The Senedd

What you can do

Visitors can explore the public areas, join a free guided tour or attend a meeting or debate to see Welsh democracy at work. Exhibitions change through the year. If you cannot make it in person, Plenary and committee sessions are streamed live on Senedd TV. Watching a Plenary session gives a real sense of how the Welsh Parliament works, and proceedings take place in Welsh and English.

Before you go

Everyone passes through airport-style security with a bag search, so allow around 15 minutes and expect a short queue at busy times. The building opens on weekdays and Saturdays, but hours can change at short notice because of parliamentary business, so check before setting out. There is a free water fountain, high chairs and bottle warming, which helps with young children.

Around Cardiff Bay

The Senedd is a natural part of a Cardiff Bay day. The Wales Millennium Centre is next door, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre sits on the waterfront a few minutes away, and Techniquest is close by for families. The café inside serves locally sourced food if you need a break. Cardiff Bay's boardwalk links all these sights, so the area is easy to explore on foot in a morning or afternoon.

Highlights

• Home of the Welsh Parliament
• Free guided tours
• Public galleries for debates and committees
• Café with locally sourced food

Good to know

• All visitors go through airport-style screening; allow about 15 minutes.
• Opening hours can change at short notice because of parliamentary business.
• Step-free access, lifts, hearing loops and a Changing Places toilet are available; BSL interpreters can usually be arranged for tours with notice.

Frequently asked questions