If you like flashing lights, loud noises ranging from people cheering to arcade games beeping and electronically celebrating to kids running around your feet then you'll probably wonder why St Peter isn't guarding the entrance to Hollywood Bowl. This is a place parents come on kids parties with a gang of kids who are high on sugar and excitable to the point of explosion. So if you're not the parent of any of these kids and you just want a few games of ten pin bowling with your mates if I were you I'd go late in the evening and you can be the big kid without real kids getting on your nerves. It's a bowling alley - by now surely we all know what to expect - accept that sometimes there maybe a long wait to get a lane at busy times so as soon as you get into the building register to bowl then get to the bar and sink a few and you'll probably bowl better. Last time I went there I asked for the biggest sized shoes - they gave me a size 15. Why? It was funny and they were brand new - no chance of getting a varuca there then! read more

Hollywood Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

I absolutely love bowling until I go bowling. Right now I want nothing more than to go bowling. But I know that after one game I'll be bored and want to just spend all of my money in the arcade. It can be expensive on the weekend to bowl but if you fancy a midweek dabble and there's a few of you then it can work out pretty inexpensive. It's always worth booking just in case because even though there's a million lanes, you never know in Cardiff. The bar is nice aswell with quite a modern feel to it. It's totally soulless and overpriced as you'd expect but it does a job if you're waiting for a film in the cinema nearby. It's also got some of the nicest pool tables in Cardiff outside of Riley's. I love going here though and it's got that typical hustle and bustle that you always get in bowling alleys. It's the same kind of background noise and fun atmosphere that you get in a good casino, except it's great for kids and you might just have some money left at the end of the night. read more

Hollywood Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

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Haha okay I love this place! Firstly I found great humor in the fact that I live in Hollywood, California - traveled halfway across the world to Cardiff and then had two cousins on two separate occasions take me to a place called "hollywood bowl". I graduated at the venue called the hollywood bowl, I work, live, eat, and sleep in Hollywood so i found this hysterical! But onto the Hollywood bowl (XD). This place is super fun :). It's cheap too, considering how much bowling is around me ($50 for two games and NO alcohol!). Loved the fact they have a full bar here, loved the confused look on peoples faces when I presented my California ID. It's loud, it's dark, there's screaming kids and arcade games - but it is SO MUCH FUN! read more

Hollywood Bowl will always be held dear to my heart for two reasons. This was the place I went on my first date with my lovely, which she absolutely destroyed me (at bowling). And then for the historic first win against her 6 months later to which she refuses to go back in there since. There is also an arcade area and bar. Both have been used quite a lot by myself and is great to have a laugh with the group your with. If you go during the day, prices are dirt cheap and is about £3 a game at this time, bargain. Just try and avoid this place during school holidays as it is an absolute nightmare...Unless you have kids, but you will wait along time to get a game. read more

Hollywood Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

I am a self confessed bowling addict. As a student I used to go every week and now I still try and go as often as I can and this is my usual choice. The main reason I like it so much is because I've never managed to break their machines and believe me I have wasted so much time waiting for people to come and sort out technical problems that this is a real plus point. Another plus point is that the shoes are all fairly new so your not discussed about having to touch them. Then there's the fact you can get beers to relax your nerves, and if anyone is too scared to play along they can enjoy themselves while they watch. Its especially cheap if you can get there in the day and they also have unlimited bowling for a set price during quieter periods. Yes its loud and you'll occasionally get stuck next to a group of children who getting much higher scores than you, but thats what its all about. And besides the staff will happily try and fit you in away from the kids if you ask them too and its not busy. Its fun and this place is about as good as it gets. read more

Hollywood Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

I was very much looking forward to my trip here the other day, but it was sadly made very difficult by some poor communication between staff members. Four times we had to stop our game and wait for a technician to come out. The machine kept miscounting pins left, so when my friend hit none, it was marked down as 6. Likewise, another friend was rewarded with a strike for no apparent reason. I understand that problems happen, but the most frustrating thing was that the scores were not then changed on the scoreboard, so we had to cope with adding everything up ourselves. (Not that I really cared about the score, but it was annoying nonetheless.) Other than that though, the experience was a good one. The shoes didn't smell and we were served quickly throughout. read more

Hollywood Bowl - www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/cardiff.php - Bowling Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

Based in the Cardiff Bay, Atlantic Wharf centre it is another city high light. Apart of the bright lights, big city theme I suppose. It is very popular, great for birthdays, family days or evenings out, and you can even eat whilst you play. Good prices; you get two games and bowling shoes with every game. It has a games arcade where you can entertain yourselves and others by playing games and by trying to get money out of the 10p and 20p machine, or to see if you lose, it is certainly addictive. The food is cheap and tacky, but if you like McDonalds then you'll do fine with this food. The children get to use the easy, focus, bowling ball thing to help get a better ball shot. The balls are heavy; but there are plenty of different sizes to try and find the right finger and weight size that suits you and your body and fingers. I absolutely recommend it for all ages especially for children and teenagers. read more

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Undoubtedly a venue which attracts a predominantly young clientele, the garish music and flashing lights are enough to put off those looking for a quiet game of ten pin bowling. However unbearable parents might find this sort of place, they'll be able to take solace in the fact that their children are probably having the times of their lives. Once donning the interesting looking red and blue bowling shoes, customers are treated to over twenty lanes, as well as interactive visuals displaying each bowlers scorecard. As far as facilities go, I doubt alleys get much better than this. Despite the aforementioned loud music and flashing lights, not to mention the unmistakable cries of disgruntled toddlers who will undoubtedly be in next door lane, bowling really is quite a unique and enjoyable experience. The satisfying sounds of balls smashing against the wooden pins echo all around, with cheers of joy also frequently overheard. The Hollywood Bowl is an enjoyable place to go with groups of friends, with families or even with work-mates, who might want to take advantage of the conveniently placed bar. Don't be put off by the lavish arcade on entry, and perhaps brace yourself for the latest trash released in the charts, this still remains a good place to go at any time of day. read more

Situated in the Red Dragon centre, Hollywood bowl is one of the largest bowling alleys around, possibly even one of the only bowling alleys around - I do not know of any others. There are many alleys, so you are likely not to wait very long when you visit without booking, but to be on the safe side, I would always recommend booking as you don't want to risk lingering around spending all your money on the fruit machines. It can be on the pricey side but there are always special deals, especially if you go on a daytime during the weekdays. I'm bloody rubbish at bowling, there is always something inside me that is torn as to whether I really want to go or not. On one hand, I'm excited, you get to put the funky little shoes on and have a bit of a laugh, but it can be a smidge soul destroying when I'm in last place and 30 pins behind. I'm more so inclined that this is a fun thing to do, get a few drinks in, some food, have a gamble and play on the video games and this turns into a rather fun night out. read more

This is undoubtedly the best bowling ally area in Cardiff. It looks good, it's fun to play on and it has that bowling shoe smell. Prices can vary each day depending on what time you visit and whether you constitute as an adult, child or student. It is a big seller on birthday parties and big groups, which you may have to book in advance for. I have been to Hollywood Bowl too many times to mention and I always end up having fun because it is a great area for a social gathering. You can book as many lanes as you can and I usually put 6 people to a lane. It doesn't cost much when it's off peak and I usually spend around £4 for two games, which is a great price if you're bored and want to spend some time knocking down some pins. If you were to go on peak times it would be almost double the price. They sometimes turn the lights off and you can go 'glow bowling' which makes it really cool. After bowling you can enjoy the amusements that are right next to the bowling alleys so there is something for everybody here. Hollywood Bowl is great for birthday parties and group outings. It may be pricey certain nights but I would say it is worth it. read more

I'm not a fan of bowling alleys, but to give this a fair review I have to say it's a good one (as they go...). For some reason, works nights out often seem to involve trips to bowling alleys or karting circuits, and as a result I've been dragged along more frequently than I'd like. After getting over the inevitable disgust at having to wear shoes worn by other people, I found this bowling alley to be one of the better ones I've been to. It's spacious, with 26 lanes, a big licensed bar, and a cafe serving food. You can eat while you play, which helps relieve some of the tedium of waiting for everyone to have their go. The menu is what you'd expect from this kind of place: burgers, chicken in a bun, hot dogs, pizza, and so on (with kids' meals for less than £2!). The place seems to be fairly well-run and -maintained, and the staff are on the ball. Even though it can get busy at peak times, I've always been part of a group that's booked ahead so haven't had to wait around (and booking ahead is definitely worth doing on weekend evenings). read more

I really don't understand what runs through a person's mind when they declare, "I know what we should all do...let's go bowling!". I mean, don't get me wrong, every time I have come here I have had a laugh but I can't help thinking there are better things you could be doing than running around on polished wood floors in silly looking clown shoes trying to roll balls down an alley and knock down pins. This sport does require a level of skill to it but whenever I crouch to roll the ball I get an eyeful of clown shoes which completely puts me off and I end up looking like a total muppet. That said, what I have noticed is that you do actually have a good giggle when you come here. If you have a sense of humour and don't take things too seriously you can have a really good time with your friends and it doesn't exactly cost a fortune to come along and bowl. Beware of the arcade machines and the price of refreshments, these will cost you. This place is great for family evenings out or something to do on a rainy day but the interest in coming here regularly eludes me somewhat. Surely rolling hay bales down a hillside is more interesting than this. read more

I am the champ of all champs when it comes to bowling. I am a bowling Guru.... I am queen of the lanes.....Ha Ha Seriously enough about me and my talent of bowling let me tell you about this fine establishment. 26 lanes... A licensed bar.... and a cafe. It is a great night out and we often go here for our office bonding sessions. ( I usually win) The staff are so helpful and really do everything to make sure your night goes smoothly. My top tip is always ask for a size 12 shoe. Less people have worn them which equals less chance of catching foot herpes. Enjoy! read more

It may be a bit naff but I've always enjoy a game of bowling, especially when out with mates or on a date (it's always such a laugh)! Hollywood bowl is certainly the best bowling alley in Cardiff, and unless there's a competition on, it's usually easy to get a lane (there are 26). Even if they do ask you to come back in half an hour it's never much of a bother as there's so much to do in Atlantic Wharf (My mates and I usually head to the bar, though we did enjoy the arcade in our teens). When you do start a game, make sure to get the shoes provided (these sometimes can be on the smelly side, but are usually good quality). If you have absolutely no talent like me they will always put the sides up (I was horrified recently in Italy to discover that they do that over there). Also if you have kids they do have these weird apparatus like things (not sure of actual name) to aid them. A really nice feature is that you can actually order food and drink from your seats, a bit lazy I know, but great when you're really into your game. Finally no matter how many pins you hit over, a funny little cartoon appears on the screen which kids tend to love and adults love to hate. read more

There are several things that you expect to find in every bowling place: sticky floors, harsh lighting, cheesy music and a general sense of grubbiness. Thankfully, Hollywood Bowl isn't that bad. Each area is sectioned off, and this is one of the few bowling alleys I've been to where you don't have to walk through all the screaming arcade games to get to the bowling lanes. Of course everything is glaring and tacky; it's a bowling alley so it's meant to be. Asking for anything else would be like going to a fairground and expecting red carpeted walkways and cushioned seats. However, Hollywood Bowl is clean (the toilets are usually spotless) and the service is surprisingly good. You can order drinks from your lane to avoid having to wait while for someone who's made a quick bar run to come back to take their go, and they spray all the shoes with...I don't know what, actually, but it suggests some attempt to make you feel better about wearing shoes that have been worn by hundreds of other smelly feet before you. Be prepared to queue at peak times though - you might want to book if you're planning a party. read more

Does exactly what it says on the tin- Hollywood Bowl is probably the most major chain of ten-pin-bowling alleys in the UK and the set-up will be the same for each one. As well as dozens of bowling alleys, which are almost always crammed full of teen and pre-teen gangs of players having birthday parties, there's a cafe area serving pretty poor microwaved cheeseburgers, an arcade area for kids to have a way of spending money inbetween their games, and a bar area which is almost always empty because so few of the people who go to Hollywood Bowl are old enough to drink. Surprisingly the bar isn't too expensive so you can turn up and drink there while you wait for a lane to become free, if you haven't booked in advance. They also usually have special deals on (for example 2 games & a drink for £8.50), making it worth checking what the deal is before you book your game. read more

This is the largest bowling complex in Cardiff; it's got about twenty five lanes or something like that. The prices are a bit steep, but I think that's just compared to my memories of bowling in my youth, they have deals on for different times of the day. The cheapest time to go is a weekday day time. Also, it's certainly worth checking out their VIB card (standing, unsurprisingly, for Very Important Bowler), it's free and they have rotating offers. Recently one of these was £3 for 3 games, but that one's over now. Sorry to disappoint. It's just best to keep up with the ones they have. The usual rush for balls that have the right sized finger holes is the biggest nuisance in this place, but I have foolishly large fingers. You normal folk'll probably be fine. There's an arcade with loads of different games just to the side, as well as a bar and a fast food place. read more