Established in 1894, Roath Park stands as one of Cardiff’s inaugural public parks, preserving its timeless Victorian ambiance and characteristic linear parks that stretch alongside the Nant Fawr stream.
With each section of the park meticulously designed for specific purposes, Roath Park continues to offer a diverse range of attractions, including horticultural wonders, nature conservation efforts, and activities that captivate contemporary visitors.
Distinguished as one of the city’s Green Flag parks, Roath Park holds Grade 1 listing on the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks, and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
- Police name girl who died after medical episode at rugby club as family pay tribute
- Snapchat bullying didn’t play part in death of Milford Haven schoolgirl, inquest hears
- Driver who killed baby Mabli Hall in horror Withybush Hospital crash suffers suspected heart attack
- Woman who lost 32kg shares her ’11 essential foods’ for shedding pounds fast
- Council drops plans for new highways depot in Bridgend
Key features of Roath Park include:
- Roath Park Lake: This 30-acre man-made lake is a favorite spot for fishing and boating, featuring the iconic Scott Memorial Lighthouse.
- Wild Garden: Located north of the lake, the Wild Garden enchants with its winding paths, shaded by trees, and a profusion of wildflowers.
- Llandennis Oval: Positioned north of the Wild Garden, this historic site boasts an ancient pond, believed to be the location of St Isan’s 12th-century ‘Llan’ or enclosure.
- Botanic Garden: Situated south of the dam, the ‘botanics’ showcases an impressive collection of trees and shrubs, vibrant floral displays, an adventure playground, and the Roath Park Conservatory.
- Roath Pleasure Gardens: Found south of Eastern Avenue, the Pleasure Gardens offer a parkland setting with facilities for bowls, tennis, and basketball.
- Roath Recreation Ground: Southeast of the Pleasure Gardens, this area, home to Welsh baseball, also provides football and rugby pitches, a children’s playground, and a trim trail.
Visitor amenities include:
- Roath Park Conservatory (Botanic Garden) open for self-guided tours and school visits.
- Public toilets and baby changing facilities next to the playground in the Botanic Gardens.
- Boat station toilets open when the boat station is operational.
- Children’s playgrounds in the Botanic Garden and Recreation Ground.
- Roath Park cafeteria in the Botanic Garden.
- Trim Trail in Roath Recreation Ground.
- Tennis courts in Roath Pleasure Gardens, open year-round with no charges.