Cricket in Cardiff - Parking advice

Fidget21

Hi there

I'm going to be in Cardiff next week for the England - SA match. Last time I went to the cricket at Sophia Gardens there was a car park next to the cricket ground which did all day parking and was ideal, however I'm just wondering with all the work that has gone on at the ground whether that car park is still there? I know it will be busy but as it's a day/nighter I was intending to arrive in the morning and spend some time in town and get some lunch before actually rolling up for the match.

Thanks

Fidgster

TJ27

The ground is on the Taff Trail, so I'd park anywhere along the trail and simply walk in. Why take the car though? Surely half the point of going to a good cricket match is that you can go on the beer. Cardiff train station is about fifteen minutes walk from Sophia Gardens. If you can get to a station at your end that's the way I'd be doing it.

pavlovs_dog

the stadium is a lot bigger than it used to be, and i doubt the car park would be able to accomodate everyone. have you looked to see if park and ride is available, or as TJ suggested, investigate public transport. sophia gardens is an easy stroll from the city centre

Fidget21

Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately have to go by car, OH won't get train!:mad:

It's his birthday pressie, so I drive and he gets to have a drink (although infuriatingly, he doesn't get that beered up!), also we need to make a relatively quick getaway after the match as we have to get back for our dog.:o

Went to see Eng v Pakistan in 2006 and it worked pretty well parking in the car park next to the ground, mainly because we were there by about 9:30am and the gates don't open til 12:30! Which is what we intend to do again this time, but I just didn't want to get there and find out that in all the development work that car park is no longer there.

pavlovs_dog

the cricket ground has a car park and the welsh national sports centre next door has a car park - although i doubt it is intended for use as an overflow car park

if you do find you have to park in town, avoid the NCP run car parks, as their prices are horrific (even by multi storey standards). if you park in one of the residental streets near the stadium make sure you obey all parking regulations - Pontcanna is a posh area of cardiff, which generally means you can expect to see a fair few traffic wardens doing the rounds.

reggie

Cathedral road (which leads to the cricket ground) has a number os side roads - I usually find I can park down one of those for free!!