Located in a scenic park on the banks of the River Taff, the Cardiff Wales Stadium (also known as Sophia Gardens) is home to Glamorgan County Cricket Club. It has also hosted multiple top flight international cricket games, including test matches in the 2009 and 2015 Ashes series.
Best spots for food and drink near Cardiff Wales Stadium
Cardiff’s buzzing city centre has tons to offer in the food and drink department. Elgano is a luxury but affordable Italian restaurant that is a constant favourite with locals, and is less than five minutes from Sophia Gardens. For something a bit quirkier, try The Potted Pig; this unique restaurant is set in a converted bank vault, and serves contemporary British cuisine using local Welsh ingredients.
Best places to stay near Cardiff Wales Stadium
Cathedral Road (just opposite Sophia Gardens) is lined with comfortable hotels and guestrooms, many of which should have great availability if booked in advance. One highlight is No.10 Cardiff, a luxurious converted Georgian townhouse with 21 uniquely designed suites. Cardiff is also home to the first Voco hotel in Europe; the eye-catching 5-star boutique is located on Cardiff Bay’s waterfront. You’ll have to grab a local train or bus to Sophia Gardens, but this lush hotel and spa is well worth the extra effort.
Things to do near Cardiff Wales Stadium
Located across the park from the Cardiff Wales Stadium, is Cardiff Castle is one of the city’s most attractive destinations. Used as a defensive fortress for over 800 years, the castle houses a unique mix of historical architecture, including a Norman shell keep and a series of Second World War-era bunkers.
If you’re after something more adventurous, head to the Cardiff International White Water Centre, located south of the city in Cardiff Bay. This Olympic standard white water centre is one of the first of its kind in the UK and offers a whole range of wet and wild activities - all of which are sure to get the adrenalin pumping.
Getting to Cardiff Wales Stadium
By rail: Cardiff Queen Street, Cathays and Cardiff Central are all within walking distance of Sophia Gardens, although Cardiff Central provides the best access for visitors from England. A direct train from London Paddington takes about 2hr15mins on average, while other services connect Cardiff with cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham.
By road: Cardiff Wales Stadium is easily accessed by the A48, and should be the main route into the city for external visitors. Travellers from London should take the M4 directly into Cardiff, while journeys from north and central England should aim to use the M5 or M50. Cardiff Wales Stadium doesn’t offer match day parking, but there are plenty of car parks within walking distance of the ground.