CARDIFF at Christmas

Victor Charles finds the Welsh capital a dazzling place to enjoy the festive period, with Christmas markets, a wonderland and seasonal illuminations

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Cardiff is a city steeped in culture and is one of our favourite places.

It offers the waterside delights of Cardiff Bay, where there are plenty of music performances and shows. And it's the home of BBC Wales, where Doctor Who and Torchwood were made. Nearby, the mining heritage of the Rhondda Valleys is fascinating, and there are museums galore.

During the festive season, there's lots to enjoy, with traditional markets, street performers and splendidly decorated historic buildings - where better to enjoy some traditional Christmas cheer. Nadolig Llawen, one and all!

Millennium Centre

We arrived at Cardiff Caravan Park in wet weather, set up quickly in the rain, and went out to see a Christmas market in the Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay (there's a bus stop just outside the campsite). There were fewer stalls than we'd imagined, but those present offered everything from cakes and sweets to bags and pottery. We admired the artisan delights, sipped drinks, and soaked up the atmosphere, while Christmas music played in the background.

Cardiff Millennium Centre is an iconic building and an architectural delight. The glorious lobby has sleek curves and modern lighting, creating a relaxed atmosphere. This is a community venue where anyone can hang out without needing to spend money. Lots of people visit with their laptops and work in the lobby.

At the end of the bar, a virtual-reality exhibit was offering VR experiences, so we donned goggles and a VR helmet and went on a 'caving tour'. It was interesting but unremarkable - not really like caving at all! We left the building and crossed the square to a pizzeria on the waterfront.

The persistent drizzle continued, and it seemed a little early to go back to camp.