Taking a trip to Cardiff Bay is one of the top things to do in Cardiff, but most people stay in the area around Roald Dahl Plas and Mermaid Quay Shopping Centre without realising that it’s also home to a nature reserve.
I’m talking about Cardiff Bay Wetlands which I recently visited on my latest trip to the bay. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know for visiting this family-friendly nature reserve.
What is Cardiff Bay Wetlands
The Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve (more commonly called the Cardiff Bay Wetlands) is a wildlife reserve on the former salt marshes in Cardiff Bay.
As part of the bay’s regeneration, a barrage was created which acts like a dam to retain water from the River Taff. This transformed it from a tidal bay, with mudflats revealed at low tide, into a large freshwater lake. Although it is still known as Cardiff Bay.
Only a small part of the 8-hectare reserve is open to the public where there is a short family-friendly walk and a boardwalk. The reeds and aquatic plants at the wetlands are the perfect habitat for birds, so you’ll come across many resident and migratory species here.
What Animals Live in Cardiff Bay Wetlands?
The wetlands is home to many different types of birds including common perching birds, ducks, and swans. Some of the resident species here year-round are kestrel, grey heron, Cetti’s warbler, great-crested grebe, goldfinches, coot, and reed bunting. You might also spot lots of moths and dragonflies at the reserve and you may be able to see some fish in the shallow areas.
How To Visit the Cardiff Bay Wetlands
To visit Cardiff Bay Wetlands, first head to St David’s Hotel, the 5-star hotel in Cardiff Bay with the roof that looks like a seabird swopping down.
Where to Park? If you’re travelling by car, the best place to park for visiting the wetland reserve is Havvanah Street pay and display car park. This is right outside St David’s Hotel and close to the entrance to the wetlands. When I last visited, the cost was £2.10 for 1 hour.
From the car park, look for the large bronze rope knot sculpture, this marks the start of the wetlands trail (here is a Google Maps pin). Follow the gravel path and you’ll eventually end up at the main boardwalk which is the best place to spot wildlife.
From the boardwalk, you can either return along the same gravel path or continue with a circular loop back to the car park along the pavement.
It only takes around 20 minutes to complete the loop, even with time to stop and enjoy the wildlife. There’s also a small play park on the return path which younger children may enjoy (see below image).
Essential Visitor Information
How Much Does it Cost?
There is no cost to visit Cardiff Bay Wetlands and it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. However, it’s best to visit in the morning if you want to see the most wildlife. See my full guide for more free things to do in Cardiff.
What Facilities Are There?
There are no visitor facilities at Cardiff Bay Wetlands.
Is Cardiff Bay Wetlands Suitable for Prams and Wheelchairs?
Yes, the wetland pathways are accessible with no steps so they are suitable for prams and pushchairs. However, keep in mind that most of it is gravel path which can be more difficult with some wheelchairs.
When is the Best Time To Visit?
ㅤ
The wetland reserve is open year-round so you can visit any time of year. However, you'll encounter most wildlife in the spring when migrant birds visit Cardiff from Europe and Africa. This is an outdoor activity so it's best when the weather is dry.
ㅤ
When the weather isn't so good, you might be interested in my list of things to do in Cardiff when it rains.
Other Things To Do at Cardiff Bay
There is no shortage of things to do at Cardiff Bay. Here are a few ideas:
- The Bay Trail - If you’d rather take a longer walk, you can continue along the bay trail which is a 10km (6.2 mile) long circular route across the barrage and around the edge of the bay.
ㅤ - The Giant Wheel – The giant wheel is a 33m tall permanent Ferris wheel in Cardiff Bay.
ㅤ - Sightseeing Boats – There are several ways to take a boat trip around the bay. You can drive yourself in a small speedboat or take a sightseeing cruise. Find information from the kiosks along the edge of the bay.
Related Questions
When Was Cardiff Bay Wetlands Made?
The development of Cardiff Bay Wetlands started in the early 2000s and it opened in 2002, shortly after the barrage was completed which turned Cardiff Bay into a freshwater lake.
The project was led by the Cardiff Harbour Authority and involved the creation of a network of freshwater ponds, reed beds, and wet grassland habitats, as well as the planting of native trees and vegetation.
Published: 8 May 2023 · Last updated: 6 July 2023