Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is the city's former coal-exporting docks, now a waterfront ringed by a freshwater lake. It gathers the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd, the Pierhead and Techniquest in one walkable area, with boat trips, Mermaid Quay's restaurants and the Barrage path to the Severn Estuary.
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From coal docks to waterfront
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries this was tidal dockland that shipped Welsh coal around the world. Today the docks have given way to a freshwater lake, and the area has become Cardiff's main spot for an afternoon out on the water, a show or a waterside dinner.
What to see
Start at the Wales Millennium Centre, with its bronze-coloured frontage, then walk to the Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, and the red-brick Pierhead next door. Families head for Techniquest, the hands-on science centre. Several operators run boat trips around the Bay, and some go out to Flat Holm island in the Bristol Channel. Mermaid Quay and the Red Dragon Centre cover food, drink and entertainment. Nearby, the International Sports Village adds white water rafting, a pool and an ice rink.
The Barrage and getting here
The Barrage embankment makes a flat, easy walk or bike ride with views over the Bay and out to the Severn Estuary. From the city centre allow about half an hour on foot, or take the Baycar 6 bus to Wales Millennium Centre, or the train to Cardiff Bay station. Evenings are lively when there is a show on at the Millennium Centre.
Highlights
- Former coal docks turned freshwater waterfront
- Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead
- Boat trips, including to Flat Holm
- Barrage walk and cycle path
- Techniquest science centre for families
Good to know
- Baycar 6 bus runs from the city centre to Wales Millennium Centre.
- Cardiff Bay railway station serves the area.
- Walking from the city centre takes about 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: visitcardiff.com