What To See And Do In Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is one of those places that excites, entertains and even educates you. There is so much to see and do there it is positively outrageous, and with an outstanding choice of bars and restaurants, it's the perfect all weather destination whatever time of year. Cardiff Bay is also a Mecca for Whovians or Dr Who fans as they are otherwise known as. Dr Who is filmed around South Wales and Cardiff Bay and fans love spotting where scenes from the show are filmed. 

Here are my top picks of what to do in Cardiff Bay for people of all ages.

For World Class Entertainment

The Wales Millennium Centre



From award-winning musicals that come straight from the West End like The Lion King to stand-up comedians, such as Sarah Millican and Jimmy Carr, and classical and operatic concerts, such as those by the Welsh National Opera, the Wales Millennium Centre is a modern world-class entertainment venue. It's also a distinctive and striking landmark that stands out in The Bay. Cafes and restaurants inside, meaning you can also grab a snack, drink or full meal and it's signature restaurant FFresh focuses on local and seasonal produce.

For All The Family

The Dr Who Experience




Having reopened and moved to its current venue, The Dr Who Experience (pictured to the right of the Norwegian Church) is another stop for fans of the show. This interactive spectacular adventure through time and space is proving so popular that it has won a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor in 2014. You can even have a tour of inside the TARDIS. It's the first stop of every well-respecting science fiction loving tourist.

For Educational Fun

Techniquest



Almost every South Wales school kid has visited Techniquest at some point. That doesn't mean that the place isn't fun though, on the contrary, this science museum is the perfect place to learn about science through play and is popular with children and adults alike. Prices are very reasonable and you can easily spend half a day or more here.

For Adults 

The Glee Club



The Glee Club is a small comedy chain that has the best in new and established stand up comedians. If you are lucky you can catch some big names in comedy here too. I saw Michael Mcintyre trying out new material for his show, and often you can catch big names on the comedy circuit trying out new material prior to the Edinburgh Festival.

Something Quirky

The Shrine to Ianto Jones




This character from the Dr Who spin off Torchwood, was surprisingly killed off in an episode. Fans were shocked and dismayed and almost overnight a wall was covered with fans letters and cards noting the loss of the character. It's become so well known that Mermaid Quay. have erected a plaque to the character near the water.




Where to Eat

The Cote Brasserie, Cardiff




Cardiff Bay has many cafes and restaurants. The Cote Brasserie is part of a chain but you would never guess. Amazing French classics combined with excellent service, with lunch and pre-theatre specials, make this a great place to eat in The Bay. French Onion soup, Roasted Belly Pork, Breton Chicken with Provencal Sauce, and Creme Brulee will take you to heaven, and back. 

Tell me, have you been to Cardiff Bay? Would you visit if you were in the area?

38 comments

  1. What a fantastic post! I have been to Cardiff but it was years go - I was a wee small girl! Living in London/South East, I think we tend to think that all the culture is here, but obviously that is SO NOT true! My daughter would love to go the the Dr Who experience. In fact, she knows it's in Cardiff and asked me recently if we could go. So perhaps... we'll soon be making a trip to Cardiff! Tx

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    1. My son loves it at the Dr Who experience. I haven't been since they moved but it looks brilliant. Cardiff Bay has some fantastic markets too and it holds many sailing events in the summer.

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  2. It looks such a beautiful place even in the rain. My OH's mum is from Cardiff yet we've never ever been. I'm also a huge Dr Who fan/Torchwood fan so would love to go and see it. The Ianto Jones death was momentous in Torchwood - he was so very brave lol.

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    1. Yes unfortunately the good ole Welsh weather let me down here! Hope you get the chance to visit one day Jackie.

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  3. We love the bay - in fact we went for a stroll down the Barrage on Monday afternoon. So many great places to eat and a beautiful landscape what more could you ask for plus amazing shows at the Theatre and Techiquest for the little one - win win all round I say

    Laura x

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    1. I agree Laura. I hope the weather was better for you when you went!

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  4. Oh I've never been. It looks like an interesting place to visit.

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  5. I have to go to Cardiff for work on occasion but never really get to look around. I'd recommend http://www.moksh.co.uk - the chef there is amazing.

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    1. Hi! I have been to Moksh and I agree it is amazing too. It's certainly not a traditional Indian restaurant. Great recommendation, thank you!

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  6. Nice to see that someone is encouraging people to visit great spots in Cardiff.
    Having lived here for 15 years I've experienced pretty much everything it has to offer.

    But I still found this post great!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie, that is very kind to say so.

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  7. Great post, really informative, not a place I have been to in years, I think the last time was for a football final.

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    1. You probably didn't get a chance to look around the Cardiff Bay area then? It's lovely and especially lovely when it's sunny!

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  8. Oh, I love Cardiff Bay! I spent four years at law school in the valleys - we even hosted a ball at the Bay hotel. Great places to visit there!

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    1. There are, so many lovely restaurants too. Glad you love Cardiff Bay as much as me ;)

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  9. I've never been but it looks like a really interesting place with plenty to do with the children too!

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    1. It has more than this too. You can actually do white water rafting as well.

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  10. I love Cardiff and haven't been enough....it looks like there's loads to do, more than I realised! I might have to plan a new year trip!

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  11. Have not been to Cardiff for years, but these tips are great. Would love to talk the kids, and know my son would especially love the Dr Who stuff. Also agree re Torchwood. Thought it was brilliant (and funny that Peter Capaldi was in it too...)

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I hope you get a chance to go one day.

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  12. I've never been there but hubby would love to go to the Dr Who experience

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  13. I have only ever done something sport related in Cardiff, so definitely haven't experienced any of these x

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  14. have been to cardiff a couple of times but would love to visit the bay and go to the dr who experience

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    1. There is so much to see and do there, I have only really touched on it. At the Red Dragon Centre there is a big cinema too with restaurants and a bowling alley.

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  15. I don't think I've ever been to Cardiff. I want to go just to see the Dr Who experience :)

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  16. I always like going to the Red Dragon Centre, theres a bit of everything in there - cinema, bowling and food x

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  17. I've never been there before but it looks like a great place to visit. It is always great to hear more about places I've not been to so that I can plan future trips. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Cardiff is worth a visit, it is a great place with lots to see and do and amazing shopping.

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  18. Never been to Cardiff Bay but it looks like such a fun place! Lots of places to enjoy!

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    1. It is Sylvia and I hope you get a chance to visit one day.

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  19. Looks awesome Mellissa, I havent been to Wales in years and never Cardiff. Cardiff Bay looks fab place to explore. I'm not a massive Dr Who, I had to google Ianto Jones, I didn't recognise him. He definitely is missed and loved by many!

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    1. Ianto Jones is from a Dr Who spin off called Torchwood, and yes he is missed my many!

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