HOME INTERNATIONAL REGATTA 2016 SPECTATOR GUIDE

With its close proximity to city centre and brilliant prospects from along the barrage, is arguably one of the most vibrant venues on the Home International Regatta circuit. This guide is by no means an exhaustive guide of all to do and see in the area, however it does provide an insight for those travelling to Cardiff Bay for the first time.

WHERE TO WATCH

The course itself will run the width of the bay, starting on the Penarth side, running parallel to the barrage, and finishing at . It’s a big location with panoramic views so there are plenty of places to spectate from, but here are some of our favourites…

1. The Barrage - This is going to be the best place to watch the racing unfold. The Barrage is a 1.1km stretch that runs across the mouth of Cardiff Bay, connecting Penarth and Cardiff docks. The landscaped embankment is a public open space where you can walk and picnic, with excellent views out over the bay (and the sea). At the Penarth end it will offer good views of the start, while at the northern end you will be able to view the finish line. For more information, click here.

2. The Norwegian Church - The Norwegian Church Arts Centre is one of the landmark buildings in Cardiff Bay and from there you will have panoramic views over the waterfront. If you want to take a break from the rowing, they have a café and are also currently running the Roald Dahl 100 exhibit. Find out more, here: www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com.

3. The Lookout Café – Close to the Doctor Who Experience is the Lookout Café. With a balcony that juts out over the water, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch if you don’t want to miss a second of racing. Click here to take a look at the stunning views and food on offer.

4. The Pierhead Building – This is the iconic red brick building in front of the Millennium Centre. Just in front of here, Welsh Rowing will have an area where members of the public can have a go at rowing themselves on the ergometers. Our event volunteers and coaches will also be on hand to offer advice on how to start rowing. Visit pierhead.org for more information on the centre.

5. The St David’s Hotel – If you want a little luxury in your HIR weekend, head on over to The St. David’s Hotel. As well as being a good location to spectate the course, their Tempus at Tides Restaurant offers stylish and modern dining; it is also a regular spot for famous faces. Why not indulge in alfresco afternoon tea at ‘Tempus on the Terrace’ for views of Cardiff Bay and the finish line. Booking required. View their menu and gallery here.

GETTING AROUND

Cardiff Bay is just over a kilometre from Cardiff city centre and the barrage itself is over a kilometre long. Besides walking and public transport links, here are some of the more novel ways to get around on the day…

The Water Taxi – If you want to take the scenic route into Cardiff city centre, you can jump on the Cardiff Boat Water Bus. They go from in front by the Millennium Centre into , Cardiff’s main park located just behind . Boats go every hour and takes approximately 25 minutes. View the times and routes here.

Bike Hire – The barrage is bike friendly and cycling would be the idea way to get from the start to the finish line quickly. Cardiff Pedal Power offer a range of bikes, trikes, tandems and

more, for hire from Cardiff Bay. Book in advance. For more information and how to hire, click here.

Eliptigo – If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not hire an EliptiGo, a cross trainer you can ride around the bay! Take a look here on Wales Online. With the flat, wide paths along the barrage, it’s the perfect place to give them a go. You can find out how to hire them on Cardiff Bay ElliptiGo’s Facebook page.

PARKING

There are a number of car parks around the bay, depending on where you want to base yourself and your willingness to walk. Here are the four main car parks around Cardiff Bay….

A. The Barrage – With only 129 capacity you’ll need to get there early to grab a space here. It is the closest car park to the start line and is a convenient spot to walk along and watch from the barrage. £8.50 for up to 8 hours.

B. Mermaid Quay Car Park – This car park puts you right at the heart of Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, close to a number of cafes, bars and restaurants, and only a five minute walk to the water for views across to the finish line. 8 hours is £10.

C. Pierhead Street MSCP – Known as Cardiff Bay’s premier parking location, with 1238 spaces close to all the amenities at Cardiff Bay. Located just behind and the Pierhead Building, this car park is an easy 5-10 minute walk to viewing points of the finish line.

D. Havannah Street – Close to this car park you would have views across the bay towards the barrage. Located beside St David’s Hotel, you’d be able to enjoy much of the closing stages of the race. It would be a 15-20 minute walk through Mermaid Quay and around the Pierhead to walk along the barrage. £8.50 for up to 8 hours.

For more information on these car parks, click here.

Useful Links

For further information on Cardiff Bay, visit:

Visit Cardiff Bay website. Discover Cardiff Bay. Visit Wales – Top things to see and do in Cardiff Bay.

MAP