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Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff

3.7

#9 of 17 in Parks in Cardiff

Roald Dahl Plass is a public space in Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, Wales. It is named after Cardiff-born author Roald Dahl, and is located on the coast along the south of the city centre. The square is home to the Senedd (Welsh Assembly Building) and the Wales Millennium Centre, a performing arts centre. The bowl-like shape of the space has made it a popular amphitheatre for hosting open-air concerts.Formerly named the Oval Basin or the Bowl to locals, the area was one of the docks for a thriving coal port during the latter half the 19th century and much of the 20th century. Following World War II, the space entered a period of decay and dereliction until the 1980s, when the Cardiff Bay area was regenerated.The name is a nod to the acclaimed writer's roots (both of Dahl's parents were from Norway) and to the Norwegian seafarers' church which stands nearby. "Plass" is the Norwegian cognate of the English word "place;" in this context the word means square in Norwegian, although the word can also mean "space" or "place." However in Norwegian the name of a square named after a person would correctly be written in the genitive case, in this case as "Roald Dahls plass" (literally, "Roald Dahl's square"). The word "plass" is not capitalized in modern (post-1907) Norwegian.

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Roald Dahl Plass Reviews

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93 reviews

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4.4

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4.2

219 likes

By 186377Adequate On March 20, 2018

This pass,set in front of the Arts Centre,amidst old and new.The old docks set on one side and new complexes on þe other.Nicely sited close to the water this area suits all sorts for þhe pleasure seek... more »
By AWxxx On December 22, 2017

Usually lots of activity going on on the weekends, surrounded by many restaurants and next to the Millennium Centre for culture lovers. more »
By KevinRayment On December 9, 2017

The area was empty when I visited but I understand it is used as the start for races and as a fair and a beach. It is unusual how it appears like a dock with an entry to the bay side under a bridge wi... more »

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By Leanne On September 15, 2017

Great day out with the kids beautiful scenery.. food was overpriced but kind of expected that. Great day out.. although I will avoid the beach part next time as there were fleas in it I gathering not every one kept their dogs off

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By Joe Reynolds On July 16, 2017

Love this place. Great for a walk, and ice cream and a coffee. Makes a nice weekend distraction. Red dragon over the road and a nice walk round to the barrage.

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By Shahrukh Gazdar On October 26, 2017

View , clearity , position of Building all around perfect

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By Karl On August 28, 2017

Nice area that has some great attractions throughout the year, the food festival is brilliant and during summer months the beach and fairground attractions are worth a visit.

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By Ditzy Doodles On September 9, 2017

We had a fab first visit to Cardiff and loved our time having Summer Fun at Roald Dahl Plas!

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