A Complete Guide to the Cardiff Arcades

Last Updated on 29th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Cardiff is a city of culture and castles, after all, Wales is littered with Iron Age hill forts, and Roman ruins. However, the cornerstone of the Welsh capital lies within its shopping arcades. Long reputed as a “City of Arcades” due to its high concentration of Victorian and Edwardian arcades, Cardiff is home to more historic arcades than any other city in the UK. Here’s your complete guide to the Cardiff Arcades!

What are the Cardiff Arcades?

Similar to that of the covered passageways in Paris, in Cardiff, there are seven historic arcades to explore. Often referred to as the “jewel in Cardiff’s crown” these covered arcades date back to Victorian and Edwardian times and remain architectural treasures of the city.

Narrow yet loaded with character and charm, the Cardiff Arcades are indoor shopping spaces which have been a shoppers’ haven for over a century, serving as small cultural hubs filled with independent boutiques, delis, cafes, restaurants and shops.

They’re free to visit and are typically open daily during the daytime. They’re particularly special to visit on a rainy day as you’ll be sheltered from the weather – just bear in mind that this is also when they’re at their busiest as everyone else has probably had the same idea!

If it’s your first time in the Welsh capital, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Cardiff and the best hidden gems of Cardiff.

A history of the Cardiff Arcades

It’s unclear why Cardiff has so many arcades, however, it’s important to recognise that Cardiff is a relatively new city and was only granted city status in 1905.

Before this point, Cardiff was essentially a big town – jumping rapidly as the capital of Wales, it remains the smallest and one of the newest capital cities in Europe.

Up until the 1790s there was a total of just 25 retail shops in the Welsh capital, as much of the shopping in the city was made from market stalls.

Cardiff’s important intertwined history with both shopping and arcades didn’t begin until 1858, when the Royal Arcade was built, serving as the city’s first official shopping centre.

The first arcade in the city significantly increased the number of shops in Cardiff, filling the narrow space with independent shops filled with curious treasures and treats.

Since then a further six arcades have been built and over time these passageways have become a symbol of the city, along with Cardiff Castle, and have been providing shoppers with a unique retail and leisure destination.

In an interview between Cardiff Journalism and Rory Fleming, an estate manager of the arcades, Fleming has been quoted as saying “The arcades are all about independent shops and that’s what we’re trying to maintain as best as we can.”

It’s estimated that around 80% of the shops found within Cardiff’s arcades are independent businesses, owned by local people. It’s for this reason that these historic arcades are such an integral part of shaping the city’s identity, as well as supporting the local community.

The Cardiff Arcades

Royal Arcade

The oldest and first to be built of Cardiff’s historic arcades is the Royal Arcade, which was constructed in 1858. Opening as the city’s first official shopping centre, today the Royal Arcade stands as a Grade II listed building and is considered of important historic and cultural significance.

As much as a culture hub as it was when it first opened, the Royal Arcade runs from from The Hayes along and through to St Mary Street and still has some of the original shopfronts.

One of the most popular spots found within the arcade is Wally’s Delicatessen, a quirky continental deli that first opened its doors in 1947.

Other shops of interest include Lucy & Yak, the independent clothing brand that originated in Yorkshire and sells organic and recycled clothing, The Queer Emporium, a queer community events space, and shop and Ganesha Handicrafts, bringing ethically sourced handicrafts and silver jewellery directly from India and Nepal.

Castle Arcade

The Castle Arcade takes its name from the fact that it runs from opposite Cardiff Castle to High Street, into the Castle Quarter retail district. The arcade opened in 1887 and stands as one of Cardiff’s longer Victorian arcades, it is Grade II listed.

Found within the arcade are several eateries and cocktail bars, as well as some more unique shops including Cardiff Violins, which, of course, specialise in the stringed instrument.

You can purchase precious gemstones from Crystals, indulge in local delights at Fabulous Welshcakes or get suited and booted at The Perfect Fit, an alteration and bespoke design tailors.

This is also one of the more special arcades because it has a balcony! Head upstairs to the first floor and you can walk the length of the arcade and snap some pretty cool photos.

Duke Street Arcade

Duke Street arcade sits opposite Cardiff Castle in the Cast Quarter shopping district. It also connects via a curved passageway to the High Street arcade.

Opened in 1902, this is another arcade which has been Grade II listed thanks to the fact it has retained many of its quirky architectural details.

One of the most impressive features of this arcade is its beautifully painted flooring. Of all the arcades, Duke Street is the shortest in length. Found within are cafés, barbers and hairdressers, as well as a tailor called New Stitches.

High Street Arcade

The High Street Arcade opened in 1885 and has entrances on both High Street and St John Street in the Castle Quarter. It takes its name from the street it’s found on and is Grade II listed.

This arcade is particularly known for its fashion, with shops selling designer brands, vintage clothing and jewellery. It adjoins to the Duke Street Arcade and is directly opposite Castle Arcade, meaning that you can keep well away from any rain if it happens to be bad weather during your time in Cardiff!

Morgan Arcade

The Morgan Arcade is connected to the Royal Arcade, running parallel to it. Built in 1886, the arcade was built to connect the main entrance of David Morgan’s department store.

It was originally called the New Central Arcade, however, it was renamed to The Morgan Arcade to reflect the close connection between the passageway and department store.

Morgan Arcade is considered to be one of the better-preserved arcades and you can still marvel at the original fitted Venetian windows and slender wood framing of the shopfronts.

The arcade is part of the Morgan Quarter, which is one of Cardiff’s best shopping destinations and boasts luxury and high-end boutique shops along with Spillers Records, which is recognised as the second oldest record shop in the world, established in 1894.

Wyndham Arcade

Entrances to Wyndham Arcade can be found at both St. Mary Street and Mill Lane, having opened in 1887, the Edwardian arcade stands today as a Grade II listed building. The arcade is framed by a red brick arch, typical of the Victorian style.

Wyndham Arcade houses several restaurants and cafés, as well as a specialist tobacconist which sells a range of cigars from Cuba, Honduras, Mexico & the Dominican Republic.

Dominions Arcade

Opened in 1921, Dominions Arcade is the newest of Cardiff’s seven arcades and can be found on Queen Street. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other covered lanes but can still be visited for free if you’re in the area.

Home to a roof terrace bar where you can soak up the city skyline, the arcade is perhaps most famously known as the location of Marco Pierre White’s popular Steakhouse Bar & Grill.

Enjoyed reading about Cardiff’s arcades? Pin this article now, and read it again later: