The three vast cantilevered bridges are fantastic to watch as they slowly open and close and it is marvellous to be able to stand so close and watch the boats rising and falling as the water levels a just in the lock.The area is safely fenced in so even little kids can get a great view of the boats going up and down. Once the bridges are down pedestrians can walk across and then all the way through to Cardiff Bay itself. There is a little cabin selling coffee and refreshments under the watch tower and you can catch the little train if your legs are tired!

You can pick up a location map and spot the Cardiff sights that double as locations for Doctor Who and Torchwood. Combine a visit to the Doctor Who Up-close exhibition in Cardiff Bay with a tour of the locations.

Shooting has begun on the new series of Doctor Who, which will feature Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor when the new series starts in 2010. When the Doctor returns he’ll be dashing across the universe with Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan.

The Cardiff Exhibition has now re-opened following a complete refurbishment in October 2008.

Now on display, exhibits from the Christmas Day Episode titled ‘The Next Doctor’, including a Cybershade monster and David Morrissey’s costume.

Also now on display, from the Chirstmas episode, the calculating villian Miss Hartigan!

Doctor Who Up Close Cardiff – the phenomenally popular exhibition showcasing Doctor Who props, costumes and monsters at the Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay – was recently named the number one attraction in Cardiff.

Open throughout 2009 including New displaysfeaturing exhibits of props, costumes and monsters from the new series starring David Tennant and his assistants.

See first hand some of the spectacular props costumes and monsters from Doctor Who.

Get Up Close to creatures from other worlds including some of the very latest enemies of the Doctor.

Latest News: Sontaran is now at the Cardiff exhibition.

Come face to face with the newest Doctor Who creatures and companions, featuring to name a few, the Sibylline Sisters, Cyberman,Clockwork man, Sontaran, the Hath and of course…beware ALL NEW DALEK ENCOUNTER! Not to forget costumes displayed for the Doctors trusted team: Martha Jones, Captain Jack and Donna Noble…with many more inside.

See the actual costumes worn by David Tennant and Freema Agyeman.

Catch up with the TARDIS

And be warned, there are DALEKS too!

If you’ve seen it on TV, you may well find it lurking here!

Opening hours: 10.00am to 6.30pm (last entry 6.15pm) *Late openings during peak season. Opening times subject to change without notice*

Admissions charges: £18 family, £6 adults, £4.50 child/concession

Please note: All the above is effective from opening on Tues Feb 3rd 2009

Free entry to the extensive Doctor Who Up Close shop

Free car parking for all visitors. Only at the Red Dragon Centre car park, and subject to availability.

Please note: All the above is effective from opening on Tuesday Feb 3rd 2009

The Doctor Who Up Close Shop is packed with all the latest Doctor Who items from giant inflatable Daleks to Sonic Screwdrivers and even talking bottle openers.

There are gift ideas here for all the family, wherever they live in the universe!

If you cannot get to the shop, then there is a mail order service via www.scificollector.co.uk

Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay:

The Red Dragon Centre is situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay, approximately 1 mile south of the city centre.

It is located opposite the Welsh Millennium Centre and is only 10 minutes from Junction 33 of the M4.

The Bay Xpress Bus runs from behind Cardiff Central Station to Cardiff Bay.

DIRECTIONS: Recommended route from any direction Leave M4 at junction 33, follow A4232 to cardiff bay go through the tunnel, stay in left hand lane.

Telephone 02920 489257

www.visitcardiff.com/doctor-who-up-close

The vision of the Centre is to bring the best of the world to Wales and to showcase the best of Wales to the world. Bass baritone Bryn Terfel, is the Centre’s Ambassador said ‘It’s a fabulous space for the performing arts, but it also gives the Welsh nation a chance to nurture artists’. Centrepiece of Wales Millennium Centre is the 1900 seat Donald Gordon Theatre, which presents some of the most outstanding musical theatre, opera, dance, physical theatre and ballet performances from across the globe. The centre’s other stage, the 250 seat Weston Studio, forms a dynamic theatre for interesting new work, to support and promote cultural development and to provide a platform for talented emerging artists – especially from Wales – to showcase their work. Other facilities include Hoddinott Hall – a 350 seat recital hall with state of the art recording facilities, and the Grace Williams Studio;Home of BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Chorus and Diversions’ Dance House is the fully equipped dance studio and performance space for Wales’s national dance company, Diversions;beautiful public spaces providing regular free performances, from jazz to folk, choral to emerging new talent,Visual art exhibitions,a range of cafés, restaurants and bars;Portmeirion shop;Corporate hospitality, business and conference rooms;

A fully equipped recording studio operated by Tŷ Cerdd;150 bed accommodation operated by Urdd Gobaith Cymru;Guided tours for individuals and groups, including specialist architectural tours and technical behind the scenes tours.Wales Millennium Centre is the permanent home to the following organisations Academi,BBC National Orchestra of Wales Diversions, the Dance Company of Wales, Hijinx Theatre,Touch Trust,Ty Cerdd,Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Welsh National Opera.The Centre is featured prominently in the popular BBC TV series Dr Who and Torchwood. Opposite the Centre’s iconic frontage lies the distinctive mirror water tower which is marks the location of the fictitious entrance to Torchwood’s underworld , reputedly based underneath Wales Millennium Centre! It has also featured in the popular Gavin and Stacey series.

www.wmc.org.uk

Hospitality at
the New Theatre

The New Theatre is able to provide a professional Catering service for a variety of different hospitality requirements.

We offer an extensive variety of menus ranging from finger buffets to seated banquets, all of which can be accompanied with a full bar service. We also offer children’s parties with a selection of fun and healthy foods.

The Stalls, Circle and Upper Circle foyers can accommodate parties of between 30 and 120 people depending upon the occasion. Most post-show events can usually be accommodated throughout the year, but availability can vary. Please call us for details.

The Richard Burton Suite is a private function room and is suitable for between 10 and 50 people offering a more intimate venue for pre-show and interval drinks receptions.

Please contact the Front of House team to discuss your requirements on 029 2087 8790

Published: 19 January 2010

Flybe shows commitment to Wales by upping Belfast flights

Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic Airline, is operating an additional four flights a week on its Cardiff to Belfast City route.

The announcement follows low cost carrier bmibaby’s decision to terminate its service from Cardiff Airport to Belfast International Airport effective from 25 February 2010.

Flybe will now operate up to 16 flights a week on its winter service between Cardiff and Belfast City with one way fares from £25.99 including taxes and airport charges.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, says: “While other airlines unfortunately continue to retrench and cut yet more services, we remain committed to filling as many of these abandoned routes as possible so that business and leisure travellers can still have a wide choice of affordable and convenient options to key destinations.

“Flybe’s overriding priority is keeping Britain on the move. As our regional economies slowly climb out of recession, we understand how crucial travel is to thousands of businesses up and down the country. These two cities are playing an important role as real engines of recovery for UK plc and Flybe aims to do everything possible to help them in whatever way we can.”

Spencer Birns, Head of Air Service Development at Cardiff Airport commented: “We are thrilled that Flybe has seen the opportunity which exists in connecting Wales and Northern Ireland. The increased frequency of their Belfast City service should be of great benefit to both business and leisure travellers both sides of the water.”

Mr Rutter concludes: “Flybe looks forward to welcoming our new customers on this important route and again we reaffirm our determination to serving the people of Wales and to maintaining our proud position as Cardiff’s number one airline.”

Cardiff’s docklands have always played a major role in Cardiff’s development. In the late 19th century coal from the Welsh valleys was transported through the docks to destinations across the world – powering the industrial age and powering Cardiff’s development.

The coal industry helped fund buildings including City Hall, the Coal Exchange and the New Theatre and helped the Third Marquess of Bute, who owned the docks, become the richest man in the world at the time.

After the second world war the coal industry declined and the docklands fell into disuse, but in 1999 new life was given to the area with the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which transformed an area of tidal mudflats into a 200 hectare freshwater lake and sparked the development of the surrounding area.

Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, is now popular part of any visit to Cardiff. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops in Mermaid Quay, cruise or sail on Cardiff Bay, or explore attraction such as the impressive Wales Millennium Centre,Norwegian Church, Red Dragon Centre or Techniquest – an interactive science discovery centre.

Regular free festivals and events, such as the Caribbean Carnival and the International Food and Drink Festival, take place throughout the year.

Visitors to Cardiff Bay can now walk to the barrage and across to Penarth Head, with the opening of the Cardiff Bay Barrage Coast Path from the Inner Harbour to the barrage. The new route provides a safe pedestrian and cycle route with direct access to and from the Inner Harbour, linking with the existing footway, cycle way and transport network through to the city and beyond.

As part of the Harbour Authority’s commitment to the project, the Coast Path will be open to match the Cardiff Bay Barrage opening hours, which at present means people can access the route until 8pm daily.

The long awaited final link runs from the Environment Building on the Penarth side of the Barrage to a new bridge crossing Roath Basin lock next to the Norwegian Church. This link forms part of a longer term project to create a coastal path to link Newport, Cardiff, Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan by 2012. The aim by 2013 is also to provide links from the coastal path to the Ely, Taff and Rhymney trails and circular walks such as around Cardiff Bay & Lamby tip.

To be among the very best in the world is the most challenging goal we can set ourselves. We have done so because it is only through working to achieve the very highest international standards in research, teaching and other activities that we can realise the full potential of the academic community that is Cardiff University. Our vision reflects our service to society and we pursue our vision in the belief that all those with an interest in the University should expect no lesser ambition.

Our Mission is to pursue research, learning and teaching of international distinction and impact.

Features of our Vision and Mission are a striving for excellence, integrityand innovation in every aspect of activity; a strongly collaborative approach; open and effective communications and an inclusive culture based on dignity, courtesy and respect.

A city with both heritage and ambition Cardiff has a distinctive character, a good quality of life, and a growing national and international reputation.

It is presently host to numerous large and high profile events, including Britain’s largest free summer festival.

As the capital city of Wales it is home to many national institutions including the National Museum of Wales and the much-admired Millennium Stadium.

The city centre skyline is testimony to its heritage and ambition, with landmark buildings ranging from the ornate civic centre to the historic Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff is well established as ‘Europe’s Youngest Capital’ but its history dates back more than 2000 years to the Romans. It was once one of the busiest ports in the world, exporting the coal which fuelled the industrial revolution.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement.

The University’s breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.

From its outstanding central location amidst the parks, Portland-stone buildings and tree-lined avenues that form the city’s elegant civic centre, the University’s students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to innovation and excellence in all areas of activity.  Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain’s leading research universities.

Having gained national and international standing, Cardiff University’s vision is to be recognised as a world-leading university and to achieve the associated benefits for its students, staff and all other stakeholders.

The student population is drawn from a variety of backgrounds, with students attracted from throughout Wales, the rest of the UK and world-wide. International students comprise some 17 per cent of the total student population. Government performance indicators show that our students are more likely to succeed in their studies, with first-year completion rates considerably higher than national averages and also higher than some similar universities.

Many of the University’s degree schemes provide partial or complete exemption from relevant professional examinations and more than forty schemes of study benefit from accreditation and input from professional bodies. More than twenty per cent of Cardiff University students pursue postgraduate study.

Promoting health and welfare with special reference to the needs of Wales is an important role of the University and one which is fulfilled via a strongly inter-disciplinary and multi-partnership approach.  Central among our partners in this all-Wales role is the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales, with which the University is linked at all levels

The University is located in and around the Portland stone buildings, parks and tree-lined avenues that form Cardiff’s magnificent civic centre.  In recent years, substantial investment has been made in the University estate, including the expansion of life sciences facilities, recent development of a new brain research centre and a new building for Optometry and Vision Sciences.

Unusually for a civic university, most of the University’s student residential accommodation is within easy walking distance of lecture theatres, libraries and the students’ union, saving our students time and money.

A place in one of the University’s 4,700 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year undergraduates entering through the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self catered flats — and students enjoy some of the lowest rents in the UK, according to a survey by the National Union of Students.

Networked computers offering a wealth of software applications are available to every student, there is a dedicated Graduate Centre providing support and facilities for postgraduates additional to those available within their Schools.

Importance is attached to ensuring that Cardiff University graduates have the personal and intellectual skills demanded by employers, and this results in very high levels of graduate employment.

The University is the largest provider of adult education in Wales, with the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning providing several hundred courses in venues across South East Wales. The University’s lifelong learning activities also encompass the professional development work carried out by schools for employers, and many of these courses are custom-made to suit an individual company’s needs. The Centre also offers business language training at all levels.

The University is one of the largest employers in Cardiff, with a staff of some 5,500 and is a substantial purchaser of goods and services, making a major contribution to the prosperity of the region.  Academic expertise and research facilities are used to advantage by industry and commercial partners, government bodies and other organisations.

These contracts, combined with the provision of professional updating courses and the provision of sophisticated equipment and specialist skills, enable the University to help improve the efficiency, competitiveness and profitability of industry and commerce.

The University also helps to generate new business ideas and spin-out companies in the region;  technology transfer activities, from start-up companies and the licensing of new products to industry, contribute tens of millions of pounds to the economy each year.

The acclaimed Cardiff University Innovation Network has introduced several hundred companies to the expertise, knowledge and facilities of the University. The University’s Manufacturing Engineering Centre, has a customer base of some 100 small and medium size enterprises and it regularly disseminates the results of its ground-breaking work to more than 2,000 companies throughout the UK.

This is a broad introduction to the University; details of all areas of its work are detailed on this site

The beginning of a new decade, start of a new year, start of a new day. Rocky or smooth decade ahead of us? We shall see… But cardiff did not seem to offer as much as i would of liked for the  2010 new years, you would think there would be a huge party going on and the whole city would come alive like on the rugby match days… but no, hit the bay first of all and hit that joint cosmos. It was ok, massive variety of food to choose from, so many different types of food you couldn’t go wrong! Then off we went too town, watched some grandpa rolling stones wannabes rock it out on a half trashed stage in a part of cardiff called the civic centre… Ding dong sang a song, bing bom boom fireworks went up, ka pow into the new year. Goodbye to the noughties! Take care, good riddance.