Cardiff Bay
In the late 19th Century, the 2nd Marquess of Bute built the Glamorganshire canal, which linked Merthyr Tydfil with Cardiff and the Cardiff docks, to take advantage of the huge coal reserves in the area. This saw Cardiff become the biggest coal exporting port in the world, resulting in Edward VII granting Cardiff city status in 1905. The port reached its peak in 1913, with more than 10 million tons going through the port. 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, Somalian, Yemenese, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish, helped create the unique multi-cultural character of the area.
After going into decline in the 70's and 80's Cardiff's docks and city centre have now been regenerated. Cardiff Bay is now a thriving waterside development with the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barage which transformed an area of tidal mudflats into a 200 hectare freshwater lake and sparked the development of the surrounding area. Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, is now a popular part of any visit to Cardiff.
The National Assembly for Wales’ unique landmark building, The Senedd welcomes visitors and invites them to gain an insight into the work of the Assembly. To pre-book a free guided tour visit www.assemblywales.org
One of the principal attractions in the Bay is the award winning Wales Millennium Centre the city’s lively performing arts centre, a must see for visitors. The centre is home to the Wales National Opera and Orchestra. Theatres, galleries, restaurants, bars, shops, free entertainment and behind the scenes guided tours - all this and more! For further information visit www.wmc.org.uk
No trip to Cardiff Bay would be complete without a trip to the Barrage, one of Europe’s most advanced engineering projects, consisting of locks, sluice gates and innovative fish pass. Road Train trips to the Barrage are available in covered carriages. For details visit www.cardiffbayroadtrain.com
The Norwegian Church where author Roald Dahl was christened is now an arts centre with a Nordic feel and a cosy coffee shop overlooking Cardiff Bay.
Craft in the Bay: This restored maritime warehouse displays high quality crafts by members of The Makers Guild in Wales. For details visit www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
Standing in the Bay is a memorial to Captain Scott commemorating his historic conquest of the North Pole. Captain Scott and his companions stayed in the Royal Hotel in the City Centre the night before they sailed from Cardiff on their ill fated journey to the Antarctic.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and services in Mermaid Quay. For news and special offers visit www.mermaidquay.co.uk
Other attractions in Cardiff Bay include The Doctor Who Exhibition, The Goleulong 2000 Lightship and Techniquest, an interactive science discovery centre. Look on www.visitcardiffbay.info for further information
The Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, known locally as ‘the Tube’ has panoramic views across the Bay. In addition to visitor information it houses a unique scale model of the Bay. Tel: 029 2046 3833
Regular free festivals and events, such as the Caribbean Carnival and the International Food and Drink Festival, take place in the Bay throughout the year.