Blackweir Lodge (Liberty Fields)

Near to many of Cardiff’s higher education establishments, Blackweir Lodge (previously known as Liberty Fields) is home to 410 students. From here, Cardiff University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is just a mile away, while both Cardiff Metropolitan University campuses can be reached by bus in 20 minutes or less.

Pick Blackweir Lodge as your home and you’ll be able to choose from a range of en-suite rooms. No matter which one you opt for, your very own bathroom will be waiting for you, as well as plenty of storage space and a study desk. Elsewhere in your flat, a shared, fully-fitted kitchen and living area will give you and your flatmates somewhere to socialise and cook.

Outside of your flat, you’ll find some great communal areas where you can get to know your neighbours. Whether you want to relax in front of the TV, have a game of pool or play some foosball, the common room is the place to do it.

Nearby you’ll be able to enjoy all that Cardiff has to offer, with the shops, bars and restaurants of the city centre just one mile away. Closer to home, Bute Park and Blackweir Fields are great for relaxing on a sunny day, while Cardiff University Students’ Union and popular pub The Woodville are only 15 minutes on foot.

Blackweir Lodge is centrally located, so you’ll be right next to all the essential places. It’s an easy walk to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff University or the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Located just off Blackweir Fields, the residence is within easy reach of a good choice of student bars and restaurants – so you’ll never be short of things to see and do.

There are two local student pubs on offer just a stone’s throw from Blackweir Lodge; The North Star and the Blackweir Tavern, which has lots of affordable drinks and meals for less than £10. The North Star is a cool and quirky place with good quality food and drink. Alternatively, the Uni Kitchen also has some tasty options for food. It’s run for students, by students – so you know they just ‘get’ whatever it is you want.

Another popular student area for bars, pubs, restaurants and takeaways is Cathays, only 10 minutes’ walk away from Blackweir Lodge. It’s home to places such as Gassy Jacks, The Woodville and lots of other popular places to enjoy a great night out. Some of the restaurants you can choose from include Lilo Grill House, Daiquiri’s, Cafe 37, and Mina, so you’re sure to find something you like – or you could be adventurous and try something new.

Cardiff Student Union is around a 10 minute walk from Blackweir Lodge and hosts a range of nights for students. A popular night held each month is Treatment, Cardiff’s answer to The Warehouse Project, where a range of local and famous DJ’s have performed. Gorgon City, Annie Mac, Second City, Eats Everything and Disclosure, to name just a few, have all performed here and really raised the roof.

Getting to your University will be easy from Blackweir Lodge, since you are only a 12 minute walk away from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a 15 minute walk away from Cardiff University and around 20 minutes’ walk to Cardiff Metropolitan University. Other universities in the city are also easily accessible by bus from the Blackweir Fields bus stop in North Street, only a few steps from the residence.

Take a trip back in time and learn about the history and evolution of Wales at the National Museum Cardiff. The museum has an interesting collection of fine art from over 500 years ago. Other places you might also like to visit include Cardiff Castle, which is less than 10 minutes away by bus and is surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Bute Park. This is a great spot for taking a break from studying and having some fun outdoors in the sunshine.

If you’re looking for a place to shop for all of the latest fashion trends, the city centre is packed with high street shops, including well-known brands, retail stores, restaurants and bars – and it’s only a 14 minute bus ride from the residence.

To watch live performances and entertainment, Principality Stadium is a popular attraction among students, so whether it’s a football match or your favourite band, you’re sure to find something you enjoy!

You can also experience a range of shows and plays at the National Theatre of Wales, Sherman Cymruor The New Theatre – which is a 10 minute bus ride from Blackweir Lodge. If you’re a movie buff you can watch the latest releases at the Odeon, Cineworld, or one of many other cinemas in the city.

Cardiff Bay is also well worth a visit, and is conveniently located only a 5 minute journey by train from Cardiff Queen Street Station. Here you will find the acclaimed Doctor Who Experience, Wales Millennium Centre plus plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.

For a range of exciting fitness classes and equipment, you’ll have the Maindy Fitness Centreconveniently located less than 10 minute walk from Blackweir Lodge. It has a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and cycle track. If you prefer working out in a group, you can choose one of their classes on offer, such as Zumba, Yoga, Spin and Aerobics.

You can also get high quality gym facilities for a cheap price at Easy Gym on Queen Street in the city centre, which is less than 15 minutes from the residence by bus.

Cardiff has lots of live sports entertainment to choose from. It’s home to the Welsh National Rugby team and the Autumn Internationals, which all take place in the Principality Stadium. Football fanatics can watch live games from the Cardiff City Football Club, which is just a 20 minute taxi ride from the residence. Or, you can travel just 20 minutes by bus to watch Cardiff’s Ice Hockey Team at Cardiff Bay. If you get a chance to catch a game, you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not visit Cardiff Bay’s international sports village? It’s an exciting complex, which offers an indoor Olympic pool, white water rafting, and even an ice rink.

Blackweir Lodge is just a few steps from the Blackweir bus stop on North Road, where you can catch a bus to lots of popular locations including the city centre, as well as both of Cardiff Metropolitan University's campus'. 

Bus services run frequently so you can easily reach your destination or nearby rail stations. Useful bus services for the area include the 21/23, which goes right along North Road to the city centre, and the 27, which passes through from Whitchurch to the city as well.

Cathay’s train station is just 10 minutes’ walk away from Blackweir Lodge, and this will take you to the centre of Cardiff so you can do some shopping or enjoy a walk in town.

There are good rates for taxi services in Cardiff too, so you will always have a reliable way of getting back home after a night out.

You can also visit other UK cities and attractions by catching a train from Cardiff Central station, which is just 15 minutes away by bus. Or, if you’re looking to travel further afield, Cardiff Airport can be reached in 40 minutes by taxi, and offers a range of widespread routes across the UK and Europe.

Blackweir Lodge is a 10 minute walk from a Tesco Express where you can buy food and your other daily essentials. You actually have a choice of local supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s on Woodville Road, a Co-operative on Crwys Road, only 15 minutes’ walk from the residence or there’s a much larger Tesco Extra supermarket on Western Avenue. There's also a Lidl supermarket on Blackweir Terrace, which is just a short 10-15 minute walk from Blackweir Lodge.

In the Cathays area you’ll find high street banks, shops and a large Post Office with Bureau de Change services, and it’s only 10 minutes’ walk away from the residence. You can buy the latest products from well known international brands in the St David’s indoor shopping mall, which boasts over 120 shops.

For eating out, the city centre has a wide selection of restaurants including Pizza Express, Bill’s, Nando’s, Cosy Club and the very popular student spot – TGI Friday’s – so you’ll never be stuck for options. For amazing coffee, be sure to check out HogWurst; it's the perfect place for a study session or if you're in need of a coffee hit before a long day of lectures.  

There’s also a library located in the Cathays area, which is within walking distance from Blackweir Lodge.

You will always be supported with any issues or questions you may have whilst you’re staying here with us. Cardiff’s universities offer free advice on student welfare, careers, financial concerns or whatever else you might need.

For medical assistance, the University Hospital of Wales is only a 20 minute bus ride from Blackweir Lodge. It includes a walk-in service, an Accident and Emergency department, and even an emergency dentist. The Roath Clinic offers sexual health services and you can visit them without making an appointment. There’s also a pharmacy near the residence on North Road should you need to get any medicine over the counter.

Don’t forget that if you ever need to speak to anyone or ask a question about university life, getting around the city or anything you’re concerned about, you can ask a member of our Residence Team at Blackweir Lodge who will be happy to assist you. You’re never alone!