Step off Cardiff’s main streets and you’ll find something rather special – a network of hidden shopping arcades that feel like a city within a city. Elegant, atmospheric and full of independent spirit, Cardiff’s arcades are not just a place to shop, they are part of the city’s identity.
For me, they’ve always been part of the story.
When I first came to Cardiff several decades ago, my earliest venture into publishing began with a small listings magazine called What’s Happening! – a modest A5 black-and-white fanzine put together with my good friend Roger Knight. It would eventually grow into a full-colour A4 publication, but like many good stories, it started small. It is because of that cute little magazine you are reading this today.
Our very first advert was for Crumbs in Morgan Arcade. It’s changed hands over the years, but it’s still trading – which tells you everything you need to know about the enduring appeal of these spaces.
What makes Cardiff the City of Arcades
Cardiff is widely regarded as the UK’s true City of Arcades, boasting the largest concentration of Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades anywhere in the country. Built between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, these covered walkways were designed to offer shoppers a refined, weatherproof alternative to the busy streets outside.
At a time when Cardiff was booming as a coal-exporting powerhouse, these arcades reflected the city’s ambition and confidence. Today, they remain vibrant, evolving spaces that continue to support independent businesses.
The seven historic arcades of Cardiff
* Castle Arcade
* High Street Arcade
* Duke Street Arcade
* Morgan Arcade
* Royal Arcade
* Wyndham Arcade
* Dominions Arcade
Wyndham Arcade
Wyndham Arcade brings a slightly more contemporary energy – but for some, myself included, it holds deeper roots.
I’ve always had a particular fondness for Wyndham Arcade. It was here that I first set up my Cardiff graphic design business, The Business, working from No. 39 (just to the right of the main entrance) with a small brass plaque on the door and a hard-working bumble bee as our logo.
Back then, the arcade had a different rhythm. Our landlords ran a gift shop called Kaleidoscope, and just across the road stood the Wales National Ice Rink, long before John Lewis and St David’s 2 reshaped that part of the city.
That’s what the arcades have always offered – opportunity. A place where independent ideas can take root and grow.
A hidden network of streets
What makes Cardiff’s arcades truly special is how they connect. You can move through the city centre almost entirely via these covered walkways, creating a slower, more rewarding way to explore the capital.
The perfect arcade walk
Start near Cardiff Castle and enter Castle Arcade. From there, weave through Duke Street Arcade into High Street Arcade, before heading towards St Mary Street and Morgan Arcade. Continue around towards Royal Arcade and jsut down the street is Wyndham Arcade – remember to allow time to explore.
City Life tip!
When it’s raining, many people use the arcades to navigate through the centre to avoid getting wet.
Independent shopping at its best
Unlike many city centres dominated by national chains, the arcades offer something far more personal – specialist retailers, independent cafés, and unique businesses that give Cardiff its character.
Why the arcades still matter today
In an age where many high streets are beginning to look the same, Cardiff’s arcades stand apart. They represent heritage that is still alive, a platform for independent businesses, and a more human way to explore a city.
Final thoughts
Cardiff’s arcades are one of those rare places that reward curiosity. They don’t shout for attention – but those who take the time to explore them are always rewarded.
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Join the conversation
Do you have a favourite arcade or hidden gem shop in Cardiff? We’d love to hear about it.
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Disclaimer
Please note that businesses within the arcades can change over time. Shops may close, relocate or new ones may open.
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Vsiting Cardiff? Don’t forget the Vale!
The Vale of Glamorgan lies west of Cardiff and is Wales’ most southerly county. It’s a stunning mix of rolling countryside and striking coastline (The Heritage Coast). It has iconic towns and villages like the market town of Cowbridge at its centre and coastal towns you’ll certainly have heard of (Barry Island – the iconic backdrop for Gavin & Stacey) and Llantwit Major (steeped in religious history).
Check out City Life’s big sister website at www.valelife.co.uk for more information. You can always stay in the Vale and take a day trip into Cardiff.
And for more travel ideas, check out www.travellifemag.co.uk
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