Red Dragon calls: A spontaneous trip from London to Wales’ Cardiff

Good things happen suddenly, I discovered this firsthand when I embarked on a journey from London to Cardiff. Finding myself awestruck by the majesty of Welsh dragons and the charm of its capital, I realized the true value of spontaneity as I crossed the Prince of Wales Bridge

EXCLUSIVE BY KEVSER ERBAY — There we were, a group of friends wandering the streets of London, when the weather decided to mirror our weekend forecast: two full days of relentless rain. As I hurried past Victoria Coach Station, dodging the relentless rain, the departure-arrival screen flashed in my peripheral vision. An unexpected thought took root: “Cardiff?” I blurted out, a sudden escape from the city’s dreary downpour forming in my mind. What if we traded the rain for an adventure?

Our journey started with a £7.99 ($10.11) FlixBus ticket. I made sure to attend the Türkiye Today meeting but accidentally forgot to mute my microphone at one point.

Thrilled to have snagged a three-night stay near Cardiff’s city center, I prepped for my trip by quickly downloading the maps.me app’s offline map of Cardiff. While researching Cardiff during my bus trip, I discovered it’s one of the rainiest areas in all of Britain. While I might have kept this a secret from my travel companions, I couldn’t resist sharing it with you, my readers. The average temperature hovers just above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter.

After a journey lasting four hours, we disembarked at the Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, eager to begin exploring its renowned halls.

Stepping off the train in Cardiff, I was greeted by a sky even grayer than London’s. One could almost say I had traded rain for an oppressive greyness. This brought to mind a Turkish proverb: “yağmurdan kaçarken doluya tutulmak,” which translates to “out of the frying pan, into the fire.” It seemed our escape from London’s downpours landed us right in the midst of Cardiff’s gloom.

Of course, no amount of raindrops could keep me from exploring this city. As soon as I dropped off my luggage at the hotel, I set out to discover what Cardiff had to offer.

Cardiff is a great city to walk with most attractions within walking distance. I explored the city on foot for three days, easily accessing most attractions without any need for public transport. The city has a vibrant pedestrianized street, reminiscent of Istanbul’s Istiklal Street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops catering to all tastes.

Towering in the heart of Cardiff, Cardiff Castle reigns as the city’s most captivating landmark. A vibrant tapestry of renowned shops, bustling cafes, and inviting promenades unfolds around its base, beckoning visitors to explore.

Flanked by stoic lions, wolves, and sea lions carved from marble, the castle holds a certain historical charm. But its true allure extends beyond its age-worn walls and symbolic guardians. Sprawling across North Road and encircling the castle is Bute Park, a vast expanse that whispers of a bygone era.

Red Dragon of Wales: More than just a myth, a national identity

Speaking of symbolic animals, we mustn’t forget the red dragons of Wales. Most people will immediately associate the red dragon with Wales. The reason the dragon became a symbol of Wales dates back to the fifth century. According to legend, the red dragon, representing the Celtic people, triumphed in a battle against a white dragon, symbolizing the Saxons. This cemented the red dragon’s place as a cherished figure in Welsh mythology and a potent symbol of Welsh identity.

Today, the red dragon also appears on its flag. The white and green background, added later, reflects the colors of the Tudor dynasty, a Welsh family who ruled England in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Cardiff City FC, the team managed by Turkish coach Erol Bulut, calls the Cardiff City Stadium, located within walking distance from the city center, their home ground. Another popular attraction, the Millennium Stadium, is also within walking distance and is best known for hosting rugby matches.

History buffs, take note! Nestled within the magnificent grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens is the St Fagans National Museum of History. This captivating open-air museum, a gift to the people of Wales from the Earl of Plymouth in 1948, offers a unique experience. Unlike traditional museums, St Fagans isn’t just about showcasing artifacts; it’s a place where history comes alive, allowing visitors to explore the everyday lives of the Welsh people throughout the ages.

Currently, the castle offers access to a few ground-floor rooms.

The museum’s garden has wonderful beech woodland, a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature. The parkland is a sanctuary for birds, bats, and rare animals.

How Doctor Who boosted the Welsh economy

The most exciting part of my trip for me was the three-hour Doctor Who Walking tour. For any film and TV fanatic who ever yelled “I’ve been there!” at the screen, this new experience in Wales might be just what the doctor ordered. 

Doctor Who has been a staple of British television for decades. After a 16-year hiatus, the show was rebooted in 2005, and filming moved to Cardiff, Wales. Also, the regeneration series has contributed at least 134.6 million pounds ($170.48 million) to the Welsh economy, created hundreds of jobs, and acted as a catalyst for dramatic growth in Wales’s creative sector.

Spontaneous cartoon ‘Migration’

Reflecting on my travels, I have always cherished immersing myself in the local cinema scene whenever I visit a new country. On this trip, my travel companion, despite possessing a superior cinematic taste, graciously yielded the movie selection to me – What is this, if not love? Spontaneously, I chose a film at Vue Cinema, nestled within Stadium Plaza.

A handy tip: booking tickets online in advance is way cheaper. Cinema tickets, costing 9.99 pounds in London, were a steal at 4.99 pounds here. I must emphatically state that, compared to London, Cardiff is decidedly more affordable. We snagged two tickets for Universal Pictures’ new release, “Migration.” The title struck a chord with us, mirroring our own life experiences. In the movie, a family of ducks embarks on a daring journey, leaving their cozy New England pond for the sunny shores of Jamaica. However, their well-laid plans quickly go awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City. After seeing lots of pretty swans and ducks on the streets of Cardiff, I was immediately drawn to this animated tale.

Good things happen to those who seek adventure. Those who buy tickets to movies on a whim or decide to explore new cities on foot with just their backpacks are likely to be rewarded with unexpected delights. 

From amazing architecture and culture to oodles of urban buzz — Britain is a blend of stunning architecture, rich culture, and infectious urban energy. These hidden gems, often overlooked by tourists, unveil a treasure trove of adventures for the discerning traveler. All these places can be reached by train or bus. My personal preference leans toward train travel for its comfort and unique perspective. Trains are also the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Opting for rail instead of road is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to a healthier planet.

So where will I go next?