Victorian Cardiff Arcades & Market Tour

Cardiff's arcades are an icon of the modern city today and something that makes the Welsh capital a unique city in the UK, but they are also a symbol of the city's industrial status, success and power in the nineteenth century. Cardiff has the most arcades and highest concentration of Victorian and Edwardian era arcades of any city in the whole of the UK, as well as one of the country's finest and bustling city markets. They are full of historic, quirky, boutique and independent shops, cafes and stores. On this two hour adventure through Cardiff's shopping district, discover the rise of the Cardiff in the nineteenth century, the industrial success and influence of the growing city, the origin, evolution and culture of the arcades and where they stand in city life in the twenty-first century.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   We meet on The Hayes, the central strip of Cardiff city centre, by the John Batchelor statue. From here we set the context, background and overview for the tour before we set out to see the historic shopping arcades of the city.

2. 2

   Wyndham Arcade

   10 min

   Having traversed The Hayes we encounter our first arcade, namely Wyndham Arcade. We explore the origins, history, shops and evolution of one of the city's oldest covered shopping areas.

3. 3

   Royal Arcade

   10 min

   We move on to Royal Arcade, both the oldest and arguably the busiest or best arcade in the city. We explore the origins, history, shops and evolution of one of the city's oldest covered shopping areas.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   From Royal Arcade we make the short jaunt to Morgan Arcade, one of the cities most distinctive architecturally, featuring one of the most famous and noteworthy shops in the city as well.

5. 5

   Cardiff Market

   20 min

   Now for Cardiff Market, the cities traditional shopping centrepiece or epicentre. We will learn about the origins, evolution and future of the central market, as well as what the location of the market once was in previous centuries.

6. 6

   Castle Quarter Arcade

   15 min

   Castle Arcade is one of the most distinctive in the city, due to its shops, restaurants, balcony, chandeliers and its overall appearance. Find some of the best photo spots in the city as we stroll through Cardiff's most Parisian arcade.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   We move from Castle St towards Queen St and the cities most underappreciated old shopping gallery. While a bit quieter than the others sometimes, Dominions arcade is still a throwback to early 20thC Cardiff economic success.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   Queens Arcade is the most modern 'arcade' in Cardiff city centre, built only in 1994. While not as glamorous or fascinating as its arcade colleagues around the city, Queens Arcade is still noteworthy nonetheless due to its development, location and occasional TV appearances.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   15 min

   Back into the Castle Quarter, Duke St Arcade overlooks Cardiff Castle. While not always the busiest, it has unique and popular businesses past and present and some pretty architectural and artistic features.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    10 min

    Finally we journey through Duke St Arcade into High St Arcade and onto the High Street itself, where we round up the history and life of the arcade as well as rounding off the tour .

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.