Cardiff Bay

Came to Cardiff Bay for a visit and a walk around,have been here many times before and always used the toilets in the Millenium centre, as it was closed due to lockdown thought there is bound to be some more public toilets but not one to be found. As it was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the bars were open for drinking outside only, there were a lot of people making use of this. But as they are not allowed inside where are the toilet facilites could not see any all. Went down a quiet street only to see a few men peeing up against a building how disgusting . I think public toilets must have been forgotton when Cardiff Bay was built. As I am disabled need a toilet around, wont be goi8ng back there for a long time.

This is not a picturesque wharf at all. There are few cafes or restaurants youd have time for. There is a sainsburys local offering affordable food and drink. The rest of the place is a mish mash of rarely open ' attractions' or over priced fairground rides. A few wiestionable food tents occasionally appear seasonally, again costing a fortune, as does a lone ice cream van. The surroundings off the cucle paths are over grown with scattered dereliction. The souless new buildings are miscellaneous in their purpose. There are things worth doing such as the white water course and other water activities, but looking at rhe scum and litter collected in the corners of the bay is the main activity for sightseers here. On warmer evenings you'll see feral persons on electric scooter and the whiff of suspicious substances. Cyclists and joggers like to cross the barrage and claim ownership of all pavements. There is a desperation to draw tourists in their cars to park in over priced parking areas to make a bit back from the investment in this failure. If you do go be sure to visit the big Morrison's supermarket. It's so empty and too big so there are so many yellow tags on fresh meat and fish. Bet they wish they'd just opened a smaller shop like sainsburys. It's a two hour visit at most, with half of that navigating the many derelict roundabouts and finding parking. When trying to get to the bay from anywhere in the cardiff area count the traffic lights. Its very waring, like the speed limits and speed bumps that frustrate locals. So, in summary nothing to do, expensive to eat, lacking charm and character, unpleasant in the evening, neglected and Go anywhere else when visiting Cardiff. Just forget the Bay.

We love the Bay and have been many times before, but living an hour away needed the call of nature on arrival. Normally the Millenium Centre is open, it’s nice to have a browse inside and use the loo but of course it’s closed. OK, so off to Weatherspoons for a quick drink and the loo, but surprisingly that was shut also. Ok, so one of the coffee shops? No, you have to register on an app then wait. Ok so walk round to the only public loos (I know of) halfway round the Bay. Guess what? Shut.
It’s the quickest we’ve (legally) driven home for some time!

We were booked to see The Lion King in the evening during our stay so we originally planned to spend the afternoon before at Cardiff Bay. However, we were very tired so we left much later than planned, getting there an hour or so before our dinner reservation. We were quite underwhelmed though and glad we didn’t spend the day there. There was a small fair, and lots of restaurants to choose from; this was the main purpose of the place. Wouldn’t recommend spending more than an hour there outside of eating.

Easily the most impressive building in Cardiff Bay is The Pierhead. A must see. Inside there is a brief film of the history of the area and the building itself. The dee-red brick and tiled walls speak of another era, when Cardiff Bay was busy with industry and shipping.
There was plenty more to do. The Parliament Building the Send is also worth a visit. Unimpressive from the outside, it is light and approachable inside. with interesting architecture.
We took a boat out to the Barrage. Then we walked back to town, about a mile-and-a half triune the Bay. A nice, easy walk which also took in the Crocodile Seat.

Even though I dragged my husband along and it was cold wet and very windy, we never would have missed going. In fact we'd walk down there every night.
There are some wonderful restaurants which cater for all price bands. Its vibrate and has a great vibe, and so much history.
So take a strool down there and take in the stunning views and have a meal, you won't be disappointed.

We spent two days, 19th and 20th October, in the rather spectacular Cardiff Bay, filled with historic and modern landmarks.

On both days we walked around various sections of the waterfront. The weather was not always our friend but we made the most of it.

There are some stunning and immediately eye catching buildings, old and new side by side, including The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, Millennium Centre and the historic Red brick Pierhead Building.

Another feature that cannot be overlooked is the seventy foot high metal water tower, located in Roald Dahl Plass. Also there are the tall pillars, think there are seventeen, they are more attractive when illuminated at night.

However walking around there is so much more to been discovered including the Statue of Ivor Novello, one of Cardiff's famous sons. There is also the Seafarers Memorial, in front of the Senedd. There are four old cannons, in front of the Pierhead Building, facing out across the Bay.

Famous Welsh rugby players are celebrated with the Rugby Players Statue.

On the ground, near the waterfront the Cargoes Poem plaque can be found. Also nearby is the large Celtic Ring.

Nearby is the Flourish Fountain and statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Norwegian Chapel and Art Centre is located located in the Bay.

By the waterfront there are a number of kiosks selling boat tours, which depart from the nearby jetties.

On the Friday morning we had intended to take the water taxi from the Bay into the City, this was cancelled due to the weather, so we took the train.

Also in the Bay is Mermaid Quay which is filled with bars, restaurants and shops.

We were quite lucky the weather was great, it’s a bit like Salford quays of Manchester but more spacial, less apartments.
Boats activities around, we stay in the voco hotel so can walk round without worrying getting lose as we can see the hotel from a distance.
Lots to do around the area, did a morning run around here, the only downside if I can think of is the 4g network is quite poor but not as bad as places like Bath/Bristol.
Definitely worth a visit

Me and my boyfriend wanted to visit the bay as we were on holiday in Cardiff, having never visited before. We were disappointed to have turned up and all there was to do was go to a chain restaurant or bar for food and drink. Was a bit of a shame. We ended up having one drink and walking back into the town centre.

the architect around the bay us wonderful.fantastic walks and many bars and restaurants. There bike hire available so that you can do the 8kn loop.water inflateable Park. There are also boat trips available.so much to see from strolling around especially the quirky coffee shops .for the summer a beach style area will be available.still developing it atm but should make a visit even more enjoyable