places to eat Archives – Passionate about South Wales

Illtud’s 216 Restaurant Review

December 5, 2015September 24, 2011 by Paul

It’s a few years since we last visited Illtud’s 216 restaurant in Llantwit Major but we popped along on the spur of the moment for my birthday last week.

Even though it’s been 3 years the restaurant hasn’t appeared to change much. Although fairly non-descript on the outside the inside has a medieval feel to it (click on the photo for a better view). Even though it has a high roof in the main part of the restaurant the use of drapes and banners gives a warm cosy feel. The front of the restaurant has a wood burning stove which enhances the ambience – especially when the owner Georg Fuchs managed to fill the room with smoke!

Some things to do in the Gower (beaches)

June 22, 2020April 29, 2011 by Paul

The Gower is one of South Wales’ big tourist attractions. It’s a peninsular just west of Swansea and was the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a real mix of rugged coastline, glorious beaches, great views and castles.

I was lucky enough to fly around the Gower last summer so some of the photos in this post will give you a great view of some of the great beaches.

Review – Patricks with Rooms, Mumbles

October 30, 2013August 1, 2010 by Paul

Last week we stayed in the excellent Patricks With Rooms in Mumbles. Mumbles is one of our favourite seaside destinations in South Wales.

Patricks is an excellent hotel with a great restaurant. It’s located right on the main promenade only yards from the sea. The hotel has 16 individual bedrooms, the renowned restaurant and a relaxing bar area. There’s also a small gym and weights room for residents.

Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre

November 13, 2013May 27, 2010 by Paul

We visited the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre today just south of Brecon. The centre gives you some background information on the National Park and best of all, as you can see, gives you a great view of Pen y Fan. Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales (886 metres / 2,907 ft above sea-level).

The visitor centre also has some nice tea-rooms with seating outside which is great when it’s sunny – just watch out for the hungry sparrows and chaffinches which pester you for crumbs!

Plenty of car parking if you’re travelling by car though there is a small charge. You can find a location map below.

Cardiff Bay Barrage Art Illusion

September 24, 2014May 27, 2010 by Paul

A walk across the Cardiff Bay Barrage is a great way to spend a few hours in Cardiff. If you’re in a car then access the barrage from the Penarth end where there’s a large carpark. If you’re on foot then either walk from the Cardiff Bay visitor centre near the Norwegian Church, or catch a boat across the Bay from Mermaid Quay near the National Assembly Senedd building.

There’s lots to see, there are 3 boat locks between the Bay and the sea that operate every 30 minutes. From the sea-ward side of the barrage there’s a great view in clear conditions across to Penarth pier, Flat Holm and Steep Holm and the English coast across the Severn.

Cardiff International Whitewater Centre, Cardiff Bay

February 28, 2016May 16, 2010 by Paul

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONz_q47INkc

We visited the new Cardiff International Whitewater Centre in Cardiff Bay yesterday. This is part of the Sports village that is being developed on the west side of the Bay. Nearby is the Cardiff Arena Ice Rink and the Cardiff International swimming pool.

The pumped river is about 250m long. It looks lots of fun, you can either try the kayaks or go white water rafting as a group. Each white water raft has a “captain” on board who ensures that everyone is safe. It’s not cheap, between £250 and £300 for 6 people but you’re on the water for about 2 hours which is about as long as most people can last for! It’s pretty tiring!!