Holiday rentals and lettings in Cardiff Bay

Looking to spend your vacation in a chic and modern town right by the beautiful British Atlantic, yet protected from the elements in a cozy bay? Cardiff Bay is the perfect place for you! A decade ago, the old Cardiff docklands were redeveloped, and the stylish and contemporary area of Cardiff Bay was born. Most of the lettings here are modern flats: some in highrise towers, others in smaller buildings, and some even in the middle of Cardiff Bay’s largest park, Hamadryad Park.

Because Cardiff Bay was built only recently, most of the buildings here are new or renovated. This is not a destination for quaint old houses or ancient historic landmarks, but a celebration of modernity and dynamism. Mermaid Quay offers a variety of attractions, restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as plenty of contemporary apartments for you to stay. If you prefer a bigger rental for extra comfort or a larger group, consider staying in the city of Cardiff itself.

Cardiff Bay is on the edge of Cardiff, the capital of Wales and the centre of its political and cultural life. The bay is located on the shoreline of the Bristol Channel, but cut off from it by the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which keeps the water from escaping during low tides. The result is a contemporary, urban bay, with most shops and restaurants located on the north side, including its signature Mermaid Quay.

Mermaid Quay is a hub of entertainment and retail, and the perfect place to have a drink, lunch of dinner, all while taking in the views over this most modern of bays. If shopping strikes your fancy, it boasts over thirty gorgeous boutiques, and a hilarious comedy troupe at the Glee Club. Mermaid Quay’s maritime location is the inspiration behind its distinctive architecture, with various terraces, towers, balconies, and colonnades.

Don’t let its contemporary facade fool you: Cardiff Bay has a lot to offer families with children of all ages. Schedule a day at Techniquest, a hands-on science centre with over a hundred educational exhibits. For a most child-pleasing of days out visit The Dr. Who Experience, where you can experience at first hand the show’s sets, props, and costumes, and feel like you are really in the show. If you or your children prefer a more energetic day out, then a visit to the Cardiff International Pool is a must. It is indoors, so weather is not an issue, and it features water fountains, twisting slides, and inflatables, making it a fun day out for all.

Because Cardiff Bay is completely enclosed and flat, it makes for an ideal place for a spot of cycling. Start your ride in the heart of Cardiff Bay by Mermaid Quay and head up Harbour Drive, passing interesting sights such as the Norwegian Church. Finish this route at the Cardiff Bay Barrage, and cycle all the way across it to complete the final part of the ride.

Find the best shows here that are currently touring nationally, such as Footloose and Cats. You can even catch a free show on the Glanfa Stage and enjoy a pleasant cultural evening.

Although Cardiff Bay is not a place with a long history, there are a few historic buildings left to explore. One of them is the Pierhead, which was built in 1897 and later served as the Great Western Railway head office. Today it is a conference and event venue, and it plays hosts to historical displays and art exhibitions.

Another iconic landmark of Cardiff Bay, the Norwegian Church was first built to serve the large Norwegian sailor community at the time. Since been converted into an art gallery and cafe, its original architecture makes it a real marvel.

In the spacious gallery of the Cardiff Bay cultural centre, you can find a showcase of ceramics, jewellery, metal work and textiles made by the Makers Guild in Wales. Snap up some quality craft work and even meet the artists, then enjoy a drink and spot to eat in the fabulous cafe.

Perhaps the best way to explore Cardiff Bay and its surrounding coastline is by boat. Choose from water taxis and high speed boat tours. You can even organize maritime children’s parties and hen and stag parties!