Blue Bell, Cardiff: Historic High Street Pub with Timeless Charm
Historic Cardiff pub since 1813, blending Victorian charm with traditional Welsh hospitality near Cardiff Castle.
The Blue Bell is one of Cardiff’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1813. Located on High Street near Cardiff Castle, it blends historic charm with traditional Welsh pub fare and a welcoming atmosphere. Recently restored from its former name, Goat Major, it preserves original Victorian features like unique tiles and a classic bar, making it a favorite for locals, veterans, and visitors seeking authentic Welsh hospitality.
A brief summary to Blue Bell
- 33 High St, Cardiff, CF10 1PU, GB
- +442921510043
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-12 am
- Tuesday 11 am-12 am
- Wednesday 11 am-12 am
- Thursday 11 am-12 am
- Friday 11 am-2 am
- Saturday 10 am-2 am
- Sunday 10 am-12 am
Local tips
- Try the traditional Welsh dishes like fish and chips or Welsh rarebit for an authentic local meal.
- Visit during live music nights or sports broadcasts for a lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Explore the original Victorian tiles and classic bar inside, preserved during recent renovations.
- The pub is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion along.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Blue Bell location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Blue Bell
A Storied Past Rooted in Cardiff’s Heart
The Blue Bell has stood on Cardiff’s High Street since 1813, making it one of the city’s oldest surviving pubs. Originally known as the Blue Bell, it was renamed the Goat Major in 1995, reflecting the mascot of the Royal Welsh Regiment, a nod to its longstanding connection with local armed forces and veterans. In 2021, the pub was lovingly restored to its original name, reclaiming its historic identity and heritage. This restoration was part of a broader refurbishment by Croeso Pubs Ltd, who preserved original Victorian elements such as distinctive tiled flooring and the beautifully crafted bar, a centerpiece of the pub’s character.Architectural and Interior Charm
Despite modern updates, the Blue Bell retains much of its historic ambiance. The Victorian tiles uncovered during renovation add a unique decorative touch underfoot, while the classic wooden bar invites patrons to settle in for a traditional pub experience. The interior exudes warmth and craftsmanship, reflecting its long history. Its cozy layout and authentic features make it a comfortable retreat amid the bustle of Cardiff’s city center, just steps from the iconic Cardiff Castle.A Hub for Welsh Tradition and Community
The Blue Bell is more than a pub; it is a cultural landmark that celebrates Welsh heritage through its menu and atmosphere. The kitchen serves classic Welsh pub dishes such as fish and chips and Welsh rarebit, alongside a wide selection of traditional cask ales and craft beers. The pub maintains a strong connection to the local community, especially veterans, who find it a welcoming and familiar gathering spot. Its proximity to Cardiff Castle also makes it a popular stop for tourists eager to experience authentic Welsh hospitality.Vibrant Atmosphere and Live Entertainment
Open late into the night, especially on weekends, the Blue Bell offers a lively yet relaxed environment. It features live music and sports broadcasts, enhancing its appeal as a social venue. The pub is dog-friendly and provides free Wi-Fi, catering to a broad audience from locals to visitors. Its blend of historic charm and contemporary amenities creates a convivial space for all.Location and Accessibility
Situated at 33 High Street, the Blue Bell enjoys a prime location in Cardiff’s city center, easily accessible on foot from major landmarks and public transport hubs. Its central position makes it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the city or attending events nearby. The pub’s opening hours are generous, with the kitchen serving food until 8 pm on most days and the bar open until midnight or later on weekends.Preserving a Cardiff Icon for Future Generations
The restoration of the Blue Bell reflects a commitment to preserving Cardiff’s cultural and architectural heritage. By reclaiming its historic name and features, the pub honors its past while continuing to serve as a vibrant community hub. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of traditional Welsh cuisine, or simply seeking a welcoming local pub, the Blue Bell offers an authentic slice of Cardiff’s rich social fabric.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historical Wales
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Explore Historical Wales, a charming gift shop in Cardiff, offering unique souvenirs that embody the rich culture and heritage of Wales.
Cardiff Town Wall
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Step back into medieval Cardiff with the ancient Town Wall, a striking relic offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.
Nereid Statue
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A bronze sea nymph offering mythological protection to Cardiff's maritime legacy
Fogo's Free Tours
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Explore the vibrant history and culture of Cardiff with Fogo's Free Tours – an engaging experience for every traveler.
John Batchelor Statue
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A Victorian radical immortalised in bronze, standing where Cardiff’s political battles once raged.
South African War Memorial
0.4 km
A poignant bronze and stone tribute in Cardiff honoring Welsh soldiers who served in the Second Boer War, embodying peace, war, and grief.
City Hall
0.5 km
Majestic Edwardian Baroque landmark and civic heart of Cardiff, crowned by a striking clock tower with a Welsh dragon.
Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
0.6 km
A historic Grade II listed water tower overlooking Cardiff Central Station and the River Taff, symbolizing the city’s rich railway heritage.
The Gathering - Cardiff
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Victorian Neogothic landmark and active faith community in the heart of Cardiff
Capitol Cardiff
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Discover the heart of Cardiff at Capitol Cardiff, a shopping center offering diverse retail options, dining experiences, and a taste of local culture.
Alexandra Gardens
0.6 km
Discover the beauty and history of Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, a peaceful retreat filled with stunning landscapes and rich cultural significance.
Wales National War Memorial
0.6 km
A solemn Gothic Revival monument in Cardiff honoring Welsh soldiers who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars.
RCCG Kingdom Of God Parish, Cardiff
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of community and spirituality at RCCG Kingdom Of God Parish, a welcoming Church of Christ in the heart of Cardiff.
Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.
0.7 km
A dynamic Christian church in the Capitol Shopping Centre, offering daily worship, prayer, and community in the heart of Cardiff.
Parc Mackenzie
0.7 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Parc Mackenzie, a lush park in Cardiff perfect for relaxation, strolls, and enjoying nature's charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Castle Quarter Arcades
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Explore Cardiff’s historic Castle Quarter Arcades—Victorian charm, independent shops, and vibrant dining in the city’s heart.
Firing Line Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier
0.1 km
Discover the rich military heritage of Wales beneath Cardiff Castle in this immersive museum dedicated to the Welsh soldier.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Castle
0.1 km
Discover Cardiff Castle, a majestic blend of Roman roots, Norman strength, and Victorian splendor in the heart of Wales’ vibrant capital.
High Street Arcade
0.1 km
A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and historic charm.
Rummer Tavern
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and rich local culture at Rummer Tavern, a must-visit pub in the heart of Cardiff.
Cardiff Castle
0.1 km
Discover nearly 2,000 years of history and stunning architecture at Cardiff Castle, the heart of Wales’ vibrant capital city.
Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
0.1 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Cardiff to Aneurin Bevan, visionary founder of the NHS, sculpted by Robert Thomas in 1987.
St John The Baptist City Parish Church
0.2 km
Cardiff’s oldest medieval church, blending historic grandeur with vibrant community spirit in the city centre.
Cardiff Castle Museum
0.2 km
Wales' capital castle where 2,000 years of Roman, Norman, and Victorian history converge in the heart of Cardiff.
The Cardiff Market
0.2 km
Discover Cardiff Market’s vibrant Victorian charm, where fresh local produce and unique stalls create a lively city-centre shopping experience.
Cardiff Market
0.2 km
A bustling Victorian indoor market in Cardiff city centre, alive with fresh produce, street food, vintage finds and local character under a grand glass roof.
8 St Mary St
0.2 km
Historic Victorian commercial site in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, blending rich heritage with vibrant city life.
Animal Wall
0.2 km
A whimsical Victorian stone menagerie along Cardiff’s Bute Park, featuring 15 expressive animals carved into a historic wall near Cardiff Castle.
Museum of Cardiff
0.2 km
Explore Welsh art, natural history, and archaeology in Cardiff’s grand historic museum with free admission and rich cultural treasures.
St David's Hall
0.3 km
Experience world-class acoustics and bold brutalist design at Cardiff’s iconic St David’s Hall, a vibrant cultural landmark in the city centre.
Essential places to dine
The Welsh House Cardiff
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Experience authentic Welsh flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
The Potted Pig
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A stylish underground eatery in Cardiff serving seasonal Welsh-inspired modern British cuisine in a unique former bank vault setting.
Pasture Restaurant Cardiff
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Savor expertly crafted steaks and vibrant atmosphere at Pasture, Cardiff’s celebrated destination for premium meat dining.
Maison de Bœuf
0.1 km
An intimate French steakhouse in Cardiff’s Castle Arcade, blending Parisian charm with live jazz and signature cuisine.
Asador 44 Spanish Grill & Wine House
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish charcoal grilling and fine wines in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
Cafe Citta
0.1 km
Cozy Italian eatery in Cardiff city center serving authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta in an intimate, stylish setting.
Casanova
0.1 km
A long-standing Cardiff trattoria serving authentic regional Italian food with warm service and an excellent all-Italian wine list.
The Botanist Cardiff
0.1 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cardiff city centre where botanical décor, creative cocktails, and live music bloom together.
Bar 44 Cardiff
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in Cardiff's vibrant Castle Quarter.
The Alchemist Cardiff
0.1 km
Experience the magic of mixology at The Alchemist Cardiff, where innovative cocktails meet exquisite dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Cardiff
0.1 km
Caribbean soul meets Welsh hospitality—bold jerk, tropical cocktails, and island warmth in Cardiff city centre.
Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
0.2 km
Savor authentic Italian gnocchi and pasta delights in the vibrant heart of Cardiff Market, where tradition meets street food charm.
Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
0.2 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with vibrant flavours and warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff city centre.
The Sorting Room Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant modern European dining in Cardiff’s city centre, celebrated for Welsh beef specialties and refined brasserie ambiance.
Revolución de Cuba Cardiff
0.3 km
Experience authentic Cuban cuisine and vibrant culture at Revolución de Cuba Cardiff - your gateway to Havana's flavors in the heart of Wales.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
0.0 km
Discover authentic Welsh craftsmanship and personalized lovespoons opposite Cardiff Castle at Castle Welsh Crafts.
Great Welsh Gifts
0.1 km
Unearth authentic Welsh crafts, treats, and treasures on Cardiff's High Street—a delightful dive into Cymru's cultural heart at Great Welsh Gifts.
Hobos Vintage
0.1 km
A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
Little Welsh Company
0.2 km
Discover Cardiff's premier independent shop for authentic Welsh gifts, blending tradition with modern charm since 2003 on lively St John Street.
Mojo King
0.2 km
Discover smart, affordable Mod and Northern Soul-inspired men's fashion at Mojo King, a unique gem in Cardiff Indoor Market.
Knight Vintage
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures and exclusive KV collections in the heart of Cardiff Market’s vibrant historic setting.
The Works
0.2 km
Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street shopping district.
Rokit Cardiff
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Rokit Cardiff, where retro charm meets eco-conscious shopping in the heart of the city.
Cardiff Creative Shop
0.2 km
Handcrafted Welsh wonders from 45+ local artisans await in Queens Arcade's creative gem—unique gifts that sparkle with personality and heritage.
Morgan Quarter
0.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s charming Morgan Quarter, a historic Victorian arcade blending unique shops, cozy cafes, and timeless architecture in the city centre.
Flying Tiger
0.3 km
Discover quirky Scandinavian gifts and creative everyday essentials at Flying Tiger in Cardiff’s St David's Centre.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Curated lifestyle retail celebrating creativity, fashion, and cultural expression in Cardiff's city centre.
Welcome Things
0.4 km
Discover whimsical treasures in Cardiff's historic Royal Arcade at this eclectic gift shop, where unique Welsh-inspired finds meet global curiosities in Victorian splendor.
elephants and flowres
0.4 km
Artisan gifts and local crafts in Cardiff's charming Victorian arcade.
Beyond Retro Cardiff
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Beyond Retro Cardiff, nestled in the vibrant St David's Centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Libertine Cocktail Bar
0.0 km
A stylish Cardiff cocktail bar blending gothic charm with expertly crafted drinks and a lively city center vibe.
Revolution Cardiff
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A multi‑level cocktail bar and late‑night club opposite Cardiff Castle, built for groups, events and colourful cocktail theatre.
Rum & Fizz
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Discover Cardiff’s rum haven with over 200 rums, crafted cocktails, cozy elegance, and live jazz every Friday in Castle Arcade.
Penny
0.1 km
Discover Cardiff’s intimate cocktail haven with innovative drinks, expert bartenders, and a stylish, welcoming atmosphere at Penny.
The Bootlegger
0.1 km
A vintage-flavoured Cardiff speakeasy serving expertly crafted cocktails and late-night live music on cobbled Womanby Street.
Flight Club Cardiff
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Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant city nightlife at Flight Club Cardiff’s unique multi-level bar and rooftop terrace.
Tiny Rebel Cardiff
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Discover Cardiff’s vibrant craft beer scene and lively pub culture at Tiny Rebel, a hub for award-winning brews and eclectic events.
The Live Lounge Cardiff
0.2 km
Cardiff’s lively hotspot for live music, affordable eats, and vibrant nightlife until 4am every day.
Glassworks
0.3 km
Lively Cardiff pub pouring Greene King ales, serving pub classics, and screening sports in the heart of the city center—perfect for meals, pints, and pre-event vibes.
Main Stage
0.3 km
Cardiff's vibrant gay bar and cabaret club with lively drag shows, DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Slug & Lettuce - The Friary Cardiff
0.3 km
A lively, multi-level cocktail bar and casual-restaurant on The Friary — made for groups, brunch and evening drinks in central Cardiff.
Mary's Cardiff
0.3 km
Experience Cardiff’s vibrant nightlife at Mary’s, a lively bar and nightclub blending modern lounge vibes with energetic party spirit.
Slug & Lettuce - St Mary St Cardiff
0.4 km
Vibrant Cardiff cocktail bar on St Mary Street, famed for bottomless brunches, creative mixes, and lively nights in the city heart.
Yates - Cardiff
0.4 km
Lively sports bar and nightclub in Cardiff city centre with unbeatable sports coverage, great drinks, and a unique dancing doorman.
Boom Battle Bar Cardiff
0.4 km
Cardiff’s ultimate bar for games, street food, cocktails, and late-night fun in a lively, interactive setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Clwb Ifor Bach
0.1 km
Cardiff's gritty Welsh club heart: live music legends, late-night dances, and cultural rebellion on historic Womanby Street since 1983.
Fuel Rock Club
0.1 km
Cardiff's unyielding rock fortress on Womanby Street: live metal mayhem, cheap drinks, and a beer garden for the faithful.
For Your Eyes Only
0.1 km
Elegant and vibrant dance club in Cardiff’s city centre offering stylish interiors, live entertainment, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Popworld - Cardiff
0.3 km
Dive into cheesy pop heaven at Popworld Cardiff—karaoke, half-price drinks, and dance floor anthems until 3am on vibrant St Mary Street.
Metros
0.3 km
Cardiff's alternative nightclub haven: cheap drinks, eclectic DJs, and non-stop rock, ska, and indie beats fueling wild weekends till 4am.
The CUBE
0.3 km
Cardiff’s vibrant nightclub hotspot offering dynamic music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Tiger Tiger Cardiff
0.3 km
A dynamic nightclub with themed rooms and diverse bars offering a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of Cardiff.
CIRCUIT Cardiff
0.4 km
Cardiff's largest nightclub ignites Greyfriars Road with 1,500-capacity energy, state-of-the-art production across themed rooms, and epic nights from club beats to private spectacles.
Pulse
0.5 km
A city-centre LGBTQ+-friendly bar that becomes a neon-lit nightclub after dark, blending casual daytime dining with late-night DJs and themed club nights.
The Globe
1.8 km
A compact Grade II-listed former cinema turned lively live-music venue and nightclub, famed for intimate gigs and energetic club nights on Albany Road.
The Vaults
2.0 km
Dive into Cardiff’s iconic underground club housed in a historic former bank, where techno beats and vibrant nightlife come alive beneath the city streets.
Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
2.2 km
Dive into Cardiff Bay's sizzling hub of drag, burlesque, comedy, and live music at Cabaret – where inclusive performances sparkle with pop culture magic and high-energy fun.
Coco Cubanas
11.5 km
Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.
Bar Cocoa
11.5 km
Experience Barry’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Bar Cocoa, a lively nightclub where music and dancing keep the party going until the early morning.
Eclipse Nightclub
15.7 km
Experience Pontypridd’s vibrant midweek nightlife at Eclipse Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community come alive every Wednesday night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
