Castle Welsh Crafts: Lovespoons and Gifts in Cardiff

Castle Welsh Crafts is a family-run gift shop at 1-3 Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 1BS, directly opposite Cardiff Castle. It has been trading for more than 45 years. The shop started out in the Castle Arcade and moved to its current premises in 1982. It focuses on authentic Welsh craftsmanship, and it has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Google from more than 160 reviews.

The shop is best known for its hand-carved Welsh lovespoons. These wooden spoons date back to 17th-century Wales, when they were given as tokens of affection, and the designs carry symbols such as hearts, Celtic knots and horseshoes. Prices depend on the design. The Welsh Dragon and Daffodil Love Spoon and the Double Heart Welsh Love Spoon with Wheel of Work both cost £102, the 5th Anniversary Welsh Lovespoon is £89, and the Welsh Dragon Heart Knot Love Spoon is £81. The largest piece on offer is a replica of the World's Largest Lovespoon, priced at £1,087. The shop has a lovespoon gallery and also offers personalisation options.

The rest of the range is varied. The shop sells St Justin Celtic jewellery, made in Penzance, Cornwall, including the St Justin Bronze Welsh Dragon Pendant Necklace, the St Justin Bronze Celtic Knot Circle Drop Earrings and the St Justin Bronze Hammered Heart Necklace. Other items include a 3D Dragon Necklace, pewter pieces supplied by A.E. Williams, a pewter maker established in 1779, candles, toys, plush, homeware and Welsh woollens. For children, there is an "I'm a Little Dragon" T-shirt.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 10:30am to 5:30pm. It is wheelchair accessible. By bus, lines 1, 2 and 6 stop at Cardiff Castle, about 10 to 15 minutes from Cardiff Central Station, with a fare of roughly £2 to £3. A taxi from Central takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs about £5 to £8. From the city centre, it is around a 15-minute walk.