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48 hours in Cardiff Bay (fun, friendly and accessible)
The old docklands were redeveloped to create Cardiff Bay, now a vibrant waterfront around a stunning freshwater lake. The area is alive and bustling with restaurants, bars and entertainment. There are many attractions that make a visit to Cardiff Bay worthwhile and weâve listed some of the best ones below for you.
DAY 1
10:00 Explore Science & Welsh Culture at Techniquest
Stuart Street, CF10 5BW
No trip to Cardiff Bay is complete without a trip to the UKâs longest-established science centre. Get lost in two floors of mind-boggling exhibits where you can launch a rocket, sink an oil rig, move half a ton of granite and still have energy for a spot of stargazing!
12:00 Relaxing visit to the Barrage
Start at Harbour Drive, CF10 4PA
Take a serene stroll across the flat gradient path, which links the inner harbour to the locks and bridges that make up the Barrage structure. On the path, you can discover more about the area with the free exhibitions; have a sit down and selfie with the Enormous Crocodile, and take a pit stop at the RSPB-run Hafren Café. Or on your way back, stop in the characteristic Norwegian Church for some lunch or coffee on their waterfront terrace.
15:00 Check into voco St Davidâs Hotel
Havannah Street, CF10 5SD
Providing spectacular views overlooking Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina, voco St. Davidâs is bound to impress. Make time to relax in the Marine Spa and treat yourself to the delicious food and drink served in the Admiral restaurant. The hotel is easy to reach, in close proximity to all major transport links and just a short stroll away from the bars, restaurants and entertainment of Mermaid Quay.
19:00 Enjoy a show at Wales Millennium Centre
Bute Place, CF10 5AL
In the heart of Cardiff Bay, sits the Wales Millennium Centre, one of the worldâs most iconic arts and cultural destinations and it has won award for its accessibility.
Take a look at their âWhatâs Onâ guide to see what shows are on during your stay.
DAY 2
10:00 Water Sports at Cardiff International White Water
Watkiss Way, CF11 0SY
Feeling adventurous? Start day two off with a bang at the award winning adventure centre. Their experienced staff will always try to accommodate different needs and, where they can, adapt an activity to make as accessible. Try canoeing, paddle boarding, or perhaps just a coffee and a bite to eat in the café watching everyone else get wet in the rapids!
13:00 Lunch in Mermaid Quay
Inner Harbour, CF10 5BZ
Choose from over 30 restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the stunning waterfront. With cuisine from around the world â from Welsh ice cream to Japanese sushi, to stone-baked pizzas and the finest French cuisine it is somewhere that caters for all tastes, moods and pockets.
15:00: Tour the National Assembly of Wales buildings
Inner Harbour, CF99 1NA
Just around the corner from Mermaid Quay, is the Senedd, the Parliament for the people of Wales. The Senedd houses the debating chamber and committee rooms, you can even listen to the discussions from the public gallery. Be sure to also visit the Pierhead Building next door, here you can watch a short film about the development of the docklands and view the regular art exhibitions.