Places to take your bae in Cardiff Bay

The date night possibilities are limitless

2 years ago | UPDATED 2 years ago

Every once in a while it’s nice to get dressed up and go somewhere special with your SO and Cardiff Bay is definitely not short on cozy and romantic spots. Whether it be for morning coffee, cultural trips, dinner dates, a fun fair or evening drinks, the bay has something for any kind of date.

Take your time to have a wander and appreciate the views. With expansive vistas across to Penarth and the option to walk right along the barrage – this waterside wonder will help you forget you’re in a city. Once you’ve taken in the scenery there is plenty to explore: here’s a list of just a few date spots in the bay for your romantic dreams.

Coffee Galore

The bay can meet all your caffeine needs, with not one but two Coffi co’s, a Costa, and the independent Quantum Coffee Roasters. So, assuming it’s a sunny day in the bay, you can snuggle up to your bae sipping coffee and taking in those gorgeous views.

Snuggle buddy and coffee not pictured

Cocktails all around

If you’re looking for some fancy drinks, Gin & Bake is the place to go – specialising in everyone’s favourite: Gin. From Jaffa cake to rhubarb and custard-inspired cocktails, Gin & Bake boasts an extensive range of flavoured gins. This picture-perfect bar is not only great for its drinks and delicious baked goods, but with the beautiful floral decor, you can take some gorgeous pictures to remember your classy night out. If that’s not what you fancy, there’s also a Las Iguanas for all your 2-4-1 dreams.

Something Sweet

If a sweet treat is a perfect way to end your date, why not try Cadwaladers. This traditional ice-cream parlour was founded in 1927 and is famous for its top-secret vanilla recipe. Specialising in sweet treats they have an ever-changing menu with new ice-cream flavours, warming waffles, and extra special sundaes.

Another perfect option for the sweet-tooths out there is a date at Deliciously Rich. Brownies for sunset? A perfect cinematic moment.

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Lights, Camera, Action

What better way to watch the latest blockbuster than from the comfort of the couch. The Everyman Cinema has five screens ranging from just 31 to 67 seats, serving food and drinks to your sofas throughout the film. With a laid-back and homely viewing experience, this is the perfect place to go to relax, unwind and feast on the latest cinema releases. A very fancy place to take your special someone.

Win a teddy bear and teach it about Welsh history

Winter Wonderland may be in town now but what happens in the summer when it’s finally warm and you’re dying to bring home a giant hedgehog? Well, all the family fun fair stalls, rides, and the giant wheel can be found in Cardiff Bay making for some fantastic memories after you convince your date to go on the wheel with you and they hold your hand the whole time shaking with fear (score: hand-holding on the date.)

Besides all the games you can play and the rides you can go on, the Bay is rich in historical and contemporary culture with plenty to learn, explore and experience. From tours around the Senedd (the Welsh Government) to the stylish home of Welsh democracy where safeguarding decisions, laws and COVID regulations are made.

A few paces over you have the white-walled Norwegian Church. Now an Art Gallery displaying pieces from local artists, this is where you want to go if you’re interested in the bay’s roots and rich history.

The Millennium Centre

Don’t let the final curtain of your date fall without checking out the Wales Millennium Centre. This impressive building is home to music and theatre in Cardiff. Boasting some of the best musical, comedic, and operatic performances in the UK, it has an impressive line up soon to be hosting Beauty and the Beast, We Will Rock You, Madam Butterfly, Dreamgirls, Six and Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John.

If you fancy an evening of live entertainment, check out their website for more details and ticket prices – you may be surprised at just how accessible it is with tickets starting from just £17.

Wine & Dine

The Bay has a whole host of eateries that are perfect for every occasion. For quick, pit stop munches the Bay offers up a Greggs, Costa, and Subway that’ll keep you fuelled throughout your day. For a sit-down meal, there are options for a cheeky Nandos, Cosy Club, or Wagamama. If it’s Italian you’re feeling, you’ve got the option of Zizzi’s, Giovanni’s, or Pizza Express.

If you’re after something a bit more chilled why not try out HubBox? This up-and-coming Burger chain has a great light-hearted atmosphere, chic interior, and great food. With extensive menus there are plenty of veggie and vegan options too, everyone is catered for.

In true Welsh style, you’re not far from the pub, or two… or seven. If you’re looking for some pub grub, there are plenty of options within minutes of the waterfront, including the obligatory Spoons (The Mount Stuart), The Dock, and the Waterguard.

A trip out on the Water

While Cardiff may not be water park weather year-round, you can still get out on the water with boat trips and tours around the Bay. Cardiff Boat Sail is available on the hour from 10am til 4pm from Cardiff bay to the city centre every weekend, offering an exciting alternative to your regular Uber. AquaBus offers trips around the Bay, with cruises around the nature reserves and the Barrage. There are also options to travel all the way up to Cardiff Castle and the shops.

Photographic evidence of the not-so-sunny welsh weather

Cardiff Bay is a lot closer than you think, just a half-hour walk from the city centre. Though, if you’re not up for the walk there are plenty of other ways to get there, with any time returns from Cathays to Cardiff Bay train station starting at just £3.70.

With all the possible date options available in the Bay, it is unlikely you’ll ever run out of ideas. So why not take you and your bae down to the Bay, and see what romantic things you can get up to.