Wales
CARDIFF
Fountains in the Square at Cardiff Bay
N.B. This page is currently being updated and until this work is completed during Spring 2010 we strongly advise you to check with the attraction providers included for more current information.
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.
Cardiff National Museum and Art Gallery
The National Museum and Art Gallery is a short walk 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. There is a disabled toilet on site and a restaurant as well as a coffee shop. There is only one gallery that is not wheelchair accessible, most of the rest can be reached independently however some lifts need to be operated by a member of staff.
Bute Park
The park is in the city centre next to the castle ( there is no wheelchair access to the castle but if you phone in advance 029 2087 8100 it is possible to view a video about it ). 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.
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 is now a craft centre and cafe, nearby is a visitor and information centre known affectionately as "The Tube", both are accessible. The promenade is a pleasant walk and wheelchair friendly.
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. Both floors have a disabled toilet, however some assistance may be required as the doors are awkward and there is little room to manoeuvre, if visiting alone please ask a member of staff if you require help.
Cosmeston Medieval Village
The Medieval Village is situated in 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 The Lakes visitor centre and there is an accessible boardwalk down to the village. 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. There is a disabled toilet and cafe in the visitor centre. Disabled parking spaces are near the centre.
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 Cardiff
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. Unusually for this hotel group the bathroom had an extra hand basin in it (as the other one was placed too high to reach from a wheelchair) and this could impede access to the toilet. However it did have the usual wheel-in shower and the continental breakfast included in the room price. 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 early in 2010.