Trip Planner: Europe / UK / Wales / South Wales / Cardiff / Parks / Roald Dahl Plass

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff

(80+ reviews on the web)

Nature / Park

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."Plass" means space, place or square in Norwegian, 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.HistoryThe area was originally all wetlands owned by John Crichton-Stuart, 2nd Marquess of Bute. He was persuaded to finance construction of the dock on his land at a cost of over £ 350,000. The dock opened under the name "West Bute Dock" on 8 October 1839, and was over 1400 yards (1280 m) long and 200 feet (60 m) wide, allowing 300 vessels to berth at any time.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

James H

It's a circle, with a vague representation of some local landmarks on it. You'll probably walk past it before you notice it. It's not a local landmark in itself. more »
Meggadad

Barren area where a much loved maritime and industrial museum used to stand. What is the connection between the old Bute Dock sea lock and Roald Dahl anyway? more »
Laura R

Interest piece of art. No plaques or notices to say it had anything to do with Roald Dahl, bit disappointing. more »

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Google

Sarah Davies

Great to walk around here and see the sights. Always lots happening

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Colin Chapman

I find it much prettier in the evenings when the pillars are lit up with colours lights. That said, it's a concrete basin that sometimes a food market, sometimes an artificial beach, and sometimes home to a show from Thailand.

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Dung Le

One of the most wonderful views in Cardiff. This is a very peaceful and beautiful place I've seen

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Tracy Reynolds

I love Cardiff Bay. This is a beautiful part of the City to take your kids, or share a walk along the waterfront with a first date. Great thing about it, there are venues to cater for every budget; from high end restaurants and bars to affordable eateries like Nandos, Subway and a Wetherspoons. Even a Gregg's if they're the kind of date you don't want to entertain for a second encounter.

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BALOL FISH

Ohh I love Cardiff I wish I come back there 😔

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