Introduction Cardiff Bay
Cardiff was once the busiest coal exporting port in the world, so the decline in the coal and steel industries had a devastating effect on the docks. Over recent years the ambitious regeneration of 2,700 acres of docklands has resulted in the new Cardiff Bay consisting of housing, commerce, cultural attractions, interesting places to eat, shops and leisure areas. One of the most ambitious engineering projects in Europe was undertaken to build a barrage over 1km long across the mouth of the Bay to provide a 500 acre freshwater lake fed by the Taff and Ely rivers. Visiting the barrage with its locks, sluice gates and fish pass ( allowing fish access from the sea to the rivers to spawn ) is fascinating. It's an incredible sight watching the giant chambers fill with 10,000 tonnes of water allowing vessels to pass from one side of the barrage to the other. You can get onto the barrage, where there are refreshments and toilets available, by land train or boat, details below. Penarth marina is on the other side, an easy stroll from the locks. Access onto the Barrage by foot is only possible from the Penarth end, and after crossing it you'd have to turn around and retrace your steps. The Barrage closes to visitors some time between 4pm and 7pm depending on the season. Ring the Harbour Authority 029 2087 7900 to check and also for details of the Harbour Festival in the summer. Cardiff has an enviable public transport system and the Bay is easily reached by bus from the city centre ( see Introduction to Cardiff ). The bus comes down Lloyd George Avenue, a new road built to link the city centre with the waterfront. At the end of it is Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village with a 12 screen cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and free parking. If you're driving into the Bay, the easiest route is to take J33 off the M4 and follow the A4232. There is a car park on Stuart Street opposite Techniquest. Alternatively there's a voucher parking system along Harbour Drive ( 1/hour, max 2 hour stay ). Vouchers can be bought from the Visitor Info Centre. From Stuart St. it's a short walk to the water-front where if you turn left you'll soon come to Mermaid Quay ( 029 2048 0077 ), a shopping and leisure complex with plenty of places to eat. Next to it is Roald Dahl Plass, a large oval space used for outdoor events and performances. It's all pedestrianised here and great for the kids to run around. Following the shore line you'll see the Norwegian Church Arts Centre ( 029 2045 4899 ). Originally built in 1868 as a mission for Scandinavian seamen, this has been restored as an arts and music centre with cafe. The author Roald Dahl was baptised here. Ahead is the Bay Visitor Centre ( see below ) and beyond it you'll see the Goleulong 2000 Lightship ( 029 2048 7609 ) which is fun for children to explore. Originally positioned off the Gower coast to warn off ships, it's now run by the Church in Wales with access to the engine room, light tower, and cabins. There's also a cafe.
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