A great place to visit at any time of the day, Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour is exceptionally photogenic.
There are no two ways about it. The Bay is absolutely packed with architecture which make fantastic foils to the incredible hues evident in the sky during this period of twilight. Below are just a few examples of what to expect.
The Wales Millennium Centre
With it’s lettering lit up this stunning piece of architecture makes a great foreground subject
Home to the Welsh National Opera the Wales Millenium Centre is free to walk around. The design is impressive and it’s constructed entirely from materials sourced in Wales.
The Pierhead Building
Very close to the Millenium Centre is the Pierhead building. You can’t miss it. It’s big and red and made of brick. It’s was built in 1897 as the Headquarters of the Bute Dock Company.
Lit up in Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour it’s colour stands out against the vibrancy of the sky.
The Senedd
Right next door to the Pierhead is the main public building of the National Assembly, The Senedd. Another architectural masterpiece, the silhouette of it’s massive sculpted roof stands right out.
Roald Dahl Plass
This public Plaza is right at the heart of Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour. Lit up by illuminated pillars, all of the buildings mentioned above are just off it.
Over the water to Techniquest
Techniquest is another building that’s lit up in Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour. And because it can be viewed fairly closer across the water you get the benefit of the reflection of those lights as well as some incredible silhouettes.
Pubs and Restaurants
Being the largest waterfront development in Europe, Cardiff Bay is home to as many bars and restaurants as you can shake a stick at. Lit up, both inside and out, they provide great foreground interest to the deep blue sky beyond.
Views across the water
Being the largest waterfront development in Europe, Cardiff Bay is home to as many bars and restaurants as you can shake a stick at. Lit up, both inside and out, they provide great foreground interest to the deep blue sky beyond.
Boardwalks
The boardwalks in Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour are an absolute pleasure just to walk, never mind photograph. This area is incredibly popular, especially in the Summer, so it’s almost unthinkable to have it to yourself. Unless you time it right. And Blue Hour is the right time. With it’s restaurants and bars lit up and the Pierhead Building in the background it’s also a great place to take a few shots.
Statue of Gandhi
Unveiled in The Bay to mark the 148th anniversary of his birth, the statue of this great man is an incredibly powerful symbol. Looking and heading towards Roald Dahl Plas it also makes a great foreground subject to a Blue Hour sky background.
Planning your trip to Cardiff Bay
How to get there
Cardiff has great transport links. Just off the M4, the main motorway from London to South Wales, the city also has good train links from London, Manchester and beyond. Furthermore Cardiff also has an airport which is approximately 15 miles from the City with rail and bus links to the centre. Plenty of airlines fly into Cardiff Airport. We always use Skyscanner to check out the best current deals on flights.
Where to stay
Probably our favourite hotel close the city itself and The Bay is the Novotel. It is a little outside the centre but less than a mile walk to the Millennium Centre and is ideal if you want get away from the hustle and bustle. Great for families, it also has a pool.
When we stay in Cardiff Bay we stay at the voco St. Davids Hotel and Spa. A 5 Star hotel right on the waterfront. It, too, has a pool and offers fantastic views of the water and Cardiff Bay.
How to get around
Cardiff Bay is fairly compact which makes it a great place to explore on foot. There is also an abundance of public transport including bus, train or boat. Navigation is also pretty easy with most attractions well signposted.
More Info on Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour
There are so many things to photograph in Cardiff Bay at Blue Hour that it’s difficult to get around the all in one go! We think the Norwegian Church would make another great subject at that time of day but it’ll have to wait for us until next time!!
More Info on Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay has everything you’d expect from a major waterside development. History and museums, hotels and restaurants. And it’s on the water! We love walking about outside here when the weather is good. But when it’s not there are still plenty of things you can do. Check out our post on Things to do in Cardiff Bay in the rain for more info.
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