BBC Tours
5
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
BBC Cymru Wales - Central Square Step into the future of broadcasting at the BBC's newest and most advanced studios. The BBC’s newest and most advanced broadcast centre at Cardiff’s Central Square has received a coveted gold award for the quality of its behind-the-scenes tours. The Visit Wales Gold award is awarded to attractions that achieve excellence for their facilities and customer services. *** BBC Cymru Wales - Sgwâr Canolog Camwch i ddyfodol darlledu yn stiwdios diweddaraf a mwyaf blaenllaw'r BBC. Mae stiwdios diweddaraf a mwyaf blaenllaw’r BBC, yn Sgwâr Canolog Caerdydd, wedi ennill gwobr aur am ansawdd y teithiau y tu ôl i’r llen. Mae gwobr Aur Croeso Cymru yn cael ei dyfarnu i atyniadau sy’n sicrhau rhagoriaeth am eu cyfleusterau a’u gwasanaethau i gwsmeriaid.
Cardiff, Wales
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
241 reviews
Excellent
230
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Edward K
3 contributions
Jul 2022
A very interesting and “hands on” tour around the BBC Wales Television and Radio Building in Cardiff. The tour was lead by a well briefed team of hosts who fed us with loads of stats and information as we went around. Our group thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so that we slightly overran the one and a half hour slot. It was great to visit the studios and gauge their size and see how they worked. As we passed one of the radio studios Owen Money was in full flow mid show but he took the time, whilst a record was playing, to come out of his studio to say hello. After having a go at presenting the weather in the studio I think that Derek’s role isn’t threatened! The building itself is remarkable and the technology is second to none. Highly recommend this tour - excellent value for the price.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E Stanley
4 contributions
Sept 2022
Had a great lunchtime adventure on the BBC studios tour.
The tour guides were very bouncy, bubbly and full of fabulous information.
Not only did we have a sneaky peak behind the scenes we had a warm smiley wave from wyn and got to meet the BBC 2 programme introducer Laura.
For some calm we got to experience the amazing view from the roof gardens before having a go at presenting the news, weather or sport.
Book a tour and have a nose, it's worth it
Advise -
Wear comfy shoes as you will be on your feet scaling the stairs UNLESS you opt for the lift
There is alot of walking and standing - if you need to sit regularly just let the guides know
Yes this is a wheelchair friendly tour
The tour guides were very bouncy, bubbly and full of fabulous information.
Not only did we have a sneaky peak behind the scenes we had a warm smiley wave from wyn and got to meet the BBC 2 programme introducer Laura.
For some calm we got to experience the amazing view from the roof gardens before having a go at presenting the news, weather or sport.
Book a tour and have a nose, it's worth it
Advise -
Wear comfy shoes as you will be on your feet scaling the stairs UNLESS you opt for the lift
There is alot of walking and standing - if you need to sit regularly just let the guides know
Yes this is a wheelchair friendly tour
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry S
32 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Myself and my husband did this tour with our children (9 and 12). Firstly they were free as they have Blue Peter badges which was brilliant with it being the summer holidays and being able to make it abit cheaper. Our 3 tour guides were lovely and very informative. They interacted with the group and were able to tailor the information to the interests of the group. No two tours are the same but we visited the Match of the Day set, radio studios and sound recording studio. We loved walking around the working building, hoping we would spot a celeb! Apparently Derek the weather man often pops to say hi but not today unfortunately. This is a relatively new tour. We would have loved to see more rooms (daughter would have loved to see the make up, wardrobe departments) and would have loved it to be a little more interactive but looking at other tours, it seems it sometimes is. Would definitely do this again.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J Ignacio
6 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We came all the way from Spain and it was really exciting to see these brand new sets with the latest technology, the radio studios where BBC Wales programmes are produced for the entire world through BBC Sounds, the control room where the TV connections and disconnections from London are smoothly managed...
The hosts of the tour were very friendly, and they even allowed us to present the weather or the news in front of a camera, or the sports with a professional microphone, which was a lot of fun!.
An unforgettable experience for anyone interested in boadcasting, in English or in Welsh
The hosts of the tour were very friendly, and they even allowed us to present the weather or the news in front of a camera, or the sports with a professional microphone, which was a lot of fun!.
An unforgettable experience for anyone interested in boadcasting, in English or in Welsh
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
West Wickham, UK27 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I booked for the mid morning tour on my last full day here in Cardiff. When I arrived I found I was the only visitor today, which meant I had three exceptionally knowledgeable and bubbly tour guides all to myself. The security to get in is impressive, with an airlock style entrance from the main foyer, and scanners like those used at airports - the building is open and airy, but you immediately feel very safe going in.
The building is very well equipped for anything from a general purpose (GP) studio broadcast, where sets are swapped out for each show, to interchangeable electronic backgrounds used on various news programmes. Everything is designed for efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, and it's easy to see why BBC staff love working there.
As I visited on the weekend, the building was quieter than I had anticipated, but that gave my guides the chance to show me a couple of extra things.
I loved looking at the editing and control booths - they're a far cry from the old CBBC Broom Cupboard (essentially the BBC1 continuity booth), far more advanced technologically, and the controller needs to be on top of their game at all times with so many feeds coming in. The BBC2 Wales controller did have time to stop and chat, and it was amazing to listen to the details of what everything does.
At the end there's a chance to try either newsreading, weather forecasting or sports commentary. As I was the only visitor I got to see all 3. The autocue was large font, but quite fast for the weather. Sports commentary was easier as there's no fixed script - you just say what you see on screen.
Thank you for an amazing solo tour!
The building is very well equipped for anything from a general purpose (GP) studio broadcast, where sets are swapped out for each show, to interchangeable electronic backgrounds used on various news programmes. Everything is designed for efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, and it's easy to see why BBC staff love working there.
As I visited on the weekend, the building was quieter than I had anticipated, but that gave my guides the chance to show me a couple of extra things.
I loved looking at the editing and control booths - they're a far cry from the old CBBC Broom Cupboard (essentially the BBC1 continuity booth), far more advanced technologically, and the controller needs to be on top of their game at all times with so many feeds coming in. The BBC2 Wales controller did have time to stop and chat, and it was amazing to listen to the details of what everything does.
At the end there's a chance to try either newsreading, weather forecasting or sports commentary. As I was the only visitor I got to see all 3. The autocue was large font, but quite fast for the weather. Sports commentary was easier as there's no fixed script - you just say what you see on screen.
Thank you for an amazing solo tour!
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
London, UK230 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
This is must visit addition to the Cardiff experience. It’s fascinating to see this high tech studio for radio and tv. Employees were very easy going about the presence of a visiting tour and often came out to explain what they were doing. Gareth, Holly and Steve were first class guides adding to the fun and interest as we visited all floors of the building. The tour ended with a chance to commentate on a sporting event, or stand in front of a green screen to read the news or weather of the autocue.
Brilliant tour, and great value for money
Brilliant tour, and great value for money
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Osher S
61 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
My mom and I went on the BBC Cymru tour in Cardiff, and it was a great experience! Our group was small, around 10 people, which made it feel cosy and allowed for individual attention. Our guide, Julia, was lovely and clearly passionate about what she does—she was very engaging throughout the tour. While we couldn’t take photos in some areas due to content that hadn’t been broadcast yet (which my mom was a bit disappointed by), we completely understood. We got to visit some studios and learned new and interesting insights. It was a fun and unique thing to do, and I’m glad we went.
The only downside was the lack of lockers to store personal belongings, as backpacks weren’t allowed inside. Since our tour was at 12:30, and as tourists we tend to shop and explore beforehand, we avoided shopping so we wouldn’t have to carry bags around. It left us wandering aimlessly, just waiting for the tour to start. Lockers would have been a helpful addition.
The only downside was the lack of lockers to store personal belongings, as backpacks weren’t allowed inside. Since our tour was at 12:30, and as tourists we tend to shop and explore beforehand, we avoided shopping so we wouldn’t have to carry bags around. It left us wandering aimlessly, just waiting for the tour to start. Lockers would have been a helpful addition.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alys0nh0me
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Brilliant tour of the new BBC building in Cardiff. Very well run by 2 friendly and informative guides. You see a lot of what goes on behind the scenes and the live shows as they happen. You are free to ask questions as you go into the different areas of the studios; production, radio, news, sound rooms - pretty much access all areas. (Almost all) You even get the chance to have a go at radio sport commentary, news broadcast or the weather. Tours last approx one and a half hours but ours lasted almost two as the guides went over and above to make sure we had the full experience. Well worth the money a brilliant tour.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaynor Cordelia Knight
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Wow! A thoroughly enjoyable experience. We were looked after so well by the four tour leaders from the beginning till the end.
As an OAP we paid £12.00 and it was worth every penny. Loved the chance of being recorded reading the autocue in Welsh. Saw some celebrities who made an effort to speak to us. Diolch yn fawr.
As an OAP we paid £12.00 and it was worth every penny. Loved the chance of being recorded reading the autocue in Welsh. Saw some celebrities who made an effort to speak to us. Diolch yn fawr.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Myself , my Grandson Dominic and his partner Riley went on a tour of the BBC Wales Studio at Cardiff Central Square on Friday the 8th of September 2023 .
Whilst we waited in the foyer for the guides to meet us Wynne Evans our Master Chef winner was about to leave the building, he was very kind when I approached him to thank him for the joy he had given myself and my wife through his radio programme. Wynne offered his sympathy on the passing of my wife.
Gareth and Marc acted as our guides for the hour and a half tour, they were entertaining in their own right and provided excellent detail on both the design of the building ( stunning interior ) plus how each studio broadcasts in regards to both TV and radio. We got to sit in Wynne's studio which I also understand Own Money operates from, we had some great photos of each of the areas highlighted.
We caught sight of Sam and Danni of radio 1 rehearsing for their show to be broadcast the next day Saturday, they were clearly excited to be in their new home BBC Wales Cardiff. Fortunately we were in the news studio when Rebecca John was preparing to broadcast the 1:30 pm news, very exciting.
Our tour ended in the Betty Campbell studio where we were surprised to be offered to either read the news or the weather, I read the news ( I was dreadful) Riley gave the weather report a go and was excellent, the added surprise was we were recoded and a copy of our broadcast sent online almost immediately. A worthwhile visit, thank you Gareth and Marc not forgetting Abi who popped in to have a chat.
Whilst we waited in the foyer for the guides to meet us Wynne Evans our Master Chef winner was about to leave the building, he was very kind when I approached him to thank him for the joy he had given myself and my wife through his radio programme. Wynne offered his sympathy on the passing of my wife.
Gareth and Marc acted as our guides for the hour and a half tour, they were entertaining in their own right and provided excellent detail on both the design of the building ( stunning interior ) plus how each studio broadcasts in regards to both TV and radio. We got to sit in Wynne's studio which I also understand Own Money operates from, we had some great photos of each of the areas highlighted.
We caught sight of Sam and Danni of radio 1 rehearsing for their show to be broadcast the next day Saturday, they were clearly excited to be in their new home BBC Wales Cardiff. Fortunately we were in the news studio when Rebecca John was preparing to broadcast the 1:30 pm news, very exciting.
Our tour ended in the Betty Campbell studio where we were surprised to be offered to either read the news or the weather, I read the news ( I was dreadful) Riley gave the weather report a go and was excellent, the added surprise was we were recoded and a copy of our broadcast sent online almost immediately. A worthwhile visit, thank you Gareth and Marc not forgetting Abi who popped in to have a chat.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-1 of 1