Cardiff Bay

Past

Cardiff's docklands have always played a major role in Cardiff's development. In the late 19th century coal from the Welsh valleys was transported through the docks to destinations across the world - powering the industrial age and powering Cardiff's development.

The coal industry helped fund buildings including City Hall, the Coal Exchange and the New Theatre and helped the Third Marquess 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, Somalian, Yemenese, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish, helped create the unique multi-cultural character of the area.

After the second world war the coal industry declined and the docklands fell into disuse, but in 1999 new life was given to the area with the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which transformed an area of tidal mudflats into a 200 hectare freshwater lake and sparked the development of the surrounding area.

Present

Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, is now popular part of any visit to Cardiff. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops in Mermaid Quay, cruise or sail on Cardiff Bay, or explore attraction such as the impressive Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Red Dragon Centre or Techniquest - an interactive science discovery centre.

Regular free festivals and events, such as the Caribbean Carnival and the International Food and Drink Festival, take place throughout the year.

Find out more about the award winning Cardiff Harbour Authority - www.cardiffharbour.co.uk.

Find out more about the Waterfront Partners - www.visitcardiffbay.info. Click here to download the leaflet of the Waterfront Partners (1,353 kb, pdf) which includes a map of the Cardiff Bay.

Photos: Above - Cardiff docks early 20th century. Below - Cardiff Bay 100 years on.

How to get to Cardiff Bay

It's so easy to get to Cardiff Bay by public transport so why not leave the car at home for a change? Traveline provides transport information on all bus and rail services in Wales on Tel. 0870 608 2 608 from 07h00 to 22h00 daily or visit www.traveline.org.uk

For a map of the Bay area click here to download the leaflet of the Waterfront Partners.

For a map of Cardiff's city centre and the Bay click here.

By train: Frequent rail services operate Monday to Saturdays with connections at Queen Street Station from the rest of the Valleys and Cardiff local routes network. For details call the National Rail Enquiries (24 hours) on 08457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

By bus: The 'baycar' bendy-bus service runs 7 days a week from the city centre. It runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes during the evenings and at weekend. For more information visit www.cardiffbus.com

By boat: The waterbus runs a regular timetabled service between Mermaid Quay, Penarth (the Barrage) and the city centre every day, all year. For details of timetables and fares visit www.cardiffwaterbus.com or phone 07940 142 409.

By car: If you're coming from outside Cardiff it's easy to reach the Bay from the M4. Either leave at Junction 33 and follow the A4232 all the way to the Bay, or if you're coming from the east you can also leave at Junction 29, take the 3rd exit off the A48 and follow the signs to Cardiff Bay. Once you're there follow the signs to your nearest car park.

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