Cardiff - Bay & Millennium Centre

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Cardiff Bay, the Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay and the Wetlands, with Agents working for the Welsh Intelligence Agency to recover stolen state secrets from the sneaky BRATS.

The mission covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You’ll explore the Bay area, dockside walkways, the Senedd and Pierhead surroundings, Roald Dahl Plass, the Millennium Centre, the quayside and the Wetlands Reserve before looping back towards Havannah Street.

The route is mostly flat and on good surfaces, with some steps encountered along the way. This Trail is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but Agents using wheels may possibly use nearby level access where stepped sections appear.

There is deep water throughout the Bay area, including dockside sections where there may be sudden drops. Keep younger Agents and canine colleagues close, stay alert near the water’s edge and watch out for enemy spies, suspicious pigeons and anyone taking notes in a too-shiny raincoat.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin the hunt for the stolen Senedd papers:

By car - Park in Havannah Street Pay and Display Car Park (CF10 5SF). Once parked, leave the car park by Havannah Street, turn right past the geodesic dome, then turn left into Stuart Place. Your first clue is to the left of The Mount Stuart pub (CF10 5BU), where the mission begins.

By public transport - Make your way to Cardiff Bay, then head for The Mount Stuart pub on Stuart Place (CF10 5BU) to begin the mission. The route starts in the Bay area and loops back close to Havannah Street at the end.

Need the Loo?

Even elite Agents need a tactical comfort break during a high-stakes mission. Community toilets can be found in The Dock close to Clue 02, with public toilets in the car park near St David’s Hotel before Clue 17, giving your squad a couple of handy chances to regroup.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the operation 🐾

This waterfront mission includes dockside paths, busy public spaces, boardwalks, the Wetlands Reserve, roads and deep water nearby. Keep canine colleagues on a lead and close to your squad throughout, especially near the Bay, boardwalks, quayside edges and wildlife areas.

Food & Drink Stops

Saving state secrets from a booby-trapped deposit box can make any Agent peckish.

There are plenty of places to pick up refreshments around the Bay area at the start and end of the Trail. If you have packed supplies, the Wetlands near the end make a good picnic spot, provided the BRATS haven’t already disguised themselves as reeds.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Mermaid Quay

The route passes through the Mermaid Quay area, where shops, cafes and restaurants make it a useful refreshment zone. It’s ideal for a post-mission debrief once the stolen papers are safely back in WIA hands.

Senedd and Pierhead Building

Agents patrol the area around the Senedd and the red-bricked Pierhead building, two of Cardiff Bay’s major landmarks. The Pierhead’s clock is unofficially known as the Baby Big Ben or Big Ben of Wales, making it a fine place to pretend you’re casually admiring architecture while gathering intel.

Wales Millennium Centre and Roald Dahl Plass

The mission takes you right to the Wales Millennium Centre and across Roald Dahl Plass, one of the Bay’s best-known public spaces. If there’s an event in the area, you may need to melt into the crowd or retrace your steps around any blocked sections.

Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve

The later stretch heads into the Wetlands Reserve, giving Agents a quieter, greener section after the bustle of the Bay. Look out for wildlife, ponds, sculptures and sneaky clue spots while keeping your cover story watertight.

Techniquest Area

The route passes the science and discovery facility near the quayside, making this a good extra option for curious families who want to add more hands-on exploring to the day. It’s nicely placed before the mission heads on towards the Wetlands.