Roath Park

...in and around Cardiff, but Roath Park is by far the best if you are looking for a cheap fun day out for all the family, regardless of age.

The park was opened in 1894, and has what is probably the largest man-made lake within a city . Originally a marshy bogland, it was donated to the citizens of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute and took 7 years to transform into the beautiful Victorian style park that you will find today.

...from the south end of Roath Park, you will first notice a very large greenhouse. For a small entrance charge, visitors can venture inside, where the environment is sub-tropical. It is full of plants that would normally be impossible to grow in colder climates. There is also a small waterfall leading to a pond where you can watch the goldfish and some larger koi carp. An excellent retreat on a winters day. There is usually a park representative available ... more

There are several parks in and around Cardiff, but Roath Park is by far the best if you are looking for a cheap fun day out for all the family, regardless of age.

The park was opened in 1894, and has what is probably the largest man-made lake within a city . Originally a marshy bogland, it was donated to the citizens of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute and took 7 years to transform into the beautiful Victorian style park that you will find today.

The park runs from north to south with main roads running parrallel either side along its length, providing adequate parking for the majority of visits. However, during Bank Holidays and particularly on bright sunny days, these roadside parking spaces are soon filled, but there are plenty of side streets for any overspill. Care should be taken when crossing the main roads, as visibility for drivers when it is busy is quite poor. Despite the occasional chaos on the road, once inside the park it's vast 130 acres becomes apparent, and I have never been there and felt that it was too busy to be enjoyable.

Starting from the south end of Roath Park, you will first notice a very large greenhouse. For a small entrance charge, visitors can venture inside, where the environment is sub-tropical. It is full of plants that would normally be impossible to grow in colder climates. There is also a small waterfall leading to a pond where you can watch the goldfish and some larger koi carp. An excellent retreat on a winters day. There is usually a park representative available for those seeking more information about the flora and fauna within.

Exiting from the greenhouse you will find the main path running north continues your journey through the park. Don't go too far as on your left hand side if you wander a few steps down the side path, you will find a large Victorian rose garden. Often overlooked by many visitors, it is actually one of the areas of the park you should ensure you visit. Ideal for picnics and families, the scenery is breathtaking and the scent is wonderful if you visit when the roses and dahlias are blooming throughout the summer.

You have a choice of multiple paths from the rose garden through to the rest of the park - some taking you over small bridges, others through well planted, established borders. Take your pick as there is no wrong or right path, and they will all lead you through to the next main area which is the children's play park and recreational area. Here, children from ages 3 - 93 can enjoy what is quite a large play area with the usual swings, slides, roundabouts, climing frames etc. Lots of benches and seats for the adults, and a large lawned area for football, although there is a much better park less than a mile from Roath Park for ball sports.

From the play park, with your back to the large slides, the toilets will be found by walking over the small bridge and turning right at the end of the path. You will have no trouble finding them as everything is well signposted. Just a word of caution - elderly visitors or those who have trouble with mobility are best to stay on the west side of the park as there is a very steep slope on the eastern side. All areas are accessible from the west.

Leaving the play park either via the steep slope or over the bridge, you will soon arrive at one of the largest inner city man made lakes in the country. Here you will find the majority of the wildlife, the boat sheds, ice cream vendors and a small cafe with views over the lake. The first thing you will notice when arriving in this area is the lighthouse - The Scott Memorial. This was erected to commemorate the time when Captain Scott's ship stopped at Cardiff for coal on his ill-fated voyage to the Antarctic.

Stood facing the lighthouse, to your left you will find the cafe, ice cream shop and the boat hire kiosk. Here you can hire either rowing or pedal boats at reasonable prices for a trip out onto the lake. Life jackets are available, and the boats all seem to be in good condition and well maintained. For the less energetic there are also pleasure trips in a larger open air boat. You are limited as to how far you can take your rowing boat as the four islands on the lake are the only part of the park not accessible to the public. This area has been tastefully cordoned off in order to provide a protected haven for the many birds and other wildlife. About 30 cormorants roost in the islands' trees.

The lake is a popular haunt for fishermen, as well as the birds - you might see them fishing for roach, rudd, carp or the brown trout remaining from the lake's past as a fishery.

There are plenty of benches located throughout the park, in particular around the lake. You will often see flocks of birds from swans to sparrows begging bread from passers by. You can lie under the trees - many come here to sunbathe in the summer, or just enjoy the daffodils in the spring.

Continuing past the lake there is a small road to cross that breaks the two areas of the park. This leads to a smaller area which is planted in a similar scheme to the rest of the park with another small bridge traversing a stream. This area of the park is not as well visited, used mainly by pedestrians to gain access to other areas of Roath.

All in all, a wonderful day out at any time of year, but especially in the warmer months when the flowers are blooming. If you are coming to Cardiff, add this to your itinerary - you won't be disappointed.

Highly recommended. 

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