subject: Cardiff Bay, A Fascinating Location [print this page] In earlier times Cardiff Bay or the Cardiff Docks as it was then known was the worlds biggest port for coal export. Today it is Europes most expansive waterfront development site offering the visitor a multitude of leisure activities both on land and on the water. With the creation of a barrage Cardiff Bay has been converted into a huge freshwater lake. The Cardiff Bay Harbour experiences one of the worlds largest tidal fluctuations, meaning that it was unproductive for a large proportion of the day. The barrage aims to rectify this situation by eliminating this unfavourable variation.
To explore the area and gain a first hand glimpse of the location make it a point to take a boat tour from Mermaid Quay which will provide a fascinating insight into the highlights of the area. Yachting and angling are also available.
Cardiff Bay features several major attractions for visitors, including the Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Craft in the Bay, Techniquest Science Discovery Centre an absorbing experience for the whole family, Goleulong 2000 Lightship, Butetown History and Arts Centre, the newly constructed Wales Millennium Centre, a breathtaking international art centre as well as the Norwegian Church Arts Centre. Not to be missed is the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village which offers entertainment for the whole family.
Of these the Techniquest Centre is of particular interest, with its objective of making science accessible to the public at large; it features a planetarium, science theatre, exhibitions and much more.
The Wales Millennium Centre possesses a stunning exterior, but its primary attraction is the variety of performances it hosts, with ballet, opera, West End musicals, art exhibitions, stand up comedy, and contemporary dance and music. Restaurants and bars are also available for visitors to replenish their energies.
The area bordering Cardiff Bay features many attractive shopping and leisure opportunities with establishments offering clothing, handicrafts and eyewear not to mention hairdressers, a supermarket and a fine art gallery. A prominent resident is the Natuzzi store, which features the worlds most acclaimed leather sofas.
For visitors in search of a Cardiff hotel, the search ends with the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff Caerdydd. This comfortable hotel Cardiff offers gracious hospitality making for a pleasurable stay.
