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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 Erwin Lampaert On May 6, 2018

Great walking eating opportunities. Nice playground for children. It has a great history with the harbor and docks nearby

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By Amaka Nwagbara On April 17, 2018

Lovely space. Definitely worth a visit in the summer!

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By Eleri David On April 16, 2018

Looking at it now it's difficult to believe that this area was once full of water allowing ships to dock. The transformation in this part of Cardiff has been absolute and it deserves the large numbers of visitors who now flock here. Overlooked by Ivor Novello and now named after one of Cardiff's famous authors its previous name- The Oval Baisin- perhaps gives a better description of this amphitheatre-esque area as it is just a sunken open area with the impressive backdrop of the iconic Millennium Centre and striking Pierhead Building. Sci-fi fans will revognise it as home to Torchwood and can visit the nearby shrine to much loved character Ianto. Close to the railway station and main parking areas this is a useful thoroughfare on a wander around Cardiff Bay but it is frequently the focal point for popular events. From the popular Food Festival and Cardiff Beach to Oktoberfest, and the Lady Boys of Bangkok there's something for everyone here. Even if there's nothing special going on its a great place for kids to ride their bikes and hone their scooter skills or the perfect spot to stand back and breathe in that lovely Welsh air whilst admiring the spectacular surroundings.

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By Astra Kaprinaputri On April 22, 2018

Nice place. But nothing special about this place

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By Sherjeel Sohail On May 6, 2018

Great place to visit. Go see.

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