We visited Cardiff Caravan and Camping Park in Pontcanna Fields Cardiff in December 2021 in between Christmas and the New Year and it was our first winter camp without an awning. We have memories of camping in Brecon in November and packing up a wet awning which took us weeks to dry hanging off the bannister at home.
We initially booked this site to visit Winter Wonderland and to go ice skating in Cardiff Castle which were both cancelled due to a new Covid wave.
However, we decided to go anyway and promised the Twinsters that we could see the new Spiderman movie “No Way Home”.Fortunately, the weather was very mild but we had had a lot of rain in the preceding days so we were glad that we had booked a hard standing pitch.
We had always wondered what this site was like having been pleasantly surprised when we camped at Abbey Wood in Central London. We left the M4 and joined Cathedral Road at Llandaff with its Cathedral spire on our right. The route took us past the SWALEC Stadium at Sophia Gardens which is the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club and holds test matches.
We then reached the exit of the site and the only way to go was up what looked like a dedicated cycle track. Rather than risk the embarrassment of driving up that track we phoned the site to be told that was the correct road so we sheepishly proceeded past some irritated looking pedestrians.
After 100m we reached the site entrance and drove around to the reception area. This was a little confusing because it was next to the cafe and bike hire which is open all year except for the week that we were there. This was a shame because it also had a family room serving hot meals.
We quickly checked in and were given our number – initially the site looked too packed together but as we drive towards our area the green area seemed to open up. There were a few white vans on site which seemed to be established residents which made us wonder if they were van lifers or maybe working in the city.
The amenities block was quite near our caravan and was basic but very clean and there was another block near the reception. you needed a code to access the toilets which was a bit fiddly but necessary as the site is so near the main walking routes into Central Cardiff.
All in all, we were happy with our pitch but the wet grass and muddy patches made it look a little scruffy but any site would have looked the same after heavy rain. We are sure that the site would be delightful in the summer especially being situated in Sophia Gardens and Pontcanna Fields with the River Taff just a short walk away.
We walked into Cardiff City centre through Sophia Gardens passing the “No Fit State” Circus, The River Taff including the Taff Trail. We then walked past Cardiff Castle where the Ice Skating was meant to be held before it was cancelled by Covid.
After the cinema, we walked through Cardiff City Centre to the Pizza Hut near the Castle.
We then walked back to the campsite. through the well-lit paths until we reached the vicinity of the campsite – a torch is recommended if you do not have a smartphone.
The next morning we headed home past the SWALEC stadium which is the home to Glamorgan Cricket Club and holds Test Matches.
If you are a cricket buff then this site would be a dream come true.
Links
Cardiff Caravan and Camping Club : https://www.cardiffcaravanpark.co.uk/
Premier Cinema : https://cardiff.premierecinemas.co.uk/PremiereCinemasCardiff.dll/Home
