Darllenwch yr erthygl yma yn Gymraeg | View this post in Welsh
Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not head to Cardiff Bay to visit the Senedd?
From politics to architecture, from art to artisan Welsh products, the Senedd has something for everyone.
1. The award-winning architecture and design
The Senedd is truly one of a kind. It’s huge funnel and canopy made of sustainable Canadian cedar wood are best viewed from inside the building, where you can explore on two levels.
2. Explore the Senedd trail
Looking for some fun, free children’s activities to enjoy this weekend? Little explorers can time-travel through the centuries on our children’s trails. Search the Senedd and collect the clues – and find out lots of interesting facts along the way. Hand your completed card back to Reception and enter the draw to win a prize!
3. See what happens behind the scenes
Over the summer our guided tours include exclusive access to areas not usually open to the public. Our friendly, expert guides will take you on a journey through the history of the Bay through to the architecture of the Senedd and Wales today.
Best of all, tours are free and run daily at 11.00 / 14.00 / 15.00
4. Enjoy a taste of Wales in our café and shop
A day of exploring the Bay calls for a paned (Welsh for ‘cuppa’) and cake in our café. Choose from a range of refreshments and enjoy beautiful views of the Bay through the Senedd’s huge windows. Next to the café is the shop, which stocks Welsh produce, books and gifts.
5. Take in some art
The Senedd will be hosting some great new exhibitions throughout the Summer.
You could create your own postcard from Wales inspired by Steve Knapik MBE’s huge installation and post it in our post box.
Discover some of the history of Cardiff Bay through Jack K Neale’s old black and white images of ships sailing out of Bute Docks, carrying South Wales coal back to France.
Or think about what you’d add to Drawn Together, a national project which invited people to take five minutes to draw something they could see. In total over 4,500 people participated, with drawings received from every county in Wales.
6. The friendliest security in Cardiff
As with any parliamentary building, all visitors are required to go through airport-style security on their way into the Senedd. However, our Security team strive to make a good first impression. Here is a very small selection of the many comments we’ve received about them on Trip Advisor:
“Had to pass through security, but they were the politest I’ve encountered (Heathrow take note)”
Celticfire
“Friendliest government building I have ever visited! Beautiful and interesting building manned by the friendliest staff I’ve ever come across. Even the security guards were a delight ensuring an easy, safe transit into the building.”
Gillyflower58
“Airport style security performed by some very happy and friendly staff.”
138Paul138
Did we mention we also have a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence?
7. Enjoy the Senedd’s environmental design
Baking hot in Cardiff Bay? The Senedd’s unique design keeps it lovely and cool on summer days. It’s windows actually open and close automatically to help regulate the temperature inside.
8. Help us celebrate 20 years
This year we are celebrating 20 years of the National Assembly for Wales. Share your aspirations for Wales over the next 20 years on our board.
9. We’ve got Lego®, Duplo® and activities for little ones
If you’re feeling inspired after seeing the Bright Bricks dragon, princess and wizard in Mermaid Quay, come along and add your own Lego® creation to our map of Wales. Throughout the holidays we also have colouring and craft available to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy a well-earned sit down.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThomas has got skills! 🐲
— Assembly Wales (@AssemblyWales) August 8, 2019
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We'd love to see more creations on our map of Wales – if you're visiting Cardiff Bay this week, come along to the Senedd and show us what you've got 🔥#lego #duplo #CardiffBay #mermaidquay #dragon https://t.co/AhVoCzknIT
10. It’s free!
And how much does it cost to access all this, I hear you ask? Nothing. The Senedd is a public building – your building – and we are open 7 days a week. Whether you’re visiting Cardiff for the weekend or you’re a local who’s never ventured inside, head down to the Senedd this summer as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Assembly for Wales.
The Cardiff Camera Club annual exhibition is on show in the Pierhead building until 27 September, a celebration of local amateur photographer talent. It features a wide range of prints taken locally, nationally and internationally, many of which have been successful in competitions, salons and exhibitions. The exhibition should be of interest to all visitors to Cardiff Bay and, hopefully, will inspire many to make even more of their cameras and in this era of digital photography.
Assembly Blog 