The Red Dragon Centre Cardiff
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
Bowling, an IMAX cinema and arcade machines under one roof, a solid rainy-day option a few minutes from Cardiff Queen Street.
The bowling alley's the anchor here, 26 lanes of it, so even a big group should get sorted without much of a wait. Add an 18-screen ODEON IMAX next door and a run of arcade machines, and you've got a day that can flex depending on how long your patience for a queue holds out. Bowling first, film after (or the other way round) works well if you've got a mix of ages who want different things.
It opens early, from half seven most days, and stays open past 11pm, so you're not boxed into a strict session time the way you are at a lot of soft play or trampoline places. That flexibility is the main selling point over somewhere more rigid. There's a café and a restaurant on site for feeding everyone between the lanes and the film, which saves you having to trek off site when the kids get hungry.
Parking is free for six hours and runs on an ANPR system, so no ticket to lose in someone's coat pocket, just don't overstay it. It's a five minute walk from Cardiff Queen Street Station if you're coming by train, and there are bus stops close by too, which makes it an easy one for a day out without the car. Wheelchair access is listed as fine throughout.
It's shut on Christmas Day, otherwise it's open every day of the week including a slightly shorter Wednesday. Worth knowing if you're planning a birthday around the bowling or the cinema and want to check the calendar doesn't clash.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- 6 hours free parking for customers with ANPR system
- Getting there by bus or train
- Five minute walk from Cardiff Queen Street Station
- Free parking for 6 hours uses ANPR, not a paper ticket
- Wednesday closes an hour earlier than the rest of the week
- Closed on Christmas Day
- Queen Street Station is a five minute walk if you fancy the train
Plan your visit
What is there to do?
Bowling across 26 lanes, an 18-screen IMAX cinema and arcade machines, all in the same centre.
What are the opening hours?
Half seven in the morning to half eleven at night most days, a bit earlier finish on Wednesdays at 11pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Is there parking?
Free for six hours on an ANPR system, so no physical ticket, just watch the clock.
How do we get there without a car?
It's a five minute walk from Cardiff Queen Street Station, with bus stops nearby too.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
Yes, it's listed as wheelchair accessible.
Can we get food there?
There's a café and a restaurant on site, so you can eat between the bowling and the film without leaving.
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