgan Arcade
The Cardiff Arcades are top Instagrammable locations
You will often find Cardiff Igers and content creators with their camera and tripod in the arcades. The backdrop of the arcades are an obvious choice for a beautiful photo.
Cardiff is such a wonderful city. I lived there for six months many years ago and I still think about it all the time.