Americans First Time in Wales! Exploring Cardiff

It's our first time in Wales and we are spending the day exploring Cardiff, the capital and largest city in Wales. An immediate first impression of Wales that we noticed is that there are certainly a lot of dragons everywhere and we are here for it! We explore Cardiff Castle, some of the arcades Cardiff is known for, and visit the world's oldest record shop, Cardiff Bay, and more. There was a storm while we were there. We keep getting told that we came at the wrong time of year, but we aren't going to let that stop us from taking it all in.
New here? Check out some of our other travels throughout the UK:
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Grocery shopping in a British supermarket (First time shopping at Tesco): • Grocery shopping in a ...
First Time Driving in the UK: • Americans First Time D...
First Time Grocery Shopping at M&S: • First Time Grocery Sho...
First time exploring Chester: • Why You SHOULD Visit C...
This video was filmed on November 2, 2022.
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[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Where else in Wales do we need to visit? Let us know! Have you seen our other travels throughout the UK? Here are some recent first-time experiences: First time grocery shopping in a British supermarket (Tesco): kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6GykoaAmrhpmKM First Time Driving in the UK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5eZeHtvfK54nJI&t First time trying street food in the UK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6m4dZmDjb1npac First Time Grocery Shopping at M&S: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2Kanapors1rl9E First time exploring Chester: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIPanaeFfreGrtE&t

[@pobstrel]

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Llandudno

[@tonys1636]

Glad you are enjoying the trip not only seeing beautiful places but learning things not normally known or taught back home. Also a Whovian back to William Hartnell Dr. number one but not to the extent of having a Tardis tattoo.

[@issness_god]

you need to try clifton in bristol. it's like if bath became a big city

[@j4ffj]

To see true wales u need to see the old coal mines that built wales big pit blaenavon is truly marvellous 👍🏻 u go under ground 300 ft to see how the workers dug welsh coal children as early as aged 8yrs old even worked under ground will worth a visit

[@tjbooker8585]

If you are still in Cardiff, visit Penarth, around 10 minutes on the train, a lovely seaside town!

[@BenMcManus]

Genuinely can't get enough of people discovering Cardiff

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We just saw a fraction of it too. We'll be back soon.

[@deanmarsh1452]

From someone who's lived in a Wales all my life - Cardiff should be on the bottom of the list for Wales.. So much more to see. Brecon beacons.. Cader Idris. To name a few

[@judithhope8970]

Wales is a beautiful and diverse country. I'm English but try to holiday in Wales most years. Pembroke, Barafundle bay, Rhossili, Cardigan, Snowdon, Anglesey, the castles, hills, gardens! So much still to see too. And watch some rugby in a Welsh pub. Can't wait to go back.

[@fayesouthall6604]

I’m lucky to live here. It’s lovely 🥰

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We have so many things still to see there.

[@CaveRescueMedic]

@@fayesouthall6604Dach chi’n siarad Cymraeg?

[@paulhanson5164]

Portmeirion near Snowdonia is a must see, made famous in the 1960s as the location of another cult TV series, The Prisoner. I doubt there is anywhere else like it on the planet. I went once as a child about 50 years ago and have been meaning to visit as an adult for decades.

[@planetwatch0000]

Portmeirion is AMAZING. Like a fairytale. Covered in snow last time I was there. I lived in West Wales for years (Dad was Welsh) and it is a wonderful, wonderful place. Truly mystical and full of character and beauty.

[@superjosh3864]

Be seeing you

[@paulleach3612]

I honeymooned there several years ago. Even made sure our suite was No 6...

[@peckelhaze6934]

Watch out for white balloons though. If seen he is called "Rover". Well worth a visit.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

A lot of people are mentioning "The Prisoner". I've heard of it before, but haven't see it. I think we have some viewing homework.

[@SaintPhoenixx]

There's definitely a lot more to Wales that you'd like. The Brecon Beacons national park is probably the main attraction, it's like something from Lord of the Rings. Can be pretty physically gruelling if you want to hike it but it's a stunning drive through it. Abergavenny, a town nestled within the Brecon Beacons, surrounded by hills if you're up for a scenic hike. Aberystwyth is a lovely old-fashioned seaside town if you want to kill a few hours. Conwy, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno up north. Portmeirion, a town made entirely to replicate the Italian coast, it's very quirky, I reckon you'd find it cute. If you're into castles, Caerphilly, Caernarfon and Conwy all have some great ones. Holyhead and Anglesey Island. And obviously Snowdonia National Park. Mount Snowdon itself has a railway that goes to the top if you'e not up for the walk and its well worth it. It's not far from Caernarfon if you go there, barely even a 30 minute drive. There's quite a lot of stunning waterfalls in the park itself.

[@wessexdruid7598]

And that's just South Wales. There is also Snowdonia and all the N.Wales castles, the Borders and mid-Wales. I heard someone the other day talk about 'the Welsh accent' - as if there is only _one_ ....

[@thetimelapseguy8]

Also the Gower AONB and Pembrokeshire coast in South West Wales.

[@ScratchcardsWithScotty]

Noswaith dda ffrind, I Absolutely Agree Most people think 🤔 Wales starts and ends in Cardiff .. personally.. I love North Wales .. as an Irish ☘️ man visiting over 20 times now, I have been trying with every trip to pick up your wonderful language.. The Welsh are the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

[@deerhunter2270]

Chepstow, The Wye Valley and The Forest of Dean (That's just on the English side of the border) are nice places to explore if you like nature and history :)

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We really need a car next time we are there. Brecon Beacons looks stunning.

[@ynys_mon6928]

Fun fact - Welsh has more vowels than English. That's why the words look so confusing to English speakers. The vowels are a, e, i, o, u, w, and y. You must visit North Wales. Most KZbinrs just visit Snowdonia, which is lovely, but there are other places that are just as interesting. I grew up in Anglesey (Ynys Môn is the Welsh name of Anglesey). It's an island which has great views of the mountains of Snowdonia, but also has a wonderful variety of beaches (obviously - being an island). It's also a treasure trove of history from prehistoric burial mounds, including one that you can actually enter, the Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber, Roman forts with surviving walls (Holyhead), medieval churches (Holyhead -located within the Roman walls) and lots of others) and Monasteries (Penmon) and castles (Beaumaris), Victorian goals (Beaumaris) and lighthouses (South Stack) etc. and lots and lots of wildlife. Generally the weather is normally a bit warmer in winter than the south of Wales and England, but as a low lying island it can be rather windy and rainy. Summer is a bit cooler than where we currently live (north of London).

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for all the extra info, Ynys_ Mon

[@janehoworth339]

Our favourite part of Wales is Pembrokeshire around the coastal town of Saundersfoot and the tiny coastal places along the way such as Amroth Wisemans Bridge beautiful and unspoilt. We drive 6 hours every year to spend a week here.

[@Emmet_Moore]

My grandparents live in Ludchurch (and so did I for a while in my late teens). I’d strongly recommend Marros, which is 2 beaches east of Amroth and only accessible by a 40 minute walk. You nearly always have it entirely to yourself and it has a 19th century shipwreck poking out of the sand at low tide. I like to camp down there every now and then. There’s always plenty of driftwood about for a fire and it’s really nice and dark for stargazing. That area also has plenty of good walks and things of niche historical interest if you know where to look.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It looks really beautiful!

[@jondavies9347]

My late father was Welsh,born in Carmarthen.My sister and I always came on holiday to Wales and visited places such as Tenby,Saundersfoot,Pendine,Pembroke and Haverford west.

[@RobG001]

At last someone not going on about North Wales, :) I might be biased as I live a couple of miles from Pembroke.:)

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We'll have to put those on our list

[@jondavies9347]

@@RobG001 My dad wouldn't go to north Wales!

[@dewirowlands5233]

a 20 minute train ride from Cardiff is the town of Caerphilly, which has the 2nd biggest castle in the UK, a five minute walk from the train station, but driving is the best way to experience the scenery of Wales

[@tonys1636]

One of my favourite cheeses when I can lay my hands on it here without paying an arm and both legs.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I was hell-bent on going to Caerphilly castle last summer and eating the appropriate cheese in view of it. Turns out it was very hard to get the cheese, as they don't make it locally anymore. The gift shop sells it, but they were sold out! Thankfully, I brought some with me from Gloucestershire! The castle was amazing, but unfortunately much of it was under scaffolding 😫

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Cara, when you get a Welsh cake make sure it is hot off the griddle! No comparison to having a cold one 😋

[@biltong_nick]

@@MagentaOtterTravels the scaffolding is gone now.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That sounds great. We really want to do a road trip through Wales when we're next there.

[@bkcin86]

Loves Wales, we take trips there several times each year and are never bored. Tonnes of history and amazing walks/scenery. Cardiff is mostly a typical city however, way more interesting stuff when venturing out and about the country!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We have to next time we're there. I'm sure one city doesn't do the country justice.

[@AcornElectron]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Land of my fathers! Keep up the good work you two and, as always, stay safe!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you! Will do!

[@nekite1]

I have spent many years holidaying in the Snowdownia region. Good places to visit are Portmeirion, Caernarfon castle and Beddgelert. Crossing to the isle of Anglesey on Thomas Telford's Menai bridge is well worth it. My happy place with many good memories. Driving is the only practical means of getting about, but do get a small car if you fancy going there, as the roads are quite narrow and twisty.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the tips!

[@CaveRescueMedic]

The Eryri region.

[@jimmymorrison8314]

Lovely video. I'm glad you enjoyed our capitol. You should explore the south Wales coastline, from Nash Point to the Gower would be a good day or two. Then you could continue your journey around the entire coastline, as we have a foot and cycle path that circumnavigates our whole country. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@IGSkaarj]

After your videos on Devon & Cornwall inspired me to go there for my 40th Birthday (spent 3 days in Devon and 4 in Cornwall, it was an amazing experience), I decided that I'd like to get the chance to explore more of the UK, after having lived here for all my life and not really going much outside of Hampshire. My Welsh relatives offered to give me a chance to explore Wales when I can get enough time off work to do so, and this video has made me even more excited to go!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh my gosh! I'm so happy our videos inspired you to visit Devon & Cornwall! They are such beautiful places. So glad you enjoyed them! I hope you love Wales as well. You'll probably end up exploring than we did on this trip.

[@StephMcAlea]

The Fairy Trail goes throughout North Wales from Llangollen to Betws y Coed then to Conwy. Beautiful scenery, quaint towns, and lots of castles.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We really need to make it up north next time. It looks so lovely.

[@rosemaryrowlands6705]

For film locations, Portmeirion (near Porthmadog in North Wales) where the Prisoner was filmed. Make sure to allow enough time to go to the two private beaches. It's also a hotel, and if you stay there, you get access to a few places that day visitors don't go. I've stayed there a couple of times about 25 years ago.

[@paulleach3612]

They stream The Prisoner to your room on demand now. It (almost) ruined my honeymoon...

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That sounds awesome.

[@AdamPurcell]

I do miss the Doctor Who Experience. We used to visit Cardiff quite a lot back in those days. There was the Experience itself, Eddie's Diner (which featured in a couple of Doctor Who stories) which has also gone, then there were walking tours of locations and we even had two or three tours of the Doctor Who studios themselves. Great times. Nothing like as much to draw us back these days, sadly.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That all sounds so cool! It's sad we missed out on those.

[@AdamPurcell]

@@TheMagicGeekdom Yeah, it was as great time. I've been back to Cardiff a couple of times since and it makes me feel a bit sad each time now! Perhaps we'll see the likes of it again in this upcoming new era? Let's hope.

[@shellygoodwin9530]

Wales is stunning, the landscape is absolutely gorgeous

[@gemmaprice3352]

OMG, you came to Cardiff. I live around a half hour drive from Cardiff and love going with my friends. The big wheel you saw in the centre near the Castle would have been part of the winter wonderland, opposite the natural history museum. I am also a massive lover and proud nerd of Doctor Who, and even though I live near Cardiff I never remember going to the experience, though my brother did as he was a bigger fan of the show growing up. So I am just as jealous as you Jeremy that I never got to see it. Another thing that I love is when watching RTD and Matts era is seeing all the different places in Cardiff or generally in south Wales and knowing exactly where they are, and certain things not making sense, like Martha running from the Cardiff museum to the bay in less than 5 minutes not looking tired at all😂😂.

[@leestirling4623]

It's been filmed in and around Cardiff since Christopher eccleson. Remember living plastic? That was inside and outside Queens arcade in Cardiff town, it even showed the Queens arcade sign when rose's mum was shopping. Then there was the episode where rose went back to try and save her father, that was in Grangetown like fivr or ten mins away from town. That's all I remember off the top of my head.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

The magic of making films and tv: making two places that aren't close look close to each other. 😂

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@TheMagicGeekdom Dr who filmed in my husbands shop for Blink. The first time the Weeping Angels were in Dr Who. Watched the filming and met David Tennant.

[@Cymruambyth2]

The bit on the hill isn’t the castle, it’s the Norman keep, it was built by the Norman’s in the early 12th century.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the correction, Mark.

[@benmarriott2487]

As someone who lives in Cardiff it's so lovely to see someone enjoying it through new eyes, sometimes forget to appreciate the little things!

[@karenclover4948]

When you next go to Wales you must definitely visit some of the beaches, they are among some of the most beautiful in the UK. My best friend's son lives in a flat looking over the water in Cardiff with his new fiancee, they got engaged yesterday.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That sounds like a lovely location. Congrats to them!

[@welshpete12]

To places that are a must are St. Fagans Museum, which is quite close to Cardiff . It not like any museum you have ever been to before they collect real houses. That you can explore, that are they would have been as they were built. Even down to the furniture and everything else . It is as if the owners have just left a few minutes before . Some of the farm houses are from the 15th century . A church that is from the 12 century which inside . As it would have been when built and is very very different and colourful to what you would expect it to be. Castel Coch , ( red castle ) Also near Cardiff is a remarkable building and has been used in many movies .

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That museum sounds really cool!

[@lyndapet1]

Not like any museum you have ever seen ??? Never been to Beamish in the northeast obviously

[@claireevans2336]

Ah so you did visit us, such a lovely vlog and so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. So much more to see, this was just Cardiff; lovely upgrade. A must visit would be St Fagan's museum; Penarth a lovely walk along the front and the Pier; Caerphilly Castle and many more too. In NW Portmeirion is beautiful - (many places already mentioned in comments) Pontycysyllte Aqueduct (on my list in a couple of weeks) The scenery here in Wales is beautiful - thank you for sharing 💖💖

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for watching! We hope that we can check out more that beautiful country next time we're in the UK.

[@sicr7373]

The Gower Pemisular in South Wales is designated an area of natural beauty and is well worth a visit, I had many a happy childhood holiday there back in the seventies.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It looks fantastic.

[@mariavon22]

So good to catch a glimpse of the arcades with their choice shops. I must visit Cardiff again!

[@whattiler5102]

The "hill" you referred to at Cardiff castle is part of the classic Norman castle plan known as a 'motte and bailey' castle. The motte is the raised mound on which the 'keep' is built. The keep is the strongpoint of the castle where you make your last stand if need be; the early Norman keeps were built from wood but in many cases later replaced with stone buildings. The motte was generally an artificial structure created from the spoil dug out from other parts of the site (defensive ditches etc). The "bailey" was the area enclosed by the wall, which again was wood in early Norman castles but were often replaced by stone walls when time and resources allowed. Early motte and bailey castles were easily built by unskilled workers and were effective defensive positions and bases for further advances.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you so much for the background info.

[@TMcCarrick]

Also, Wales has a lot of castles. I may be wrong but Cardiff Castle isn't the only castle in Cardiff. Caerphilly Castle is a great one to check out.

[@llewcunedda4528]

It's wild to see you both in Cardiff. Go down there often. 😊 It's a pretty fun city

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It really is!

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@TheMagicGeekdom I love the arcades. I always head to Barkers coffee shop for a brew and breakfast. Everything from porridge to bara brieth. Yummy warm welsh cake served with butter

[@petersymonds4975]

Hello both. Been watching your journeys for a while. I wondered when you would get here. Live near Llantrisant about 12 miles north of Cardiff. Just north of my village is the Royal Mint Experience. The Mint moved here in preparation for decimal coinage in 1971. It manufactures all coinage for the UK and also foreign coinage by contract. They also manufacture some medals and did the Olympic Medals for the 2012 games. Just 5 miles, there is a Cardiff Bus there, is The National Folk Museum of Wales, St. Fagan’s. This is a free entry museum with acres of preserved buildings from throughout Wales, Churches, Chapels, Toll Houses, Farm Houses, Miners Houses dressed in styles of various years, a Miners Institute, Shops, Bakery. Needs a full day to see it all.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

There's still so much to see there.

[@ScratchcardsWithScotty]

Good evening my American 🇺🇸 friend .. there is more to Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 than just Cardiff.. I won’t list them because an earlier commenter has listed loads of wonderful places to visit.. I have visited Wales from Ireland 🇮🇪 over 20 times now and I see something different on every visit.. I saw the Northern Lights from the top of the Crimea in North Wales.. I’ve seen 17 out the 19 Welsh birds of prey .. and next to Ireland 🇮🇪 Wales has the best rugby 🏉 team in the world 🌎.. I love Wales so much it’s going to be my new home 🏡

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I know we missed out on so much with such a sort trip, but that means well have so much to discover when we come back and we're coming back soon!

[@ScratchcardsWithScotty]

@@TheMagicGeekdom That is wonderful news that you are coming back soon.

[@Destinationswithdunks]

Glad you had a great time in Cardiff! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

The best!

[@welsh-cymru1588]

I’m from Swansea love visiting Cardiff, You should visit Tenby , Gower , Brecon Beacons , snowdonia beautiful places , the further west into wales you go the thicker the accent gets and you will come across more welsh speakers due to being further from the English border.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

There's still so much for us to see!

[@skittles074]

​@@TheMagicGeekdomIf you come back definitely go further west when summertime hits, the weather gets better the Beaches are incredible, the water is clear and quite different from your experience in Cardiff in every other time of the year.

[@ianpdrews121]

A little tip there is a website where you can see what doctor who filming locations are near by. Which in Cardiff is pretty much every street

[@keithsmith6932]

Ah you are in my city. Glad you enjoyed the tour. You should check our Castell Coch just north of Cardiff. A fairytale castle poking through the trees overlooking A470 which is the main route north of Cardiff to the valleys and beyond.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Sounds great! We'll have to see it on our next visit.

[@ulyssesthirteen7031]

Lots to see in Wales; a genuinely lovely place. My mother's family are from further up the coast, Mumbles and Swansea, but I really love North Wales.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We really have to go north on our next trip. It seems fantastic!

[@JustinCardiff]

That thing on the hill within the castle grounds is The Keep, that isn’t the entire castle!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for clearing that up, Justin.

[@emmadouglas281]

I'm so pleased you liked my home town!! Next time you come to Wales you should visit the Brecon Beacons.......the best views!! So much more to see in Cardiff too.....Cardiff Market is best for Welsh cakes!! xx

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Next time, that sounds beautiful!

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

Thanks for the video. You two are always so entertaining. 😎😎

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you so much, Mark!

[@Yorky222]

Go north Wales, see Harlech Castle, Portmeirion village, the Ffestiniog railway, Caernarvon Castle, Conway, Llandudno etc.

[@glamladwales7056]

Yay. Made it to wales. Lots of castles to explore, head to st davids. Caerphilly castle, raglan, tintern abbey. Much history here. Friendly folk too. Beacons national park etc. St fagans worth a trip too ! Swansea market for cockles.....

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It seems beautiful!

[@abnormallyfunny]

You should have gone inside Cardiff Castle. It's a Victorian medieval fever dream. The mini castle on the hill is the keep of the Norman castle built in the early 1100s. So much more to see and do in South Wales. Caerphilly Castle is impressive. The Brecon Beacons is lovely for a walk / drive. The Gower, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast are nice. St David's is a lovely little city with a cathedral.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That all sounds lovely.

[@MattWilliams482]

As a resident of the lovely city of Cardiff since 2002, just wanted to say I really enjoyed your tour and to see it from the point of view of someone seeing it for the first time!

[@bowendesign]

Ooh yes! We were hoping you’d visit our home town! Cardiff is ace. My wifey Dom got very excited that you found Bird and Blend. There’s some amazing food outlets in Cardiff, we’re really spoiled for choice.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Bird and Blend was great! The tea was verry nice as was the staff there.

[@bowendesign]

@@TheMagicGeekdom there are more castles in Wales than anywhere else in the U.K. so you’ll have to visit again! Btw the National Museum has a small but well formed Doctor Who display now, so there’s no choice but to come back 😀

[@barryaldridge1113]

Nice one on visiting Cardiff. I have been there around 7-9 times in my life it is a great place. Shame you missed out on the Doctor Who Experience and it was an excellent experience. It is a brilliant city to visit. I try to go there once a year. :)

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It is a really beautiful city!

[@superjohnnygamble6328]

My favourite part of Wales is The Wye valley between Chepstow and Monmouth for it's scenery and history. For a train ride The Heart of Wales line is a must. For an Island visit take the boat from Tenby to Caldy Island.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@matc6221]

Ah finally, my neck of the woods!👍 Shame you didn't bump into David Hasslehoff, as he does visit Cardiff from time to time, as he met his wife here, and he is seen walking around, he's never shy of having his picture taken either 😁. Dr Who is still produced in Cardiff by BBC Wales, and shot around Wales, dispite its location changes in Jodie Whittaker ones. Most of the filming was still done here, in fact, Jodie Whittaker moved to Cardiff for a couple of years because of it. I think the brand new series has more US involvement though!? I'm also surprised you didn't pay homage to the 1996 movie Human Traffic when you walked down St Mary's Street. And lastly, Spillers Record, was a few yards up from the Duke of Wellington pub for a few decades, until it moved into Morgan Arcade. It garnered a lot of support from major artists including in the USA, when it was fighting to stay in that location. Glad you liked Cardiff. You might like to look into Portmeirion in North Wales and Conwy, who's castle has resently be voted most beautiful castle in Europe, and the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast 🏰👍

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh man, Cara would have flipped if we saw David Hasslehoff. I've liked the Jodie episodes I've seen, but we do need to catch up on her series. Yes, I believe Disney is helping pay for the episodes that they've started filming now and then they going to be shown on Disney+ here.

[@matc6221]

@@TheMagicGeekdom Yes it's true about the Hoff. I live 4 *miles* out of Cardiff center (15 min train to Cardiff Central) and the Hoff last stayed at a very top notch hotel just 10mins walk from me in my small town (no I didn't bump into him) last September / October as he was attending a event for his in laws. He was seen in Cardiff City Centre that week too, one pic with a fan in one of the arcades and another outside of The Duke of Wellington pub you passed in the video. Cara might want to look at Wales Online for some local Hoff news like the Hoff doing construction with his bother in law😉. Ah yes Disney! I looked into the making, and yes the brand new series is yet again made in Cardiff in a different studio from Roath Lake. Also can you recall the Peter Capaldi episode filmed in Cardiff Castle grounds where you both were, clue I think he had a electric guitar 🎸 😉 (but don't ask me because I can't remember 😂) 👍

[@shotokanman1]

The keep on hill is 11 th century the house inside is 14 th century and extensions were added over the centuries

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the info!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Nice hotel room! I sometimes get upgraded in Britain as well, when I stay with Marriott. It is a lovely touch to get a hand written note from the manager! But the best part is the nice room and free food 🙌🙌

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

The executive lounge is never a bad thing. 😂

[@oxheymackem]

I’ve got to say (sorry Jeremy), Cara is so adorable, glad you are both enjoying this UK tour, I actually just booked another trip to Chester on the back of watching your video, not been for many years, if you want a sort of American touch, there is the UK’s only Denny’s in Swansea down the road, not quite like the American one but close enough. Andrew, Watford.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It's okay. I understand that I'm less adorable than her. 😂 Chester was great. I hope we can make there again at some point soon. Some of our friends form the UK have gone to that Denny's and said that it's not quite the same. We might have to check it out just to compare.

[@deborahjohnson8015]

I loved your video !! My family is from Wales and I have been there twice but only North Wales. Hope to see South and Mid Wales one day .

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you so much! We really have to make to North Wales on our next trip. It sounds fantastic!

[@charlottebaker1186]

Aw I'm so glad you had a lovely time in Cardiff! It's refreshing seeing your city through another person's eyes.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Caerdydd is indeed a pleasing city with a great university-city vibe. Of course, it only became the Principality's official capital 65 yrs ago, when it beat out the traditional capital of native Welsh princes, Caernarfon. The docks area, Bute Town, is one of the oldest districts in the UK to have a substantial immigrant population. There has been a Yemeni community there almost 200 yrs.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the background info!

[@richardmathews6236]

One point, it isn’t a principality. That was scrapped in 1536 by Henry VIII

[@skittles074]

​@@richardmathews6236 It was only for 10 yrs in 1100's if I remember right, most think this because of the principality ( the building society ) owning the stadium.

[@millinutz]

You two really should have a sponsorship from the British Tourist Authority...,you're doing such a good job of selling my country to the foreign tourist. Well done and thanks for making the UK so interesting even for a Brit.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you so much! We wouldn't mind that sponsorship.

[@mikelloyd3668]

So glad you enjoyed my hometown. I haven't lived there for 5 years and your film made me homesick.

[@danc1897]

I'm English but Wales is my favourite part of the UK 👍

[@thelmarose2782]

That is not the castle on the hill....it is called a keep, which is part of the overall castle.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for clearing that up, Thelma!

[@thelmarose2782]

@@TheMagicGeekdom ~ You're welcome, and thankyou for the video. I'm a Welsh gal from Cardiff now living in Canada so it was lovely to see the streets and arcades once again.

[@JooshAdventures]

Definitely so much more to do here in wales!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿. Just around cardiff you have… Caerphilly Castle, Castell Coch (the fairy castle), St. Fagans Museum (full of welsh history), Penarth Pier, Brecon Beacons, Big Pit (underground coal mine tour), penallta parc, and then you’ve got the offerings throughout mid wales and north wales from ZipWorld which are great activities!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

There really seems to be a lot of amazing things to see.

[@lynwratten9857]

Cardiff Castle was designed as a Motte and Bailey, a castle on a hill surrounded by a wall then a ditch.

[@jankench1731]

Come back soon. Take a couple of weeks and see the whole of Wales.

[@welshman07]

Cardiff is a great city. You need to go to the West and visit Pembrokeshire. The whole of the coast is a national park, it's stunning. Some beautiful little towns and villages in the county. Tenby, Saundersfoot & little haven to name a few. St David's is the UK smallest city (1600 people). Amazing beaches and I miss miss miss Pembrokeshire while working overseas.

[@david-cugini]

what a awsome video this was guys, very much enjoyed it, relaxed, humourous, chilled not just the weather lol... you should come in summer even though its maybe a 2 week window lol... but so much to do, i was a caretaker in the arcades you were in the morgan and royal arcades... from what i saw you did it justice, and yes spillers has moved at least 3 times that i know of, the original location was just outside the arcade, there is a italian resturant there now... you should have done the castle room tour you would have been blown away, a concert is always a great idea too in the millenium stadium, or even catch a wales rugby match there... cardiff market is the best place for your welsh cakes, loads of dr who filming locations you could have visited.... if castles are your thing deffo check out as mentioned caerphilly castle and castle coch (red castle) also if you come back to wales tenby (ten-bee) is a must visit as is pretty much anywhere on the pembrokeshire coast... but enjoyed your clip and i even learned a thing or 2 and im 51 years born and bred here lol... well done come back soon

[@laurajarvis3156]

My favourite ruin is Bamburgh in Northumberland. It's the ancestral home of uhtred from the last kingdom tv show. Although obvs a more recent version of the castle. It may be the mists of nostalgic memory but I remember me and cousin getting utterly lost there.

[@tardismechanic2319]

I'm glad you both got to see just how beautiful Wales is. Diolch!

[@philwarnerwarner5325]

If you come back to Cardiff I can show you the Cardiff barrage and control room. It was a massive part in the regeneration of the docks area of Cardiff 👍

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That sounds really cool, Phil! We'll have to let you know. I'm sure we'll be back soon.

[@PeterMoar]

Aberystwyth is a great university town on the coast in remote west Wales. You can get there by train. Further north, Porthmadog is a small town near the Snowdonia National Park, a mile from the sea. It also has two heritage steam railways, where the trains travel down the main street. Perfect for video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ3VqGaLh9yeicU). It's only a few miles from Portmeirion, which other people have recommended. To eat, you must try Barabrith, the traditional fruit cake made with real tea. Yes, tea really is one of the ingredients. It's delicious. Wales is best in summer! Winter can be challenging.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for all the information, Peter!

[@Joelthegeek]

such a fun place! Those arcades are awesome! Love all the Dr Who and Torchwood stuff! Enjoy watching Torchwood but beware it is darker and sadder than Dr Who! I want to go to Cardiff more now than ever!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I have to prepare Cara for Torchwood, but I think she'll like it. I think you'd like it there, Joel. It's sounds like they have a pretty cool Con there too! Hope you're doing well!

[@Joelthegeek]

@@TheMagicGeekdom oh cool i have heard there are a few cons in the UK! I am doing great thanks for asking!

[@fayesouthall6604]

I live about 40 mins from Cardiff. Great place and people. Our capital city 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It was really lovely.

[@davidharris4062]

I’m 65, been going to Cardiff since i was a child, worked down the bay and I usually go there on a weekly basis yet I’ve never been in the castle, been to Castel Coch which was another William Burges creation, also, you need to check this out, but 13 of the signatories of your Declaration of Independence were of Welsh ancestry. Drive to Rhayader, it’s a beautiful area, easy walking around the dams, and a lovey drive to Aberystwyth

[@douglasdeans2839]

A lot of Dr Who scenes were shot in the neighbouring town of Penarth. BBC use Penarth for lots of filming as there's different architecture in the town.

[@RichardMathews-gv7lb]

The keep (the tower on the hill - the motte) is Norman from the 12th Century. And the language has more vowels than English (a,e,I,o,u,w,y). Wales (Welsh) is an exonym which means foreigner in Germanic. The language is called Cymraeg which comes from the British word Cambrogos which means compatriot- it is the British language that Welsh developed from which goes back to around 600BCE

[@ychaps]

Really enjoy your videos...interesting but laid back...very cool.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching, Yvonne!

[@dackjaw_]

You definitely need to go check out Rhossili bay! Unbelievable scenes

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Just looked up photos. That looks gorgeous! 😍

[@garethpotter]

It’s absolutely stunning inside the clock tower and house in the castle. Glad you’re enjoying my home town 😊

[@leighcanham763]

So good to hear visitors' perspective of Cardiff. There are some facts that could be corrected, but I'm sure you'll find that out for yourself. Cardiff history, for instance, goes back to pre Celtic times, but only in the past 200 years did it start to develop into the city it is today. Come back! You are welcome here anytime.

[@martinevans3863]

If you come back to Cardiff try the national history museum in St Fagans, it has lots of historical buildings and gardens to wander around. You will definately recognise a lot of them as Dr Who filming locations. Wales in general, try Tenby for good beaches and a nice town, have a boat trip across to Caldey Is. Gower is very nice. In the north try Conwy or Llandudno as well as Snowdonia. Cardiff Market is worth a look too.

[@scottredding7357]

Cardiff is great for Doctor Who tourism. Part of “Heaven Sent” was filmed in Cardiff Castle. The “guy dizzy from hypnotic lipstick” scene from “The Time of Angels” was the park just east of the castle. The train from Queen St station to Cardiff Bay goes right by the church from “Father’s Day.”

[@guyburman1370]

And don't forget Torchwood.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

We might have to find a tour or make our own the next time that we're there.

[@bluetartan4433]

The show's called 'Torchwood' because it's an anagram of 'Doctor Who'... The BBC do good radio dramas of both.

[@CarlDwyer-yv2oj]

Love your video about our city ❤ So glad you enjoyed your stay Theres a few places you could try next time you visit St Fagans Museum just on the outskirts of Cardiff if your interested in history it’s a must & they’ve just rebuilt a famous Cardiff pub brick by brick and relocated it there 👌 Penarth Pier is another to see it’s right opposite Cardiff Bay and you can get a water taxi direct from Cardiff bay to penarth you also mention in another video about looking for fossils well just 10 minutes from the pier is lavernock point I found an ammonite fossil there as a kid again worth a visit And of course a visit to castell coch (red Castle in Welsh) Is another trip visitors like Hope this helps

[@saratimberlake8463]

Obsessed with his Taylor shirt

[@jonnyashley6013]

Welsh person here. If you do a road trip across Wales, South West and North Wales are the places to go. Cardiff is nice enough, but it doesn't define what Wales is all about - and that's stunning landscapes with quaint towns/villages nestled between. I've noticed you like quaint towns/villages so I've tried to include so I've tried to mention some of the best below. I would suggest heading over to Pembrokeshire and checking out the amazing beaches and the coast path. A boat trip to Skomer Island to see the puffins is well worth it. In my biased opinion, Tenby (small town in Pembrokeshire) is the most picturesque place in all of the UK. St Davids is also nice and while it may be small, it has a spectacular cathedral. From Pembrokeshire, you can drive up the West coast until Snowdonia. Nice towns to stop off in along the way include Cardigan, Newquay, Aberaeron, and Aberystwyth. Snowdonia will blow you away. The Llanberis Pass and the Dyffryn Ogwen are both spectacular to drive through. Snowdon is an easy hike if you want to reach the highest point in England and Wales. Alternatively, you can get the train up. Nice/popular towns and villages to visit in Snowdonia include Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, and Llanberis. Also Barmouth has spectacular views from its bridge. And Portmeirion is a stunning and bizarre Italian village. Conwy and Caernarfon are two towns with stunning castles. There's so much to see and do in Snowdonia! Overall, Wales is an often overlooked place that is jam-packed with hidden gems. Outside of Cardiff, the country has a genuine Celtic charm that is hard to beat. Some additional add-ons could be: Gower Peninsula, Brecon Beacons, Llyn Peninsula, and Anglesey. And you'll find a cool castle nearby just about anywhere you go in Wales.

[@normanwallace7658]

Cardif castle was remodeled by the Marquis of Bute who was then the richest man in Britain his moey coming fron Coal & Iron he also built Catdif Docks & just to the north a fairytale castle called Castel Coch(Red Castle)Built for his "Asinaitions" it is built on the ruins of a resl medieval castle.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the info, Norman.

[@julietjames8467]

So glad you enjoyed our wales, I live in south wales in the valleys , north wales Llandudno is a must see , the great orm and the harbour is amazing. It has the oldest bronze mine you can visit plus lots more to see and do. The views are the best

[@angelapuricelli-fenlon1190]

When you were in Chester, the Welsh border is as couple of miles away. Next time ensure you visit North Wales, many castles. Most famous Carnarvon, Conway , Beaumaris and Harlech. Thank you you’re a great couple love to watch your videos.

[@melbeasley9762]

You have to go down the Big Pit. It was a coal mine, now a museum. Travel on the Ffestiniog railway and take the mountain railway up Mt. Snowdon.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@melbeasley9762]

@@TheMagicGeekdom You're welcome. You can't take photos in the mine. At one point everyone turns the helmet lamps off. You can not literally see your hand in fromt of your face. The railways are steam, but narrow guage.

[@madmikeproductionsuk]

If you take a look at the base of the castle the original Roman building remains. It’s the red part of the castle so it’s older then the 17/18th century and part of it has been rebuilt yes. Underneath Cardiff is a system of canals that were paved over,they are reopening them so you can see them if you come back. The coal exchange in Cardiff bay is where Cardiff made its money and traded coal for all over the world,that’s a beautiful old building. I believe it’s a hotel you can stay in now. The actual house Roald Dahl was born in is in the city of Llandaff,a city inside Cardiff city. It’s now a what you guys would call a kindergarten but there’s a plaque on the building telling you it’s where Roald Dahl lived. Thanks for reviewing our beautiful city. ❤

[@jd95_]

The castle on the hill is the Norman fort👍🏻

[@bencowleymbe7920]

Lovely to come across this as a Cardiff local. So glad to hear you enjoyed discovering the city! One of my favourite things about Wales is that our museums are free. When you come back you should definitely venture out to the St Fagans musuem. It’s a really unique experience as far as museums go. It’s also becoming increasingly popular to find the dinosaur footprints in Penarth. My personal favourite thing here is ‘Bröd’. There are a few in the area now (including in Penarth) but it’s an authentic Danish bakery with the pastries made on site. You can also now book tours at the BBC media centre in the city through the BBC website (not the studios you saw on the bus).

[@cardiffst]

So glad you enjoyed our wonderful city. And yes, the arcades are something else 🥰

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

They're very cool!

[@dazza9326]

Wow what an upgrade. Lovely view.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

It really was!

[@dazza9326]

@@TheMagicGeekdom Have you guys ever thought about hiring a narrowboat and going around the Country? Great in the summer and I don't believe you need a licence. Just a thought. The Norfolk Broads would be a place to start.

[@millinutz]

My tip for you to save some money on your UK travels. As you two love the history, architecture and geography of the UK, get yourselves a National Trust membership. It costs very little and can get you into these ancient Buildings, Castels, and Parks, where admission is charged, for just a small fee or even for free, plus you get regular literature and updates of what is happening and where.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks for the tip, Steve! We are planning to buy one for upcoming trip. There have been a few things we would have visited on our last trips had we had one.

[@neilfleming2787]

lol, took me while to realise that 'Torchwood' is actually an anagram of 'Doctor Who'

[@aviation0101]

Wales is pretty. The city centre is nice aswell.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

What we've seen it very pretty.

[@AcornElectron]

5:00 fun fact, Torchwood is an anagram of Doctor Who.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Oh, wow. I had forgotten that. 😮😂

[@toainsully]

Here are some more interesting facts: 3:45 Roald Dahl was Welsh and Norwegian, that's why there's a building called the Norwegian Church on Cardiff Bay 4:52 The show, Torchwood is actually a darker and edgier take on Doctor Who created around the Tenth Doctor era. Alongside was the Sarah Jane Adventures, which took the opposite direction being more light-hearted and friendly

[@rightorwrong7933]

Castle Coch just outside Cardiff is worth a visit , and theres a lot more to Wales than Cardiff by the way

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

I'm sure there's much more for us to see next time. We learned how much more there is England than London. I'm sure the same is true of Wale.

[@nrjelley]

If you like your castles, you should visit Caerphilly castle. Easily one of my favourites. It's the largest in Wales and the second largest in the UK after Windsor castle. While you're there you can try some traditional Caerphilly cheese!

[@erisculpepper8867]

As someone else mentioned, Portmeirion would be a cool place to visit. Never been personally (only been the other side of the water.. nice picnic spot.. mostly locals, few tourists would go there.. lovely spot). Caernarfon is cool, as well as Porthmadog along with lots of other lovely places to visit and shop. One of my favourite places in north Wales is Betws-y-Coed. It's small (overly touristy) but a lovely place to visit. Dearly love Cardiff. Lots of friends there. North west Wales is like home to me (even more friends there). Also, I generally speak the dialect from the north so, when I'm there, I rarely speak English. Lots of people say that many Welsh words don't have enough vowels. There are 7 vowels in Welsh: a, e, i, o, u, w, y. Never understand why we don't consider "w" and "y" as vowels in English (w=oo and y=i).. but there you go. Welsh is a completely phonetic language which makes it easier. Once you get your head round that and learn the double character sounds (ch, dd, ff, ll, rh...), it becomes much easier to pronounce

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That's really, Eric! Thank you so much for all the information.

[@Amy-leigh-Laverick]

If you guys are going to North Wales, can I reccomend Betwys-y-coed and swallow falls, also Llanberis to mount snowdon railway (well worth it). And on Anglesey, Bryn celi dhu burial chamber is so atmospheric.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thanks, Amy! We'll have to add them to the list for our next trip!

[@fairydoom7311]

@@TheMagicGeekdom if you do end up in Llanberis it’s probably worth looking up filming locations- I know Willow (the film) and the Clash of the Titans filmed on the quarry.

[@LDDav]

I’ve been following your vlogs for a while and I’m from/live just outside of CardiffTake a trip to Pembrokeshire as there are some nice towns and beaches there or if you like adventure/walks then visit Brecon Beacons/Pen Y Fan.Thanks for a great video!

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Thank you for watching it! We hope we can discover more of Wales on our next trip.

[@kalemiah]

Come to Swansea in wales we have a lovely beach and a lot of history it's only 1hour from cardiff

[@superjohnnygamble6328]

Plus the tallest building in Wales The Meridian Tower

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

That sounds wonderful.