Visit Cardiff Bay this summer
Looking for the perfect summer escape, then head to Cardiff Bay this summer for lots of family fun. Pack your sunscreen, throw on your shades, and let's dive into the countless delights awaiting you at this vibrant waterfront destination.
From the hustle and bustle of Mermaid Quay to the tranquil calm of the Wetlands, Cardiff Bay is an amazing place to visit any time of the year but it’s especially wonderful in summer. With a mix of history, culture and exciting family activities, here’s how to make the most of your visit to this remarkable location.
History brought to life
One of Cardiff’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit, The Norwegian Church Arts Centre is situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay with panoramic views over the glorious waterfront. Formerly a Church for Norwegian Sailors, the unique building dates back to the industrial revolution, when Cardiff’s Docks were the greatest exporter of coal in the World. Now a community and arts hub hosting a range of events. Open daily, you can enjoy a bite to eat in the Norsk Café Bar and Terrace with a delicious selection of pastries, cakes and its own unique blend of coffee, with an amazing street-food menu. Whether you’re meeting friends or enjoying a leisurely stroll, stop off at The Norwegian Church Arts Centre and soak up the glorious splendour of Cardiff Bay.
Take a trip on the Taff
The best way to see Cardiff Bay is to hop aboard Princess Katharine, a cosy 90-seat waterbus, for a fun and scenic journey between Cardiff Bay and the heart of the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a trip on Car offers a fantastic way to explore Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront and lush Bute Park. Along the 25 minute journey you’ll enjoy fascinating commentary that highlights the history and notable sights along the River Taff, once a heavily polluted coal transport route, now beautifully rejuvenated. The Bay departure point is conveniently located on the lower boardwalk of Roald Dahl Plass and along the trip you’ll see all the iconic landmarks including The Senedd, Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church and much more. The city departure point lies in the serene Bute Park, surrounding Cardiff Castle, an ideal spot for relaxation, walks, and visits to charming cafes like Pettigrew Tea Rooms and Secret Garden Cafe. Take a trip on the Princess Katharine for an educational ride through Cardiff, whether starting your day or winding down, you’ll love every moment on the River Taff. Tickets are purchased on board.
Take flight and make memories
Reach for the sky at Techniquest this summer, as the science discovery centre unlocks the secrets of defying gravity! Live science show ‘Skybound’ delivers fascinating facts about flight, with audience participation and fun demos aplenty. Go totally stratospheric with a Star Tour in the Planetarium, view the Earth from space in a 360°film ‘We Are Guardians’, or experiment with ice and fizzling fire in an interactive workshop in the KLA Lab. With over 100 hands-on exhibits to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to play with science: send the mini hot air balloon soaring, launch air-propelled rockets, discover beachballs suspended in mid-air and find out whether gravity or friction wins out on the giant silver slide —spoiler, it’s usually gravity! If you’re looking for a fun experience to engage the whole family, whatever their ages, you don’t need to ‘wing it’ this summer, for a visit to Techniquest book ahead online and give them something to remember for a lifetime.
Simply irresistible
A new addition to Cardiff Bay is Llanfaes Dairy ice cream parlour in Mermaid Quay. Amongst the many eateries, LLanfaes Dairy has quickly become a must-visit for its delicious artisanal Welsh ice cream. There’s over 48 creamy flavours to choose from, all created fresh every day, pasteurised, whisked, poured, churned and frozen with love and care, one small batch at a time.
The charming, family-friendly atmosphere invites visitors to indulge in refreshing scoops while enjoying the picturesque waterfront views. It’s the perfect spot for cooling off and it’s impossible to visit Cardiff Bay without nipping in for a sweet treat.
All the fun of the fair
It must be summer because the Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park is back in Cardiff Bay, with thrilling rides, exciting games and mouth-watering treats. From 20th July to 26th August, located in Roald Dahl Plass between Mermaid Quay and the Wales Millennium Centre, the funfair promises endless entertainment and plenty of fun. Whether you love the dizzy dodgems or the spinning teacups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The games and stalls are always popular, offering the chance to win massive cuddly toy prizes. Test your skills with ring toss, shooting galleries, and more, while enjoying the lively and colorful atmosphere. No funfair is complete without delicious food, and Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park delivers. Indulge in candy floss, popcorn, hot dogs, and a range of other tasty treats as you wander through the fairground. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, providing a mix of high-energy activities and relaxing fun.
Make a splash
Bordering the fresh water lake created by Cardiff Bay Barrage, the International Sports Village boasts two Olympic standard sporting facilities, Cardiff International White Water and Cardiff International Pool, both of which were used as training venues for the London games in 2012.
Cardiff International Pool is a fantastic family-friendly experience. With its Olympic-sized swimming pool, thrilling water slides, and dedicated children’s play area, it caters to all ages. The leisure facility also features a spa, gym, and café, ensuring a fun and relaxing day for everyone.
If you’re looking for fun activities for the family this summer, splash around in the fun packed Leisure Pool complete with slides, spacebowl and lazy river. The fantastic ’beach’ area and toddler slide are perfect for little swimmers. You’ll need to book ahead online.
Get close to nature
Cardiff Bay Wetlands is a hidden gem offering a serene escape into nature. This tranquil haven, rich in biodiversity, features scenic boardwalks and viewing platforms, perfect for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. Families can enjoy leisurely walks, educational displays, and breathtaking views of Cardiff Bay. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat, fostering a deep connection with nature amidst the bustling energy of the waterfront. Covering approximately 8 hectares of former salt marsh, it’s located on the northern shore of Cardiff Bay, between the St David’s Hotel and river Taff.
One of the wonders of Wales
The Cardiff Bay Barrage is a marvel of engineering and a popular leisure spot to relax and unwind away from the busy city centre. Stretching between Cardiff and Penarth, it creates a stunning freshwater lagoon and features scenic walking and cycling paths. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Cardiff Bay and out into the Severn Estuary, with children’s play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym. You can also learn about its history with informative displays along the way. The barrage also supports water sports and boating, making it a vibrant hub of activity and a must-visit destination in Cardiff Bay, you can even grab a selfie with Roald Dahl’s enormous crocodile.
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