 This weekend Cardiff hosts the Olympic Football Quarter Final between Team GB V South Korea, lets hope they get their flag right this time, after all we don’t want any excuses to get them fired up before the game. Everyone it seems has caught the Olympic bug and matches that were once viewed as disdainful, with Pearce getting as much stick as the average dog on a walk across Bute Park, now is the hottest ticket in town with a guaranteed full house for this quarter final. If you haven’t got a ticket then a trip to the centre of Cardiff to soak up the atmosphere at various pubs and bars could be just the ticket.
So here for your undoubted pleasure are the top things to do, places to stay and things to see in Cardiff this weekend:
1. Cardiff International White Water
As the winner of the ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in the Visit Wales Awards, CIWW is a white water rafting experience that will guarantee a wet and exhilarating experience. If you’ve been inspired by the Gold and Silver medal that Team GB obtained in the Canoe Slalom then this is the perfect place for you. If you’re looking for a more chilled ride then there is also a flat water area that offers paddle sports in a fun filled environment. There is also a cafe balcony overlooking the course to have a bite to eat and a drink while watching the brave fight the tide.
http://www.ciww.com/
2. Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
Mercure Holland House Hotel & Spa is a luxury 4 star hotel situated in a prime location just minutes from the Cardiff shopping district, Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. This supreme hotel boasts an award winning restaurant, stylish bar as well as the Spa Naturel luxury leisure club. With a pool, thermal suite and a fully equipped gym to go along with full body treatments.
http://www.mercure.com/gb/united-kingdom/index.shtml
3. Llanerch Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
This Vineyard is a unique and tranquil place set in 22 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside. Guests can enjoy walks through the vineyards and the surrounding woodland and also arrange a wine tasting session. Staying here is truly the most relaxing way to enjoy Cardiff. Rooms are located within either the renovated farmhouse or in studio rooms created from the old winery buildings. A beautiful couples retreat.
http://llanerch-vineyard.co.uk/
4. Cardiff Bay Barrage Coast Path
With the weather looking promising this weekend, there is no better way to experience the Cardiff coastline than to hire a bicycle and take on this route than incorporates the lock next to the Norwegian Church, past the Environment building, the barrage- which includes locks, bridges, sluice gates and a fish pass before going past the Cardiff harbour Building. There is a landscaped embankment that provides an ideal place for a picnic with stunning views over the sea and the bay.
http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2874,4202,4203&parent_directory_id=2865&id=7141&Language=
 5. St Fagans National history Museum
St Fagans is one the best open-air museums in Europe and is Wales’ most visited heritage attraction. Within the grounds of St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected within the 100 acre parkland and include houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a Workmen’s Institute. There are galleries and exhibitions of costume, daily life and farming implements. The museum aims to explore all aspects of how people in Wales have lived, worked and spent their leisure time.
http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans/
6. Mimosa Bar & Kitchen
For a real taste of Wales there is only once place to eat. Down at Cardiff Bay the Mimosa Bar & Kitchen provides a striking contemporary design with a locally sourced menu. It boasts a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere mixed of casual drinkers and easy diners. The drinks selection is full of excellent wines, an extensive range of cocktails and a larger than most selection of beers and spirits.
http://www.mimosakitchen.co.uk/index.php
7. Cardiff Central Market
It is worth the hustle and bustle of this great glass roofed market for the huge wealth of products that will ensure your wallet is out at least once. There is truly something for everyone here ranging from pots and pans to pastrami and pistachios. And although you will not find livestock wandering round like you may have done when the early form of the market back in the 1700’s, there are many of the old features that still remain and will be sure to charm you.
http://www.cardiff-market.co.uk/
8. Cardiff Carnival
Celebrating its 23rd birthday this summer, Cardiff Carnival transforms the city centre with a riot of flamboyant carnival art, colour and style! On Saturday 4th August Cardiff Carnival 2012 will include a day-long (10am to 4pm) street stage in The Hayes featuring the very best of carnival acts to delight you and your family with free street entertainment. Wales’ biggest and brightest Carnival guarantees fun for all the family.
http://www.cardiff-festival.com/content.asp
9. The Social at the Parc Hotel by Thistle
The newly launched restaurant and bar “The Social” has been awarded 2 AA rosettes and is where Cardiff comes to see and be seen. Award-winning Executive Chef Iain Inman leads a talented brigade serving a distinctively different social dining experience. The perfect place to either come in to simply enjoy a cocktail and nibbles at the bar or to dine informally, your party sharing an eclectic mix of dishes chosen from the mouth watering menu.
http://www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/cardiff/the_parc_hotel/index.html
10. The Old Arcade
Undoubtedly the place to go on a matchday in Cardiff, and seeing as the Great Britain men’s football team take on South Korea at the Millenium Stadium this weekend, the atmosphere will be buzzing.
http://www.sabrain.com/oldarcade
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