Gareth Grindle Photography: Cardiff... I have got to say I like it!

Cardiff... I have got to say I like it! - Day 2

So, day two was upon us. We decided to get up and head into Cardiff itself. That was however after we watched the royal wedding on TV.

We took the mile or so walk down the main rout from the bay and found ourselves faced with Cardiff. It really is a place that has done well out of the recent rejuvenation of many parts of the UK. it really is a city that call itself a capital. There are many old buildings as well as the huge shopping centre which gives the Trafford Centre a real run for its money.

Me and Laura however decided to visit the castle today.

"Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. During 2000 years of history, the Castle has been a Roman Garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed into a Gothic fairytale fantasy." - Cardiff Castle Website

Firstly, we walked around the upper level of the walls. from here, you can get a good view of the castle itself and the sounding areas, including the Millennium Stadium. the home of WRU.

Laura and the Castle

The home of WRU

We then walked down into the castle grounds. Here, you start to realise how high up the castle actually is. It must have been an intimidating site all those years ago compared to the then low build Cardiff.

Situated in the grounds, there are tails of the castle's long history. There is a replica of a traditional catapult and World War Two anti aircraft artillery to be seen, as well as the remains of the moat and the main walkway up to the castle.

The castle was used as a public air-raid shelter in World War II to protect the people of Cardiff from the Luftwaffe. The thick brick and stone defensive walls were reinforced with concrete and corrugated metal to stop the blasts of the dropping bombs from killing the innocent. I was surprised to see that they still has the original bunk beds and the Canteen. For me, it was the best part of the visit seeing these things. I grew up listening to stories from my Grandmother about the war. And her being born in 1913 and being in her mid twenties at the time, there were lots of stories to be told. I would sit there and listen intently of how the bombs would drop, what it was like in the munitions factory... I found it all, and still find it, very fascinating. Would the country be able to pull together in the same way it did in 1939-1945? I doubt it.