Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour

Discover Cardiff Bay's dynamic history with our unique self-guided tour. Wander through landmark-rich routes, from the historic Pierhead Building to the modern Senedd, all narrated by Helen, an expert with a deep connection to the area. This tour stands out for its perfect blend of past and present, mixing historic insights with contemporary observations. Immerse yourself in the transformation of Cardiff's iconic docklands, learn about its industrial roots, and see how it's evolved into a vibrant waterfront. Along the way, enjoy curated insider recommendations, uncovering the best of what Cardiff Bay offers. Spanning 2.5 miles, this linear tour is an engaging, leisurely stroll around the Bay, filled with stories that bring the landscape to life. Ideal for independent explorers, it's a compelling journey through one of Cardiff's most fascinating areas, directly from your smartphone. Note: Instructions for downloading our app and accessing the tour will be sent separately.

1. 1

   Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

   10 min

   The Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve covers around 8 hectares of land to the north of the Bay. The reserve was created in response to the removal of the Taff-Ely Site of Special Scientific Interest, which was lost during the redevelopment of the bay.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   The St David’s hotel is a major landmark in the bay. It was built as part of the redevelopment of the area and it can be seen from almost all locations within the bay

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   The docks were built by the Marquesses of Bute, whose ancestral home was Mount Stuart, on the Isle of Bute, in Scotland.

4. 4

   Techniquest

   Pass by

   Established in 1986, Techniquest is the UK’s longest-established Science Discovery Centre.

5. 5

   Mermaid Quay

   Pass by

   Mermaid Quay is a mixed land-use development on the waterfront that opened in 1999. It has over 30 restaurants, bars and cafés, a comedy club, a 5-screen boutique cinema and some shops.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   The boardwalk runs beneath Mermaid Quay. To the western side is Ianto’s Shrine, which is a memorial to a man who never existed.

7. 7

   Roald Dahl Plass

   5 min

   Roald Dahl Plass was an old dockyard entrance so ships would have passed through beneath where the footbridge now stands

8. 8

   Wales Millennium Centre

   Pass by

   The building at the end of Roald Dahl Plass is the Wales Millennium Centre, which is the national arts centre for Wales, and home to eight cultural organisations including the Welsh National Opera and BBC NOW.

9. 9

   Pierhead Building

   Pass by

   The impressive Grade I listed Pierhead Building was the headquarters of the Cardiff Railway Company.

10. 10

    Senedd

    Pass by

    The Senedd is an iconic building that is home of the Welsh Parliament here in Cardiff Bay.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    5 min

    As with most British docks, Tiger Bay became a multi-cultural hub where migrants from all over the world mingled and formed communities.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    5 min

    The bridge that you can see from where you’re standing lies over the entrance to Roath Basin and Roath Dock. Roath Basin is the lake that you can see immediately beyond the bridge, and the basin gives access to Roath Dock, which lies further beyond that.

13. 13

    Cardiff Bay Barrage

    10 min

    You are now standing on the barrage that was constructed to maintain the water level in the bay. The inland waterway is kept aerated by 20km of pipes and 6,000 air diffusers that lie on the floor of the bay.

14. 14

    Cardiff Bay Barrage

    5 min

    This area is the site of a permanent exhibition and viewing platform. There are usually some nice areas of mini wildflower meadow around this site too.

15. 15

    Stop 15

    Pass by

    At this site you will see locks and bridges, sluice gates and a fish pass. The locks keep the Bay at permanent high water. There is a control room, which you should see high up to the left as you approach lock number 1.

16. 16

    Stop 16

    Pass by

    There are two harbour walls that protect the entrance to the locks, defending it from high tides and bad weather in the Bristol Channel. You are standing on the northern harbour wal

17. 17

    Stop 17

    Pass by

    The area this side of the barrage is called Penarth. There are two imposing buildings on this site. The Marine building lies to the left and the Old Custom House lies to the right.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Check "Before You Go" Section of your ticket!

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.