Cardiff Bay Private Historical and Cultural Walking Tour

On this 2 hour historical and cultural Cardiff Bay walking tour, we'll delve deeper into Cardiff's political and industrial history, and discover stories and iconic structures old and new.
Cardiff Bay was once one of the world's most significant ports, at the centre of the international coal trade by the early, turning the small town of Cardiff into the capital of Wales.

Its former prominence as a major docklands has resulted in a rich history of industry, immigration & diversity.
​
Today, it is Europe's largest waterfront development project, and Cardiff's centre of culture, entertainment and politics, yet still contains many references to its grittier and sometimes glorious past as Tiger Bay.

Meeting Point

Millennium Centre

Cardiff CF10 5AL, UK

We meet outside the main entrance of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, underneath the giant letters that dominate the facade of the iconic building. The guide will be carrying a green umbrella.

What's included:

• Native English language guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Wales Millennium Centre

Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL

The tour starts outside the modern centrepiece of the regenerated Cardiff Bay. One of Wales' most iconic buildings, we will discover its history, architecture and significance to modern Wales.

10 minutes

Mermaid Quay

Management Suite, , Cardiff, CF10 5BZ

The creation of Mermaid Quay in the 1990s has played a major part in the rejuvenation of the Bay.

20 minutes

Cardiff Bay

, , Cardiff, Cf105

Cardiff Bay Barrage defines the modern waterfront. Today's freshwater lake makes for a spectacular backdrop to the iconic historic and modern buildings that line the bay, and it makes for a lovely stroll as well.

30 minutes

Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 4PA

One of the most iconic buildings of Cardiff Bay is the Norwegian Church. Founded by Norwegian sailors in the nineteenth century, it was the baptismal place of one of Cardiff's most famous sons, Roald Dahl.

15 minutes

Senedd

Cardiff Bay Pierhead Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1SN

The home of the Welsh Parliament, we will discuss the process that brought devolution to Wales while taking in the architecture of one of the Bay's newest additions.

15 minutes

Pierhead Building

Pierhead Building Maritime Road, Cardiff, CF10 4PZ

The iconic historic building of Cardiff Bay, the Pierhead was inspired by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his vast wealth in the 1890s, the architecture of which is still striking today.

10 minutes

Roald Dahl Plass

Cilgant Bute, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff, CF10 4DQ

We finish in the central plaza of Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Plass, to discuss the famous author's life, the evolution of the plaza from industrial basin to today's cultural space.

10 minutes