The school and college year is well underway and the uni students are trickling back in… Cardiff is finally getting back to normal! So what does this week of so called normality have in store for us?

Open Doors: Cardiff Bay Barrage

11,18, 25 Sep – 10am-12pm – Cardiff Bay – Free

Photo courtesy of cadw.gov.wales

Cadw’s Open Doors programme hits its stride this week with over ten Open Doors events this week alone. The Barrage is the project which enabled the creation of Cardiff Bay and the regeneration of Penarth. The Control Room is not usually open to the public, even though it is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. More info here.

Open Doors: Llandaff Cathedral

15 Sep – All afternoon – Llandaff – Free

Photo courtesy of cadw.gov.wales

Did you know that Llandaff Cathedral is one of the oldest in Britain, dating from 1107? Many Llandaff residents will proudly tell you the presence of a cathedral made Llandaff a city long before Cardiff ever was. The archives of this historic building will be open, and guided tours of the cathedral and bell tower will be available- bell tower tours must be booked. Info here. The nearby Bishop’s Castle is also open- more info here.

Open Doors: Bute Park Plant Nurseries

15 Sep – 11am-12pm – Bute Park – Free but ticketed

Photo courtesy of Cadw.gov.wales

One for the budding botanist out there. If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside that mysterious building in the park, now you know! Once used to grow acres of flowers for Lord Bute and family, it’s now used by Cardiff Council for basically the same purposes. Info here, and again you’ll need to phone ahead to make sure there’s room for you.

Open Doors: Best of the Rest

Photo courtesy of cadw.gov.wales

There are a lot of other Open Doors events on this week, so have a look at the list and see what takes your fancy. Wipe away secrecy at Cardiff Masonic Hall, delve into the archives at St Margaret’s Church and even National Museum Cardiff, get a tour of Insole Court and also Llandaff itself, and dig in at Cathays Cemetery.

Open Rehearsals: Passion

19 and 26 Sep – Wales Millenium Centre- Free but ticketed

Photo courtesy of WMC

The WMC is also throwing open its doors to spectators this week. Watch the new show from the National Dance Company and Music Theatre Wales come together before your eyes with exclusive access to the rehearsals. Information and tickets here.