Cardiff Bay Barrage

The perfect place to take a stroll or cycle ride, visitors can learn more about this feat of engineering by exploring the variety of information boards on the route. Or visit the skate park and children's play area. 

A link between the Bay and Penarth, it also forms part of the 10k Cardiff Bay Trail through ISV. Pick up a map at the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre.

Locks and Bridges

There are 3 locks on the Barrage. Each lock is 40 metres long; two are 8metres wide and one is 10.5metres wide. The locks allow boats to navigate between the Severn Estuary and Cardiff Bay. Each lock has a bascule bridge weighing approximately 88 tonnes.When they are closed these allow passage over the barrage structure for pedestrians and vehicles. 

Sluice Gates

There are 5 sluice gates that control the level of water in the Bay. Each sluice gate is 9metres wide and 7.5metres high. When the estuary level is higher than the Bay level the sluices close to prevent seawater entering the freshwater lake. When the estuary level is lower than the Bay level the sluice gates open to maintain a preferred level of water in the Bay.

Fish Pass

The Barrage incorporates a specially designed fish pass to allow salmon and sea trout to return to the Rivers Taff and Ely. It is one of the most  advanced of its kind in Europe. Underwater cameras, motion and audio equipment record their passage through the Fish Pass.

Information Points

Around the Barrage site there are numerous large visitor information signs which provide details of the Barrage operation and the surrounding area.

The Sails

The Barrage Sails have become a landmark on the Barrage. The design of the viewpoint reflects a ship's bow and the nautical theme is extended with a decked surface and sails.

Age of Coal exhibition

This exhibition demonstrates the link between The mining industry in the Welsh Valleys and the impact it had on the development of the docks in Cardiff and Penarth.

Captain Scott Exhibition

In 1910 the British Antarctic Expedition, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, departed from Cardiff Bay in the vessel SS Terra Nova. Under the barrage sails you will find a fascinating outdoor exhibition displaying Scott's journey to the Antarctic and the methods used to reach the pole. 

Children's Play Area

Visit the children's pirate ship play area. The choice of equipment and blue ‘sea' surfacing allows access and play for all abilities.

adiZone

The adiZone is a free outdoor sports facility designed in the shape of the London 2012 Olympic logo. The adiZone comprises of a modern 18 station outdoor gym, basketball area, football goal, tennis wall, climbing wall and an open area for aerobics, dance, martial arts, gymnastics and play.

Skate Plaza

The Cardiff Barrage Skate Plaza is the city's first concrete skate park and covers an area of over 1,100 square metres. The plaza has been designed to replicate features from famous skating locations around the world.