Wales
CARDIFF
The Square at Cardiff Bay
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, it is an interesting city with a good selection of shops and plenty to see and do. There is some on-street free disabled parking, there are adequate dropped kerbs and the city centre is wheelchair friendly.
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page.
N.B. This page has recently been updated however the three attractions marked with an asterisk *have yet to be re- visited so we strongly advise you to check with these attraction providers for more current information.
The National Museum Wales
Cardiff's National Museum Wales
The National Museum Wales is a short walk/wheel from the city centre and access is obtained by pressing a bell by a small gate on the left hand side of the main entrance, then via a lift. There are disabled parking places in front of the gallery and in the car park at the rear. The gallery has an extensive collection of paintings and sculpture and the museum, as well as housing many exhibits has a hands-on interactive area.
One of the larger exhibits
There is a restaurant / coffee shop on site. Only one gallery is not wheelchair accessible, most of the rest can be reached independently however some lifts need to be operated by a member of staff.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Cardiff Castle
The Keep at Cardiff Castle
The Castle is located within the city centre and its history dates back 2,000 years to the end of the 50s AD when a Roman fort was established on the site which afforded a strategic position with easy access to the sea. The Castle site has undergone many changes over the ensuing years including the addition of the Keep after the Norman Conquest and a Gothic 'makeover' during the 19th Century.
The path to the Castle Entrance
The Interpretation Centre is wheelchair accessible with a lift to take visitors from the ground floor to the first floor exhibition, film presentation and roof terrace.
N.B. access to the Keep (shown in the photograph) which contains internal staircases is limited to visitors who are able to climb the 50 steps up to it.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Bute Park
The park is in the city centre next to the castle. The river Taff flows through the park, there are well maintained paths and beautiful herbaceous borders.
Only a short distance from the front of the park is The Millennium Stadium *home of Welsh Rugby. Please ring in advance on 029 2082 2228 to book a tour of the stadium, this lasts approximately one hour. When ringing if you explain that you need wheelchair access, arrangements can be made for parking at the front of the stadium. The disabled toilet that we used on site has more than adequate room to manoeuvre. There is also a shop selling memorabilia etc.
Cardiff Bay
A View across Cardiff Bay towards The Norwegian Church
Cardiff Bay has undergone tremendous change in recent years and is now a busy place with lots of restaurants and bars offering a wide range of international cuisine. It has a vibrant atmosphere both during the day and in the evening. The Norwegian Church which is now a craft centre and cafe which is wheelchair accessible. The promenade is a pleasant walk and also wheelchair friendly.
The Tube
Cardiff Bay Visitor Information Centre
Nearby is a visitor and information centre known affectionately as "The Tube". As well as a wealth of information about the area, the centre has exhibitions and a film show about Cardiff Bay.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Techniquest Cardiff Bay
Techniquest Science Centre
Techniquest is a hands-on interactive science centre which is both educational and great fun for children and adults alike. There is a lot to see and do, so allow sufficient time to enjoy it fully. It is easily accessible for wheelchairs and has a cafe which serves meals as well as light refreshment. There is a reduced admission fee for wheelchair users and no charge for their companion.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Cosmeston Medieval Village
Cosmeston Medieval Village
The Medieval Village is situated within Cosmeston Lakes Country Park at Penarth about five miles from Cardiff. This part of Wales was actually part of England during the fourteenth century, the period when this living history experience was set. Tickets can be purchased for the tour in visitor centre and there is an accessible boardwalk down to the village.
Our reseacher enjoying the experience
There is a person in medieval dress waiting to escort you around explaining what life was like 600 years ago. Several of the houses have one step down into them but there is a ramp available on request to make wheelchair access easier.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
The Museum of Welsh Life *is at St.Fagans about six miles north west of Cardiff. There is ample free parking and admission is free. There is disabled access throughout and adequate disabled toilets. The restaurant serves excellent meals as well as light snacks and had special cutlery suitable for those with difficulty holding on to things. The museum contains a large collection of buildings from different periods in time and all over Wales faithfully reconstructed as they were originally.
The Roman Amphitheatre at Caerleon
About twelve miles northeast of Cardiff ( junction 26 off the M4 ) is the village of Caerleon * which is built on the site of the Roman fortress of Isca. There are a variety of remains on view including the amphitheatre you can see above. It is possible to access the arena down a slope at the back. The barracks which are opposite the amphitheatre are not wheelchair accessible.The Roman baths are housed under a modern covered building and can be viewed from an elevated walkway, entrance is free to a wheelchair user and companion. Further up the street is the museum which has a ramp to the front entrance. There is good access inside and again entrance is free. There is a disabled toilet and souvenirs for sale. Also in the village is the Ffwrrwm Arts and Craft centre which has a courtyard with several shops, a tea room and small sculpture garden.
Cardiff is a city of contrast offering a wide variety of attractions that span the centuries from its historic past to the present day. It is a great place for a short city break or a longer stay.
Places to Stay
Sleeperz
An external view of the hotel showing its proximity to the car park
The Sleeperz Hotel is ideally located within the city centre within easy wheeling distance of the main shopping area. It is also adjacent to Cardiff Central Railway Station, the main bus station (including the National Express coach stop) and a large taxi rank with many accessible taxis.
A view of Room 02 showing the practicality of the layout
The hotel includes four designated accessible rooms and our researchers stayed in room 02, a very comfortable and practical room which was located on the lower ground floor.
The restaurant affords guests excellent views of the city
The stylish hotel restaurant where guests can choose from an excellent selection of cooked and fresh dishes on the breakfast menu also serves evening meals.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here .
Express by Holiday Inn Cardiff
Our researchers have also stayed at the Express by Holiday Inn in Cardiff Bay on previous visits to the city. This hotel does not have ground floor accessible rooms and the room they stayed in was on the second floor. The view from the window across the dock was extremely pleasant.
For more detailed accessibility information please click here
Information about other accommodation in the city will be available later in 2010.