Cardiff Bay — Attraction in Great Britain

Cardiff Bay is the area of water created by the Cardiff Barrage in south Cardiff, the capital of Wales. It is also the name commonly given to the surrounding areas of the city. According to Cardiff Council, the creation of Cardiff Bay is now widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. Cardiff Bay is supplied by two rivers (Taff and Ely) to form a 500-acre (2.0 km2) freshwater lake around the former dockland area south of the city centre. The 'bay' was formerly tidal, with access to the sea limited to a couple of hours each side of high water but now provides 24-hour access through three locks. Cardiff Bay played a major part in Cardiff’s development by being the means of exporting coal from the South Wales Valleys to the rest of the world, helping to power the industrial age. The coal mining industry helped fund the building of Cardiff into the Capital city of Wales and helped the Third Marquis of Bute, who owned the docks, become the richest man in the world at the time.

As Cardiff exports grew, so did its population; dockworkers and sailors from across the world settled in neighbourhoods close to the docks, known as Tiger Bay, and communities from up to 45 different nationalities, including Norwegian, Somali, Yemeni, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish helped create the unique multicultural character of the area.

After the Second World War most of the industry closed down and became derelict. But, in 1999, new life was injected into the area by the building of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, one of the most controversial building projects of the day but also one of the...

Cardiff Bay is a great place to visit for the whole family and is easy to find, being just a 10-minute drive from Cardiff City Centre where there is a traditional indoor market, a castle, museum, theatres, shopping centres and a labyrinth of arcades. If you don't drive, there are excellent transport links including buses, trains and river taxis. There is so much to do at the Bay including visiting the cinema, Britannia Park, the Millennium Centre (theatre) and the Norwegian Church (Arts Centre and coffee shop).

Other attractions include several independent boutiques, Techniquest (science museum) and seasonal children's fairground rides.  For those interested in the history of the Bay a visit to the Pierhead (you can watch a short film) is a must.  There is also a man-made beach and a small marina where boat trips run regular. Around the Bay there are some statues as well as fantastic walks / cycle trails including a route along the barrage to Penarth.

There is a vibrant atmosphere and there are plenty of places to eat and drink including Las Iguanas, Cosy Club, The Dock Kitchen & Bar and Bills to name just a few. The views are fantastic especially at nighttime.  At night, there is lively atmosphere with groups and couples enjoying meals and drinks in the many bars.  There are a number of hotels including the Premier Inn and the 5-star Saint David's. We would recommend a visit to Cardiff Bay, because there is something for everyone and makes a...

Review of Our Walk Along Cardiff Bay Trail

My partner and I recently spent a sunny afternoon strolling Cardiff Bay Trail, and it was an absolute delight! The trail’s mix of vibrant waterfront views, modern landmarks like the Wales Millennium Centre, and serene stretches along the water made for a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. We loved spotting boats gliding by, rare birds spotting and pausing to admire public art installations, which added a creative touch to the scenery. Didn't realise that there were so many apartments around Cardiff Bay.

The path was well-maintained and easy to navigate, offering plenty of spots to sit and soak in the atmosphere. We stopped for coffee at one of the cosy cafés dotted along the bay, which gave us a chance to people-watch and enjoy the lively yet laid-back vibe. As the sun dipped lower, the golden light over the water turned the walk into something truly romantic—ideal for couples looking to unwind together.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Cardiff Bay Trail is a must-do. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time outdoors, blending culture, nature, and a touch of Welsh charm. We left feeling refreshed and already planning...