St Fagans Cardiff

A few weeks ago, the Little One and I went to St Fagans as it was a beautiful sunny day. We needed a break from the endless trips to the local park and coffee shop!

St Fagans is free, but parking is a rather hefty £5. I recommend having a cheeky look round for anyone that's leaving if you go in the afternoon. I gave my ticket away to another family when I left, so they paid nothing. You might be lucky too?

They charge 50p for a map, but I didn't bother (I sound like a right cheapskate don't I!) and wandered about in the sunshine. There are some lovely walks and the views are wonderful. However, one thing to bear in mind - if you're after some quiet time as I was, don't go in the last few weeks before the summer holidays - there were children everywhere! Now don't get me wrong, I'm very aware that I have my very own screaming child, but I didn't go to St Fagans to listen to noisy 8 year olds. I went there so that my screaming little baby would be calm and quiet as I walked around.

Another thing to bear in mind when going with a pram - look out for the signs for wheelchair users as it isn't always clear which way is best to go. And unfortunately, it also means you have to go back on yourself quite a bit, especially around the castle area, but this can't be helped.

The maps are very good and show you where you can take a pram, as well as where the steep hills are. Take comfy shoes!

Also, you could always take advantage of the tractor train that goes around the whole site. Even though I didn't use it, there is space for a wheelchair on the back, which you could use for the pram if need be. But to be honest, the grounds are so beautiful, and the site isn't that big, I probably wouldn't bother.

One other top tip if you fancy a day out with the Little One - take a picnic. I'd envisioned having a scone and a cup of tea, or at least a decent sandwich when I got there, but the tea room is up a very narrow staircase, the main building is under construction (I assume there's a cafe in there), and every single food stand I saw was closed. I was gutted. I love my food!

All in all it was a lovely hour and a half, but not quite what I had expected, but this could very well be down to the time of year I deiced to go. I would probably give it another go, and hope I have a nicer time.

When I visited: 11:00 on a Thursday.

What I had: I left hungry! :(

Access: You can get to pretty much everything on the site, but do look out for the wheelchair signs.

Nappy changing: There are plenty of toilets on site, and they're all signposted. On a sunny day though, you could also change your Little Ones outside.

High chairs: No need - have a picnic by the river outside the castle.

Pram parking: No need.

Car parking: £5 - but look out for families leaving early and ask for their ticket.

St Fagans
Cardiff
CF5 6XB

Every day - 10:00 - 17:00

https://museum.wales/stfagans/

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

M&S Cafe - Queen Street

Last week, I popped in to the city centre to grab a few things, you know the usual, Ella's Kitchen pouches from Boots, a couple of birthday cards from the Card Factory and more leggings from Peacocks. It was meant to be a flying visit, but of course, the Little One decided to have a meltdown so we had to stop somewhere to refuel.

Normally, I run in to Matalan or John Lewis, but on this particular day, M&S was our sanctuary. And a great little sanctuary it was as well.

The cafe was busy enough, but had plenty of room for prams. I grabbed a quick bottle of water (so I have no idea about the food, sorry!), and fed the Little One her milk. Aaah, peace and quiet.

                                               

The cafe was clean, and the changing facilities were great. An ideal pit stop for when your Little Ones are having a meltdown and you are in need of coffee/cake/chocolate (delete as appropriate).

When I visited: 16:00 on a Friday.

What I had: Just a bottle of water on this occasion, but next time I'd go for one of the cakes. Oh, I also nipped downstairs to grab the Dine for £10 offer - perfect for a Friday night! Update - I went back this week and ordered food and would highly recommend it. I had the macaroni cheese with salad and dressing for £6. It was a substantial size and very creamy - top marks!)

Access: The cafe is pretty big, with plenty of tables. It was ticking along nicely when I was there, and I didn't feel in the way with a pram.

Nappy changing: The changing room was big, and had everything necessary. Also, there was a toilet in the same room - always a bonus for a Mummy with weak pelvic floor muscles!

High chairs: I didn't see any as it was a quick stop. But, as the changing facilities were so good, I reckon there must be a couple of high chairs available.

Pram parking: As mentioned, plenty of room.

Car parking: You could park in St David's, or get almost any bus in to the city centre.


72 Queen Street
Cardiff
CF10 2XG

Monday - Friday 08:00 - 19:30
Saturday - 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday - 11:00 - 17:00


https://www.marksandspencer.com/s/communications/MSResStoreFinderGlobalBaseCmd?storeId=10151&langId=-24&catalogId=10051

All photos are my own unless stated otherwise.