Roald Dahl Plass

Date of visit: January 2025

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Another point of interest in Cardiff for the Whovians out there – that’s Doctor Who fans to the uninitiated – is the site of Torchwood Three’s headquarters. Formerly known as the Oval Basin, the location was renamed in 2002 to honour the renowned children’s author Roald Dahl. The term "Plass" is a Norwegian word meaning "place" or "square," highlighting Dahl’s Norwegian heritage. This location features an amphitheatre, which is in use for concerts and events in warmer months, and with the Millennium Centre and the Welsh Parliament Building nearby, it’s a site of significance for the country. If you walk past the Plass and look out across the bay, you’ll see the Norwegian Church, where Roald Dahl was baptised. The church is now an arts centre and café but retains its original exterior.

Disabled Access In and Around

The Plass is a large open space accessible via the bay or down a gentle slope near the Millennium Centre. As there were no events taking place during my visit, there was plenty of space to move around. There are stone steps that function as seating for events, which can be used if you need a rest. You'll also find additional seating along the bay.

Parking & Transport

There are several routes to the Plass, including by Aquabus from the City Centre. The closest bus stop is just outside the Millennium Centre, where you'll find the following bus services: 1 City Circle, 1A, 6 Baycar, 8, 304, 305, Sky, and X2. If arriving by car, there are a handful of standard parking spaces and two EV charging spaces at the entrance to the Plass, but the area is rather busy. A good alternative can be found at the Mermaid Quay car park on Stuart Street, just over 150 metres away. The Mermaid Quay car park has 380 spaces, 16 of which are accessible. Please keep in mind that there is a charge for parking here.

Accessible Toilets

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There are no toilets at the Plass, however, the Millennium Centre is open to the public during the day and has both accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor.

Staff

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This location is unstaffed.

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