Food Court in the Queens West Shopping Centre, Queen Street, Cardiff City Centre,(Image: Mirrorpix)

Things you used to be able to do in Cardiff that you can't anymore

by · Wales Online

Cardiff has undergone an extraordinary change over the decades. The capital has witnessed everything from the total redevelopment of its former docklands to a boom in student housing construction, not to mention the significant enlargement of St David's shopping centre.

While numerous developments have been beneficial, there's a wistful longing for elements that were once integral to Cardiff living but are no longer achievable. We embarked on a sentimental journey through cherished recollections - here are several aspects we fondly remembered. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here

Driving down Queen Street

Once upon a time, cars and buses bustled down Queen Street, one of Cardiff's business thoroughfares. Now awash with shoppers and diners, it's hard to believe that up until November, 1975, vehicles were the main feature on this street.
Historic photographs offer us a glimpse into the past, capturing the once traffic-filled Queen Street.(Image: MEDIA WALES)

Ride on a trolleybus

Cardiff's transport was once dominated by trolleybuses which took over from the older tram system. These electric buses, which started operating in 1942 and continued until 1970, were iconic for their overhead power cables.
Today's transportation includes double-decker diesel buses and the distinct Baycar "bendy buses", but Cardiff is set to welcome a fleet of 36 new electric buses to serve its streets in the future.(Image: Media Wales)

Pick up groceries from the old Fruit Market

Until its closure, The Hayes hosted a bustling fruit market, pictured here in 2001. That spot now serves as a frequented passageway for city shoppers.(Image: WalesOnline)

Shop at David Morgan

For 125 years, it stood as a landmark in The Hayes, attracting shoppers from around the globe until its closure in 2005. This image was captured just three years prior to its shutdown. While the building still stands, it has been repurposed into several different shops and apartments.(Image: Peter Bolter)

Visit the Wales National Ice Rink

This venue was once a hot spot for everyone from teenagers spending their pocket money to ice skaters practising their moves and ice hockey enthusiasts watching the Cardiff Devils play. Plus, with its yellow tiles, the city centre rink was hard to miss.
The rink opened its doors in 1986 and remained a popular destination for two decades before being demolished in September, 2006, to make room for the John Lewis store.(Image: Peter Bolter)

Catch a film on Queen Street

Queen Street was also a place where you could enjoy a movie. In December, 1921, Cardiff's most magnificent cinema yet, the Capitol Theatre, opened at the east end of Queen Street. With a 2,800-seat auditorium, it was the largest purpose-built cinema in Europe at the time.
The Cardiff Odeon was another well-liked cinema on the bustling street. It first opened its doors in 1911 as the Imperial Picture Theatre, boasting 792 seats, and later became the Odeon in 1935.(Image: Wales News Service Ltd.)

Pay a visit to C&A

The German retail giant, instantly recognisable by its vibrant rainbow logo, was a household name for generations. Known for its fashion and ski wear, it decided to exit the UK market in 2000, with the final stores shutting their doors in 2001. However, you can still spot numerous C&A outlets across Europe.(Image: Mirrorpix)