Let’s go to … Cardiff

Why go now?
Rugby fans will flock to the Welsh capital on 6 February, when Wales host England for the opening game of the Six Nations tournament at Millennium stadium. It’s the first time there has been an Anglo-Welsh Friday night match since 2011, when a jam on the M4 meant thousands of fans missed the kick-off. There’s a great atmosphere in Cardiff when the rugby’s on, but there’s a lot more to be enjoyed.

Such as?
Bute Park is the green heart of the city. A river taxi will take you from here to Cardiff Bay and the Millennium Centre . From 6 February, it’s showing Illumination, an exhibition of artwork and creative writing by inmates of secure hospitals and prisons across Wales. The Welsh National Opera’s production of Hansel and Gretel opens on 21 February, tickets £5-£40. Chapter, 15 minutes’ walk away in Canton, has films, art exhibitions and performances, and a decent watering hole in Caffi Bar. Cardiff is home to no fewer than eight Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. Morgan Arcade is home to Spillers Records, said to be the world’s oldest record shop.

Sounds like thirsty work
Y Mochyn Du (the Black Pig, above), a much-loved local in an old gatekeeper’s lodge, is better known by cricket fans, as it’s next to Glamorgan county cricket ground, but it’s a pleasant walk from Millennium stadium through Sophia Gardens. The closer City Arms is an institution for sports fans, and Camra’s Cardiff pub of the year in 2012 and highly commended in 2014. Both keep local beers on cask as well as guest draughts and ciders. Another fine pub is nearby Urban Tap House on Westgate Street.

What’s for dinner?
Hokkei on Crwys Road is a new takeaway by two Masterchef finalists (Dale Williams and Larkin Cen in 2013) offering high-quality, unusual Chinese food. The Potted Pig at the south end of Bute Park is in a former bank vault, with a small, seasonal menu. Try Welsh lamb rump with creamed leeks and celery (£20).

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Anywhere to stay for under £100?
Budget chain hotel Sleeperz, right next to the station, has 74 compact if spartan rooms, from £85 a night. A high-end boutique hostel Safehouse opens on 1 March with dorm beds from £22, including breakfast.

Do I need a car?
Cardiff is a small city, so everything’s easily accessible without a car. Direct trains from Birmingham or London take roughly two hours. Bus fares are low (£1.70 a trip, £3.40 for a day pass) and the regular Baycar service links the city centre and Cardiff Bay.